Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
The General Dimension Tool
Inventor has a few different tools for placing dimensions on drawing views. The
one you'll work with fi rst is the General Dimension tool. This tool lets you add
dimensions to a drawing view one at a time; but as you'll see, it's a tool with
multiple functions.
The single General Dimension tool can place linear, diameter, radius, aligned,
and angular dimensions based solely on the types of geometry you select while
placing the dimension and a few context-menu options. When you begin part
modeling, you'll see this again.
To access the General Dimension command, you can click the Dimension tool
in the Annotate tab; or, in most cases, you can simply press the D key on your
keyboard.
The General Dimension tool is
click-sensitive.
This means that depending on
the type of geometry you select, you're offered different dimension types. It's much
easier to show how this works than to explain it. So, in the following exercises,
let's try out some of the ways you can use the General Dimension tool.
The Inventor Help
system for AutoCAD
users shows fi ve
different AutoCAD
dimensioning
commands that are
replaced by the
single General
Dimension command
in Inventor. By the
end of this chapter,
I'm sure you won't
miss any of those
extra buttons.
Using the General Dimension Tool
You'll add a couple of dimensions to your drawing now. Keep in mind that you're
not focusing on doing proper drafting:
1.
Zoom in on the rear view of the assembly.
2.
Start the Dimension tool, and click the top line of the drawing view.
3.
Move your cursor above the view. At certain increments, the dimen-
sion preview appears dotted, as shown in Figure 4.50. This represents
proper spacing based on the active standard.
4.
Click to place the dimension when the dimension highlights.
The Dimension tool is still active to allow you to continue placing
dimensions. As long as it's willing, let's take advantage of it.
5.
Move the cursor to the large hole in the middle of the assembly. A
glyph appears, showing a circle with a diameter dimension.
6.
Click to get a dimension preview.
As you move the preview of the diameter dimension, it snaps at 15°
increments. This aids in creating clean, consistent drawings.
7.
Place the dimension as shown in Figure 4.51.
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