Dimensioning to a Tangential Point

Dimensioning to a tangential point can be used with arcs that have an angle smaller than 180 degrees.

• The tangential point is the intersection point of the tangents, drawn at the end points of an arc.
• The dimension added to a tangential point is updated, but cannot act as a constraint.
• You can select the tangential point in the basic dimensioning, chain, baseline and continuous baseline dimensioning.

1. Select Dimensions> Dimensions.
2. First, move the cursor over the arc (A). A snap to the arc is rendered with a cross-line.
3. Move the cursor close to the tangential point (B) and select the point.
4. Continue dimensioning.

Note

• The drawing of the extend lines onto the tangential point can be allowed or disallowed in the dimensioning settings.

Miscellaneous Dimensioning Settings

Example 1 - Dimensioning to a tangential point of an inner arc - two arcs close to each other

The problem is that the arcs are close to each other.

1. Select Dimensions> Dimensions.
2. Move the cursor to the inner-arc side. The centre point of the arc is shown.

   

3. Press the Shift key and move the cursor to the inner arc.

   

4. Release the Shift key. Move the cursor horizontally. The tangential point is displayed.

   

5. Select the line, to which you want to conduct the dimensioning from the tangential point.
6. After selecting the line, indicate the position of the dimension.

   

Example 2 - Dimensioning to a tangential point of an outer arc - two arcs close to each other

1. Select Dimensions> Dimensions.
2. Move the cursor to the inside of the outer arc. The centre point of the arc is shown.

   

3. Select the line, to which you want to conduct the dimensioning from the tangential point.
4. After selecting the line, indicate the position of the dimension.