Creating an ordinate dimension in SolidWorks is a fundamental skill that every designer should possess. It allows you to precisely measure the position of features or components in relation to a fixed reference point. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating an ordinate dimension in SolidWorks.
Step 1: Open a Part or Assembly
Before we can create an ordinate dimension, we need to have a part or assembly open in SolidWorks. If you don’t have one already, create a new part or assembly and save it.
Step 2: Activate the Ordinate Dimension Tool
To activate the ordinate dimension tool, navigate to the “Annotations” tab in the Command Manager at the top of the SolidWorks window. Click on the “Ordinate” button to activate the tool.
Step 3: Select a Base Point
After activating the ordinate dimension tool, you will be prompted to select a base point. This base point serves as your reference for measuring other features. Click on any point in your part or assembly to set it as your base point.
Tips:
- Select a prominent feature as your base point for better visibility.
- You can change the base point later if needed.
Step 4: Place Ordinate Dimensions
Once you have set your base point, you can start placing ordinate dimensions by clicking on features or components that you want to measure. Each click will create an ordinate dimension from your base point to the selected feature.
Tips:
- You can place multiple ordinate dimensions from a single base point.
- Use the Smart Dimension tool to adjust the position of ordinate dimensions if necessary.
Step 5: Customize Ordinate Dimensions
SolidWorks provides several options to customize the appearance and behavior of your ordinate dimensions. To access these options, right-click on an ordinate dimension and select “Properties” from the context menu. Here, you can modify parameters such as text size, arrow style, and tolerance display.
Tips:
- Experiment with different options to find the settings that suit your needs best.
- Remember to save your part or assembly after customizing ordinate dimensions to preserve these settings for future use.
Step 6: Edit or Delete Ordinate Dimensions
If you need to make changes to an existing ordinate dimension, simply right-click on it and select “Edit Ordinate” from the context menu. This will allow you to move or modify the dimension as needed. If you want to delete an ordinate dimension, right-click on it and choose “Delete” from the context menu.
Tips:
- You can also edit or delete multiple ordinate dimensions simultaneously by selecting them with Ctrl+Click or using a selection box.
- Be cautious when deleting ordinate dimensions as they may be referenced elsewhere in your design.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to create an ordinate dimension in SolidWorks.
This powerful tool will greatly enhance your ability to accurately measure and position features in your designs. Remember to practice regularly to become proficient in using ordinate dimensions effectively.