Page 115 - Mastering SolidWorks

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84 CHAPTER 3 Working With SketcheS and reference geometry

Figure 3.26
Using the modify
dimension box

Tools ➢ Options ➢ System Options ➢ Spin Box Increments. You can also store multiple incre-
ment values within the Increment Value icon on the Modify box.
The final way to change the value in the Modify box is by using the wheel underneath the
value field. The wheel uses the default increment value. Pressing Ctrl while using the wheel
multiplies the increment by 10, and pressing Alt while using the wheel divides the increment by
10. Once you have created the dimension and determined that you do not need the Modify box
again, you can click on an existing dimension, and the Modify box will reappear with the value
of the new selected dimension. Sketch dimensions can be displayed in dual units (for example,
inch and millimeter), using the Dual Dimension panel of the Dimension PropertyManager.
Here’s a look at the Dimension Properties interface (Figure 3.27).
Radial: You create the dimension by selecting an arc and placing the dimension. If you want a
radial dimension of a complete circle, you must right-click the dimension after you create it,
select Display Options, and select the Display As Radius/Display As Diameter toggle.
Alternatively, you could use the Radius or Diameter leader display options on the Leaders tab
of the Dimension PropertyManager.
Diameter: You can create the dimension by selecting a complete circle and placing the
dimension. If you want a diameter dimension for an arc, use the RMB menu or Dimension
Properties dialog box and select the Diameter Dimension option.
NOTE along with the radial and diameter dimensions, you may also want to dimension between
arcs or circles, from tangent or nearest points. to do this, press the Shift key and select the Smart
dimension tool to select the arcs near the tangent points. alternatively, to change a dimension from
a center-to-center dimension to a max-to-max dimension, you can drag dimension attachment points
to tangent points or use the dimension properties.
Angle: You can create the angle dimension in two ways. If the angle to be driven is between
two straight lines, simply select the two straight lines and place the dimension. If you are
creating an included angle dimension for an arc where there are not necessarily any straight