SOLIDWORKS

FOR DESIGNERS
G UIDE TO S TEP - BY -S TEP S OLID W ORKS . L EARN TO S OLIDWORKS BY EXAMPLES

T HANH X. T RAN

Copyright © 2019 by Thanh X. Tran.

More than ninety percent of all design and drafting jobs in today’s market require
the use of some computer aided design application. In some cases that application
is Autodesk Inventor or Solidworks, but most commonly it is SolidWorks. With a
good market share, SolidWorks is probably the best application a prospective job
hunter can learn. Courses in the software can cost several hundred dollars. For
someone out of work, that investment can be hard to find. But the money spent my
be life changing for those looking for work.

- Appaha.mobi -

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. AutoCAD vs Solidworks – Which one do I learn?
2. Create a simple 3D object
3. Easy to follow 3D sketching using Solidworks
4. How to draw a coke bottle
5. Solidworks tutorial: sheet metal
6. Solidworks tutorial: Solidworks equation
7. Solidworks tutorial: How to Create a Sphere in Solidworks
8. Solidworks tutorial: Circular pattern
9. Solidworks tutorial: How to mirror parts
10. Solidworks tutorial: Using the LOFT command
11. Solidworks tutorial: SWEEP
12. Solidworks tutorial: Extrude

***

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 1. AutoCAD vs Solidworks – Which one do
I learn?
A comparison between two CAD applications is one that must be conducted with
empirical facts in order to enable the public easily choose between them. Therefore,
comparing and contrasting between AutoCAD/SolidWorks must be done by first
outlining the important features these CAD applications have as well as discussing
their abilities as design tools. To accurately do this, certain parameters must be
used to measure their design capabilities and how they can be used as tools by the
average individual.
Before going into how the comparison will be made, it is important to first
understand the basic reasons why both software applications were developed. For
this description will provide some insight into why both applications are
fundamentally used for different designing projects. Autodesk’s AutoCAD is an
established design application with an annual release date built predominantly for
use as a 2D architectural drawing tool while SolidWorks was developed to provide
an application for anyone looking to design 3D models. But both CAD software
applications can still do some extra work such as 3D modelling for AutoCAD and 2D
drawing in SolidWorks.
Autodesk’s AutoCAD is an established design application with an annual release
date built predominantly for use as a 2D architectural drawing tool while
SolidWorks was developed to provide an application for anyone looking to design
3D models. But both CAD software applications can still do some extra work such
as 3D modelling for AutoCAD and 2D drawing in SolidWorks.

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Criteria for Comparing and Contrasting both Applications
As discussed earlier, these comparisons will be done with the use of certain
parameters or criteria to create clear path ways that will allow you understand
what each software application has to offer. This will help everyone reading this
including you; make smart decisions when choosing your design software
application. So here are the chosen criteria:

• Industry: the assigned industry application of a CAD software is very
important for its use and this is due to the fact that CAD applications are usually
developed with certain industries in mind.
• File Types: the different type of files that an application supports is also a
criterion to consider if you intend to use CAD commercially. This is because you
may be required to submit projects in certain formats to different clients.
• Functionality: here, the different types of features and tools used for
drawing and modelling will be discussed coupled with how they made task simple
for users. These criteria will go in-depth in an attempt to cover all the features of
both CAD applications such as electrical design, architectural and modelling

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features. This will be done using a compare and contrast format in order to truly
provide a clear picture of how both applications could be used by you.
• Learning Curve: the learning of a CAD application cannot be viewed as an
easy task but the features integrated into certain design applications makes this
task even more difficult than it should be. This criterion will attempt to cover the
learning curves involved with each.

Comparing AutoCAD and SolidWorks
First, a comparison showing the common attributes of both applications using our
criteria will be explored.

Industry
AutoCAD and SolidWorks have many similarities and the industry verticals in
which they are applied. AutoCAD was predominantly built for architectural and
construction design but its 3D modelling capabilities also makes it a good tool for
engineering design. SolidWorks also fills these roles and it can be used to design 2D
architectural designs and other construction drafts while as a 3D modelling
software, it is used in the engineering community to design 3D mechanical
components. Lastly, both CAD applications can be used by just about anyone to
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draw or model generic characters for use.

