Mechanical design

Flux is an AI hardware engineer. It designs the greenhouse monitor's enclosure and mechanical parts with the electronics in the same project.

Choose where to start

Tell Flux where to start the design.

For a device with an enclosure, start with mechanical design because the enclosure sets the PCB envelope, connector positions, and mounting holes. For a bare board or an electronics-defined product, start with electronics.

Continue this monitor from its industrial-design brief and concept drawing.

Set the board envelope and outline

Ask Flux to align the board envelope with the enclosure, connectors, and mounting points.

Keep the board and enclosure in the same project. Use the board outline and mounting features as references when you update either design.

Design the mounting features

Ask Flux to locate the monitor on its greenhouse post and define how the enclosure stays in place.

Use Part Library parts for standard fasteners and inserts. Select Flux menu → Import → Part… to import a compatible part file.

Design the first-pass enclosure

Ask Flux to create the housing, mount, openings, and service features from the concept.

Use the board envelope to define the enclosure space. See Mechanical design, Design new parts, and Mechanical parts.

Add connector cutouts, fasteners, and a seal

Ask Flux to place each opening and mechanical feature from the component and enclosure geometry.

Use the Part Library to import standard screws, inserts, glands, and other mechanical parts. Describe the material and mounting method.

Use mechanical parts from the library

Ask Flux to add the standard parts that connect the enclosure to the board and installation surface.

Select Flux menu → Import → Part… to import part files. Use Part Library and Mechanical parts to find and manage mechanical models.

Check sealing and service access

Ask Flux to check the gasket path and the enclosure openings as a complete assembly.

Use the enclosure and lid models together. Ask Flux to revise the groove, opening, or service feature when it conflicts with the board or the installation.

Check fit and installation

Ask Flux to check the board, connectors, cable, lid, gasket, fasteners, and mounting surfaces as one assembly.

Open View to inspect the board and enclosure together. See Fit and clearance and 3D view.

Inspect clearances and revise the assembly

Ask Flux to inspect the enclosure, board, connectors, probe cable, and mounting parts together.

Open View, expand Analysis, and select Cross Section to inspect the assembly. Set the Axis and Depth, then use Measure Distance to check clearances. See Fit and clearance and 3D view.

Ask Flux to update the enclosure when the board outline, connector position, or installation method changes.

Create mechanical parts from a reference

Ask Flux to use a photo, sketch, render, or dimensioned drawing as a reference for the monitor enclosure or mount. State which measurements control fit. A photo gives Flux the product proportions. A drawing or a prompt with dimensions defines the size and location of holes, walls, openings, and mounting faces.

Open Chat and select Attach File to attach the reference. Add the important dimensions to the prompt. Ask Flux to create the first model, then request a focused change to one feature at a time. Keep the board, probe connector, and enclosure in the same project so Flux can use the device context.

1. Attach the reference from Chat → Attach File.

2. Name the part or assembly that the image describes.

3. State the dimensions and connection points that control fit.

4. Ask Flux to create the part and place it with the board or post model.

5. Review the resulting model in the 3D view and request any measured changes.

You can also ask Flux for two versions of the same mount. Compare the cable path, screw access, and post attachment before you select a concept for the next revision.

Import and edit mechanical CAD

Attach a supplier model in Chat → Attach File and ask Flux to import it, place it, or edit it.

Import a mechanical supplier model when its shape controls the product. Use an imported connector, battery, probe, cable gland, screw, or enclosure as a reference for the monitor design. Flux can use STEP, STP, STPZ, IGES, IGS, and BREP model files as project assets. It can edit the imported model while keeping the original asset in the project.

You can also add the model in the editor. In the Inspector, open Assets, select Manage Assets, and select Add Item. Upload the CAD file. Ask Flux to identify the part, place it with the board or enclosure, and make the required changes. For a multi-part assembly, describe which pieces move together and which surfaces define their positions.

1. Select Assets in the Inspector.

2. Select Manage Assets, then Add Item.

3. Upload the supplier model and identify it in the project.

4. Ask Flux to position or edit the model relative to the monitor.

5. Keep the original dimensions that define compatibility with the purchased part.

Use a supplier model when its dimensions are fixed. Use a new part when the monitor needs a custom bracket, cover, housing, or support. See Mechanical parts and Design new parts.

Assemble mechanical and electrical parts

Ask Flux to assemble the board, enclosure, and mechanical parts.

Bring the board, enclosure, connectors, battery, probe, fasteners, and post mount into one assembly. Describe how each part connects. Flux can place parts by their faces, edges, or axes. Name the fixed parts and the features that locate the other parts.

Use mechanical hardware from the Part Library for screws, nuts, washers, standoffs, and threaded inserts. Search by the part type, add the selected item, then ask Flux to place it at the specified mount. For electromechanical parts, include the servo, motor, switch, display, or fan in the same assembly as the mechanical support.

1. Add the board and any purchased hardware to the project.

2. Tell Flux which part stays fixed, such as the enclosure base or post clamp.

3. Name the faces, holes, or axes that locate the board and other parts.

4. Ask Flux to place the parts and keep the mounting relationships.

5. Add the lid, fasteners, gasket, and cable path to complete the assembly.

For the greenhouse monitor, keep the probe connector and cable route clear while the lid closes. If the probe position changes, update the enclosure and board placement together. See Assemblies and mechanisms.

Fit the enclosure around the board

Ask Flux to fit the enclosure around the board.

The board outline, component models, connector locations, and mounting holes define the space that the enclosure must provide. Keep the board and enclosure in the same Flux project. State how the board sits in the housing, which faces support it, and how much clearance the connectors need.

