MechDesigner Reference & User Interface > 2.1 Model-Editor: > Model elements

A Plane is a flat surface, defined by its Local XYZ-axes. The XY axes are coplanar with the Plane. The Z-axis follows the usual Right-Hand-Rule.

You add Planes to arrange the layout of your machine.

You can add Mechanism-Editors to Planes.

In the Model-Editor, a new Plane is offset along the Z-axis of another Plane.

STEP 1:Start the Add Plane command

Add menu > Add Plane

FORMAT 1: Add Plane to Plane

The Add Plane dialog opens, immediately

In the Model-Editor, its format is>

Name - of new Plane

Plane Parameters

Plane Definition for the new Plane :

Offset from Plane (always in the Model-Editor)

Parameter to define the new Plane :

Distance to New Plane

Element box - the reference element for new Plane

Click Plane in the Assembly-Tree

STEP 2:Click a Plane.

Click a Plane in the graphic-area or the Assembly-Tree.

When you click a Plane, it shows in the Element box of the Add Plane dialog

A preview of the new Plane is also in the graphic-area immediately.

MD-ADD-PPLANE2PLANE-MECH-B

STEP 3:Edit the Parameter

Edit Distance to New Plane

Distance to new Plane from the Plane in the Element-box (the reference Plane)

New Plane in the Graphic-Area

STEP 4:Complete the Command

Click in the Add-Plane dialog

Result

The new Plane is in the graphic-area and Assembly-Tree.

The new Plane has its own Local XYZ-axes.

Note:

If you cannot see the new Plane try:

Add Plane (Model-Editor)