Creating Runners

I am looking to see if anyone has created a tool to help create
runners in molds faster. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Chris Tellers

 

Could you guys send me an example of what a runner is. I haven't had an
opportunity to work with molds.

Corey

 

I've created a few library feature of different shape and size runners
(y-shape, x-shape, straight, 2 cavity, 4 cavity, etc). My features are
sketch driven, so after I drop the feature on a surface all I have to do is
drag it around to get the size and location I need. it's toke a little time
to set up, but the time it's saved over the years has been worth it.

David Hannah

 

When I was a kid making model airplanes, the plastic parts all came attached
to a framework. The framework was the runner.

Jerry Steiger
Tripod Data Systems
"take the garbage out, dear"

 

I made a single file library feature with 3 different runner diameters
configs. I saved them in the sw/data/weldment profiles/ansi inch/ in a new
folder named Runners. Then I made a runner sketch in a new part and used
"Weldments" tool. When you select the runner file "size" it uses the last
saved config in the library file. So you toggle back to the runner file,
switch to the next size runner config and save. Then create the next branch
of the runner, and so on. One thing about this method is weldments don't
feature mirror or feature pattern (at least I don't know how to do it.) So
you have to do the whole runner in the sketch and mirror the sketch lines.
You still have to add the ball on the ends of the runners (hassle.)

I would place the runner in the mold and do a cavity cut. 3D sketches for
other than flat parting lines work well.

I hope this helps,

Dan

 

Thanks Dale, it works like a charm!!! Learn something everyday!

 

The reason I ask is I was in the process of creating a macro that would take
a sketch and sweep a revolved solid around it say the path a 2 axis mill
would create with any given tool. I was able to get sharp corners and
corners with atleast 1/2 tool dia for the radius. I ran into a wall trying
to figure out how to handle the inbetween radii. Would you need radii like
that or would it be adequate like it is. I put quite some time into getting
this to work and would like to be able to sell it to someone so my wife can
see some good out of the hours I spent sitting at the computer and not next
to her.

Corey Scheich