Is there any CAD app. that has Auto dimensioning?

[UniCAD]

I'm looking for any information on Auto dimensioning, if it is available?
I use UG NX2 and I am trying to do some research and find out if any program has auto dimensioning. Let me clarify what I mean by auto dimensioning.
I create a 3D core or part in UG, then switch to drafting mode and select my section views I want. The program then auto dimensions and tolerances the sectioned views.

This would save a lot of time for myself because the drafting, dimensioning, and tolerancing is usually the longest process.

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Xwheelguy]

UG can do what you're invisioning to an extent. It's been a while since I've dealt with this and/or read any information about it, but the information I provide should be relatively accurate.

The first step needed is that the desired dimensions must reside in a sketch in modeling. So if your part is a block, you'll have the length & width dimensions in a sketch.

Next, the sketch(es) must be placed in a reference set. Take care in how you sketch a diameter. If it's represented as a radius in a sketch, you will have to mirror your sketch geometry & dimension it appropriately.

Finally, place your views on your drawing & use the auto-inherit from sketch command to bring the dimensions in from your sketch.

This is the only way I know of to accomplish what you're desiring in UG. I believe CATIA has an auto dimension capability, but from the little I've seen of it, it's rather hit & miss....I mean it is for all intensive purposes making an 'educated' guess as far as what dimensions you will want shown.

I hope this info is relatively accurate. Like I said, I don't practice this technique but have experimented with it a little in the past.

Tim Flater
Senior Designer
Enkei America, Inc.

http://www.enkei.com

 

[looslib]

Pro/E is much the same as CATIA when it comes to auto-dimensioning. In Pro/E it is called shown dimensions, which inherits the values from the sketches. You can also create dimesnions, like UG does for things that are not in the sketch.

What gripes me is how many designers will build their features from one end of the part and then use create dimensions and dimension from the opposite end. I keep asking them if they have ever heard of Design Intent!


"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli
CAD/CAM System Analyst
Ingersoll-Rand

 

[cyberpete]

I have had many sucesses with inheriting feature parameters from sketcher. You can also inherit holes, c'bore, c'sink and thread information. When you use an instance, the number of holes is counted for you and a X# is placed in drafting. (where # is the number of holes).