Fundamentals of

Solid Modelling using

Inventor 7

George Smyrnakis Session 04

 Chapter 5:
Using Work Features

In this chapter, you will:

• Get an overview of work features and learn why you

may need to create them as you develop your design.

• Create work planes.

• Use a work plane to place a sketch.

• Create work axes.

• Create work points.

Introduction to Work Features
When you create a parametric part, you define how the features of the
part relate to one another so that a change in one feature results in
appropriate changes in all related features. Use work features in the
following situations:
•To position a sketch for new features when a part face is not
available.
•To establish an intermediate position that is required to define
other work features (for example, you can create a work plane at an
angle to an existing face and then create another work plane at an
offset value from that plane).
•To establish a plane or edge from which parametric dimensions
and constraints can be placed.
•To provide an axis or point of rotation for revolved features and
patterns.
•To provide an external feature termination plane off the part (for
example, a beveled extrusion edge) or an internal feature termination
plane in cases where there are no existing surfaces.
Work Planes
A work plane is an infinite construction plane that can be placed at
any orientation in space, offset from an existing part face, or
rotated around an axis or edge. Work planes can also be
dimensioned or constrained to other features.
You can also move or resize the work plane display by using the Move
and Resize symbols.
Work Planes
Use a work plane to:
•Create a sketch plane when no part face is available to create
2D sketched features.
•Create work axes and work points.
•Provide a termination reference for an extrusion.
•Provide a reference for assembly constraints.
•Provide a reference for drawing dimensions.
•Provide reference for a 3D sketch.
•Project into a 2D sketch to create curves for profile geometry or
reference.
Examples of Work Planes

Planar offset from base surface

Tangent to top of cylinder

Axis and planar normal

Modifying Work Features
All work features are associated to the features or geometry used
to create them. If you modify or delete the locating geometry, the
work feature changes accordingly and vice versa.
The work plane was created at a 45 degree angle to the top
face.

The hole was created from a sketch on the work plane,

making the hole dependent on the work plane.
Modifying Work Features
A work axis was added to the hole, making the work axis
dependent on the hole.

If the angle of the plane is modified to 15 degrees, the hole

and work axis adjust accordingly.
Exercise 5-1 Creating Work Planes
(Demonstration to follow)
Work Axes
Work axes are infinitely long parametric lines. You can place a work
axis in the following ways:

•Along the axis of a cylinder

•Between sketch points
•Between work points
•Along sketch lines
•Normal to a work plane containing a sketch point, such
that it passes through the point
Work Axes
Most work axes are created using existing cylinders, but sketched
work axes can help you construct features that would be difficult to
create without them. Use work axes to:

•Place a work plane at the center of a cylindrical object.

•Specify the center of a circular pattern.
•Specify the axis of a revolved feature.
•Specify the axis of a coil feature.
•Project into a 2D sketch to create curves for profile
geometry or reference.
•Provide a reference for assembly constraints.
•Provide a reference for drawing dimensions.
•Provide reference for a 3D sketch.
•Create lines of symmetry.
Examples of Work Axes

Work axis used to pattern holes Work axis used to create a work plane

Work axis used to create a coil feature

Exercise 5-2 Complete a Part Using Work Features
(Demonstration to follow)
Work Points
A work point is a parametric construction point that can be placed on
existing part features. Use work points to:

•Find model vertices.

•To create work planes and work axes.
•Provide a reference for assembly constraints.
•Provide a reference for drawing dimensions.
•Provide a reference for a 3D sketch.
•Define coordinate systems.