Problem

The Toolbox add-in can be used to automatically cut grooves in shafts for specific O-rings and retaining rings in SOLIDWORKS. This article will go over how to create them. For more information on other Toolbox topics, review this article: Comprehensive Toolbox Guide

Solution 1: O-Ring Grooves

1. Open SOLIDWORKS and open the desired Part to modify
2. Click Tools > Toolbox > Grooves, and the Grooves dialog box appears

3. In the Grooves dialog box, select "O-Ring Grooves", then below that specify the type of O-ring groove to use and size. The potential types break down into three categories:

                         Face O-Ring Grooves        External O-Ring Grooves        Internal O-Ring Grooves

4. Select a cylindrical face or circular face on a part to place the groove. For an internal O-ring, select an internal cylindrical face. For Face O-Ring Grooves, select a circular face. Tip: By pre-selecting a cylindrical face, the software determines the diameter for the groove and suggests appropriate groove sizes.

5. Click "Create" to add the groove. Once the O-Ring Groove has been created, it acts as a revolved cut feature. To reposition the groove along the shaft, edit the sketch.

Note: Diameter (A), Width (B), and Radius (C) will initially be driven by the size selected but can be overridden by typing a value in the cells. For internal and external O-rings, there is no dimension to locate the O-ring along the shaft. The initial position is based on the position along the cylindrical face you initially

Solution 2: Retaining Ring Grooves

1. Open SOLIDWORKS and open the desired Part to modify

2. Click Tools > Toolbox > Grooves, and the Grooves dialog box appears

3. In the Grooves dialog box, select "Retaining Ring Grooves", then below that specify the type of Retaining Ring groove to use and size. The types break down into two categories:

                                                 External                                                      Internal

4. Select a cylindrical face or circular face on a part to place the groove. For an internal Retaining Ring, select an internal cylindrical face. Tip: By pre-selecting a cylindrical face, the software determines the diameter for the groove and suggests appropriate groove sizes.

   

5. Click "Create" to add the groove. Once the Retaining Ring groove has been created, it acts as a revolved cut feature. To reposition the groove along the shaft, edit the sketch.

   

Note: The values for the Groove Diameter (A), Groove Width (B), and Radius (C) will initially be driven by the size selected but can be overridden by typing a value in the cells.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.