Datum Points in solid works??

Hi,
I am a good Pro E user, I have been thrown into a project using solid
works, I was wondering if anyone knew if solid works can make a datum
point like proE, I found the place it should be, by clicking insert,
then reference geometry, but there is no point please help??

 

What version of SWX are you using? I think they added the reference
point feature in 2004.

Also (in earlier versions), you can use a 3d (or 2d) sketch to place a
sketch point. That sketch point can later be referenced by other
features.

 

I don't know what is meant by Datum Point in ProE, but for creating Datum
Target area or edge you can add an annotation and locate it on the surface
or edge. You can also add a Datum Reference like Datum A and Datum B for
GDT but both of these are annotations. If you go to insert>annotations>...
Check the help to see if this is what you are after. Then let us know for
curiosity sake.

Corey Scheich

 

Not all Pro/E habits will be effective in SW. This may be one of them.

What is it you are trying to accomplish?

If you really need a point in space use a 3D sketch point. If you need a
CSYS in space create a sketch plane with the origin at the point you want
and create a coordinate system.

 

sorry let me rephrase my question

I need to create a point, that can be used to reference features, In
ProE we use datum planes, axis, points, along with coordinate systems,
and curves. In solid works it appears that the only reference tool are
plane and axis.

 

There are several "references" that can be used. The main method is to
reference other features/parts. Another is to put construction sketches in
and then reference them.

If the "point" you want is a certain point in space, put in a sketch with a
point dimensioned to that position. If you really just need the "point" to
be relative to a previous feature, reference the new feature directly from
the previous one.

WT

 

Shaun,

Further in SW 2004 you do have reference points I presume that you are using
an earlier version. In this case you can insert a 3D sketch if a 2D sketch
isn't adequate and you can put a point in any location in a 3D sketch if it
isn't constrained to anything you can even type in the XYZ coords.

Corey

 

Shaun,

I will reiterate that some Pro/E habits/techniques may not be the most
ideal in SW. This may be one of them. I would be good to know what you
are trying to accomplish in a little broader terms. Sometimes
terminology can be a blockage to getting things done.

Points that can be used to reference other features have been avaiable
in SW for many releases. Does the point you are creating have to be
related to other features in some way? If so how.

Here are the options for creating points in space (that can be
referenced).

1. Create a reference plane. Put a sketch on it consisting of one
point.
2. Use a 3D sketch and locate a single point dimensionaly from other
features.
3. Use the reference point feature in SW2004.

Is there some reason these don't suit your purposes?