Are you looking to shell a part in SolidWorks but only want to remove a specific section? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of shelling a part and removing only the desired portion. Let’s get started!
What is Shelling?
Shelling is a technique used in SolidWorks to create a hollow part by removing material from its interior. This can be useful for various reasons such as reducing weight, creating a cavity for components, or simply adding aesthetic appeal.
The Shell Feature
In SolidWorks, the shell feature allows you to specify the thickness of the shell and which faces or features should be removed. By default, the entire part is shelled, but we can modify this behavior by using a combination of techniques.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Open your Part in SolidWorks
The first step is to open your part file in SolidWorks. You can do this by navigating to File > Open and selecting your desired part file.
2. Activate the Shell Command
To begin shelling your part, go to Insert > Features > Shell. This will activate the shell command and allow you to specify the desired parameters.
3. Select Faces or Features
Once the shell command is active, you need to select which faces or features should be removed from the interior of your part. You can do this by clicking on individual faces or selecting entire features using Ctrl + Click.
- Note: If you want to remove multiple faces at once, hold down Shift while selecting them.
- Tips: Use the Select Other option to easily select hidden or hard-to-reach faces.
4. Specify Shell Thickness
After selecting the desired faces or features, it’s time to specify the thickness of your shell. You can enter the desired value directly in the Shell Thickness input box or use the up and down arrows to adjust it.
5. Choose Direction and Thickness Type
In this step, you can choose the direction of your shell by selecting either Inside, Outside, or Mid Plane. Additionally, you can choose whether the thickness value represents a uniform thickness or a variable one using the Vary thickness for each selected face checkbox.
6. Preview and Apply Changes
Before finalizing your shell, it’s always a good idea to preview your changes.
You can do this by toggling on the Preview checkbox in the Shell PropertyManager. Once you are satisfied with the preview, click OK to apply the shell feature.
Tips and Tricks:
- Bulk Selection: If you have multiple faces or features to select, use selection filters like Box Selection or Crossing Window Selection for faster and more efficient selection.
- Edit Feature: If you need to make any changes after applying the shell feature, simply right-click on it in the FeatureManager design tree and select Edit Feature.
- Draft Analysis: After shelling your part, consider performing a draft analysis to ensure that all faces have proper draft angles for easy manufacturing and assembly.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to shell a part in SolidWorks while removing only the desired section. Now you can apply this knowledge to your own projects and create intricate and hollow designs with ease.
Remember, shelling is a powerful tool, so use it wisely and experiment with different settings to achieve the desired results. Happy designing!