New bug in Measure tool, or old limitation?

Seems like this is a bug, but I don't know that I've ever tried to do
this in the past.

I have an assembly, with two parts mated together such that their top
surfaces are parallel but not coincident (1/8" apart). If I edit one of
the components in-context, the measure tool gives incorrect results when
checking the dimension between the two top surfaces. They are correctly
reported as being parallel, but the normal distance is given as zero.

If the measure tool is used when not editing a part in-context, the
proper value of 1/8" is returned as the normal distance.

Seems like a bug. I can envision all sorts of scenarios where this
could cause problems. It is very obvious that the parts are not
coincident in my assembly, but that may not always be the case.

Jim S.

 

I was able to duplicate this problem in SP2.1. On my parts the distance was
0.5 mm. Everything is OK when working in the assembly. When working in one
of the parts, the distance is still 0.5 mm but the normal distance is 0.

Measuring in SP2.1 also appears to have more bugs. Measuring between arcs
often screws up. It always seems to show the center to center distance on
arcs. If you measure between concentric arcs, it tells you the arcs
intersect. Some times the line it draws between the arc centers is
completely screwball, pointing off in space, seemingly with no relation to
the centerlines of the arcs. The numbers look about right, though.

Nice work, SolidWorks! Looks like you're on track for a record number of
bugs to be found.

Jerry Steiger
Tripod Data Systems

 

I couldn't open up exactly the same assemblyin SW2001+, but on a similar
assembly the measure tool worked as expected, whether I was editting the
part in context or not.

Now the big question is "do I roll back to SP0 or stick with the flaky
measure tool on SP2.1?"

To add a delicious touch of irony, I just got an email from SolidWorks:

"Jerry, you're the reason we keep raising the bar on CAD.

We know about your challenges and value your time. Let us show you how to
make the most of every minute you spend on product design."

Give me a break! Don't raise the bar until I can get over it!


Jerry Steiger
Tripod Data Systems

 

Works in 2003 sp4.1
not in 2004 sp0.0

Work around by using the "Projection on" > Plane/Face and select another
parallel face, and use the measurement labeled "Normal:"

Corey Scheich

 

This is a long shot, but have you checked whether this is a rounding-off
issue, perhaps due to a different "units" setting for editing in context,
perhaps derived from the assembly setting?

Andrew Troup

 

The parts I tested were the same units. It used to work, and you can get
the correct result with the work around I posted.

Beyond that I haven't a clue.