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ErikClacey14-Alexandrite
14-Alexandrite
May 5, 2022
Solved

Auto convert imperial to metric

  • May 5, 2022
  • 5 replies
  • 4948 views

Sometimes I need to get a drawing in inches and want to make a cad model of it. I normally use mm, so is there a way of typing in the dimensions in inches and have Creo automatically convert to the default (mm), for example with a specific tag or something? It's time consuming to convert all units externally first.

    Best answer by KenFarley

    Any time you are entering a numeric input to Creo you can usually type in expressions. For example, if I'm making a part with a 1000mm outer diameter but my part is in inch units, when I assign the diameter I type in "1000/25.4" instead of whatever that comes out to in inches. Two advantages to this: (1) I don't have to act as the "middle man" on dimensions, don't have to do any conversions myself, (2) The inch specification for the dimension will have all the digits of the conversion past the decimal, not the likely truncated numbers I'd have if I input the number I'd calculated on my calculator.

    5 replies

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    KenFarley21-Topaz IIAnswer
    21-Topaz II
    May 5, 2022

    Any time you are entering a numeric input to Creo you can usually type in expressions. For example, if I'm making a part with a 1000mm outer diameter but my part is in inch units, when I assign the diameter I type in "1000/25.4" instead of whatever that comes out to in inches. Two advantages to this: (1) I don't have to act as the "middle man" on dimensions, don't have to do any conversions myself, (2) The inch specification for the dimension will have all the digits of the conversion past the decimal, not the likely truncated numbers I'd have if I input the number I'd calculated on my calculator.

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      ErikClacey14-AlexandriteAuthor
      14-Alexandrite
      May 5, 2022

      Ok, that was a good solution. Thanks Ken.

      T
      22-Sapphire II
      tbraxton22-Sapphire II
      22-Sapphire II
      May 5, 2022

      The easiest method to automatically convert  is to change the model units. You can model the part using the drawing with units of inches directly from the drawing. You would then convert the model units to mm. If the convert dimensions option is used then you will get the desired results. If accuracy is important to you then pay attention to the absolute accuracy setting and what it means in your environment.

       

      tbraxton_0-1651751384169.png

       

      kdirth
      21-Topaz I
      kdirth21-Topaz I
      21-Topaz I
      May 5, 2022

      You could also model to nominal values (1 inch - 1 mm) then scale model by 25.4 or 1/25.4.

       

      Pick you favorite method to skin the proverbial cat.

      There is always more to learn.
      B
      23-Emerald III
      BenLoosli23-Emerald III
      23-Emerald III
      May 5, 2022

      Use a different start part that is in inches.

       

      Unigraphics had a neat option. To input design dimensions in another unit use the unit name and then the value in parenthesis.

      If I am in an inch part and wanted to enter 35mm as the sketch value, I would do mm(35). The system would do the conversion.

      For an inch value in a metric part, I would enter in(4.75).

       

      Maybe this should be entered as an idea for a future enhancement. Someone who designs in both units might find it useful.

       

        T
        23-Emerald IV
        TomU23-Emerald IV
        23-Emerald IV
        May 5, 2022

        You might want to vote up this product idea:  https://community.ptc.com/t5/Creo-Parametric-Ideas/Mixed-unit-dimensions-within-a-model/idi-p/617498

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