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Design Tables in SolidWorks are powered using Microsoft Excel. With Design Tables and Excel, it is possible to manipulate:

Parts only

i. Feature state

i. Configuration of Split Part

ii. Properties

iii. Dimension Values

iv. Model color

Assemblies only

i. Component state

ii. Mate state

iii. Referenced Configuration

iv. Expand in BOM

v. Display State

vi. Assembly feature state (cuts)

General Parts and Assemblies

i. Dimension values

ii. Tolerance type

iii. BOM part number

iv. Configuration specific properties

v. Model color

vi. Linear and Radial Pattern Spacing and instances

Advanced Parts and Assemblies

i. Derived Configurations

ii. Lighting state

iii. Equation state

iv. Sketch relationship state

v. Mass properties

vi. Center of gravity

Create Model

Edit names of Features, dims and Mates

Insert Design Table and add affected Names, features, Dim and Mates

*You can choose auto-create and select properties that we will include in design table. You can also add it later inside the table

Create and isolate workable table

*Note that you can open the design table in MS Excel

Create Useful List and validate the data

Create useful equation/ formula

Hide all except for Workable table

Save and close the design table

Open the design table and change the data

Close the design table and update

Close the design table and update

Injection Molding is a manufacturing process for producing parts from both thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic materials. Plastic is known to be versatile and economical material that is used in many applications.

Products will be designed by industrial engineers and or an engineer. In modern age, the product can be designed using Computer aided design such as Solidworks, AutoCadd, Pro-E and many CAD softwares.

Design consideration

Always minimize undercut to minimize manufacturing cost. Can use slider if undercut is unavoidable due to its special feature.

Draft. Part design should include draft features to facilitate removal from the mold in direction of the mold opening . Typical draft angles should be 1 to 2 degrees for part surfaces.

Wall Thickness. Use uniform wall thickness throughout the part. This will minimize sinking, warping, residual stresses and improve mold fill and cycle times.

Radii, Fillets and Corners. External and Internal radii should share same center point. A fillet radius should be 25 to 60% of nominal thickness. Break all corners with radius. Suggested minimum radius is 0.5mm (0.020in).

Ribs. Rib thickness should be 50 to 60% of the nominal wall thickness and the maximum height is 3 times the height of the wall.

Boss and Gussets. Typical OD of boss is 2 times ID. It’s height should be less than the 3 times of OD. The height of Gusset can be up to 95% of the boss. While it’s length can be 30 to 100% of its height.

Reference:

http://www.engineersedge.com/injection_molding.htm

http://www.polymerhouse.com/datasheets/GE_Thermo%20Plastic%20%20DesignGuide_[1].pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Injection_molding

http://www.efunda.com/designstandards/plastic_design/plastic_intro.cfm