Chapter 32: Using Plastic Features and Mold Tools
- Exit the sketch by using the pencil icon in the ConfirmationCorner. This enables the
Tooling Split feature to continue. - View the part from the side, and change the depth numbers at the top of the
Tooling Split PropertyManager so that the block goes down .5 inch and up 1.5 inch.
Accept the feature when you are done. - Right-click on the blue parting line in the graphics window and select Hide. Also
hide solid and surface bodies so you can see the inside of the block.
Look at the finished part provided on the CD-ROM if you need a reference. Use the controls on the
Display Pane to hide and show bodies. Also use the Isolate option on right mouse button menus
for the bodies folder and the body in the graphics window.Summary
SolidWorks provides a vast amount of plastics functionality. In this chapter, I’ve given you an
introduction but there is far more for you to learn as you go. These features will become second
nature after you have used them a couple of times. The power and flexibility is amazing when you
think of the incredible range of parts that you can make with these features.SolidWorks Mold Tools, by contrast appear immature, but you can complete the mold process
multiple ways, including using manual surfacing techniques. Rarely does a problem come up such
that there is simply no way to do what you need to get done, but you do need to be inventive with
work-arounds sometimes.