Project: HiCAD Parametrics

Smart Dimensioning

Sketch > HCM > Smart dimensioning

A large number of the Sketch HCM (C-Edge HCM) can be set via the Smart dimensioning function.

Call the Smart dimensioning function and select a geometry element of the sketch plane.

The function will then check what kind of element was selected, and automatically offer a suitable dimensioning function.

If you select a line, the dimensional constraint will first be applied to the edge length of that line. You can confirm it (left-click on an empty area and either confirm current dimension in the following dialogue, or specify a different one), or select another geometry element. For example, click on a parallel edge (or a point on an edge), the distance constraint between the edges (or the point and the edge) will be applied; if you select an adjacent edge, the corresponding angle constraint will be applied.

If you click on a circle or a circular arc, the radius will appear; if you select a circular arc and one of its end points, its edge length will be used as dimension.

All possible options of this procedure (identified geometry element -> Dimensional constraint) are as follows: 

• Line -> Edge length
• 2 points or 1 line + 1 point -> Distance between them
• 2 lines -> Distance, or, in case of adjacent lines, Angle
• Circle, Circular arc -> Radius
• Circular arc + one of its end points -> Edge length of the circular arc
• Ellipse -> Main radius or sub-radius (smaller radius), depending on the selected area.

If no dimension can be created between the selected geometry elements, an appropriate message will be displayed.

While working with Smart dimensioning you can right-click to open a context menu with additional functions:

RMB context menu

With the help of this context menu, dimensional constraints can be applied, if possible, to a point or an edge in your drawing and

• the corresponding intersection point or the intersection curve with the active sketch plane,
• the coordinate origin, or
• the X- or Y-axis of the sketch.

Select Step back to revert the last action, select Cancel to cancel the process.

Example:

In a HiCAD drawing with an active sketch, select Smart dimensioning.

Click on an edge.

The Smart dimensioning function will then assign the distance constraints to this edge.

If you do not confirm with a left-click, but click on one of the adjacent edges...

... an angle constraint between the two edges will be applied.

When you left click, you can either confirm the current angle dimension with OK in the following input dialogue, or change it by entering a different value.

The geometry will then be changed accordingly.

To jump back from the angle constraint to the distance constraint of the edge, right-click and select Step back in the context menu. You can then, for example, set a distance constraint to one of the cuboid edges if desired.

Please note:

As soon as you change a first HCM distance or radius constraint in a sketch, HiCAD will offer to scale the complete sketch appropriately. For further information, please read the Auto-Scaling of Sketches topic.

3-D C-Edge Constraints Manager