DATUM AXES

Discussion in 'Pro/Engineer & Creo Elements/Pro' started by dakeb, Aug 15, 2003.

  1. dakeb

    dakeb Guest

    I want to place a series of axes in a model so that I can place various
    types and sizes of holes on them. The best way for me to create and
    dimension the axes is by means of a single sketch, rather then creating each
    individual axis as separate features. I tried creating a cosmetic sketch,
    but the datum axis command is greyed out. Then it wouldn't let me place
    points in cosmetic mode that I could see after exiting (to select for
    individual axis creation).

    Then I tried creating a cut, and successfully placed all the datum axes.
    Trouble is the model wanted solid geometry before it would let me exit, so I
    had to sketch one of the clearance holes. Then I could afterwards place all
    the tapped and dowel holes on the axes that were remaining.

    Am I missing something? Isn't there any way of sketching axes like I want to
    without making a cut?

    rev 2001

    Dave
     
    dakeb, Aug 15, 2003
    #1
  2. dakeb

    David Janes Guest

    : I want to place a series of axes in a model so that I can place various
    : types and sizes of holes on them. The best way for me to create and
    : dimension the axes is by means of a single sketch, rather then creating each
    : individual axis as separate features. I tried creating a cosmetic sketch,
    : but the datum axis command is greyed out.

    Normally, if you create a bunch of circles as a sketched curve, you get axes for
    free. After you've used the axes for hole creation, just blank the curve layer.
    The thing I don't like about this method is that the location reference is
    obscure; you won't find it by selecting the hole to modify. Also, when you find
    the location reference (sketch), you get all the dimensions at once.

    But if you'd like an easy way to create points to use for axes, try field points.
    You create them just by clicking on a surface or plane, adjusting dimensions
    later. I'm not sure, when it comes to creating the axes, if you pick one point and
    get all the axes or have to pick them individually.

    David Janes
     
    David Janes, Aug 15, 2003
    #2
  3. dakeb

    David Janes Guest

    :
    : : : I want to place a series of axes in a model so that I can place various
    : : types and sizes of holes on them. The best way for me to create and
    : : dimension the axes is by means of a single sketch, rather then creating each
    : : individual axis as separate features. I tried creating a cosmetic sketch,
    : : but the datum axis command is greyed out.
    :
    : Normally, if you create a bunch of circles as a sketched curve, you get axes for
    : free.

    Not quite true, need to use sketch to create extruded surface. Axes come with
    extruded surface. Kinda awkward, huh!?! But the sketched circles extrude all at
    once, creating all the axes at once. Axes are avalable individually for coaxial
    holes. Actually it would probably be simpler just to start off extruding the
    surface, not creating the sketched circles first.

    DJ
     
    David Janes, Aug 15, 2003
    #3
  4. dakeb

    dakeb Guest

    Easiest is to create a cut, and leave the hole in free space somewhere if I
    can't use it, and put in all the datum axes. Then I can pick all the axes to
    place the holes. Shouldn't have to do this though, if I was making the part
    I'd mark out and centre punch all the holes before drilling them. Don't know
    why I can't do this as a sketch of datum axes. This is one of the reasons I
    avoid the hole command. Previously I would put in all my holes as a cut
    (except of course they are always flat-bottomed). Inserting individual holes
    which reference each other is time consuming and a real pain in the ass, and
    as I recently discovered, it bombs out if you want to change units.
     
    dakeb, Aug 18, 2003
    #4
  5. dakeb

    dakeb Guest

    Insert/Datum/Point and then right at the bottom of the list there is a
    sketch option.

    Thanks to Anthony Thompson.
     
    dakeb, Aug 18, 2003
    #5
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