How to Create Core and Cavity in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To create core and cavity in SolidWorks, first enable the Mold Tools add-in, then use the Core-Cavity feature on your part. This tool automatically generates the core and cavity bodies by splitting the part based on the mold parting line and direction.

Syntax

The core and cavity creation in SolidWorks is done using the Core-Cavity feature found under the Mold Tools tab. The main steps include:

• Enable Mold Tools Add-in: Activate this add-in to access mold design features.
• Select Parting Line: Define where the mold splits.
• Define Parting Direction: Set the direction the mold opens.
• Run Core-Cavity Feature: Automatically generate core and cavity bodies.

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1. Go to Tools > Add-Ins > Check 'SolidWorks Mold Tools'
2. Open your part file
3. Click Mold Tools tab > Core-Cavity
4. Select parting line edges or create a sketch
5. Set parting direction (pull direction)
6. Click OK to generate core and cavity

Example

This example shows how to create core and cavity for a simple block with a hole:

1. Open the block part in SolidWorks.
2. Enable Mold Tools add-in.
3. Go to Mold Tools tab and click Core-Cavity.
4. Select the hole edges as the parting line.
5. Set the pull direction along the block's vertical axis.
6. Click OK to generate the core and cavity bodies.

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Enable Mold Tools Add-in
Open block part
Mold Tools > Core-Cavity
Select hole edges as parting line
Set pull direction (e.g., Z-axis)
Click OK

Output

SolidWorks generates two separate solid bodies: one representing the core and the other the cavity, visible in the feature tree.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating core and cavity include:

• Not enabling the Mold Tools add-in, so the feature is unavailable.
• Incorrect or missing parting line selection, causing errors or wrong splits.
• Wrong pull direction, which leads to invalid mold separation.
• Complex geometry without proper draft angles, making core/cavity creation fail.

Always check your parting line and pull direction carefully before running the feature.

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Wrong way:
- Skip enabling Mold Tools add-in
- Run Core-Cavity without parting line

Right way:
- Enable Mold Tools add-in
- Select clear parting line edges
- Define correct pull direction

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Notes
1	Enable Mold Tools Add-in	Tools > Add-Ins > Check Mold Tools
2	Open Part File	Prepare part with draft angles
3	Select Core-Cavity Feature	Found in Mold Tools tab
4	Define Parting Line	Select edges or sketch
5	Set Pull Direction	Direction mold opens
6	Generate Core and Cavity	Click OK to create bodies

Key Takeaways

Always enable the Mold Tools add-in before creating core and cavity.

Select a clear parting line and correct pull direction for accurate mold splitting.

Ensure your part has proper draft angles to avoid errors in core/cavity creation.

Use the Core-Cavity feature under Mold Tools to automate mold body generation.