Multibody techniques can simplify design to manufacturing workflows by allowing geometrically complex designs to be modeled as a single part for continuity during the initial design phase and then be subsequently split into multiple manufacturable components after the design is completed. In some scenarios this approach is used for convenience, but in many cases (particularly in 3D printing and mold design applications) it’s a necessity.
Our latest 2-Minute Tech Tip on Splitting Parts into Multiple Bodies demonstrates how the Split feature can be used in conjunction with planes, surfaces, or sketch lines to divide a part into multiple bodies without removing material, facilitating manufacturing and assembly development.
Using the Split feature to divide a spherical bottle into separate printable bodies
Instead of creating separate part files from scratch or cutting away geometry with an extruded cut, the Split command allows you to:
- Define precise split locations using planes, surface bodies, or sketches
- Create multiple solid bodies within the same file
- Automatically generate new part documents from selected bodies
- Prepare models for 3D printing, mold tooling, CNC setups, etc.
In this particular example, a spherical bottle is split into two bodies to better accommodate the limitations of a 3D printing build plate and reduce support material. Each body can be saved as its own file and/or inserted into an assembly to run assembly evaluation tools such as interference detection, clearance verification, and collision detection to ensure proper manufacturability.
Creating an assembly from the resulting part files and enabling assembly evaluation tools
The Split command provides flexibility when working with complex designs and production constraints. To learn more about multibody workflows and advanced modeling strategies, explore the SOLIDWORKS Advanced Part Design course, sections 10 through 12.
