ANGLE

Purpose:

This function is used to calculate the angle between two lines in the current drawing and generates the complete dimensioning component automatically.

Instructions:

1. In the Dimension menu, click Angle.

2. The user is requested to define the two leg lines used to create the angle dimensioning.

3. Next, the user is requested to indicate the desired sector (there are four possibilities) the angle shall be measured in, and at the same time the point through which the dimension arc should pass.

4. Finally, user positions the text denoting the measured angle. By clicking Options here, the text attributes like height, font, aspect etc can be changed. Note that the change of text height will be modal while change of other attributes only will apply on this dimensioning. Changing text attributes other than the height permanently is done by updating the corresponding default keywords via Format then Defaults. If the text is placed outside the sector (and the smallest angle is presented, see below) the arrows will flip 180 degrees and the dimension arc will be somewhat extended (useful when sectors are narrow). Reference lines are created automatically if necessary (for example, when the dimension arc does not meet one (or both) of the given leg lines).

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

6. Initially, a dialog showing current dimension controls and parameters is displayed. Changes here can be done before the first leg line is given.

   

Text Orientation

The Text Orientation group shows the orientation of the dimension text:

• Horizontal

• Vertical

• Tangential

If Tangential orientation is selected, the text will be rotated to align with the dimension arc at the point on this arc closest to the text when positioned. Initially, the text is aligned to the middle of the dimension arc.

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 angle

• Unit - the unit of the angle (degree symbol)

Range

Given the two leg lines, two different angles can be presented:

• Smallest - the indicated sector will be measured (up to 180 degrees)

• Biggest - the indicated plus the two adjacent sectors will be measured (up to 360 degrees)

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 angle plus unit is presented).

Intelligent markers available:

• #DIM()
  The measured angle

• ~0
  Unit symbol (degree)

• ~+<symmetric value>
  Symmetric tolerance

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

• #/
  New-line separator

  Note: 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 it is possible to 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 angle.

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

• Height of dimension text.

• Reference line gap and excess (when created)

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, containing the dimension arc, the measure text and the reference lines are added to the drawing.