SOLIDWORKS 2020 New Features – Chain Dimensions

In Solidworks 2020, you can create a chain of associated dimensions measuring from one feature to the next. Chain dimensions can be created in drawings and in sketches of parts and assemblies. They are driven by geometry so that they cannot be changed by you or be used to drive the model.

When creating chain dimensions, the first selection you make defines the starting edge of the chain. Subsequent selections are measured from one selection to the next.

To create chain dimensions:

Drag the Smart Dimension menu down and select Chain Dimension;

Select the starting edge:

Click features to add to the chainset.

After selecting all the features you want to include in the chain dimensions, click OK.

You can also convert the chain dimensions to base dimensions by simply right-click any dimension in the set and select convert to base. You can convert from base dimensions to chain dimensions with a similar process.

Tianshuo Sun

Application Engineer

Central Innovation, Melbourne