Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

1

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Setting the Defaults for Dimensioning

The Dimension Style (Dimension menu) command used to set up defaults for the dimensioning
commands.

They apply to all the dimension types, to text and to hatched areas respectively. EdgeCAM provides some
default values that you can change and save using this command. These defaults are stored with the part
and loaded each time you open the drawing of that part.

Text in dimensioning refers to the font and style of the text and numbers of the dimension.

To set defaults for all dimension commands

Select the Dimension Style (Dimension menu)

command. A dialog will be displayed.

1.

On the General tab you can set the following defaults:

2.

Text – Specifies up to 30 characters to replace the dimensions and any symbol.

Symbol – Specifies the symbol to be used in front of the dimension text: Ø (the Default, or
Diameter setting), R (Radius) or None (no symbol). This does not affect the type of dimension. For
example, setting Radius does not display the radius instead of the diameter; it simply puts a
different symbol in front of the dimension.

Prefix – A a string of up to 30 characters which will appear before the dimension.

Suffix – A string of up to 30 characters which will appear after the dimension.

Height – The default height for the dimension text.

Width – The default width for the dimension text.

Font – The default font for the dimension text can be selected from the drop-down list. The
following fonts are available.

Slant – The default slant for the dimension text. This is angle of the characters from the horizontal.
Therefore, normal text would have a slant of 90º. For an italic effect, enter 60º.

Angle Style – The units for angles can be selected from the drop-down list. Possibilities are:
Decimal (94.56º), Degrees (94º), Minutes (94º33’) and Seconds (94º33’36”).

Fraction – Dimensions can be given in fractions rather than decimals. For example, enter 12 to
create dimensions to the nearest 1/12th of a unit. Entering a negative number (for example -12) will

display the fraction as

rather than 5/12. Fractions will be simplified where possible; for

example,

would be shown as

.

Text Location – Check to specify the position of the text dimension with a digitise. Otherwise, the
text is centred just above the arrow line.

Inline – Check this box to break the dimension arrows broken and put the text in this gap.

2

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

If you want the text of the dimensions to always be horizontal, select the Horizontal Text check
box. If the check box is not selected, the text is drawn parallel to the dimension line.

Select the Arrow tab to display the Arrow parameters. You can set the following defaults:

3.

Select Tolerance tab to display the Tolerance parameters. You can set the following defaults:

4.

Click OK to accept the parameter settings for the command.

5.

3

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Chain Dimensions

Tick the Chain option to create a series of dimensions from one common datum point, so that the first point
only needs to be specified once. Only the end point and arrow line locations are needed for each
subsequent dimension; for example:

Notes

It is not be possible to mix dimension types in a chain.

Linear dimensions to be chained must be at a constant angle and arc dimensions must be for
concentric arcs.

4

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Drawing Linear Dimensions

The Linear (Dimension menu) command displays the linear dimension between any two entities.

Two entity digitises are required, one for each entity. The position of the digitises determines the position of
the dimension. A third digitise determines the position of the arrow line which is drawn between the points
with the text centred above it. Witness lines are drawn from the points to the arrow; for example:

To create a linear dimension

Select

from the Dimension toolbar or the Linear (Dimension menu) command.

1.

Digitise one point on each entity.

2.

Digitise a point for the arrow line.

3.

If you selected the Text Location check box, digitise a point for the text location.

4.

Perform a finish.

5.

5

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Drawing Horizontal Dimensions

The Horizontal (Dimension menu) command displays linear dimensions with a horizontal distance to the
current CPL.

To create a horizontal dimension

Select

from the Dimension toolbar or the Horizontal (Dimension menu) command.

1.

Digitise one point on each entity.

2.

Digitise a point for the arrow line.

3.

If you selected the Text Location check box, digitise a point for the text location.

4.

Perform a finish.

5.

6

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Drawing Vertical Dimensions

The Vertical (Dimension menu) command displays linear dimensions with a vertical distance to the current
CPL.

To create a vertical dimension

Select

from the Dimension toolbar or the Vertical (Dimension menu) command.

1.

Digitise one point on each entity.

2.

Digitise a point for the arrow line.

3.

If you selected the Text Location check box, digitise a point for the text location.

4.

Perform a finish.

5.

7

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Drawing Angular Dimensions

The Angular (Dimension menu) command displays the angle between two digitised line entities.

Two digitises are required, one for each line. The position of the digitises on the lines affects the
dimensioned angle, as does the position of the third (free) digitise.

To create an angular dimension

Select

from the Dimension toolbar or the Angular (Dimension menu) command.

1.

