In this episode, we dive into the powerful new Assembly workbench introduced in FreeCAD version 0.22 and beyond. Historically, FreeCAD users relied on third-party workbenches to create multi-part assemblies, but with recent contributions from Onshape, assembling complex designs has become more intuitive and streamlined within FreeCAD itself.
This is the ninth video in our 10-part Introduction to FreeCAD series. You can find the FreeCAD files used in this tutorial in this GitHub repository: https://github.com/ShawnHymel/introduction-to-freecad
The written version of this guide can be found here: https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/tutorials/2025/intro-to-freecad-part-9-assembly-tutorial
Shawn guides you through the process of creating a functional scissor lift mechanism. Starting with designing individual components—the base, arms, and pins—we'll use the Part Design workbench to model each part precisely. Then, we'll bring these parts together in the Assembly workbench, where you'll learn how to apply various joints and constraints, such as revolute and cylindrical joints, to simulate realistic movement between parts.
Understanding how to create assemblies is crucial for any CAD designer working on projects with multiple moving parts. This tutorial will help you grasp essential concepts like grounding components, setting up joints, and organizing your assembly effectively. By the end of the video, you'll have a solid foundation in assembling parts within FreeCAD, enabling you to tackle more complex designs with confidence.
We also present a challenge: enhance the scissor lift assembly by implementing constraints that limit the movement of the pins within the slots, mimicking real-world physical limitations. This exercise is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of FreeCAD's assembly capabilities and to test your problem-solving skills.
Whether you're a hobbyist looking to improve your 3D modeling skills or a professional exploring open-source CAD solutions, this tutorial offers valuable insights into FreeCAD's evolving features. If you have any questions or want to share your progress on the challenge, leave a comment below or connect with us on social media using the hashtag #DKFreeCAD.
00:00 Intro
01:22 Model Arms for Scissor Lift
06:44 Model Pins for Scissor Lift
08:07 Overview of Assembly Workbench
09:15 Assign Assembly Joints
17:12 Challenge: Constrain Pin in Slot
18:13 Conclusion
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