Mechanical Design FAQs

What can Flux design in 3D CAD?

Flux can create custom parts that fit real board and component models, multi-part assemblies, and complete products with the electronics inside them. It can design board enclosures, create component package models from datasheets, attach vendor STEP models to footprints, create board outlines and artwork from DXF or SVG files, and edit imported CAD models and assemblies.

Can Flux edit a 3D model that I import?

Yes. Attach the CAD file in the chat and tell Flux what to change.

Here is the STEP file of our housing. Make the walls 2 mm thick and add a cutout for the USB-C connector.

Move the mounting hole of this bracket 5 mm to the left.

In this imported gearbox assembly, make the output shaft 10 mm longer.

Flux creates new models from a prompt, and it also edits models and assemblies you import. To do it in the UI: in the Inspector, open Assets, click Manage Assets, then click Add Item. Upload a .step, .stp, .stpz, .iges, .igs, or .brep file. Then ask Flux to resize the model, move a hole or cutout, or change a feature. Flux keeps the original file unchanged in the project. For an assembly, Flux keeps each part in its original position, with its color and repeated instances.

Can Flux design assemblies and mechanisms?

Yes. Ask Flux to design the assembly or the mechanism.

Design a pan-tilt mechanism for this camera module with two servos.

Connect the motor, the gear pair, and the output arm as one mechanism.

Describe the parts and how they connect. Ask Flux to create the models and align them by face, edge, or axis constraints. For example, ask Flux to place the parts of a pan-tilt mechanism around their pivot axes.

Can Flux design a complete product?

Yes. Ask Flux to design the product with its electronics and mechanical parts.

Design a handheld air quality monitor with a display, a battery, and a USB-C port.

Design a four-axis robot arm with a gripper and place the control board in its base.

Flux can create the mechanical parts for a product and place the board and its parts in the assembly. Describe the product, its functions, and its dimensions. You can ask Flux to build a handheld device or a robot arm from its component parts.

Can Flux create a 3D model for an electronic component?

Yes. Ask Flux to create the model from the datasheet.

Create a 3D model of U1 from its datasheet and attach it to the footprint.

Use the attached vendor STEP file as the 3D model of J1.

Ask Flux to create a package model from the component datasheet and attach it to the footprint. You can also provide a vendor STEP model to use as the component's 3D model.

Can Flux design an enclosure for my PCB?

Yes. Ask Flux to design the enclosure around the board.

Design a 3D-printable enclosure for this board with a snap-fit lid and openings for the USB-C port and the LEDs.

Show me three concept sketches for a wall-mounted enclosure for this board.

Describe the board, connector access, mounting points, lid, and manufacturing requirements. Ask Flux to create the enclosure around the board. You can ask for a concept sketch first if you want to compare ideas.

Can Flux check fit, clearance, interference, stress, deflection, and heat?

Yes. Ask Flux to check the fit or to analyze the part.

Check the board and the enclosure for interference and report the smallest clearance.

Analyze the stress and the deflection of the bracket with a 20 N load at the end.

Run a thermal analysis of the heatsink with 5 W at the base.

Ask Flux to measure fit and clearance between placed parts and check for interference. For a part under load, ask Flux to analyze stress or deflection and report the values with units. For a part that gets hot, ask Flux to run a thermal analysis of heat conduction through the part.

How do I inspect a 3D model?

Ask Flux to inspect fit or measure a distance between parts:

Measure the clearance between the board and the enclosure. Report the smallest value.

Open Preview to inspect the board and its 3D parts together. In the View panel, choose X-Ray, Solid, Realistic, or Blueprint from Materials. To measure the model, press M to start Measure Distance, then select points on the model. Expand Analysis and turn on Cross Section to view inside the model. Choose an Axis, adjust Depth, and use Flip kept side to change which side remains visible. Use Curvature Combs to inspect surface curvature and show or hide curve groups.

What 3D model files can I import?

Attach the CAD file in the chat and ask Flux to add it to the project.

Add the attached STEP assembly to this project.

Use the attached IGES file of the motor as a part of the assembly.

Import the attached OpenUSD file of the gripper as a new part.

To do it in the UI:

To add a CAD model or assembly as a project asset, open Assets in the Inspector, click Manage Assets, then click Add Item. Upload a .step, .stp, .stpz, .iges, .igs, or .brep file.

To import a library part, open Flux menu → Import → Part…. Upload a symbol and footprint library from any supported tool, with its .step or .stp model files. To import native CAD parts and assemblies from SOLIDWORKS, NX and other Parasolid-based tools, or Autodesk Fusion, or OpenUSD files with exact solids, select Flux menu → Import → 3D part or assembly…. See Import designs and files.

What 3D formats can Flux export?

Ask Flux to export the 3D model in the format that you need.

Export the board and its components as a STEP file.

Export the enclosure as an STL file for 3D printing.

To do it in the UI:

Open Flux menu → Export → Mechanical → PCB 3D model. Choose STL (.stl), STEP (.step), STEP compressed (.stpZ), GLB (.glb), COLLADA, BREP, VRML, or XAO.

To export the board and all mechanical parts in one file, open Flux menu → Export → Mechanical → Full 3D assembly. Choose STEP, STEP compressed, BREP, USD text (.usda), USD (.usd), STL, OBJ, 3MF, GLB, FBX, or USDZ (.usdz). Open the USDZ file in Apple Quick Look on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro.

Can Flux render a 3D model or create an animation?

Yes. Ask Flux for the render or the video that you need.

Create a turntable video of the enclosure with the board inside.

Create an exploded-view animation of the robot arm.

Ask Flux for a still render, a turntable video, or an exploded-view animation of your CAD models. You can also ask for a product video of your device and describe the scene and camera motion, such as showing the board and enclosure assembling into the finished product.

How do I get a 3D-print quote and order a part?

Ask Flux for a quote and choose an offer.

Get a 3D-printing quote for the enclosure in PETG.

Order the cheapest offer with delivery in less than one week.

Ask Flux for a quote for a model in your project. Review the Craftcloud offers, including the process, material, price, shipping, and lead time. Choose an offer and ask Flux to place the order. Pay the vendor directly to complete the order.

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