werkvlak

Werkvlak, literally “working plane” in Dutch, is a reference plane used in geometry and computer-aided design as a location and orientation to construct and constrain geometry. In 3D modeling, a werkvlak provides a flat, two-dimensional surface on which sketches are drawn and features are defined, independent of the object’s existing faces. It serves as a temporary or user-defined plane that helps organize design operations and coordinate transformations.

Common ways to create a werkvlak include offsetting an existing plane by a specified distance, creating a plane parallel to a chosen plane, defining a plane through three non-collinear points, defining a plane through two lines, or defining a plane perpendicular to a line or tangent to a surface. The plane is established with its own origin and orientation, which defines the X and Y axes within the plane. Once defined, sketches and operations such as extrusion, lofts, and patterning can reference this plane.

In practice, a werkvlak is fundamental for aligning features to complex geometries, for constructing assemblies, or for preparing manufacturing documentation. It is closely related to CAD concepts such as datum planes or reference planes and is supported by most 3D CAD systems, including Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, and Fusion 360. The term emphasizes its role as a working reference rather than a fixed physical surface.