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Table Of Contents
88 | Chapter 7 Constraining Sketches
Applying Geometric Constraints
When constraining a sketch, begin by defining its overall shape before defining
its size. Geometric constraints specify the orientation and relationship of the
geometric elements. For example
Constraints that specify orientation indicate whether an element is hori-
zontal or vertical.
Constraints that determine relationships specify whether two elements
are perpendicular, parallel, tangent, collinear, concentric, projected,
joined, have the same X or Y coordinate location, or have the same radius.
Mechanical Desktop displays geometric constraints as letter symbols. If the
constraint specifies a relationship between two elements, the letter symbol is
followed by the number of the sketch element to which the constraint is
related. In the example below,
The start point of the arc (0) has a fix constraint. This point is anchored
and will not move when changes are made to the sketch constraints.
The lines (2, 3, 4, and 6) have constraint symbols of either H (horizontal)
or V (vertical).
All lines except one are tangent to at least one of the arcs (0 and 1). Each
symbol T (tangent) is followed by the number of the arc to which it is
tangent.
Each arc is tangent to its connecting lines, as shown by T constraint
symbols, and the arcs have the same radius, as indicated by the R
constraint symbols.