Measuring imported parts

ihor_gernaga

I have an imported part where I need to make minor adjustments to an internal spring clip channel. I created a section view and proceeded to measure the channel, and got this error message: "A dimension cannot be created between these items" or "An entity cannot be dimensioned to itself." I'm sure I'm missing something and would appreciate your assistance. Thank  you.

john_mcclary

I think you are attempting to create a sketch, then add dimensions to the existing part.
You cannot modify an imported model in that way.
You will need to use "move face" or "Extrude" etc..

3dcad

Yep, imported geometry needs to be edited by adding or removing material like @john_mcclary described.

But if you only need to measure (ie. need the information) you can click two or more instances in modeling area and you will see the measure tool in bottom right of your screen - by clicking there you get more detailed results.

You can also copy instances of your imported model with 'Use' command in sketch mode and set dimensions between those instances - dimensions will be read-only.

I would like Onshape to rather add read-only values if instances for dimension are from another sketch or from imported model. I don't like the message 'cannot be dimensioned' if you see that it can be measured and just wan't to show the current value.

john_mcclary

https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/27701#Comment_27701

You may want to check this tread out, kinda simular

ihor_gernaga

Thank you for your comments. Too bad there isn't a more straight forward step to measuring imported parts. It would make it more efficient.