Simple but often asked dimension problems in Inventor

While using Inventor many people often ask for various tips on dimensioning circles and similar shapes. Often we find that a circle will automatically dimension itself from the centre point to the allocated line, projected line or component. However there is such a way we can dimension to the outer edge of the circle or form one tangent point of a circular sketch to another.

The first option is to dimension from a projected or sketched line to the circle edge. First simply select the constrain feature (in this case the straight line) and then hover the mouse over the circle edge at which you can allocate a dimension distance. The icon next to the mouse will display a small "distance to circle edge" symbol rather than the usual distance symbol.

The second part of the video shows a circle within a circle option. Often like before a single click on the two circles will only off an option to dimension from the centre of each circle. However when selecting sketch edges hold the 'Alt' key while doing so and this will allow you to dimension from edge to edge of each circle.

Thanks once again to Peter Barker for this great tip.

AutoCAD Dimension Rotate

There may come a time when you want to add a Rotated (Angled) Dimension, for instance you might draw an ISO Projected View or perhaps staggered geometry.

To create Rotated Dimension follow the steps below:

• Create your geometry in a drawing, then type dimrotated at the command line
• You will be prompted for an Angle to display the dimension, i.e. 45 degrees

• Then simply pick the Start and End point of the Dimension, then drag and click to position

Locate and Clear Overridden AutoCAD Dimensions

There are times in AutoCAD where we come across a dimension that has been Overridden, there may be a real reason behind this. But more often than not, it has been done for speed, which is not helpful when you want to make something from this drawing.

To find and correct Overridden Dimensions in a drawing follow the steps below:

• Firstly this is an AutoCAD Express Tool, which are free, but do require you to tick the option during install. Open your drawing, then type dimreassoc at the command line, you will be prompted to Select Objects, drag a selection box over all Dimensions on the drawing.

Inventor 2013 Set Sketch Scale by the First Dimension

New in Inventor 2013 is the ability to scale a sketch from the first placed dimension. This always caused issues in previous releases, as placing the first dimension, then modifying its size, could cause geometry to become displaced. Where as it now all scales together with the first dimension!

Note: After you place the second dimension, edits of the first dimension no longer change the sketch scale. Also, do not dimension from the origin with the first sketch as this will not scale all geometry as expected.

Inventor 2013 Arc Length Dimension

Another new feature in Inventor 2013 is the Arc Length option within the Sketch Dimension tool. To utilise this new feature follow the steps below:

• Start the Dimension command, then select the Arc you are interested in. By default the dimension will appear as a Radius.

Create AutoCAD Tool Palettes with Drag and Drop

When using AutoCAD there are probably a lot of standard Blocks, Hatch Patterns or Dimension Styles for example, that you repeatedly use on different drawings. You may be jumping through hoops to find and reuse this information, so an easier way is to store it on AutoCAD Palette/s. Which can be created by simply dragging and dropping information out of your current drawing on to the Palette.

• The first step is to turn on your Tool Palettes, to do this go to the View TAB > Tool Palettes.

Edit Multiple Dimensions at Once

Have you ever wanted to make changes to different features in an Inventor part file at the same time?

Well, rather than showing the Dimensions of individual features and updating feature by feature. You can select all of the features in the Model Browser (Shift + select) > right click > select Show Dimensions from the flyout menu.