Split Draw

A split draw direction is a type of manufacturing constraint, and is used when the parting plane between the halves of the mold lies inside the design space.



If you intend for a part to be manufactured by casting or machining it, the optimized shape must allow the two halves of the mold to separate after the part is formed. A split draw direction is used when the parting plane between the halves of the mold lies inside the design space. Both halves of the mold are pulled away from the design space in two different directions. This yields a slightly different result from a single draw constraint, as the two halves of the mold contain only a section rather than the entire design space. When defining a split draw direction on a design space, the optimizer determines the best location of the parting plane along the draw direction. You don't specify where the parting plane lies within the design space.

Split draw directions are valid for optimization but not analysis.

Apply a Split Draw

Select the Split Draw tool and click on a design space to apply a split draw constraint.

  1. On the Structures ribbon, select the Draw Direction tool on the Shape Controls icon.


  2. Click the Split Draw tool on the secondary ribbon.


  3. Click on a design space to apply a split draw direction.
    A microdialog appears, along with a set of three orthogonal planes. The active plane is shown in blue.
  4. Select a plane to orient the draw direction.
  5. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Tip:
  • Click the icon on the microdialog to eliminate internal voids in the optimized part.
  • Click the icon on the microdialog to designate parts as obstacles.

Split Draw Examples



Figure 1. Design Space


Figure 2. Optimized Shape with Split Draw Direction Applied


Figure 3. Optimized Shape with Split Draw Direction Applied and No Holes