Product Design Workflows

Briefly describe what it's like to design a complete product in Flux. Help me understand what the PCB-first and enclosure-first design workflows are like to work with.

Thought for 6 sec

flux

Designing a complete product in Flux is an iterative co-design process: requirements → electronics → PCB layout → enclosure → firmware/bring-up → manufacturing files. The schematic, board, and mechanical design remain in one project, so connector placement, mounting, clearances, and enclosure openings can be checked together.

PCB-first: Define functions and interfaces, design the schematic, place and route the PCB, then build the enclosure around the resulting board. This is fastest when electronics, RF, power, or connector constraints dominate. The enclosure follows the board’s actual outline, holes, ports, and component heights.
Enclosure-first: Establish the product’s form, ergonomics, mounting, controls, and external interfaces first. That geometry then constrains the PCB outline, connector positions, keepouts, and component heights. This is best when appearance, handheld fit, installation space, or an existing mechanical envelope dominates.
In practice: Neither is strictly one-way. Flux supports repeated fit-check-and-refine cycles between the real PCB and parametric enclosure until ports align, parts clear, assembly works, and the design is manufacturable.

No project changes were made in this session. Execution stopped because your ACUs ran out.

Files

Schematic

Layout

3D View