In my previous posts, I got the dimensions for ISO 4017 Machine Screws and DIN 931 Bolts. In Autodesk Fusion 360 I have drawn the ISO 4017 screws, along with ISO 5032 hex nuts, ISO 7091 washers, and ISO 4762 Socket screws. I have not done the DIN 931 bolts, since I don’t use them.
The Autodesk Fusion 360 file has been exported and uploaded to printables. It is available to download, so you can follow the instructions below on your computer. (Fusion 360 is free for personal use, so I still use it; if that changes, I will consider an alternative like free CAD.)
Importing an entire model
In the past, I have drawn enclosures that I can buy from RS, such as the “ABB 100 x 100 x 50 mm Plastic Box – RS# 454955” (I encode the part number in the filename to make keeping track of BOM parts easy).
If I want to include this in another design, I could “right click >> Insert into Current Design”
This method works well if I want to include both the Base and the Lid of the plastic enclosure without making any changes to the part, such as drilling holes for components such as switches or connectors.
The better way of importing parts into Fusion 360…
Rather than linking the original design to the new design, you can use the Fusion 365 “insert component” option on the insert toolbar.
You will then be able to select the component to insert. In this example, I have chosen the 100 x 100 x 50 plastic box.
The box will now be linked as a component in the tree on the left-hand side of the screen.
To update when the external design changes, you can use “Replace Component” or to stop there being a link, you can select “Break Link”. However to make any changes you will need to break link.
I have linked a Red button that I have drawn up for my Remote Control Doctor Who K9 Project and a new sketch on the lid, where I have marked out a 16 mm circular hole, and cut through. There is a joint between the lid and the button.
Importing only some components… Insert Derive in Autodesk Fusion 360
As mentioned in the first paragraph, I have drawn up ISO 4017 screws, along with ISO 5032 hex nuts, ISO 7091 washers, and ISO 4762 Socket screws in standard lengths between M2 and M10.
If I want only to include a single M4 x 25 ISO 4762 screw, M4 Nut and two Washers into a separate document I can do that, but its a bit more involved than either of the above. The functionality is called the “Insert Derive” command. Please note: The New Design must be saved before a derive can be inserted.
From the same menu space as the Insert component above, select “Insert Derive”
If you have the source location open (I am loading in from Mechanical Fixtures, which is open behind the current design), Fusion 360 will require you to save the source document.
Selecting OK takes us back to the main document, where we manipulate the imported components, including joining, moving and duplicate them as required.
