In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a hollow box in SolidWorks. A hollow box is a commonly used shape in various industries, such as packaging design and product manufacturing.
Step 1: Creating the Base Sketch
To begin, open a new part in SolidWorks and switch to the Sketch tab. Select the Plane tool and choose the plane on which you want to create the base sketch.
Now, use the Line tool to draw a rectangle.
Specify the dimensions of your box by entering the desired values in the dimension boxes or by dragging the lines with your mouse. Make sure that all four sides of the rectangle are connected.
Step 2: Adding Thickness
To make our box hollow, we need to add thickness to our base sketch. Select the Extrude Boss/Base tool from the Features tab. In the PropertyManager, set ‘Direction 1’ as ‘Mid Plane’ and enter your desired thickness value.
Note: Make sure that your sketch is closed and fully defined before proceeding with extrusion.
Step 3: Creating an Inner Sketch
Next, we will create an inner sketch that will define the walls of our hollow box. Select one face of your box and click on Sketch from the context menu. Use any sketching tool (such as Line or Rectangle) to draw a smaller shape inside your base sketch.
Note: Ensure that your inner sketch does not intersect with any existing geometry and is fully contained within your base sketch.
Step 4: Extruding Inner Sketch
Select Extrude Boss/Base again and choose ‘Selected Contours.’ Then select all lines or edges that form your inner sketch.
Set ‘Direction 1’ as ‘Mid Plane’ and enter the desired thickness for the walls of your box.
Click OK to extrude your inner sketch. You will now have a hollow box with defined walls.
Step 5: Adding Fillets (Optional)
To give our box rounded corners, we can add fillets to the edges. Select Fillet from the Features tab and choose the edges you want to fillet. Enter the desired fillet radius value in the PropertyManager and click OK.
Note: Fillets are optional and depend on your design requirements.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Lastly, you can apply any additional modifications or features to complete your hollow box. This may include adding cutouts, embossing texts, or applying material appearances using SolidWorks’ extensive set of tools.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully created a hollow box in SolidWorks.
By following these steps, you can quickly create various sizes and shapes of hollow boxes for your design projects. Remember to experiment with different dimensions, features, and appearances to achieve your desired results.
- Step 1: Creating the Base Sketch
- Step 2: Adding Thickness
- Step 3: Creating an Inner Sketch
- Step 4: Extruding Inner Sketch
- Step 5: Adding Fillets (Optional)
- Step 6: Finishing Touches
Now you are ready to apply your newly acquired knowledge of creating hollow boxes in SolidWorks to your own design projects.