DUAL DIMENSIONS - ABOVE vs. TO THE RIGHT

My company has begun using dual dimensions as the standard on assembly
prints for use in catalogs, web, etc. My problem is that SolidWorks
only allows secondary dimensions to be displayed 1 of 4 ways (top,
bottom, right, left) under Tools, Options, Document Properties,
Detailing. This setting applies to the entire drawing, and there is
apparently no individual control over specific dimensions. For
instance, sometimes secondary dims fit better above, and sometimes to
the right. Does anyone know a work-around, besides manually inputting
dimensions? Also, is there a standard practice that would dictate that
all dims be one way or another?

Any input would be appreciated.

-JOSH

 

Yeah, I hate that. Seriously bugs me. Enhancement request?

 

Here is a standard listed in the Genium Modern Drafting Practices and
Standards Manual.
it is a long haired, 5" thick book that mostly describes engineering
functions. this is one item in section 6, Dimensioning and
Tolerancing. this book is a good base for an company engineering
manual. all you have to do is write a deviations listing for items
that your company does differently than the BOOK states. this is what
i did. anyway here is its definition of dual dimension placement.


4.0 IDENTIFICATION OF METRIC EQUIVALENTS
The inch and millimeter dimensions must be identified, one from
the other by square brackets [ ] surrounding the millimeter
dimensions and placed adjacent to the inch dimension. Position
is optional, selecting the method which best fits into the available
space. Consideration shall be given to uniform placement of the
metric equivalent on each drawing.


so this means that the position of the dial dimension is not clearly
documented. the reason is that different countries like their dual
dimensions in a different place. Japan wants them on top, Korea wants
them below, China wants them to right (and would not accept a drawing
until this was done). i am sure that Europe would want them in another
location. it is not us that need to standardize on this, just the rest
of the world.

so for a company standard select a location and see to it that it is
done, at least consistanly.

Words of wisdom sometimes fall on faint ears, i am glad that SWx users
listen. iQ

 

iQ et al,

According to your drafting "bible", it appears I am dimensioning
correctly. I am using [] brackets for my metric dimensions, and have
found placing them to the right of the inch dimensions works out best.
Having them at the top takes up too much space, especially when
dimensioning using bilateral tolerances, additional notes, etc. I
understand the urge to stick with one particular placement method for
the sake of consistency, although I would expect it to be obvious by
the [] brackets (and a little common sense math) which dimensions are
inches vs. mm, regardless of where they are placed. My beef was that
SWx doesn't allow independent editing of this property, and I was
wondering if it was by design or not?? I agree that it is best if you
can pick one method and stick with it as a default, but there should be
the flexibility within the software to make exceptions.

Thanks to all who had input here.

-JOSH

 

UG allowed dual dimension pplacement to be adjusted for individual
dimensions.