Page 349 - Mastering SolidWorks

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322 CHAPTER 10 USIng EqUATIOnS

Figure 10.6
Showing all the
dimensions in a part

View Component
Annotations
View Sketch Dimensions
(should always be on)

View Dimension
Names

TIP For models that have more than a few features, showing all the dimensions in the entire model
may overload the screen with information. In this case, you can double-click a feature from the Fea-
tureManager to show all the dimensions on that feature.
To build the equation, go to Tools ➢ Equations. (As an alternative, you can click Equations on
the Tools toolbar or right-click the Equations folder in the FeatureManager and select Manage
Equations.) Make sure you have the Ordered or Equation view activated (in the upper-left
corner, sigma (Σ) is Equation view, dimension is Dimension view, and 123 is Ordered view).
Next, click in the Add Equation box (at the bottom of the list), and then click the dimension
you want to drive. SolidWorks adds the name of the dimension and automatically switches focus
to the Value/Equation column where you enter the body of the equation. Click the driving
dimensions shown in the view as needed, type as needed, or select from lists of functions or
properties.
You can also measure right here in the Equations dialog box. Any measurement you make is
saved as a reference dimension and entered into the equation as such. When you have a valid
equation, SolidWorks fills out the Evaluates To column for you. Notice also that if your equation
is valid, a green check appears in the box. If it is not valid, the syntax that makes it invalid is
displayed in red, and the check mark is shown in gray.