Dont know why this is so difficult but I'm trying to create a simple "Chain Dimension" so the dimensions are all collinear "in line with each other" This is very easily done in Autocad but I cannot get this to work in Sworks. I've tried the Ordinate dimension but it will not work on my center lines. Any ideas!
Using Sworks 2017 SP-2
Thanks!
Paul
I tried your suggestion Glenn but what it did was create a line of dimensions all coming from the same reference line "no real chain" also all the dimensions get crushed to the left! I need these dims in a chain so that there is 2 arrows between each ctr line and "collinear!
Hi Arthur! I am attaching a screen shot of what I am trying to do.
Thanks
That looks like standard dimensions aligned. There's a tool to do that. Ctrl+select all the dimensions, then right-click and go to "Alignment" in the drop-down. Choose the desired option. (Or bring up the Align toolbar. It's one of the few I keep active.)
Annotations will also snap to alignment, but I haven't found that to be dependable.
Just place your dimensions then do what Arthur McRae said to do. Ordinate dimensions will only give you distance from a base point. But what you want to do is give distance between each point.
The definition of "chain dimension" in AutoCAD and the definition of "chain dimension" in Solidworks are two different animals.
See this thread:
Ok, looking at that is hard for me, trying hard not to go into a best practice rant. So you are looking for a way that your dimensions are chained off the last and any errors by way of tolerance will be compounded... I mean just make your dimensions and align them, that's all I can really suggest.
Im not sure what your getting at here! There should be NO error when creating a "chain dim"! I've used this command in Autocad and Inventor 3d for years and never had a problem with such a simple command. I'm surprised no one else here has commented on this issue.
From what I see here it seems that solidworks is unable to create a chain dimension and that I need to just create dims myself from line to line and then make sure the arrows are aligned. Thanks!
Paul
I can't speak for Arthur McRae, but my impression was that he wasn't referring to errors in the software, but instead tolerances stacking up when dimensioning in a chain like that instead of all from one point (such as with Ordinate Dimensions).
HI Glen! I understand what he is trying to say and that is correct but some fabricators still prefer the chain layout. the other problem ofcourse is space in the dwg as layered dims can fill the page pretty quick. I guess this becomes a personal preference with different companies. I am going to check with this client and see what he prefers. From looking at all the sample dwgs he sent everything is in a neat chain all around the model!
Thanks for the replies as this helps a lot as I am not back on subscription yet.
Paul
Paul Rymal wrote:
... the other problem of course is space in the dwg as layered dims can fill the page pretty quick.
That's why I like Ordinate Dimensions.
Absolutely no argument there Glen! Most accurate and a lot of fabricator prefer laying there tape out and just ticking off the lines. I know because I was a journeyman steel fabricator/welder for 35 years. Suprised that I get so many drawings from clients witht he chain layout but I see that they like to see the dims in reading orientation and see where the arrows are referencing. Very interesting.
Thanks again!
Hi Arthur! These dimensions you are showing are "Baseline" dims. I need a continuous chain of dims on one line. Sworks does not do this!
Thanks
I use ordinate dimensions all the time, and never had trouble using them with center lines. As Arthur McRae said, more information would help. Especially a screenshot.
Gotcha on this one. I must not have seen the lines being selected. Still does me no good as I need "chain dims"!
Thanks
Why Solidworks does not add this functionality to tool dimension ??
Select all dimensions, right click - align and you get these options.
Play around with it and i'm sure you will get what you want.
You can also group them so that they all move with alignment maintained.
That's not the way the user wants, just like ordinate we have 4 points that will take 4 clicks, your way of doing it will be 6 + 2 = 8 click
He would like to have the same functionality as Inventor. As I do too. Autodesk Inventor 2014 Tutorial | Creating Chain Dimensions - YouTube
its about time they resolved this simple procedure....
will save me loads of time.
From what I understand from your quest you are referring to dimensions at the drawing level. This is actually accomplished by selecting all the dimensions you want co linear and hovering over them this symbol will appear:
taking your cursor over this icon will give you this:
I have conveniently even hovered over the appropriate button so you can see the tooltip.
If your question was in context of assembly or parts this will probably not solve your problem. If that is the case I'll require further clarification to help.