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Dimensioning

Dimensioning

Dimensioning

(OP)
When using smart dimension, vertical and horizontal dimension icon in solidworks 05 for sheet mode.

The program autmatically assumes I want an angular dimension there, is there a way to turn this off?

RE: Dimensioning

It will (should) assume an angular dimension only if the elements you are selecting are not parallel.

If you select only one element ... eg; one side of a rectangle ... the horiz or vert dimension should apply.

If you select two points, then horiz, vert or aligned dimensions should apply.

What are you selecting?


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RE: Dimensioning

(OP)
I am dimensioning center to center of two holes using the center mark as a refrence

RE: Dimensioning

You wrote angular which is usually used to express degrees of a circle ... did you mean aligned meaning the distance between two points regardless of orientation?

If the latter, just moving the cursor to the right or left should offer a horizontal or vertical dimension placement.


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RE: Dimensioning

Dimension to the circles arc, not it's center.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP1.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

RE: Dimensioning

(OP)
When I click on one center mark and then click on another it gives me a dimension like 90 degrees.  I am looking for a linear dimension.

RE: Dimensioning

Did you try clicking on the circle?? NOT the center?

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP1.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

RE: Dimensioning

As ctopher said "Dimension to the circles arc, not it's center."

When you select the centre mark you are actually selecting an axis not a point. If you select the arc or circle itself, then the centre point is selected & linear dimensions (horiz, vert & oriented) between the two points will be available.


Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies FAQ731-376
Making the best use of this Forum.  FAQ559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions.  FAQ559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of.  FAQ559-520

RE: Dimensioning

(OP)
Thanks that was it

RE: Dimensioning

... cool! Glad it worked for you.
There are several different ways to do each command in SolidWorks.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP1.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

RE: Dimensioning

Not to get off topic..but I would not dimension to center marks.  I have found that they do not always update with model changes.

RE: Dimensioning

also note the new way in 2005 that dimensioning to circle/arcs work.  The min/max or center options depend on the quadrant of the arc you pick.  I'm not particullarly fond of the new method, it needs an icon or right click similar to the measure commands icons for measuring arcs.  Try it.

J

RE: Dimensioning

SolidsMaster

They supposedly have addressed that in SP2.  Default will go back to old behavior while holding shift down will allow min/max selection

RE: Dimensioning

That sounds better.  At least they address problems and change interface when needed.  Now we just need them to fix how the view border react.....

RE: Dimensioning

I've had this same problem, and found if I zoom in and select the circle (as suggested here) it works ok, but isn't there a better way?

Using the center marks I can put in numerous dimensions from one view.

Once I start zooming in and out ro each dimension, to ensure I've got the circle, and that it's dimensioning to the center (not another quadrant) the time involved to dimension the part increases dramatically.

Works, but very slow.  What's a better way?

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