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What does "(-)" before sketch name mean?

Question asked by Kent Weston on Sep 24, 2014
Latest reply on Sep 24, 2014 by Jeff Mirisola

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We our using Solid Works in our high school engineering course, and our first task was to recreate a 1x8 LEGO beam. After making the beam I read the next instructional document and it said that if any of my sketches had "(-)" before the sketch that my instructor would not evaluate my piece. All of my sketches had the "(-)". He said it means that only part of my sketch is being affected, but i don't understand what he is trying to say. If anyone can help me with this I would greatly appreciate it.

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Kelvin Lamport Sep 24, 2014 10:02 AM
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That means that the sketch is not fully defined (all black).

2014 SOLIDWORKS Help - FeatureManager Design Tree Conventions
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Jeff Mirisola Sep 24, 2014 10:16 AM
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To expound on what Kelvin said, an under defined sketch is one that isn't locked down in space. With very few exceptions, you want your sketch geometry fully defined through the use of dimensions and relations. Using your lego block as and example, I'd use the 'center rectangle' sketch tool placing its center point on the origin of the sketch plane. Apply the width and length dimensions and the sketch turns black, showing that it is fully defined.
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- Kent Weston @ Jeff Mirisola on Sep 24, 2014 8:30 PM
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  Our instructor said he wants us to use minimal Smart Dimensions, therefore we are using lots of reference lines. If the first thing i do is bind the original rectangle to the origin, then put reference lines onto the bound piece shouldn't it (all my reference lines) be defined? Maybe i make no sense but if you could help me reconcile this issue that would be great.
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  - J. Mather @ Kent Weston on Sep 24, 2014 9:53 PM
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    Attach your *.sldprt file here if you have trouble.
    
    Make use of any existing symmetry.
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  - Jeff Mirisola @ Kent Weston on Sep 24, 2014 10:06 PM
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    Kent,
    I'm not sure how much more minimal of a use you can get than two dimensions and a relationship. I understand what your instructor is trying to do as I've seen people dimension the hell out of sketches in order to define it.
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Jerry Steiger Sep 24, 2014 8:34 PM
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Kent,

Construction lines don't have to be completely nailed down for SW to recognize the sketch as fully defined. For instance, I often create sketches with a horizontal and a vertical line off of the origin. (That way I can dimension off of the lines instead of the origin and it is easier to change my "origin".) The length of the construction lines don't have to be defined for the sketch to be fully defined.

Jerry S.
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What does "(-)" before sketch name mean?

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