Frame generator inconsistent orientation

[MatthijsAstratec]

I made 2 frame members from their own sketch, so 2 frame assemblies. Both sketches are drawn on the top plane (XY).

If I apply a frame member on sketch1 in frame assembly1, the U-profile flanges are sideways.

If I apply a frame member on sketch2 in frame assembly2, the U-profile flanges are upwards.

Both frame members are 0 degrees rotated.

Why isn't there consistency in the orientation? How to get it right? Why don't you just use referencing and orientation systemfrom stable and performant CAD package like PTC Creo does?

[James_Willo]

Hey, I think there is a little trick here which is the reason. 

When placing the member, if you trace your cursor along the sketch, you'll notice that at about the half way point the orientation flips. So basically the orientation has two positions depending on which end of the line you click. 

[MatthijsAstratec]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I also noticed this behaviour, but that is a 180 degree rotation, whilst my example has a 90 degree rotation.

However, the flip you get when selecting the close end or the far end of the line is consistent behaviour, so that doesn't bother me as much.

[James_Willo]

Ahh, sorry, in that case it could be to do with the normal of the sketch plane? It's difficult to tell from your images what you are doing. 

[CGBenner]

@MatthijsAstratec @James_Willo 

I am assuming these two frame assemblies are both in a parent assembly?  Could the orientation have something to do with the Frame Assemblies' position within the top level assembly, and how they are constrained to the parent? 

[blandb]

At the top when placing, does it state no preset, or was there a preset used during placement?

[blandb]

I just did a test and when I placed my first member I had to move it to the center node, then when I went to the second assembly, it remembers the same orientation I set the first time when placing the second member in the second test assy, I didn't need to choose the center node and I had no preset.

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi! Even when the orientation option is selected, the frame members may realign themselves when the skeletal model goes through changes. To ensure consistent alignment, you will need to edit each member -> Align -> select a static planar reference.

Many thanks!