New KB article in the support portal: How to Control Dimensions in Solidworks Drawings using KBMax....



To control dimensions (and other annotations) in Solidworks drawings, KBMax utilizes a Solidworks feature called "Model Items". The general approach is described below, followed by the process to use this feature in your configurator.

The Model Item Approach

Dimensions that are defined in a model (part or assembly) can be imported into a drawing in the Solidworks environment. This approach has several benefits that line up well with the goals of design automation:

* Model dimensions are reused to create the drawing. Otherwise, dimensions are added to create part features, and then again to create the drawing. This is wasted effort that does not add any value.
* Design intent is captured at the time the part is being designed.
* Dimensions, tolerances, and annotations are contained in the model, and can be re-used in any number of drawings.

KBMax utilizes the model item approach to enable the addition of dimensions to drawings, as well as controlling their state (hidden or visible) once they are there.

How to Add Model Items To a Drawing

Dimensions can be added to a KBMax drawing template by using the Insert -> Model Items command in the Solidworks User Interface. The Add Model Items command gives you the option of adding the dimensions and annotations of your choosing from the model specified in the drawing view. More information can be found on adding model items in the Solidworks Help file.


How to Control the Dimension from KBMax

To control a dimension that has been added as a model item in a Solidworks drawing, you can follow this process:

1. Capture the dimension in the model from KBMax. In the KBMax Output Tree, right click the Solidworks model, and use the command "Capture Output Fields".
2. Once captured, the state of the dimension in the drawing can be controlled through the MarkedForDrawing property on the KBMax dimension field. If MarkedForDrawing is set to true, then the dimension will be shown. If MarkedForDrawing is set to false, the dimension will NOT be shown. For example:

Dimension1.MarkedForDrawing = true

where Dimension1 is the KBMax Name for the dimension.

How to Add Dimensions to a Drawing using KBMax

If you would like to add dimensions to a drawing that haven't already been added as Model Items in the drawing template, then you can use the AutoDimension feature of KBMax. AutoDimension is set at the view level, and will show all applicable dimensions for a view that have MarkedForDrawing set to true. To use AutoDimension:

1. Capture the drawing view you would like to AutoDimension into KBMax. Right click on the Drawing in the KBMax Output Tree, and click the command "Select Drawing Fields".
2. Once the view has been captured, you can use the property AutoDimension on the KBMax drawing view field. This can be set in the User Interface, or can be set in rules (ie... DrawingView1.AutoDimension = true).



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