Auto Scale Views

[JHughes]

I know this is not a new topic. I believe the last one was posted many months ago with no real solution.

Here is my example of what I need:

My company sells a box. We have a drawing for this box and it has 3 Ortho views plus an Iso. Also we only use "A" size sheets. The problem is this box is sold to a size specified by the customer. One customer might want a 5"x5" box and the next might want a 144"x500" box. I need to be able to show this box and its dimensions clearly, so each "version" of the box must be shown in my views as large as possible.

Setting the scale to always be that scale will NOT work for each box. I need a something that will maintain view location, size, and autoscale.

I do not believe Solid works will do this, and my company is not switching to SW 2005 any time soon. So i dont know if SW 2005 has this ability. If any one knows, please let me know.

Are there any existing macros or VB code that will make SW 2004 do what I need? Could some one share them please?

Thank you very much for any replies.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Sorry, I cannot answer your actual question, but could you not use a tabulated chart which shows Dim A, Dim B, etc?

 

[JHughes]

CorBlimeyLimey,

That would be an easier way, but that model will change significantly because of size and numerous options that must be turned on and off and be visable on the drawing. Plus we are trying to eliminate manual writing or typing of dimensions. Our drawing sheets are to be fully driven from our assemblies and parts. Once we have a macro or code to control the size, location, and scale of the views, then we can move forward and begin to impliment other features. And unfortunately Tabulated Charts will not help us get to our final desired output.

Not to mention, my company is trying to get away from tabulated charts. About 80% of our "Legacy" drawings are tabulated.

Thank you for your response though!

 

[SBaugh]

Why don't you make a Drawing template with a predefined views. This will not affect scale but it will help place your views into a particular position. They cannot be locked but it will place them into a specific position when you insert the model.

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[JHughes]

SBaugh,

I Currently do that with drawing templates. This question mainly is about using the same set of drawings every time a customer calls and needs a specific size product. So I am not creating new prints each time. Besides, even with predefined views, I have found SW views to still move around on their own some when I throw some massive numbers at it. Unfortunately, I literally use the same model for the customer that wants a product that is 12"x12" and then another customer that wants the same product but 144"x600".

Also, I have noticed, SW forgot to add in predefined views the ability to have Flat Patterns. Rather lame considering all my prints to the shop floor have Flat Patterns as the primary view.

I realise my original example at the top mentioned a box, but that was to keep it simple. My products are not so simple and have as many as 20 to 30 variables that change per product. Each product consists of a minimum of 9 parts. Just depends on what options are available. Those that are not needed by a customer are suppressed.

Since I have to turn out about 20 to 100 sets of fab drawings a day, I don't have time to rescale each view, reposition them, and then have to reposition the dimensions.

I think the only solid solution to the problem is a Macro or VB code. Unfortunately I am not familiar with either. I can write LISP routines though...LOL

Honestly I am open to all options! Thank you for your reply!

 

[ctopher]

After reading your post, I think you are creating one dwg and changing it as needed for each size and customer? Per drafting stds, each box should have a separate p/n and separate dwg. Create the first one, with the views needed, then copy each to new p/n ... separate revisions.