Mold Design using Creo Parametric

T3424-380-02
Course Objectives

In this course, you will learn how to:

n Learn the basic mold process
n Prepare design models for the mold process
n Analyze design models to ensure their readiness for molding
n Create mold models
n Apply shrinkage to the reference model
n Create and assemble workpieces into the mold model
n Create mold volumes
n Create parting lines and parting surfaces
n Split mold volumes
n Extract mold components
n Create mold features
n Learn how to fill and open the mold
Training Agenda

n Module 1: Introduction to the Creo Parametric Basic Mold Process

n Module 2: Design Model Preparation
n Module 3: Design Model Analysis
n Module 4: Mold Models
n Module 5: Shrinkage
n Module 6: Workpieces
n Module 7: Mold Volume Creation
n Module 8: Parting Line and Parting Surface Creation
n Module 9: Splitting Mold Volumes
n Module 10: Mold Component Extraction
n Module 11: Mold Features Creation
n Module 12: Filling and Opening the Mold
Module 1 : Introduction to the Creo Parametric Basic
Mold Process

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Prepare and analyze a design model by running a draft check.
n Create a new mold model and assemble the reference model and workpiece.
n Create a slider mold volume for undercut geometry.
n Create the mold parting surface by first creating a parting line.
n Create the mold components by splitting the mold volumes and generating the cavity
components.
n Create mold features by creating a runner in the mold model.
n Fill and open the mold by creating a molding and performing a mold opening analysis.
Creo Parametric Basic Mold Process

The basic mold process can be summarized in seven high-level steps:

1. Preparing and Analyzing Design Models

n Drafts, draft/thickness checks.
2. Creating the Mold Model
n Reference model, shrinkage, workpiece. Figure 1 Analyzing a Design Model
3. Creating Mold Volumes
n Sliders and other sketched volumes.
4. Creating Parting Surfaces
5. Creating Mold Components
n Split Mold Volumes and create cavity
insert parts. Figure 2 Creating the Mold Model and
6. Creating Mold Features Parting Surface

n Waterlines, runners, and ejector pin

holes.
7. Filling and Opening the Mold
n Create a molding and open the mold.

Figure 3 Filling and Opening the Mold

Module 2 : Design Model Preparation

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Understand the theory behind creating molds.
n Prepare a design model for the mold process.
n Create profile rib features.
n Split drafts using various techniques.
Understanding Mold Theory

The mold designer creates the mold and its components using Creo Parametric's Mold mode.

n A mold consists of a core and cavity.

n Sprues and runners channel material into the
void.
n Ejector pins eject the solidified part.

Figure 1 Moldbase Layout Created in EMX

Figure 2 Mold Core and Cavity Figure 3 Sprue and Runner Design
Preparing Design Models for the Mold Process

You may not be able to create a mold from a perfectly valid design model.

n Design model requirements for molding

typically include:
Draft on vertical surfaces.
Uniform thickness.
Ribs.
Ejector pin pads.
n Preparation guidelines:
Draft applied to vertical faces.
Ribs should be about half the model thickness and Figure 1 Original Design Model
drafted where needed.
Create ejector pin pads where needed.
Reorder or insert draft features before rounds if
possible.

Figure 2 Design Model Prepared for Molding

Creating Profile Rib Features

A profile rib feature is similar to an extruded protrusion, except that it requires an open section sketch.

n Profile rib features require an open sketch.

n You can edit the side that thickens.
n You can flip to which side of the sketch you
want to create the rib.
n Rib geometry adapts to the adjacent, solid
geometry.

Figure 1 Viewing Open Sketches

Figure 2 Editing the Side that Thickens Figure 3 Flipping Which Side the Rib is Created
Creating Drafts Split at Sketch

You can use a sketch to define custom split lines.

n Sketch becomes linked.

n Sketch can be unlinked.
n A new sketch can be defined.
n Sketch need not lie on draft surface.

Figure 1 Viewing Sketch Figure 2 Draft Split at Sketch

Creating Drafts Split at Curve

You can create a draft that splits at a waistline curve.

n Material at the curve remains constant.

