Fully constrained profiles or not?

[VicUser]

Looking for feedback regarding whether or not to fully constrain model profile geometry. Is it necessary? What are the ramifications of not constraining? What are the real benefits? Historically we have fully constrained all wireframe geometry (I-Deas Master Series v6-9), but having recently migrated to Solid Edge (v15) we are re-evaluating the subject.

 

[fredericmenage]

Hi,

The advantages of adding dimensions and constraints to your profiles are as follow :
- you have a graphic confirmation that your geometric elements have such and such characteristics.
- you can modify several features at the same time using 'dynamic edit' which will allow you to change those dimensions and move elements while respecting constraints.
- your dimensions are also variables that can be used later for assembly parametrisation (and more soon)
- you can retrieve most of these dimensions automatically instead of redoing them in your draft file

Now, if you still want to, you can safely decide to leave your profiles underconstrained. Nothing is going to change unless you edit the feature.

Fred

 

[PatCouture]

When your profile is fully constrained you are sure that he will behave in a certain way when changing the dimensions of the profile or of the feature. If you don't fully constrained your sketch the only advantage I see in this is if you draw it once and you never have to modify it then you can save some time, but as soon as you have to change something it can become awfully time consuming.

Good luck

Patrick