PHYS S-12 : Dan's Documentation

2D Design and Modeling

Day 2: 6/25

Fusion 360 Modeling

The assignment was to model three objects and put them in an assembly using Fusion 360. I started off by creating a folder where I would store all my components. Each component had its own separate file. Then I measured the dimensions of each component with a caliiper, storing them as parameters. Here is a screenshot of the parameters for my bearing:

parameters
Note: No KERF since these designs won't be laser printed

After I measured my parameters, I sketched the basic geometry of each component and extruded them into 3D. I used threading for the nut and screw, and I used joints for the bearing (including decal for aesthetics)

nut
Nut
Bearing
screw_front screw_back
Screw

Finally, I combined all three components into an assembly. I used "move" --> "point to point" to easily align the parts.

Assembly

I loved this Fusion360 exercise because it introduced me to the wonderful world of 2D Modeling. Below are a few of the tips and tricks that I picked up while doing this assignment.

General Modeling Tips

  • After seeing the nonfunctional details of the bearings, I realized that I don't need to measure additional details that won't affect the application of the product.
  • Parameters allow your design to be fluid and forgiving.
  • The backside of the caliper can be used to measure the insides of components. I used this to measure the inner diameters of the bearing and the nut.
  • During assembly, different components can be combined easily using : "move" → "point to point".

Threading Tips

  • Threading can be done on any cylindrical surface.
  • The "modeled" option forces the computer to render the threads more clearly. However, It could become computationally heavy when modeling multiple screws.
  • I need to create a small offset (0.01 mm) for the threads so that the nut's opening remains a circle.
  • I need to measure the pitch of the threads.

Joints

  • The "Joint" option moves the components so that they connect together.
  • By selecting two components, I can then choose the way in which they move together.
  • I chose "revolute", which makes the two parts of my joint spin together.
  • After the joint is created, I could freely spin one part of it by grounding the other component.

Decal

  • I used decal to put two "stickers" of my dog, Annie, onto the bearing so that I can clearly see its spinning motion.
  • I had to switch to "rendering", and then choose the "decal" option. Once there, I was able to put any image I wanted onto a face that I chose.