Virtual Sharps in SketchesSometimes you want a point in a sketch that represents the location of 2 lines intersecting, even though they don’t actually share a point. These points can be created and are called virtual sharps in SOLIDWORKS. Sketch Fillet ScenarioOne scenario occurs when using the Sketch Fillet command. Points that are already constrained can be kept as virtual sharps if “Keep Constrained Corners” is active in the PropertyManager of the Sketch Fillet tool, as seen in Visual 1 below. Alternate ScenarioWhat about virtual sharps where you’re not using Sketch Fillet? The solution is easy: simply select 2 lines that would intersect if extended, then click the Point command on the Sketch tab of the CommandManager while those lines are still selected.
Virtual sharp created. This is shown in Visual 3 below. Sharing TipsWe hope you found these tips helpful. Feel free to share with other SOLIDWORKS users. Every little improvement helps when it comes to timely sketching. Visual 1: Visual 2: Visual 3.
A virtual sharp creates a sketch point at the virtual intersection point of two sketch entities. Dimensions and relations to the virtual intersection point are retained even if the actual intersection no longer exists, such as when a corner is removed by a fillet or chamfer. Search 'Creating Virtual Sharps' in the SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base.
While every SOLIDWORKS user knows how to dimension lines, arcs or circles, I noticed that some engineers do not know the full power of Smart Dimension. So, in this tech blog I want to show you five handy tricks to optimize your Smart Dimension usage! Angle Dimension based on pointsThis one is handy for dimensioning the angle of an arc. Normally you would draw some construction lines and use these for the angular dimension, but it’s also possible to use the three points of the arc.Use the following selection order, while having the Smart Dimension tool active:. Select the first endpoint of the arc.
Select the second endpoint of the arc. Select the center of the arc. Place the angle dimension at the desired location.2.
Angle Dimension using an imaginary lineSometimes you want to add an angle dimension, but you don’t have a reference line for it. In this case, you can use the following tip, so you can add an angle dimension by using an imaginary line.Use the following selection order, while having the Smart Dimension tool active:.
Select the line. Select one endpoint of the line. Select an arrow of the crosshair, to determine the direction of the angle dimension. Place the angle dimension at the desired location.3. Arc length dimensionDo you also want to dimension the length of an arc? No problem with the following trick.Use the following selection order, while having the Smart Dimension tool active:.
Select the first endpoint of the arc. Select the second endpoint of the arc. Select the arc. Place the arc length dimension at the desired location.4. Dimension to the outside of an arc or circleNormally when you place a dimension between two arcs or circles, SOLIDWORKS will place the dimension between the center points. But sometimes you want to place a dimension from the outside of an arc or circle.Use the following selection order, while having the Smart Dimension tool active:. Hold down the Shift-key and select the outside of the first circle.
Hold down the Shift-key and select the outside of the second circle. Place the distance dimension at the desired location.5. Automatically finding virtual sharps for dimensionsSometimes when you have a fillet or chamfer applied at a corner, you will miss a corner to place a dimension.