Figure 1 The Datum Curve Figure 2 Draft Split at Datum Curve

Creating Drafts Split at Surface

You can create a draft that splits at a waistline surface, causing material at the surface to be added.

n Additional draft hinges can be created.

You must first split the draft surfaces.
Material remains the same size at both draft hinge
locations.

Figure 1 Draft Split at Surface

Figure 2 Splitting the Draft at Surface Figure 3 Selecting Multiple Draft Hinges
Module 3 : Design Model Analysis

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Understand the theory behind analyzing design models.
n Analyze mold analysis settings.
n Perform a draft check on a design model.
n Perform a thickness check on a design model.
Analyzing Design Models Theory

Analysis tools enable you to ensure that the design model is acceptable for mold creation.

n Analysis tools include:

Draft check
Thickness check
n Analysis tools can be used on components
other than the design model.
n Analysis tools can be used at times other than
before the mold is created.

Figure 1 Draft Check

Figure 2 Thickness Check

Performing a Draft Check

You can perform a draft check or draft analysis to ultimately determine whether a model is suitable for a mold
operation.

n Draft Check
Specify references:
Surface
Pull Direction
Specify options:
One/Both directions
Draft angle
n Draft Analysis
Similar to Draft Check
You need not be in Mold mode to perform the
analysis. Figure 1 One-sided Draft Check

Figure 2 Two-sided Draft Check Figure 3 Running a Draft Analysis

Understanding Mold Analysis Settings

You can modify the settings of a mold analysis to achieve different results.

n Computation Settings
Modify sample type.
Modify plot resolution.
n Display Settings
Modify plot scale.
Modify number of colors.
n Saving Analyses
Figure 1 Modifying Display Settings
Quickly rerun a mold analysis at different times.
Blank/Unblank selected analyses.

Figure 2 Viewing Saved Analyses

Performing a Thickness Check

You can perform a thickness check on a part model to check for maximum or minimum thickness at specified
locations.

n Two methods:
Select one or more planes.
Select references to create incremental slices.
n Two checks available:
Maximum thickness
Minimum thickness
n Interface is slightly different in part model
Figure 1 Displaying Thickness Cross-Sections
versus manufacturing model.
Through Selected Planes

Figure 2 Displaying Thickness Cross-Sections

Through Slices
Module 4 : Mold Models

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Create new mold models.
n Analyze mold model accuracy.
n Locate, assemble, and create the reference model.
n Redefine the reference model.
n Analyze the reference model orientation.
n Analyze mold cavity layout and orientation.
n Calculate the projected area of the reference model.
Creating New Mold Models

Your company can create customized templates for creating new mold models.

n A mold model consists of:

A reference model
Workpieces
Mold components
Molding
Figure 1 New Mold Model Tree
n File extension is .asm
n Use customized mold manufacturing
templates.
n Mold templates include:
Datums
Pull Direction
Layers
Units
Parameters
View Orientations
n You can modify pull direction.
Figure 2 New Mold Model
Analyzing Model Accuracy

One of the most important factors affecting the mold design process is model accuracy.

n Types of accuracy:
Relative
Absolute
n Automatically controlling accuracy in mold Figure 1 Confirmation for Automatically
model Changing Accuracy
n Implications of changing accuracy
n When does accuracy need to be
changed?

Figure 2 Viewing an Accuracy Conflict

Locating the Reference Model

The reference model usually represents the part that is to be molded.

n Locate Reference Model:

Most versatile of the three methods available.
Specify a pre-defined Layout.
Specify a pre-defined Orientation.
Matches accuracy if absolute accuracy is enabled.
n You can specify the Reference Model Type.

