Principal Attributes of Angular Dimensions

Those attributes of a linear Dimension which most affect its general appearance, namely DOFF, DPOS, LCHA, OSHT and PLCL, are all the same as or similar to those for Linear Dimensions, and are set in the same way. Those attributes that relate to the dimension line of a Linear Dimension relate to the dimension arc of an angular dimension, and those attributes that relate to the projection line of a linear dimension relate to the dimension radius of an Angular Dimension.

The Project Line Clearance value (PLCL) can be measured from the Angular Dimension's origin or from the position defined by a DPPT or DPOI. This is controlled by the PLCLFLag attribute on DPPT and DPOI elements. By default this is False (or OFF) in which case the clearance is measured from the Dimension's origin. If PLCLFL is set True (or ON) the clearance is measured from the position defined by the DPPT or DPOI. This is shown in the two Dimension Directions in Figure 12:36 below.

Note: PLCLFL has no effect on Linear Dimensions: the clearance is always measured from the DPPT or DPOI position.

Figure 12:36. Controlling the Projection Line Clearance

DOFF for an Angular Dimension is the radius of the dimension arc and is set by the DIM RAD command (cf DIM OFFS). Clearly, the PLDI (projection line direction), DIR (projection line direction) and TLIN (true length) attributes do not apply to Angular Dimensions.

The SENSE attribute enables the rotational direction of the Dimension to be changed. The standard value is that given by the minor arc from the first to the second dimension point. The rotational sense may be altered by using:

SENSe REVerse

The standard sense may be restored using:

SENSe STANdard

Important: This attribute should be used with caution. It is primarily intended for use with parallel Dimensions or those containing two points only. Chained or truncated Dimensions with more than two points will contain overlapping arcs.

It is also possible to specify an explicit rotational sense:

SENSe CLOCkwise or SENSe ANTIclockwise

However, standard or reverse sense should be used with parallel dimensions.