No Min/Max option for keyway dimension

[BodyBagger]

Something strange I have come across. I have included a picture for reference. Hope this is useful info for someone.

Problem:
When dimensioning a keyway to the opposite side of the shaft diameter, I would not get the Min/Max options for the dimension. SW would only allow dimensioning to the center of the diameter.

Solution:
Remove the Centermark. This only happens if there is a "Centermark" crosshair on the projected or section view of the shaft with the keyway that you are trying to dimension. If you remove the Centermark, the Min/Max options become available.

Also this issue has been addressed in the early-release of SP3.0

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7464/centermarkissuesm4.jpg

 

[bluesman0007]

bodybagger,

I do a lot of shaft keyways and slots and ran across the solution to dimension location. Under the dimension properties there is a selection box for "First Arc Condition" and by choosing one of the conditions you can place the keyway or slot depth where you want it.

Dennis

SolidWorks 2007 SP2.0
Windows XP Pro, Pentium4 3.00GHz
1.5 GB RAM, Nvidia FX500
Logitech Marble Mouse, CadMan

 

[BodyBagger]

Bluesman0007 -
I do not get the option you mention (arc condition). See picture included here to see what I get for dimension properties. Removing the centermak is the only thing that has worked.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/3760/keywaydimensioncg4.jpg

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Are you selecting the edge of the tapered shaft ... or the centre? You should be selecting the edge.

 

[handleman]

BodyBagger,

It appears from your image (based on the location of the little green squares at the ends of your witness lines) that you've attached the dimension to the centermark rather than the circle geometry. If this is the case, then your dimension is actually to the centermark, and the centermark is attached to the hole center. Therefore, no option to select the arc condition. Of course, my interpretation of the picture may well be incorrect. If so, please accept my apologies.

 

[BodyBagger]

I am selecting this diameter

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/5008/dennisws4.jpg

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Which version and SP of SW are you using when you see this problem?

 

[BodyBagger]

CBL - 2007 sp2.2

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You must be placing the dimension manually in the drawing.

If you use the Insert > Model Items method to place the dimension, the problem does not occur.

 

[BodyBagger]

Yes, I was placing it manually. OK, so now this thread has officially changed to "How to dimension keyway to shaft diameter with a Reference Dimension"

 

[crjones]

When you dimension click the bottom of the keyway, hold the shift key down and click the point on the circle or arc you want to dimension from.

 

[BodyBagger]

crjones - I tried your idea and that does not work with a ref. dim. (at least on my system).