How Do You Make a Corner Relief in SolidWorks?

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In SolidWorks, a corner relief is a technique used to remove sharp corners from a part design. This not only improves the aesthetics of the part but also helps minimize stress concentrations. In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a corner relief in SolidWorks using various tools and features.

Step 1: Open the Part

To begin, open the part in which you want to create a corner relief. This can be an existing part or a new one that you create from scratch.

Step 2: Select the Corner

Next, select the corner from which you want to remove the sharpness. You can do this by using the ‘Fillet’ tool or by manually sketching a curve that defines the desired shape of the relief.

Using Fillet Tool:

If you choose to use the Fillet tool, simply click on it and select the edges that form the corner. Enter the desired fillet radius and click ‘OK’ to apply it. The fillet will automatically remove any sharpness from the selected corner.

Manually Sketching:

If you prefer more control over the shape of your corner relief, you can manually sketch it using curves. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Create a new sketch on a plane perpendicular to the edges forming the corner.
  2. Use sketch tools like lines, arcs, or splines to draw a curve that represents your desired relief shape.
  3. Make sure that both ends of your curve are coincident with their respective edges.
  4. Exit sketch mode once you are satisfied with your curve.

Step 3: Apply Corner Relief

Now that you have selected or sketched the desired shape for your corner relief, it’s time to apply it to the part. This can be done using the ‘Corner Relief’ feature in SolidWorks.

Using Corner Relief Feature:

To use the Corner Relief feature, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the ‘Features’ tab in the Command Manager.
  2. Click on the ‘Corner Relief’ tool.
  3. Select the edges or curves that define your corner relief shape.
  4. Specify additional parameters such as relief type (round or flat) and relief size.
  5. Click ‘OK’ to apply the corner relief to your part.

Step 4: Fine-tune the Corner Relief

After applying the corner relief, you can further refine its shape and size if needed. SolidWorks provides various tools for modifying fillets and curves, allowing you to achieve precise results.

FilletXpert:

If you used the Fillet tool to create a corner relief, you can use FilletXpert to modify its parameters. Simply right-click on the fillet and select ‘FilletXpert.’ Adjust the desired parameters such as radius or profile to fine-tune your corner relief.

Edit Sketch:

If you manually sketched a curve for your corner relief, you can edit it by double-clicking on the sketch in the Feature Manager. Modify any sketch elements as needed and exit sketch mode once you are satisfied with the changes. The corner relief will update automatically.

Step 5: Evaluate and Finalize

Finally, evaluate your part design with the corner relief applied. Make sure it meets your requirements in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. If necessary, make further adjustments until you are satisfied with the result.

Congratulations! You have successfully created a corner relief in SolidWorks.

This technique can be applied to various parts where sharp corners need to be removed. By using tools like Fillet and sketching, you have the flexibility to create custom corner reliefs that suit your specific design needs.