File Types
if you have just been introduced to CAD, then understanding that Autodesk has
continuously been at the top of the design pyramid for decades will be valuable
when saving files. AutoCAD’s DWG and DXF file formats have taken the spot as the
industries standard file types but both AutoCAD and SolidWorks support the use of
diverse file types on their interface. These file types include: DWF, DWG, DWS,
DWT, DXF, PLT, SAT and SolidWrks

Functionality
As stated earlier, both CAD applications are good tools for drawing 2D drafts and
creating 3D models. These CAD software applications are both geometric-driving
drafting tools and come equipped with diverse tool menus to accomplish design
tasks. The user interfaces of both applications are also quite intuitive and are built
to simply basic design tasks for users. The use of command lines and customizable
shortcuts as drawing aids is another similarity they share for they were both built
for intuitive work.
The use of command lines and customizable shortcuts as drawing aids is another
similarity they share for they were both built for intuitive work. AutoCAD as well as
SolidWorks can be used in assembling components, simulating designs, cost
estimation, documentation and rendering models depending on what the user
intends to accomplish. Lastly, cloud storage capabilities are integrated in both
applications to help users easily save and share working projects.

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Learning Curve
the learning procedure associated with both CAD applications cannot simply be
compared based on how quickly one is able to draw or model on each platform but
on how easily one can make use of these applications to handle difficult tasks or
projects. In that vein, the learning curve associated with mastering 2D
drawings using either SolidWorks or AutoCAD is quite steep for first-time users but
rather easy for anyone who has had some experience with computer-aided-design.
Therefore, I believe that the process of learning to use any of these applications as a
2D drawing tool is quite similar and been knowledgeable about any will provide the
user with some important technical-know-how on using any type of CAD
application.
In that vein, the learning curve associated with mastering 2D drawings using either
SolidWorks or AutoCAD is quite steep for first-time users but rather easy for
anyone who has had some experience with computer-aided-design. Therefore, I
believe that the process of learning to use any of these applications as a 2D drawing
tool is quite similar and been knowledgeable about any will provide the user with
some important technical-know-how on using any type of CAD application.
These are definitely the most important ways in which both software applications
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are similar and can be said to have the ability to do similar design projects. That
been said, the differences between both software applications are what makes each
stand out and these contrasting features should play a more stellar role in your
choice of a design application when choosing.

Contrasting AutoCAD and SolidWorks
Industry
Although both software applications can generally be used as design applications in
diverse industries, the truth still remains that they were developed for certain
specific industry verticals. For AutoCAD; architectural design, education,
construction and the automotive industry are the industries it was uniquely
developed to serve therefore; it comes with extensive features supporting design
projects in the aforementioned verticals.
SolidWorks on the other hand was made for a larger user base and this can be
mirrored by the drafting and modelling features you will find on its interface. The
industries that are local to its use include: Aeronautics, computer design, rapid
prototyping, electronics, energy, bio-medicine, and the tech industry. This plethora
of industries listed below is due to the fact that this software application is
predominantly a 3D modelling tool which is exactly how design works in the
industries it focuses on.

File Types
As stated earlier, Autodesk products have set the pace for the use of DWG and DXF
files in computer aided design but with the advent of different design applications
sporting their own file formats, the importance of an interface that supports the use
of every type of file format is important to designers. Therefore for AutoCAD, it
supports the following files: ACIS, ACIS SAT, HOOPS META FILE, HPGL/PLT, IGES,
IGS, JPEG, Parasolid, PARASOLID XT, PDF, PROE, STEP, STL, STP, TIF/TIFF, VRML,

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WRL.
While for SolidWorks, the different file types it supports are quite limited
and AutoCADactually uses most of the files it supports. In terms of file support,
SolidWorks functions with the more popular files used by most CAD applications
and they include: DWG, DXF, PDF and SolidWorks. Therefore in this situation,
AutoCAD comes ahead since you can basically import designs regardless of its
format into its workspace to edit or save in a different format.

