Introduction to 3D Modeling Software: Overview and Applications In this opening session of our training program, we’ll explore the background and practical applications of 3D modeling software. This introduction will help learners develop a comprehensive understanding of the software’s origins, capabilities, and real-world uses, establishing a solid foundation for deeper exploration. 1. SpaceClaim’s Origins SpaceClaim was established in 2005 with an innovative vision: to deliver simpler and more streamlined design workflows compared to conventional CAD platforms. Nine years later in 2014, ANSYS recognized its potential and acquired the software, integrating this robust 3D geometry modeling tool into their comprehensive engineering software portfolio. 2. SpaceClaim’s Core Design Philosophy SpaceClaim is built on direct modeling principles, which dramatically simplifies the process of creating intricate 3D geometries versus traditional CAD systems. Rather than depending on complex command sequences and procedures to alter geometry, it employs an intuitive direct-editing approach, offering an accessible environment for both modifying existing models and building new designs from scratch. 3. Practical Applications and Industry Uses SpaceClaim serves multiple purposes including fast prototyping, preparing models for engineering analysis, conceptual design development, reverse engineering workflows, and manufacturing preparation along with CAD file modifications. These versatile features deliver a complete toolkit for addressing engineering design and analysis needs, especially within Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applications. Session Summary During this session, we covered SpaceClaim’s foundational history, tracing its journey from a standalone software solution to its integration within the ANSYS ecosystem. We examined the software’s modeling approach and the distinctive characteristics that set it apart from conventional CAD applications. This introductory overview equips participants with essential knowledge about SpaceClaim before advancing to more specialized course topics.

Interface Components: Workspace, Toolbars and Structure Panel This session aims to help students navigate SpaceClaim more effectively and gain a thorough understanding of its user interface. We’ll introduce the core interface elements and overall software architecture, establishing the necessary groundwork before beginning hands-on modeling exercises. These fundamentals are crucial, as comprehensive familiarity with the environment and its capabilities is vital before starting 2D and 3D design work. 1. Interface Components Overview To familiarize course participants with SpaceClaim, we’ll start by exploring key interface elements. A central component is the Ribbon toolbar, structured into logical and accessible tabs. This arrangement ensures rapid command access while maintaining a visual and intuitive workspace. This design minimizes complexity and facilitates a smoother, more productive learning experience for students. 2. Structure Panel Management Another critical focus of this session is the Structure Panel, which acts as the organizational hub for projects in SpaceClaim. Beyond its standard functions, the panel provides advanced and improved capabilities. Throughout this session, you’ll discover how to display, categorize, and control parts and assemblies using the Structure Panel. Developing this proficiency will help you organize projects more systematically and exercise better oversight of the design workflow. Beyond the core functions already discussed, the Structure Panel offers several additional valuable features. Particularly noteworthy is the Group (Name Selection) area, which allows you to categorize various geometric elements—including planes, curves, and solid bodies—based on your simulation requirements. 3. View Navigation Controls This lesson also introduces fundamental Navigation Controls for interacting with 3D models. These include operations like Zoom, Rotate, and Pan, executable via mouse gestures or through the View toolbar in the Structure Panel. Using these controls, users can modify viewing perspectives as needed and inspect or refine their geometry with appropriate precision and assurance. 4. Personalizing Your Workspace Lastly, this session addresses workspace personalization options. Students will learn how to manually configure tool locations to suit their preferences. Additionally, they’ll understand how to restore the interface to its original configuration if unwanted or accidental modifications occur. This workspace flexibility is designed to boost efficiency and tailor the environment to individual user workflows. Session Summary Upon completing Session Two, participants should possess a solid grasp of SpaceClaim’s user interface and structural organization. They will have developed competencies in panel management, navigation tool usage, and 3D workspace configuration—establishing the groundwork for direct design and modeling in subsequent sessions. These accomplishments will deliver improved efficiency, clarity, and confidence when using the software, while strengthening learners’ proficiency with SpaceClaim as a powerful design and simulation platform.

