Foreshortened Linear Dimension

[Updraft]

I am trying to show some linear dimensions foreshortened in a detail view. The catch is that foreshortened dims apparently only work for radial dimensions. In the attached jpg you can see three foreshortened dimensions. I do not want to show the radial dimension of R2.124. If I hide it then the center mark disappears and I cannot figure out how to show the center of the circle for the other two foreshortened dims to refer to.

I want to either add a center mark for the two 1.477 dimensions - one that is properly located and moves with the view, not one that is merely drawn close, or add the two 1.477 dimensions as individual foreshortened dims with an extension line at each end. I just tried to hide the radius dimension and drag the ends of the extension lines to cross each other, but in this case the ext line endpoint dragging doesn't work and the endpoints snap back.

Any suggestions?

- - -Updraft

 

[fcsuper]

Updraft,

There is no such thing as a foreshortened linear dimension. You are referring to what is termed by some as "Clipped Dimension". There is a whole host of logical problems when trying to use clipped dimensions. I get into the topic here:

http://www.fcsuper.com/swblog/?p=130

and more here:

http://www.fcsuper.com/swblog/?s=foreshorten&pwp=1

However, from your example, you seem to have found one possible use for clipped dimensions that I had not previously considered. Check out the second link above for a possible work around solution for now.

Another solution is that in SolidWorks 2010, ordinate dimensions will now be allowed to continue from 0 base line inside of a detail (pretty much what you are asking for, except with ordinate dims).

Matt Lorono
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
and Mechnical.Engineering Yahoo! Group

 

[Updraft]

Matt,

Thanks for the info.

- - -Updraft