MOLD WIZARD
Overview of Mold Wizard
Mold Wizard is an application for the design of plastic injection molds and other types of molds. Mold Wizard's advanced modeling tools for the creation of cavities, cores, sliders, lifters, and sub-inserts are easy to use and provide fast, associative, 3D-solid results.
Mold Wizard leverages the full power of Unigraphics NX and uses UG/WAVE and Master Model technologies.
Benefits
Mold Wizard was developed and tested with continuous input from mold designers and manufacturers. This ensures Mold Wizard matches the needs and priorities of mold makers, and meets real world design challenges.
Mold Wizard provides design tools and procedures to automate the difficult and complex tasks involved in mold design. It helps you save time throughout the design process while providing full 3D models to manufacturing. If the product design is altered, additional time is saved because changes to the product model are associative to the mold design elements.
Parting is the process of creating a core and cavity based on a plastic part model. The parting process is an important part of the plastic mold design, especially for parts with complicated shapes. The Parting module greatly automates this process by providing key automation tools. Furthermore, the parting operation is completely associative to the original plastic model.
Mold bases and component libraries are included from a variety of catalogs. Custom components, including sliders and lifters, sub-inserts, and electrodes, are also provided in the Standard Parts module. The Standard Parts module allows you to associatively place components with fitted pockets.
Mold Wizard provides a user-friendly way to manage different kinds of standard parts. You can use the standard parts in the library, and customize the standard parts libraries as required.
Prerequisites
To use Mold Wizard effectively, you should be familiar with mold design and possess a working knowledge of the following Unigraphics NX applications and tools.
Model Preparation
Geometry Quality
You should carefully inspect the product model before starting a Mold Wizard project. Producing a good quality mold design requires a good quality product model. Before beginning your mold design project, run
Examine Geometry on the product model to locate any problem areas and then correct them. The Examine Geometry function is found under the Analysis menu.
Solid or Surface Model
The Mold Wizard parting process can use either a solid model or a sewn set of surfaces that do not form a solid. When possible, use a solid product model because it will produce solid cavity and core models. Solid cavity and core models provide some advantages in drafting and CAM processing. Thererfore, in most cases, it's worth the additional effort to correct product models with geometry problems and sew them into a solid.
Moldability
Some product models do not have correct draft (mold taper) and/or designs for efficient construction of mold shut-off areas. You should correct the product model to have exactly the geometry that you want in the finished cavity and core. Beginning with a corrected product makes the parting process easier and
Product Design Advisor
The Product Design Advisor is a useful tool for examining product models. The Product Design Advisor is now available from the Mold Wizard Tools dialog and can be used without initializing a Mold Wizard project. To examine a product model using the Product Design Advisor, open the product model, start Mold Wizard to load the toolbar, pick the Mold Wizard Tools icon, and then click the Product Design
Advisor icon.
Starting Mold Wizard in Unigraphics NX
To start Mold Wizard, select Mold Wizard from the Application menu in Unigraphics NX. The Mold Wizard toolbar appears.
Mold Wizard Toolbar
The functions available from the toolbar are: • Load Product • Family Mold • Load CSYS • Shrinkage • Work Piece • Layout • Tools • Parting • Mold Base • Standard Parts • Ejector Pin • Slider/Lifter • Sub-Insert • Gate • Runner • Cooling • Electrode • Mold Trim • Create Pockets • Bill of Material • Mold Drawing
• Casting Process Assistant • View Manager
• Delete Files
Running a Single Mold Wizard Function
You can run any of the Mold Wizard functions by selecting Tools Mold Design, and then the desired module, such as Layout.
Part-Specific Operations
Mold Wizard functions intended to operate on a specific part or related files are called part-specific operations. Examples of part-specific operations are the Mold Wizard modules for shrinkage, parting, and the mold coordinate system (MCSYS).
Part-specific operations are applied to the active part or related files. If you only have one part, then it is automatically the active part. If you have a family mold (more than one part in the mold), you make a part active by selecting the Family Mold icon and then selecting the name of the active part in the Select
Plastic Product dialog.
Create Mold Wizard Project
To create a new mold design project, use the Load Product function. To open an existing project, use the conventional File -> Open to load the top component of the project. Recently edited files can be quickly located for opening from File -> Recently Opened Parts.
Select the Load Product icon from the Mold Wizard tool bar to begin a Mold Wizard project. The Open
Part File dialog is displayed.
Load Product Icon
Use the Open Part File dialog to locate and select the product model part file. After the product model has been selected, the Project Initialize dialog is displayed.
Loading Multiple Part Models for Family Molds
Mold Wizard provides the capability to create family molds (molds with more than one product model). The procedure for loading the product models for a family mold is as follows:
1. Select the Load Product icon to load the first product model as you would for a project based on a single part.
2. For each additional product model, repeat the Load Product process until all of the family product models have been loaded. Mold Wizard will add these parts into the mold assembly, with a family mold structure under the layout node for each part.
The Load Product procedure doesn't involve the Product Initialize dialog while loading the second and later product models, because the units, project path, and project name remain the same. Repeat the loading process until all of the desired product models have been loaded.
Family Mold Overview and Usage
Molds that produce multiple parts of different designs, such as the top and bottom cases of a phone, are referred to as family molds. When you load multiple product models, Mold Wizard automatically arranges family mold projects into assembly structures with separate branches for each part and its related files. The family mold module allows you to select the active part (from parts that have been loaded in the family mold) for the operations that you need to perform.
Family Mold Icon
Loading Product Models for a Family Mold
The procedure for loading the product models for a family mold is as follows:1. Select the Load Product icon to load the first part model as you would for a project based on a single part.
2. For each additional part, repeat the Load Product process until all of the family parts have been loaded. Mold Wizard will add these products into the mold assembly, with a family mold structure under the layout node for each product model.
Positioning of Family Mold Components
Family members added to a Mold Wizard project are positioned using the MCSYS settings of the active family member.
Active Parts
You can use the family mode function to select a part as the "active part." Part-specific operations will affect only the active part and its related files. For example, to apply a shrinkage value to a particular part in a family mold, set that part as the active part in the family mode before using the shrinkage module to apply the shrink value.
Removing a Family Part
You can remove a family part as follows:1. Click on the Family Mold icon. The Select Plastic Product dialog is displayed. 2. Select the name of the family part to be removed.
3. Click the Remove Family Member button. All components of the family product tree will be removed from the layout node of the mold assembly tree.
Mold CSYS Overview
Some product models require repositioning to place them in the correct orientation relative to the mold assembly. The Mold CSYS (coordinate system) function repositions the linked copy of the product model in the shrink part. The use of linked body and assembly repositioning rather than transform operations allows associativity to be maintained.
