Spline Dimension 3

[CycloneWade]

Anyway to put a length dimension of a curve that was converted from a surface in a drawing. They shop guys are wanting to measure across a surface a certain distance on that spline/curve. They will do it very crude tape measure style.

 

[Theophilus]

There used to be a third-party download available for measuring spline length. I tried it on an older computer, so I don't have it now.

You might try searching the Internet for it--you'd have just as much chance of finding it as I would since I don't remember the name.


Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reality is no respecter of good intentions.

 

[afb66t9]

Use the split curve feature (right click menus)to split the curve at the point you need to measure from. Then use the measure tool to select the portion of the spline you want to measure.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

SW cannot place a "curved" length dimension. You will either have to measure (per afb66t9) & place a note, or place Horizontal/Vertical/Chordal/Angular dimensions to selected points.


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

 

[SBaugh]

Have you seen this unique Dimension, CBL? Not sure if it's in SW04 or not.

1) Start a sketch
2) Make a Centerpoint Arc
3) Pick the DImension tool
4) Pick each point on the arc
5) Then pick the Arc itself
6) Place the dimension

It places a arc length dimension of the arc itself

As for splines, SW doesn't give you a full spline length. You can RMB and see many properties that might help you. Also just doing a Tools\Measure will give you the infomration about the spline in a measurement. Otherwise you will have to dimension each point to get a full length.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376
faq559-716 - SW Fora Users

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Thanks Scott ... that's neat. It is in SW04 & I hadn't seen that ... or if I had, I had completely forgotten it.

That makes a good start to the day ... learning something new.



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

 

[Theophilus]

I use that feature somewhat frequently--great for partial circumference as relates to pulleys or gear layout--very quick.

I'm surprised nobody recalls that plug-in I mentioned. (I couldn't find it after a five-minute search on the Internet, either.) It seemed to work well and gave a dimension similar to that which Scott mentioned.


Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reality is no respecter of good intentions.

 

[Arlin]

The macro (or plug-in, don't know what it was) you are refering to is Spliner. It was developed by Philippe Guglielmetti who ran Dynabits which now appears out of business:

http://www.goulu.net/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=18

Here is a description of Spliner I found:
A SolidWorks to display length of selected segments, curves and edges in the status bar. SolidWorks 2005 has an improved "measurement tool" that offers exactly the same functionality, except that it doesn’t update the length of a spline while being edited, as Spliner does.

Thus, it is does not actually create a 'dimension' per say, but rather displays the length of a spline in a SWX session. You still need to record and display that information manually, just like using the measure tool.

 

[macPT]

I've dowloaded the spliner macro, but never used it. I think it's freeware. So, I can make it available to anyone who needs it.

Regards

 

[Theophilus]

Arlin, that's it. Star!

macPT, I believe you're right. I'd like a copy if you don't mind sending it by email (address found on contact page of site listed below).


Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reality is no respecter of good intentions.