In chapter 2 lesson 2, we move deeper into assemblies by learning how to create references between parts using joints. After reverse engineering the Arduino Uno board in the previous lesson, we now insert it into a new main assembly file to keep things organized and reusable. Instead of building everything around a single part file, this approach lets you reference the Arduino in multiple assemblies without duplicating work or creating unnecessary clutter.

We cover how to insert the component, manage its link to the original file, and understand options like grounding and ungrounding. From there, we explore the Joint tool, which locks parts together in precise ways. You’ll see how to use a rigid joint like “super glue” to attach the Arduino to the origin, ensuring it’s properly anchored in space. We also touch on the different types of joints available (rigid, slider, ball, etc.) and how they can allow controlled motion in more complex assemblies. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid Arduino component placed and fixed in your assembly, ready for designing the enclosure around it.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why assemblies in CAD need references to connect parts
• The benefits of creating a main assembly file instead of building everything into one part file
• How to insert a component and manage its link to the original file
• What it means to ground or unground a component
• How to use the Joint tool to fix parts in place (rigid joints)
• The difference between rigid joints and more advanced motion joints
• How to precisely align a part (like the Arduino Uno) to the origin in your assembly
• Setting up a clean, reusable assembly ready for building enclosures and more