Mold CSYS Icon
Setting the Mold CSYS
The process to set the Mold CSYS consists of the following operations:
1. Orient (by rotation) the current Y-Z plane of the product model to the X-Y plane of the absolute CSYS.
2. Position (by transformation) the product model (usually centered) on the X-Y plane. To set the Mold CSYS:
1. Pick the Mold CSYS icon from the Mold Wizard toolbar.
2. Use the CSYS Constructor from the WCS->Orient pull-down menus to orient the WCS so the Z+ axis is in the direction of ejection.
3. Position the WCS to locate the X-Y plane at the intended parting plane.
4. Orient the WCS to align the X axis with the part as it will appear in the cavity and core inserts.
Mold CSYS in a Family Mold
Setting the MCSYS in a Family Mold
To make adjustments to the Mold CSYS setting of a product model in a Family Mold: 1. Use the Family Mold function to set the desired part as active.
2. Select the Mold CSYS icon. The product node will automatically be set as the displayed part. 3. Reposition the WCS.
Shrinkage Overview and Usage
Shrinkage is a scale factor applied to a product model to compensate for part shrinkage while cooling. You can set or adjust the shrinkage value at any point in the mold design process if you're using associative cavity and core modeling practices.
The shrinkage function automatically navigates through the assembly and sets the shrink part as the work part. The scale operation is applied to the geometry-linked copy of the product model in the shrink part.
Shrinkage Icon
Edit Scale
Applying Shrinkage
To apply shrinkage to the shrink part:1. Pick the Shrinkage icon from the Mold Wizard toolbar. The Edit Scale dialog is displayed. 2. Select the type of shrinkage you want to apply (uniform, axisymmetric, or general).
3. Select the method of scaling (Point, Vector, or CSYS) depending upon the shrinkage type you selected.
• For the Point method, select where you want the points on the model. • For the Vector method, select the direction of scaling on the model.
• For the CSYS method, select the axis, changes to axes, and any constraints. 4. Enter the appropriate Scale Factor values for the shrinkage you want.
5. Click OK. Shrinkage will be applied to the shrink part.
Modifying Shrinkage
To modify the shrink factor:
1. Select the Shrinkage icon. The Edit Scale dialog is displayed.
The previous values appear in the Scale Factor fields and can be adjusted to new values. 2. Enter the new shrink factors and click OK. The shrink part, cavity, and core are automatically
updated (assuming associative procedures were used to model the cavity and core).
Work Piece Overview
The Work Piece function is used to define the cavity and core insert bodies. It allows multiple approaches to define the work piece. The variety of work piece methods are:
• Automatic work piece created by the Work Piece dialog and built-in functions. • Standard parts work piece defined with the Standard Parts Management system. • Modeled work piece or imported into the parting part.
Work Piece Icon
Standard Block
The selection of the Standard Block or alternative work piece provides the following.
• The Standard Block option creates a single body to define both the cavity and core inserts. • The Cavity Only and Core Only options allow selection of individual bodies to define either cavity
or core inserts.
• The Cavity Core option allows selection of a single body for both cavity and core inserts.
The Work Piece function also provides the capability to replace the core and cavity bodies with other bodies. For example, to change the work piece body for the cavity, select the Cavity Only option, and you will be prompted to select a body to be used as a cavity. The work piece function replaces the cavity body.
Automatic Work Piece
The automatic work piece function has two methods of controlling the size and positioning of the work piece:
• Distance Allowance • Reference Point
The Distance Allowance Method
Reference Point Method
The Reference Point method allows the user to define the work piece by specifying the dimension to each side of the work piece relative to a reference point. The reference point uses the MCSYS by default. However, an alternative reference may be set using the Set Reference Point button and resulting Point
Constructor dialog.
Layout Overview
The Layout function allows you to add, remove, or reposition cavities in the mold assembly structure. The product nodes under the layout component are manipulated in this process. When a cavity is added, an instance of the product sub-assembly tree is added as a child of the layout.
Layout Icon
When you begin layout functions, one cavity is highlighted as the initial manipulation cavity. You can select or deselect cavities that you want to reposition.
Types of Layouts
Rectangular Layout
Balance Layout
The Balance layout option positions multiple instances of the layout node with an X-Y translation and a rotation. The balanced layout is used when each instance of the cavity and core set may use the same runners, gates, cooling, and corner rounding.
The Linear layout option positions multiple instances of the layout node with only X-Y translations (no rotation). The linear method is used when the molded parts should be positioned in a parallel orientation (non-rotated).The following figure shows an example of both:
A. Balanced Layout (Identical Cavity Sets) B. Linear Layout (Right and Left Cavity Sets)
Balanced and Linear Layouts
The options associated with the rectangular balance layout are:
Option Description
Cavity
Number There are two cavity options in Cavity Number. You can choose between 2 or 4 cavities. The Cavity Number is the layout number for the highlighted cavities. For example, if you want to
create a 16-cavity balanced layout, you can create a 4-cavity layout from a single cavity, then select all four cavities and make another 4-cavity layout with this selection. This creates a total of 16 cavities.
1ST Dist. Displays the distance between two work pieces in the first selected direction.
2ND Dist. Displays the distance between two work pieces in the direction normal to the selected direction. Start
Layout After you have set the Cavity Number and distance between the work pieces, you can select the Start Layout button. Four arrows are shown on the model. Select one arrow as the 1st distance direction.
Linear Layout
The options associated with Linear layout are:
Option Description
X Cavity umber Number of cavities in the X direction.
Circular Layout
In Circular layout, the reference point of the selected cavities rotates around the original point of the absolute coordinate system. Depending upon whether you choose Radial or Constant layout, the selected cavities may rotate around their own reference point.
Radial Layout
In Radial layout, each cavity rotates around the reference point when the cavity is rotated with the absolute coordinate system's original point. The options associated with Circular Radial layout are:
Option Description
Cavity Number Number of cavities in the rotation range.
Start Angle Using the X+ direction as the reference direction, this is the first cavity reference point initialization angle. The first cavity layout orientation is the same as the cavity you selected. The reference point automatically rotates from the X direction of the absolute coordinate system's original point to the start angle value.
Rotate Angle Rotate range angle value.
Radius The distance between the cavity reference point and the absolute coordinate systems's original point.
Start Layout After you have set the above values, select the Start Layout button. You need to select a reference point.
Reference Point The reference point is a point that you select on the cavity. This point is used to determine the distance between the cavity and the absolute coordinate system's original point. It's also used as a self-rotating center.
Constant Layout
In Constant layout, the cavities do not rotate with their own reference point in the layout process. The options are the same as the ones for Radial layout.
