Symmetry PropertyManager

You can use the Symmetry boundary condition to create and analyze cavity and runner layouts that are symmetric about one or two planes of symmetry. While the simulation runs only for the symmetric portion of the layout, saving you time, SOLIDWORKS Plastics displays the results for the complete layout.

To open the Symmetry PropertyManager:

  • In the Plastics CommandManager, expand Boundary Conditions, and click Symmetry .

Surfaces identified as Symmetry Faces behave as though they are thermally insulated, which prevents heat loss through them. When using the Symmetry boundary condition, ensure that the mold cooling layouts produce symmetric mold temperatures. In the absence of symmetric mold temperatures, include the complete cavity and runner layout along with the mold cooling channels for accurate simulations.

The Symmetry boundary condition is available with SOLIDWORKS Plastics Professional and SOLIDWORKS Plastics Premium.
Use caution when interpreting results from a simulation with a Symmetry boundary condition.

Parameters

  Along solid body or Along sketch-based runner

Specifies the type of geometry to apply a symmetry boundary condition.

Default selection for cavity and runner domains: Along solid body.

To specify symmetry faces on sketch-based runner domains, select Along sketch-based runner.

Symmetry 1

Specifies faces of a cavity or runner domain that correspond to one plane of symmetry.

Selected faces highlight in blue in the graphics area.

Symmetry 2

Specifies faces of a cavity or runner domain that correspond to the second plane of symmetry.

Selected faces highlight in blue in the graphics area.

  Show preview Displays a wireframe geometry of the complete cavity or runner domain in the graphics area.

Confirm that the complete layout is accurate before proceeding with the simulation.

Preview of a cavity and runner design that is symmetric about two planes of symmetry. The geometry type is set to Along solid body.