Modeling a single cavity mold: Create a sprue

Add a sprue as the first step in defining the feed system for the model you have been working on in the previous tasks.

Before inserting a sprue, you will need to specify the sprue properties.

1. Click (Geometry tab > Properties panel > Defaults) and select Sprue Properties from the Defaults drop-down list..

   The Sprue properties pane appears.

2. Select Cold in the Sprue type drop-down list and Circular Tapered in the Sprue shape drop-down list.

3. Enter a Start diameter (1) of 3 mm and an End diameter (2) of 5 mm then click OK.

   The simplest way to build a feed system is to use a grid to define the element start and end point.

4. Click (Geometry tab > Properties panel > Defaults) and select Grid Size from the Defaults drop-down list.

   The Define grid pane appears.

5. Set the Grid size to 10 mm.

6. In the Origin section, select Center of part from the Position drop-down list.

7. Click OK.

8. Click (Geometry tab > Feed System panel > Sprue).

   The Create sprue pane appears and the mold is shown from above with a grid superimposed over it.

9. Ensure the Display Grid and Snap to grid checkboxes are selected in the Grid settings box.

10. Click on a grid point that is in line with the injection location, then click OK in the Create sprue pane.

    ![]sprue(../../images/sprue.png)

11. Rotate the model to investigate the sprue you have just created.

The sprue has been defined. In the next task you will create the runner.