Dimension in Sketches without having to project geometry

[BromanSillito]

While sketching in a part/assembly, it is annoying when dimensioning to have to either project geometry in order to create dimensions or have the application option of auto-projecting geometry in sketches turned on (which creates performance problems in large assemblies because of all the projected geometry). An excellent feature in inventor would be to allow users to dimension to existing edges of a part/assembly without having to project geometry (like in Solidworks). At the very least it would create projected geometry automatically while dimensioning (so that when you select an existing edge to dimension to it creates projected geometry on only that edge automatically).

[Anonymous]

Exactly! I never understood why they still have this requirement.

construction/datum planes are infinite...in infinite 3D space. Why does one have to project them into a sketch in order to constrain to them.

This is just one of the many reasons that makes Inventor so cumbersome and slow compared to other 3D CAD software.

[Anonymous]

Strange... not sure what version of Inventor you're running, but mine (2015) does this.

I have "Autoproject edges during curve creation" selected in the "Sketch" Application Option.  Upon dimensioning to an edge of a part in a sketch, which has no projection yet, the edge will be projected, and a dimension created.

[BromanSillito]

ccamara01, you are correct about being able to autoproject geometry - I'm re-acquainting myself with Inventor because our company is going back to it after not using it for a while. However, you shouldn't have to project geometry at all, and the projected geometry still contributes to file size and can significantly affect large assembly performance. The other 3D platforms I've used allow dimensioning to edges without projecting geometry.

[Anonymous]

I came from using Solidworks for over two years as well.  Have been using Inventor for 3 years now. 

The projected edges thing really bothered me at first too.  Although I'm not sure that they contribute much to file size, since even in Solidworks, I'm sure the edges are somehow "projected" behind the scenes, in order to capture the data of the dimension location.  That's just a guess though.

[Anonymous]

"However, you shouldn't have to project geometry at all, and the projected geometry still contributes to file size and can significantly affect large assembly performance. The other 3D platforms I've used allow dimensioning to edges without projecting geometry."

Exactly!

The biggest problem with inventor is the overcomplexity's of basic functionality. This is one of many steps and operations that slows down the user and makes the program cumbersome.

By the way I am using 2015 (and they still have so much of this non-sense to deal with.)

[A_Sima]

Sure!

I saw one can use the edges of the part without projecting them before. still, the datum planes or axis cannot be used. I try to avoid project edges and to use the initial planes. Inventor is awful handling references, they get lost very easy.

Projecting all edges ,ake the sketch almost unreadable.

[dan_szymanski]

Accepted idea [US-123644]. Thanks!

[dan_szymanski]

This idea has been implemented within Autodesk Inventor 2018. Special thanks to everyone who cast a vote for it.

[DRoam]

Related ideas:

• not project entities when apply constrains
• Eliminate the "Project Geometry" Command
• Add Pierce Relation
• Offset Behaivour

[jeanie.wayker]

See here for more info: What's New 2018.1

[Josh_Hunt]

Hi @dan_szymanski or @jeanie.wayker , Can you clarify the exact expected behavior. I cannot get this ability to to work in Inventor 2020. Is there a setting I missed? I read What's New 2018.1 and it only refers to projecting work axes or points.

I have tried this in an assembly sketch and while in a part when dimensioning to another part's geometry.

[dan_szymanski]

Hello @Josh_Hunt , this was implemented within the Part environment.  When sketching within a part, and applying a dimension between your new sketch geometry and existing part edges or work features.  I noticed that is not explicitly detailed (within parts only) within the product help. @jeanie.wayker perhaps something we should append?

[jeanie.wayker]

@Josh_Hunt @dan.szymanski  Thank you, Dan. I'll review the help and update.

Thanks again,

Jeanie