Setting the approximate size of the new part

Use the Approximate size text field at the bottom of the Create Part dialog box to set the approximate size of the new part. The size that you enter is used by Abaqus/CAE to calculate the size of the Sketcher sheet and the spacing of its grid. The approximate part size must be between 10000 (104) and 0.001 (10−3) units. Abaqus/CAE does not use specific units, but the units must be consistent throughout the model.

Related Topics
How is a part defined in Abaqus/CAE?
Using the Create Part dialog box
The Sketcher sheet and grid
Customizing the Sketcher

Context:

When you exit the Create Part dialog box, Abaqus/CAE enters the Sketcher, and you sketch the profile of the base feature. The Sketcher displays a square sheet with an overlaying grid and adjusts the dimensions of the sheet to approximate the size of the part. As a result, the dimensions of the sketch will have the same order of magnitude as the part you are creating.

If you subsequently edit the part, Abaqus/CAE still determines the size of the Sketcher sheet from the same dimensions that it used when you created the base feature. Consequently, you should set the approximate size of the part to match the largest dimension of the finished part. If you find subsequently that the part exceeds the size of the Sketcher sheet, use the Sketch customization options to increase the sheet size.

  1. Type the approximate size of the new part in the Approximate size text field at the bottom of the Create Part dialog box.

  2. When you have finished choosing options, click Continue to close the Create Part dialog box.

    The Sketcher starts with a sheet size and grid spacing based on the approximate size of the new part, and you sketch the profile of the new part's base feature.