Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
(OP)
I was just curious as to how other users feel about inserting model dimensions into drawings as opposed to just doing reference dimensions. What aspects about it have proven to be time savers or time wasters. So far I have been doing just reference dimensions and have been wondering if I could be saving time by inserting them. Your thoughts about them as well as any bugs using inserted dims would be appreciated.
Bloodclot
Bloodclot
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RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
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RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
***** Fear not those who argue but those who dodge *****
Dell Precision 670
3.0 Ghz Xeon Processor
Nvidia FX3450
3 gig of RAM
Dual 19" Viewsonics
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
Maybe it's buried in the Options somewhere. I will take a look later.
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
When creating the model, I apply any special tolerances required directly to the sketch dimensions. Then the tolerances are already there when I, or anyone else, create the detail drawings.
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
There used to be but the option was removed. You can still change this setting but you have to edit the registry to do this now (its a 1 or 0 thing). I think Scott gave the instructions here on how to do this one time? Someone did?
Rob Rodriguez CSWP
President: Northern
Vermont SolidWorks User Group
www.robrodriguez.com (updated 8/12/06)
SW 2006 SP 4.0 / SW 2007 SP 0.0
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
-b
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
1) On very complex parts, importing dimensions 'feature by feature' allows one to be sure that all required dimensions are there for every part.
2) If added in the drawings, you lose the associativity between the drawing and part tolerances. When working in an assembly, I like to be able to see the fit tolerances between mating parts. Any changes made are updated in the drawing automatically. This also helps when designing a new assembly using existing parts. If you change a tolerance in the drawing and not have it reflected in the model, you could be asking for trouble.
3) We consider it good design practice to design parts with the detail drawing in mind. (Specific features built on specific planes so dimensions can import correctly, etc.) Developing parts this way helps with the visualization (3d to 2d & 2d to 3d)of the completed part and also helps keep tolerance stackups for possibly coming back to bite you. We do have an occasional part that needs have its initial developtment done differently, but once these prototype parts are released to production, they are "remodeled" for the drawing.
One downside to this is that if you add a tolerance after it has been inserted into the drawing, you have to go back to the drawing, delete the original, and re-insert it. But that is a minor disadvantage when compared to the benefits we see.
Yet, we do use drawing dimsions on our installaion drawings because these dimensions are typically not part of the design process.
Remember...
"If you don't use your head,
your going to have to use your feet."
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
mncad
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
Cheers,
Ralph Wright, CSWP
SolidWorks 2005, SP5.0
P4, 2.53Ghz
1.5 Gb RAM
ATI Fire GL8800 Card
Windows 2000 Pro
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
I use Insert > Model Items. The way I dimension the Model is with the Toolroom personnel in mind. I agree with you by that I do not like to do things twice. Some dimensions I uncheck the Mark for Drawing option because they are only for reference only (Design Intent). I find it easier to modified Models after.
Are you going to the August 31 meeting?
Cheers,
Ralph Wright, CSWP
SolidWorks 2005, SP5.0
P4, 2.53Ghz
1.5 Gb RAM
ATI Fire GL8800 Card
Windows 2000 Pro
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
RE: Inserting model dimensions into drawings (Pros & Cons)
Add the dims manually.
mncad
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