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Understanding Dimensional Constraint

December 6, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

Another parametric feature available is dimensional constraint. We discussed about geometric constraint, and this time dimensional constraint.

Dimensional Constraint Types

Basically we use dimensional constraint to maintain distance between points or objects. Usually dimensional constraint don’t work alone. We use geometric constraint along with dimensional constraint.
There are three types of dimensional constraint:

Dynamic Constraint
Annotational Dimension
Reference Constraint

Annotational Dimension

In a nut shell, annotational constraint behave like common dimension we know all these years. You can plot it, you can assign it on a layer, and the size behave like other annotation. The size is not affected when you zoom the drawing.

Dynamic Constraint

Dynamic constraint is a bit different. it’s only for display purpose. It will not be printed. If you remember how you use parameter in dynamic block, it also display at the same size when you zoom the drawing.
You can change the form, dynamic or annotational by changing the ‘form’ variable.

Command:
DIMCONSTRAINT
Current settings: Constraint form = Dynamic
Select associative dimension to convert or
[LInear/Horizontal/Vertical/Aligned/ANgular/Radial/Diameter/Form] <LInear>:F
Enter constraint form [Annotational/Dynamic] <Dynamic>: A

Reference constraint

Reference constraint is not created directly. You can create a dynamic or annotational dimension, and then convert it to reference dimension.

We use reference constraint only for showing the distance values. We can’t change the parameter like dynamic or annotational constraint. Let’s compare them.
Annotation constraint size will follow the object size when you zoom. Dynamic constraint will show the same size, no matter how you zoom it. The reference dimension is shown with brackets.

Using Dimensional Constraint

After you placed dimensional constraint, you will see the parameter name like d1, d2… dia1, dia2… by default. We can change it later. You can change the parameter by selecting the constraint, right click your mouse above dimension, and select edit constraint.
Or you can change the name and value in properties palette.

We can input calculation in expression field. For example, we want the base length is dependant to body length plus 20mm clearance. This workflow is used heavily in manufacturing design.
By using dimensional constraint, we don’t modify the object. We change the parameter value, and the object will be adjusted. To make the result predictable, we use it together with geometric constraint. We will create some objects using these parametric behavior later. But that’s the concept.
As I don’t write too much details in this parametric feature, you can also read them in my friend blog, Orhan Toker:

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Source: CAD Notes – Understanding Dimensional Constraint
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Tags: amp nbsp, Annotational, constraint, dimension, Dimensional, Dynamic, dynamic constraint, F Enter, geometric constraint, linear amp, parametric feature No Comments »

by CADcaster

Revit Annotations: Dimension

October 6, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

Basically, we have finished our building model. Well, we haven’t learn about curtain wall and site/topography which I plan to write later. But let’s having fun for a while. We are going to discuss about the other modeling technique in separate posts, not in this tutorial series.

Now we are going to annotate our model.

Annotation is a very important component in your design. Doesn’t matter if you model it in 3D, you will still need to plot it to 2D drawing. And you need to provide information with annotations. There are many types of annotations in Revit, like dimensions, tags, building elevation symbols, sections symbols, etc. Some annotations added automatically when you created a view. Now let’s discuss about dimensions.

Arranging Elevation View Symbols

First, let’s arrange our elevation views symbols. Open your 1st floor plan. Select west and east view in your drawing. Delete it. We won’t need it since our model only have two faces: from front (south) and back (north).

Now select south elevation. We are going to move it closer to our model. If we don’t do this, we will have a lot of empty space when placing this model to sheets. Elevation view symbol consists 2 (or more) elements. To make sure we select all of them, drag your window selection from right to left. This will select all objects that touch our window selection.

Activate move from your ribbon

Move it up closer to our model. Do the same with north elevation view.

Why using move? Why not just drag them? Sure you can move objects by dragging it. But using move will restrict the movement to vertical (or horizontal). Not freely as using drag.

Adding Dimensions

Adding dimension is very easy. Open your annotation tab. Activate ‘aligned’ dimension.

By default, the options to place dimension are by wall centerline and individual reference.

Let’s just use it. Move your pointer to a wall, you should see the centerline is highlighted. Select walls as shown below, consecutively from 1 to 4.

After selecting those 4 walls, move your pointer down. You should see your dimension now. Click where you want to place it. Add one more dimension to show the distance from wall 1 to 4.