Mold Tools Overview
Mold Tools helps you create parting geometry, including solid and surface patches, splitting solid bodies, and creating enlarged surfaces. You use these functions to create parting surfaces and solids for internal openings of the product model before doing the external parting.
Mold Tools Icon
Mold Tools provides a suite of tools to aid in creating molds for product models. The Mold Tools toolbar displays the tools available.
Mold Tools Toolbar
Product models that include openings within the part require you to design a shut off for each opening. There are two patch-up methods for designing shut-offs:
• Sheet patch-up • Solid patch-up
Sheet patches are used to model the shut-off surface required to form an opening in a product model. Solid Patches are used to fill a void that will usually have multiple shut-off faces, such as an opening with a snap-latch feature. The solid patch-up method simplifies the product model by filling the opening. The bodies used to fill the openings are automatically geometry-linked to the cavity and core components and can be later united to define the desired shut-off.
Sheet Patch-Up Tools
You create parting surfaces for internal openings with the following Sheet Patch-Up tools: • Surface Patch
• Edge Patch • Existing Surface • Enlarge Surface
Solid Patch-Up Tools
Solid Patch-up bodies are created and formed by the following process:
1. Use the Create Box icon to create the solid patch-box to fill the open area.
2. Use the Split Solid function to trim the patch-box to fit the product shape, or divide a solid into two associative pieces.
3. Use the Subtract function to fit the patch-box by subtracting the product model from the patch-box with the Retain Tool option. The Subtract function is a convenient way to shape solid patch-boxes. However, you should understand the modeling operations that occur in the background to
determine when it's appropriate to use this function.
4. Use the Profile Split function to extrude a profile of edges or curves and use then to trim the patch-box.
When the patch-box has been completely shaped to match the product model and form the desired shut-off faces, it's united to the product model with the Solid Patch function. The patch-body is geometry-linked to the cavity and core components on the patch-body layer category. The patch bodies can be united to the cavity or core bodies as needed.
Trim Region Patch-Up Tools
You use Trim Region Patch to convert solid patch to sheet patch.
1. Use the Create Box icon to create the solid patch-box to fill the open area.
2. Use the Mold Split function or Replace Face function to trim the patch-box to fit the product shape.
3. Use the Profile Split function to extrude a profile of edges or curves and use them to trim the patch-box.
When the patch-box has been completely shaped to match the product model and formed the desired shut-off faces, the Trim Region function is used to extract all face of the patch-box to a region and the
Traverse function is used to get a loop of edges or curves, and then trim the region by the loop. The patch
region is linked to cavity and core to use as a part of the parting surface directly.
Create Box
The Create Box function creates solid boxes (blocks) that are modified into patch bodies for the Solid Patch parting method. The patch-box is also a convenient way to create geometry for slide-faces or lifter-heads.
Create Box Icon
The Mold Wizard Tools dialog provides several methods to shape this block to make a plug for holes. A toggle controls whether associative or non-associative methods are available.
Creating a Box
To create a box:
1. Click the Create Box button. The Create Box dialog is displayed.
2. To define the box, select faces on the product model that you want to be contained by the box. 3. Click the Apply button to create a solid block enveloping the faces that you selected. The
Allowance dimension value determines the oversize of the box. You can change the allowance
value by dragging the slider to change the temporary box.
The Split Solid function lets you break out a section of a cavity or core that will be an insert or slide. The two methods are:
• Target Body • Tool Body
Split Solid Icon
Target Body Selection
Both solid body and sheet body can be selected as target body.
Target Body Icon
Tool Body Selection
Tool Body Icon Profile Split
The Profile Split function is used to split a solid with a set of curves. It can be used to create inserts from the core and cavity inserts.
Profile Split Icon
The procedure for Profile Split is as follows:
1. Select a target solid body (usually the cavity or core block). 2. Select a loop of curves/edges.
3. Specify the extrude direction. An extruded surface is created.
Solid Patch
The Solid Patch function is a method to model shut-off features on open areas on the parting part.
Solid Patch Icon
Solid Patch is an alternative to modeling surfaces for shut-offs. Solid Patch is most useful when it's easier to form a solid to fill an opening than to model sheets. An example of a feature that lends itself to using
Solid Patch instead of surface patch is most hook latches.
The procedure to use solid patch is to first model a solid that fits the opening on the parting part and also has the faces with correct angles for shut-offs. Use the Solid Patch function to unite the shut-off patch body to the parting part model.
The Solid Patch function creates a copy of the solid patch body in the cavity and core models on layer 25. Where appropriate, you can unite the solid patch body to the core or cavity body. In some cases, it's preferable to use the patch body as an insert rather than unite it to the cavity or core insert.
Surface Patch
The Surface Patch function is the easiest patching method to use. It's used for holes fully contained within a single face.
Surface Patch Icon
Clicking the Surface Patch icon displays the Select Face dialog. When a face containing holes is selected, Mold Wizard searches for closed edge loops (the holes) within the perimeter of the face, highlights each hole, and asks you to select or deselect the highlighted holes for patching. The selected holes are patched up automatically.
CORE_SURFACE layer 27. The patch-up surface is highlighted when you use the Existing Surface function.
Edge Patch
The Edge Patch function patches up an open area by selecting a closed curve/edge loop. After selection, Mold Wizard creates a sheet to patch up the open area.
Edge Patch Icon Using Edge Patch
To use Edge Patch:
1. Click the Edge Patch icon. Mold Wizard prompts you to select an edge/curve.
2. Selecting an edge displays the Curve/Edge Selection dialog and starts the Traverse Loop menu, which is the same as the Parting Function/Create Parting Lines menu. Mold Wizard guides you by highlighting currently selected curves and the suggested curve, and displays a temporary note, designated as current path, on the graphics window. The dialog changes based on what steps have been performed.
3. After you select a loop, the candidate faces are highlighted and you can select or deselect faces.
Edge Patch creates a patch-up sheet based on the following:
• If all curves/edges of the loop are on the same plane, a boundary plane is created. • If the loop lies on a face, a surface patch-up algorithm is used.
• If the loop crosses two faces, a smart line is created between two faces. Then Enlarge
Surface is used to trim and sew the two patch surfaces together.
• If the above functions fail and the hole is a feature, feature patch-up is used.
4. The patch-up surfaces are copied to CAVITY_SURFACE layer 38 and CORE_SURFACE layer 27. The patch-up surfaces are highlighted when you select Existing Surfaces.
5.
Trim Region Patch
The Trim Region Patch function models shut off faces for openings within a product model.
