Extended Conception
It is for the first time that a new conception for automatic dimensioning was introduced with version 17.1. The distribution of ProSteel all over the world led to considerably increasing demands on a flexibly adaptable dimensioning.
The idea of previous versions was to cover a wide range of variants with a few fixed default settings by intelligent automatic mechanisms. An increasing number of "exception-buttons", however, meant increasing confusion. This is the reason why the new conception now permits precise default settings for the different sections so that you can better adapt your detailing style to the construction and to necessary drawing standards.
With version 18.0, this new conception has once again been modified to facilitate the proceeding of settings, quality remaining unchanged. On the other hand, this had the result that many times the amount of new dimensioning possibilities has been created. At the same time, the program has been adapted to the extended group structure of ProSteel.
At first glance, the great number of parameters and possibilities will perhaps frighten you. However, when you take a closer look, you will fast find out that the default settings for dimensioning follow a standardized logic and that therefore things are logically repeated.
The example on the following page shows dimensioning of a complex component part group as it now is possible with the new detailed setting structure automatically and without further follow-up treatment.
Optimum Prerequisites in 3D-Model
The prerequisites for practise-oriented dimensioning are already generated by appropriate steps during 3D-modelling.
The references between the different component parts are generated by means of logical links. However, when you have deleted them afterwards, it is not possible any more to determine all relations via detailing and dimensioning can less get its bearings.
Appropriate insertion or reference lines which can still be modified later generate the prerequisites for the desired dimensioning references. Thus, when you want to have a correct dimensioning of openings, disturbing edges, etc., just set the corresponding reference edges already in the model.
Of course the right modeling function, too decides on the later result of dimensioning. When you want, for example, to have recognized end and base plates as such, you have to create them with the corresponding 3D-function, too.