Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
Clock Exercise (Inserting Planes)
Prerequisite Knowledge To complete this exercise you will need to be familiar with Sketching, Applying
relations, Extrude Boss/ Base, Extrude cut, Applying Textures, Renaming
features.
Focus of the Lesson
On completion of this lesson you will have used:
 Reference Geometry to insert a plane using:
 a line and a point
 3 points
 a line and an angle
 Cut with Surface.
Commands Used
This lesson includes Sketching, Adding Relations, Extrude Boss/ Base, Renaming
features, Inserting Planes, Renaming Planes, Extrude Cut, Cutting with planes,
Applying Textures.
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
Getting Started Open a new part and save it as Clock
Create a sketch on the top plane using the dimensions shown and adding equal relations.
Position the sketch such that the origin is at the midpoint of the centerline.
Creating the feature
Select Extrude Boss/Base
Choose the Blind option from the list and
enter a Depth of 200mm.
Rename the feature clock base.
Reference Geometry
Includes planes, axes, coordinate systems, and 3D curves. Reference geometry
can be used to create new planes for sketches or to create cut surfaces on solids.
Inserting planes
Planes can be created through lines and points, parallel to an existing plane or at a
given angle.
Where to find it
Select Reference Geometry
from the features toolbar
or from the Insert menu, select Reference Geometry.
Insert plane using
Line and point
To insert a diagonal
plane Select Reference
Geometry, Plane, select
through lines and points
option, select the edge
and corner shown in
green
Click OK
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
Renaming a plane
Right click on the plane in
the Feature Manager Tree. Select
Properties and type in the new name as shown.
Hole
Create the sketch for the hole on the diagonal
plane as shown.
Creating the feature
Select Extrude Cut
Select the mid plane option from the list and
enter a depth of 300mm.
Rename the feature hole
Inserting 3 point
plane
Select Reference Geometry,
Plane, select through lines and
points option, select the corners
shown Click OK
Rename the plane Cutting plane
A plane may be renamed by
clicking slowly on it twice on the
Feature manager Tree.
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
Cutting a solid with
a Plane
From the Insert menu choose Cut,
with surface select the cutting plane and
click OK
The side from which material is removed
can be reversed as shown
Inserting an Offset
Plane
Select Reference Geometry,
Plane, select the diagonal plane,
insert a distance of 30mm
Click OK
Rename the plane Offset plane.
Clock Face
Create the sketch for the clock
face on the offset plane as shown
ensuring that the center of the
circle for the clock face is
coincident with the center of the
hole.
Creating the feature
Select Extrude Boss/Base
Choose the Blind option from the list and enter
a Depth of 20mm.
The sketch is the front of the feature.
The direction of extrusion can be
reversed by clicking on the button
shown.
Rename the feature Clock Face
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
Hiding Planes
To hide a plane once it has been used right click on
it on the Features Manager Tree and select Hide.
Planes can be shown again if needed using the same
method and selecting show.
Hide the diagonal, cutting and offset planes.
Mechanism Hole
Create the sketch for the mechanism hole on the front of the clock face as shown;
the centers are coincident.
Creating the feature
Select Extrude Cut,
Choose the Through All option
from the list
Click OK
Rename the feature mechanism hole.
Pin
Create a sketch on the top plane.
Sketch a centerline coincident with the front
face of the clock, as shown.
Sketch the pin using centerline, circle and
relations
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
Creating the feature
Select Extrude Boss/ Base,
Choose the up to surface
option from the list
Click OK
Rename the feature pin.
Textures
Add the following textures to
complete the finished Model:
Clock Base and hole:
Stone – Marble1
Cut surface, Clock face and
Mechanism hole: Stone – Concrete 1
Pin: Wood – Mahogany
Lesson Complete!
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
B) Roof (Inserting Planes)
Getting Started
Create a sketch on the right plane using the dimensions shown, use relations to
ensure that the apex is vertical aligned with the origin
Creating the feature
Select Extrude Boss/ Base,
Choose the midplane option
enter a depth of 14m click OK
Rename the feature
main roof
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
Inserting a plane
using an angle
Select Reference Geometry, Plane; select the line as shown and the top plane.
It is necessary to expand the Feature Manager as shown to select
the top plane
Enter an angle of 35 deg
Click OK
Rename the plane right hip
Cutting with
a Plane
From the Insert menu choose Cut, with surface,
select the plane right hip,
Check the arrow to make sure that
the side being removed is correct
Click OK
Inserting Left hip
Repeat the procedure above using an angle of 325 deg
Hidden lines may be made visible
to allow selection of edge
Rename the plane left hip
Cut the roof using this plane
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
Porch
Create a sketch on the front plane using the dimensions shown, use relations to
ensure that the apex is vertical aligned with the origin
Creating the feature
Select Extrude Boss/ Base,
Choose the blind option
enter a depth of 7m click OK
Rename the feature porch
Select shaded with edges
Front Hip
Insert a plane on the front of the porch
with an angle of 60deg and use this to
cut another hip
Hide all 3 planes
Colour
Choose an appropriate colour for the roof.
Lesson B Complete!
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
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Introduction to Parametric Modeling
Reference Geometry
Applications
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