Newbie: workflow and vocabulary of 3d scanning items and creating gridfinity holder for them

Duke_Senter

I am new to OnShape. I have searched for what I think I'm trying to do, but struggle with the OnShape and 3d modeling vocabulary to search the correct phrases, I think.
I am trying to get organized with gridfinity using my 3d printer. I have a friend with a 3d scanner who scanned in the 3 components of a gimbal. I am trying to use those components to model the cutout imprints of a gridfinity solid for the components to sit in.
First question: I have imported the .obj files according to some importing tutorials I've read/watched, but they are in separate tabs now. I'm not sure how to combine them and work with them. I don't think the assembly tab process is correct since I can't seem to edit the relationship of the parts in that mode.
Second question: One of the objects has errors, but looks good enough to me. How do I fix or bypass the errors to get a useful shape/model?
Third question: What am I looking for to align the models - or what process I should say, am I looking to use?
Fourth question: I assume I'll be using boolean subtraction to create the holding molds for the components. Those molds will need to be slightly larger than the models - what is the process to expand the models a bit before the boolean subtraction?

I would be very grateful for any direction you can point me in to take some steps toward success!

Here are the parts as they exist:
1. Gridfinity start solid: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/eec112fbe3df9883538bff68/w/c486fb712790cc9ff18c799d/e/28b724e8cdcf5e8f4daa2b8f
2. Tripod holder component of gimbal: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/eec112fbe3df9883538bff68/w/c486fb712790cc9ff18c799d/e/f75cfd76662510634f6f6f84
3. Phone mount component: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/eec112fbe3df9883538bff68/w/c486fb712790cc9ff18c799d/e/b640d354c8ca167771d5c3ff
4. Handheld gimbal component with errors: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/eec112fbe3df9883538bff68/w/c486fb712790cc9ff18c799d/e/cfcad35ce181817610556152
5. Assembly of the components: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/eec112fbe3df9883538bff68/w/c486fb712790cc9ff18c799d/e/1ac19e047bfd3eea07f09b64

Thanks in advance!

MichaelPascoe

Here are some answers to your questions:

1. Use the Derive feature to derive parts from one part studio to another part studio. Note, don't make long derive chains or it will become laggy.
2. Some imports have errors, usually because Onshape requires a tighter tolerance on things where some other software does not. It should be fine just use it as you would normally.
3. To align models you can create sketches on primary planes then use those to drive mate connectors which you can then use with the Transform feature. Or you can use the Aligned bounding box feature + mate connectors + Transform.
4. You could use the thicken feature, but the boolean features allows you to offset them, just check the offset checkbox when doing the boolean feature.

.

MichaelPascoe

Here are some answers to your questions:

1. Use the Derive feature to derive parts from one part studio to another part studio. Note, don't make long derive chains or it will become laggy.
2. Some imports have errors, usually because Onshape requires a tighter tolerance on things where some other software does not. It should be fine just use it as you would normally.
3. To align models you can create sketches on primary planes then use those to drive mate connectors which you can then use with the Transform feature. Or you can use the Aligned bounding box feature + mate connectors + Transform.
4. You could use the thicken feature, but the boolean features allows you to offset them, just check the offset checkbox when doing the boolean feature.

.

Duke_Senter

Thanks - that gives some direction to try. I appreciate the help!