Section View Label Control

[debodine]

I have searched and could not find this specific topic. However, if any of you know that it has already been addressed I would appreciate it if you would point me to the existing forum topic.

Assuming my search was thorough enough to ensure that this is truly a new question, I will proceed.

In the section view function, SW inserts a label at both arrows of the section view. However, my company has a standard of long practice of putting the label at only one arrow. We do this because our labeling standard names the view based on the location of the chosen arrowhead on the sheet. We normally choose the arrowhead that results in the least cluttered-looking layout.

For example, if the section view arrow we want to label is in zone B3 of the second sheet of the drawing, the view label would be 1B3-2. The 1 signifies the first view in the named zone (sometimes there are multiple section views in the same zone), B3 is the named zone, and 2 signifies sheet 2 of the drawing. Obviously if the two section arrows are separated enough to be in two different zones (typical case, our zones are small), then allowing SW to add the same label to both arrowheads is not a good answer for us.

Currently, we simply insert a space in the label field to blank it and manually create a label via a text note. Not very efficient.

I have been unable to discover a means to tell SW, "I want to use your section view label function but I want the label printed by ONLY ONE of the arrowheads."

Our organizational preference is to keep our label naming standard, and thus we don't want to use the SW convention.

Any suggestions, ideas, comments, or even rude remarks might be of benefit.

 

[ctopher]

This is what happens when company steer from standards.
Your company will have to use a work around within SW.

Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP4.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Our organizational preference is to keep our label naming standard, and thus we don't want to use the SW convention.

It is not "the SW convention" ... it is a worldwide convention.

But each to their own. If that's what your company does, then you are stuck with it.

One simple workaround is to drag the unwanted second label outside the print area. That way you can just rename the label without resorting to adding spaces and separate text note.

 

[fcsuper]

This requirement is so unique that I'm doubtful any automated drawing package is going to support it. I had to say it, but I really recommend going with the command practice (labelling both ends). Otherwise, you will need a macro that is smart enough to do this for you.

Matt Lorono, CSWP
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources & SolidWorks Legion
Follow me on Twitter

 

[debodine]

Thanks to all for the feedback. At least now I know what I cannot do to resolve this.

As for standards, I hear you. I am a great believer in following industry standards but we have a VP who "remembers" all the wonderful things he was able to do as a design engineer and I am so far below him, I don't even register on his radar.

This appears to be one of those battles that should not be fought, as the outcome is pre-ordained. )

 

[EEnd]

Your best track might be to lobby for keeping the naming convention, but leaving label on both arrows. The reason to label the view with the zone is so that when someone is looking at the section view, they can easily locate where the section is taken from. Aside from taking up space, there is no harm in the other arrow having the same label even when it is in a different zone.

Outside of that, I think CBL’s suggestion of dragging the unwanted text off the sheet is the easiest solution.

Eric

 

[debodine]

EEnd, I think I will go with CBL's suggestion at this time as you are correct, that seems to be the fastest way to improve our current process. I may try some time later to lobby as you suggest, if I can convince my manager it is worth pursuing.

This is not really a big issue for us. I am just seeking to improve wherever we can. But the feedback from everyone has helped me gauge what direction I want to go for now, and that is why I like being a user of ENG-TIPS.