Dimensional Constraints

In this Task 

• Dimensional constraints will be added to the sketch. These will be displayed in the Calculator Tools | Palettes | Calculator palette.

Associated Tasks 

• Using the Calculator/Variables palette.

Before you Start 

• Vertex snap is required.
• Auto Constraints must be activated at the lower left of the editor.
• When Snaps are activated, they may snap to the vertex points of constraint markers. Use keyboard input to define vertex points.

Take Note 

• Dimensional constraints which are added to this sketch may differ to those shown in the illustrations owing the scale of the inserted underlay. The measurements will be adjusted later using the Variables palette.
• The dimensions produced to create dimensional constraints are not generally the ‘finished’ dimension. They are used as a reference only. For this reason, larger and horizontally seated dimensions are used.

DimensionalConstraints

Ribbon : Tools | Palettes | Calculator

Default Menu : Tools | Palettes | Calcuator

Dimensional constraints create a spatial relationship between objects which is maintained after objects have been modified.An example of this would be a circle whose center is required to remain in the ‘middle’ of a rectangle at all times, irrespective of the length and width of the rectangle. The circle’s relationship to a fixed point within the rectangle is defined by orthogonal dimensions, which are inserted from the edge of the rectangle to the center of the circle.Dimensional constraints are also used to dynamically update an object, whilst maintaining the spatial relationship between other constrained objects.To automatically apply a constraint condition when inserting a dimension, the Auto Add Constraint feature must be activated.

 

Select Tools | Palettes | Calculator and open the Calculator palette. At this stage, there will be no variables available, but dimensional constraints will now be added to the constrained sketch.

Using the Orthogonal Dimension tool, insert horizontal and vertical dimensions as shown in the illustration below. Accuracy is very important, be sure to use the vertex snap mode. Please note : Your dimension may differ to the one below due to the freehand sketching of the profile.

Insert orthogonal dimensions