Splitting Parts 2

[Adrian2]

Dear Folks;

What would be the proper procedure for splitting a part into 2 pieces within solidworks 2001.

I have tried using radiate surface, then cut with surface, but so far I cannot figure out how to get the surface to extend right through my part, so the cut does not work properly.

Can you not cut through a part just using a plane ?

Awaiting some side splitting advice

Regards Adrian

 

[MadMango]

I don't think you can cut with a Plane only. This isn't something I do regularly, so I might be leading you down the wrong path. But, I think what you'll need to do is select a plane, open a sketch, and drawn a box (or whatever sketch will envelope your part) and use that to cut though your part. "The attempt and not the deed confounds us."

 

[Adrian2]

Dear MadMango;

Thanks,

So to make 2 parts I will have to create 1 copy of my part with the bottom cut off with an extrude cut, and then take a copy of the original part and extrude cut the top off. That will give me 2 parts that I can mate together later in an assembly.

In the solidworks help documentation, they show part splitting being done using radiate surface, but dont go into any in-depth discussion on how its done.

Your way is much simpler though and I really appreciate the help.

Best Regards Adrian

 

[krishnamurthy]

I use configurations for splitting parts. I first create the full part. Add a plane for cutting. I create a new configuration (Say 1st Part). I draw a new sketch on new plane by drawing a big rectangle. Cut through all in one direction. I open default configuration. and draw a new sketch similarly and cut in other direction.

 

[Stoker]

Yes, you can cut with planes, as well as model faces and surfaces. Using configurations is one way to do it, but splitting the part using the built-in tool really is the better way. For example, when the split boundary is not a simple plane using split with surface is far more convenient than the configuration method (which would require you to perform separate operations for each split). Also remember that the split part feature can be used to create multiple parts in one shot. Managing all of the reference geometry needed to do this with configurations would be confusing, especially for anyone who did not create the initial model. Using the split part feature and splitting using surfaces makes it very easy and obvious to see what the design intent is.

Your surface must cut through the entire model in order to be used. Make sure to radiate all the way. You should not be using "cut with surface" unless you want to use configurations. Instead, create your surface(s), knit if needed to join them into one continuous surface, and then use "insert-feature-split" to split the part into multiple parts.