Digitise one point on each line. The location of the digitises determines which angle is dimensioned
(see examples).

2.

Digitise a point to position the arrows (see example) . The position of this digitise determines if the
inside or outside angle is dimensioned.

3.

If you selected the Text Location check box, digitise a point for the text location. If you chose to
display witness lines, witness lines may be added to extend the lines out to the location of the text
(depending on where you digitise) (see example).

4.

Perform a finish.

5.

8

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Drawing Diametral Dimensions

The Diametral (Dimension menu) command displays the diameter of an arc. The dimension text can be
preceded by the diameter symbol, Ø or the radius symbol, R. (Construction arcs cannot be dimensioned.)

Two digitises are required. The first, an entity digitise on the arc, determines the position of the arrow head
on the arc. The second is a free digitise which determines whether the dimension text and arrow are inside
the arc, or across the arc and extending beyond it to the text outside.

To create a diametral dimension

Select

from the Dimension toolbar or the Diametrical (Dimension menu) command.

1.

Digitise one point on the arc in response to the prompt’ Digitise arc/circle for arrow line direction’
prompt. One arrow head will be positioned here.

2.

Digitise a point for the arrows in response to the ‘Digitise arrow tail (distance from arc/circle centre)’
prompt. This will determine if the arrow is inside or outside the arc (see examples).

3.

If you selected the Text Location check box, digitise a point for the text location.

4.

Perform a finish.

5.

9

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Drawing Radial Dimensions

The Radial (Dimension menu) command displays the radius of an arc. The dimension text can be
preceded by the radius symbol, R or the diameter symbol, Ø.

Two digitises are required. The first, an entity digitise on the arc, determines the position of the arrow head
on the arc. The second, a free digitise, determines whether the dimension text and arrow are inside the arc,
or across the arc and extending beyond it to the text outside.

To create a radial dimension

Select

from the dimension toolbar or the Radial (Dimension menu) command.

1.

Digitise one point on the arc in response to the prompt’ Digitise arc/circle for arrow line direction’
prompt. The arrow head will be positioned here.

2.

Digitise a point for the arrow in response to the ‘Digitise arrow tail (distance from arc/circle centre)’
prompt. This will determine if the arrow is inside or outside the arc (see examples).

3.

If you checked the Text Location box, digitise a point for the text location

4.

Perform a finish.

5.

10

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Drawing Arrows

You can create an arrow line on your drawing using the Arrow (Dimension menu) command. The arrow
can be constructed from one or more straight line segments.

To create an arrow line

Select

from the Dimension toolbar or the Arrow (Dimension menu) command.

1.

Digitise a point for the arrow head.

2.

Digitise one or more points for the arrow line. These do not have to be linear.

3.

Perform a finish.

4.

11

EdgeCAM User Guide

Dimensioning the Part

You can dimension your drawings using the Dimensions menu commands, such as 'Angular' (angle
between specified lines) and 'Linear' (distance between specified points).

Notes

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

After selecting the command you generally:

Follow the prompts to digitise the geometry - you digitise the two points that you want to create
a linear dimension between for example.

Then digitise a point at which to create the dimension text.

For further details see the topics on the individual commands (on 'Linear' for example).

You might want to first set defaults for dimensioning.

Dimensions for solid models are not associative to the model.

As with other types of geometry, dimensions are created on the current Layer and CPL, and can be
edited (double-click on the dimension, for example). (Chained dimensions are treated as individual
entities when editing.)

Size and other parameters are all specified in part units.

If a grid is active and grid snap selected, the dimension can be positioned to a grid point.

The CPL origin can be selected as input to a dimension. This is particularly useful when dimensioning
setup sheets to position the component from the datum (CPL origin).

Hatching an Area

You can cross hatch (shade in) an area for clarity. This area can contain ‘islands’; that is, areas that will not
be cross hatched. The area can be bounded by any combination of lines arcs, curves, construction entities,
continuous or group entities.

You can alter the angle and line spacing defaults, if required.

To hatch an area

Select the

button from the Dimension toolbar or the Hatch Area (Dimension menu) command.

The Hatch dialog box is displayed.

1.

If required, update the default Angle of the hatch lines and Line Spacing.

2.

Click OK to accept the parameters for the command.

3.

Digitise a point on each boundary of the area. If islands are to be left, digitise them well before
finishing the command. Adjacent entities must have coincident endpoints.

4.

Please note that boundaries can be windowed and chained but you should be careful to avoid ambiguous
constructions as these may be misinterpreted.

Perform a finish.

5.

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EdgeCAM User Guide