Key principles.
1-2° standard
1° minimum for smooth parts. 2-5° for textured. Higher for deep features.
3-5° typical
Sand cast 3-5°. Investment cast 1-3°. Per process.
7° typical
Heavy draft for forging. Material flows through dies.
Always draft
Even small draft (0.5°) on tall vertical surfaces.
Cores need draft
Internal pockets, ribs, bosses need draft for ejection.
Add 1-2°
Textured surfaces need additional draft per texture depth.
FAQ
Without draft, part won't release from mold. Parts stuck cause damage to mold and parts.
1-2° standard injection. 3-5° for textured. 0.5-1° absolute minimum smooth parts.
Some processes (CNC, 3D printing) don't require draft. Specify if molding required.
Same as external draft. Side actions or inserts may avoid draft requirement.
Note "1° draft per side" or specific angle per feature. CAD models include draft directly.
No draft = need EDM mold inserts. Adds 30-100% to mold cost. Specify draft up front.
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