Peace of cake!

Now with linear dimension still active, change in your option bar pick:Entire Walls. Click option button on it’s right.

Activate intersecting walls, then click OK.

Select wall no 1 (on previous dimensioning). See what happen. We don’t need to select dimension individually anymore! Now you can finish your entire dimension right?

Turning Underlay Off

Open your 2nd floor plan. You might see your first floor plan here in grayscale (opaque). It’s on by default, make us easier to use level underneath it as reference. But we don’t need it anymore.

Open you view tab in ribbon, activate View Properties. Or you can press VP consecutively. Find underlay parameter, and change the value to none.

Now, add all dimension you need. Very easy, right?

Just in case you need other type of dimension, you can see it in dimension group.

dimensions "89" />

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Source: CAD Notes – Revit Annotations: Dimension
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Tags: curtain wall, dimension, Elevation, elevation view, elevation views, Model, north elevation, south elevation, View, wall No Comments »

by CADcaster

Controlling Annotation Scale Further

September 30, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

In my previous post, I’ve introduced annotation scaling for dimension. We have added two scales to all of our dimensions automatically. In this post, we will discuss how we use annotation scale for hatches. We will also discuss how we can control annotation scale further.

Two questions popped up when I first time learn about annotation scaling:

Can we selectively show objects in a certain scales, but not in other scale?
Showing annotation in different scales is great. But sometimes it can obstruct my drawings on relatively large scale. But I need it there in small scale.

To answer these questions, let’s open our drawing again. Select any wall, right click, and select block editor from context menu.

Here’s what we are going to do: We want our brick pattern will be not too large in 1:50. And we don’t want this pattern shown in 1:200 scale. Let’s assume we only use those 3 scales.

First, we need to tell AutoCAD this is how we want it look like in 1:100 scale. Change your annotation scale to 1:100.

Now we need to add annotative behavior to this pattern. Select it, right click, select hatch edit. In the options area, activate annotative.

Click OK to close this dialog. Now try to move your pointer above this pattern, you will see annotative symbol right next your cursor.

Now we need to tell AutoCAD to also show this pattern in 1:50. Select the pattern. Look at your properties palette. If it’s not opened yet, right click and select properties.

In pattern section, click on text field next to annotative scale. You will see … button next to it. Click it.

This will open object scale dialog. You will see 1:100 scale listed here. Click add. Select 1:50 and click OK. Now this pattern will show only in 1:50 and 1:100 scale! This is how you can add scale manually to your annotations. Save this block and close block editor.

Turn off annotation visibility. It’s the button next to your annotation scale list. Try several scales. You should see your pattern only in 1:50 and 1:100. Try to compare how it looks in your layout, different viewport scale.

Now let’s back to our dimension. Add some more dimension using 3mm style like this.

Now, here’s a challenge. Can you show all dimensions in 1:50 scale, but only some in 1:100?

After you finish, here’s the last one on this post.

Activate 1:100 viewport. Let’s pretend that our dimension too far from our drawing. But we feel it’s OK for 1:50. Select a dimension. You will see your dimension showing two sizes: On 1:50 and 1:100.

Drag your dimension closer to your drawing. Pay attention to your other viewport while doing this. It’s only adjusted in your active viewport, but not in the other scale! Amazing isn’t it?

Basically that’s all you need to know about annotation scale. But I’ll cover a little about blocks and text on my next post.

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Source: CAD Notes – Controlling Annotation Scale Further
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Tags: annotation, brick pattern, click, context menu, dimension, hatches, pattern, scale, scales, select properties No Comments »

by CADcaster

Introduction to Annotation Scale

September 29, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

Annotation scaling was introduced first time on AutoCAD 2008. I love this feature. There are some work around AutoCAD users do before annotation scaling exist. But now, presenting our drawing in different scales is very easy and quick.

First, what is annotations?

Annotation is every object in your drawing which is not a model or geometry. We use annotation to show dimensions, text as description, symbols, and pattern to show sections, materials, etc.

The problem with annotation occurs when you need to represent your drawing in different scales.

Two images above are the same model in different viewport, with different scales. If we draw the model and prepare it to a certain scale, say 1:100, when we need to represent the drawing in 1:200 scale, the text, hatches, and all other annotations will be shown in half size to what we expected.

AutoCAD users used to create annotations in layout. But there are some downside.

