Dimension Extension Line Gaps

[debodine]

I have searched the forums and FAQ's and did not find an answer, so here are two questions. I would appreciate any advice.

We are using Solidworks 2005, although we saw this previously with Solidworks 2004 also.

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QUESTION 1

We can only find one location to set the gap distance for dimension extension line gaps.

First we set the gap so that it looks reasonable on right angle and straight entities, which was at about .05" (we are USA so we use inches). However, when dimensioning to a curved surface (typically the end radius of a slot), the extension line looks like it is touching because the gap is too small.

When we set the extension line gap so that it looks reasonable on large radii (large radii being the worst case), it makes the gap look too large for right angle and straight entities.

Other than manually dragging the extension line grips back from the attach point, has anyone found a way to set different default gaps for straight versus curved entities?

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QUESTION 2

The Solidworks default for dimensioning arcs and circles appears to be to the center point, and you can manually select the min or max of the arc when you place the dimension.

However, we would like to change the default to always max of the arc. I cannot locate any way to change this default. Is there a way to change this default?

Best regards,

debodine

 

[SBaugh]

Are you using Import Dimesions or are you adding them yourself - This question is asked for both of your questions, because it will determine on how your placing your dims in the drawing/model

Quesiton 1 - Setting the gap distance - that is the only way to set it, but I only seen it work well with square entities. On rounded entities, the gap is probably correct, but because it's round arc that is tangent to a line the gap is set at the end point of the line, so it doesn't look the same as square entites. You are going to have to manually set it, or come up with a setting that fits both dimensions.

Question 2 - I believe this is a matter of where you drop the dimension. If you drop it outside then the Dimension will be on the outside, same for inside.
If you are talking about Arrowhead, then look at the document properties on Dimension/arrows (smart, inside, outside)

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376
faq559-716 - SW Fora Users

 

[debodine]

I was fairly certain that your answer to Question 1 would be what I would receive from experienced SW users. I could not find anyplace to set up multiple default gaps. You are correct that the extension line does not actually touch tangent to the curved surface, it only appears so due to proximity. But it causes us drawing headaches, and so far we can't agree on a single gap that makes everybody happy for all dimensions. Some of us complain the gap now looks too big for straight lines.

As to question 2, by "drop the dimension", I think you mean where I physically pick the arc, right? I may not be following your advice correctly, but I think I am. I have always clicked on the arc at or very near to it's maximum point, but the dimension extension line always gets snapped to the center of the arc regardless. Then I have to manually select max of the arc.

I attempted to insert jpg's to illustrate, but I have not figured out how.

)

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

MIN/MAX dimensioning for arcs/holes in 2005 thread559-119077

How Can I Show An Image In A Post faq559-1100


Making the best use of this Forum. faq559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions. faq559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of. faq559-520

 

[debodine]

Hey CBL:

Obviously my biggest fault is my inability to create appropriate keyword searches! Thanks for the links to the thread and FAQ.

 

[yanceman]

Hey Debodine,
The issue with your second question was a problem with many users that was corrected in 2005 SP2. Prior to service pack 2.0 unless you were zoomed in when dimensioning hole patterns, the dimension would snap to the nearest quadrant or the center. This caused me plenty of problems, dimensions not coming out correct, then zooming in only to see one or both holes were dimensioned to an edge (which is fine for checking a part with calipers, but the guys running the turret press had issues). At the very least, they could have added a few check boxes under the options-dimension tab. I suggest writing an enhancement request to add that ability back in.
Jeff

 

[debodine]

The thread that CBL recommended explained that depressing and holding the "SHIFT" key down while selecting the first and second arcs near their maximum point would force the dimension into the max arc mode. This is exactly what we are looking for. Works great!

While I correctly stated we are using SW 2005, I neglected to mention we also installed SP 2 when we upgraded to 2005, so the fix from the CBL thread solved our issue.