Interface Configuration: Workspace, Docking Layout, Units, and Visualization Tools This session focuses on exploring some of the most valuable features within SpaceClaim that enable more precise and efficient design workflows. We’ll begin by introducing utilities like Snap to Grid and Snap to Angle, which facilitate cleaner and more accurate geometry creation. Subsequently, we’ll examine the Display tab, which enhances how we visualize and evaluate geometries. Understanding these capabilities will enable you to develop models with superior precision and organization. The overall objective of this training session is to elevate design quality and familiarize you with practical tools that support effective modeling workflows. 1. Grid Snapping Functionality When the Snap to Grid feature is activated, sketch elements such as lines and points must begin or terminate precisely at grid intersection points. This promotes more accurate geometry creation, ensuring consistency and precision throughout the modeling workflow. For instance, when constructing a rectangular shape, the software automatically aligns the initial point to the closest grid intersection. This capability proves extremely valuable for generating accurate geometry. Conversely, when this feature is deactivated, users gain additional freedom. While enabling it supports the creation of precise and well-organized designs, disabling it offers greater flexibility and creative liberty during geometry sketching. 2. Angular Snapping Capability The Snap to Angle feature simplifies drawing lines at conventional and commonly-used angles. Typically, when sketching lines, the software might display irregular angles like 46.7 degrees. By activating Snap to Angle, the software automatically constrains lines to standard angular increments. Consequently, users can easily locate angles such as 15°, 30°, or 45°. This functionality enhances both precision and efficiency in establishing clean and standardized angular relationships, streamlining the design workflow and improving convenience. 3. Visualization Settings and Graphics Display Another essential area is found within the Display Tab under Graphics, offering multiple visualization modes: Wireframe: Renders geometry using only edge lines, without surface fills. Shaded: Presents geometry with basic surface shading applied. Enhanced Shaded: Offers advanced visual rendering for superior surface definition. Hidden Line: Shows both visible and concealed edges of the geometry, allowing users to view lines behind surfaces. Hidden Line Removed: Similar to shaded display but excludes hidden edges, resulting in cleaner geometry presentation. Furthermore, the Split Viewports feature enables users to partition the display area into multiple concurrent views: Two Vertical Viewports: Display the geometry from two different angles simultaneously. Four Viewports: Provide four distinct perspectives (such as top, front, side, and isometric), enhancing clarity and facilitating analysis of complex geometries. This visualization versatility helps users examine every dimension of their models and ensures comprehensive understanding and validation throughout the design process. Session Summary The integration of these tools—Grid Snapping, Angular Snapping, and Display Configuration Options—delivers robust support for creating accurate geometries and achieving optimal visualization in ANSYS SpaceClaim. Snap to Grid guarantees precise element positioning. Snap to Angle streamlines work with standard angular measurements. Display Modes and Split Views enhance model visualization and comprehension. Collectively, these features improve both design accuracy and workflow productivity.

Overview In this session of the SpaceClaim training program, we’ll explore some of the most essential tools within the 2D sketching environment. We’ll start by becoming acquainted with fundamental sketching utilities and learning various techniques for creating basic shapes like lines and circles. Following that, we’ll examine the Modify section to discover its practical capabilities, including Mirror, Create Corner, and additional helpful features. Developing proficiency with these sketching and modification tools is crucial, as they not only streamline the drawing workflow but also enhance the precision and overall quality of the geometries you produce. 1. Fundamental Sketching Utilities At the session’s outset, we concentrated on learning SpaceClaim’s core sketching tools used for generating simple geometric forms. Various approaches for drawing lines and circles were presented. For circles, we practiced the standard technique where the center point is established first followed by the radius, along with the three-point circle construction method. Additionally, we learned rectangle creation using both the two-point and three-point approaches. 2. Enhanced Sketching Capabilities After mastering SpaceClaim’s basic sketching commands, we progressed to more sophisticated tools including Arc, Spline, and Construction Line. The Arc utilities enable us to generate curves either by designating start and end points or by defining three points along the arc path. The Spline tool proves particularly valuable when developing intricate shapes with flowing transitions, while the Construction Line provides reference geometry that assists in organizing sketches and preserving symmetry. Together, these capabilities offer designers enhanced flexibility and precision when creating more elaborate forms, making the sketching workflow more adaptable and productive. 3. Sketch Modification Utilities This session also examined several key tools within the Modify section, which are employed to adjust and refine sketches. The Mirror tool enables selected geometry to be replicated across a reference axis, ensuring design symmetry. Likewise, the Create Corner and Rounded Corner tools simplify connecting two lines, either by forming a sharp intersection or by generating a smooth radius. Utilizing these tools results in cleaner and more polished geometry, while reducing potential errors that might emerge during subsequent 3D modeling phases. Session Summary This session’s objective was to familiarize students with design utilities and modification commands for creating efficient and accurate 2D models. The fundamental tools serve a critical role in establishing precise and dependable geometry, while the modification utilities enable valuable adjustments such as symmetry and other enhancements. Integrating these functions not only elevates the quality and efficiency of the design workflow, but also establishes the groundwork for more dependable and effective 3D modeling in subsequent stages.

