Best way to create consistent side offset gap for jig design in SolidWorks?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently working on a jig design in SolidWorks for a plastic product (similar to a thermoforming/vacuum jig setup).

 

I need to create a side offset gap along the vertical wall of the product, as shown in the attached reference (Detail A area). 

The requirement is:

  • Maintain a consistent clearance (around 0.5 mm) from the product surface
  • Apply the offset only on specific side regions (not the entire body)

My questions:

  1. What is the fastest and most robust method to create this kind of offset geometry?
  2. What is the best practice to ensure the offset remains stable if the product geometry changes?

I’m aiming for a method that is clean, parametric, and easy to update.

Any tips or workflow suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks in advance!

 

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