Analyze Surfaces

Surface analysis tools check the continuity, curvature and draft angles of surfaces.

Use the surface analysis tools to validate surfaces and curves before manufacturing. Analysis tools include:

Zebra Analysis - Analyzes surface continuity by projecting parallel lines onto the model.
Curvature Analysis - Evaluates areas of high and low surface curvature by displaying a color gradient.
Draft Analysis - Evaluates whether a model has adequate draft between a part and its mold.

NoteAnalysis tools only work in the 3D visual styles; they will not work in 2D.

Quick Reference

Commands

System Variables

Sets the value at which a surface displays as green during curvature analysis (ANALYSISCURVATURE).

Sets the value at which a surface displays as blue during curvature analysis (ANALYSISCURVATURE).

Controls which type of curvature analysis is used with the (ANALYSISCURVATURE).

Sets the value at which a model displays as green during draft analysis (ANALYSISDRAFT).

Sets the value at which a model displays as blue during draft analysis (ANALYSISDRAFT).

Sets the first color of the zebra stripes displayed during zebra analysis (ANALYSISZEBRA).

Sets the second (contrasting) color of the zebra stripes displayed during zebra analysis (ANALYSISZEBRA).

Controls whether zebra stripes display horizontally, vertically, or at an angle during zebra analysis (ANALYSISBRA).

Controls the width of the zebra stripes displayed during zebra analysis (ANALYSISZEBRA).

Sets the type of zebra display when using zebra analysis (ANALYSISZEBRA).

Analyze Surface Continuity with Zebra Analysis

The zebra analysis tool projects stripes onto a surface so that you can inspect the continuity between surfaces.
Analyze the Curvature of a NURBS Surface

Displays a color gradient onto surfaces to evaluate areas of high, low and Gaussian curvature.
Use the Draft Analysis Tool

Evaluates if a model has adequate space between a part and its mold.