Introduction In this SpaceClaim training session, we’ll begin with a thorough overview of the Constraint environment tools. Following that, we’ll introduce fundamental and essential utilities within the 3D environment, among which the “Pull” command stands out as one of the most significant—serving as the bridge from 2D to 3D design. This session will also cover practical commands within the “Pull” toolset, including Pull, Direction, Revolve, and Sweep operations. 1. Constraint System SpaceClaim’s Constraint environment is utilized for applying geometric constraints within 2D design work. When developing sketches, you can employ Constraint tools to establish geometric relationships among lines, arcs, points, and other sketch components. Through this environment, you can achieve precise control over the dimensions and positioning of your drawn elements. In this session, we covered all tools within this section including Dimension, Coincident Constraint, Parallel Constraint, Perpendicular Constraint, and Equal Constraint. 2. Three-Dimensional Modeling 2.1. Pull Command Among SpaceClaim’s most crucial 3D design utilities is the Pull command, which enables us to generate 3D forms from 2D geometry. This tool offers diverse and comprehensive capabilities. In this session, we’ll concentrate on some of the most practical and foundational features of this command, which include Revolve and Sweep operations. 2.1.1. Revolve Operation The Revolve feature is one of the most powerful tools within the Pull command. This option functions by selecting a rotation axis for the target geometry and then rotating it by a specified angle around that axis. For instance, by rotating a rectangular profile 360 degrees around one of its edges, we can generate a cylindrical solid. 2.1.2. Sweep Operation The Sweep feature within the Pull toolset represents one of the most practical and valuable tools in this category. This command enables us to translate a 2D geometry (profile) along a defined 2D path, thereby generating a 3D solid. In simpler terms, with the Sweep command, we specify a profile and a trajectory, and the software extrudes the profile along the chosen path to produce the intended 3D form. For example, by utilizing a circular profile and a linear or curved path, we can create three-dimensional tubes or helical coils. Session Summary This session’s purpose was to complete essential topics in the 2D environment, including working with tools in the Constraint section. Additionally, we introduced the fundamentals of 3D object creation. By the conclusion of this session, you should be capable of constructing simple 3D forms such as a rectangular prism, a cylinder, and also a hollow curved conduit. Each of these models can be generated using various tools available within the Pull command.

1. Overview In this SpaceClaim training session, you’ll become acquainted with one of the software’s most versatile interface tools: the Move utility. Beyond learning precise geometry selection techniques, you’ll also discover the various options within the Move command for repositioning objects. These options include Move Along Trajectory, Move Direction, Anchor, Move Radially About Axis, Fulcrum, and the Up To feature—each proving highly effective in different design situations. Throughout this lesson, we’ll provide practical examples and hands-on exercises to help you implement these tools efficiently in your own work. 2. Selection Techniques When utilizing the Move command or any other SpaceClaim tool, making accurate geometry selections is critical. The selected entity may be a surface, point, edge, or body, and choosing appropriately ensures proper command execution. In this session, you’ll learn two effective selection methods including Box Selection and Component Selection, which become accessible once the Move command is initiated. These approaches will help you enhance the precision and efficiency of your geometry selections in SpaceClaim. 3. Move Utility The Move command in SpaceClaim represents one of the software’s most practical tools. It enables us to relocate selected entities—such as surfaces, points, edges, and components—along the standard X, Y, and Z axes, and also to rotate them around various axes. Beyond these fundamental functions, the Move command offers several advanced options that make geometry manipulation simpler, more accurate, and highly effective. In the following sections, we’ll examine some of these capabilities and their practical applications within SpaceClaim. 3.1. Directional Movement The Move Direction command enables us to translate geometry along a designated direction or reference line. For instance, if we sketch a diagonal line and then activate this command, the selected geometry can be moved precisely along that line’s direction. This ensures the movement remains perfectly aligned with the chosen reference. 3.2. Trajectory-Based Movement Similar to the Move Direction command, the Move Along Trajectory option allows geometry repositioning. However, rather than limiting movement to a straight path, this command enables geometry to follow curved or intricate trajectories. For example, if a curve is drawn in the design workspace, the selected geometry can be repositioned exactly along that curve using this command. This capability proves especially valuable when working with sophisticated models requiring precise positioning along non-linear paths. 