Figure 1 Reference Model Located into Mold Model

Figure 2 Model Trees for Merge by Reference, Same Model, and Inherited Reference Model Types
Assembling the Reference Model

The reference model usually represents the part that is to be molded.

n Assemble Reference Model:

Uses a previously created model.
Uses conventional assembly placement constraints.
Matches accuracy if absolute accuracy is enabled.
n You can specify the Reference Model Type.
Figure 1 Viewing the Reference Model
in the Model Tree

Figure 2 Assembling the Reference Model

using Constraints Figure 3 Viewing the Assembled Reference Model
Creating the Reference Model

The reference model usually represents the part that is to be molded.

n Create Reference Model:

Creates a new model on-the-fly.
Uses conventional component creation methods.
Uses conventional assembly placement constraints.
n You cannot specify the Reference Model
Type. Figure 1 Viewing the Reference Model
in the Model Tree

Figure 3 Reference Model Created from

Figure 2 Assembling the Reference Model
Empty Template
using Constraints
Redefining the Reference Model

You can redefine certain items related to the reference model once it is placed within the mold model.

n You can redefine the following reference

model related items:
Reference model orientation.
Mold cavity layout.
Mold cavity layout orientation.
n You cannot change the reference model to a
different reference model.
n Switching reference model methods:
Inherited and Merge by Reference only.
You cannot switch between Same Model and another
method.

Figure 1 Layout Dialog Box when Redefining

Reference Model
Analyzing Reference Model Orientation

You can modify the orientation of the reference model in the mold model.

n The system lines up coordinate

systems from the reference model
and mold model.
n Modify reference model orientation:
Standard
Select a coordinate system.
Dynamic
Modify orientation of REF_ORIGIN.
Figure 1 Using Standard Orientation
n Other dynamic options:
Projected area
Draft check
Bounding box information

Figure 2 Using Dynamic Orientation

Analyzing Mold Cavity Layout

You can create a mold model that contains multiple cavities.

n The following mold cavity layout options are

available:
Single
Rectangular
Circular
Variable

Figure 1 Single Cavity Mold Model Layout

Figure 2 Rectangular Cavity Mold Model Layout Figure 3 Circular Cavity Mold Model Layout
Analyzing Variable Mold Cavity Layout

You can create unique cavity layouts using the Variable layout option.

n Convert an existing layout to Variable.

n The following orientation options are
available:
Reference Rotation
X-Translation
Y-Translation
Layout Rotation
Figure 1 Variable Cavity Converted from Circular Layout
n Additional options:
Highlight
Add/Remove pattern instance

Figure 2 Variable Cavity Converted from Single Layout

Analyzing Mold Cavity Layout Orientation

You can adjust the orientation of the cavities in a multi-cavity layout.

n Available orientations for the

following cavity layouts:
Single
Specify a different coordinate system
Rectangular
Constant Figure 1 Rectangular Layout, X-Symmetric versus
X-Symmetric Y-Symmetric Orientation
Y-Symmetric
Circular
Constant
Radial

Figure 2 Circular Layout, Constant versus Radial Orientation

Calculating Projected Area

You can calculate the projected area of the reference model to help calculate the clamping force needed to
keep a mold set closed during operation.

n Specify the entity.

n Specify the projection direction.
n Projected area is calculated.

Figure 1 Calculating Projected Area Figure 2 Illustration of Projected Area

Module 5 : Shrinkage

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Understand the purpose of shrinkage.
n Apply shrinkage by scale to the reference model.
n Apply shrinkage by dimensions to the reference model.
Understanding Shrinkage

You can apply shrinkage to a model to compensate for the shrinkage that tends to occur as a molded part cools.

n There are two methods to apply

shrinkage:
Shrinkage by Scale
Shrinkage by Dimension
n Formula options:
1+S
1/1S
Where S is the shrinkage ratio
n You can view the Shrink Info for the
applied shrinkage.

Figure 1 Shrinkage Dialog Boxes

Applying Shrinkage by Scale

You can shrink part geometry by scaling it in relation to coordinate system directions.

n You can apply shrinkage by scale to all three

directions uniformly.
Isotropic
n You can apply different shrinkage ratios
to each of the three coordinate system
directions.
X-Direction
Y-Direction
Z-Direction Figure 1 Model Before Shrinkage Applied

Figure 3 Different Shrinkage Ratios Applied

Figure 2 Isotropic Shrinkage by Scale Applied to Different Directions
Applying Shrinkage by Dimension

You can specify one shrinkage ratio for all model dimensions, or specify unique ratios for individual model
dimensions.

n Dimensions with shrinkage ratios applied

appear magenta in the graphics window.
n Select individual feature dimensions to add
shrinkage ratios to.
n Select a feature to add shrinkage ratios to all
of its dimensions.

