Revolved Boss is a powerful feature in SolidWorks that allows you to create complex 3D shapes by revolving a 2D sketch around an axis. This feature comes in handy when designing cylindrical or symmetrical objects. In this tutorial, we will learn how to do a Revolved Boss in SolidWorks.
Step 1: Creating a Sketch
To start, open a new part in SolidWorks and activate the Sketch tool. Select the plane on which you want to create your sketch. You can choose from the top, front, right, or any other available plane.
- Tip: It’s good practice to select the plane that best aligns with the shape you want to create.
In the sketch environment, use various sketching tools like lines, circles, arcs, and splines to draw a closed profile that represents half of the desired shape. Ensure that your sketch is fully constrained and ready for revolve.
Step 2: Defining the Axis of Revolution
Once your sketch is complete, it’s time to define the axis around which you want to revolve your profile. The axis can be an edge, a line, or even an existing model edge.
- Note: You can also create construction geometry to help define your axis of revolution.
Select the Revolve Boss/Base command from the Features toolbar or navigate through Insert > Boss/Base > Revolve. A dialog box will appear asking you to select your profile and axis. Choose your sketch profile as well as the axis you defined earlier.
Step 3: Configure Revolve Parameters
The next step is to configure additional parameters for your revolved boss. The dialog box provides options to specify the angle, whether to merge the result with existing geometry, and the direction of rotation.
- Tip: Experiment with different values and settings to achieve the desired outcome.
Once you’re satisfied with your selections, click on the green checkmark to apply the Revolved Boss feature. Voila! You’ve successfully created a revolved boss in SolidWorks.
Additional Tips and Tricks
To further enhance your design, consider using other SolidWorks tools like fillets, chamfers, patterns, and shells. These tools can add details and refine your model.
Note: It’s always a good practice to keep your sketches fully defined and use dimensions wherever possible. This ensures that your model remains parametric and easily modifiable.
In conclusion, mastering the Revolved Boss feature in SolidWorks opens up a world of possibilities for creating intricate 3D models. By following these simple steps and experimenting with different parameters, you can unleash your creativity and design complex shapes efficiently.