I was wonder if there was a way to do this. i would like to be able to check and make sure my formula is giving me the correct answer by measuring the length.
only way I know of is to create a quick idw, place your completed part (or semi-completed part, at least have a feature created using the questionable arc in the sketch) in the idw and apply a arc length dim to it.
ugly but if your are only checking your formula, I would suspect you only need to check it a couple of times until you trust it.
Why not just use the Measure Distance tool? If it is a non-circular curve, then just select the curve you wish to measure and it will give you the total length. If it is a circular arc, Inventor will by default try to measure the radius or diameter, but if you use Select Other and flip through a couple of the choices, it will highlight the arc as shown in the pic, and when you select it it will give you the total length.
If you need to use the measurement in another parameter, then a formula is the way to go.
-cwhetten
My problem with that measure tool it that it will select the entire loop. I only want to measure for example in the above picture the ends that form an arc and not include the length of the remainder of the loop.
Plus I'm not always checking the my formula. In many instances i might have a existing part or something and need to add to it So I want to examine the length of a arc on a loop to be able to compare what stock length of material i could use for it and design around using a stock item as apposed to making something custom. Custom = more money, more time.
Being Competitive needs to have a balance of less time and money. Having better tools to examine my design can give me a competitive edge.
Also i distrust the measurement tools in Inventor it is far to easy to pick to wrong items or not be able to see if it is giving me the anticipated measurement i want.
Most of the time i end up doing what someone else suggested and make a temporary and making a quick detail drawing to measure these items.
I had absolutely no problems picking only the arc in my active sketch as shown behind the expanded tooltip.
A measured loop can be open as in the arc, or a closed loop.
@Vitornis wrote:
My problem with that measure tool it that it will select the entire loop. I only want to measure for example in the above picture the ends that form an arc and not include the length of the remainder of the loop.
if you wanted to, you could create a sketch, project the arc, and the use the dimension tool, pick th eend point of the arc, then the center point, then the other end point of the arc, and you will get an arc length dimension.
Very handy for constructing some types of sketches. probably quite useful for some sheet metal base sketches etc..
This answers the question in the title of the thread at least. as opposed to some of the other things that have cropped up.
Scott Moyse
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Design & Manufacturing Technical Services Manager at Cadpro New Zealand
Co-founder of the Grumpy Sloth full aluminium billet mechanical keyboard project
Following your example, I get the angle of the arc, not the length.
Here's an easier approach, not needing a second sketch:
1. If the arc is not part of a closed loop, use the measure loop tool to get the arc length.
2. If the arc IS part of a closed loop, temporarily make one segment of the loop a construction object, then use the measure loop tool to get the arc length. Convert the construction object back to normal when done.
This method taks a couple seconds and does not require a second sketch.
@scottmoyse wrote:
if you wanted to, you could create a sketch, project the arc, and the use the dimension tool, pick th eend point of the arc, then the center point, then the other end point of the arc, and you will get an arc length dimension.
http://cadsetterout.com/inventor/inventor-tip-dimension-arcs/
There it is in all its glory. This really depends at what stage of the design process you want to dimension it and use the information. Dennis will likely want the last word?
Scott Moyse
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Design & Manufacturing Technical Services Manager at Cadpro New Zealand
Co-founder of the Grumpy Sloth full aluminium billet mechanical keyboard project
Not quite what the OP wanted, the resulting dimension is an angle dim (the three selections define two lines).
I'm speechless! (that does not happen often!)
Actually, you have been bamboozled. The video link that you provided dimensions the angle, not the length.
The article is incorrect. I live by the slogan - "Believe Nothing Question Everything".
Did you take the time to test out the example in the article? If you had, you would know that it was an angle dimension. If you watch the animation carefully, you will notice that the top point of the arc moves slightly to the right when the 90 value is typed in.
This video should clear it up. No more words from me, promise.... 🙂
http://teknigroup.com/Videos/2012Q2/dimangle.html
@scottmoyse wrote:
http://cadsetterout.com/inventor/inventor-tip-dimension-arcs/
There it is in all its glory. This really depends at what stage of the design process you want to dimension it and use the information. Dennis will likely want the last word?
Dennis is absolutely right.
I am afraid that my post is wrong - that technique does show the Included Angle - not the Length.
I was shown that tip by a friend, got over exited and posted it and haven't got around to correcting it.
I will make e it tonight's task!
My apologies to anyone who has been misled.
Paul.
I gracefully apologise! **** you paul munford! lol.
I didnt try it out, i saw the 'style' of the dimension, which matches the arc length style in Acad. I assumed, problem is I didn't make an **** out of you and me, i just made one out of myself!
Lesson learnt!
Scott Moyse
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Design & Manufacturing Technical Services Manager at Cadpro New Zealand
Co-founder of the Grumpy Sloth full aluminium billet mechanical keyboard project
Here's a new and improved post:
http://cadsetterout.com/inventor/how-to-measure-dimension-and-specify-arc-length-in-sketches/
I hope that it meets approval 🙂
Paul.
Paul & Scott.... sorry for having a bit of fun with the both of you ... 🙂 I'ts not like I've ever made a mistake. (Yeah, Right)
Paul, excellent repost!
Now, you can be on the lookout for my next gaff!
Dennis
In 2011, you don't even have to temporarily change to construction lines. Using the distance tool,pick the arc, default is radius,select other shows length.
Correct!