Figure 1 Model Before Shrinkage Applied

Figure 2 Shrinkage Ratio Applied to All Dimensions Figure 3 Different Shrinkage Ratios Applied
to Specific Dimensions
Module 6 : Workpieces

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Create style states.
n Create a workpiece automatically.
n Create a custom automatic workpiece.
n Create and assemble a workpiece manually.
n Reclassify mold model components.
Creating Style States Using the View Manager

Create a style state in an assembly to capture components in various displays and visibilities.

n Style states are only created in assemblies.

n You can set individual model display (shaded, transparent, wireframe, hidden line, no hidden)
independent of the rest of the assembly or other components.

Figure 1 Style State Example

Creating a Workpiece Automatically

The workpiece is a model that represents the full volume of all the mold components that are needed to create the
final mold model.

n The workpiece displays transparent green in

the graphics window.
n The automatic workpiece accuracy is
automatically matched to the reference
model.
n Create multiple shapes: Figure 1 Viewing the Workpiece in the Model Tree
Standard Rectangular
Standard Round
Custom

Figure 2 Standard Rectangular Workpiece Figure 3 Standard Round Workpiece

Creating a Custom Automatic Workpiece

A custom automatic workpiece enables you to add flanges to the top and bottom of the workpiece and rounds or
chamfers to the vertical edges.

n The process is the same as creating a

rectangular or round workpiece.
n The default custom shape for a custom
workpiece is BLOCK_XY_FLANGES.
n Many other shapes are available.

Figure 1 BLOCK_XY_FLANGES
Custom Workpiece

Figure 2 CHAMF_XY_BOT_FLANGE
Custom Workpiece Figure 3 BAR_TOP_FLANGE Custom Workpiece
Creating and Assembling a Workpiece Manually

You can create a part model inside or outside of Mold mode and designate it as the workpiece when assembling
it into the mold model.

n Use conventional part modeling techniques.

n Assemble workpiece using conventional
assembly constraints.
n The accuracy of a manually created workpiece
must be matched to the reference model.

Figure 1 Part Model

Figure 2 Creating a Workpiece within the Mold Model Figure 3 Part Model Assembled as Workpiece
Reclassifying and Removing Mold Model
Components
Reclassifying mold components is a great way to switch which component is used as the workpiece.

n Each component type can be reclassified to

any other type:
Workpiece
Mold Base Component
Mold Component
n You cannot reclassify the reference model.

Figure 1 Mold Model Before Reclassification

Figure 2 Mold Base Component Reclassified

to a Workpiece Figure 3 Mold Model After Reclassification
Module 7 : Mold Volume Creation

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Understand basic surfacing terms.
n Understand what mold volumes are.
n Sketch mold volumes.
n Create sliders using boundary quilts.
n Sketch sliders.
n Create a reference part cutout.
n Sketch lifter and insert mold volumes.
n Replace surfaces and trim to geometry.
Surfacing Terms

Surface modeling terms are important to understand because they are used throughout this course.

n Surfaces
Quilt
Surface Patch
Solid Surface
Datum Planes

n Edges Figure 1 Viewing a Surface

Surface edge
One-sided
Two-sided
Solid edge
Figure 2 Surface Quilt

Figure 3 Solid Surface and Edge Figure 4 Surface Edge

Understanding Mold Volumes

A mold volume consists of surfaces that locate a closed volume of space within the workpiece.

n Mold volumes:
Have no solid material.
Are ultimately used to create solid mold components.
Are assembly-level features.
n As a best practice you should rename mold
volumes.
n You can apply finishing features such as
rounds and drafts. Figure 1 Model Tree of Mold Model

Figure 2 Mold Volumes Shaded Figure 3 Mold Volumes No Hidden

Sketching Mold Volumes

You can create a mold volume by sketching its shape.

n Sketch-based feature tools include:

Extrude
Revolve
Sweep
Blend
Swept Blend
Figure 1 Sketching a Mold Volume
Use Quilt

Figure 2 Mold Model with No Mold Volumes Figure 3 Mold Model with Mold Volume
Creating Sliders using Boundary Quilts

The system can calculate undercut areas in the reference model and create boundary quilts to be used for
automatic slider creation.

n A slider is a special type of mold volume.

n Boundary quilts are created in undercut areas.
n Slider mold volume is created from the
boundary quilt.
n Slider mold volume can be projected to a
specified plane.

