SolidWorks offers a vast array of Features tools that allow you to transform your 2D sketch geometry into 3D solid models and manipulate them further. Here’s a breakdown of the functions of some commonly used Features tools:
Basic Features:
- Extrude: Creates a solid feature by extruding a sketch profile in a specified direction and distance.
- Revolve: Creates a solid feature by revolving a sketch profile around a selected axis.
- Loft: Creates a solid feature by sweeping a closed profile along a path defined by two or more guide curves.
- Sweep: Creates a solid feature by sweeping an open profile along a path defined by one or more guide curves.
- Shell: Creates a thin-walled feature by removing material from an existing solid body based on specified thickness and open/closed options.
Advanced Features:
- Fillet: Creates rounded edges or corners on existing solid features by specifying a radius.
- Chamfer: Creates angled corners on existing solid features by specifying an angle and distance.
- Rib: Creates a thin protrusion or depression on a solid face based on a sketch profile.
- Hole: Creates a cylindrical or custom-shaped hole through a solid body.
- Mirror: Creates a mirrored copy of selected features or bodies across a chosen plane.
Surfacing Features:
- Planar: Creates a flat planar surface on a selected face or set of faces.
- Extruded Surface: Creates a surface by extruding a sketch profile in a specified direction.
- Revolved Surface: Creates a surface by revolving a sketch profile around a selected axis.
- Loft Surface: Creates a surface by sweeping a closed profile along a path defined by two or more guide curves.
Pattern Features:
- Linear Pattern: Creates a repetitive pattern of features or bodies along a linear path defined by a number of instances and spacing.
- Circular Pattern: Creates a repetitive pattern of features or bodies in a circular fashion around a central axis, defined by a number of instances and angle of rotation.
Other Features:
- Thicken: Creates a solid body by thickening a selected open or closed profile with a specified thickness.
- Draft: Applies a draft angle to faces of a solid body, useful for creating angled parting lines for molds.
- Shell Command: Creates a hollowed-out version of an existing solid body based on specified wall thickness and open/closed options (similar to Shell but with more control).
Important Points:
- The specific features available will depend on the type of document you’re working on (part, assembly, drawing).
- Each feature has its own PropertyManager where you can define its parameters and options.
- Features are often built upon one another. For example, you might extrude a base boss feature and then add a cut extrude to create a hole.
By understanding the function of these tools, you can effectively create and manipulate complex 3D models in SolidWorks. This list is not exhaustive, and SolidWorks offers many other specialized features for specific design needs.