Extending a plane on a model

[[Da...]]

I've been slow here so I'm posting a lot of questions lately . LOL

I knew how to do this a long time ago, but can't quite remember now. I am working with models almost exclusively now ( new job).
I need some help. How do I extend the bottom plane of a model so I can place points from Z+ to help with my base alignment. I usually run from a mag plate so placing points on the plate would be ideal. So far after translating the model I create a new plane at Z zero and place my points there. I remember that this is not exactly the best way to do this. A lot of things have changed since my training and maybe there's a better way.

[[To...]]

I extract the plane and put points on the plane. Then, I edit the space axis of the plane from -Z to +Z. This flips the points. Next, I create the BA and a manual alignment within the BA. Then I go back to the plane and look at the green points (actuals) and edit the X and Y values of the points within the point list until they're near the actuals.

[[Da...]]

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So you do a manual plane , THEN place the part on the plate then run the alignment ?

[[Da...]]

I thought we could edit the plane to "stick out" on either side of the part, then heal the cad model to build the planes new surface and place points on that. But I can't seem to get it to show, so I can place points on it.

[[To...]]

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No, I extract the plane and put the points on it. Then, flip it with space axis and edit the XY positions of each point in the points list.

You can also create a plane from the features list. Edit the X and Y and Length 1 and 2 so that it is bigger than part. I am not aware of how to incorporate this plane into the model.

[[Da...]]

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I think I found it, use CAD/ modify cad entities/ Create Geometry , then click create The extended plane shows up...Flip the space axis , place points, strategies. and your good. Stays visible even if you delete the feature. You can still select the original feature though. (vectors will be flipped) . Thanks Tom , you got me started in the right direction !

[[Da...]]

You have to run a heal, build geometry, after creation to make it permanent.

[[Ja...]]

You got me interested. I tried to follow your explanation. I found that I didn't need to extract a plane from the model and extend it. Just go to CAD, modify CAD Entities, Create geometry, and increase the Expansion U and V. Then click create. Extract features and click on the new plane. If you click on the right side the vectors will be right. Maybe this is what you did? Anyway, thanks for the info.

[[No...]]

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That's what I was about to suggest too. But you can also just extend an existing plane feature. It doesn't need to be a "solid" CAD face. To make it extend on both sides, not just edit the length and width, but also the X/Y starting point, and flip the Z vector if needed. If the feature window is open and you make sure to click the mouse inside the wireframe rectangle displayed and there's nothing else visible behind it, the points will be registered correctly. If the plane is taken from the model, you have to click on "show geometric feature in the CAD" first to make the full plane visible.

[[Da...]]

I had a vague shadowy memory that the extended plane had to be related to the original model. This seems to work. Once the healing, build geometry process is complete you can try to delete the plane, but it stays connected to the model. Mission completed !
I'm glad this is helpful to anyone dealing with models 😃

[[Ro...]]

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Congratulations!
Good to see other people moving around, joining the Great Resignation.