Basics of Coordinate Metrology
Unit 4:  Geometric Elements - Plane

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The next standard geometric element is the plane. A plane is an area having the following characteristics:
infinite extension along the area
direction given by the normal vector

A plane is determined by three points.

These three points are used to calculate the center of gravity P(x,y,z) of the plane. This is done automatically by the measuring software on the coordinate measuring machine.

This center of gravity is where the normal vector of the plane begins. Its number triple N (x,y,z) describes the direction of the plane.
 

The normal vector is always perpendicular to the plane. Using the normal and the center of gravity is sufficient to define the position of the plane in space.
 

Important: The points used to calculate the plane must not be on a straight line. Ideally the points are located in the plane in such a way that they describe a triangle of maximum size.

      

Element:
Plane

Display:

Parameters:
center of gravity P (x, y, z), 
normal vector N (x, y, z)
Required minimum number of probing points:
3 probing points
Example using a part:

(Limiting area of a cube)