Dual Dimensions - revisit

[Guest0527211403]

This question was asked in thread554-98199 , but unfortunately, the answer pertains to toleranced dimensions and not dual dimensions.

What we have is a part modeled in metric units, but it is being fabricated in North America so we are using standard inch plate thicknesses. So we'd like *some* dimensions to be dual dims, but the majority as regular dimensions.

Does anyone know how we can selectively choose dimensions for dual dimensioning?

Thanks in advance

 

[cook5]

Hey justkeepgiviner,

Our company once had this problem too. However, we usually dimension in English units and the manufactured item needed to be in Metric for production in Germany.

I don't know if youll like this way, but it was the way we figured it would be the best (as a short term solution). This is for Wildfire (1.0+). We just double-clicked on the dimensions (that were in the English unit) in the drawing mode and simply added the corresponding Metric dimension under it with parentheses.

e.g.

1.000
1.001
(25.4000 MM)
(25.4025 MM)

I know its kinda stupid, but I'm not sure if there is any other way (but the manual way such as this). I'll be really glad if someone comes up with an automatic way to generate dual dimensions.

Hope this helps.

-Adam J. Cook

 

[mburlone]

Well, here's a tedious way to do it, but it at least preserves the relationship so that if the dimension value changes, so does the displayed dual dimension

1. In part mode, go to tools > relations, and define variables for the dimensions you want shown as dual, such that the values of the variables are the values of the dimensions in the units you want (For example, your relations could be: standard_dim1 = d4/25.4; standard_dim2 = d7/25.4; etc.)

2. In the drawing, right click the dimension to be shown as dual and select properties, then choose the dimension text tab. Type “[&<variable name>]” next to the @D of the text. (For example, the text would be: @D [&standard_dim1]). This should now show the dimension in both units.

Good luck!

Michael Burlone
NASA White Sands Test Facility
Las Cruces, NM

 

[Heckler]

This is the only thing I could find.

parenthesize_ref_dim
yes, no

Encloses references dimensions in parentheses. If set to no, follows reference dimensions with the text REF.


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.

 

[Guest0527211403]

Thanks everyone

I think (for this job) mburlone's technique is the way to go. It'll be a bit tedious but at least dimensions will remain associative.

Luckily this isn't something we'll have to deal with regularly, since most of our projects are overseas where metric plate is more widely available. Ironically, a project in our own backyard is causing this headache!