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Enhancement request: Embed dimension values in truetype text (by Michael Thomson)
Jonathan, I realise I'm asking a lot here, but my main use of SolveSpace is generating parametric models for laser cutting, for test pieces with many small variations to assess laser kerf width and tab-into-slot friction fitting.
It would be *so* useful if I could include some generated dimensions of the model as truetype objects, for engraving on the laser cutter.
In this way I can simply alter the model, and have the finished dimensions already in the DXF. Without this ability I need to remember to copy the values each time if I want them engraved on the finished part, or write them on by hand later.
Cheers
Mike
Sun May 29 2016, 19:37:44
(no subject) (by whitequark)
@Michael, if you're using 2.1.rc1 then the dimensions that are visible at the time of export are already exported into DXF (as DXF dimensions). Does the software you are using for engraving not support those? In that case it might be worth a try exporting HPGL or SVG, where dimensions end up as piecewise linear segments.

Also, 2.0 used to export dimensions as piecewise linear into DXF as well; I haven't really considered that this may have been a desirable mode of operation...
Sun May 29 2016, 19:53:33
(no subject) (by Michael Thomson)
Hi, I'm not being clear enough - what I'd *love* to be able to do is to take the value of a dimension somewhere, and *refer* to that value in some text elsewhere, e.g. just include the number, but be able to format it however I want and without associating it to a datum point or lines at the output stage.

So for instance if my piece is based on a parameter of 3mm, be able to label the piece somewhere else with "Based on [3mm]"?

It's not a big problem for me, and there are no doubt more pressing problems to solve.

Thanks for replying though!
Tue May 31 2016, 19:00:08
(no subject) (by Paul)
Sounds similar to the desire to have named parameters that can be used in expressions. You could also use them by name in labels, where they would be evaluated rather than showing their name.
Wed Jun 1 2016, 14:50:42
(no subject) (by Michael Thomson)
Succinctly put Paul, yes that is what I'm after too.
Wed Jun 1 2016, 17:59:14
(no subject) (by Chinmay)
Look at the following post. Someone's implemented this capability using a text file that can be linked to the slvs file. This text file contains "variables", which can be used in the slvs file.
http://solvespace.com/forum.pl?action=viewthread&parent=1693

I think this type of feature would be quite helpful, and everything in the slvs file could be version controlled easily.
Sun Feb 18 2018, 21:15:22
(no subject) (by app4soft)
> I think this type of feature would be quite helpful, and everything in the slvs file could be version controlled easily

@Chinmay, look on "Pyslvs"[1] coded by Kmol Yuan!

[1] https://github.com/kmolyuan/pyslvs-pyqt5
Fri Feb 23 2018, 22:43:45
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