Construction geometry

Construction geometry is sometimes referred to as reference geometry within the industry, and this latter naming probably better explains the function of this feature. First, you create construction axes and planes. Later on, these will help you build precise shapes in the right place, simply by giving you a reference point, or a well-defined plane between edges.

Think of it as the cranes on a real-life building site, they are not part of the final building, but essential parts of the construction process. Construction axes and planes won't be a part of your exports and will not define sketches, closed sketches, faces or bodies.

In Shapr3D, you have two options to create construction geometry. One is Axis, and one is Planes. Access them in the Main Menu under the Add menu.

Axes

Use construction axes as a guideline for your sketches - snap to them, and the app will lock the axis for a comfortable modeling experience.

It has 5 types and you should use it, when

• there is no edge available, e.g. for a cylinder; or
• you need some guidelines for your sketch, but only as a reference; or
• you need an axis for a Transformation (Rotate around axis); or
• you will fillet an edge, but you know you'll need that edge in the future.

Through 2 points

1. Select 2 points and the app will generate an axis containing them.
2. Position your points by simply dragging and dropping them.
3. Tap on Done.

Through 2 planes

1. Select two closed sketches, faces or planes
2. The app will generate an axis on the line, where the two faces (or the planes they are on) intersect.
3. If you are not satisfied with your results, deselect your closed sketch(es), face(s) or plane(s) and select new ones.
4. Tap on Done.

Through edge

1. Select an edge or line (the app creates an axis on that edge)
2. If you are not satisfied with your results, just tap on another edge.
3. Tap on Done.

Perpendicular to face at point

1. Select a closed sketch, face, or plane.
2. Tap on Next.
3. Select a point on your workspace. The app will create a perpendicular axis at that point.
4. Tap on Done.

Through a cylinder or cone

1. Select a cylinder or a cone ( the app generates their axes of rotation as a construction axis)
2. Tap on Done.

Plane

Construction planes are the easiest way to 

• position a sketch, a body into a desired and well-defined place
• use it as a mirroring plane

Offset from face

1. Select a closed sketch or face
2. Tap on Next. (the construction plane will appear - selected)
3. Position your plane by using the arrow, or type in the desired distance by tapping on the label
4. Tap on Done.

Parallel to face at point

1. Select a closed sketch or face
2. Tap on Next. 
3. Place a point anywhere in your workspace, and the app will generate a parallel plane to you selected face or closed sketch.
4. Tap on Done.

Through edge at angle

1. Select a closed sketch or face
2. Tap on Next. (A plane will appear in 45' of your selected edge)
3. Position your plane by using the red, two-way arrow or tap on the label, and type in the desired dimension.
4. Tap on Done.

Perpendicular to face at point 

1. Select an edge, line or axis.
2. Tap on Next. 
3. Place a point anywhere in your workspace, and the app will generate a perpendicular plane to your edge, line, axis.
4. Tap on Done.

Through 3 points

1. Select 3 points and the app will generate a plane based on them.
2. Position your points by simply dragging and dropping them.
3. Tap on Done.

Mid-Plane

1. Select 2 closed sketches, faces or planes and the app will generate a plane based on them.
2. If you are not satisfied with your results, deselect your closed sketch(es), face(s) or plane(s) and select new ones.
3. Tap on Done.

Perpendicular to curve at point

1. Select a curve. (a plane will appear on the curve)
2. Position the plane by dragging the controll point along the curve.
3. Tap on Done.