To create a work plane in Autodesk Inventor, you typically start by accessing the Work Features tools on the ribbon and then selecting the appropriate geometry to define the plane's position and orientation.
Work planes are essential construction features in Inventor used for sketching, positioning other features, or defining reference points in 3D space where existing model faces might not be suitable. They are infinite in extent but are displayed with finite boundaries.
Here's a breakdown of the process based on the provided references:
Steps to Create a Work Plane
Creating a work plane is a fundamental operation. The most common method involves using the dedicated tools in the "3D Model" environment.
- Navigate to the Ribbon: Go to the top of the Inventor window.
- Find the Tab: Click on the 3D Model tab.
- Locate the Panel: In the 3D Model tab, find the Work Features panel.
- Select the Tool: Click the Plane tool.
- Reference 1 states: "On the ribbon, click 3D Model tab Work Features panel . Then, choose the type of plane you want to create and select the appropriate geometry: Plane. Creates a construction plane through selected objects."
- Select Defining Geometry: Inventor will now prompt you to select geometry in your model that will define the work plane's position and orientation. This could be faces, edges, vertices, or other work features. The specific geometry you select determines how the plane is created (e.g., offset from a face, tangent to a cylinder, through two edges, etc.).
- Confirm Creation: Once you have selected the necessary geometry and a preview of the work plane appears correctly, you need to accept it.
- Reference 2 states: "If applicable, click the check mark in the edit box to accept the preview and create the plane." This check mark usually appears in a small edit box that pops up near the graphics window, often allowing you to input offset distances or other parameters.
Common Ways to Define a Work Plane
While the Plane tool is the primary access point, the appropriate geometry selection allows for various methods. Some common ways include creating a plane:
- Offset from an existing face or work plane.
- Through an edge and parallel to a face/plane.
- Through two co-linear edges.
- Through three non-co-linear points.
- Tangent to a cylindrical or conical face and parallel/perpendicular to another face/plane.
- Midplane between two parallel faces or planes.
Summary Table: Creating a Work Plane
| Step | Action | Location | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Access Tool | Click the Plane tool | 3D Model Tab > Work Features Panel | Starts the work plane creation command. |
| 2. Select Geometry | Select faces, edges, points, or other features | Graphics Window | Defines the plane's position and orientation. |
| 3. Confirm | Click the check mark or 'OK' | Pop-up edit box or Dialog Box (if shown) | Finalizes the creation based on the preview and any parameters. |
Why Use Work Planes?
Work planes provide flexibility in your modeling process, allowing you to:
- Sketch: Create sketches on planes that aren't aligned with standard origin planes or existing model faces.
- Position Features: Place features like holes or cuts precisely in space.
- Create Construction Geometry: Use them as references for creating other features or measurements.
- Define Section Views: Use work planes to create section views in drawings or models.
By utilizing the Plane tool within the Work Features panel and understanding how to select the necessary geometry, you can easily create custom planes anywhere in your 3D model.
For more detailed information on specific work plane types and selection methods, consult the official Autodesk Inventor Documentation. (Note: This is a placeholder link; replace with the actual documentation URL if available and necessary)
