key terms

component: container for design elements which includes sketches, construction geometry, 3d bodies, joints, origins, canvases, other components.

assembly: collection of two or more components that functions as a single design.

sub-assembly: group of nested components.

all about components

uses: keeps your design organized in the fusion 360 browser. allows users to define and manage joints (mechanical relationships and motion between each part). required for parts list.

a new design always starts with a 'top-level' or 'root' component. each component includes its own origin, coordinate system, and parametric timeline. when a component is active, the timeline only shows features of that component. when root component is active, the timeline displays every feature in your design.

new component dialog

types of components: standard and sheet metal. a sheet metal component contains a sheet metal rule which makes it easier to change the thickness of sheet metal parts.

external component: bottom-top approach. appears in the active design file but saved as a separate design file. often referred to as 'xref'.

internal component: top-down approach. lives in the active design file.

best practices

create components before any design work. this ensures all design elements are placed in the desired container.

avoid using 'create components from bodies'. the tools used to create the design remain in the top-level component and its timeline.

always rename design elements.