How to Check Draft Analysis in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To check draft analysis in SolidWorks, open your part file, go to the Evaluate tab, and select Draft Analysis. Set the draft angle and direction, then click Calculate to visualize areas with proper or insufficient draft.

Syntax

The basic steps to use Draft Analysis in SolidWorks are:

• Open Part: Load the 3D model you want to analyze.
• Evaluate Tab: Click on the Evaluate tab in the Command Manager.
• Draft Analysis: Select Draft Analysis tool.
• Set Parameters: Choose the draft direction (usually the pull direction), and set the draft angle to check.
• Calculate: Click Calculate to see the color-coded draft results.

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1. Open your part in SolidWorks
2. Click on the Evaluate tab
3. Click Draft Analysis
4. Select the draft direction face
5. Enter the draft angle value
6. Click Calculate

Example

This example shows how to check draft on a simple molded part:

1. Open the part file molded_part.sldprt.
2. Go to the Evaluate tab and click Draft Analysis.
3. Pick the face that represents the mold pull direction.
4. Set the draft angle to 2 degrees.
5. Click Calculate.
6. Observe the color-coded results: green areas have sufficient draft, red areas need more draft.

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Open molded_part.sldprt
Evaluate > Draft Analysis
Select pull direction face
Set draft angle = 2 degrees
Click Calculate

Output

The model displays colors: green for faces with draft >= 2°, red for faces with draft < 2°.

Common Pitfalls

• Wrong Draft Direction: Selecting the incorrect face as the pull direction can give misleading results.
• Ignoring Negative Draft: Draft angles can be positive or negative; ensure you check both if needed.
• Not Setting Correct Angle: Using a draft angle that does not match manufacturing requirements leads to errors.
• Overlooking Small Faces: Small or curved faces may show unexpected colors; verify manually if needed.

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Wrong way:
- Select a side face as draft direction instead of the mold pull face
- Set draft angle too low or too high

Right way:
- Select the main pull direction face
- Set draft angle according to design specs
- Recalculate to verify

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Open part file	Ensure model is fully saved
2	Go to Evaluate tab	Use Command Manager for quick access
3	Select Draft Analysis	Icon looks like a slanted face with angle
4	Pick draft direction face	Usually the mold pull direction
5	Set draft angle	Match manufacturing draft requirements
6	Click Calculate	View color-coded draft results

Key Takeaways

Use the Evaluate tab and Draft Analysis tool to check draft angles easily.

Always select the correct pull direction face for accurate results.

Set the draft angle to match your manufacturing or mold design specs.

Color coding helps quickly identify areas with insufficient draft.

Review small or complex faces manually to avoid misinterpretation.