Autodimension in drawings (from model dims) ANYONE DOING THIS? 2

[Zeus1469]

Is anyone setting up all the dimension schemes in the sketches, part & assy features, and model annotations; turning on/off the 'visible on drawing' checkbox for each one; and then Autodimensioning each view in a drawing??? If so, how complicated are the parts/assys and do you feel this is saving time versus placing dimensions onto the views manually?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

If you mean do I use the Insert > Model Items function, then yes, whenever possible.

I very rarely use model annotations though.

 

[ArtL]

Zeus It depends upon how you dimension the sketches when you model the part. If you dimension the part as you would layout the item when it is manufactered, then autodims are viable. But if you have a lot of C-lines and reference dimensions layed out to make the sketch, the resulting mess may cost more time than its worth.The good part of autodimensioning is the dims are accurate as far as how you designed the part.I usually autodim and then edit,delete redundacy,dimension from a common face/datum, ect.I have not actually timed what way is fastest, but I have found also, sometimes a paticular piece of my design is really hard to accurately dimension in the real world.Then I usually go back and redesign, redemension the sketch so it is easier to solve the dimensioning bottleneck.

 

[Zeus1469]

In some further reading, yes, Insert>Model Items does the same or similar as Autodimension can do, as far as placing dimensions from the model/assy automatically. It sounds like this is the "standard method" in ProE, I am wondering how many use it in SW and how successfully (i.e. never placing ref dims manually)?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I doubt you will ever completely eliminate the need for manually placed dimensions. The method of creating the solid model often does not reflect the manufacturing method and dimensioning scheme required.

Some people swear by the Model Items function ... others swear at it.

 

[gwubs]

I dont, but should get into it - I'm along the lines of ArtL on the reasons auto dimensioning is not always appropriate for a drawing, due to my sketching "Design Intent (layout & method)"

 

[ctopher]

It's a hard (and good) habit to get into dimensioning models to place dimensions on its drawing for manufacturing purposes.
Most users do not do this. Some companies do not create drawings and use the models directly into their CNC.
If you can use the model dims, and both model and drawing match, you're ahead of most others.

Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP4.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[TheTick]

I only use autodimensioning when there is a specific, written project requirement that the drawings be useless crap.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

 

[drawoh]

Zeus1469,

Autodimensioning makes me nervous. When I prepare drawings from my model, I get to think about how this all is going to look to my fabricator and inspector. My 3D_model reflects how I do my design. Applying dimensions and tolerances to my drawings is my best opportunity to recognize that I have designed something difficult and expensive to fabricate. Often, as I prepare fabrication drawings, I go back and change the model.

Documentation is not just for your boss, your fabricator and assembler. It is good for you too. You need to view and to think about all this.

Actually, I do not spend a whole lot of time preparing fabrication drawings. If I had an automatic tool for applying dimensions, I would save very little time, and there would be a significant impact on my quality.

I use model dimensions whenever I can, but this is rare. I make very aggressive use of in-context design. I prepare my fabrication drawings while the parts are in-context. When I finalize my drawings, I go back to my assembly and I convert my in-context constraints into local dimensions. I look at my fabrication drawings while I do this.

JHG