It works for text and dimension, but not for hatches.
You may need to create more than one annotation to the same object, if you show them in different viewports. When you need to change the text content, you will have to change them all manually. Sometimes you left some of them unchanged.
When you move the viewport, some annotations might be left behind.

So, if you have those problems, you may love annotation scale.

Download and open this drawing. We are going to continue using the same drawing. Change your active scale from annotation scale list. It’s on your status bar. Change it to 1:100. We are going to set our drawing for 1:100 scale first.

Now open your dimension style. You should see a style named ’1-100 3mm’. Right click on it, and rename it to ’3 mm’. Click modify button on the right side of this dialog box.

On the FIT tab, scale for dimension features section, activate annotative.

On the Text tab, change text height to 3, offset from dimline to 1.
On Symbols and Arrows tab, change arrow size, center marks, and break size to 2.5.

Close the dimension style dialog box.

You see all your dimension text and arrow too small? Don’t worry. We need to update them to apply the changes.

Activate update in dimension panel, annotation tab. When AutoCAD ask you to select object, just type ALL then [enter]. Now you should see your dimension correctly.

Now we are going to add another scale to these dimensions. Activate ‘automatically add scales …bla..bla..bla…’ in annotation scale group.

Change the annotation scale to 1:200. You should see the dimension size adjusted for 1:200 scale! Turn off the ‘automatically add scales…’ again. Try to change the scale to 1:50. What happen? Nothing.

Open your layout. Select the left viewport border, and change the scale to 1:100. Press [esc] to deselect the viewport. Select the right viewport, and change the scale to 1:200.

Compare the dimension size on those two viewport. Even the viewports have different scales, the dimension size will always be the same! When you plot this sheet, the text in all viewports will be 3mm.

We will discuss more about annotation scale in the next post.

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Source: CAD Notes – Introduction to Annotation Scale
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Tags: annotation, autocad 2008, autocad users, dimension, Don, scale, Size, text, text tab, viewport, viewports No Comments »

by CADcaster

Isometric Dimension Arrow

September 19, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

I have posted a couple tutorial how to draw isometric drawing and dimensions. If you look at the dimension closer, there’s something not right. The dimension arrow is still use the default arrow, which is not isometric at all.

In this post, we will create a new dimension arrow to fixed this. You can use this technique to create your own dimension arrow later. But now, we just use it for isometric dimension.

First, you have to create a drawing, how you want your arrow look like. I create something like this. Make a dimension arrow pointing to right. You may want to use ellipse or something else. You can also use lines, arc, hatch pattern, etc. But let’s create something easy first.

Three things you can use as a guide when you draw it:

Use angle about 30deg, because it is the default angle for isometric drawing in AutoCAD.
Draw a dimension using existing arrow. Refer to the existing arrow for your arrow size.
Now related to #2, check your dimension style. You have to create the dimension arrow as large as size 1. If you have your arrow size 100 in your dimension style, then resize your arrow you created to 1/100.

Create it as a block. Make sure your insertion point is at the arrow tip.

Now open dimension style dialog box. Modify your isometric dimension style, in symbols and arrows tab, change your first and second arrow heads to user arrow. Then select your block.

Check your drawing now.

Looks better. But there is something still not right. Take a look at dimension showing 700 value. It’s not supposed to look that way. How to fix that?

Well, there is no other way. You have to create another dimension style for it. Want to try it by yourself?

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Source: CAD Notes – Isometric Dimension Arrow
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Tags: arrow, arrow size, dimension, drawing, hatch pattern, insertion point, open dimension, paypal, something, style No Comments »

by CADcaster

3D Direct Dimension editing Technology gets better in KeyCreator V9

September 19, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

Version 9 is almost here. We have been working very hard to enhance the user’s ability create and edit geometry in the most straightforward yet robust manner.

While history based modelers have used this technique for some time, the problem has been that you are constrained by the history of how you build the model. With Direct dimension driven editing there are no constraints. The dimensions are a wonderful tool for making powerful edits to one feature or a set of features. And when you are done using the dimensions, you just delete them.

This workflow is perfect for developing initial designs, where you don’t want to get locked into all of the preceeding steps in developing your design. It is also great for developing tooling or fixtures.

This tool is a must have for a manufacturing department or company that wants to quickly prepare models for manufacturing or to develop operation sheets or work instructions.

