How Do You Make a Round Hole in SolidWorks?

by

Creating a round hole in SolidWorks is a fundamental skill that every designer needs to master. Whether you’re working on a simple project or a complex assembly, knowing how to create precise and accurate holes is essential. In this tutorial, we will learn different methods to create round holes in SolidWorks, along with some useful tips and tricks.

Method 1: Extruded Cut

The most common method to create a round hole is by using the Extruded Cut feature. Here’s how:

  1. Create a Sketch: Start by creating a sketch on the face or plane where you want to create the hole. Use the Circle tool (Sketch > Circle) to draw a circle at the desired location.
  2. Select the Extruded Cut Feature: Go to Features > Extruded Cut.

    In the PropertyManager, select the sketch you created in step 1 as the profile for the cut.

  3. Define Depth: Specify the depth of the cut by either selecting a distance or through all option. You can also add draft or taper angle if required.
  4. Customize Hole Parameters: To define specific parameters for your hole, click on ‘Edit Feature’ in the PropertyManager. Here, you can set options such as hole size, position, alignment, etc.
  5. Click OK: Once you’re satisfied with your settings, click OK to apply the extruded cut and create your round hole.

Tips:

  • You can easily create multiple holes at once by selecting multiple circles in step 1.
  • If you need to create holes on multiple faces, you can use the ‘SelectionManager’ tool to choose multiple faces before proceeding with the Extruded Cut feature.
  • Experiment with different hole types such as counterbore, countersink, or simple drilled holes by customizing the hole parameters in step 4.

Method 2: Hole Wizard

If you need to create standard holes such as ANSI or ISO sizes, SolidWorks offers a powerful tool called the Hole Wizard. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Activate the Hole Wizard: Go to Insert > Features > Hole Wizard. In the PropertyManager, select your desired hole type (e.g., counterbore, countersink).
  2. Select Size and Placement: Choose the standard size for your hole from the provided lists.

    You can also customize additional parameters such as hole position, alignment, and depth.

  3. Create Hole Series: If you need to create a series of holes (e., a pattern), click on ‘Positions’ in the PropertyManager. Here, you can define patterns using linear or circular arrays.
  4. Click OK: Once you’ve set all your parameters, click OK to apply the Hole Wizard and generate your round holes.
  • The Hole Wizard is particularly useful when working with industry-standard hole sizes since it eliminates the need for manual calculations and ensures accuracy.
  • You can save custom hole sizes as templates for future projects by using the ‘Save Settings’ option in the PropertyManager.

With these two methods at your disposal, creating round holes in SolidWorks becomes a breeze. Remember to practice and experiment with different options to enhance your skills and create professional designs.

So, go ahead and start creating those perfect round holes in SolidWorks!