Learn/Shape Generator/Built-in profiles
Spline Profile
At a glance
- SAE J499 straight-sided: series selector (4N, 6N, 10N, 16N) with auto-computed minor diameter
- ANSI B92.1 involute: pressure angle 30/37.5/45°, root form fillet or flat
- ISO 4156 involute metric: same parameters as ANSI B92.1
- External (shaft) and internal (hub) profiles
- Validates geometry and warns on tooth overlap with max tooth count recommendation
The Spline shape (in the Power Transmission category) generates 2D spline profiles to three standards — SAE J499 straight-sided, ANSI B92.1 involute, and ISO 4156 involute metric — as either an External (Shaft) or Internal (Hub) profile. Cut a hub on the plasma table to mate an existing shaft, or generate both halves as the cross-sections for a machined or broached joint.
SAE J499 straight-sided
Pick a series — 4N, 6N, 10N, or 16N (the digit is the tooth count) — and the shape computes the minor diameter for you: selecting a series fills the Minor Dia field from your Major Dia using that series' standard ratio, and both stay editable for fitting a measured part. Teeth are straight-sided with a 50/50 tooth-to-space split. External profiles take an optional center bore; internal profiles take a wall thickness for the hub outline.
ANSI B92.1 and ISO 4156 involute
The two involute standards share one parameter set and differ only in sizing: diametral pitch for ANSI B92.1, module in millimeters for ISO 4156. Set the number of teeth, pressure angle (30°, 37.5°, or 45°), and root form (fillet or flat), and the shape constructs proper involute flanks with arc tips and roots — spline teeth, not the taller gear-tooth form of the Involute Gear shape. Shaft profiles take a bore, hub profiles a wall thickness, same as SAE.
Validation
The shape checks its own geometry before emitting anything. Impossible inputs — a minor diameter at or above the major, a non-positive pitch — stop with a clear message instead of a mangled preview. Combinations where adjacent tooth roots would overlap (high tooth counts with a fillet root at higher pressure angles) also refuse to generate; switch to a flat root or reduce the tooth count and it will clear.