Runner Creation in Molds

[MachineSMMC]

I am looking for a runner creation tool for SolidWorks that will help me create runners faster. If anybody has created a tool that will help please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Theophilus]

How are you doing it now? I generally use a sweep. If you're doing particular profiles (other than round), you can still use a sweep--use a guide curve to control your widths.

Still, you'd need to create at least two sketches for a simple sweep and three if you use a guide curve beyond your path curve. It's not super fast, but it's reliable.




Jeff Mowry
Industrial Designhaus, LLC

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

 

[MachineSMMC]

I am doing it the same way you do. I was kind of hoping someone out there had created a macro or something to help speed up the process.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

SW could/would probably adapt the Routing Module to incorporate Routing a Runner System .... if enough SW Mould Module users requested it ... but don't hold your breath while you wait.

Till then I suggest you investigate the use of Library Features and /or Pallette Features.

Their are a couple of ways you could use these tools.
1) Create individual runner sections which could be inserted into a Runner Plate to build/construct a complete system.

2) Create complete runner systems (or portions of one which could then be patterned) for multi-cavity moulds, which could also then be inserted into/onto the Runner Plate.

Libray & Pallette Features can be modified for size & position when being placed.

To keep file size to a minimum, for Trapezoidal runner sections I would use an Obround Extrude Cut with Draft & for Semi-circular sections probably a Revolve Cut. Sweeps & Lofts tend to increase file size substantially.

A .sldlfp file (Library Feature & Pallette Feature file) can be created from an existing .sldprt file. So you could take a "Typical" Runner Plate, modify it to suit, then do a "Save-as" to the .sldlfp format.

I have been out of the Moulding field for a quite a few years (actually decades) but I think this method will work very well for you. I did a simple test & it showed great promise.

Give it a try & let me know what you think.

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.

 

[MachineSMMC]

Would you mind sharing your test file. I would like to see what you are talking about.

Thanks
Chris

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Sure, send your email to the address in my profile. I did not keep the file but will re-create one tonight & send it to you tomorrow.
Till then read the help files on Library Features & Palette Features. Also try using the Palette Features supplied with SW to get an idea of what they are & how easily they work. The method I described is exactly the same principle. Also peruse the Tutorials, there may be something buried in there.

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.