1:1 view on your monitor Options

[parel]

Sometimes it is difficult to gauge scale on your CAD model. Small objects can seem huge because you have zoomed in so close in order to model the feature.

I have found the following technique particularly helpful in modelling human scale products, or more specifically - objects and features within the envelope of your monitor screen. Even large products tend to have smaller human interfaces so this tip could be useful to a lot of people

Go to one of the orthographic views. First find a reference length. In this case the length of the battery is 106mm


Then I set my callipers to the reference length (106mm)


Zoom the view to match the length on your calliper. Already I can see that the battery is a lot bigger than I had expected it to be


After matching the length, do not move or zoom your view. Create a new view and name it 1:1 scale


Voila! As long as you dont zoom in, you should be examining a 1:1 scale model on your monitor. Just rotate the viewport/camera to observe from all angles. At the very least this method can save you a few printouts to confirm scale. I use it to quickly gauge the ergonomics of a CAD model before sending to rapid prototype


I believe that these techniques are applicable to Alias and Rhino as well