Trim Region Patch Icon
Before beginning the trim region patch process the user must create a solid patch body that fits the shut-off opening. The patch body must fill the opening completely to form the shut-shut-off faces. The patch-body has other faces that aren't used to form the shut off and it doesn't matter if these faces are on the core or cavity side of the part as they are trimmed off by the Trim Region Patch function.
The Trim Region Patch function procedure is as follows: 1. Select the solid patch body.
2. Select a loop of edges or curves using the Traverse Loop function to form a closed edge/curve chain boundary around the shut-off opening. These edges and curves must contact the patch solid.
3. Accept the trim direction or flip the direction to change the faces from the patch solid that are extracted and trimmed to form the Trim Region Patch faces. A patch feature is created if the trimming operation is successful.
Auto Hole Patch Icon
All Holes Patched Up
There are two methods for searching internal patch-up loops (holes): • Region Loops
• Automatic Loops
Region Loops Method
The region loops method requires that you first complete the cavity and core regions analysis in the
Product Design Advisor (PDA) function. The Auto Hole Patch function just follows the region loops to
create patch surfaces.
Use the following process during parting to streamline patching loops with cavity and core regions: 1. Use the Product Design Analysis (PDA) function to specify cavity and core regions.
2. Choose the Region loop search method to patch holes (Auto Hole Patch function in Mold Tools). 3. Choose the Extract Region Faces option to extract cavity and core regions (Extract Region Face
function in Mold Tools).
4. Extract parting lines by using the Parting Lines, Traverse Loop, Traverse by Face Color option. 5. Create parting surfaces.
6. Go directly to the Create Cavity and Core function in the Parting dialog (skip the Extract Regions function).
Automatic Loops Method
To patch loops without encountering competing cavity and core regions, the patch function will automatically search for loops.
The patch-up loops are highlighted when you start to use this function. You can select loops in Cavity
Side, Core Side, or all loops in One by One mode. You can then deselect the highlighted loops.
Because some loops cannot be patched up by the surface method, you may need to use another method such as Solid Patch or Trim Region Patch. In these cases, the loops need to be deselected.
If you select the One by One option, each loop is highlighted. Click the Auto Patch button and you can decide to patch the highlighted loop, skip it, or extract the loop.
If you have already created patched up surfaces and select the Auto Hole Patch function, Mold Wizard prompts you to either delete the patches or keep them.
Using Auto Hole Patch
The Auto Hole Patch functionality can be accessed from the Mold Tools toolbar Auto Hole Patch icon or from the Mold Wizard toolbar Parting functionality. When you access it while using Parting, you can use the PDA to define cavity and core regions.
Perform the following to access Auto Hole Patch within the Parting function:
1. Pick the Parting icon from the Mold Wizard toolbar. The Parting Functions dialog is displayed. 2. Pick the Parting Lines button. The Parting Lines dialog is displayed.
3. Pick the Auto Search Parting Lines button. The Search Parting Lines dialog is displayed. 4. Select a body using the Select Body button if there is more than one body in the part file. 5. Define an ejection direction with the Eject Direction button or accept the default.
6. Click Apply to initiate the parting lines calculation.
7. Pick the Product Design Advisor button. The Product Design Advisor dialog is displayed. 8. Perform the steps in the PDA Region tab to define the cavity and core regions for the model.
Refer to the Product Design Advisor, Region topic for information on using that functionality.
Existing Surface
Sometimes the automated features of Sheet Patch Up are not suited for a particular application, for example, when you are working with imported file formats such as IGES, Parasolid, etc. You can also create the surface patch manually using Free Form features or other Unigraphics NX functions.
Once created, you can return to the Mold Wizard Tools dialog box and choose Existing Surface, where you're prompted to select the surface you created (or another existing surface you may wish to use). These surfaces are copied to CAVITY_SURFACE layer 38 and CORE_SURFACE layer 2. Later, when you create Core and Cavity, they are highlighted automatically.
Existing Surface Icon
You can also use Existing Surface to highlight patched up surfaces to check whether the holes are patched up properly.
When you select Existing Surface, all patched-up surfaces are highlighted. You can select new surfaces or deselect existing surfaces to remove them from the existing pool.
Parting/Patch Delete
The Parting/Patch Delete function lets you delete parting or patched up surfaces, even if a core or cavity has been created. Mold Wizard suppresses the parting features when you delete a parting or patched- up surface.
Parting/Patch Delete Icon Enlarge Surface
The Enlarge Surface function is used to extract surfaces from the shrinkage body and enlarge them by controlling the U and V sizes. This allows you to dynamically patch up holes using the U and V sliders.
Enlarge Surface Icon
There are two methods to extend the edges of the enlarge feature: • Linear - Extends the edges of the enlarge sheet linearly.
• Natural - Extends the edges of the enlarge sheet by following the natural curve of the edges. Natural is the default method.
When you select Enlarge Face from the Mold Tools toolbar, Mold Wizard asks you to select a face. A copy of the face, slightly larger than the selected face, is created. This copy may have slightly different UV parameterization than the original, with the result that certain face types, such as spheres, might have a hole in the center.
Maximum Percentage
You can change the size of the enlarge surface by dragging the U/V Min/Max sliders. The Maximum
Move All Sliders At Once
The All option lets control all of the U/V-Min/Max sliders as a single group. When this switch is on and you move any of the individual sliders, all of the sliders move simultaneously, retaining their existing percentage ratios between each other.
Trimming the Enlarged Surface
Another common use for Enlarge Surface is to create associative parting sheets when there is a surface in the part that can be used for a single contour parting. In this situation, the trim function is especially useful for adjusting an enlarged face to work piece boundaries. There is a Cut to Boundary toggle on the dialog. You can select boundary curves/edges or boundary faces to trim the enlarged surface.
Face Split
The Face Split function applies split operations on selected faces.
Face Split Icon
The following methods are available for splitting faces: • Split faces by isocline
• Split faces by datum plane • Split faces by curves
Split Faces by Isocline
When you check the Split by Isocline checkbox, only crossover faces can be selected (single/retangular selection). Select the faces to be split by isocline, then click OK or Apply.
Split Faces by Datum Plane
The datum plane methods provided are: • For face methods:
• Selected Faces • Connected Faces • For datum plane methods:
• The Existing Datum Plane method divides a selected face with a selected datum plane. • The Point + Point method divides a face along a line defined by two opints.
• The Point + X-Y Plane method divides a face at the Z-level of a defined point.
Split Faces by Curve
The curve methods provided are: • Existing curves/edges • Through two points
Trim Solid
Trim Solid is a very powerful tool that allows you to create the sparking area and electrode head
automatically. The following images illustrate the intelligence and ease-of-use built into the Trim Solid tool.
