7 Replies Latest reply on Apr 21, 2009 1:17 PM by Sylvain Larouche

Parameters vs Smart Dimensions

1-3IOPYB Apr 2, 2009 6:31 PM

When creating a sketch, the window on the left allows you to enter in "parameters" which will change the dimensions of the sketch. However, the sketch may still not be properly defined.

I typically use smart dimensions to dimension sketches, but what is the purpose of using parameters in a sketch? Can you create a fully defined sketch using parameters to "dimension" the sketch?

Parameters vs Smart Dimensions

Mark Kaiser Apr 2, 2009 7:31 PM (in response to 1-3IOPYB)

Parameters are temporary, as you have found out, they will not define a sketch. Best practice (IMHO) is to use relations and dimensions.
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Parameters vs Smart Dimensions

Josh Brady Apr 2, 2009 9:00 PM (in response to 1-3IOPYB)

I never never never use parameters. They are useless. In six years I have barely noticed they are there. Actual dimensions and relations are the only way to define a sketch.
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Parameters vs Smart Dimensions

1-3IOPYB Apr 4, 2009 2:50 AM (in response to 1-3IOPYB)

So why would SWKS developers waste resources on this? Even worse...students try to use parameters to dimension their drawings (despite me pleading w/ them to use the smart dimensions) only to get unexpected results later on. There must be some reason they are there. I have searched in SWKs help too, but it doesn't even mention them...weird??
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Parameters vs Smart Dimensions

Josh Brady Apr 4, 2009 12:11 PM (in response to 1-3IOPYB)

They've been there for as long as I've used SW. I imagine they are there for ACAD users who can't get past the mentality of getting your lines and stuff exactly where they go before putting dimensions on.
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- Parameters vs Smart Dimensions
  
  Sylvain Larouche Apr 20, 2009 11:21 AM (in response to Josh Brady)
  
  Hi everyboby.
  
  I need help..
  
  I work in the field of Fire Fighting vehicles.
  
  I need drawings in solidworks format or Parasolid of 3 vehicles of Ford Motor Company in 3D.
  
  a Crew Cab
  an Extended Cab
  and a Regular Cab
  
  They are F series vehicles ( Cab and Chassis )
  
  I contacted the Ford Company but the do not give or sell their drawinds.
  
  I am wondering if it is possible to find those drawings on the Internet
  
  Thank you
  
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Parameters vs Smart Dimensions

Ryan Hevner Apr 21, 2009 1:46 AM (in response to 1-3IOPYB)

Sylvain,

I recommend creating a new topic with your question. It's a pretty specific question but you'll increase your odds of getting an answer as opposed to posting a reply on an unrelated topic. My recommendation for a category would be 3D Content Central. Just make sure the "message title" is descriptive.
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- Parameters vs Smart Dimensions
  
  Sylvain Larouche Apr 21, 2009 1:17 PM (in response to Ryan Hevner)
  
  Thank You Ryan
  
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