bugfanatic
New member
If you use the block function, you'll see that when you resize it the anchor is the bottom left corner (Block grows in pos x,y,z). I had a very large need for a start-out block that grew from center that I could use for everything from cavity blocks to inserts. To do this, start a new part. Then put all 3 datum planes in by going to datum plane, fixed methods & placing all 3 planes. Now enter sketch mode - it will go to X-Y plane by default - & sketch a 2-point rectangle. Inthe Xdirection put both a half & overall dimension on your box with the half dim coming off of the corresponding plane shown on edge. Now, you'll see each dimension has a value as well as a name like p0, p1.Edit the overall X dimension & where it says p0 or p1 name this to X. Double click on the half-dim & change the numeric value to X/2. This will ensure that the half dim will always truly be half. Do the same for the Y direction naming that overall Y. You will have a total of 4 dims, with the overalls being named X & Y. These overalls will be the only dimensions you will need to edit & the block will now always resize from center. Now, extrude this in Neg Z &you're done. You can also name this Z value as Z so that the named values you see when doing a <CTRL>+E will be X Y & Z. Save this block in your UG stuff folder as 'generic block' or something & you can always snag it later & copy it to your work folder as a cavity or whatever & resize it as needed.
Edited by: bugfanatic
Edited by: bugfanatic