Select a Face Automatically Generate an Electrode Head
To create the sparking area and electrode head using the Trim Solid tool, do the following: 1. Open the part file that you want to modify with a sparking area and electrode head, for
example:
To access the Trim Solid tool, select Start→ All Applications and then choose the NX Tooling application you want to use.
o If you are using Mold Wizard: On the Mold Wizard toolbar, click Mold Tools , and then click Trim Solid .
o If you are using Progressive Die Wizard: On the Progressive Die Wizard toolbar, click Progressive Die Tools , and then click Trim Solid .
o If you are using Electrode Design: On the Electrode Design toolbar, click Trim Solid.
2. On the Trim Solid dialog, choose Select Face . .
Select Face is the default. Leave the remaining defaults in place. For example:
o The geometry type is set to Face.
o The initial face option is set to Seed Face. o The face configuration is set to Concave. o The Search Level is set to 2.
3. To begin creating the sparking area and electrode head, in the graphics window, select a face to establish the initial size and shape of the area.
Select a Face for the Electrode Head Selected Face Detail
4. Using the initial face as template, the Trim Solid tool automatically searches for adjacent faces, and generates the sparking area.
5. To generate the electrode head, on the Trim Solid dialog, click Apply.
Generated Electrode Head Electrode Head Detail Parting Methods Overview
Parting is the process of creating a core and cavity based on a plastic part model. The Parting function provides tools to assist in performing parting functions quickly and with associativity. You use the parting functions after you have designed the work piece.
Replace Solid
To modify a solid using the Replace Solid tool, do the following 1. Open the part model you want to work with, for example:
Sample Part for Replace Solid Procedure
2. To access the Replace Solid tool, select Start→All Applications and then choose the
NX Tooling application you want to use.
o If you are using Mold Wizard: On the Mold Wizard toolbar, click Mold Tools , and then click Trim Solid .
o If you are using Progressive Die Wizard: On the Progressive Die Wizard toolbar, click Progressive Die Tools , and then click Replace Solid .
o If you are using Electrode Design: On the Electrode Design toolbar, click Replace
Solid .
3. On the Replace Solid dialog, choose Select Faces .
4. To begin creating the box, in the graphics window, select a face to establish the initial face of the solid.
Select an Initial Face
5. Select additional faces to complete the shape of the solid.
Select Faces to Define the Shape
6. On the Replace Solid dialog, choose Edit Bounding Box.
7. Change the shape of the solid using the arrow handles or the dynamic input fields.
8. To finish the solid, on the Replace Solid dialog, click Apply.
Apply Changes to Finish the Solid
Extend Solid
To modify a solid using the Extend Solid tool, do the following: 1. Open the part model you want to work with, for example:
Sample Part for Extend Solid Procedure
2. To access the Extend Solid tool, select Start→ All Applications and then choose the NX
Tooling application you want to use.
o If you are using Mold Wizard: On the Mold Wizard toolbar, click Mold Tools , and then click Extend Solid .
o If you are using Progressive Die Wizard: On the Progressive Die Wizard toolbar, click Progressive Die Tools , and then click Extend Solid .
o If you are using Electrode Design: On the Electrode Design toolbar, click Extend
4. To modify a solid using the Extend Solid option, in the graphics window, select a face to establish the direction to extend.
Select an Initial Face
5. Do any of the following:
o Drag the arrow handle to extend or contract the solid in the face normal direction.
Arrow Handle Moved an Arbitrary Distance
o In the Offset Value field, enter a positive or negative value to extend or contract the solid in the face normal direction.
Face Moved Negative Normal
Extruded Extension
o In the Draft Value field, in degrees, enter a value to specify the draft angle for the extruded portion of the solid.
Extrusion with Draft Angle
6. To view the results before accepting the box, on the Extend Solid dialog, click Preview. 7. When you are finished, on the Extend Solid dialog, click Apply.
Reference Blend
To generate a blended feature using the Reference Blend tool, do the following: 1. Open the part model you want to work with, for example:
Sample Part for Reference Blend Procedure
2. To access the Reference Blend tool, select Start→ All Applications and then choose the NX
Tooling application you want to use.
o If you are using Mold Wizard: On the Mold Wizard toolbar, click Mold Tools , and then click Reference Blend .
o If you are using Progressive Die Wizard: On the Progressive Die Wizard toolbar, click Progressive Die Tools , and then click Reference Blend .
o If you are using Electrode Design: On the Electrode Design toolbar, click Reference
Blend .
3. On the Reference Blend dialog, click the Faces selection step.
4. In the graphics window, select a curve, blend, or circular object to extract its radius information.
Select a Blend or Cylinder to Extract the Radius
5. On the Reference Blend dialog, click the Edges selection step. 6. On the solid you want to modify, select one or more edges.
Select One or More Edges to Modify
7. When you have finished selecting edges, on the Reference Blend dialog, click Apply.
Apply the Radius to the Edges
Projection Area
To use the Projection Area tool to extract model data from the faces of a solid, do the following:
Calculate the Area of a Solid
1. On the Area Calculation dialog, choose the Select bodies selection step. 2. In the graphics window, select the solid body you want to interrogate.
3. On the Area Calculation dialog, in millimeters, set a tolerance value to define the mesh size. A smaller mesh size results in longer calculation time but gives you a more precise result. 4. Click Apply.
When the program is finished, the results are displayed in the Information window.
Find the Maximum and Minimum Side Area
1. Choose the Select reference planar face selection step. 2. In the graphics window, select a solid or a sheet body.
Visualize a plane running through the Z-Axis. When you define the angle value, you rotate the plane around the axis. Depending on the angle of rotation, the plane projects onto the faces at different angles. The maximum and minimum values are calculated based on the relationship of the Z-plane to the object faces.
5. Click Apply.
Parting Icon
Parting Elements
There are several Mold Wizard parting elements:
A. Cavity Block B. Cavity Trim Sheet C. Product Model D. Core Trim Sheet E. Core Block
Mold Wizard Parting Elements
Trim Based Cavity and Core Parting Process
In trim based cavity and core parting, a set of parting surfaces are created, duplicated, and combined with separated sets of cavity and core faces. The combined sets serve as trimming sheets that form the cavity and core blocks. This method is applicable to both solid models and surface models.
Create Parting Overview Create Parting
Mold Wizard provides two methods to create parting: • Parting line preference method
• Region preference method
The parting line preference method starts by searching for parting lines (internal and outer loops of product solid). Then the following patch surfaces, parting surfaces, and cavity/core regions are all created from parting lines.
The region preference method starts by searching for cavity/core regions. Then the following parting lines, patch loops, and parting surfaces are all created from the regions.
