The advantage of using model annotations to add design intent

Level:	Intermediate
ID#:	10220519
Category:	Modeling, Best Practice, Tech Tip
Products/Version:	SolidWorks 2006
Last revised:	10/22/05

Model annotations are used to define engineering characteristics and parameters directly on a part or within an assembly. The important features, tolerances, and other characteristics can be defined and reused later within the design process (i.e., drafting, manufacturing). These annotations can be created within a part or assembly document.

Model annotations can be used to add specific design intent during the modeling phase of the design. Often, this information is added near the end of the design phase as the drawing is being produced. Documenting the design characteristics while you're designing the part or assembly is often more effective than adding the design intent later during drawing creation. This allows the user to define important characteristics at the time the part and assembly is being created by the person who is creating the design.

The other uses for annotations could be rapid prototyping or paperless design collaboration. This information can be used downstream to add important part features and design intent without the use of detailed drawings using eDrawings or the SolidWorks Viewer.

Types of model annotations: Cosmetic Threads Datums Datum Targets Geometric Tolerance Notes Surface Finish Feature Dimensions Reference Dimensions Weld Symbols

Model dimensions are the sketch dimensions used to define the part geometry. Model dimensions that are shown on a drawing can be modified and the model geometry will update after the Rebuild command has been issued. Model dimensions are show in black and created dimensions are shown in gray. Extra dimensions can be added to the sketch as driven (non-updateable) vs. driving (updateable). This means even if you add dimensions to support the geometric construction, you can also add the dimension that will be shown on the drawing.

Modeled Dimensions Versus Created Dimensions

• Model dimensions reuse the sketch dimensions saving the time required to redefine the dimensions.
• Model dimensions can be changed within the drawing and the corresponding model or assembly geometry is updated.
• Create dimensions cannot change model geometry.
• Dimension parameters and annotations can be defined within the model during feature creation. These parameters could be tolerance values, appended or prefixed text, geometric tolerances, etc. The advantage to defining these parameters during the creation of the feature is that the designer can capture the intent when the feature is defined and not have to go back later and try to remember the intent for the feature.
• Create dimensions can be added when and where it makes sense for the drawing. There are times when the model dimensions may not be displayed or created in the desired location or orientation for the drawing. Locating a feature from the center or a part or a reference plane cannot typically be measured.