Splitting two components of an assembly

[Jaeger1787]

Reading earlier posts it seems that what I wish to do is not yet possible in Fusion 360.

I have an assembly for a model that is to be 3D printed.  Because of size limitations of the printer, it is necessary to split the assembly into two halves that can be individually printed before manually joining together.

The illustration here shows offset planes to form the split lines currently required to create a test print.

The split planes were constructed in the assembly model, but when I activate 'split body' whilst I can select the split line, it is not possible to select the required body.  Is there any way of achieving this?

At the moment, it seems that I will have to split each component into constituent bodies then assemble these as relevant.

Any other suggestions?

[Bunga777]

Why not export the assembly in SAT format only when you need to split it, then import it into Fusion360 again and collect the solid bodies in the top assembly?
That way I would be able to split the body at the split plane.

[davebYYPCU]

If it is one body to print, why are there ANY components?  

One print, one component, top Level of file is that component.

My Slicer can Cut separates, or bury below the bed, 

Export as STL and open in Fusion Mesh area and use the cutting planes there.

Few ways to do it.

Might help.....

[g-andresen]

Hi,

The tool is called "Split bodies" and not "Split components".
Therefore, you must select the bodies to be split independently of the components with window selection.
However, I also recommend the procedure of @davebYYPCU .

günther

[Jaeger1787]

Fantastic, I thought.  That should be just what I need'   I then discovered that it was not possible to export the file in a .sat format in the hobbyist license of Fusion 360.   

Back to the drawing (google) board.....

[Jaeger1787]

Actually, there are three separate components assembled together.  My thinking was to split each of the components individually, within the assembly so that the cut ends were aligned ready for printing.   I found that one could select any one of the components and split it, but because the lengths were not equal, it was difficult (not impossible) to calculate exactly where the split cuts should be made to ensure all the components were aligned.  However, your suggestion gave me a clue - see below.

[Jaeger1787]

Yes, I suspect a typo rather than an intent to mislead.  I finally achieved the desired result by saving the assembly and exporting it as a .stl file.   I installed Mesh mixer in my copy of Cura but had difficulty in placing the split planes in the desired position. 

Eventually, I loaded the .stl file into 3D Builder.  I was then able to split the drawing at the desired position and load it into the slicer:

There were two intents of this exercise. 1. To check the fit of the various components in the assembly, leading to corrections as required.  2. to produce a sample print for experimentation before printing the entire model. 3. As I mentioned earlier, in order to fit it to the print envelope, it is necessary to split the assembled model.   I now know how to achieve this thanks to your combined replies.  The accepted solution is a combination of ideas generated by them.  Many thanks. 

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Did you think of making flanges to connect the parts later?

günther

[Jaeger1787 · Accepted solution]

It is my normal practice to create some form of joint that assists in positive alignment of parts, but I had not yet reached that point in this current model.  It is still a work in progress, but thanks for reminding me.  Sometimes having created such joints, I ultimately resort to printing an assembly as a single entity as it leads to more robust models, whereas joints made with adhesive have occasionally resulted in breakages at these 'weak' points.  I could of course have created the model as several components - two sides, floor, ends and roof, but in this case the body of the carriage consists of the sides and the floor.  I may well modify the roof so that it locates more positively inbetween the sides, but it needs to be removeable as the glazing material is inserted into slots in the walls and one needs to be able to access these.  

  Horses for courses...