Linear Chain

Access: Open this function from one of the following locations:

  • Clickin the toolbar.

  • Select Symbols > Textual > Dimension from the menu bar.

  • Select Dimension on the popup menu (right-click the graphics pane area).

The Linear Chain option allows you to measure a series of individual linear dimensions in a sequence.

Linear Chain Dimension dialog

Click on an item in the dialog for a description.

(the Linear Dimension dialog is displayed)
See below for additional information.

Example Linear Chain dimension

Click each item on the popup menu for an explanation

See the Advanced Area Options below.

Creating a linear chain

InvokeInvoke (for more, click Access at the top of this Help topic) the Dimensions function. A grayed-out dialog is initially displayed.

See the Dimensioning Process for additional information.

Place the cursor over the first point to be picked which is automatically marked with a GREEN square.

Pick the first point.

Pick the second point, then pick outside the figure to create the dimension.

In the Dimension dialog, select Chain Dimension (the cursor changes to the Chain Line Dimension pointer ) then pick sequential points in the chain while <exiting><exiting>(middle mouse button) between each picked point.

The linear dimensions are created and aligned in a chain. If any of the dimensions in the chain are moved about the graphic area, all the dimensions align themselves accordingly.

Edit its parameters with the help of the hot spots and tips either directly in the graphics pane area or on the popup submenu. Change font style and character size also, if required.

<Exit><Exit>(middle mouse button) twice to leave the function.

Note: For additional information, see the Dimensioning Process and the attached notes.

Advanced Area options

All Dimension dialogs have an Advanced Area where additional dimension options are available. Click the Expand toggle button on the Dimension dialog to show the Advanced Area parameter(s).

The Inspection Dimension option appears in all the Dimension dialogs; however, additional options may also appear here depending on the entity selected to be dimensioned.

For a description of the Oblique option, see Linear Oblique.

Inspection Dimension

Surround dimensions with a rounded outline. This means that it is a dimension that should be inspected/verified after production.


If a tolerance is given, the rounded outline also encompasses the tolerance.
Examples:

Linear Dimension:
Inspection Dimension OFF :

Linear Dimension:
Inspection Dimension ON :

Linear Dimension with tolerance:
Inspection Dimension ON :

 

 

 

Diametric Dimension:
Inspection Dimension OFF :

Diametric Dimension:
Inspection Dimension ON :

Diametric Dimension with tolerance:
Inspection Dimension ON :

 

Minimum
Distance Dimension

Create and position a dimension at the minimum distance between two points.


Examples:

 

Linear Dimension:
Minimum Distance Dimension OFF :

Linear Dimension:
Minimum Distance Dimension ON :

  

For environments that require the frequent use of the Minimum Distance Dimension, the option can be set as the default in Preferences > Drafting > General > Dimensions by selecting the Point to Point Dimension > Minimum Distance parameter.

Some functionality may be dependent on the product package. Contact your Reseller if you require a license.