CADquest Article Series

Featured in "Pro/E The Magazine", January/February 1999

Model Units and Scale

In Release 20, changing the units of a model is accomplished using #Set Up; #Units. The UNIT MGR menu is shown in Figure 1. Pick #Principal Sys to change the units. The Principal System of Units dialog box is shown in Figure 2. Select the units you want to change in the dialog box (length, mass, etc.) then pick OK.

Using the Convert Existing Numbers (Same Size) option, the part is converted to the selected units, the dimension values are changed and the part regenerates. The part is the same physical size as before the conversion and has new units.

Using the Interpret Existing Numbers (Same Dims) option, the part is converted to the selected units, the dimension values are not changed. The part has the same dimension values as before the conversion and has new units.

To scale a model up (or down) for rapid prototyping, use #Set Up; #Units; #Scale Model. The system will prompt you to enter a new scale. After entering the value, the part regenerates and the dimension values are changed.



Figure 1



Figure 2

Steven G. Smith, CADquest, Harrisburg, PA