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Use the dimension tool to place accurate dimensions on sketch geometry.
Type:
Tutorial
Length:
5 min.
Transcript
00:03
The dimension tool lets you add specific values to lines, arcs, points
00:09
or angular features to your sketch geometry.
00:11
Meaning you can create more accurate robust and parametric sketch profiles.
00:18
In this example,
00:19
the constraints have been placed.
00:21
And as the sketch profile is still blue, we know this is unconstrained,
00:25
meaning we are free to move certain features in space.
00:28
As a best practice,
00:30
you want to fully constrain your sketch profiles and
00:33
we can use a dimension tool to achieve this
00:37
to access the dimension tool
00:39
on the toolbar, click on the dimension button
00:42
or press the shortcut D on your keyboard.
00:48
As mentioned,
00:49
you can click on points, lines or arcs.
00:52
Although before you start placing dimensions,
00:55
it is often best practice to first dimension key or critical features.
00:58
Then go from there.
01:01
In this example,
01:02
the center construction line plays a pivotal role in the profile.
01:06
So go ahead and left click on the line. Whilst a dimension tool is active
01:13
fusion is now asking you to either select additional sketch geometry,
01:17
meaning you can reference either one or two types of geometry
01:21
or a location for the dimension.
01:24
In this case,
01:25
drag out to the canvas
01:27
and left click to place.
01:28
As we wanted to mention this line only,
01:33
you can now either press enter on your keyboard to accept this value
01:37
or you can define a specific value.
01:39
So go ahead and enter a more rounded value and press enter,
01:44
you can see the construction line was updated to match the value entered
01:48
and the dimension placed on the canvas.
01:52
This particular sketch feature is now fully constrained and we cannot
01:56
drag the end points or move the line in space,
01:59
which is what you are aiming to achieve for all geometry in your design.
02:03
As a note, these dimensions are not permanent
02:06
as is the nature with parametric design,
02:09
you can always edit these values at any time by double
02:12
clicking on the dimension to open the dimension dialogue box,
02:15
then entering a new value
02:18
before we proceed,
02:20
just take note of the sketch icon in the browser.
02:25
Now with the dimension tool,
02:28
go ahead and click the upper arc and enter another value.
02:35
After you press enter,
02:36
you can see the sketch has turned black indicating it is fully constrained,
02:41
meaning you cannot freely drag any of the features in space.
02:46
Also,
02:47
if you look back at the sketch icon in the browser,
02:49
you will see we now have this red lock symbol.
02:52
Also confirming the sketch is fully constrained
02:57
with this fully constrained sketch.
02:59
You now have more control over the size and shape
03:02
and downstream complications are significantly minimized
03:08
as an added note. Don't forget to utilize the sketch palette.
03:11
If you find the profile becoming too busy,
03:15
you can always hide the constraints or dimensions by simply uncheck them.
03:20
Finally,
03:22
you are not limited to dimensioning just individual arcs or lines.
03:27
Other ways you can use a dimension tool include a line to a line,
03:36
a point to a line.
03:44
What angular dimensions? For example,
03:51
this gives you more flexibility when deciding on how best to place your dimensions.
03:56
So that critical features are first locked in place
03:59
with subsequent less critical features dimensioned at a later time.
Video transcript
00:03
The dimension tool lets you add specific values to lines, arcs, points
00:09
or angular features to your sketch geometry.
00:11
Meaning you can create more accurate robust and parametric sketch profiles.
00:18
In this example,
00:19
the constraints have been placed.
00:21
And as the sketch profile is still blue, we know this is unconstrained,
00:25
meaning we are free to move certain features in space.
00:28
As a best practice,
00:30
you want to fully constrain your sketch profiles and
00:33
we can use a dimension tool to achieve this
00:37
to access the dimension tool
00:39
on the toolbar, click on the dimension button
00:42
or press the shortcut D on your keyboard.
00:48
As mentioned,
00:49
you can click on points, lines or arcs.
00:52
Although before you start placing dimensions,
00:55
it is often best practice to first dimension key or critical features.
00:58
Then go from there.
01:01
In this example,
01:02
the center construction line plays a pivotal role in the profile.
01:06
So go ahead and left click on the line. Whilst a dimension tool is active
01:13
fusion is now asking you to either select additional sketch geometry,
01:17
meaning you can reference either one or two types of geometry
01:21
or a location for the dimension.
01:24
In this case,
01:25
drag out to the canvas
01:27
and left click to place.
01:28
As we wanted to mention this line only,
01:33
you can now either press enter on your keyboard to accept this value
01:37
or you can define a specific value.
01:39
So go ahead and enter a more rounded value and press enter,
01:44
you can see the construction line was updated to match the value entered
01:48
and the dimension placed on the canvas.
01:52
This particular sketch feature is now fully constrained and we cannot
01:56
drag the end points or move the line in space,
01:59
which is what you are aiming to achieve for all geometry in your design.
02:03
As a note, these dimensions are not permanent
02:06
as is the nature with parametric design,
02:09
you can always edit these values at any time by double
02:12
clicking on the dimension to open the dimension dialogue box,
02:15
then entering a new value
02:18
before we proceed,
02:20
just take note of the sketch icon in the browser.
02:25
Now with the dimension tool,
02:28
go ahead and click the upper arc and enter another value.
02:35
After you press enter,
02:36
you can see the sketch has turned black indicating it is fully constrained,
02:41
meaning you cannot freely drag any of the features in space.
02:46
Also,
02:47
if you look back at the sketch icon in the browser,
02:49
you will see we now have this red lock symbol.
02:52
Also confirming the sketch is fully constrained
02:57
with this fully constrained sketch.
02:59
You now have more control over the size and shape
03:02
and downstream complications are significantly minimized
03:08
as an added note. Don't forget to utilize the sketch palette.
03:11
If you find the profile becoming too busy,
03:15
you can always hide the constraints or dimensions by simply uncheck them.
03:20
Finally,
03:22
you are not limited to dimensioning just individual arcs or lines.
03:27
Other ways you can use a dimension tool include a line to a line,
03:36
a point to a line.
03:44
What angular dimensions? For example,
03:51
this gives you more flexibility when deciding on how best to place your dimensions.
03:56
So that critical features are first locked in place
03:59
with subsequent less critical features dimensioned at a later time.
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