SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Chapter 32: Using Plastic Features and Mold Tools

FIGURE 32.4

The Snap Hook Groove PropertyManager with a completed hook and groove

Using Lip/Groove

The Lip/Groove feature enables you to create a matching lip and groove in either a pair of parts in
an assembly or a pair of bodies within a single part. Figure 32.5 shows the Lip/Groove
PropertyManager creating a groove in a part. The same interface also creates the lip feature.

The workflow for this feature goes like this:

1. Select the part or body to receive the groove.


2. Select the part or body to receive the lip.


3. Select a plane, planar face, straight edge, or axis to establish the direction of pull.


4. Select faces that represent the parting surface along the area to get the lip/groove.


5. Select edges that the lip/groove will affect.


6. Set dimensions for both lip and groove features.

When the Lip/Groove feature works correctly, it saves a lot of time. The work-around techniques

are time-consuming and potentially error prone. SolidWorks has put some additional development

time into Lip/Groove, so if you have used it before and found it lacking, you might try it again. The

2010 version removes some of the limitations, particularly those involving ribs intersecting the

main wall and multiple sections of wall needing lip or groove features.