1:1 scale view on your computer screen

[PlasticFantastic]

Sometimes it is difficult to gauge scale on your CAD model. Small objects can seem huge because you have zoomed in so close in order to model the feature.

I have found the following technique particularly helpful in modelling human scale products, or more specifically - objects and features within the envelope of your monitor screen. Even large products tend to have smaller human interfaces so this tip could be useful to a lot of people

Go to one of the orthographic views. First find a reference length. In this case the length of the battery is 106mm

Then I set my callipers to the reference length (106mm)

Zoom the view to match the length on your calliper.

After matching the length, do not move or zoom your view. Create a new view and name it 1:1 scale

Voila! As long as you dont zoom in, you should be examining a 1:1 scale model on your monitor. At the very least this method can save you a few printouts to confirm scale. I use it to quickly gauge the ergonomics of a CAD model before sending to rapid prototype

 

[Myndex]

Hey, you just wanted to show off your cool looking drill...




Andy

 

[PlasticFantastic]

lol- I did that model a year ago when I was benchmarking Solidworks, think3, Studiotools and Rhino for surfacing, and asked the competitors to model a sketch for me. Though I was not expecting much think3 and Alias actually demoed some workflow for me- very cool

The guys at think3 were really helpful, so eventhough we did not choose think3 at that particular time, they actually use the drill on their website (which makes me feel a little better about the time they spent on the project)

http://www.think3.com/en/industrial_design/success_stories.asp

 

[macPT]

So I guess SW was the winner of the benchemarking. Wasn't it?

That's a good technic if you're desining small equipment. But, in other cases, how to do it?

Regards

 

[brengine]

There is a macro called Scale1.swb at

http://www.nhcad.com/old/html/example9.html

that will roughly zoom the screen to a 1:1 scale.

Ken

 

[PlasticFantastic]

macPT I suppose for larger products you could do the same thing with a projector screen.

Ken- thats cool! things to learn everywhere!