Sketching the first side panel, part 2 - Fusion 360 Tutorial

- [Instructor] Adding the remaining constraints and dimensions to this sketch will not only ensure it's fully defined but will ensure our height, radius and depth parameters can be changed without messing up the overall shape. To start with constraints we'll want to add the tangent constraint to each line segment that touches the circle. Always start with known constraints or requirements and work your way towards the unknowns. Notice how the lines move based on the tangency with each circle. At this point, I want to add a critical dimension to the top line. This line represents the shelf for the laptop and is a dimension that must remain 10 inches. The perpendicular constraint was automatically applied to this connection. Go ahead and add one here if you don't already have one. Constraints can also help you achieve symmetry, rhythm or other aesthetics associated with good design. Let's add parallel constraints to ensure that these four middle lines are associated with their opposite counterparts. At this point, our sketch can still move in many directions. As you add constraints in dimensions you'll want to consider which areas are the most critical. With our design, we want to ensure that the top laptop platform is always at the desired angle of 30 degrees. We currently do not have geometry to reference for the degree dimension. This is when construction lines come into play. We can add a line from the lower left circle running to the top. Because this line is solely for reference purposes we will hit the escape key, select the line and turn it into a construction line via the sketch pallet. We can now dimension from the construction line to the top line, making this 60 degrees. This degree leaves us with our desired 30 degree angle from the imaginary horizontal line to this angled line. You'll notice our sketch geometry is slowly turning black. We'll need to finish off this sketch by turning the remaining blue lines which are undefined into black fully constrain geometry. I'll add a dimension of 12 inches to the lower left line. Now this value is something that we can change and I pick the number solely for aesthetic reasons. Last but not least we can add a 15 degree dimension to the bottom two legs. This will ensure their angle matches their design while also minimizing the material used for the legs. The sketch can now be fully defined. Double check that you have a red lock icon in the browser. Taking the time to fully constrain and dimension our sketch will ensure we can update our user parameters or dimensions without breaking the sketch. This concept is critical in creating parametric and predictable CAD models. Our sketch profile is complete and can now be turned into a 3D body.