Using Datums - Creating New Datums
Creating New Datums
There are three kinds of Datums that you can create within an alignment document. Each type has unique
benefits and limitations. Three Point
Datums are very quick and simple to
create, but they are not as readily reproducible as the
other types and it is difficult to establish a specific, reproducible
origin on the part. Three Sphere
Datums are more reproducible than Three Point Datums, but also have limitations for
setting an on-part origin. Custom
Datums provide the greatest
flexibility for creating Datums and are the most reproducible because you use specific part geometry to
create the alignment. The creation of
Custom Datums is more involved that
the other types.
Datums may be created from
attributes of the part itself or a jig that secures the part for work. If you use features of the jig to establish the Datum you must make sure that the relationship between the
jig and part does not change when you move the part or digitizer to gain access
to other sides of the part. If the relationship between the elements used
to create a Datum and the part
change you cannot reuse the same
elements to re-establish a Datum.
Datums align your part to
specific SOLIDWORKS views. To learn how to set the view you wish to align to,
read this topic:
- Selecting the Datum Base Plane
To better familiarize yourself
with the creation of specific Datum types, read the following
topics:
- Creating Three-Point Datums
- Creating Three-Sphere Datums
- Creating Custom Datums
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