Dimensioning Pipe thickness (off tangents)

[D3sign3r]

Hi, im a new Solidworks user, (recently used Inventor 5), and im having a difficult time dimensioning tangent lines. I suppose the best example to explain this is a cross-section of a pipe, I am trying to place a dimension on the inner and the outter surface to show the thickness of the wall. How do i do this in Solidworks 2003?
Thanks

 

[Arlin]

In 2003: if the arcs are concentric, you have to create a couple points on the arcs and contrain them to both lie on a radial line somehow. Then dimension between those two points.

If the arc are not concentric, you can just selet the arcs while dimensioning (the dim will be between the center points) and then right click on the dim, select properties, and choose the tangent condition.

BETTER YET!!!! In SWX 2004 (currently in public pre-release 2) You can EASILY dimension between 2 concentric arcs by just clicking on them. REALLY slick.

 

[MadMango]

Also depending on how you constructed your pipe, you should be able to isert the dimensions instead of manually inputting them.

For example, if you sketched the OD of the pipe, then Offset Entities to get the ID, that dimension should be able to be Inserted into the drawing.

MadMango
"Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities."
Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[TheTick]

When circles are not concentric, it is no problem. Just attatch a dimension to the circles, and change the dimension properties to attach to the Min. or Max. of the circle.

When circles are concentric, it can be tricky, because SW's first impulse id to dimension center-to-center, and will balk if the centers are coincident.

Two possible approaches in addition to using offset curve:
1.) If working in a sketch, deliberately place the circles so they are non-concentric, throw on a driven dimension between the circles, adjust the min/max attachment, add a concentric constraint to the circles, and then toggle the dimension from driven to driving. (Deep sigh while I catch my breath)

-OR-

2.) Add a construction line constrained tangent to one of the circles, and dimension from the line to the other circle.



All this machinery making modern music can still be open-hearted.

 

[D3sign3r]

Ok ill try all those suggestions. Thx everyone.

Our company made jump from Inventor 5 to sw2003, and to tell u the truth, im not really overly excited in how it handles Detailing, and some design features. Just seems like there are a few more steps involved to achieve something where INV5 would handle it in one or two steps...not as user friendly?! Anyway, i guess im just a SW-Newbie lol.