Working with Power Dimensions

Power Dimensions are smart dimensioning tools specifically designed for manufacturing drafting and detailing.

The AM_PowerDimension command is an all-in-one dimensioning tool that automatically recognizes entities and creates the suitable dimension type. Thus, you can use the same command to create linear, angular, radial, diameter, baseline, and chain dimensions.

As you move the cursor to place the dimension line, the command switches between horizontal, vertical, and aligned dimension type.

Command options let you specify the dimension type you want to place. Alternatively, use corresponding commands.

Dimensions automatically space themselves using the tolerance and fit properties.

Note: You create linear dimensions by selecting two points for the ends of the extension lines. As you move the cursor to place the dimension line, notice that the color of the dimension line changes from green to red. Modified color helps you to place the new dimension at a suitable distance from other existing dimensions. The command uses the so called snap distance, which is specified in the standard. To override the snap distance, specify Placement settings.

To create power dimensions:

1. Do one of the following:

   • On the ribbon, click Mechanical Annotate > Mechanical Dimensions > Power Dimension.

   • On the menu, click Mechanical Annotate > Mechanical Dimensions > Power Dimension.

   • Type AM_PowerDimension.

2. Do one of the following:

   • In the graphics area, specify the first and the second extension line origins.

   • Press Enter, and specify the entity to dimension. The command automatically recognizes entities and creates the suitable dimension type.

   • Specify the option corresponding to the dimension you want to create.

3. Follow the steps to create the necessary dimension.

   Option		Alternative Commands	Description
   Linear	Horizontal	AM_PowerDimensionHor	Creates horizontal dimensions
   	Vertical	AM_PowerDimensionVer	Creates vertical dimensions
   	Aligned	AM_PowerDimensionAli	Creates aligned dimensions
   	Rotated	AM_PowerDimensionRot	Creates rotated dimensions
   Angular	Baseline	AM_PowerDimensionBas	Creates baseline dimensions
   	Chain	AM_PowerDimensionChain	Creates a chain dimension
   Radial	Radius	AM_PowerDimensionRad	Creates radial dimensions
   	Diameter	AM_PowerDimensionDia	Creates diameter dimensions
   	Jogged radius	AM_PowerDimensionJog	Creates jogged radial dimensions
   	Arc length	AM_PowerDimensionArclen	Creates chamfer dimensions
   Chamfer		AM_PowerDimensionCham	Creates chamfer dimensions
   Baseline		AM_PowerDimensionBas	Creates a baseline dimension
   Chain		AM_PowerDimensionChain	Creates a chain dimension
   Update		AM_PowerDimensionUpdate	Updates fit and tolerance

4. Specify the position of the dimension line.

To override the Distance Snap Value:

1. Do one of the following:

   • On the ribbon, click Mechanical Annotate > Mechanical Dimensions > Power Dimension.

   • On the menu, click Mechanical Annotate > Mechanical Dimensions > Power Dimension.

   • Type AM_PowerDimension.

2. In the graphics area, specify the first and the second extension line origins.

3. Specify the Placement options and press Enter.

4. Specify Options and press Enter.

5. In the Placement Options dialog box, enable Use distance snap for placement and specify the Snap value.

6. Click OK.

7. Specify entities to take into account for snap calculation and press Enter.

Access

Command: AM_PowerDimension

Menu: Mechanical Annotate > Mechanical Dimension > Power Dimension

Ribbon: Mechanical Annotate > Mechanical Dimension > Power Dimension

Related Topic

Linear Dimensions

«Power Dimensioning» Contextual Ribbon Tab