Hello All,
I've wondered for a long time whether there is a function in SW that can simplify views of weldment profiles in drawings. I know there is an option called Simplify for models but don't believe there is anything available for drawing views. I deal alot with the use of structural weldment profiles on models and then putting them on drawings. There are alot of tangent lines for these profiles which will all show on the drawing if I keep tangent lines visible. As a rule of thumb, I'll usually keep them showing for isometric views but not so for orthogonal views such as front (tangent lines removed). The reason being is that the extra lines clutter the view and the shop guy can get confused with all the extra lines in the view. But then if I turn off the tangent lines, there is nothing shown at all (example would be the S beam I have shown in first, second & third snips below). If tangent lines are turned on in 2nd snip, there are too many lines so I turn them off (3rd snip), but then the k area of radius doesn't show at all. My preference would be for SW to somehow depict a view such as the 4th snip from showing only one internal line for flange thickness even though SW doesn't see a "line" anywhere, just curves (this snip is from Tekla which appears to simplify the profile for the drawing). Same goes for channels in the 5th snip, for isometric its fine to keep them turned on but not for side views, etc. where there are alot of lines shown which is clutter to me. Thanks in advance for any comments!
This looks like a plate if I remove the tangent lines from the view of beam:
View from Tekla showing front view (elevation) of simple beam (doesn't show tangent radiuses just one line for flange thickness):
Channel in SW view (I would prefer to have the elevation view to right showing one line towards inside on both sides of channel, if I remove the tangent views then nothing is shown but the 2 outside perimeter lines and it appears like a plate):
How Tekla would show a channel (less tangent lines - I count 5 for each leg in SW above, it appears there are only 3 below):
Lastly, two more views showing a simplified beam; I doubt SW could take one of the shapes out of its library and simplify though but still curious (I'm still on 2015 but there's been many versions since mine)?:
If you want views to come in with all tangent edges hidden by default (like I do), choose this setting at Tools > Options.
For existing views, or for new views where you want to show tangent edges, right-click on the view and go to the Tangent Edge flyout.
Select whichever option you want for that view. If you select "Tangent Edges Visible" you'll get what your screenshots show. "Tangent Edges Removed" means just what it says. "Tangent Edges With Font" (shown above) will use the settings you set up at
and