Apply Constraints

Use the Constraints tool to hold a part so that it maintains its designated position throughout the forming process.

You can apply supports to a single point, to an edge, or on a face of the model.
  1. Click the Constraints tool on the Constraints icon.
  2. Click on a point, edge, face, or hole.
    • Hold the Shift key as you click to create a concentrated point support.
    • Hold the Ctrl key to apply the support to multiple features on the same part.
  3. To allow translation in one or more directions for a particular support, click on a cone for that support. A transparent axis trident appears.
  4. Click on the arrows to toggle the locks on and off in those directions.
    A green arrow indicates that translation is allowed in that direction, while a gray arrow indicates that it is locked.
  5. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Tip:
  • You can edit individual supports to allow translation or rotation in one or more directions. Double-click on a support to enter editing mode.
  • Once a support is created, you can move it away from the model to create a support at a distance by using the Move tool on the microdialog.

Translate or Rotate Constraints

When you create a support, translation is locked in all directions by default; you can edit individual supports to allow translation in one or more directions.

  1. Double-click on a support to enter editing mode.
  2. Click the clear axis arrows to enable translation for that axis.
    A green arrow indicates translation or rotation is enabled.
Supports applied to a point, line, or face can translate in up to three directions.

Apply a Support to a Cylindrical Hole

Supports applied to a cylindrical hole are a special case, and have different properties from supports applied to a point, edge, or face.

  1. Click the Constraints tool on the Constraints icon.
  2. Click on the interior of a hole.
    • Hold the Shift key as you click to create a concentrated point support.
    • Hold the Ctrl key to apply the support to multiple features.
  3. To allow translation or rotation, click on the red support cylinder.
    Transparent graphical handles appear.


  4. Click on the arrows to toggle the locks on and off in those directions.
    A green arrow indicates that translation or rotation is allowed in that direction, while a gray arrow indicates that it is locked.


  5. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Microdialog Options

Double-click a constraint to enter editing mode, which opens the Support microdialog.

 Translate or rotate the support using the Move tool. Use to place a support at a distance.
Align the support normal (perpendicular) to the face.
Align the support normal to the draw direction.
Align the support to the global axes.