I'm going to do/watch some tutorials for making molds. As of now this is the only way I know how to make molds.
select parting lines
make parting surface
tooling split
I would like to learn some different ways to make molds. I'm trying to learn how to use split lines now.
I already know how to do some things in solidworks. I've done many tutorials already in my textbooks.
Let me give you a better answer. I do know some of the basics so I wouldn't think going through all the tutorials would be necessary. Would you still recommend going through all the tutorials.
Also are there any specific skills you had in mind that could help me with mold creation?
Eric,
There is a built in tutorial within SW is available (I think the phone cover)
There are lots of tutorials on utube, if you do a search for SW mold design
You have to watch the details, try to practice your own parts and see if that helps
Moreover should have a basic knowledge of Mold and mold design and how it function on a production part
Another suggestion is to find yourself a mentor. Someone that you can send your parts to and have them critique them.
Another suggestion might be to just pull some files off of a site like grabcad and see if you can split them for practice.
There is alot more to mold design than just being able to split a part......
I'm not saying I have textbooks therefore I don't need a mentor. You know I ask many questions on the forums. I'm just asking for some good tutorials on making molds.
Asking questions is one thing if you follow the advice of longtime users, it's another if you blow them off, just sayin
Christian Chu is also a power user and his recommendation is "I recommend the other way"
Nice comments but I never consider myself a "power user" and still learn a lot from here in this forum - just happened to know this stuff (molding)
lol - you might not know it, but we do - you know a lot about SW
I honestly do not know of any place where you can get more tutorials. If I want some ideas I will just google plastic injection molds with <whatever feature I am seeking> and go to the images and scroll thru. I have been doing this a while so by looking at the pictures, can get a good idea on how it is done.
Finding a mentor would at least give you some feedback as to whether you are on track or not. I have done this with some of the kids I work with.
Even doing this for as long as I have, I am still learning how to do it and get feedback from some of the toolmakers and mold shop managers I work with (my mentors). I do at times keep going back and change what I have done just because it doesn't look right or because of the feedback I have received. Keep the mind and ears open when someone is giving you advice, especially for free.
I clicked on here to catch a link to a cool video, but, Man, I would love to find a mentor. I can't find any friends or whoever that does Solidworks. I tried to hook up with a chick that did Solidworks. She gained 3 point of sexy when she talked about Solidworks.
Is there a Solidworks dating site somewhere?
yep -
www . jstol-ItWorks. org
I recommend other way. I think you'd better understand the molding process before starting design
What are some ways I can better understand the molding process? I was just thinking of using a few tutorials. I just want to know which ones would be the most useful.
You can google inject molding process and learn from there or just make a visit to a local shop - folks there will be happy to walk you thru
otherwise, you never understand why gate is here or there or can't be molded because of the undercuts - many things you have to deal with before your part can be molded
I have watched a few videos of how molding works in real life. Maybe I should watch some more.
Perfect - You got my point - software is just a tool to speed up your design process - can't do the job for you
Also, you should head to a molding shop and ask for a tour and ask questions......lots of them. Might even look good if you ever turn in a resume at that particular shop.
^^^This. Eric Eubanks you just got a great piece of advice here. If you actively are seeking out help to learn from people, they remember it. And when you go looking for a job, they are likely to remember the guy that showed up at their shop wanting to know how things get made (trust me, this kind of thing doesn't happen enough). If they aren't hiring, they may know who is, and may put in a good word for you. Don't underestimate the advice Dan has given you here.
Oh, I forgot to mention, that is in addition to learning how to do things correctly, versus designing to the test... So, there is no downside to following Dan's advice, in my book.
Where are you located? If you are located in an area where there are several companies that make injection molds, there is a chance that someone on this forum lives in the same area and works for one of those companies. You might get lucky and find someone that will give you a quick tour and help you understand the molding process.
There are books that cover that molding process and mold design.
The NTMA (National Tooling and Machining Association) has a couple books on the subject that can be ordered through their website. NTMA - National Tooling and Machining Association
(Several books are available on Amazon, but most of them are rather expensive.)
YouTube is a great resource. Just search YouTube for "Solidworks mold" or "injection mold design" and you can find a LOT of videos show how molds work, how the molding process works, and various ways to use Solidworks to split parts into core/cavity.
Do a search on Google for "injection mold design pdf" and you will find a many downloadable/printable pdf documents on the topic of designing parts for injection molding and designing injection molds. Excellent resources for building a better understanding of the molding process and mold design.
Go to your public library and see if they have any books on injection molding or injection mold design.
Don't try to short-change yourself. Do ALL the tutorials that lead up to the ones on molds. The tutorials build on the things taught in the prior lessons, directly and indirectly. If you think you can skip a few then you are making a big mistake.