SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Part VII: Working with Specialized Functionality

Caution
Software can sometimes interpret things differently from the way that a person does. As a result, any computer
analysis must be interpreted with common sense.

Due to this and some of the other problems that I mentioned earlier, I recommend using the Gradual
Transition draft analysis in conjunction with one of the other tests. Gradual Transition gives an interesting
effect, but it is not a reliable tool for determining on its own whether or not a part can be manufactured. n

Face Classification

Face Classification draft analysis groups the faces into classifications using solid, non-transitioning

colors. You will notice a big difference between the coloration of the Face Classification draft analy-

sis faces and of the Basic or Gradual Transition faces. Face Classification uses OpenGL face shad-

ing, which is the same as that used by SolidWorks by default. This allows for better shading and

differentiation between faces that face different directions. The Basic Analysis coloration looks like

all the faces are painted the same flat hue, regardless of which direction they are facing, which

makes shapes more difficult to identify. The non-Open GL alternate shading method makes it pos-

sible to display a transition in color. SolidWorks OpenGL shading cannot do this.

Another advantage of using the OpenGL shading is that the face colors can remain on the part after

you have closed the Draft Analysis PropertyManager.

Face Classification draft analysis also adds a classification that is not used by the Basic draft analy-

sis. Straddle faces refer to faces that straddle the parting line, or faces that, due to their curvature,

pull from both halves of the mold. These are faces that need to be split. On this part, a straddle

face is shown in Figure 32.15.

FIGURE 32.15

Face Classification draft analysis and a straddle face

Straddle face