Dimensions Flipped
Dimensions Flipped
(OP)
I have an assembly that I'm resizing and then saving the resized model in the Configuration Manager. If I change the model too much, some of my dimensions get flipped. For instance, if I have a hole that is dimensioned 1" to the right of a line and I resize the model, that dimension will now be 1" to the LEFT of the line.
Has anyone else experienced these problems? If so, is there any workaround/solution to this? I am going to be automating this modeling process to resize the assembly for SEVERAL models so I'm not able to check every single model and change the dimension as necessary.
Has anyone else experienced these problems? If so, is there any workaround/solution to this? I am going to be automating this modeling process to resize the assembly for SEVERAL models so I'm not able to check every single model and change the dimension as necessary.






RE: Dimensions Flipped
When you say you are resizing, are you just changing the sketch, or scaling the model?
Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)
RE: Dimensions Flipped
Wes C.
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RE: Dimensions Flipped
wes616: The holes are created using Cut-Extrude. They are a separate feature than the sketch I am resizing.
RE: Dimensions Flipped
RE: Dimensions Flipped
This is the single most annoying thing about SolidWorks to me. It makes it darn near impossible to use parametric models without have to re-check every single part.
Sorry I'm not much help, I just felt like venting, and letting you know it's not just you.
RE: Dimensions Flipped
I suggest turn in an enhancement request.
Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)
RE: Dimensions Flipped
handleman, I'll try your workaround but unfortunately I'm dimensioning to lines that aren't constrained using dimensions. This model is fairly complex as well. I'm setting it up to use an API that toggles relations and dimensions on and off so we can create the ~11,000 models for the job. So as you can see, there is now way we can individually check all the dimensions on all of these models.
Looks like I'll be turning in an enhancement request. I've never actually done that before. I'm assuming it's something you can do on the SW website?
RE: Dimensions Flipped
Here is something to think about (sorry if this is long winded).
When you are setting up your model, lets say for example that you are modeling a block with a hole a certain ED.
Do you fix one corner of the sketch to the origin, then sketch a rectangle dim it, and extrude, then put a new sketch on the surface and dim it the ED you need from the "free" edge.
If this is the case. you can drive the holes a couple of better ways.
1. dim your hole from the common (fixed) origin. If you are finding that you modify the same parts time and again, you can set up a series of equations to drive your features using this method. It takes a little more time, but pays off in the long run.
2. modify your original sketch to include the holes as part of the original sketch. Ths works best if you are creating a part with simple geometry
3. Try using the hole wizzard if you are creating standard sized holes. It seems to me to update feature changes better. This seems to me the best option if you have more complex geometry.
I have some more thoughts on this, but alas luch is over... let us know what your current solution is.
Wes C.
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No trees were killed in the sending of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
RE: Dimensions Flipped
I know for me, this happens alot more on very complex assemblies, and in the cases I can picture in my head, your explanation would make alot of sense. Unfortunately, the more complex the models, the harder it would be to implent your suggestion, but it's a good idea to think about anyway. It could come in handy sometimes.
RE: Dimensions Flipped
Wes C.
------------------------------
No trees were killed in the sending of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
RE: Dimensions Flipped
Remember, you can use reference dimensions in equations as well. You could create a reference dimension from the line to some fixed point and use that in your equation.
RE: Dimensions Flipped
I cannot remember ever having the OPs problem. I do remember dimensions flipping when rotating a feature through different quadrants of a circle, but that was a different problem. I tried to do what you described but couldn't recreate the problem.
So am I correct in assuming that they are constrained using planes or other geometry?
If so then the problem lies within the application of locating for Design Intent. If the hole is to remain 1" from a certain edge, then dimension it from that edge or constrain it to a plane or geometry which has a 1" distance relationship to that edge. An equation will of course work, but seems to be a cumbersome way to achieve what should be a simple task.
FYI, a dimension can also be placed from a reference plane.
RE: Dimensions Flipped
BTW, I'm also finding that the sketches I dimensioned to a top-level assembly plane update correctly.
I'll keep you posted as to what solutions I find work best!
RE: Dimensions Flipped
...keep you posted.
RE: Dimensions Flipped