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DriveWorks Solo 23
Dimensions and Features

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Dimensions and Features

The dimensions and features section provides the ability to capture dimensions and features, by selecting them in the SOLIDWORKS feature tree or in the graphics area.

Show only missing

This option will display the captured parameters that are missing.

A missing parameter is one that is captured but has since been removed or renamed in SOLIDWORKS.

Show only missing - uncheckedShow only missing - checked

Captured Parameter Highlighting

When any captured parameter is selected from the capture assistant, the parameter will be highlighted on the model and/or in the SOLIDWORKS feature manager.

Selecting any captured parameter on the model or SOLIDWORKS feature manager will highlight the reference in the DriveWorks capture assistant.

This feature is supported for the following parameter types:

  • Dimensions - will be highlighted on the model only.
  • Features - will be highlighted on the model and the SOLIDWORKS feature manager.
  • Instances - will be highlighted on the model and the SOLIDWORKS feature manager.
This feature is particularly useful when controlling Instances.

The instance order in the SOLIDWORKS feature manager does not necessarily follow the order DriveWorks recognizes.

In the image below Flange <5> in the SOLIDWORKS feature manager is Instance 1 to DriveWorks.

In this example Captured Parameter Highlighting indicates the instance parameter in the DriveWorks capture assistant, on the model AND in the SOLIDWORKS feature manager.

Dimensions

Capturing Dimensions

To Capture a dimension:

  • Double click the feature or sketch which contains the dimension to capture.
  • Select the dimension in the SOLIDWORKS graphics area.
  • The address box in the dimensions and features section is filled in with the dimension's full SOLIDWORKS name.
  • If the dimension still has its default name, e.g. D1, then you need to fill in the Name text box manually to give the dimension a meaningful name. If you've already named your dimensions in SOLIDWORKS, then DriveWorks will automatically fill in the Name text box for you.
  • Click Add.
While capturing dimensions, it is often easier to disable Instant 3D/2D so that you can select the dimension text, if you don't, you will only be able to select a dimension by clicking the non-text parts of the dimension.

Uncapturing Dimensions

To uncapture a single dimension:

  • Right click the dimension in the dimensions and features section.
  • Click Remove.

To uncapture multiple dimensions:

  • Ctrl or Shift select the dimensions to be removed in the dimensions and features section.
  • Right click one of the dimensions.
  • Click Remove.
If you remove a dimension and save your group, the action cannot be undone. Furthermore, if you have already created any rules for the removed dimension, then they will be lost. Before removing a dimension, you may wish to make a copy of your group and projects.

Reattaching Dimensions which have been Renamed in SOLIDWORKS

If you rename a dimension in SOLIDWORKS, the dimension will appear in red in the dimensions and features section.

To reattach the dimension:

  • Select the missing dimension in the dimensions and features section.
  • Double click the feature or sketch which contains the dimension that was renamed.
  • Select the dimension in the SOLIDWORKS graphics area.
  • Click Update.

Renaming Dimensions in DriveWorks

To rename a dimension in DriveWorks:

  • Select the dimension to be renamed in the dimensions and features section.
  • Change the name in the Name text box.
  • Click Update.

Features

Capturing Features

To capture a feature:

  • Single click the feature in the feature tree.
  • The address box in the dimensions and features section is filled in with the feature's SOLIDWORKS name.
  • If the feature still has its default name, e.g. Shell1, then you need to fill in the Name text box manually to give the feature a meaningful name. If you've already named your features in SOLIDWORKS, then DriveWorks will automatically fill in the Name text box for you.
  • Click Add.
Most items that are listed in the SOLIDWORKS feature manager can have its state (suppress/unsuppress/delete) controlled by DriveWorks. Select the feature from the SOLIDWORKS feature manager and if the name of the feature appears in the Address field of the Dimensions and Features tab it can be controlled.

Uncapturing Features

To uncapture a single feature:

  • Right click the feature in the dimensions and features section.
  • Click Remove.

To uncapture multiple features:

  • Ctrl or Shift select the features to be removed in the dimensions and features section.
  • Right click one of the features.
  • Click Remove.
If you remove a feature and save your group, the action cannot be undone. Furthermore, if you have already created any rules for the removed feature, then they will be lost. Before removing a feature, you may wish to make a copy of your group and projects.

Reattaching Features which have been Renamed in SOLIDWORKS

If you rename a feature in SOLIDWORKS, the feature will appear in red in the dimensions and features section.

To reattach the feature:

  • Select the missing feature in the dimensions and features section.
  • Single click the feature that was renamed.
  • Click Update.

Renaming Features in DriveWorks

To rename a feature in DriveWorks:

  • Select the feature to be renamed in the dimensions and features section.
  • Change the name in the Name text box.
  • Click Update.

Advanced Features

Some features also have Advanced Feature Parameters that can be captured. This offers greater control over the captured feature.

Feature types that can be captured

The table below lists the types of features that can be controlled.

FeatureModel TypeAdvanced Feature Parameter AvailableNotes
Boss/Base FeaturesPart/AssemblySee Boss/Base Features
Cut FeaturesPart/AssemblySee Cut Features
Hole WizardPart/AssemblySee Hole Wizard Features
General Features (Chamfer, Fillet etc.)PartSee Features
PatternPart/AssemblySee Pattern Features
Sheet MetalPartSee Sheet Metal Features
WeldmentPartSee Weldment Features
SurfacePartSee Surface Features
MoldPartSee Mold Features
MatesAssemblySee Distance Mate Features
Cosmetic ThreadsPartSee Cosmetic Threads Features
The process of telling DriveWorks Solo that a feature, dimension, model, or some other entity should be controlled by DriveWorks Solo.
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