Creating a new 3D plane in SolidWorks is a fundamental process, primarily achieved using the Plane command, often referred to as the Plane wizard. This tool allows you to define the position and orientation of a new reference plane within your 3D model.
Accessing the Plane Command
As stated in the reference, adding planes in SOLIDWORKS is achieved using the Plane wizard. You can access this powerful tool through two primary methods:
- Command Manager: Navigate to Features > Reference Geometry > Plane.
- Drop-down Menu: Go to Insert > Reference Geometry > Plane.
Selecting either of these options will open the Plane PropertyManager (the "Plane wizard"), where you define your new plane.
Defining Your Plane with References
Once the Plane PropertyManager is open, you define the location and orientation of your new plane by selecting existing geometry in your model as references. The SolidWorks software uses these references to calculate the exact position of the new plane.
The reference highlights a key aspect of this command: Up to three references can be selected in order to define a new plane.
These references are typically existing faces, edges, points, vertices, or other reference geometry (like axes or existing planes) already present in your part or assembly.
- Minimum References: In many cases, a plane can be defined with one or two references (e.g., selecting a face defines a plane offset from it; selecting two non-parallel edges defines a plane containing them).
- Using Three References: Selecting a third reference provides additional constraints, allowing you to define planes in more complex ways (e.g., a plane passing through three non-collinear points).
The PropertyManager dynamically updates the plane preview as you select references, showing you the result before you confirm. Various options become available depending on the type and number of references selected, allowing you to define relationships like parallel, perpendicular, coincident, or offset.
By utilizing the Plane wizard and carefully selecting your desired references from your existing model geometry, you can precisely create the 3D reference planes necessary for sketching, creating features, or measurement.
