Create a parallel reference plane

In the ordered environment, you can use the Parallel Plane command to create a reference plane parallel to a part face or reference plane.

In the synchronous environment, you can use the Coincident Plane command to create a reference plane that is coincident with a selected part face or an existing reference plane. You can then use the steering wheel to offset the reference plane to another location that is parallel to the original part face or reference plane.

Create a parallel reference plane in the ordered environment
  1. Do one of the following:

    • To create a global reference plane, on the Home tab, Planes group, More Planes pull down, click Parallel Plane.

    • To create a local reference plane, on the command bar for the current feature, in the Plane Options list, click the Parallel Plane option.

  2. Select a planar face or plane.

    The command displays a dynamic representation of the new reference plane. As you move the cursor, the new plane moves toward or away from the selected face or plane.

  3. Define the offset distance and offset side by doing one of the following:

    • Move the cursor to position the plane where you want it, and then click.

    • Type an offset value in Distance box on the command bar, then move the cursor to position the plane on the offset side you want to use, and then click.

Tip:

  • You can use QuickPick to locate hidden part faces.

  • As you move the cursor, the offset distance of the dynamic reference plane changes in increments based on the Step value on the command bar.

  • You can locate keypoints in 3D space to position the new plane accurately. Use the Keypoints command bar options to specify whether you want to locate the end point of a line or part edge, the midpoint of a circle or arc, or a tangency point on a curved analytic face.

    If there is more than one possible tangency between the plane and a curved face, a bold line shows which tangency is active as you move your cursor over the face.

  • You can use the N, B, T, P, and F hot keys on the keyboard to change the orientation of the x-axis. The N key selects the next linear edge as the x-axis. The B key goes back to the previously selected edge. The T key toggles the x-axis origin to the opposite end of the selected edge. The P key selects a base reference plane to define the x-axis. The F key flips the normal direction of the reference plane, which changes the x-axis orientation.

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