3D Dimensions

[Chipps]

Guys is it possible to dimension a 3D model in 9.1 or X. I mean dimension X Y and also the Z values etc.

 

I dont seem to be able to unless I am missing something in the settings.

[DavidB]

You can dimesion a point that will give X,Y,Z values.

[Chipps]

Thanks for that yes I can dimension a point position.

 

The problem is I have to dimension a whole part that has diameters radius and all the general dimensions of the 3D part.

[mcpgmr]

Chipps, Are you trying to create GDT in 3d space? Not sure if you can do that. You can dimension in 3d space. I would do it by setting your cplane to the respective view first.I've seen this before coming from Catia models. It's called FDT. It's suppose to help eliminate the need for paper drawings by consolidating all the dimensions into 3d space. I think it's a pain in the neck. As the programmer/planner I wind up having to create 2d drawings anyway so QC and the shop can interpret the drawing and manufacturing requirements.

[John Summers]

You might be better off with a table. The drawing would be messy, at best, and really hard to follow. If the diameters don't need a particular orientation about the axis, the table would be as follows:

X Y Z U V W R

Where X,Y,Z is the point, U, V, W is another point on the circle axis, OR the circle axis direction vector, and R is the circle radius.

[Steve Zirtzman]

John,

Can Mastercam create a table like this?

[John Summers]

From what? If you already have the part drawn in Mastercam, a drill toolpath could give you that file. If you have a part I could see, I might be able to give you a better answer.

[Chao]

If only a few dims need to do, you can do them as somebody told above by setting Cplane respectively; if a lot of dims need to do, it will get a messy to dim them in 3D, I would do a solid layout and then dimesion them in 2D.

 

HTH

[mcpgmr]

quote:

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it will get a messy to dim them in 3D

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Exactly what i meant about being a pain in the neck.

Here is the part I was talking about. No prints to work from. Just the model and a MS Word doc with the flagnotes.

[Chipps]

Thanks for your help. I see it can be sort of done but very time consuming. Anyone know of a cad that you can do 3D dimensions with ease it maybe a worth it to us because they want this as an on going thing. Then we could import the model dimension it. Just basic dimensions in 3D of molded components rather than 2D.

[mcpgmr]

I think you could do it in V9 without too much effort. Like I mentioned before if you set the respective construction planes and and Z depths you can put dimensions where ever you want. The model below was done in V9.

 

 

The model in my previous reply was created in Catia V4.2 which is not cheap by any stretch. V5 for windows is cheaper but not sure if you can get just the stand alone drafting package with the FDT option.HTH!

[Alvaro Gil - Cimquest-inc.com]

Yep, I remember doing this in V9. I would really like this functionality back, its a pain in the neck to transfer this to another cad package!

[pip]

What about solids layout and produce your working drawing from that.