Feature Axis

[[Sc...]]

Could someone explain how the orientation of the feature axis works? Are feature axis supposed to line up as alignment axis?

[[Cl...]]

Say for example you have a long cylinder that is a primary datum. You can use it for the spatial rotation in an alignment, in which case the cylinder would be standing up vertically along the Z axis. Or you could use it for the planar rotation in an alignment, in which case it would be laying down horizontally, along either the X, or Y axis. Picture a car, the two front wheels are on an axel (the axis), and from your position are laying along the X axis. I think that is what you are asking? Let me know it this helps.

[[Sc...]]

Take a look at the axis in blue circle as shown on attachement. This is plane feature axis. Can you explain that? I always get confuse about that orientation.

Feature Axis.PNG

[[Me...]]

The feature axis is determined by the software using the vectors of the feature when it's built, regardless of it's position to any other geometry or alignment. Feature axis and alignment axis are 2 different things. They might match if you use the feature in your alignment, but they aren't connected. You can change the feature axis by changing the nominals and/or it's space axis.

[[De...]]

In this case the feature is 'facing' the Y minus direction.

The feature axis will always be the Z plus direction in the feature's gnomon. (The item you have circled in blue.)

When probing, the retract direction will be along the feature axis.

For an example think of a cube viewed from the Y minus direction, it has 6 sides, each side 'faces' a different direction the top face faces Z+ the bottom faces Z- the right face faces X+ and the left faces X- the back faces Y+ and the front faces Y-.

[[To...]]

The origin (X/Y) of the plane is typically at the lower left corner of the plane. Notice, there is a 180° in the start angle which explains why it's not in the lower left corner.(not a problem) This usually occurs if you do not orient the model first before creating the BA and, then change orientations within the BA. The Space Axis of the plane (Z) is pointing away from the plane in the -Y direction as Derek said.