Sketch an entity with fixed dimensions? 3

[pkelecy]

How do I sketch an entity, like a rectangle or circle, where the dimensions you specify for it when creating it (via the command bar) stay fixed?

When I do this now, with the current default settings, the size changes when alignment constraints are applied. But I just saw an SE video tutorial where this didn't happen, and I was wondering how they did it. I'm sure it's something simple, but it's not obvious.

Thanks,

Pat

 

[Raaden]

The best way is to place dimensions to the rectangle, these will drive the rectangle and keep the design intent. You will be able to place whatever constraints you like but the size of the rectangle will remain the same.

There are also the commands Lock and Rigid Set.
Lock will lock both the size and location of the elements.
Rigid set will lock the size of the elements but you will be able to move them as a unit. From what you describe you saw a rigid set.
I've never actually used any of these commands but maybe they have some uses that I can't see.

Again this is how it is in V19.

 

[donyoung]

When it ST-Mode dimesnions are by default 'driven' colour
is blue. You have to select the dimesnions' value and press
the lock button.
When in trad. mode and you select either 'Smart' or 'Distance
Between' and then press the 'Lock' button so that it becomes
either 'driving' or 'driven' then this (and other settings)
will be applied to all subsequent dimensions.
So just select one of the above functions and make sure the
'Lock' button is highlighted.
To change any dimension's prefix/suffix or whatever (re)select
the dimension and change it. When you place a dimension only
the value can be changed for that dimension all other settings
done will become the new default for subsequent dimensions!

dy

 

[beachcomber]

Assuming you mean the dimensions that you key-in when creating the entity, these are not driving dimensions or constraints. You have to apply a dimension to the length, diameter etc. for it to remain at that value.
There is a setting that will automatically apply a dimension to any sketched entity
Tools > Intellisketch > Auto-Dimension and then there are various settings.


bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

 

[pkelecy]

Thanks for all feedback on this. I don't think I was very clear in how I stated my question. I meant how do I set it up so the dimensions keyed in (when creating a rectangle, circle, etc) become driving dimensions and display automatically in the sketch, without having to use Smart Sketch, etc afterward to do this.

bc - It's where you mentioned, in the Auto-Dimension settings in IntelliSketch. Enabling "Automatically create dimensions for new geometry" and then checking "Only when geometry is created with keyed in values" and " Create driven dimensions for fully defined geometry" gave me what I want.

Thanks,

Pat

 

[donyoung]

Aah, I see now -- I never use this automatic funtionality
and thus I missed the point.

dy

 

[KENAT]

Darn Beach beat me to it. Auto dimension will probably get you what you want. I used if for a while when they first introduced it but then found myself having to delete the auto dimensions and place my own to really capture design intent so I quit using it. However, it may have been my thought processes that were most at fault.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[beachcomber]

Kenat,
Too slow!!
But then again you have a job so haven't got as much time as me - I'm currently a victim of the 'economic downturn'.
And I'm several hours in front of you geographically which was a bit of an advantage on this post.


bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

 

[KENAT]

Sorry to hear that Beach.

Not sure where in the mother country you are but I used to use Solid Edge at a defense place down in Portsmouth, Portsmouth Aviation (google search should find it for you). No guarantees but might be worth sending in your resume, based on your posts here you'd be better than at least one of the guys I believe still works there.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[beachcomber]

Thanks Kenat, that's a long way from me - I'm Midlands based.
Better not continue this as job hunting is not for this forum.
C'mon u Rams.

bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

 

[KENAT]

I figured I'd risk it in this case, but you're right, I'm sure someone will RF it.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?