Functionality
In terms of functionality, AutoCAD and SolidWorks have a lot of differences which
will be discussed in detail here since a CAD applications ability to function is the
most important part of its use. Although both applications share many similarities
in terms of features, some major differences abound.
Collaboration features: AutoCAD is equipped to support the conversion of designs
from 2D drawings to 3D models while SolidWorks do not have the capacity to
handle file conversion. Also, while AutoCAD models can be used in collaboration
with a 3D printer, SolidWorks models are generally uploaded into a slicer software
before been used in 3D printing.
Advanced Modelling Features: before going in depth to discuss the contrasting
features between both applications here, it is important you remember that
AutoCAD is primarily a 2D drawing application unlike SolidWorks. Therefore,
SolidWorks comes with a lot of advanced features that makes 3D modelling
intuitive and simplistic for every CAD user.
Some of its advanced features include: the ability to create organic shapes, planar
surfaces, create free form radiated surfaces, heal or knit models, replace face,
stylize shapes, fill surfaces and carry out deviation analysis, thickness analysis,
symmetry check analysis, undercut analysis, Gaussian analysis, mi radius analysis
and many more advanced tasks. AutoCAD on the other hand is not equipped to

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handle these creations or analysis but for those looking for an Autodesk product
that can, taking a look at Inventor would be worth the hassle.
Architecture Features: in terms of architectural design features contained in both
applications, the reverse of what occurred in ‘the discussion on advanced modelling
features’ is the case. AutoCAD is predominantly an architectural design application
while SolidWorks isn’t therefore; it is equipped with extensive features to handle
such designs.
With AutoCAD, designs that involve landscaping, aligning stairs and railings,
integrating survey results and the design of walls, doors, windows in floor planning
can be easily accomplished. On the other hand, while SolidWorks can be used to
design construction components and structures, it does not come with the tools
needed to draft and document core architectural projects.
Electrical Design Features: engineers also make use of CAD to design schematic
drawings, circuits and more advanced electrical systems as well as analyse how
they will eventually function. SolidWorks is fully equipped to handle electrical
design tasks while AutoCAD is severely limited in this category.
Sheet Metal Design: metal work is also somewhat reliant on CAD. This is due to
the fact that CAD provides realistic simulations and tools to help users create
placement sketches and also try out new concepts. With SolidWorks, you can
calculate or deduce bend allowance, handle placement sketches, toggle flat display,
utilize forming tools, bend tables, weld table etc. when working with metal and
construction sheets.
Unsurprisingly, AutoCAD lacks all these features due to the niche it caters solely
too. Therefore, another look at Inventor as Autodesk’s choice to handle metal work,
should be considered y those hell bent on continuing with their AutoCAD
experience.

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Learning Curve
we have previously discussed about the similarities between the learning curves
associated with both applications. As for contrasts between both learning curves, it
is important to note that SolidWorks comes with both training programs and
integrated training features that help you easily get acquainted with using its
interface as your modelling workspace. AutoCAD also comes with training
programs but no training features are integrated into its work space.
But this does not hinder ones’ learning process for there are a multitude of
materials online dedicated to helping you find your way around AutoCAD and
learning the perfect positions to make use of its extensive features.
Lastly, in terms of cost, both CAD applications are definitely not on the cheap side
for they both cost approximately over $1000 which makes it difficult for the
average student to obtain. Understanding these difficulties, Autodesk has made the
use of all its CAD applications free to registered students looking for an advanced
design application to work with. Sadly, this freedom comes with its own challenge
such as the appearance of watermarks on every drawing you make using the free a
student version. SolidWorks on the other hand offers no package except the total
buyout clause that comes with each released version.

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2. Create a simple 3D object

SolidWorks is one of the most popular CAD software when it comes to 3D modeling
and here is a quick tutorial that will help you have a glimpse of what modeling is
like while working with Solidworks
As the many CAD exercises we worked on here, we will start with having the target
image information to lessen the burden while modeling. Here are the info.

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Step 1
In Solidworks, we have three environments which
are part, assembly and drawing. In this tutorial, we are going to use Part section.
New>> part.

Step 2
Right click on the Front Plane from the Feature Manager design tree and select
a Sketch.

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Step 3
Click on the Circle command and click on the center of the Coordinate system. In
Solidworks, you do not need to give dimensions when you draw. So, first, finish
sketching, then select Smart Dimension and give it 77 mm.

Step 4
Now, draw the centerline and normal line as shown on the image below.
Select Smart Dimension and select two lines and put 15 degrees.