Figure 1 Meshing a Boundary Quilt

Figure 3 Slider Mold Volume Projected

Figure 2 Slider Mold Volume to Workpiece Surface
Sketching Slider Mold Volumes

You can sketch slider mold volumes as an alternative to calculating undercut boundaries.

n Reasons to sketch slider mold volumes:

Shape
Size
Result
n Sketching guidelines:
Calculate undercut boundaries for reference.
Ensure your sketched slider accounts for the entire
undercut geometry. Figure 1 Undesired Slider Result
The sketch must be closed.

Figure 2 Sketched Slider Mold Volumes Figure 3 Slider Volume too Small
Creating a Reference Part Cutout

A reference part cutout enables you to remove any overlapping reference model geometry from the mold volume.

n The reference model volume is subtracted

from the mold volume.
n The resulting mold volume geometry
matches the mating reference model
geometry.
n Helps you verify that you have created the
desired mold volume.
n Not a required step.

Figure 1 Reference Model

Figure 2 Mold Volume Created Figure 3 Reference Part Cutout Created

Sketching Lifter Mold Volumes

A lifter is another mold component that helps account for undercuts of the inside of the reference model geometry.

n Lifters usually move at an angle.

n Lifters are usually long and narrow.

Figure 1 Viewing the Undercut

Figure 2 Lifter Created to Account for Undercut

Replacing Surfaces and Trimming to Geometry

You can edit mold volumes by replacing surfaces and trimming them to other geometry.

n Replacing surfaces can:

Add volume.
Remove volume.
Add and remove volume simultaneously.
n Trimming to geometry trims a volume to
a specified reference.
Specify the direction to be removed. Figure 1 Trimming a Volume to Geometry

Figure 2 Mold Volume Before Surface Replace Figure 3 Mold Volume After Surface Replace
Sketching Insert Mold Volumes

You can swap inserts out of the same core and cavity in the mold model to produce similarly shaped parts.

n Inserts are used as a cost saving measure.

n Inserts are used as a consideration for
machining.

Figure 1 Viewing the Reference Model

Figure 2 Viewing the Completed Insert

Figure 3 Design Variations that Can Use

Same Core and Cavity
Module 8 : Parting Line and Parting Surface Creation

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Understand parting lines and parting surfaces.
n Create an automatic parting line using silhouette curves.
n Analyze silhouette curve options including slides and loop selection.
n Create a skirt surface.
n Analyze skirt surface options including extend curves, tangent conditions, extension directions,
and shutoff extension.
n Analyze surface editing and manipulation tools.
n Merge surfaces.
n Create saddle shutoff surfaces.
n Create a parting surface manually.
Understanding Parting Lines and Parting
Surfaces
You can create parting lines and parting surfaces to define where mold volumes are to be split.

n Parting surface creation methods:

Automatic Skirt Surface tool
Manual Use surfacing techniques
n Parting line creation methods:
Automatic Silhouette Curve tool
Manual Use datum curve techniques
Only needed for automatic parting surface creation.

Figure 1 Automatic Parting Line Created

Figure 2 Parting Surface Created Automatically Figure 3 Parting Surface Created Manually
Creating an Automatic Parting Line using
Silhouette Curves
A silhouette curve is created where the draft on the reference model instantaneously changes from positive to
negative when viewed from the pull direction.

n The automatic parting line is created using

silhouette curves.
n You must define the following:
Name
Surface references
Direction

Figure 1 Mold Model

Figure 2 Silhouette Curve Parting Line Figure 3 Silhouette Curve Parting Line
Analyzing Silhouette Curve Options: Slides

The Slides option enables you to specify mold volumes that already account for undercut geometry zones
in the reference model.

n The system excludes silhouette curve creation

at slides.

