How Do You Make a Chain in SolidWorks?

by

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a chain in SolidWorks. Chains are often used in mechanical design to represent flexible elements like belts, ropes, or chains themselves.

Step 1: Sketching the Chain Path

To begin, create a new sketch on the plane where you want to place the chain. Use the sketch tools to draw the path that the chain will follow. This can be a simple line or a more complex curve.

Note: Make sure to use appropriate dimensions and constraints to accurately define the path of your chain.

Step 2: Creating a Chain Component

Now, let’s create a chain component that we can duplicate along the path. This component will represent an individual link of the chain.

  1. Select a plane or face where you want to start building your chain link.
  2. Create a new sketch on that plane or face.
  3. Use sketch tools like lines and arcs to draw one link of the chain. You can make it as simple or as detailed as you like.
  4. Note: Ensure that your sketch is fully defined with appropriate dimensions and constraints for accurate modeling.

Step 2.1: Adding Clearance for Flexibility

If you want your chain to be flexible, it is important to add clearance between each link. To do this:

  1. Select all entities in your sketch representing one link of the chain.
  2. Offset these entities slightly inward or outward depending on how much clearance you want between links.2: Turning Sketch into a Component

    Once you have designed one link of the chain, you can turn it into a component that can be duplicated along the path.

    1. Select all entities in your sketch representing one link of the chain.
    2. Go to the “Features” tab and click on “Extruded Boss/Base”.
    3. In the extrude options, set the desired thickness for your chain link and click “OK”.

    Step 3: Duplicating the Chain Component Along the Path

    With our chain link component created, we can now duplicate it along the path we defined earlier.

    1. Select the chain link component in your feature tree.
    2. Go to “Insert” and choose “Component Pattern”.
    3. In the component pattern options, select your path sketch as the direction of pattern.
    4. Set the desired spacing and number of instances for your chain links. You can also experiment with rotation options to customize the appearance of your chain.
    5. Click “OK” to complete the pattern and generate your chain.

    Congratulations! You have successfully created a chain in SolidWorks. You can now use this technique to model various types of chains for your mechanical designs.

    Tips:

    • To further enhance your chain model, you can add realistic materials and textures using SolidWorks’ appearance settings.
    • If you need to modify or adjust your chain later on, you can easily edit individual instances or make changes to your original chain link component.

    I hope this tutorial was helpful in guiding you through the process of creating a chain in SolidWorks. Happy designing!