Alibre Design

Chapter 6 - Reference Geometry6.1 Reference PlanesBy default, three reference planes are visible in a part and assembly workspace, the XY-plane, YZplane,and ZX-plane; any can be used as the sketch plane. Additional reference planes can beinserted in any orientation and also used as the sketch plane. You can modify the display options ofthe reference planes.‣ To modify plane display options:1. From the Tools menu, select Options, General Tab2. Check Shade reference planes to see the reference planes slightly shaded in the work area.Uncheck the box if you do not wish to see the shading.3. Check Show reference plane normals to see a 3D arrow designating the direction of areference plane's normal when you place the cursor over it. Uncheck the box if you do not wishto see the designating arrows.6.1.1 Offset PlaneYou can create a new reference plane parallel to an existing reference plane or planar face offset bya specified distance.‣ To create an offset plane:1. Select the Insert Plane tool from the Inspection toolbar; or from the Insert menu, selectPlane; or right-click in the work area and select Insert Plane from the pop-up menu. TheInsert Plane dialog box appears.2. Select the existing reference plane or planar face to offset.Enter the offset Distance value. (Use a value of 0.00 if you want the new plane to be onthe existing plane or face.) A preview of the new plane is displayed.3. If necessary, select Reverse to create the plane in the opposite direction.130