Dynamic Dimensioning in Toolbox BSB

Dynamic Dimensioning in Toolbox BSB

When applying dimensions to products and other solids in Toolbox BSB, by default, all dimensions are drawn in 2D on the Y plane, requiring one to switch to a top view (or an appropriately high isometric view) to see them. BricsCAD has a feature that can be enabled to allow for dimensioning to be applied in a localized area of model space, allowing you to create dimensioning with greater precision and specificity, as well as from different views beyond top view: the Dynamic UCS. 

Dynamic UCS 

 
The Dynamic UCS (User Coordinate System) feature allows for dynamic interaction with entities in BricsCAD, automatically aligning the coordinate system of the software with the entity hovered over by the cursor. This allows you to select specific faces or parts of an entity when drawing or creating dimensions, and place that dimensioning into the drawing at the appropriate angle according to your current view in model space. The Dynamic UCS can also be used when drawing entities in 2D, to allow for more precise creation during the drawing process, such as when adding 2D polylines or images into a room.

Enabling Dynamic UCS

The Dynamic UCS feature is not enabled by default in Toolbox BSB. The feature is mapped to the F6 key on the keyboard, allowing one to enable (or disable) it with the press of a button. However, for consistent convenience and visual confirmation of whether the feature is active, it is recommended to add the Dynamic UCS setting to your status bar in BSB. 
 
 
To add the feature to the status bar, merely click the customization option for the status bar (the 3 dots to the right of the status bar, or right-clicking on the status bar and selecting 'Customize'), then select “Dynamic UCS” from the list of available settings in the menu. 
The following variables affect the function or appearance of the Dynamic UCS feature, allowing for some customization in how the feature works. 

Color Variables

There are two variables which can be customized to change the visuals of the Dynamic UCS:
  1. The RedHilite_DUCSLocked_Face_Color variable controls the color of highlights for the face selection the Dynamic UCS when locking the feature with the Shift key. 
  2. The RedHilite_DUCSLocked_Face_Alpha variable controls the highlight transparency for the face to which the Dynamic UCS has been locked by pressing the Shift key.

UCSFOLLOW Variable

The UCSFOLLOW variable controls whether a plan view is automatically generated whenever the UCS changes. The variable has only 2 values: 1 (On) and 0 (Off). It is thus recommended that this variable be set to a value of 0 (off) whenever attempting to use the Dynamic UCS, otherwise it may interfere with the speed and function of the feature. 

UCSDETECT Variable

 
The UCSDETECT variable in the BricsCAD settings controls the behavior of the Dynamic UCS feature. This variable has a bit integer value of -3 to 3, which sets the feature to detect specific types of entities. The values represent 3 general behaviors for the setting:
  1. Negative Value (-3/2/1): Disables dynamic UCS.
  2. 1: The variable has UCS detect the faces of 3D Solids, surfaces, subdivision meshes and regions (this is the default value when the feature is enabled).
  3. 2: Dynamic UCS will be used with other entity types: points, lines, polylines, 2D polylines, 3D polylines, rays, xlines, arcs, circles, ellipses, splines, text, mtext, solids, 3Dfaces, traces, block inserts, viewports, mlines, leaders, mleaders, hatches, helixes, cameras, lights, sections, shapes, pdf underlays, and 2D images.

This value can be set in the BricsCAD settings but also altered within the status bar if the DUCS button has been added. Clicking on the arrow next to the DUCS button will allow you to manually select what entities the DUCS will apply to. The top option represents a value of 1, and the bottom represents a value of 2. Selecting both will set the variable at its maximum value of 3, allowing the Dynamic UCS to apply to the vast majority of 3D and 2D entities.   

Using the Dynamic UCS

 
Once the Dynamic UCS has been set up to function with the types of entities you need, you can utilize the feature to begin interacting with objects in model space. The orientation of the DUCS is dependent on your current view and the angle at which the cursor interacts with the object. Hitting the Shift key when drawing or interacting with an entity will lock the DUCS, allowing you to draw outside of the face or entity currently selected. 

Creating Dimensions

With the DUCS set up, the feature can be used to create product dimensions that align with your current view. To apply dimensioning this way:
  1. Make sure Dynamic UCS (DUCS) is turned on (it is recommended you add it to your status bar). 
    1. If you see DUCS in the status bar, click it to enable it, if it is not already enabled.
    2. If DUCS isn’t visible, add it to your status bar using the information in the 'Enabling Dynamic UCS' section above. 
  2. Make sure face detection is enabled. (See the 'UCSDETECT Variable' section above.)
  3. Enter the DIMLINEAR command.
  4. Hover over the 3D face you want to dimension on.
    1. The UCS and grid will automatically align to that face.
  5. Pick your two points and place the dimension. The dimension's orientation will be based on the current view being used. 
  6. After the DIMLINEAR command is complete, the normal coordinate system will be used once again. 

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