SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Chapter 32: Using Plastic Features and Mold Tools

Tooling Split

Assuming you have completed the Parting Surface either manually or through the SolidWorks
Mold Tools, the next step is the Tooling Split. If you complete the Parting surface manually, make
sure it is knit together as a single surface body, and then in the Surface Bodies folder, drag the knit
surface into the Parting Surface folder. Tooling Split will not work unless all the surface bodies are
in their correct folders.

Figure 32.25 shows the PropertyManager for the Tooling Split feature, along with a preview of the

feature. The feature will produce two solid bodies, representing the cavity and core blocks of the

mold. This model is included on the CD-ROM, under the name Chapter 32 – frame mold

tools.sldprt.

FIGURE 32.25

The Tooling Split PropertyManager and finished product

A tooling engineer would probably change a few things about the layout of this split, but for the

purposes of learning how the tools work, this is sufficient. The Parting Line of the front part of the

device should probably face forward instead of up to prevent as much vertical steel in the mold as

possible.

To send the cavity and core blocks to a shop for mold building, you will probably want to separate

the multi-body part into individual part files. Use the techniques from Chapter 26 for this (Save

Bodies, Insert Into Part, Insert Into New Part).