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Step 5
Let’s use the mirror command.
Mirror Entities Command >> Entities to mirror = Select line 1 >> Mirror about =
select centerline

Step 6
Now, draw another circle with 65 mm as a diameter and click on Circular Pattern
Click on Circular sketch pattern >> First select center point >> Second Select two
lines

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Step 7
Extra lines should be removed from the Sketch
Trim Entities>> trim to closest >> click on extra lines

Step 8
We need new center points. First, draw three centerlines to give dimensions.
Use Smart Dimension and click on the two lines. Then draw a circle of diameter 65
mm but we need this circle for construction. So, activate for construction (Number
2).

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Step 9
Draw two circles with a diameter of 5mm in center points that we found from
previous steps and then use Circular Pattern to copy it on your sketch.

Step 10
Go to features tab and select Extrude then give 10 mm of Thickness. Instead
of Blind, you can use the middle plan, then Solidworks will give the same amount of

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thickness to both sides.

Step 11
The purpose of this section is to make another sketch. To do that, first Select the
highlighted surface and click on Sketch.

Change the view.

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Step 12
Draw a circle with a diameter of 25mm and centerline same as the following
picture. To copy centerline use Offset entities and give 2 mm offset from each side.

Step 13
Draw a straight line and then remove extra lines by using the trim
entities command.

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Step 14
After removing extra lines, use circular pattern and select three line and copy it 6
times.

Step 15
You cannot have more than one sketch when you want to extrude a sketch. It
means that your sketch should start from one point and come back to the same
point. So, before extruding the second sketch, you need to remove the extra line to
have one sketch. And then extrude the sketch (Thickness=15 mm)

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Step 16
Make another sketch on the highlighted surface and draw a circle with a diameter
of 15 mm.

Step 17
We want to subtract a new sketch from the model. For this first click on extrude-
cutand then select the sketch. You can give the dimensions with the Blind method
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or you can select through all.
Through All: Extrude a feature through all the other bodies in the model.

Step 18
We can now make a drawing for this model. First, you need to save your model,
then click on New >> Select Make Drawing From Part and then select the desired
sheet. To see drawing: View Layout >> Standard 3 views >> select part

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3. Easy to follow 3D sketching using

Solidworks
We have recently worked on designing this 3D model using AutoDesk 123D
Designhere. Today, we are coming back at it, but this time we are going to be using
Solidworks. You are just about to learn how to create a simple 3D sketch using
Solidworks.
In 3D sketching, a graphical space handle helps maintain your orientation while
you sketch on several planes.
Let’s take a look at how we can use 3D sketching command in SolidWorks using this
exercise.

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Without further due, let get into it

Solidworks 3D sketch
Step 1
As usual, start with creating a New Part

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Step 2
Click on 3D Sketch Tool_3D_Sketch (Sketch toolbar) or Insert 3D Sketch to open a
3D sketch on the top plane in Isometric view.

Step 3
Select the Top Plane and select Normal to view. Draw the following object.

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Step 4
In 3D sketching in solidwork, we need to give a direction to the Extrude. Therefore,
we need to create a line to be able to use it for the extrusion.
First, close the first 3D sketch, create a new one, select the front plane and draw a
line.

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Step 5
Choose Extruded Boss/Base, give 20 mm as thickness, select the line that we’ve
created in the previous step.

Step 6
Create the additional part as shown on the image below. The Extrusion length is 32
mm.

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Step 7
Make another sketch with 3D sketching but this time use extrude cut to create
a hollow.

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Step 8
FILLET the upper edge by 20 and the flat edge by 2.

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Step 9
In solidwork we cannot use the Revolve command in 3D sketching as we want to
draw everything with 3D sketching. I am going to use two Extrudes to create the
desired shapes.
To make a 3D sketch on a specific surface, click on the surface then go to sketch and
select 3D Sketch On Plane.

Step 10
Make a circle with a diameter equal to 6 mm and extrude by 16mm upward and
downward.

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Step 11
Make another circle using the same method but this time with diameter set to 30
mm and an extrude of 5 mm.

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Step 12
Now, we are going to make hole. Once more, make a 3D sketch and draw a circle of
8 mm in diameter, use Through All to Extrude cut.

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Step 13
Do the same to create the other part of the design

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Step 14
FILLET the necessary parts of the object to complete the project.

As we have seen with this one, when sketching in 3D, you can snap to the major
directions, X, Y, or Z, and constraints are applied Along X, Y, and Z, respectively.
When sketching on a plane, you can snap to the horizontal or vertical directions in
the plane.

