Best way to integrate non electronic parts.

[macmanpb]

I want to create this smart car USB charger, to learning fusion 360 electronics.

What is the best way to add this non-electronic part (sheet metal) to the 3d PCB? The sheet metal part is soldered through two holes on the PCB.

 

[yiqiu.han]

Hi, @macmanpb 

I recommend two ways here: 

1. Create an empty footprint in the library, and create 3D model from it. In electronics design, place this empty footprint on the board directly. The way would make the item inserted appears in BOM.
2. Insert 3D PCB and non-electrical parts into another design, and assemble non-electrical parts with neighborhood electrical parts.

Any other problems please let me know.

Thanks,

Yiqiu

[jorge_garcia · Accepted solution]

Hi @macmanpb,

I would argue that this sheet metal part is an electronic component, it's probably the ground connection for the charger. The fact that it is soldered onto the PCB further supports this conclusion.

I would treat it as any other component.

Best Regards,

[macmanpb]

Thank you!

[macmanpb]

Thank you too!