#### Dimension Format

PC-DMIS's print capability is one of its most powerful features. A dimension can be calculated many different ways until the results are acceptable. Only if the dimension is marked for printing will the data appear on the inspection report.

The FORMAT command allows you to create more than one dimensional format within a part program. For some dimensions, you might not want the nominals printed.

Note: Certain types of zone tolerances always have a nominal of zero, so it is unnecessary to print the NOM. However, later in the part program you might want to use the nominals for a different type of dimension, such as location or true position.

The default FORMAT command will print out all of the columns and column headings. It will also create the statistics XSTATS11.TMP file.

Command line in the Edit window:
FORMAT/HEADINGS,SYMBOL;NOM,TOL,MEAS,MAXMIN,
DEV,OUTTOL

HEADINGS = This major command controls whether the dimensions that follow the FORMAT command will have column headings above the numbers.

SYMBOL = This minor command controls whether the deviation symbols will be printed. This field can be toggled on or off. A blank field indicates that this command is off.

When the cursor is in one of these fields you can use the F7 and F8 hot keys to toggle them on or off. | NOM,TOL,MEAS,MAXMIN,DEV,OUTTOL = These minor commands control which columns get printed for dimensions following the FORMAT command. You can toggle any combination of these columns on or off. To turn a flag off, place a blank in the field. They can also be displayed in any order. Simply type the desired command in the order needed. (The order will be numerically displayed in the Parameters Dimension dialog box.)

For more information consult the "Dimensioning Features" section.