About Dimensions in Part Builder

Add dimension information to specify the length, diameter, or rotation angle of geometric elements in the model.

Models require dimension information to define the size and position for the design. Dimensions are typically added after you have finalized the geometric features of the model; however, you can add dimensions at any time during the creation process. When you add dimensions, you apply rules that control the size and position of features in the model. Dimensions work in conjunction with constraints. The model is updated when changes are made to the dimensions.

Dimensions specify the length, diameter, or rotation angle of geometric elements in the model. When a dimension is added, a corresponding size parameter is also added. This parameter creates a placeholder value for the dimension that provides flexibility for defining the values of dimensions. Dimensions can be defined as default numeric constants or as equations. Although you can use them interchangeably, they each have specific uses.

• Numeric constants are useful when a geometric element has a static or fixed size that is populated as a value in a basic table, list, or constant storage type.
• Equations are useful when the size of a feature icon must be mathematically defined relative to the size of another feature.

Part Builder assigns a variable name to each dimension parameter. Letters and numbers are used to signify the type of dimension (such as length or diameter) and the sequence in which the dimension was added to the model (1 for first, 2 for second, and so on). To keep the model shape from becoming distorted as the dimensions resize it, define the large dimensions first. Dimension type depends on the feature you choose and where you place the dimensions.

Note: When adding dimensions it is recommended to select points to specify the start and end locations. It is also helpful to turn off geometry that you not dimensioning for ease of selection.

Viewing dimension types

Part Builder provides seven types of dimensions you can add to the model:

Distance

Can be defined for pairs of geometry of all types. Defines a value between two features. The value of a distance dimension cannot be negative. When adding distance dimensions between two lines, it is implied that the lines are parallel with a given separation.

Horizontal Distance

Can be defined for pairs of geometry of all types. Defines a value between two features in a horizontal direction. The value of a distance dimension cannot be negative.

Vertical Distance

Can be defined for pairs of geometry of all types. Defines a value between two features in a vertical direction. The value of a distance dimension cannot be negative.

Parallel Distance

Can be defined for pairs of geometry of all types. Defines a value between two features in a parallel direction. The value of a distance dimension cannot be negative.

Perpendicular Distance

Can be defined for pairs of geometry of all types. Defines a value between two features in a perpendicular direction. The value of a distance dimension cannot be negative.

Diameter

Can be defined for circular and arc geometry. Defines a value for the diameter of a circular feature.

Angle

Can be defined for pairs of linear geometry. Defines a value for the degrees between two linear features.