Build Direction - Material Coordinate System

In the studies tab the Build Direction is automatically aligned to the Principal Coordinate System (PCS). The z-direction is the Build Direction! For each scenario the Build Direction can be easily changed, then the Build Direction for the Design Rules as well the material properties are rotated accordingly. This way multiple Build Directions can be used in one project. Afterwards the optimisation results can be compared in the Post Processing and the best build orientation can be picked.

To change the Build Direction the Build Direction Tool can be activated with the coordinate system symbol and any surface can be selected. To rotate the Build Direction either the visualized coordinate system can directly be manipulated or the Euler Angles can be entered.

If a non-isotropic material is used, the Principal Coordinate System (PCS) is the reference for the material properties.

The z-axis of this coordinate system is always the Build Direction and differs from the two in-plane directions y and x. The values for the materials have to be entered accordingly. For the input the main axis (1-2-3) are used which are equal to (z-y-x).

To create a transversely isotropic material, the values for the third axis (x) can be left empty.