Smart Dimensions

Hello,

I'm probably in the minority here, but I also insert the dimensions manually in my drawings.  When I was first learning SW it seemed that it was easier to do that than to get the automatically inserted ones set up the way I wanted.  And if anyone suggests that I should revisit this they're very likely correct.

Glenn

I usually do a mix of both, I'll use the model items dimensions for the overall dimensions of pieces, then use Smart Dimensions for everything else

We use smart dimensions for drawings at my job too. It is better with our workflow. When modeling we try to use more relations than dimensions. Also the way we model, the model dimensions are not necessarily the dimensions the shop needs to make the part.

As time consuming as it is, I also prefer manually entering dimensions with smart dims. 10 years with SW and I've never done it any other way. The main reason is that I've always dealt with a group of drafters/designers/engineers and no one models their files the same. You would be shocked at how some of these parts are generated. Features that are dimensioned off of the non-critical face, constant over use of Body Copy/Move (shudder). The root of it (for me) comes down to a fundamental lack of design intent in the field. It's a mentality of "get it done now" not "get it done right". I think people need to be trained more on design intent (ie. design for how it will be used, even if that makes you take longer to generate the model). Nothing is more infuriating to me than to open up a model to add a new configuration, only to find that the person who created it gave no thought to how it would react when someone started to change it, and now I have to re-generate their model in order to do my work. Change is a matter of when, not if. And if the field of CAD would start implementing better design practices, the use of things like Automatic Dimensions would be a lot more common.

/dismounts soapbox/

My preference is import dimensions.  I try to show design intent in models, especially those with tolerances attached.  This way I can import them into the drawing and not have to be concerned with typos.  Also if I decide to change the tolerance in the drawing, it will also change in the model.

Dead on Andrew Miller .....

From the old school as well - used SW too long to change....   It doesn't take long to add 2d dimensions, not like you need to type in any dimensions. 

The only insert/model dimensions that I do are for Hole Callouts. 

It's looking like I may not be in the minority after all.

I use both- I prefer to start with insert model items (and I position dimensions in the model in anticipation of re-using them in a drawing.) That way I get the tolerances applied to model dimensions, too. Then hide redundant and inappropriate dimensions, sometimes move them from one view to another, and add missing dimensions (for mirrored or patterned features, etc.) I like the model be the source of data and the drawing a picture to communicate it.

I too would echo Andrew's post. As desirable as it would be if everyone would model the way I do (unless you are one of the 99% who know better) I have to recognize that people design differently. Often this can be a reflection of what features they do or don't know. Also with as mobile as our work force is nowadays different industries and even different companies within one industry manufacture things differently and so designers have learned different priorities in how they design. For example in my previous positions most of our products were basically symmetric so we started all of our components with the origin in the center of the part. In my current position very little is symmetric and there is little concern where the  origin and datum planes are placed. It drives me nuts, but being the new guy coupled with the infrequent need for the planes in the part center makes it hard for me to convince them to change their design style. It fits their design intent.

I think it is more important for there to be a standard appearance of the drawings so that the shop personnel know where to look for dimensions and instructions rather than having to search the whole drawing for them. That is why I think it is better to add the dimensions to the drawing rather than import them. If you can create all your designs to be imported and stay within how your company likes to have the drawing look you are to be commended, I don't think I could. Also we use quite a bit of ordinate dimensioning here and I am not sure how that would work.

Hello,

I'm in the dims on the drawing camp.

Another benefit (which I don't think has been posted yet) is that you can't inadvertently (or otherwise) alter the model from the drawing.

It's a kind of "lock" that forces one back to the model and get back into the "model mindset" (which I feel is quite different from the drawing mindset).

Cheers,

Kevin

I use model dimensions and manually put on.  really depends on the model.  I will actually use the "mark for drawing option" with reference or "drawing" dimensions.   I feel I have better control when as i'm designing a part I start thinking about the drawing, and model it accordingly, and add the "driven" dims as the drawing would require on the model, even though I used a design intent modeling method to get that dimension.

main main main point here with insert model dimensions is you will NEVER get a dimension that just "falls off"  you will get a nice yellow error telling you to fix it.  and then you avoid the call from the machine shop calling you an idiot.

that all being said, everyone should do it the same at the same company, so if your in the minority at your company, follow their standards.  cause otherwise it will be a mess.

We smart dimension our drawings.  How I model and how I want to dimension for our shop rarely ever is in agreement.

Insert model items is way over-sold in SolidWorks (IMHO).  You end up with some pretty crummy 3D models when constrained by having to import model items into a drawing.

YMMV.....

I did not read all the replies so hopefully I am not repeating..

In all the years I have been using SW (since 96) I have always felt trying to get the imported dimensions in the proper views as well as spacing etc. was more work then using the dimension tool in the drawing.

Another issue we run into is our detail drawings are dimensioned (ordinate for hole locations) different than the model dimension which are based on design intent.

Next you have MBD.  I have not invested a whole lot of time in this area but if I am not mistaken you add separate dimensions to the model for manufacturing.  Again I have not experience with MBD and very well could be wrong.

I too have always place dimensions in the 2D drawing using the Smart Dimension drop down box. I always thought bringing dimensions in from the model using the Model Item drop down was to time consuming. You spent more time cleanin gup dimensions then placing them in the 2D drawing.

I have always wanted to use Model Item dimensions because I thought that drawing creation should be as easy as a click of a button. I always assumed the parts I work on our to complicated to create using dimensions from the model. Would you provide a picture of what your company makes? I have always been creating sheet metal enclosures or machined parts that just do not bring over model dimensions well.

Hello again,

Another related, but so far unmentioned, issue is handling specified tolerances (the ones overriding the UOS general tolerances).

You'll have to add these to the model data and if you're not, then it's a combination of model dims and drawing dims.

I'd steer away from mixing methodologies.

Also, I don't recommend using any generic notes that refer someone to use the model instead of the drawing.

ESPECIALLY for missing data.

There will always be O&E, but if something's wrong, I want to know about it before build or buy and I want it remedied before build or buy.

If your model does have forms "too complex" for a drawing, then possibly add a note referencing the model specific to certain regions.

Remember, gas turbines and planes came along long before SW, so complex forms are possible from drawings.

Lastly, Drawings and Specifications are contractual (aka legal) documents. All portions of them.

If you commit the model data, then it will also be. All of the data.

And when there's a conflict between model and drawing, which prevails?

Cheers,

Kevin