Auto Search Parting Lines
In some cases (where the part is conveniently designed for molding), it's possible to automatically find the correct part edges for the parting line.
Click the Auto Search Parting Lines button to display the Search Parting Lines dialog. In some cases, you need to select the product model body or define the eject direction.
Select Body
In some cases, there are multiple bodies in the parting part. The Select Body function allows you to select or deselect a solid body for the search of parting lines.
Eject Direction
The Eject Direction function displays the Vector Constructor dialog. Using the Vector Constructor, you can define the direction of ejection.
Product Design Advisor
The Product Design Advisor helps you investigate and find out about the product that is used as a basis for the mold.
Complex Parting Lines
In cases where the parting geometry is complex or incomplete, it's necessary to use the Split Faces functionality or design some parting lines interactively using the Traverse Loop method.
Extract Regions
The Extract Regions function performs a single task: extracting core and cavity regions. When you use this function, Mold Wizard automatically searches boundary faces and patched surfaces in the neighborhood of the parting lines. If the total number of faces on the body is not equal to the number of faces that are going to be copied to the core side, plus the number of faces that are going to be copied to the cavity side, then usually boundary faces are not correctly specified. Mold Wizard warns you if such a situation occurs and highlights the problem faces, but you still can ignore the warning and continue extracting.
When you extract regions, you have two ways to specify region boundaries: boundary faces and boundary edges. Also, you have the option to edit a seed face for the core region and a seed face for the cavity region.
Core and Cavity
The Core and Cavity function creates two trimming sheets: one for the core, and one for the cavity. When you click the Create Cavity or Create Core buttons, the system pre-highlights and pre-select the parting surface, the core or cavity region, and any patched surfaces. When you exit this dialog, the entire parting is completed.
Tolerance controls sewing of trimming sheets. Check Geometry checks body geometry for each sheet that
is going to be sewn. If any sheet has invalid geometry, it's highlighted. Check Overlapping checks for and highlights overlapping sheets.
When you click Create Cavity, external parting surfaces, patch up surfaces, and cavity regions are highlighted.
You can select other sheets or deselect highlighted sheets and sew them together. The trimming sheet is linked to the cavity part and trims the work piece automatically.
Cavity Created
The same methods are used to create the core.
Core Created Suppress Parting
The Suppress Parting function enables you to make complex changes to a product model after the parting design has been completed. The Suppress Parting edit process applies to the following situations:
• A parting and mold component design has been completed.
• Changes must be made directly to the product model in the mold design project.
Update Parting
Geometry changes you make to the product model (such as adding bosses, ribs, recesses) that do not change the topology (arrangement of faces or edges) automatically update the mold design. These changes do not involve addition or removal of parting geometry. Any change of this type propagates to the mold design automatically.
Add/Remove Holes
A hole added to or removed from the product model can be automatically propagated to the mold design. This update process requires that the automated hole-patching routines are applicable to the hole. If the hole requires interactive modeling of the parting surface, the process is semi-automatic.
Change Parting Line
Changes such as adding or removing notches on the product that cause parting line changes are automatically updatable in some cases, and interactively updatable in others. Whether is can or not be automatically updated is determined by the design change and the parting surface type used.
Compare Product Models
You use the Compare Product Models function to compare two different versions of a solid model, and to find the differences between them.
In Mold Wizard, the Compare Product Models function compares the current model in the product part (which is used in a mold design project) with a new version of the product model.
A Mold Wizard project must be open before you can use the Model Comparison function.
Swap Product Model Overview
The Swap Product Model function handles the situation in which product design changes occur during or after its mold design process.
The Swap Product Model function lets you replace the product model used in a mold design project with a new version of the model, and still keep fully association between the existing mold design features (such as tapers, split faces, parting lines, patch surfaces, parting surfaces, etc ) in the mold assembly and new product solid. This swap function is called associative swap, which is useful for cases where the product model for mold design is translated into Unigraphics NX from other CAD systems. Once the product design changes to a new version, it needs to swap the new version for the current version that was used in a Mold Wizard project.
Procedure
The procedure for swapping an existing product model for a new one is as follows: 1. Load a new version of the product model
2. Edit parting lines, parting surfaces, and patch surfaces 3. Update parting
Mold Base Overview
The Mold Base function provides configuration of mold bases for Mold Wizard projects and customization of mold base libraries.
Mold Base Icon Mold Base Requirements
The requirements for mold base size and configuration vary greatly for different types of projects. To satisfy the specialized requirements of various situations, the Mold Base function includes the following types of mold bases:
• Standard mold base • Interchangeable mold base • Universal mold base
Standard mold bases are used when a standard catalog mold base is required. Standard mold bases are configured from a single dialog. The basic parameters such as mold length and width, plate thickness, and stand-off are easily edited from the Mold Base Management dialog. If your mold design is likely to require a non-standard configuration such as additional plates or repositioned components, the interchangeable mold base is more appropriate.
Interchangeable Mold Base
Interchangeable mold bases are used when non-standard design options are required. The interchangeable mold base provides a menu of 60 plate-stack configurations. Sub-dialogs are provided for detailed configuration of each component and component set.
The interchangeable mold base is based on the dimensions of standard catalogs. However, it may be easily adjusted to non-standard dimensions.
If your project requires a configuration that cannot be accomplished with the interchangeable mold base, the universal mold base might be more appropriate.
Universal Mold Base
The universal mold base is a configurable stack of plain plates that can be arranged to make thousands of combinations. The universal mold base is used when the required mold base configuration is not included in the 60 interchangeable mold base options.
User Defined Mold Base
If your project requires a mold base that is so unique that it cannot be modeled with the standard, interchangeable or universal mold base, you need to develop your own user defined mold base.
If it is unlikely that you will design a similar mold in the future, use interactive Unigraphics NX Modeling to create this unique mold base.
If you have ongoing requirements for a mold base that you are going to model, you can add it to the Mold Wizard library for future use.
Mold Base Assembly Model
Mold Wizard includes a wide (and growing) variety of mold bases. If you have special requirements not covered by standard mold bases, you can design your own custom mold bases and include them in the Mold Wizard Mold Base Management System. Mold Wizard is designed as an open structure so that mold bases can be incorporated and controlled by the Mold Base Management System with no programming required.
Modeling methods to create mold bases vary depending on the complexity, configurations, and variety required to model the mold base set. A variety of similar mold base structures can be made from a single assembly model using parameters to control the configurations and dimensions. There are no strict constraints on how to create a mold base assembly model. Following the principles outlined below will make the process straightforward.
Standard Parts Overview
The Standard Parts Management System in Mold Wizard is a library of the most commonly used components and a system to install and adjust them. Standard parts are mold components that are installed and configured with the Standard Parts Management System. You can customize your Standard Parts libraries to match your company's design standards and expand the library to include any component or assembly.
