Adjusting dimensions

[jigen08]

I'm a new SolidWorks user, so this might be a simple question:

I've been given a model to work with, and I need to adjust the dimensions. After using Smart Dimension to tell me what the dimensions are, I right-click the number and go into Dimension Properties. I can see the value, but it is greyed out.

It appears to be locked, I cannot adjust it. How can I unlock this to make adjustments?

Thanks in advance

 

[Guru.hm]

if it is greyed out then it is overdefined dimension.
or else if u want to change the value of dimension what u r getting to what u want u can do like this...

right click on the dimension value, choose properties, then choose modify text, then delete the text in the dimension text window, be careful here it will ur permission
" Overriding the dimension value text <DIM> disables tolerance display. Do you want to continue?"

like this, u will not be able to provide tolerance to that dimension... if u select yes then u can alter or adjust the value of the existing dimension.

 

[jigen08]

Thanks for the response. I was able to change the number listed, but this
doesn't adjust the value

 

[Asho Pulsar]

Ifyou guyzworking in the same directory, the drawing which you open shows read-only,when somebody opened it in their comp already orsomebody openedthe part/assembly which used in the drawing. So you have to ask them to close the solidworks and open it again, then only you can able to open. I hope i am not making any senseless...

 

[Guru.hm]

tell me exactly how u want to adjust the value.

 

[Mihail]

Hi all !


JIGEN08, I think is theBAD BADBAD idea to overwrite a dimension. Maybe, for non important part can be a fast way to make a new drawing. But, if the part is in an assembly... is BAD BAD BAD.


Assuming that you work in sketch mode, if the dimension is greyed out it is an OVERDEFINED dimension (GURU.HM tell that). Exemple: a point, in 3D need 3 dimension (the coordinates) to become a FULLY defined item. If you provide more dimensions, like a distance from this point to a line oryou try toadd aSKETCH RELATION like a COINCIDENT relation between this point and a line, then your sketch become OVERDEFINED. Hope you understand the idea.


On the other hand, a fully defined sketch is NOT necesary every time. In my opinion the trueSWpower is the SKETCH RELATIONS.Example: Make anassembly from 2 parts: one part is a rectangle EXTRUDE BOSS part with a circulary hole. Fully define the hole in this part ! (position and diametter)The second part is another rectangle EXTRUDE BOSS part. EXTRUDE CUT a circulary hole in this part but DO NOT provide any dimensions for this hole. Make the assembly and mate the parts ! (like a sandwich)


Now, in ASSEMBLY,edit the hole's sketchin the second part and add relation: CONCENTRIC and EQUAL betveen the sketch circle andan edge of the first hol (from the first part). Your sketch become black: it become FULLY DEFINED sktch. SW know EXACTLY where thecircle is. Exit from sketch, exit from EDIT PART mode and rebuild.


If, from now to ever, you change the position or the diameter for the first part hole, the second part hole will be automaticaly updated. Also the second hole will be automaticaly updated if you change the position between the two parts in the assembly. The holles remain EQUAL and CONCENTRIC all the times.


Hope THISis the answer to your question.


Good luck !
Edited by: Mihail

 

[Guru.hm]

thanks mihail its really informative.. but i think jigen08 altogether has some other problem.