Boundaries > Project Boundary to Plane projects a selected boundary to a user-defined plane by stretching existing triangles.
This function is useful for extending the polygon structure of an object to a pre-defined length and ensuring the edge of the object is flat or straight. For example, if you scan a keyboard key, it is unlikely that the scanner will effectively capture the bottom of the key. Using Project Boundary to Plane, you can select the bottom of the keyboard key and project it to a flat plane to produce a smooth bottom edge.
The plane can run in the X, Y, or Z direction, or you can define a new plane using Three Points or a Line on the model. There is also the Best Fit technique which is most useful, as it gives a good initial position.
Fine adjustments to the plane position can be done either by using the wheel, or by dragging the plane with the left mouse button, while the Ctrl key is pressed.
Mouse Use group -
Entire Boundary radio button - specifies that the entire boundary that you select will be projected.
Partial Boundary radio button - specifies that a portion of the boundary that you select will be projected.
First Point radio button - the next point you click in the Viewing Area will be one endpoint of a partial boundary.
Second Point radio button - the next point you click in the Viewing Area will be the other endpoint of a partial boundary.
Included Boundary radio button - the next point you click in the Viewing Area will be the portion of the partial boundary that must be projected.
Define Plane radio button - Typically, click this first and use the Align Plane group to superimpose a plane by one of several methods.
Align Plane group - controls the superimposition of a plane onto which to project a boundary. See Methods of Superimposing Planes.
Tangent Projection checkbox - specifies whether to project the boundary in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane or in a direction suggested by surrounding polygons. Tangent projection is useful when the boundary is non-planar.
Execute button - performs the projection as configured.
OK button - saves the object to the Model Manager and closes the dialog.
Cancel button - terminates the dialog without saving the object to the Model Manager.
Clear button - clears the selection of the boundary in the Viewing Area.