Standard Parts Icon Ejector Pin Overview and Usage
The Ejector Pin function alters the length of ejector pins that were created using the Standard Parts function and sets the fit distance (the length of the tight fitting ejector-pin hole). The Ejector Pin function uses the parting sheets used in forming the cavity and core (or regions extracted from the finished cavity and core), so the cavity must be created before using the Ejector Pin function. When ejector pins are created in the standard parts process, you must select a pin that is longer than necessary so it can be
Slider and Lifter Overview
When you're constructing a mold for plastic products, sometimes undercut areas need to be formed by sliders or lifters. The Slider Lifter function provides an easy way to design the sliders and lifters you need.
Slider Lifter Icon
From the structure point of view, sliders and lifters are mainly composed of two parts, the head and body. The head is dependent on the product shape. The body is composed of customizable standard parts.
Sub-Insert Overview
Sub-inserts are used in areas on the core or cavity where intensive wear and tear occurs. They are also used to simplify the manufacture of the core/cavity. A complete insert assembly comprises a sub-insert head and sub-sub-insert foot/body.
Sub-Insert Icon
You should create the core and cavity before the sub-insert assembly. A sub-insert assembly can have zero or multiple sub-insert foot/bodies.
When creating a sub-insert, create an envelope to enclose the volume within the core/cavity to be replaced by the sub-insert head.
Gate Overview
Plastic molds have flow pathways that direct the plastic to the mold cavities. The design of these pathways varies depending upon the part shape, size, and number of parts to be molded. The most common type of pathway is called a cold runner. Cold runner systems have three types of channels.
Channel Function
Sprue This is the path from the outside of the mold to the parting surface. A standard sprue bushing usually forms this section.
Runner This is the channel that is cut into the parting surface of a cavity or core or both. It begins at the end of the sprue and provides a pathway to the fill location of the mold cavity.
Gate This is the final pathway from the runner to the cavity. Gates come in a variety of designs depending upon the modling characteristics and cosmetic requirements of the molded product.
A. Product Sprue, Runner, Gate, and Product B. Sprue
C. Gate D. Runner
Mold Wizard provides tools to design sprues, runners, and gates. You can choose gate types from the gate library. You also can customize your own gate type. The gate point sub-function enables you to easily
Gate Icon
The gates are fully associative with their pockets. When you change the gate's size or position, the pocket will change with it. When you remove a gate, the pocket is deleted.
Gate Concepts Layout Type
Mold cavity layouts contain single or multiple products, and single or multiple cavities.
The following figure illustrates the difference between a two-cavity balanced layout and a two-cavity unbalanced layout. For the purpose of gating, the difference is that the same gate size and location can be used in both the cavities in the balanced layout. However, the unbalanced layout requires unique gates for each cavity.
A. Balanced B. Unbalanced
Balanced and Unbalanced Cavity Layout Gate Position (Core or Cavity)
You can position gates in the cavity or core, as shown in the following figure. The Position setting determines the orientation of the resulting gate model.
A. Cavity Side Gate B. Core Side Gate
Cavity and Core Gating Runner Overview
Runner Icon
Runners are designed by defining: • A path for the runner to follow
• A cross-section shape for the channel along the path
The size and shape of the section may change at various points along the runner channel.
The Runner function provides tools for creating and editing paths and cross sections of runners. The runner channels are created by sweeping the cross section along the guide strings. The channels are created in a single part file and are subtracted from the core and cavity after the design is confirmed. Runners are fully associative with their pockets. When you change the size or position, the pocket changes with it and when you remove a runner, the pocket is deleted. A change to the runner cross-section shape deletes the pocket.
Runner Design Process
The runner design process has three design steps: 1. Guide string design
2. Projection onto parting surfaces 3. Creation of runner channels
Guide String Design
You can design runner guide strings in three ways depending upon the complexity of the runner channel, parting surface, and requirements for parametric adjustment:
• Import sketch pattern
• Create curves in pre-defined shapes • Add or remove curves from guide strings
Import Sketch Pattern
The import sketch pattern method uses predefined parametric sketch patterns to define adjustable runner guide patterns. You select sketch patterns from the pull-down menu and import them to the runner component by clicking OK or Apply.
User-defined runner patterns may be added to the pull-down menu by creating a sketch model, a supporting spreadsheet, and a bitmap image and adding their paths to the sketch pattern register file.
Create Curves in Predefined Shapes
To create curves in predefined shapes, pick the Curves through Points icon. Then pick the Point
Subfunction button which displays the Point Constructor dialog prompting you to select two points. After
defining the points, you can create curves in predefined shapes.
If you have selected a curve and it is highlighted, you can reposition it, delete it, or increase the length of a line.
Add/Remove Curves from Guide Strings
To add or remove guide strings, pick the Add/Remove Curves From Strings icon. • To add existing curves to guide strings, click MB1.
• To remove curves from guide strings, press Shift+MB1.
Projection Onto Parting Surfaces
The Projection onto Parting Surface dialog contains the following options and buttons.
the originals.
Associate leaves the original curves and creates projected curves that are associated to
the original curves or the selected parting surfaces.
Create Runner Channel
Mold Wizard automatically finds all the guide strings in the work part and creates a swept runner channel along each guide string using the chosen cross section, its parameters, and other options.
When you select an existing runner channel, Mold Wizard retrieves the selected channel data and displays it for modification.
Cooling Overview
The cooling function provides cooling channels in a mold assembly.
Cooling Icon
Two methods are used to create cooling channels:
• Channel design method (designing and creating cooling channels) • Standard Parts method
The Standard Parts method is the preferred method for creating cooling channels. The channel design method is provided as an alternative method.
Standard Parts Method
Cooling channel models can be imported from the cooling part library, and configured by the Standard Parts Management system. This allows you to use a Standard Parts approach for the creation of cooling channels. The added benefit of using a standard part as a cooling channel is that sub-components may be attached with detailed features.
The Standard Parts Library contains a catalog named Cooling. This cooling catalog contains a variety of cooling components.
Channel Design Method
You use the Cooling tools to interactively create cooling channels in a mold assembly. Associativity between channels and the inlet face can be achieved using predefined methods provided by the module. In addition, the module provides methods to edit and delete the guide lines or the channels.
Cooling Channel Design Steps
You can choose from two Channel Design Steps in the Cooling Channel Design dialog: • Define Guide Path
• Generate Cooling Channel
Electrode Overview
EDM (Electro Discharge Machining) is used to produce mold cavity features that are impractical or impossible to machine with milling cutters.
