Attaching Datums 1

[drawoh]

The ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard allows us to attach datums to dimensions and tolerance boxes, as well as to features. When you do this, it means something different. It is not just a reformat procedure.

Is there a way to do this on SolidWorks such that it is actually attached?

I am still on 2003, but I just tried it on a 2006 machine, and there still did not seem to be a way.

JHG

 

[ctopher]

I have never been able to attach them directly to a dim. If you select a FCF or geometry, then insert datum, it should attach.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[macduff]

I'm not clear in what your trying to do. Are you trying to attach a datum to a leader line of a dimension or the actual value?

Macduff
Colin Fitzpatrick
Mechanical Design Engineer
Solidworks 2006 SP 4.1
Dell 380 XP Pro SP 2
nVida Quadro FX 3450/4000

 

[drawoh]

macduff,

Either one.

JHG

 

[ctopher]

I just tried with 2006, can not get it to do what you ask. It can only attach to geometry. If you drag it, it will make an extension line off the geometry ... except if a circle.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Why would anyone want to attach it to a dimension? It's the feature thats the datum.

​

Helpful SW websites faq559-520​

How to find answers ... faq559-1091​

 

[ctopher]

It is and isn't. For example, if you have a rectangle, you can add datum to one side. That side is the datum. If the datum is with the dim value, the width (both sides) is the datum. Hope I explained clear.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[jdg268]

Are you talking about attaching datum references in drawings or models?

If you're in a drawing and want to attach a datum symbol to a dimension, 1st treat it like a geometric tolerance. Add something like runout, then put datum "A" in the primary box.
Then, go back and replace the runout by selecting the "none" box. What you're left with is a letter with a square around it, just below the dimension. Hope that helps.

John Graham CSWP

Mechanical Design Engineer

 

[ctopher]

John,
I have also created them that way. But we shouldn't have to.
I think we need to turn in an Enhancement Request so whe can do it the correct way.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[jdg268]

Chris,
I agree. I've also turned in an enhancement request for this function in parts, which is even worse than drawings. GDT's and datum refs's don't attach to dimensions in any way, and we like to fully define our parts, making them standalone models if need be.


John Graham CSWP

Mechanical Design Engineer

 

[Heckler]

The datum feature will attach to feature control frames and model feature edges.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2005 SP 5.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
XP Pro SP2.0
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
o
_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

SW2006 makes no claims (in the Help file) to be able to attach a Datum Symbol to a dimension.

However, the "SW2007 What's New" states that it can be done. So it appears to have been included in SW07.

​

Helpful SW websites faq559-520​

How to find answers ... faq559-1091​

 

[drawoh]

jdg268,

Neat trick. It doesn't solve everything, but it solves a lot.

Thank you.

JHG