Please watch a short video on the direct dimention edit enhancements we have made for Version 9 of KeyCreator, which is scheduled to be released this Fall. Direct Dimension Enhancements in KeyCreator Version 9 Video

Best regards,

Scott

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – 3D Direct Dimension editing Technology gets better in KeyCreator V9
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Tags: D Direct, dimension, history, initial designs, KeyCreator, manufacturing department, modelers, nbsp, robust manner, Scott Source, version No Comments »

by CADcaster

AutoCAD Isometric Text and Dimension

September 16, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

Previously, I wrote about isometric drawing in AutoCAD. It’s not actually 3D drawing. But changing your cursor orientation will make it easier to draw isometric drawings. But have you tried to annotate your drawings? How about dimensions and text, is it appear properly? No it’s not.

So how can you create dimension and text for isometric drawing?

If you use vanilla AutoCAD, there is no direct or easy way to do it. But a little work around could achieve what you want

Text

First, create two text style. Use oblique angle 30 deg for one style and -30 deg for the other.

Now place your text (single or multi line), change the text rotation to 30 deg or -30 deg. It depends on where you want to put that text. See next image as reference.

Command: DT
TEXT
Current text style: "Standard" Text height: 2.5000 Annotative: No
Specify start point of text or [Justify/Style]:
Specify height <2.5000>:
Specify rotation angle of text <0>: -30

Try to create text with several combinations. Well, basically these three are all you need.

What about dimensions? Similar to text, you have to create two dimension styles. One of the style use 30deg text style, and the other one use -30deg text style.

Now place your dimension with aligned dimension. Linear dimension won’t do the trick. Well, except for vertical dimension.

Now we have to do a little modification.

Activate DIMEDIT [enter], choose OBLIQUE, then give 30 or -30 as oblique angle. Once again, depends where your dimension is.

Command: DIMEDIT
Enter type of dimension editing [Home/New/Rotate/Oblique] <Home>: O
Select objects: 1 found
Select objects:
Enter obliquing angle (press ENTER for none): -30

See this image as reference.

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Source: CAD Notes – AutoCAD Isometric Text and Dimension
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Tags: Angle, deg, dimension, dimension styles, isometric drawings, linear dimension, lt 2, O Select, oblique angle, style, text No Comments »

by CADcaster

SolidWorks 2010 Usability: Attach Annotations to Dimensions

September 11, 2009 in CAD, SolidWorks

There are a ton of subtle improvements in SolidWorks 2010 to improve its usability. Many of these improvements might seem small now, but once one is reliant on the new functionality, it will seem like we’ve always had it this way. Attaching annotations to dimensions is now easier with expanded capability. Here’s a couple of [...]

Source: SolidWorks Legion – SolidWorks 2010 Usability: Attach Annotations to Dimensions
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Tags: annotation, Annotations, capability, dimension, dimension one, feature symbols, improvements, Legion, note, SolidWorks, Source, surface finish, ton, Usability No Comments »

by CADcaster

SolidWorks 2010: Dimension Palette and Styles

August 26, 2009 in CAD, SolidWorks

Dimension Palette is a great new function in SolidWorks 2010 that allows the user to edit most commonly accessed aspects of a dimension, right from the main drawing view pane.

Simply highlight or LMB click on a dimension. A ghost image of its Dimension Palette will appear nearby. Move your mouse cursor over the ghost. This [...]

Source: SolidWorks Legion – SolidWorks 2010: Dimension Palette and Styles
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Tags: dimension, dimension styles, Don, drawing, ghost, ghost image, mouse cursor, mouse cursor moves, Palette, SolidWorks, Source, star icon, Styles, User No Comments »

by CADcaster

Dimensional limits related to an origin

August 7, 2009 in CAD, SolidWorks

In SolidWorks 2007 drawing mode, the ability to change the size of individual dimension arrows (so that they were different than the drawing) was limited to a tricky use of favorites. Starting with SolidWorks 2008, that situation improved. SolidWorks now allows the user to set the size for individual dimension arrows. For [...]

Source: SolidWorks Legion – Dimensional limits related to an origin
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Tags: arrow, arrow size, arrows, asme y14, dimension, dimensional limits, drawing, Legion, ok button, origin, Size, SolidWorks, solidworks 2007, solidworks 2008, Source No Comments »