Creating Holes and Reverse Pull Operations in Ansys SpaceClaim

Welcome to the Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing with Ansys SpaceClaim blog series! In this installment, we will explore creating holes and using the reverse pull method to modify existing 3D geometry in Ansys SpaceClaim for additive manufacturing. Understanding how to edit solid bodies efficiently is crucial in 3D modeling for 3D printing, making it easier to refine models without starting from scratch. 

Why Modify Existing 3D Geometry? 

When working in Ansys SpaceClaim for 3D printing, there are times when you need to modify a solid object rather than recreating it. For instance, if you have a cylinder but need a pipe, it would be inefficient to scrap the design and start over. Instead, we use the reverse pull method to create holes through the existing model. 

How to Create a Hole in a Solid Object 

To modify a 3D model and create a hole: 

• Enter Sketch Mode: Since we are currently in 3D mode, switch back to sketch mode. 
• Select a Sketch Plane: Highlight different areas of the model until the sketching grid appears on the desired plane. For this example, select the top face of the cylinder. 
• Draw a Circle: Sketch the hole’s reference geometry. 
• Use the Pull Tool: Switch back to 3D mode, select the inner circular area, and apply the cut operation from the left-side options ribbon. 
• Drag or Use "Up To": Drag the hole manually through the model or use the “Up To” feature, allowing precise depth control by selecting a reference face. 

This method ensures a clean cut through the 3D geometry, making it ideal for prototyping and additive manufacturing applications.

Cutting Features on Curved Surfaces 

Now, let’s say we want to cut a hole on a curved surface instead of a flat one. Since selecting a sketch plane on a curved surface is difficult, we need to: 

• Create a Reference Plane: Navigate to Create > Plane and position the plane at the required location.
• Define the Sketch: Once the plane is created, return to Sketch Mode and select the new plane as the sketching surface. 
• Draw the Hole or Cut Feature: Sketch a rectangle instead of a circle to experiment with different shapes. 
• Perform the Cut Operation: Select the Pull Tool, choose Cut, and extrude the sketch through the model. 

Applications of the Reverse Pull Method 

The reverse pull technique is essential for: 

• Creating holes in solid objects. 
• Cutting features on curved surfaces. 
• Making windows or openings in 3D-printed designs. 
• Refining prototyping models for manufacturing users. 

Conclusion 

Mastering hole creation and reverse pull techniques in Ansys SpaceClaim training enables engineers to refine and optimize 3D models for 3D printing. Whether working with solid bodies, curved surfaces, or complex geometries, understanding how to modify existing models efficiently is a key skill in Ansys SpaceClaim for engineers. Stay tuned for our next Ansys SpaceClaim tutorial, where we will explore advanced cutting and fillet operations for refining designs! 

Learn More with Skill-Lync’s Free Ansys SpaceClaim Course! 

This blog is part of our ongoing Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing with Ansys SpaceClaim blog series. If you missed the previous posts, check them out here.   

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