Control alignment of the plane with configuration?

SOLIDWORKS How To Questions
1

For additionally inserted planes, you can use the “Flip normal” function to flip the alignment.
Is it possible to control this option with configurations?

This would make a library feature I am trying to create much easier. I need a extruded cut that goes asymmetrically in both directions.
But I also need this extruded cut in the mirrored version. Currently, the only solution I can think of is to create the extruded cut twice and suppress the variant I don’t need. If the orientation of the plane could be flipped, I could save the second feature and also the whole double assignment of the different dimensions.
Libfeat-mirrored Groove-SWX2021.SLDPRT (58.9 KB)

2

What about creating two configurations in your library feature and swap the two dimension values? Another option is to create a variable in the library feature that drives the dimension values, then you change the variable after inserting.

3

Here’s a library feature with two configurations for each side of the groove.
Groove.gif
Groove.SLDLFP (94.5 KB)

4

This is another version. You don’t need any plane at all. Not even a single sketch.
Drag the library feature to your shaft, select an edge and you’re done. The groove will be inserted.
If the groove size is different every time, click over ride dimension check box and change the size.
If you use the same size, you can change the library feature.

2022-07-20_10-50-02.png

5

The only reliable way I know of to control a plane normal outside of the feature dialog is to define the plane at the end of a sketched line (2d or 3D).
image.png

6

Custom made planes can have their direction reversed inside the feature that creates it.
image.png