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4. How to draw a coke bottle

n this tutorial, we are going to use various commands such as Extrude, Loft, Sweep
cut, Revolve, Projected Line, Fillet and etc to create a coke bottle in Solidworks.
Without further delay, let’s dive into the tutorial

How to draw a coke bottle using Solidworks
Step 1
As we are used to, start with the following.

Step 2
We need to select the desired plane. click on the front plane and click on Sketch.

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Step 3
Draw a picture using the reference below. Use Lines and 3 points ARC.

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Step 4
Use the Revolved Base command to revolve the sketch around its center line.

Step 5
Create a new sketch on the right plane and draw a sketch similar to the one on the
picture that follows.

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Step 6
Click on Extrude Cut, select the sketch and activate the second direction. Then
select Through All for both directions. After clicking on okay, a message will pop
up and ask about “bodies to keep”, Select all bodies.

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Step 7
Now we are going to repeat step 5 and step 6 again. Create another sketch on
Create another sketch on the right plane and create a sketch as shown below. Next,
use the Extrude Cut, activate the second direction and select Through All for both
directions to remove the body.

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Step 8
Now, create a new sketch on top of the bottle and draw a circle with 61 mm of
diameter.

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Step 9
We want to project the circle we’ve created in step 8 on the highlighted area. First,
go to Insert > Curves > Projected Curve, select the circle for the sketch to project
and select the highlighted area for projecting the faces.

Step 10
We need to repeat step-9 for the bottom face.

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Step 11
In this step, we are going to create a guide line on the front plane. So, go ahead and
create a new sketch on the front plane and draw two curves with each a radius of
76 mm.

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Step 12
We need two more guide lines; this time create a new sketch on the right plane and
draw two curves with radius of 110 mm

Step 13
Select LOFT, the top and bottom faces and most importantly, select the 4 guide
lines we’ve created in step 11 and step 12.

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Step 14
Now, we are going to create another guide line for a new plane.

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Step 15
To create a new plane, go to Insert >> Reference Geometry >> Plane

Step 16
Now create a new sketch on the plane we’ve created in the previous step. And
create a sketch similar to the one shown below.

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Step 17
Create another sketch on the right plane and draw guide line Like I am doing below.

Step 18
Now, use Sweep Cut to remove the sketch formed by the added body. First select
the profile that we’ve created on the new plane, select the guide line and click on
Okay.

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Step 19
Use the Fillet command to give a 4 mm fillet to the highlighted edges.

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Step 20
Now we want to use Circular Pattern.
Go to Insert >> Pattern/Mirror >> Circular Pattern. The Circular pattern needs
an axis of revolution which is the center of our base but we cannot see it. So, to
activate the axis, Choose VIEW at the top and select “temporary axis”. For
For the pattern axis, select the temporary axis and select Fillet and Sweep Cut as
features to the pattern.

Step 21
Now, we are going to use the Shell command to hollow the bottle. First, go
to Insert >> Features >> Shell. Then select the top of the bottle as the area that
should be removed and enter 0.6 mm to denote the thickness.

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Step 22
Create a new sketch on the right plane and create a sketch as we did in previous
steps, use the Revolve command to obtain the following.

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And you should end up with the following.

It is obviously a lot put in a session if you are using this tutorial as an absolute
beginner. Hope you can go ahead a create a similar structure with no hassle from
this point forward
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5. Solidworks tutorial: sheet metal

Here is a quick Solidworks sheet metal tutorial.
The sheet metal tool allows you to quickly create sheet metal part designs using a
simple design process, all helping to save time and development costs.
Let’s see how this works

Solidworks sheet metal tutorial
Step 1
First Create a New Part.

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Step 2
Right-click on the toolbar and activate Sheet Metal.

Step 3
Click on the top plane and then create a new sketch.
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Step 4
Now, sketch and use Smart Dimension to give a dimension to the design.

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Step 5
Click on the Sheet Metal tab, select Base Flange/Tab and give 1 mm to the sheet
metal parameters.

Step 6
To bend the sheet metal part, sketch lines on the part as shown in the picture.

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Step 7
Bend the part by clicking Sketched Bend, or Insert >> Sheet Metal >> Sketched
Bend. The part bends following the sketched lines.

