Earlier this week I introduced the DimXpert Manager and auto dimensioning simple parts. Using the DimXpert to auto dimension simple parts is a great simple tool but as your part becomes more complex it may become necessary to dimension the part manually. Before we can jump right into dimensioning your part we first should make sure we are familiar with the available tools offered by the DimXpert. Today we are going to go over the datum, size dimensions and location dimension tools before moving on to more tools in the coming days. I know it seems like a lot that will be covered but it will all tie together nicely in the very end.

Datum

Before applying dimensions to your part is a good idea to identify your primary datums. In the DimXpert tab of the CommandManager click the Datum button.

In the Datum Feature FeatureManager enter the datum label and select the leader type.

Next select either a boss, cylinder, notch, plane, simple hole, slot or width you wish to designate as a datum.

With your datums assign you may next move on to the assigning tolerances and dimensions.

Size Dimension

After identifying the primary datums in the part it is time to start adding dimensions. In the DimXpert tab, select the Size Dimensions button.

The Size Dimension tool will support applying dimensions to bosses, chamfers, cylinders, fillets, counterbore holes, countersink holes, simple holes, notches, slots and widths. With the Size Dimension tool active select the feature to be dimensioned.

Pattern Features

DimXpert will recognize most patterns and automatically specify the number of instances of a select feature. For example this models has four screw holes then when dimensioned the DimXpert adds ‘4X’ preceding the dimension.

Tolerances

The default tolerance value for diameters, slot and notch lengths, counterbore diameters, countersink diameters, widths, depths, countersink angles and fillet radii can be set in the Document Properties in DimXpert -> Size Dimensions.

After placing a dimension the tolerance can be modified in the DimXpert PropertyManager just like when placing dimensions in a drawing.

Grouping

When you place a dimension on a feature that was previously defined with a datum, geometric tolerance, or other annotation feature then the DimXpert automatically groups then into an annotation group.

Depth Dimensions

Depth dimension will only be applied to features that are blind. There are other criteria that effect whether or a not a depth dimension is applied such as the end condition of the blind feature.

Threaded Holes

Threaded holes that are created with either the hole wizard or cosmetic thread will be dimensioned with the thread designation.

Location Dimensions

The Location Dimension tool is used to dimension between two existing DimXpert Features with linear or angular dimensions. This tool cannot be used to apply dimensions to surfaces, fillets, chamfers, and pocket features. First click the Location Dimension button in the DimXpert tab.

Next, click between two features and place the dimension. In this example, we are placing the dimension between the center hole and one of the outer holes.

Over the next couple of post I will continue to dig more into DimXpert. As you can tell, despite being a fairly easy tool there are alot of areas that should be addressed. Be sure you subscribe to my RSS feed so you can be certain that you will not miss any exciting update. Until later, have fun with SolidWorks and be certain to ask me any questions you may have.

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