Can't use PCB in design with linked components?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm trying to use the Eagle <> Fusion integration but I can't use the Create PCB function as I keep getting the error below:

When I try "Break Link" on any of these linked components I get the following error:

Is there any way to get around this? I can't delete these linked components since other elements in this design rely on them and at the same time I need to create a specific board outline to export to Eagle.

[paul.clauss]

Hi @Anonymous

Thanks for posting. This is a current limitation of Fusion 360 and I hope to see it resolved in the future as well.

Because you can't break the link, I think the way to work around this will be to copy the sketch of the PCB profile into a new file. To do so:

1. Create a sketch of the PCB profile in the assembly design.
2. Hide other bodies and sketches in the design.
3. Box select the entire sketch (or the desired PCB profile) and Copy it (right click>copy or CTRL+C (mac CMD+C))
4. Open a new Fusion 360 design.
5. Start a sketch in the new design.
6. Paste the sketch into the new design.
7. Create a PCB in the new design and link it to EAGLE.
8. Insert this new design (containing only the PCB) into the assembly design as an XREF.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions.

[Anonymous]

@paul.clauss This doesn't seem to be working really well.

For one, when I paste it in it reverses the orientation. What was originally a top view now flips 180 degrees.

Also if I make any adjustment to the copied sketch (trim etc) or even exit sketch mode after copying over the sketch, the software freaks out exploding everything in a funny way like above making it very difficult to manipulate. The sketch also disappears no matter what the zoom level, the grid disappears even though it's on and the entire software glitches up.

[paul.clauss]

Hi @Anonymous

Thanks for posting! The flip can be a pain, but shouldn't effect the workflow much - you can just work to the opposite side and position the part correctly in the assembly. You could also rotate the sketch to the proper orientation using the Move command.

It looks like there may have been some sketch entities that were not copied over because they were not selected - I recommend hiding all other bodies and sketches in the file and using a wide box selection. This could explain the odd results when editing the sketch in the new file - some constraints may not have been copied over.

If you continue to have difficulties, would you mind sharing the sketch file with me? I'm happy to have a look. I'd also be happy to have a look at the original assembly file if you could share a downloadable link with me - just let me know which sketch you are trying to copy over.

[Anonymous]

@paul.clauss Thanks for the offer. I eventually ended up extruding the sketch in my assembly, converting the body to a component, copying it over to a new design and then projecting the body to recreate the sketch. Seems to be working in initial tests but will let you know if I continue having issues.