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Step 8
In this step, we are going to extend the edge with Edge Flange. Click on the right
edge as it is shown below and extrude it by 30 mm.

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Step 9
The Hem tool adds a hem to your sheet metal part at a selected edge. In an open
sheet metal part and in the graphics area, select an edge as shown.

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Step 10
Repeat the last step again but this time try a different type of hem.

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There are specific sheet metal features you can use to create sheet metal bodies
quickly. However, in some circumstances when the design requires certain types of
geometry, you can use non-sheet metal feature tools, then insert bends or convert
the part to sheet metal

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6. Solidworks tutorial: Solidworks

equation
If you just came across the two words Solidworks and equation put together, it
might sound a little strange. Let’s use this post to look deeper into how to use
equations in Solidworks.
In Solidworks, Equation Creates mathematical relations between model
dimensions or other model properties. They use dimension or property names as
variables
Let’s take a look at how we can use equation tool in SolidWorks.

Solidworks equation
Step 1
First Create a New Part

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Step 2
Click on the Top plane and create a sketch

Step 3
Make a Circle with the origin of the circle at the origin of the sketch.
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Step 4
Now, use Smart Dimension and give 120 mm to the circle but do not click on okay.

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Step 5
Remove figure and write =”A1”, click on Global Variable and click on okay. You can
write
You can write a different name. As you can see, the equation sign appears next to
the dimension.

Step 6
Now click on Extrude and give 10 mm of thickness to circle.

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Step 7
Create another circle with the origin of the circle at the origin of the sketch.

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Step 8
The second circle dimension is one-quarter of first. To do this as an equation write
=”A1”/4. As you know we have A1 as a dimension of the first circle. So, after this by
changing the dimension of the first circle the second circle dimension will change
automatically.

Step 9
Use extrude to create a hole.

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And you have it!
Hope this has been explicit enough for you to stop looking this SolidWorks feature
as a hard one to take advantage of. Know that this can be used to include a lot more
complex mathematical functions, File properties and much more

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7. Solidworks tutorial: How to Create a

Sphere in Solidworks
If you are an absolute beginner, Creating a Sphere with Solidworks might look like a
hell of a challenge. Today, we are going to show you the simple steps you can take
to easily create a sphere in Solidworks.

Creating a Sphere in Solidworks
Let’s take a close look at these three simple commands and see how they can help
us on the quest of creating our sphere in Solidworks.

Step 1
First, Create a New Part.

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Step 2
Click on front plane and then create new sketch.

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Step 3
Now we are going to use the Arc and the Line command to create a sketch on the
front plane.

Step 4
Now, let’s use Smart Dimension and give 100 mm to the vertical line and 50 mm
to the radius of circle.

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Step 5
Use the Revolve Boss/Base command and select the vertical line as an axis of
revolution to make a spherical shape.

And there you go!
Hope this has helped! While you should feel free to drop a comment below, I am
challenging you to go ahead and play with spheres in Solidworks

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8. Solidworks tutorial: Circular pattern

If you are an absolute beginner, Creating a Sphere with Solidworks might look like a
hell of a challenge. Today, we are going to show you the simple steps you can take
to easily create a sphere in Solidworks.

Creating a Sphere in Solidworks
Let’s take a close look at these three simple commands and see how they can help
us on the quest of creating our sphere in Solidworks.

Step 1
First, Create a New Part.

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Step 2
Click on front plane and then create new sketch.

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Step 3
Now we are going to use the Arc and the Line command to create a sketch on the
front plane.

Step 4
Now, let’s use Smart Dimension and give 100 mm to the vertical line and 50 mm
to the radius of circle.

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Step 5
Use the Revolve Boss/Base command and select the vertical line as an axis of
revolution to make a spherical shape.

And there you go!
Hope this has helped! While you should feel free to drop a comment below, I am
challenging you to go ahead and play with spheres in Solidworks

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9. Solidworks tutorial: How to mirror

parts
In this post, you will learn how to use the Mirror command in Solidworks.
Mirroring is another way that SolidWorks can create a “copy” of an existing object.
Additionally, you must choose a plane to mirror parts.
In most cases, you will have to create your own plane to have the mirror done the
way you need.
Here is a quick example of what a mirror does. (The line in between the mirrored
parts is a the center of the parts)

How to mirror parts in Solidworks
Step 1
First Create a New Part

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Step 2
We need to select the desired plane. click on the front plane and select sketch

Step 3
Make a rectangle with the origin of the sketch as the origin of the rectangle and
then click on Smart Dimension and give 200 mm for length and 100 mm for width.

