How Do You Make a Core and Cavity in SolidWorks?

by

Welcome to this tutorial on how to create a core and cavity in SolidWorks! In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of creating a core and cavity using this powerful 3D modeling software.

What is a Core and Cavity?

A core and cavity are essential components in the mold-making process for manufacturing plastic parts. The core is the internal part of the mold that shapes the inside of the final product, while the cavity forms the outer surface. By creating separate core and cavity components, we can easily produce molds for complex geometries.

Step 1: Create the Part

The first step is to create the part that you want to mold. Design it according to your requirements using SolidWorks’ robust modeling tools, ensuring that it is a fully enclosed solid model with no gaps or openings.

Step 2: Splitting the Part

Once your part is ready, you need to split it into two different bodies – one for the core and one for the cavity. This can be done using SolidWorks’ Split feature.

  1. Select “Insert” from the menu bar.
  2. Choose “Features” and then “Split.”
  3. Select your part as the body to split.
  4. Specify a plane or surface that will be used as a splitting tool.
  5. You can choose whether to keep both halves or just one of them based on your requirements.
  6. Click “OK” to complete the split operation.

Note:

If your part has complex geometries, you might need to create additional splitting surfaces or planes to achieve accurate splitting. Make sure these surfaces intersect with the part’s geometry properly.

Step 3: Creating the Core

Now that you have split your part, it’s time to create the core component.

  1. Hide or suppress the cavity body to focus on creating the core.
  2. Select “Insert” from the menu bar.
  3. Choose “Features” and then “Offset Surface.”
  4. Select the outer surface of your split part as the offset surface.
  5. Specify an offset distance that matches your desired core thickness.
  6. If necessary, use other tools like “Trim Surface” or “Knit Surface” to modify and close any open areas.
  7. Create any additional features required for your core, such as holes or slots.

Step 4: Creating the Cavity

With the core component created, it’s time to focus on creating the cavity. Unhide or unsuppress the cavity body and hide or suppress the core body for clarity.

  • Choose “Features” and then “Offset Surface.”
  • Select the inner surface of your split part as the offset surface.
  • Specify a negative offset distance that matches your desired cavity thickness.
  • If necessary, use additional tools like “Trim Surface” or “Knit Surface” to modify and close any open areas in your cavity component.
  • Create any additional features required for your cavity such as ejector pins or draft angles.

    Step 5: Finalizing Your Core and Cavity Components

    Once you have created the core and cavity components, it’s important to verify that they fit together correctly.

    1. Unhide or unsuppress both the core and cavity bodies.
    2. Check for any interferences or gaps between the two components.
    3. If necessary, modify and adjust the components until they fit properly together.

    Congratulations! You have successfully created a core and cavity in SolidWorks. Now you can use these components to design molds for manufacturing your plastic parts.

    Remember to save your work regularly and experiment with different design options to achieve optimal results. Happy molding!