Referencing an edge

[ftkalcevic]

In the alibre Connector sample, (https://support.alibre.com/support/solutions/articles/27000047177-connector), in the second point in "Things to look at:", they say "bottom of the sketch was projected from the top edge of Extrude <1>".

I rarely do this. I usually just draw a line, then make it collinear with the existing edge, letting AD create reference lines. I have noticed, however, that if I make changes to the source feature, quite often (not always) the reference breaks and I have to manually fix it up.

Is this the best practice? That is, to use the "Project to Sketch" tool?

Is the relationship to the source more reliable?

Thanks,
Frank

 

[RCH_Projects]

The "Project to Sketch" tool does have that "maintain association" feature option as I recall. In my parts, constraints have been enough.

Your intimate knowledge of your workflow and requirements is the best determinant of what works best for you.

Do a trial part that "breaks" your way, then try it with the feature.

In assemblies, I've "projected to sketch" to a part a LOT in the past, but I never maintained association because the assembly "I" used would reposition and the projected feature would regenerate accordingly (and I plotted the relative motion with the sketches projected onto the same feature).

The samples provide great exposure to features, but like the man says, - "there is more than one way to [swing] a cat". As you look through them you will see interesting choices. I hope this helps.

It's a good question and if you post a particular part we'll be glad to kick it around a bit more.