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Step 4
Choose Extruded Boss/Base and give 20 mm thickness and also change the end
condition to Mid-Plane. This is the best way to put the front plane at the center
thus allowing you to use the standard plane for mirroring.

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Step 5
Click on the highlighted area as shown on the picture below and select a
new Sketch.

Step 6
Create a new sketch (triangular) on the selected surface. Select Line and then draw
three lines of 80 mm.

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Step 7
Exit the sketch and switch your view to isometric. Extrude the triangle to a depth of
40 mm, click on the reverse direction, and click OK to see the extruded part.

Step 8
Click on Extrude either by clicking on the extrude cut in the Feature manager or
click on the extrude cut in the design.
Click on Mirror. If you do not have Mirror in your toolbar you can find it
from Insert>> Pattern/Mirror

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Step 9
In Property Manager, we see it asking for a mirror face or plane. In our design
field, we see our part which we can expand to view various things. Expand and
select the front plane as this is the plane we want to mirror about.
As you can see, I have selected the Mirror plane in the extrude-section to have
the Front Plane in the middle of base otherwise, I should have defined a new plane.
Therefore, it is considerably important to use the command in a way to help us
create the model the easiest way possible.


Step 10
At this step, you might have noticed that you can create the whole around the right
plane instead.

The advantage of using Mirror command is that it saves times as you probably
know drawing all those features can be quite time-consuming. Moreover, the most
important point is that if you change the original feature in a mirror, all of the
copies also change.

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10. Solidworks tutorial: Using the LOFT

command
The LOFT tool is one the many Solidworks that help you create smooth and organic
shapes. It creates a shape by making transitions between multiple profiles and
guides curves thus allowing you to create complex geometry with a single tool.

Solidworks LOFT
Let’s take a look at how we can create a model like the one on the picture below
using with Loft command.

Step 1
First Create a New Part

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Step 2
We need to select the desired plane.
Click on the Top plane and select sketch

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Step 3
Make a circle with the origin of the sketch as the origin of the circle and click
on smart dimension and give 150 mm for diameter.

Step 4
Click on the Top-Plane, go to features and select Reference/Geometry and
select Plane (Features >> Reference Geometry >> Plane)

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Step 5
Select the Top-Plane as the first reference and then specify 100 mm in the
dimension box.

Step 6
Make another circle with the origin of the sketch as the origin of the circle on a new
plane and then click on Smart Dimension and enter 200 mm as its diameter.

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Step 7
Click on Plane1 and then go to features and select Reference/Geometry and enter
100 mm as dimension to help create the object on Plane2

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Step 8
Then make another circle on plane2 and use Smart Dimension to give 100 mm as
diameter.

Step 9
Now, we are going to create a line that will help guide the shape of the 3D object we
are trying to end up with. Click on Front Plane and then select Sketch

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Step 10
In the next step, use the Spline command and draw lines like shown on the picture
below

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Step 11
Then Use the Mirror command like shown on the picture below

Step 12
Go to Features, select Lofted Boss/Base and in the Profiles tab select three
sketches. The most basic method of controlling the LOFT is affected by where you
click when selecting your profiles.
When creating this complex geometry, SolidWorks will attempt to line up the loft
profiles based on the entities you choose. You can change the positions of green
points to alter the shape of the final object.

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Here is one geometry we can end up with using this technique. Feel free to
experiment, that will help understand the LOFT command better.

You can also use the guidelines to have additional degrees of control over the
geometry’s shape.

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This feature is similar to the sweep feature. You can also use a single sketch or
various sketches as guidelines for the loft command. Here, we are using two
guidelines. To do so, go to Guide Curves and select two guidelines and click on
Okay.

This tool is very valuable for organic surface modeling but takes some practice to
get accustomed with. You might want to create a totally different object following
this tutorial to grasp it a little bit more

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11. Solidworks tutorial: SWEEP

SWEEP is the one feature in Solidworks that helps sweep a closed profile along a
closed or open path. In this session, we are going to use a simple 3D object as an
exercise to demonstrate the use of the SWEEP command in Solidworks.
Let’s right dive into it.

