Dimension Along a Curve - Intergraph Smart 3D - Help - Hexagon

SmartSketch Drawing Editor Help

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Intergraph Smart 3D
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Smart 3D Version
13.1
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11

Use the Dimension Along custom command to define or apply a constraint on the position of B-spline curved objects (for example, hull seams and stiffeners) a given distance above or below other objects. This command helps in designing seams and profiles on a shell or other curved surfaces.

For example, when you place a longitudinal seam a certain distance above a deck, the girth dimension will be constant along the two b-spline curves in some cases, while other cases require a varying girth dimension. The Dimension Along command can also be used to define stiffeners placed on either a flat plate or a conical-ruled surface.

Add the Dimension Along Command to Your Toolbar

Follow the steps below to add the custom Dimension Along command.

  1. Click Tools > Customize.

  2. On the Toolbars tab, select Dimension.

  3. Select and drag the Dimension Along icon to your toolbar.

Place a Dimension Along a Curve

Follow the steps below to use the Dimension Along command to measure or dimension a B-spline curve. The position of the controlled curve is modified if the dimension value is changed.

The curve you are dimensioning must be a B-spline curve.

  1. Use an existing curve.
    -OR-
    On the vertical toolbar, click Curve Curve and draw the curve.

    The example figure below shows a simple B-spline curve with two intersecting lines.

  2. Click Dimension Along , and then select the curve to dimension.

  3. Click the first or starting point of the dimension, and then click the second or ending point of the dimension. For the example curve, select the two intersecting lines to get the dimension along the curve between the lines. You only need to select the intersecting line for the software to automatically locate and select the intersection point on the curve.

    The system displays the dimension measurement for the curve between the two selected points. In the example below, the curved dimension displays between the two intersecting lines (A and B).

    • Only lines and arcs can be used as intersecting elements.

    • An intersecting element or keypoint is an intersection or an end point on the selected curve.

    • The arc above the measurement () indicates that the dimension represents a curved dimension as shown in the figure above.

  4. Press ESC or click Select Select to exit Dimension Along.