Figure 1 Mold Model and Slider Mold Volumes

Figure 2 Silhouette Curve without Slides Specified Figure 3 Silhouette Curve with Slides Specified
Analyzing Silhouette Curve Options: Loop
Selection
The Loop Selection option enables you to control the location of curve segments in reference to the part edges
and specify which loops are included in the curve.

n Loop selection:
Loops created at every shutoff location.
Status options:
Included
Excluded
n Chain selection options:
Upper
Lower Figure 1 Included Versus Excluded Loops
Single

Figure 2 Upper Versus Lower Chains

Creating a Skirt Surface

You can use a skirt surface to automatically create the mold model parting surface.

n The skirt surface is created using specified

datum curves.
The silhouette curve parting line is usually selected.
n Inner holes in the reference model are filled
using silhouette curve loops.
n Outer curve loops are extended to the
workpiece boundaries.

Figure 1 Viewing the Silhouette Curve Parting Line

Figure 2 Viewing the Completed Skirt Surface

Analyzing Skirt Surface Options: Extend Curves

The Extend Curves option provides a further level of control that enables you to exclude curves from being
extended during skirt surface creation.

n By default, all selected curves are included.

n The Extend Curves option enables you to
exclude curve segments.

Figure 1 Default Skirt Surface

Figure 2 Curve Segments Excluded Figure 3 Additional Curve Segment Excluded

Analyzing Skirt Surface Options: Tangent
Conditions
The Tangent Conditions option enables you to specify surfaces on the reference model to which the resulting
skirt surface must be tangent.

n Specify which surfaces the skirt surface must

be tangent to.
n You can exclude adjacent curve segments
from the tangent condition.

Figure 1 No Tangent Condition Applied

to Skirt Surface

Figure 2 Tangent Condition Applied to Skirt Surface Figure 3 Curves Excluded from Tangent Condition
Analyzing Skirt Surface Options: Extension
Directions
You can add or modify the direction that the skirt surface extends from the silhouette curve segments.

n Extension directions can significantly alter

the shape of the skirt surface.
n Arrows denote direction at each segment
vertex.
Orange Default direction
Cyan User-defined direction
Red Tangent direction
n Select location and direction reference.

Figure 1 Completed Skirt Surface

Figure 3 Viewing User-Defined Extension

Figure 2 Viewing Default Extension Directions Directions
Analyzing Skirt Surface Options: ShutOff
Extension
You can specify a location other than the workpiece boundaries that the skirt surface extends to.

n ShutOff Extension options:

ShutOff Dist Uniform offset
Boundary Sketch or select
n ShutOff Plane Shutoff extension extends
up to the shutoff plane
n Draft Angle Applies draft to Z-direction
shutoff extension surfaces
Figure 1 Shutoff Distance Specified for
Shutoff Extension

Figure 2 Selected Boundary Shutoff Extension Figure 3 Sketched Boundary Shutoff Extension
Analyzing Surface Editing and Manipulation Tools

When working with surfaces, it is often necessary to edit and manipulate quilts to achieve your desired design
intent.

n Tools include:
Extend
Trim
Copy and Paste
Offset
Mirror
Merge
Figure 1 Extending a Surface to Plane

Figure 2 Trimming a Quilt using Geometry Figure 3 Mirroring a Quilt

Merging Surfaces

Merging a quilt is required for operations such as creating solids from quilts.

n Colors:
Orange = one-sided edges.
Purple = two-sided edges.
n Merge makes one-sided edges
two-sided.
n Merge options:
Intersect
Join

Figure 1 Surface Merge Keep Options

Figure 2 Surfaces Edge Display

of Separate Quilts Figure 3 Surface Edge Display of Merged Quilts
Creating Saddle Shutoff Surfaces

A saddle shutoff typically requires you to create multiple surfaces to achieve the desired shape.

n Create the surfaces.

n Perform surface manipulations.
n Merge the surfaces to create the final shutoff.

