SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Part VII: Working with Specialized Functionality

FIGURE 32.5

Using the Lip/Groove feature

In some cases, the automated tools may not be able to create what you need to create. You can

employ one of several manual workarounds to make lips and grooves. Several techniques exist.

l On a planar parting line, you can use sketches offset from the edges and then extrude

either a boss or a cut.

l Using a thin feature extrude (boss or cut) can also be effective on planar parting lines.

l (^) Using trimmed and thickened (again, boss or cut) surfaces can be effective but may also
be more difficult.
l (^) One of my favorite methods, especially for non-planar parting lines, is to combine a thin
feature with an extrude up to an offset surface body.
l (^) Using a sweep to cut or add material can be effective on either planar or non-planar part-
ing lines.
Each of these is really a work-around technique and not a specific plastic modeling tool, I will not
go into depth on these techniques here. On the CD-ROM, you will find example parts that demon-
strate each technique.