Inserting images, and scaling 2

[Nexim]

Hi, I have two questions about SW 2007:

1.) Is it possible to insert image files like jpegs onto planes, so you can use the image as a guide for construction lines? If so how? I'm guessing the files may need to be bitmaps first, if it is possible.

(I have some jpegs of cross-sections of a part, and I want to insert them onto planes as guidance for building it)

2.) Say you have a complex part, but have not yet decided on the scale of it, is it possible to build the part first, and then select a size for some length on the part...so that the rest of the part is scaled accordingly? (without actually having to calulate the other dimendions of the part).

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

1) Check the Help files for sketch tools, picture.
Acceptable formats are .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .tif and .wmf.

2) Solid models are always drawn full scale. Equations can be used to associate dimensions to others, but you would not want to do that on complex parts.

 

[loudig]

Hi Nexim,

Yes it is. I do this many times when I do not have a complete specification for a component that I am using in a design. Most of the time, the spec's only contain key dimensions. The remainder of the drawing is undefined. I grab a copy of this spec with a screen capture and place it onto a sketch plane. Be aware the that picture may not be proportionally correct.

In 2008 (I think 2007 is the same):

You can do this from the tools drop-down - tools, sketch tools, sketch picture. Browse to the saved pic and place it. Since the scale of the pic will not match, grab one of the corner handles and stretch it to match a known dimension.

Another way to scale the part without using equations is by just adding a scale feature at the end of the part tree.

-Loudig

 

[Nexim]

Thanks alot both, found this helpful. I have it working now. Cheers!

 

[Nexim]

Sorry for posting twice, I meant to ask another question, how can I toggle hide/show for the pictures? I can't seem to find an option for it, and I'd like to be able to view the part with and without the picture, as I go along. Is this possible?

 

[loudig]

Hello again!

You can hide or show sketches just like datum features - planes, points, coordinate systems, etcetera. Hiding the sketch will also hide the pic associated with it.

-Loudig

 

[Theophilus]

There's also the ability to make the whole image (or only a masked portion of the image) transparent. When editing the sketch with the image, look for the option--nice touch and compromise over hiding the sketch entirely, since you can see through it for optimal tracing.

Another thing I tend always to do is to have a scale (or other object of known dimensions) included within the image (whether scanned or photographed). Get perfect results that way.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

A people who value security over freedom will soon find they have neither.

 

[Nexim]

Hi, sorry I've not replied. I found a way to hide/show the pictures while working, and thats from the toolbar on the left (with the list of features)...Just right click on the the picture and click supress to hide. Then unsurpress to show. (This allows the rest of the sketch to be shown too, which is good, since I have based my sketch on the cross-section picture.

Anyway, thanks for the hints...always good to know another method