The basic principle of dimensioning in Smart Isometrics is to define the span of the overall dimension. The software uses markers to indicate the scope of the dimension. That is, they display the start and end points of the length that you will define. You can place markers only at discrete points on the pipeline (the ends of pipe or the ends or middle of components), and the points can span only one length of unknown pipe.
In the example below, the span of the overall dimension runs from one end of a pipe to the middle of the elbow at the end of the straight. The value displayed in the Dimension box (114.3 mm) is the minimum length allowed for the pipe, which the software has calculated based on the known length of the elbow leg.
The software also displays the known length of the elbow leg in the Length box in the Properties window.
To complete the dimension, you must type a value in the Dimension box that defines the overall dimension. In the example below, the overall dimension is defined as 2000mm, which means that the length of the pipe is 1885.7mm.
You can also define a dimension value by typing a value in the Length box in the Properties window.
The software uses the formula below to calculate the length of the pipe:
Overall dimension - Length of non-pipe components = Length of pipe
Using the above example, the length of the pipe is based on subtracting 114.3mm (the minimum allowed length of pipe) from 2000mm (the overall dimension).
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The software calculates dimensions for pipe supports and displays those values using a separate set of dimension lines. The example below, one dimension line shows the distance of the pipe leg (1). The other dimension line shows the distance between the supports (2).
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You can dynamically dimension connected pipe or the open end of a pipe by pressing CTRL and dragging the pipeline to lengthen or shorten it. The display of the pipeline in the 3D View window updates automatically.
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You can dynamically dimension a connected group of components, such as a flanged valve, by pressing CTRL+ALT and sliding the assembly along the pipeline. In the example below, the valve assembly is in the wrong position (1) as depicted in the 3D View window and Detail window.
When you drag the valve assembly to the correct location in the Detail window (2), the 3D View window dynamically updates (3).
