LINEAR

Purpose:

This function calculates the distances between a number of user-given 2D points in the drawing, along a given projection direction, and generates the complete Dimensioning component automatically.

Instructions:

1. In Dimension menu, click Linear.

2. The user is requested to give a sequence of measure points, completed by Operation Complete. Note that the points may be given in any order, they will eventually be sorted along the projection direction.

3. The resulting dimensioning component is then dragged into desired position in the drawing. Here, it is possible to change the dimensioning parameters (text height etc) by clicking Options and thus entering the Advanced function, see below.

4. Once positioned, the user is requested to create another dimensioning or quit the function. To remove the last created dimensioning, click Edit, then Delete Last Entity.

5. Initially, a dialog showing current dimension controls and parameters is displayed. Changes here can be done before first measure point is given.

   

Direction

The Direction group shows the direction of the dimensioning: all measure points will be projected along this direction.

If Parallel direction is selected, the user is requested to indicate a line that defines the direction. Here, Operation Complete means that the direction will be derived implicit from the two first measure points given.

Type

The Type group shows the type of the resulting dimensioning:

• Normal means that distances between each two adjacent measure points are presented.

• Chain means that distances from the base point to each other measure point are presented on a common dimension line. The base point is one the two end-most points when sorted, depending on the two first points given related to the stipulated direction.

• Staircase presents the same distances as Chain but each one on a separate dimension line.

Tolerance

• The Tolerance group shows the tolerance that will be appended to the resulting dimension text.

• None means no tolerance will be appended

• ± means symmetric tolerance. The value is typed in the field below.

• +/- means unsymmetrical tolerance. The Max and Min values are typed in the two fields below.

Include

The Include group shows what should be included in the resulting dimension text:

• Value - the measured distance

• Ø - a diameter symbol to prepend

• Ref Lines - leaders, aiming at the measure points

Text and Arrow Layout

Four different layouts for single-measure dimensionings of type Normal are possible:

• Text inside, both arrows inside

• Text inside, both arrows flipped

• Text outside, one arrow flipped

• Text outside, both arrows flipped

Dimension Text

This field controls the format of the resulting dimension text. It is built up by intelligent markers and optionally string constants.

By clicking the Reset button, the contents of the field is reset to system default (only the measured distance is presented).

Intelligent markers available:

• #DIM()
  The measured distance

• ~D
  Diameter symbol

• ~+<symmetric value>
  Symmetric tolerance

• ~+<max value>/<min value>
  Unsymmetrical tolerance

• #/
  New-line separator

The field is normally not edited by user. However, arbitrary text may be inserted at any position in between the intelligent markers.

Parameters

By selecting the Advanced button the user can view and optionally change any of the remaining parameters controlling the layout of the dimensioning. The parameters are:

• Number of decimal positions in the measured distance.

• Type and size of arrowhead at the ends of dimension lines.

• Height of dimension text.

• Various tolerances controlling the layout of resulting dimensioning, like

  • Distance text-line

  • Reference line gap

  • Reference line excess

  • Chain gap

  • Staircase factor

• Fit control for dimension text in restricted spaces.

  • Shrink

  • Rotate

  • No adjust

• Position of the dimension text.

  Alternatives for normal dimensionings:

  • Above dimension line

  • Splitting the dimension line

  • Above the dimension line, but rotated

    Alternatives for chained dimensionings:

  • Centered

  • At arrow

  • At arrow, rotated

  • At reference line, rotated

Blanking

The Blanking group shows current blanking status.

• Blank Out - If checked, model geometry obscured by the resulting dimensioning will be removed.

• Margin - The margin used when obscured model geometry is removed.

Options:

None.

Result:

A complete dimensioning component is added to the drawing. The user has full control in order to ensure a suitable and clear layout that is consistent with the requirements and the complexity of the overall arrangement.