Dimensions and constraints are critical in SolidWorks parts. Fully defined sketches ensure that entities do not move when moving sketches around. They also ensure faces and edges are not moved by mate conditions at the assembly level.
In an Active Sketch
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When in an active sketch, ensure that dimension visibility is on. Select “View” – “Hide / Show”, and ensure Sketch Dimensions is selected. Alternatively, use the “Eye” symbol from the View (Heads-up) menu direct from the graphics area.
From a Part/Assembly
To show feature dimensions outside of a sketch, right-click on Annotations from the Design Tree and select “Show Feature Dimensions”. Dimensions can be hidden individually by right-clicking and selecting “Hide”. If the dimension relates to a feature (extrude length), select the feature to display the dimensions and right click the hidden dimension and click “Show”. To show hidden sketch dimensions, do the same but select the sketch first.
Part Geometry Hiding Dimensions
Check that the above settings are correct. If the dimensions for a feature still do not show, confirm they are not hidden by the part itself. The dimensions shown in the image below are hidden by the part.
To show dimensions in a SolidWorks part, follow these steps:
- Open the SolidWorks part that you want to add dimensions to.
- Click on the “Dimensions” tool in the toolbar, or go to “Insert” > “Dimensions” in the top menu.
- Select the type of dimension you want to add. You can choose from horizontal, vertical, angular, diameter, radius, and more.
- Click on the location where you want to add the dimension. You can click on an edge, a vertex, or any other point on the part.
- Move the dimension to the desired location, and click to place it.
- Repeat the process to add more dimensions.
- To edit a dimension, double-click on it, and type in the new value.
- You can also customize the appearance of the dimensions by going to “Tools” > “Options” > “Document Properties” > “Dimensions”.
- Finally, save your part with the dimensions added.
By following these steps, you can easily show dimensions in a SolidWorks part.
Understanding the Different Types of Dimensions in SolidWorks
SolidWorks offers a variety of dimension types that allow you to specify the size, position, and orientation of features in your part. Here are some of the most common types of dimensions available in SolidWorks:
- Linear Dimensions: Linear dimensions are used to measure the distance between two points or the length of a line or edge. They are represented by a single arrow with a numerical value.
- Angular Dimensions: Angular dimensions are used to measure the angle between two lines or features. They are represented by an arc with a numerical value.
- Diameter Dimensions: Diameter dimensions are used to measure the diameter of a circle or cylindrical feature. They are represented by a circle with a numerical value.
- Radius Dimensions: Radius dimensions are used to measure the radius of a circular feature. They are represented by a single arrow pointing to the center of the circle with a numerical value.
- Chamfer Dimensions: Chamfer dimensions are used to specify the size of a chamfer, which is a beveled edge on a part. They are represented by two lines with a numerical value.
- Hole Callouts: Hole callouts are used to specify the size and location of a hole. They can include information such as the diameter, depth, and thread type of the hole.
- Center Mark Dimensions: Center mark dimensions are used to specify the center of a circular feature. They are represented by a small cross with a numerical value.
- Ordinate Dimensions: Ordinate dimensions are used to measure the distance of a feature from a zero reference point. They are represented by a horizontal or vertical line with a numerical value.
By using these various types of dimensions, you can accurately and precisely specify the size, location, and orientation of features in your SolidWorks part.
