Finding the diameter of a cone at a certain point

[John Lankford]

When you measure a cone, the diameter you get is an average – in between the small and large diameter.  To find where the diameter meets the cone – you have to construct that measurement.

In this example, imagine a cone with a centerline pointing in the Z direction, like the cone on the red 3D training part.

First, measure and construct a Z datum, so that you know where zero is.  Then, measure the cone and click done. – Next, Construct Cone.  Pick the measured cone, select “Composite”.  Then go to Nominals, and enter “0” for the nominal Z location (or whatever point along the Z axis you want).  Then close the nominal window and the diameter will be the diameter at Z=0.