What Is Undercut In Construction? What Is The Purpose Of Undercut?
What Is Undercut In Construction?
Undercut is a term used in construction that refers to cutting a construction element to facilitate its proper function or to accommodate the installation of another element. This technique is applied in situations such as cutting a door to allow it to swing easily and clear any flooring under it.
It is important to define the term clearly in construction projects as it can have different meanings in different disciplines. In framing, for instance, it refers to cutting an element in a way that allows for a tight or constricted installation.
For example, if a floor joist is supposed to be cut at 12 feet 5 and a half inches but is cut at 12 feet 5 and three quarter inches it has been undercut to provide a firm fit.
Incorporating Undercuts
Undercuts are a common challenge in the manufacturing process, but they are also important for providing certain functions in a product. There are several techniques that can be used to accommodate or create undercuts.
One way is through deflection where the material and geometry of the undercut allow for a temporary deformation of the part during ejection from the mold. Another option is using removable inserts but this can be time-consuming and increase cycle time.
Cams or hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders can be used to move the mold and allow for ejection but this increases complexity and cost. Slides can also be used which involve angled pins and rods to move the mold during the opening sequence.
Lastly, repositioning the parting line can eliminate undercut features, although it can add complexity to the tool. This solution is usually recommended as the most efficient.
What Is The Purpose Of Undercut?
Undercut is a machining process used on turned parts to create a relief groove in the end of the threaded portion of a shaft or screw. This allows clearance for cutting tools and serves to reduce the risk of galling generated while cutting.
The undercut also lends strength by providing an additional surface area at the root of the thread which reduces stress concentrations when higher levels of clamping force are applied. It is also known as neck or “relief groove” and referred to as thread relief in this context.
