When designing injection-moulded plastic parts, stability and alignment are critical. SOLIDWORKS’ Lip Groove command provides a powerful solution by adding a secure, interlocking connection between parts. This guide will walk you through setting up the Lip Groove command to stabilise assemblies, using an example of a remote control casing.
Watch the embedded YouTube video below for a visual demonstration of these steps in action.
The Role of the Lip Groove Command
As Nick Luyster from the SOLIDWORKS Training team explains, the Lip Groove command is ideal for creating a stabilised contact area between two plastic parts—such as the top and bottom of a remote control casing. This feature is particularly valuable for parts that need a sliding fit, allowing one part to interlock with another, which adds structural integrity to the assembly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Lip Groove Command
1. Set Up Your Part
Nick starts with a model containing two shelled bodies that meet along their touching faces. In this example, these bodies will eventually form a complete remote control assembly with three parts: a top casing, a bottom casing, and a battery cover.
2. Accessing the Lip Groove Command
To add a Lip Groove:
Expand the Insert and Fastening Feature menus and select Lip Groove.
The Lip Groove feature generates two interlocking features: a lip on one part and a groove on the other. The selection order for these bodies will determine the geometry and fit.
3. Defining the Groove and Lip
For this example, Nick chooses to:
Add the groove to the bottom component, allowing the battery cover to slide out smoothly.
Add the lip to the top component, securing the two casings when assembled.
After selecting each body for the Lip and Groove, Nick uses the Front Plane to set the feature’s orientation.
4. Customising the Lip and Groove Geometry
The PropertyManager expands with additional options after initial selections, allowing for detailed adjustments:
Groove Selection: Choose the face and edge where material will be removed to create the groove. In this case, Nick selects the inside edge of the bottom component.
Lip Selection: Similarly, select the face and edge where material will be added to form the lip on the top component.
Once the geometry is defined, scroll down to specify the lip and groove dimensions to ensure a precise fit. Click OK to finalise.
5. Reviewing the Lip Groove Command
After completing the command, the feature tree will display two new features: one for the lip and one for the groove. Nick uses a section cut view to verify that the Lip Groove behaves as expected, showing how each component securely interlocks for a reliable fit.
Why the Lip Groove Command is Essential
The Lip Groove command allows for stable assembly designs without manual workarounds. By defining clear interlocking areas, you create parts that align consistently, reducing the need for additional fasteners and enhancing the structural integrity of the final assembly.
With SOLIDWORKS’ Lip Groove command, designing injection-moulded parts becomes more efficient and precise. By following this process, you can ensure secure and consistent alignment between components, optimising the assembly’s fit and durability.
For a full demonstration of the Lip Groove command in action, watch the video below and explore other mould design techniques in SOLIDWORKS.
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