Figure 1 Saddle Surface Created

Figure 2 Face Surfaces Created Figure 3 Final Saddle Shutoff

Creating a Parting Surface Manually

You can create the parting surface manually in circumstances where the skirt surface does not provide the
desired shape.

n You can use a combination of manual

parting surface and skirt surface techniques.
n To manually create a parting surface:
Start the Parting Surface tool.
Create all surface features for a loop.
Merge the surfaces together.
Figure 1 Mold Model Before Manual Parting
Surface Created

Figure 2 Manual Parting Surface Created Figure 3 Completed Parting Surface

Module 9 : Splitting Mold Volumes

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Split the workpiece.
n Split mold volumes.
n Split volumes using multiple parting surfaces.
n Blank and unblank mold items.
n Analyze split classification.
Splitting the Workpiece

You can split the workpiece by using a parting surface or mold volume to create the core and cavity volumes of
the mold model.

n Split the workpiece using the All Wrkpcs split

option.
n A new mold volume is created equal to the
workpiece volume.
Reference model geometry subtracted.
n The volume is split into one or two volumes.
Use a parting surface or other volume.

Figure 1 Mold Model and Parting Surface

Figure 2 Split Mold Model Core Volume Figure 3 Split Mold Model Cavity Volume
Splitting Mold Volumes

You can also split existing mold volumes to create volumes for sliders, lifters, inserts, and so on.

n Split mold volumes using the Mold Volume

split option.
Specify the volume to be split in the Search Tool.
n The specified volume is split into one or two
volumes.
Use a parting surface or other volume.
Figure 1 Mold Model and Slider Volumes

Figure 2 Core Volume Before it is Split Figure 3 Core Volume After Splits for
for Slider Volumes Slider Volumes
Splitting Volumes using Multiple Parting Surfaces

You can use multiple parting surfaces to split a workpiece or mold volume.

n You can use multiple parting surfaces in a

single split operation.
n You can use multiple parting surfaces in
multiple split operations.

Figure 1 Model Tree Containing Two

Parting Surfaces

Figure 2 Selecting Multiple Parting Surfaces Figure 3 Viewing Multiple Parting Surfaces
Blanking and Unblanking Mold Items

The Blank and Unblank options enable you to add or remove mold items to the current mold model display.

n Use these options at any time

while in Mold mode.
n You can blank and unblank the
following:
Parting Surface
Volume
Component
n Use the following methods:
Blank-Unblank Dialog Box
Right-click after item selection.

Figure 1 Blank-Unblank Dialog Boxes

Analyzing Split Classification

The process of determining which individual closed islands of space should be included in the resultant mold
volume is called classifying.

n An island is a closed volume of space in the

mold model.
n Specify the islands to be included in the
resultant volume.
n Classifying islands enables you to create
simpler manual parting surfaces.

Figure 1 Viewing Reference Part Geometry

Figure 2 Classifying Islands Figure 3 Resultant Mold Volume

Module 10 : Mold Component Extraction

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Extract mold components from mold volumes.
n Apply start models to mold components.
Extracting Mold Components from Volumes

You can produce mold components by filling the previously defined mold volumes with solid material.

n Mold component features:

Contain an Extract feature.
Are fully-functional parts.
Maintain a parent/child relationship with their mold
volumes.
n Mold component color-coding:
Reference model color
Blue
Orange Figure 1 Extracted Core Mold Component

Figure 2 Extracted Cavity Mold Component Figure 3 Extracted Slider Mold Component
Applying Start Models to Mold Components

You can rename extracted mold components and apply start models to them.

n Benefits of using templates:

Datums
Layers
Parameters
View Orientations
n Because each mold component is
a part model, it should be renamed
accordingly.

Figure 2 Renaming Mold Components and

Applying Start Model
Figure 1 Extracted Mold Component Model
Tree
Module 11 : Mold Features Creation

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Create waterline circuits.
n Analyze waterline end conditions.
n Perform a waterlines check.
n Create sprues and runners.
n Create ejector pin clearance holes.
n Create and place UDFs in a mold model.
Creating Waterline Circuits

Waterlines are assembly-level features that you can use to create water channels in the mold model.

n Specify the waterline circuit diameter.

n Sketch the waterline circuit.
Section should contain only linear entities.
n Specify the mold components to be cut.