Electrode Icon
There are two methods for creating electrodes: • Insert Standard Part
• Insert Electrode (designing and creating an electrode)
The standard part method is the preferred method for creating an electrode. The user design and creation of electrodes (Insert Electrode) is provided as an alternative method.
The Standard Parts library contains a catalog named ELECTRODE. This electrode catalog contains a cavity and core electrode.
Positioning
The position of the electrodes are parametrically controlled relative to the Product Model Mold Coordinate system, MCSYS. If you set the MCSYS to the center of the product model, the position of the insert will also be positioned relative to the center of the product.
Standard Parts as Electrodes are similar to Standard Parts as Sub-Inserts and Workpiece. The electrode parts contain a drawing with dimensions to the electrode body originating from the MCSYS. The cavity or core shape is applied to the electrode though use of the mold-trim function.
Electrode Design Process
The process for designing electrodes is: 1. Create Envelope
2. Create Head
3. Create Coordinate system 4. Create Foot
5. Create Drawing
Mold Trim Overview
The Mold Trim function automates the process of associatively trimming sub-inserts, electrodes, and Standard Parts such as slides, lifters, and core-pins, to the form of the cavity or core.
The Mold Trim function is designed to trim child components of the prod node. If the project is a family mold, components selected for trimming will be trimmed to the form of the active family member.
Mold Trim Icon Trim Side
The Mold Trim function may be used to trim a component to the form of the cavity or core. The Trim Side option determines whether the component will be trimmed to the cavity or core form.
The Cavity-Side Surface option determines that the target component will be trimmed to the cavity form. The Core-Side Surface option determines that the target component will be trimmed to the core form.
Trim Surface
The Mold Trim function uses sewn sets of surfaces or regions to trim the components. By default, the same surfaces used to trim the cavity and core blocks will be used. In some cases (such as when the
Solid Patch function is used to complete the parting design), the surfaces of the cavity and core include
simplifications created by the solid patch. If a Mold Trim operation is needed for a component that would be trimmed by an area of the parting sheet that involved a solid patch, use the Mold Surface option. The Trim Surface provides two methods for trimming surfaces:
• Parting Surface • Mold Surface
Parting Surface
The Parting Surface method uses the parting sheet sets found in the parting component to trim the target component. These are the same sheets that were copied to trim the cavity and core bodies.
Create Pockets Overview
After you have finished selection and placement of standard parts and other components, you can use the
Create Pockets function to cut the associated or non-associated pockets.
The concept for creating pockets is that the false body of a standard part is linked to the target body part and is subtracted from the target body.
Create Pockets Icon Pocket Clearance
Pocket clearance depends on the insert group/standard part's false body.
• You can change the clearance when you add or edit an insert group/standard part.
• You can use the clearance management function to assign or edit the clearance of an insert group/standard part after cutting the pocket. Some offset features are created to reflect the clearance.
• When you reposition or resize an insert group/standard part, the pocket moves or changes along with the standard part. (The pocket is associated with the part.) This functionality occurs when the
Break Association option is toggled off.
When to Create Pockets
To minimize the number of features while designing, create pockets at the last stage of mold design: • After you cut pockets, the number of features in the assembly dramatically increases, which can
affect system performance.
• Some updates may fail if the insert groups/standard parts are outside of the target body.
Creating Pockets
Perform the following steps to create a pocket:
1. Select the target object (Design Steps, Target Bodies). 2. Select the tool object (Design Steps, Tool Bodies).
3.Highlight the target and tool objects. If you don't select target or tool objects in the first or second bodies, Mold Wizard will automatically search for them.
4.To preview the cutting pocket, toggle on the Show Target and Tool Bodies Only option. 5.Click Apply to cut the pocket.
Bill of Materials Overview
Mold Wizard includes a fully associative Bill of Materials (BOM) with the catalog ordering information. The parts list functionality is in the Drafting application.
Bill of Material Icon Drafting Parts List
The parts list can be directly edited in the top assembly file of the mold assembly. To edit the part list field layout, open the "top" mold assembly file and start the Drafting application. The parts list layout is on drawing sheet SH1.
The parts list layout can be edited by double-clicking on any field name or the plus sign at the origin corner.
All parts that are in the mold assembly are listed in the moldbase parts list. The data is taken from the parts list data specified in the applicable components. However, moldbases, such as the standard
(non-The Assembly Drawing function automates the creation and management of mold drawings. You can create drawings, import predefined border patterns to the drawing, and create views. You can also hide components in each view and create balloons for components in each view.
Assembly Drawing Icon
Assembly Drawing Creation Overview
The following steps are used to create a mold assembly drawing in Mold Wizard:
1. Drawing - Specify the drawing sheet name, units, and template, and create the drawing. 2. Visibility - Set the visibility attributes for the components in the assembly.
3. View - Create the views and control the visibility of the components in each view.
Drawing
Mold Wizard supports the creation of two types of drawings:
• Self Contained - Drawing is created in the top part of the assembly.
• Master Model - Drawing is created in a separate part file with the top part added as a component to this master model part file.
New Master Model File
When you pick the file icon, a file selection dialog is displayed. You specify the location, units and filename of the new master model part file and click OK. The full path name of the file is shown in the Create/Edit
Mold Drawing dialog.
The dialog shows the default drawing name and drawing template. You can either select these default values or change them according to your needs. When you pick Apply, the master model part file with the given file name and units is created at the given location. The drawing is created in this part file and the selected template is imported. The name of the drawing sheet is specified in the dialog.
Open Master Model File
When you pick the folder icon, a file selection dialog is displayed to select an existing part. You select an existing master model part and click OK in the file selection dialog. If the selected part is not a master model part of the current Mold Wizard project, the software displays an error message and you are prompted to select the master model part file again.
If a valid master model part file is selected, the file is opened as a displayed part. All the drawings in the master model part file are listed in the Drawings pull-down menu. If you would like to create a new drawing in this master model part file, select the Create New option in the Drawings pull-down menu. A default drawing sheet name and drawing template are shown in the Create/Edit Mold Drawing dialog. You can either accept the default values or change the values. When you click Apply, a drawing is created and the selected template is imported. The name of the drawing sheet is the name that was specified in the dialog.
Creation of Section Views In Templates
You can also use the drawing templates to create section views. Mold Wizard software has to identify that a particular view in the drawing template is a section view. To do this, perform the following steps:
1. Create a view at the desired location in the drawing template. Name the view. 2. Save the template.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all the drawing templates in which you would like to have a section view. 4. In the Mold Wizard preferences file (mold_defaults.def), specify all the section views in all the
drawing templates under the variable MW_Drawing_SectionViewNames. The values must be separated by commas.
