Learn about using AutoCAD Mechanical toolset commands to quickly create different types of dimensions, specify fits, and generate fits lists.
Additionally, the video demonstrates how quicky you can align and space dimensions, create dimension breaks, and eliminate gaps as you erase dimensions.
This video was recorded on AutoCAD Mechanical 2016, but continues to be valid for AutoCAD Mechanical 2025 toolset.
| Time Stamp | Commentary |
|---|---|
| 00:04 | In this Video, I want to walk you through some of the dimensioning options that AutoCAD Mechanical toolset supports. Let’s begin by inserting a linear dimension for this edge. Did you notice how the color changes and the dimension snaps into place just at the right distance? This feature is called distance snap. The snapping distance is controlled by the drafting standard I selected when I created this drawing. Let me add another dimension and show you more. Distance snap suggests that I place the dimension on top of the previous dimension. But just see what happens when I do so. |
| 00:56 | Lets explore further and create some baseline dimensions. I click Multiple Dimension from the ribbon and I inspect the options to make sure that I am creating the correct dimension type. I then window select the bushing and press ENTER. I select this point for the first extension line, and I move the cursor until the preview shows me horizontal linear dimensions. I click the mouse only when distance snap kicks in. |
| 01:34 | The next thing to do is clean up the dimensions. I will start by creating breaks in the extension lines of this dimension. I click Break from the Ribbon and choose which dimension to break. I then press ENTER to make AutoCAD Mechanical toolset detect crossing points automatically. And what do we have? 3 neat breaks. |
| 01:54 | Next I will delete the unwanted dimensions. I select the Power Erase command from the ribbon and I choose what dimensions to delete. When I am done, I press ENTER. See how the remaining dimensions automatically adjust themselves to eliminate the gaps. |
| 02:17 | Let’s move on. I will now show you how to create a Chain dimension. I click Power Dimension from the ribbon and choose the Chain option from the command line. I select the 13 mm dimension as the base dimension, and I click the furthest end point of the bushing. I then click this button to flag this dimension as a reference dimension. I then close the editor and press the ESC key to terminate the dimensioning session. |
| 02:52 | Lets look at something else now. Let me show you how to add fit information to a dimension. I double click the 12 mm dimension to start the dimension editor. I turn on fits by clicking this button. But wait a minute. This fit symbol is not right for a hole. So I display the Fit dialog box and specify that this is a fit for a hole and not a shaft. I repeat this for the 40 mm dimension and then cleanup the crossing extension lines. |
| 03:33 | I will now go one step further and create a fits list. I click Fits list on the ribbon and choose the New option from the command line. When I place the fits list in the drawing, AutoCAD Mechanical Scans the drawing and lists all the fits it finds within the drawing border containing the fits list. |
| 03:57 | Let me add a few more dimensions and show you what happens to the fits list. I use the Multiple Dimension command once again, but this time I choose the Shaft/Symmetric option. I first select the objects to dimension, then the centerline. When distance snap kicks in, I click to place the dimensions and quickly clean them up. Did you notice that there is no fit information on these dimensions? So I will select both dimensions and specify the fit information. When I am prompted to update the fits list. I click Yes. Let’s inspect the fits list. and yes it is updated. |
| 04:56 | Finally let me show you how to add a chamfer dimension. I click the Chamfer Dimension command from the ribbon, and when I am prompted to I select the chamfer and the 2 lines surrounding it.In the dialog box I click OK and I am done. There are many other things that you can do with Power dimensions, but it is beyond the scope of a short video like this. However you can get all the details you need from help. |