Figure 1 Sketching the Waterline Circuit

Figure 2 Completed Waterline Figure 3 Cutaway of Waterline Circuit

Analyzing Waterline End Conditions

You can apply optional end conditions to the waterline circuit segment endpoints.

n The following end conditions can be applied:

None
Blind
Thru
Thru w/Cbore

Figure 1 Blind Waterline End Condition

Figure 2 Thru w/Cbore Waterline End Condition Figure 3 Thru Waterline End Condition
Performing a Waterlines Check

The waterlines check helps to ensure that the waterlines are not too close to the external surfaces of the mold
model.

n To perform a waterlines check, you must

specify:
Part
Waterline
Minimum Clearance
n Color-coded results:
Magenta Areas within minimum clearance.
Green Areas outside minimum clearance. Figure 1 Waterlines Check Results

Figure 2 Waterlines within Minimum Clearance

Creating Sprues and Runners

You can create sprues, runners, and gates to channel molten plastic into the mold cavity.

n Create sprues using sketch-based features.

n Create runners and sometimes gates using
the Runner feature.
n Section shapes include:
Round
Half Round
Hexagon
Trapezoid
Round Trapezoid Figure 1 Cavity Showing Sprue,
Runners, and Gates

Figure 2 Core Showing Runners and Gates

Creating Ejector Pin Clearance Holes

Ejector pin clearance holes are created in mold components so that ejector pins can pass through and push the
molded part out.

n Ejector pin holes are similar to

conventional holes.
You can specify a different diameter through
each intersected component.
n Available types:
Linear
Radial
Coaxial
On Point Figure 1 Completed Ejector Pin Holes

Figure 2 Viewing Ejector Pin Holes in Core

Creating UDFs

User-defined features (UDFs) save time by helping establish a library of commonly used geometry.

n Define a UDF from a template model.

Standalone
Reference Part option
Subordinate
n Select features to include.
Must be sequential
n Define prompts.
Every reference requires a prompt. Figure 1 Template Model
n Define any variable items (optional).
Variable elements or dimensions
Family Table

Figure 2 Highlighted Surface While

Defining Prompts
Placing UDFs

To save time, place user-defined features (UDFs) from your company's UDF library into your model.

n Open existing UDF (*.gph)

n Select Placement references
Prompts can aid you
n Edit Variable Dimensions and Annotations
Elements
n Options
Scaling
Dimension display
Redefine features on-the-fly
n Adjustments
Flip orientation Figure 1 Viewing References on the Original UDF

Figure 2 Selecting References for UDF Placement Figure 3 The Placed UDF
Module 12 : Filling and Opening the Mold

Mold Design using Creo Parametric

Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

n Create a molding.
n Simulate the mold opening sequence.
n Check draft on mold components during the opening of the mold.
n Check interference on mold components during the opening of the mold.
n View mold information.
Creating a Molding

You can create the molding by filling the mold cavity through the sprue, runners, and gates.

n Molding parts:
Contain a Molding feature.
Are fully-functional parts.
Maintain a parent/child relationship with mold model
components and features.
n There can be only one molding part in the
model. Figure 1 Mold Model

Figure 2 Another Molding Part Figure 3 Molding Part

Opening the Mold

You can simulate the mold opening process by defining steps and moves in the mold model.

n Define steps.
n Define moves within steps.
n Rules:
Each step can contain several moves.
Components can be in only one move per
step.
A move may contain several members.

Figure 1 Fully Opened Mold

Figure 2 Closed Mold Figure 3 Partially Open Mold

Draft Checking a Mold Opening Step

You can perform draft checking on mold components during the mold opening sequence.

n Specify the step to check.

n Specify the following:
Pull direction
Draft Angle
One Side/Both Sides
Full Color/Three Color
Part or surfaces to check Figure 1 Opened Mold

Figure 2 Draft Check on a Slider Figure 3 Draft Check on the Molding

Interference Checking a Mold Opening Step

Creo Parametric enables you to check moving parts for interference with the static parts for each move you define.

n Define the move to perform the

interference check on.
n Specify the static part to check for
interference with.
n Interferences highlighted:
Curves
Points

Figure 1 Interference Curves

Figure 2 Interference Point

Viewing Mold Information

You can view information about your mold model any time you are in Mold mode.

n View the following information:

BOM
Components
Cavity Layouts
Split Volumes
Created Volumes
Parting Surf
Split
Last Volume Figure 1 Viewing Created Volumes Information
Shrinkage

Figure 2 Viewing Split Volumes Information