Lesson 9: Joints & Assembly

Goals

• Understand the difference between Bodies and Components
• Use Joint features to assemble parts (Rigid, Revolute, Slider)
• Understand bottom-up vs. top-down design approaches

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1. Components

• Bodies are shapes within a single part; Components are independent parts that can be jointed
• Right-click a body → Create Component to convert it
• Two copy types: Copy/Paste (independent) and Linked Copy (synchronized)

2. Rigid Joints

1. Select Assemble → Joint
2. Click snap points on both components
3. Set motion type to Rigid
4. Practice: Assemble a box from flat panels

3. Revolute & Slider Joints

• Revolute: Allows rotation around an axis
• Slider: Allows linear sliding movement
• Set motion limits via Edit Joint → Motion tab
• Practice: Assemble a box with rotating bar, sliding bar, and stopper