Draft angle

A draft angle is a slight taper added to assist in the ejection of the molded part from the mold. Surfaces parallel to the direction the part is ejected in, will cause difficulties in production.

The amount of draft added will depend on the material to be used and the surface finish of the part.

Highly polished surfaces often have a draft angle of 1.5^o while heavily textured leather-like surfaces can require a draft of 6^o to 8^o.

Note: The draft angle being tested for can be adjusted via the Configure rules... option. Once an angle has been adjusted, it will apply to all of your models.

The Draft angle element examines the part geometry in relation to the expected direction that the finished part will be removed from the metal injection mold.

To view the draft angle contribution to the indicator value, click Home tab > Manufacturability panel > Information. The Alerts tab will include a draft angle alert if there are issues with the design.

Draft angle alert

A significant amount of part surface area with little or no draft angle will trigger an alert.

Draft angle visualization

The surfaces on the part with a draft angle problem can viewed. Click on Home tab > Manufacturability panel > Information. Click on the Draft angle option in the Information pop-up tab.

Note: Altering the pull direction will alter the draft angle of a surface.

Adjust draft angles as appropriate.