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Produces a duplicate image of an object or a set of objects at a location you specify in the model. The mirrored objects are reflected about a plane, and then reversed and copied to the selected destination. The command is especially useful when you need to copy multiple, connected objects to the opposite side of a symmetrical configuration. For example, you can select an array of pipe runs and generate mirrored images of all their components, geometric structures, and assigned properties.
The direction of the mirrored objects is perpendicular to the mirror plane (the plane about which the software flips the selected objects). The mirror plane and its location determine the exact location of the objects. The software places the mirrored objects on the opposite side of the mirror plane at a point of equal distance from the perpendicular mirror plane and the original objects.
The software allows you to draw a vector anywhere in 3D space in the model. The midpoint of the vector is calculated, and the mirror plane is generated based on the type of plane selected in the Plane menu list:
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Plan Plane
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Elevation Plane: East-West
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Elevation Plane: North-South
The software then draws the plane in the selected direction through the midpoint of the input vector. Plane by Vector draws the plane through the midpoint of the vector, but also positions the plane perpendicular to the vector.
The command processing is based on settings in the reference data and includes the following functions:
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Copy and flip the copy
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Flip in the direction that you specify
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Move or copy the flipped object to a position you specify
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Change or copy properties appropriately
Exceptions can occur from restrictions that exist in reference data settings for rotation or part replacement. The select list, Mirror Behavior Option, appears on the part class sheets for reference data. The option has various settings:
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Component may be mirrored
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Component may be rotated 180 degrees, but not mirrored
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Component cannot be mirrored or rotated, but can be copied and translated
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Component must be replaced rather than mirroring, rotating, or copying
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