Split body

CAD Import, Split operation

The split body operation is used if you want to split a body into multiple bodies.

Select Split body from the CAD modeling menu to display the Body Splitter dialog box. The split operation is performed as follows:

Procedure

1. Select the object or the list of objects you wish to cut.

The selected bodies are added in the Target bodies list. Figure 102: Selected objects as target bodies

Note The object to cut can be selected in the Object tree or in the 3D view. You can preselect the object to cut before opening the Body Splitter dialog. You can select several objects in the Target bodies list to apply the operation to a multi-selection.

2. Select the method to define the orientation and position of the plane. Three methods are available:

Inferred: A plane is created depending on the entity you select:

Plane surface: the plane is parallel to the face.

Cylindrical or toric surface: the plane is perpendicular to the centerline.

Loop (closed chain that represents the boundary of a face): the plane is parallel to the face defined by the loop.

Edge: the plane is perpendicular to the edge.

Centerline: the plane is perpendicular to the line.

Figure 103: Inferred method

Planar face: Select a face (only planar faces can be selected) to define the plane's orientation. The plane is parallel to the face. Next, select a point to define the plane's position. Figure 104: Planar face method

When picking a vertex, as you move the cursor closer to one end of an edge, the corresponding point is highlighted. When you move the cursor over a circle, the center point is highlighted.

On curve: Select a curve. The plane is always perpendicular to the curve. You can then move the plane along the curve by using the slider or by entering a value in the field. The percentage represents the proportion of the curve's length. Figure 105: On curve method

While selecting a curve, moving the cursor over a shape that has rotational symmetry, such as a cylinder, displays the centerline, which can then be chosen.

Through object: Select an edge. Next, select a point to define the plane's position. Figure 106: Through object method

While selecting a vertex, when you move the cursor over a circle, the center point is highlighted.

Duplicate plane: Select an existing plane in the list to duplicate it along its normal. Next, select a point to define the position of the last plane. Enter the number of planes that are created (the first selected plane is not counted). Figure 107: Duplicate plane method

By default, the plane size is defined according to the size of the entity selected to create the cutting plane. Use the grey manipulators at each corner of the plane to stretch the plane vertically or horizontally. Figure 108: Size manipulators

3. Click the Add button .

Note The plane is added to the list of the whole split operation. The split is performed only with the planes from the list.

4. Define and add other cutting planes if needed.

5. Select an existing plane in the list or directly in the 3D view to edit and modify it.

When you select the plane, a triad appears on the plane. By selecting an axis, you can move the plane along one direction. You can also rotate the plane by selecting the colored arc. Use the grey manipulators that appear in each corner to resize the plane manually. Figure 109: Resize cutting plane and reposition cutting plane on Y axis

Note You can also set values of the plane properties using the Object inspector.

6. Press the Split button to perform the cut.

7. Click Close.

Note You can undo the split operations. Close the Split body dialog to enable the undo and redo buttons.