Checking for Draft

Now that the model is complete, you can start to create the mold. First, verify that all faces include sufficient draft with the Draft Analysis tool. (Draft is a slight taper on selected model faces that facilitates removal of the part from the mold tooling.)

You can use the Parting Lines tool to check for draft and apply the parting lines in a single step. However, with some complex models, adding draft after you create the parting lines can cause changes to the geometry that require you to reapply the parting lines.

Another method is to use Draft Analysis , which includes functionality not found in the Parting Lines tool, such as displaying a count for each type of face on the model. Then, if needed, add draft using Draft (for models created in SOLIDWORKS) or tools such as Ruled Surface or Replace Face on the Surfaces toolbar (for imported models). Finally, use Parting Lines to add the parting line.

  1. Click Isometric (Standard Views toolbar).
  2. Click Draft Analysis (Mold Tools toolbar).
  3. Select the Top plane in the FeatureManager design tree for Direction of Pull in the PropertyManager.
    If necessary, click Reverse Direction so the preview arrow points up.

    For Direction of Pull, you can select a linear edge or any other entity that specifies a vector. When you select a plane or planar face, the direction is normal to the selected entity.
  4. Under Analysis Parameters:
    1. Set Draft Angle to 0.5.
    2. Select Face classification.
  5. Click Rotate View (View toolbar) to see the faces with negative draft.