Model clipping planes have the following functionality:
• They can be oriented at any position (as with workplanes).
• They are positioned relative to the model, not relative to the camera.
• Multiple model clipping planes can be active at the same time. This means that clipping planes can intersect.
• They can be enabled/disabled on a per-viewport basis and on a per-part basis.
• They can be dragged interactively for fast and easy positioning.
• They use the same positioning tools as workplanes.
You can define model clipping planes by clicking 3D Access and then, in the Clipping group, clicking the arrow next to Define Clipping.
You can then click one of the following to define clipping planes:
• General—Defines model clipping planes
• On Face—Defines model clipping planes which are parallel to a preselected face.
• On Axis-Defines model clipping planes on the axis of a preselected face.
The Define Clipping Planes dialog box opens.
By default, all parts and assemblies are affected by clipping plane settings. You can also use a mode where clipping planes only affect a selection of parts using the Clipping Targets dialog box. Click 3D Access and then, in the Clipping group, click the arrow next to More. Click Targets. The Clipping Targets dialog box opens. Click Sel Parts. This enables the Include and Exclude buttons to allow the inclusion or exclusion of parts and assemblies to the list of clipping targets. If a part is included in the clipping target list, it will be clipped if it is completely or partially behind a clipping plane.
Including and Excluding Parts from Clipping
In picture A, part 4 has been included in the clipping list. Parts 1, 2, and 3 are excluded from clipping. Picture B shows all parts included in the clipping list. Obviously, this can also be achieved by clicking All Parts.
Working with model clipping planes
The position and direction of any model clipping plane is visualized by a frame (indicating the position) and arrows (indicating the direction). When viewing the clipping plane from the positive halfspace (that is, from the area where the model is visible), the clipping plane feedback appears filled (rastered) to indicate that behind the plane the model will not be visible, and the arrows point towards the viewer. When viewing the clipping plane from the negative halfspace, the clipping plane feedback only consists of the arrows and the frame, and the arrows point away from the viewer.
Direction Arrows
Each clipping plane defines a halfspace; any part of the model which is behind the clipping plane will not be rendered. This rule also holds true for the case when more than one clipping plane is enabled; any part of the model which is behind of one of the clipping planes will not be visible. The visible part of the model is therefore the visible intersection of clipping halfspaces.
The visual (and virtual) "edges" where a clipping plane intersects the model cannot be selected or measured. The recommended use model for such a case is:
1. Position the clipping plane
2. Create a new workplane and position it on the model clipping plane by using the workplane positioning tool On Clip Plne.
3. Use the machining command Section to section the model at the new workplane position.
You can switch all clipping planes off in the Show Properties dialog box by clearing the Clip Planes check box.
Clipping plane definitions are stored in the environment data, when you store a Creo Elements/Direct 3D Access *.env file.
Define Clipping.
On Face—Defines model clipping planes which are parallel to a preselected face.
On Axis-Defines model clipping planes on the axis of a preselected face.
Targets. The Clipping Targets dialog box opens. Click Sel Parts. This enables the Include and Exclude buttons to allow the inclusion or exclusion of parts and assemblies to the list of clipping targets. If a part is included in the clipping target list, it will be clipped if it is completely or partially behind a clipping plane.
