Drafting Lesson Basic Dimension Types

Figure 38-1 shows the six basic dimension types that will be taught in this module. They are the linear, aligned, angular, diameter, radius, and leader dimensions.

Inserting Dimensions

In this module, inserting and editing linear, aligned, angular, radius, diameter, and leader dimensions will be taught. When a dimension is inserted, it resides on the current layer and assumes the color of that layer.

USER TIP: The current dimensioning style will appear in the Dimensioning toolbar, the Styles toolbar, and Home ribbon. A quick way to check or change the current dimensioning style is with one of these drop-down menus. Try to get into the habit of using the Dimensioning toolbar or the Home ribbon to insert dimensions. It will speed your drawing productivity.

 

AutoCAD Command: DIMLINEAR

The DIMLINEAR command is used to insert a linear dimension. A linear dimension is a dimension that is either horizontal or vertical.

Shortcut: DIMLIN

AutoCAD Command: DIMALIGNED

The DIMALIGNED command is used to insert an aligned dimension.

Shortcut: DIMALI

AutoCAD Command: DIMANGULAR

The DIMANGULAR command is used to insert an angular dimension.

Shortcut: DIMANG

AutoCAD Command: DIMDIAMETER

The DIMDIAMETER command is used to insert a diameter dimension.

Shortcut: DIMDIA

AutoCAD Command: DIMRADIUS

The DIMRADIUS command is used to insert a radius dimension.

Shortcut: DIMRAD

WORKALONG: Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions

Step 1

Open the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 37-1. (Figure Step 1)

Step 2

Using the SAVEAS command, save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 38-1.

Step 3

Enter the DIMASSOC system variable, as shown below, and ensure that it is set to 2. This will enable associative dimensions.

Command: DIMASSOC

Enter new value for DIMASSOC <1>: 2

Command:

Step 4

Enable the display of the Dimension toolbar. Set the current dimensioning style to: Module 37. (Figure Step 4)

Step 5

Set layer: Dimensions as the current layer and set Paper space as the current space.

Step 6

Delete the center lines for the circle. (Figure Step 6)

Step 7

Turn layer: Center Lines off.

(You can place the location of P3 by eye. Try to match the figure the best you can.)

Dimension text = 4.50

Command:

Step 9

Using what you just learned, add the linear dimensions to match the figure. (Figure Step 9)

Step 10

Enter the DIMALI command, as shown below, to insert an aligned dimension. (Figure Step 10)

Command: DIMALI

Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: (end) P4

Specify second extension line origin: (end) P5

Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: P6

Dimension text = 4.66

Command:

Step 11

Using what you just learned, add the aligned dimensions to match the figure. (Figure Step 11).

Step 12

Enter the DIMDIA command, as shown below, to insert a diameter dimension as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 12)

Command: DIMDIA

Select arc or circle: P7

Dimension text = 1.00

Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: P8

Command:

Step 13

Enter the DIMRAD command, as shown below, to insert a radius dimension. (Figure Step 13)

Command: DIMRAD Select arc or circle: P9

Dimension text = 2.56

Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: P10

Command:

Step 14

Using what you just learned, add a second radius dimension to match the figure. (Figure Step 14)

Step 15

Enter the DIMANG command, as shown below, to insert an angular dimension. (Figure Step 15)

Command: DIMANG

Select arc, circle, line, or <specify vertex>: P11

Select second line: P12

Specify dimension arc line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: P13

Dimension text = 75d0’0″

Command:

Step 16

Your drawing should be similar to the figure. (Figure Step 16)

Step 17

Open the Properties window. Select the two radius dimensions shown in the figure. Set the Center mark property to None. (Figure Step 17)

Step 18

Select the two linear dimensions shown in the figure. Set the Ext line offset property to 0.1800. (Figure Step 18)

Step 19

Select the aligned dimension shown in the figure. Set the Text override property to < > REF. (Figure Step 19)

Step 20

Select the aligned dimension shown in the figure. Change the property Ext Line 2 to Off. This will turn off the display of one of the extension lines since it is on object line. Depending on the order that you used when inserting the dimension, you may have to set Ext Line 1 instead. (Figure Step 20)

Step 21

Turn layer: Center Lines on. Your drawing should match the figures. (Figure Step 21)

Step 22

Using what you learned earlier, insert the angular dimension as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 22)

Step 23

Your drawing should closely match the figure. (Figure Step 23A and 23B)

Step 24

Turn layer: Viewport off. Fill in the titleblock. (Figure Step 24)

Step 25

Save and close the drawing.

WORKALONG: Inserting Leaders

Step 1

Open the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 38-1. (Figure Step 1)

Step 2

Enter the QLEADER command, as shown below, and enter the Settings option. It will open the Leader Settings dialogue box. Enable the Annotation tab. Ensure that the dialogue box matches the settings in the figure. (Figure Step 2)

Command: QLEADER

Specify first leader point, or [Settings]: S

Command:

Step 3

Enable the Leader Line and Arrow tab. Ensure that your dialogue box matches the settings in the figure. (Figure Step 3)

Step 4

Enable the Attachment tab. Ensure that your dialogue box matches the settings in the figure. (Figure Step 4)

Step 5

Enter the QLEADER command, as shown below, to insert the leader. (Figure Step 5)

Command: QLEADER

Specify first leader point, or [Settings] <Settings>: (near) P13

(Use the Near osnap mode)

Specify next point: P14

Specify next point: <Ortho on> P15

(I enabled Ortho mode to ensure the line is horizontal.)

Specify text width <0.0000>:

Enter first line of annotation text <Mtext>: MATCHING

Enter next line of annotation text <Mtext>: EDGE 

Enter next line of annotation text:

Command:

Step 6

Using what you just learned, add the leader START X5.5Y4.5 as shown in the figure. Your completed drawing shown now appear similar to the figure. (Figure Step 6)

Step 7

Save and close the drawing.

Key Principles

Lab Exercise 38-1

Time allowed: 30 minutes.

Step 1

Open the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 37-1. Using the SAVEAS command, save and name it: AutoCAD 2D Lab 38-1.

Step 2

Set the current dimension style to: 2D English.

Step 3

Ensure that associate dimensioning is enabled by checking the setting of the DIMASSOC system variable.

Step 4

In Paper space, on layer: Dimensions, insert the dimensions shown in the figure. Match the figure the best you can. (Figure step 4A and 4B)

Step 5

Turn layer: Viewport off.

Step 6

Using the standards in Module 20, complete the titleblock.

Lab Exercise 38-2

Time allowed: 30 minutes.

Step 1

Open the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 37-2. Using the SAVEAS command, save and name it: AutoCAD 2D Lab 38-2.

Step 2

Set the current dimension style to: 2D Metric.

Step 3

Ensure that associate dimensioning is enabled by checking the setting of the DIMASSOC system variable.

Step 4

In Paper space, on layer: Dimensions, insert the dimensions shown in the figure. Match the figure the best you can. Figure step 4A and 4B)

Step 5

Turn layer: Viewport off.

Step 6

Using the standards in Module 20, complete the titleblock.

Lab Exercise 38-3

Time allowed: 40 minutes.

Step 1

Open the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 37-3. Using the SAVEAS command, save and name it: AutoCAD 2D Lab 38-3.

Step 2

Set the current dimension style to: 2D English.

Step 3

Ensure that associate dimensioning is enabled by checking the setting of DIMASSOC.

Step 4

In Paper space, on layer: Dimensions, insert the dimensions shown in the figure. Match the figure the best you can. (Figure step 4A and 4B)

Step 5

Turn layer: Viewport off.

Step 6

Using the standards in Module 20, complete the titleblock.