3.3. Anchor Point The Anchor option enables us to reposition the Move Handle. By default, when employing the Move command, the handle appears at the selected geometry’s center. However, frequently we need to move geometry relative to another specific location—for instance, from one of its corners, faces, edges, or even a custom-defined point. The Anchor tool facilitates this by allowing us to relocate the move handle to the desired position, enabling more controlled and precise movements. 3.4. Radial Movement About Axis The Move Radially About Axis option allows repositioning selected geometry by moving it radially around a specified axis or reference line. More simply, instead of translating geometry along linear directions (X, Y, Z), this tool enables you to pivot or rotate geometry around a selected axis. This feature proves particularly beneficial when arranging components that need positioning around a central axis, such as turbine blades, circular arrays, or rotational assemblies. 3.5. Fulcrum Point The Fulcrum option within the Move/Rotate tools allows you to specify a pivot point (or rotation center) for rotation operations. By default, geometry rotates about its center or the selected axis. However, often you may need rotation to occur about a custom point. With the Fulcrum tool, you can relocate the pivot to any desired location on the model, providing precise control over rotational movement. This feature proves especially useful when simulating mechanical systems such as hinged doors, levers, or articulated arms that need to rotate around a specific pivot point. 3.6. Up To Feature The Move Up To option enables you to translate selected geometry until it reaches a chosen reference, such as a face, surface, plane, or edge. Rather than specifying a numerical distance, you simply select the target reference, and the geometry moves until it precisely aligns with or contacts the reference. This capability proves particularly valuable when positioning parts or surfaces accurately relative to existing geometry, eliminating the need for manual distance calculations. 4. Session Summary This session’s objective was to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Move tool, one of the most practical and adaptable features in 3D modeling. This tool significantly streamlines the design workflow, particularly when handling complex geometries. As demonstrated, when developing a 3D model, you may need to reposition specific components or duplicate intricate shapes. In such scenarios, proficiency with the Move tool becomes extremely valuable.

1. Overview In this SpaceClaim training session, we’ll introduce one of the software’s most significant and versatile tools, known as the Pattern command. This command exists in two variants within the software: Linear Pattern and Circular Pattern. In this lesson, we’ll create a distinctive and practical geometry for each of these options. As an example for the Linear Pattern, we’ll design a pin fin heat sink. Conversely, to better illustrate the Circular Pattern, we’ll model a gear component. 2. Pattern Utility The Pattern command in SpaceClaim enables you to duplicate geometry in a systematic and organized manner within the design workspace. With this tool, you can generate multiple instances of a single base geometry along various directions (linear or circular), allowing you to rapidly construct complex and structured components. This capability proves especially beneficial for reducing design time and creating practical geometries. 3. Linear Pattern Functionality The Linear Pattern command enables us to replicate geometry along a straight path. One of this tool’s excellent features in SpaceClaim is that you can implement it in either one-dimensional or two-dimensional arrangements. In each of these dimensions, you can specify both the number of pattern instances you desire from your geometry, and the spacing between the objects. 4. Circular Pattern Functionality The Circular Pattern command in SpaceClaim allows you to duplicate and replicate geometry along a circular trajectory. You can designate the number of repetitions, and the software will distribute them uniformly around a selected axis or center point. This feature proves particularly valuable for designing geometries such as gears, turbine blades, or circular bolt hole patterns. 5. Session Summary Building upon the various commands we’ve mastered in previous sessions, such as the Pull and Move commands, and now in this session the Pattern command, combined with gaining advanced proficiency in the 2D sketching environment, from this point forward we anticipate being able to create more sophisticated, practical, and diverse geometries. The content presented in this session actually serves as a supplement to the topics addressed in previous lessons and completes them. By integrating all these skills acquired throughout these seven sessions, we also expect to be better equipped to construct even more complex geometries in the upcoming advanced lessons.