Solidworks SWEEP

Step 1
Create a New Part

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Step 2
We need to select the desired plane. Click on the Top Plane and select Sketch

Step 3
Make a circle with the origin of the sketch as the origin of the circle and click
on Smart Dimension. Enter 50 mm to specify the diameter of the circle.
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Step 4
Click on the Top Plane, go to features, select Reference Geometry and
select Plane

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Step 5
Select the Top Plane to indicate the first Reference and enter 70 mm

Step 6
After creating plane1, draw a circle with 70 mm as diameter.

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Step 7
Use the LOFT command to come out with the following image.

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Step 8
Now, we are going to create a Path for the Sweep Extrude command. Select
the Front Plane, select Sketch and use the Spline command to draw a Spline as
shown on the image below. Thi will serve as a trajectory or path to the SWEEP
command.

Step 9
Create another plane but this time, consider the Right Plane as the first reference
and the point at the end of the path as the second reference to create a new plane.
The path can be open or closed, a set of sketched curves contained in one sketch, a
curve, or a set of model edges

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Step 10
Create a sketch on the Plane2, use CenterPoint Straight Slot command to create
a profile for sweeping and give the same dimensions as marked on the image
below. The profile must be closed for a base or boss sweep feature.

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Step 11
If you were to create a spring model, a complex hollow pipe, an air conditioning
duct, a curved rod, tubes and twisted parts, this command will be almost
inescapable.
To put the final touch to our session, click on Sweep Boss/Base and select the
profile and the path following the demo below.

Step 12
Create a sketch on the highlighted surface and draw a circle of 60 mm of diameter.

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Step 13
Use the Extrude Cut command, give 65 mm and 6 degrees to the depth of the cut
and draft the angle accordingly.

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Without exaggeration, this command can be placed amongst the 10 most used
commands in Solidworks making it a must-know to anyone looking to model using
Solidworks

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12. Solidworks tutorial: Extrude

One the first command one should learn while designing with Solidworks is
the Extrude Boss/Base command which is one of the most useful tools you will
have to learn no matter the CAD software you use for your designing projects.
This feature contains various sub-options like blind, up to a surface, up to vertex,
offset from a surface, up to body and mid-plane.
Let’s use the example below to play with the Extrude command in Solidworks

Solidworks Extrude command

Solidworks EXTRUDE
Step 1
First, Create a New Part.

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Step 2
Select the desired plane, click on the Top plane and select sketch

Step 3
Make a rectangle with the origin of the sketch as the origin of the rectangle, click
on smart dimension and give 150 mm for length and 80 mm for width.
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Step 4

Step 5
Click on highlighted area and then select sketch

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Step 6
Click on the Line command and then create a triangle as the image below shows.

107
Step 7
Go to the feature tab and select Extrude Boss/Base. Change the sketch plane to
offset, then change direction and give 10 mm offset. With the From option, you can
set the place you want to start extrusion. You can set this by setting it to Plane,
Surface, Face, Vertex and Offset.

Step 8
Draw two rectangles on the top surface and give dimensions same as on the picture
below.

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Step 9
Go (once more) to the feature tab and select extrude Boss/Base, Change the draft
size to 10 degrees. There is also an option with the Draft outward to change the
direction of the draft. The draft is used to create the tapered face using angles. You
can also select the needful contours to create 3d parts.

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Step 10
Click on the right surface and select sketch.

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Step 11
Then draw a rectangle with the size 30 mm x 25 mm.

Step 12
Beside the Direction 1 and Direction 2, there’s also a Thin Feature option with
which you can create a Thin Extrude. You can use this option to change the
thickness of the extrusion edge.

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Step 13
Make another sketch on the Front plane and give the dimensions as on the image
below.

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Step 14
Then select extrude Boss/Base from the Feature tab. This time, I am not going to
use dimensions. Change to Surface/Face/Plane and select the face number
2 (Green Face) then change the direction 1 to Up to Surface then select Face
3 (Purple Face).
I have unchecked the option for Merge result, therefore the new extrusion will not
be merged to the rectangular base and will become its own body. This technique is
used in advanced modeling to control parameters in a more free way.

Hope you have learned the basics of using the EXTRUDE command in Solidworks.
Go ahead, use your imagination and create wonders using this command while we
are at it, practice makes perfect


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 END.

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