flip mate dimension

arturs_zipris

Would be very useful to have flip dimension button while mating, otherwise you need to click and then write minus sign

viru

+1

larry_hawes

+1

malay_kumar

Are you talking about mate limit values or offset or both?

larry_hawes

Sorry for the vague response to a perhaps vague request but I am trying to understand and perhaps add another look at what limits could represent. Not in a way that adds confusion but one that might alleviate some and create a standard reference for all limits to move in relation to.

First the minimums and maximums do not reflect the actual process and values that the current OnShape limits represent. The current limit values locate the limits in reference to some reference geometry, using the words 'minimum' and 'maximum' but actually locating the limits according to that reference. 

If it were truly a 'minimum' that number could never be negative. Negative numbers, in CAD, always represent some location in reference to another and that's exactly what each value (minimum and maximum) represent - a location in relation to a reference - not a minimum or a maximum. If that's true what is that reference location and why call it a minimum? THAT'S the confusing part for me. It seems to be arbitrary or at least very difficult to ascertain on a consistent basis exactly what that beginning reference point is.

Is it the 'X' 'Y' 'Z' axis of the first mate chosen, as if one could remember such a thing during the assembly process? And if it is where is that noted in the interface? Could that reference be determined in another way? And all limits be determined from that reference? Forget the minimum and maximum paradigm and use standard CAD references (both negative and positive) from some specific and user determined reference point.

May not be the best place for this dissertation but can clearly see a path to simplify the process and add clarity for users.