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Using Layouts and Associative Dimensions

Using Layouts and Associative Dimensions

Using Layouts and Associative Dimensions

(OP)
We are moving to using AutoCAD properly and using layouts with views and associative dimensions.

Before we start, I was wondering if there was any experience in this that anyone would like to pass on?

We will be starting with 2008 and possibly moving to 2010 by the end of the year.

I'm thinking of bugs, pitfalls, benefits that weren't initially obvious, etc.

Thanks in advance smile

RE: Using Layouts and Associative Dimensions

For a while, I worked next to an experienced AutoCAD driver who refused to use associative dimensioning, because it 'never worked right' for him.  He just sketched stuff, and overrode all the dimensions.

The subject came up because I was tasked with turning his 2D drawings into 3D models.  It was impossible; they were a mess.

He had gotten into the habit of leaving NEAR enabled as a running OSNAP.  As a result of that, all of his corners overlapped or underlapped by .003", and applying associative dimensions to them gave you dimensions that were off by .003" or some multiple thereof.


If you are in the habit of drawing things _exactly_ to size, and not to mental appproximations of size, and leave NEAR off, associative dimensions will work just fine.

The dialog for enabling/disabling running OSNAPs used to group them in two columns; I don't know if it still does.  All the OSNAPs in the same column with NEAR are dangerous in similar ways and should be left OFF most of the time.

;---

Separately, I have on occasion found blocks with elements that were displaced in the Z direction by various odd amounts.  The current record is around 14,000 miles.  Most noticeable symptom is that it may seem difficult to snap a line or a dimension to some elements that appear perfectly normal in orthogonal views.  If you do an ORBIT and just wiggle the cursor a little, and something disappears, think about that.

 

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: Using Layouts and Associative Dimensions

I recommend you move straight to AutoCAD 2010 and while you're on the learning curve, learn the new Parametric drafting tools too. (Don't forget annotative text styles and how annotation scales work.)

As Mike says, as long as you're in the habit of drawing accurately/to scale, you're going to fall deeply in love. The OSNAPS are no longer in two columns. OSNAP Tracking is a delight, though.  

RE: Using Layouts and Associative Dimensions

(OP)
Thanks for all the advice.

Unfortunately I have to wait for the powers-that-be to approve AutoCAD 2010.

RE: Using Layouts and Associative Dimensions

Try this-
1st, as Mke & francesca have mentioned, draw accurately using OBJECT Snaps, dimensions, coordinates and ORTHO, etc. All lines MUST be contiguous, and good construction technique will ABSOLUTELY save the day !

Insert a T-Block in to your paperspace tab with something LIKE lower left to 0,0 and the T-Block inserted to scale 1:1. for example, the lower RIGHT corner of a b-Sz T-Block will be about 17" (+/-) from the  lower right, because you inserted an 11x17 T-Block at 1:1 scale. All t-Blocks should operate this way. Here's the catch: lots of us have pre-saved our T-Blocks to some standard LARGE size to insert at a standard LARGE scale factor in MODEL Space. Reverse that thinking. Now its 0,0 and 1:1 (NOT 0,0 and 24:1 for 1/2"=1' s.f.)

Then, as you set your ViewPorts,use soldraw to create your viewport (I usually use UCS-W "Option"), lock your viewport in Properties, once you've set your zoom-scale to a standard value using the pulldown in the Scale position on the "Properties" bar when you picked the viewport. You can change this later if necessary- just unlock the viewport, change the zoom scale- pick a different standard scale, and re-lock the viewport.

Put the viewport itself on a layer, I like "V-Ports", lock the LAYER , turn off printing of that layer by selecting the printer Icon of that layer, in the Layer Dialog. I like setting the layer color to #9 so the v-port border will be faint but visible. Don't give in to the temptation to turn "Off" the layer. Yes its out of the way and mimics a drawinf without viewports, it makes finding some viewports harder, ESPECIALLY if they are temporarily empty because you've moved the geometry behind the scenes in model space, and the viewport was for a small detail or some such. Yes you an turn on the layer, but its not worth the extra unnecessary hassle, especially as your drawings become more mature and more crowded...

Double-click inside to enter the vport, and double-click outside the viewport to return to the paperspace tab.

For your dimensions, set your DIMASSOC variable to "2". If you have existing dimensions, If you can move them to the Paperspace tab using CHGSPACE, and they come up accurate, cool. If not, use DIMREASSOC to reattach the definition points to the geometry they should match. The dimensions will "reach" thru the vport to find and attach to the geometry. Set your dimensioning variables to 1:1 values for paperspace, if the text and arrows were HUGE. You may need to update dimensions to match the reset size variables in your dimensioning styles dialog, but this overall strategy should work.

If you decide to re-do the dimensions from scratch (a valid if laborious option) again, make sure your DIMASSOC variable is set to "2" and your dimensioning style sizes are set correctly in your dim dialog, for values = 1:1 for paperspace (1/8" text is set to 1/8" tall, etc).

Good luck and post back and let us know how its going !

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