Ask Flux to check the board-to-enclosure fit before you add exterior details. Name the mounting holes or support faces. State the opening direction for each connector and the space needed to plug in, remove, or bend its cable. Ask Flux to update the enclosure or support posts when the board envelope changes.

1. Add the PCB and enclosure to the same project.

2. Ask Flux to align the board outline and mounting holes to the housing.

3. Specify the clearance around connectors, probe wiring, battery, and status parts.

4. Ask Flux to check the fit and update the wall, post, opening, or support that conflicts.

5. Repeat the fit check after you change the board outline or component placement.

Use the same procedure for the lid. Describe where it meets the enclosure, how it closes, and which parts it must clear. See Fit and clearance.

Design openings, fasteners, and seals

Ask Flux to design the openings, fasteners, and seals from the real component geometry.

Design openings from the real component geometry. The charging connector, probe cable, status light, button, and battery access each need a position and direction. Design the lid and fastener pattern around those openings. Keep the gasket path continuous around the enclosure joint and cable entry.

Ask Flux to check the complete lid and base, not only the opening. State the screw size, hole spacing, gasket location, and direction of tool access. Add the screws, washers, inserts, and cable gland to the assembly so their models can guide the cutouts. Use the selected gasket profile as the sealing reference.

1. Ask Flux to place each cutout at its connector, control, or cable location.

2. Add the fasteners and inserts from the Part Library.

3. Ask Flux to create bosses, recesses, and tool access for the selected fasteners.

4. Ask Flux to create a continuous gasket seat around the lid and cable entry.

5. Check the seal and access in the full assembly, then revise the affected feature.

Keep service tasks in the design. The user must be able to charge the monitor, reach the probe connection, and open the lid without damaging the gasket or cable.

Inspect the model in the 3D view

Ask Flux to show the assembly from the view you need and to measure the gaps between parts.

You can also inspect the model in the editor. Use the 3D view to inspect the board, enclosure, probe cable, and mounts together. Change the camera and visible model layers to focus on the part you need to review. Use a section view to see internal posts, the gasket, the battery, and the clearance around components.

Open the View panel. Use Camera and Layers to control the view and model contents. Choose Perspective or Orthographic from Camera options. In Analysis, select Cross Section, set an Axis, and adjust Depth. Use Flip kept side to change the visible side, and select Cut Layout to include the board layout in the cut.

1. Open View and show the mechanical objects, board outline, and 3D models.

2. Select Analysis → Cross Section and set the axis through the feature you need to inspect.

3. Adjust Depth and Flip kept side to expose the board, supports, seal, and inner wall.

4. Press M to start Measure Distance, then select two points on the model.

5. Return to the full view and ask Flux to change the feature that limits the fit.

See 3D view and Measure distance.

Analyze movement, strength, and heat

Ask Flux to analyze movement, strength, and heat for the enclosure, mounts, and board supports.

Use mechanical analysis to answer a design question about the enclosure, post clamp, board support, or a moving assembly. Describe the material, load, supports, heat source, and ambient condition. Ask Flux to report the values with units and locations, then use the result to guide a focused model change.

For a part under load, identify the fixed faces and where the force acts. For heat conduction, name the heat source, contact faces, and ambient temperature. For airflow, include the enclosure vents, board, and fan if the product uses one. Ask Flux to analyze a moving part through its range and check nearby parts for collision.

1. Add the material and device conditions that define the analysis.

2. Identify the part, support faces, load, heat input, or movement path.

3. Ask Flux to calculate stress, deflection, heat flow, airflow, fit, or mass properties.

4. Use the result to change a wall, support, vent, or joint.

5. Run the same analysis after the revision to compare results.

See Mechanical analysis and its Simulation workflows.

Export models and revise the assembly

Ask Flux to export the models and drawings that the handoff needs.

Export a STEP model when a manufacturer or another CAD workflow needs the solid geometry. Export a board 3D model when the handoff must include the PCB and its mechanical parts. Export 2D drawings when a fabricator needs an outline or flat profile.

You can also export from the menu. Select Flux menu → Export → Mechanical → PCB 3D model to export the board and its mechanical context. Select Flux menu → Export → Mechanical → PCB 2D drawings for DXF, SVG, or PDF drawings. For a mechanical model asset, choose an available STEP, STL, OBJ, 3MF, or BREP output. Keep the filenames tied to the monitor part and revision.

When the board, enclosure, or purchased hardware changes, ask Flux to update the parts that depend on it. Open Flux menu → Change History to browse project versions. Use Flux menu → Undo or Flux menu → Redo for recent changes. Keep the updated dimensions, fit results, and exported files with the corresponding design revision.

1. Ask Flux to list the changed board or mechanical features.

2. Update the dependent enclosure, support, cutout, gasket, or fastener position.

3. Repeat the 3D fit and clearance checks.

4. Export the revised STEP model and any required drawings.

5. Record the revision in the project files before manufacturing.

Plan installation and service

Ask Flux to check how the greenhouse monitor is mounted and serviced after installation. Include the post size, mounting direction, expected cable pull, and the tasks that require access to the enclosure.

Use the fixed post and enclosure as assembly references. Ask Flux to check the mount and cable path as the enclosure moves through installation and removal. Name the fasteners and tool you plan to use. Ask Flux to update the clamp or support if the user cannot reach a screw or remove the monitor.

1. Add the post, enclosure, board, cable, and fasteners to the assembly.

2. Identify the fixed surface and the direction used to install the monitor.

3. Ask Flux to check cable clearance and tool access at the mounting points.

4. Review the assembly in View and measure the clearance to nearby greenhouse features.

5. Update the mount, cable route, or service opening, then repeat the check.

Continue with Electronics: schematic and PCB.