Datasheet
34
Part I: Introducing SolidWorks Basics
line, the vertical dimension, or the dimension aligned with the angle of the line. When the
dimension is aligned with the angle, as shown in Figure 1.33, click the RMB. This locks in
that orientation and enables you to select a location for the dimension without affecting its
orientation. Click to place the dimension. If the dimension does not automatically give you
the opportunity to change the dimension, double-click the dimension and change it to 0.5
inch or 12 mm. If this is larger than the diameter of the circle, notice that the circle changes
to accommodate the new width.
FIGURE 1.33
Placing a dimension on an angled line
15. Drag the endpoint of the centerline around the center of the circle to see how the
sketch reacts. Notice that the dimension added to the rectangle keeps it a constant width
and makes it react more predictably.
16. Put a dimension on the circle. Click the circumference of the circle with the Smart
Dimension tool, and then place the dimension anywhere on the screen without click-
ing any other geometry. Notice that diameter values of less than the dimension created in
Step 14 cause errors. This makes geometrical sense. Change the diameter value to 1 inch or
25 mm.
17. Drag the endpoint of the centerline again. Notice that as you define more sizes and rela-
tionships between sketch entities, the motion of the sketch as you drag becomes more con-
strained and predictable.
18. Activate the Smart Dimension tool again. Click the Top plane from the FeatureManager
and then click the centerline. This creates an angle dimension. Position the angle dimension
and change its value to 60 degrees, as shown in Figure 1.34.
19. Double-click any dimension and use either the up and down arrows to the right of it
or the scroll wheel below it to change the value, as shown in Figure 1.35. Notice that
not all values of all dimensions produce valid results. Also, notice that the entire sketch is
black except for the outer end of the rectangle, which is now blue. This is the only thing you
can now drag.
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