Mechanical Fit and Clearance in Flux
Flux is an AI hardware engineer. It checks how mechanical parts, boards, and components fit together in your product.
Fit a board inside an enclosure
Use the board and its components as the basis for an enclosure fit. Include the board outline, mounting holes, connectors, and nearby parts in the project. Describe how the board sits in the enclosure and where the enclosure needs openings or supports.
Add the board and the enclosure model to the project.
Tell Flux how the board is oriented inside the enclosure.
Name the mounting holes or support faces that locate the board.
Describe the clearances around connectors, displays, and other components.
Ask Flux to inspect the fit and update the enclosure or supports.
State the design dimensions in millimeters or another clear unit. For a connector, give its position and the space needed to insert or remove its cable. For a board support, name the hole or board edge it follows. For a cover, say where it meets the enclosure and what parts it must clear.
Review interference and movement
Ask Flux to identify where parts intersect and how moving parts travel through their range of motion. Include the fixed parts, moving parts, and their connection points. This applies to a hinge, gear, linkage, motor arm, sliding part, or robot joint.
Name the parts that move and the parts that stay fixed.
Describe the joint or movement path.
Ask Flux to check the clearance between the moving parts and nearby geometry.
Ask for a change to the part or its position when the motion needs more room.
Repeat the fit request for the updated model.
You can also ask Flux to check access for a tool. Name the fastener or service point, the tool you plan to use, and the direction of access. For example, ask for clearance to reach a screw with a driver from the top of the assembly.
Inspect a model in 3D
Use the 3D view to see how parts fit inside an assembly. Measure Distance measures between points on the model. Press M to start the measure tool, then select the points that define the distance or height difference.
Use Cross Section to view inside an assembly. In the View panel, open Analysis and select Cross Section. Set the Axis, use Flip kept side to change the visible side, and adjust Depth to move the cut through the model. Use Cut Layout to include the board layout in the cut view.
A cross section helps you inspect internal supports, board placement, wall thickness, and the space between components. Measure a gap directly when you need a value. Ask Flux to make a design change using the feature or surface that defines the fit.
Use fit checks during design
Fit and clearance belong in the design process from the first assembly. Check a board in its enclosure before you add details to the cover. Check a hinge through its motion before you shape the exterior. Check access around fasteners before you close a housing.
Add the relevant board, parts, and assembly geometry.
Ask Flux to check a specific fit or movement.
Use the 3D view and measurements to locate the feature.
Ask Flux to update the related part.
Repeat the request for the refined assembly.
Use clear names for parts and features. A prompt such as "check the fit between the board and the enclosure" gives Flux a direct relationship to inspect. Add the dimension, connector, or tool path when it defines the required space.