1. Overview In this SpaceClaim tutorial session, you’ll explore some of the most practical modeling utilities. These include the Combine command and its associated tools such as Split Body, Split Face, and Project. We’ll also utilize the Create Plane command to generate new reference planes at desired locations. Using these tools in combination helps us create precise, functional geometries and implement necessary modifications to the model efficiently. 2. Combine Command Generally, the concept underlying the Combine command is based on merging or subtracting existing bodies within a geometry. Dividing bodies in a model can prove beneficial in numerous situations, particularly in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). For instance, in many analyses we prefer to execute the simulation in a periodic or symmetric fashion, since both the geometry and the solution follow a repeating pattern. Rather than solving the complete computational domain—which would substantially increase computational expense—we can simply divide or eliminate the repetitive or unnecessary portions of the geometry. 3. Split Body Command In this tutorial, we examined how to divide two bodies using the Combine command. However, an alternative method exists to separate bodies from each other: the Split Body command. This command operates by enabling you to cut or partition bodies using a plane. The plane can be a flat surface selected from within the geometry itself, or a custom plane that you generate, such as a curved or inclined one. Examples of each scenario are demonstrated in this lesson to help you thoroughly understand how to utilize the Split Body command effectively in your modeling workflow. 4. Split Face Command The Split Face command is introduced as a valuable tool for partitioning the surface of a body into distinct regions without cutting the body itself. With this command you can employ either an existing plane, an edge, a curve, or even a sketch to divide one or multiple faces of your geometry. This capability proves especially helpful when you need to apply different boundary conditions or mesh refinement controls on specific areas of a single surface in simulation, or when you want to establish new regions for additional modeling operations. 5. Project Command The Project command is utilized to transfer or map curves, edges, or sketches from one surface or plane onto another. This tool enables you to create reference lines or shapes directly on curved or angled surfaces without manually reconstructing them. The projection can be executed in various ways such as normal projection, which transfers the geometry perpendicularly from the sketch plane onto the target surface, or directional projection, where you specify a particular direction for the projection to follow. 6. Session Summary At the conclusion of this lesson you should be capable of using the tools you’ve mastered in this and previous sessions to efficiently modify your 3D geometries according to your computational requirements. You should now be proficient in merging or subtracting existing bodies using the Combine command, and applying the various options of the Split Body tool to separate or trim geometries at specific locations required by your simulation configuration.

1. Overview In this ANSYS SpaceClaim course session, we’ll revisit some of the most critical commands we’ve previously learned, including Move, Combine, Split, and Pull. We’ll accomplish this by constructing a 3D model of a pipe according to specified dimensions. This exercise will help you comprehend and learn more effectively through practical application. Throughout the process, we’ll also strengthen our modeling capabilities and develop a deeper understanding of how these tools can be employed together in real-world design tasks. 2. Learning Goals The primary objective of this session is to practice and consolidate the use of fundamental modeling commands within ANSYS SpaceClaim. We aim to enhance our comprehension of how to modify, combine, and manipulate 3D geometries effectively. Another goal is to improve precision and consistency while modeling a 3D pipe structure based on specified dimensions. 3. Methodology To commence, we’ll begin by sketching the base profile of the pipe according to the given dimensions. Subsequently, using the Pull command, we’ll extrude the base sketch to generate the main body of the pipe. The Combine command will be employed to merge distinct sections, while Split will assist us in dividing or trimming features where necessary. The Move command will also be utilized to reposition parts of the geometry to their proper locations. Each step will be executed carefully to ensure the model is both precise and well-organized. 4. Session Summary In this session, we successfully reviewed and practiced the application of fundamental commands in ANSYS SpaceClaim by modeling a 3D pipe. The practical approach facilitated easier understanding of how different tools interact throughout the design process. This activity enhanced both our technical modeling proficiency and our familiarity with key SpaceClaim functions, preparing us for more sophisticated modeling tasks in subsequent sessions.