Number displayed while using Move tool?

[terrypin 3]

My model is shown as having dimensions 31.68 x 18.3 x 5.0 mm. I use Centre Selected then the Move tool. A small black rectangle with white text displays a changing number in units of mm. Could someone advise me how to interpret it please? Both while moving and with 'Lock Model' enabled.

 

 

 

Terry

[GregValiant 1,411]

It indicates the "relative" movement from wherever you started the current move.  The actual location is noted in the number boxes of the Translation Tool and refers to the Center of Geometry in X Y and the bottom face (or currently lowest point) in the Z.

[terrypin 3]

Thanks for the prompt reply Greg, much appreciate it. 
 

I’m away from my PC right now, so perhaps it will become clearer when I get back. But how can a single number define the relative movement on the X Y plane? Or is it say the calculated distance, i.e. sqrt(x^2 + y^2)? Or even something like the length of the route traveled, twists and turns included? (Like a straightened piece of string on a paper map before computers came along). Or none of the above?

 

Also I’m a bit baffled about the units. I tried dragging the mouse cursor as close to horizontal as I could, for 10 of the smaller grid divisions, but the number reached was nothing like 10.

 

The reason I’m so interested is that I’m looking for some way to accurately measure parts of my model before I commit hours to printing it. It’s difficult to do in OpenSCAD but I think it should be possible in Cura. I’m still at novice stage so am probably missing something basic!

 

Terry

[GregValiant 1,411]

If you grab the model and move it then yes, the box shows the hypotenuse of a triangle whose anchor is the previous X0 Y0 of the model location.  It's the length of the rubberband between the previous 0,0 of the part and it's current location.

 

If you want to move orthogonally you grab the red or green or blue arrowheads (instead of the part itself).  The textbox shows the relative movement along that axis.

 

If you want a precise movement you can type numbers into the boxes in the "Translation" tool dialog.  Those numbers are the absolute location of the part in relation to the mid-point of the build surface.

Edited June 4, 2021 by GregValiant

[terrypin 3]

Many thanks. Will try those ASAP.