Runner Creation in Molds
Runner Creation in Molds
(OP)
I am looking for a runner creation tool for SolidWorks that will help me create runners faster. If anybody has created a tool that will help please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
Chris
Thanks
Chris






RE: Runner Creation in Molds
Still, you'd need to create at least two sketches for a simple sweep and three if you use a guide curve beyond your path curve. It's not super fast, but it's reliable.
Jeff Mowry
Industrial Designhaus, LLC
http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com
RE: Runner Creation in Molds
RE: Runner Creation in Molds
Till then I suggest you investigate the use of Library Features and /or Pallette Features.
Their are a couple of ways you could use these tools.
1) Create individual runner sections which could be inserted into a Runner Plate to build/construct a complete system.
2) Create complete runner systems (or portions of one which could then be patterned) for multi-cavity moulds, which could also then be inserted into/onto the Runner Plate.
Libray & Pallette Features can be modified for size & position when being placed.
To keep file size to a minimum, for Trapezoidal runner sections I would use an Obround Extrude Cut with Draft & for Semi-circular sections probably a Revolve Cut. Sweeps & Lofts tend to increase file size substantially.
A .sldlfp file (Library Feature & Pallette Feature file) can be created from an existing .sldprt file. So you could take a "Typical" Runner Plate, modify it to suit, then do a "Save-as" to the .sldlfp format.
I have been out of the Moulding field for a quite a few years (actually decades) but I think this method will work very well for you. I did a simple test & it showed great promise.
Give it a try & let me know what you think.
RE: Runner Creation in Molds
Thanks
Chris
RE: Runner Creation in Molds
Till then read the help files on Library Features & Palette Features. Also try using the Palette Features supplied with SW to get an idea of what they are & how easily they work. The method I described is exactly the same principle. Also peruse the Tutorials, there may be something buried in there.