While every SOLIDWORKS user knows how to dimension lines, arcs or circles, I noticed that some engineers do not know the full power of Smart Dimension. So, in this tech blog I want to show you five handy tricks to optimize your Smart Dimension usage!
This one is handy for dimensioning the angle of an arc. Normally you would draw some construction lines and use these for the angular dimension, but it’s also possible to use the three points of the arc.
Use the following selection order, while having the Smart Dimension tool active:
Sometimes you want to add an angle dimension, but you don’t have a reference line for it. In this case, you can use the following tip, so you can add an angle dimension by using an imaginary line.
Use the following selection order, while having the Smart Dimension tool active:
Do you also want to dimension the length of an arc? No problem with the following trick.
Use the following selection order, while having the Smart Dimension tool active:
Normally when you place a dimension between two arcs or circles, SOLIDWORKS will place the dimension between the center points. But sometimes you want to place a dimension from the outside of an arc or circle.
Use the following selection order, while having the Smart Dimension tool active:
Sometimes when you have a fillet or chamfer applied at a corner, you will miss a corner to place a dimension. In this case, you will need a virtual sharp, that will represent a sharp corner.
Use the following selection order, while having the Smart Dimension tool active:
I hope you have learned some great new ways to place your dimensions with the Smart Dimension tool in SOLIDWORKS. These methods can save you a lot of time, in particular the ones where you don’t need to draw extra construction lines. The mentioned tips will work for the Smart Dimension tool for both sketch and drawing.
Written by Martijn Visser
Categories: SOLIDWORKS 2017, Tips & Tricks