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Why are fastened offsets sign (+/-) a crap shoot?

marten_hutchisonmarten_hutchison Member Posts: 29 EDU
So irritating.  In an Assembly, if I Offset two mated parts i.e. in the Z axis, when I enter a distance value, its a crap shoot whether the direction (+ or -)  is right.  Invariably its wrong and I have to enter it again.  Its an irritating little time suck.  What am I missing?

Comments

  • john_mcclaryjohn_mcclary Member, Developers Posts: 3,890 PRO
    I agree, I still haven't learned the trick to forcing positive numbers the first time
  • edward_petrilloedward_petrillo Member Posts: 79 EDU
    Whatever the underlying logic might be that leads to a given sign for the offset, I doubt that I would be able to apply it correctly every time.  I'd settle for an easier way to switch from one sign to the other.  Perhaps an arrow or sign symbol next to each input field that would invert the sign of the offset with a single mouse click?
  • marten_hutchisonmarten_hutchison Member Posts: 29 EDU
    Intuitively when I'm creating a Mate, I'm selecting the two surfaces that will be in contact with each other, therefore my brain wants a positive offset to separate the mating surfaces and a negative to make them go toward each other. 
  • tim_hess427tim_hess427 Member Posts: 648 ✭✭✭✭
    My understanding is the the positive direction is based on the mate connector selected for the first component selected when creating the mate. 

    The trouble I have is that the orientation of the mate connector can be hard to see clearly in big/complicated models. 

  • bruce_williamsbruce_williams Member, Developers Posts: 842 PRO
    @romeograham
    great analysis!  very helpful
    www.accuratepattern.com
  • john_mcclaryjohn_mcclary Member, Developers Posts: 3,890 PRO
    @romeograham yea that makes it a bit easier to remember
  • 3dcad3dcad Member, OS Professional, Mentor Posts: 2,470 PRO
    I have requested swap direction button a long time ago (similar to extrusion direction etc.) would make it a lot easier than typing again or other maneuvers..
    //rami
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