Dimension question - NX5
Dimension question - NX5
(OP)
Hi,
I'm pretty new to NX so this might be a simple question, but in drafting how to you dimension from a flat to the furthest point of a curved surface?
Imagine modelling a cylinder with a flat on one side: add dimension from the flat to the outermost point of the cylinder's radius.
Thanks,
Simon
I'm pretty new to NX so this might be a simple question, but in drafting how to you dimension from a flat to the furthest point of a curved surface?
Imagine modelling a cylinder with a flat on one side: add dimension from the flat to the outermost point of the cylinder's radius.
Thanks,
Simon





RE: Dimension question - NX5
If the curve is a spline, then it gets a bit trickier, but still possible.
RE: Dimension question - NX5
Cheers
Hudson
RE: Dimension question - NX5
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Simon
RE: Dimension question - NX5
Cheers
Hudson
RE: Dimension question - NX5
Isocline curves may come in handy here (see attachment). In the top pic I created a block with a curvy top surface (I extruded a spline to trim the block). In the next frame down I added isocline curves, picking X as my direction vector and entering 0 degrees. This creates an associative line on the surface that I can now dimension to. Finally, the last frame just shows that if the shape changes, the isocline curve updates and the dimension follows.
I also used the same spline to create a revolved surface and was still able to dimension to it, but I have not tried complex freeform surfaces.
RE: Dimension question - NX5
Best Regards
Hudson
RE: Dimension question - NX5
RE: Dimension question - NX5
Another method that would work. Not to criticize your solution by any stretch but to explain why I never went there is simply that we have a system whereby in quite a few cases the drawings are finalized by junior staff after the senior modelers have approved the math model designs. It means that the drafter cannot be assumed to own write access to the models. So yours inst such a bad idea just one that I wouldn't have thought of due to that likely obstacle.
Cheers
Hudson
RE: Dimension question - NX5
Adding Isocline curves will work in this case so I'll try working with that. I'm just amazed that the dimension manager won't snap to the outer-most extent of the geometry without having to mess about adding extra entities.
Cheers,
Simon
RE: Dimension question - NX5
Don't be mistaken that you can still put a dimension along the curve ant get very close to the point where it would snap to even if it is only by eye. Unless you need perfect technical accuracy I would not both messing about with the isocline curves, but for the very best accuracy in your case you may have to.
Cheers
Hudson