In this tutorial, we will learn how to shell a cylinder in SolidWorks. Shelling is a process of removing material from the inside of a solid object to create a hollow space. It is commonly used in design and manufacturing processes to reduce weight, improve cost-effectiveness, and enhance functionality.
Step 1: Create a Cylinder
To begin, open SolidWorks and create a new part document. Then, select the “Sketch” tab and choose the “Circle” tool to draw a circle on the top plane. Specify the diameter and click on the sketch plane to create the base of the cylinder.
Next, select the “Extruded Boss/Base” tool from the toolbar. Enter the desired height for your cylinder and click on “OK” to create it. You now have a solid cylinder in your workspace.
Step 2: Activate Shell Command
To shell the cylinder, we need to activate the shell command. Go to the “Features” tab and click on “Shell” from the dropdown menu. The shell command will be activated, allowing you to define parameters for shelling.
Step 3: Define Thickness
After activating the shell command, you need to define the thickness of your shell. Click on an edge or face that represents one side of your desired thickness. Then enter the desired value for thickness in the input box that appears.
Note: Make sure that your selected edge or face is connected all around your cylinder’s perimeter; otherwise, SolidWorks might display an error message.
Step 4: Select Faces
In this step, you need to select which faces of your cylinder should be removed during shelling. Click on each face individually or use selection tools like “Select Tangency” or “Select Loop” to select multiple faces at once. SolidWorks will highlight the selected faces in your workspace.
Step 5: Define the Removal Parameters
Once you have selected the desired faces, you can define additional parameters for material removal. For example, you can set an offset value to control how much material is left between the inner and outer surfaces of your shell. You can also choose to keep the original face appearances or apply a different appearance for the inner and outer surfaces.
Step 6: Preview and Confirm Shelling
After defining all necessary parameters, click on “Preview” to see a preview of your shelled cylinder. This will help you ensure that all settings are correct before finalizing the operation.
If everything looks as expected, click on “OK” to confirm the shell command. SolidWorks will perform the shelling operation and create a hollow cylinder with the specified thickness and removed faces.
Tips and Tricks
- Keep an eye on error messages: If SolidWorks displays an error message during shelling, double-check your selections and ensure that all edges or faces are connected correctly.
- Experiment with different parameters: Shelling allows you to control various aspects of your design, such as thickness, offset, and appearances. Don’t be afraid to try different values and options to achieve the desired result.
- Consider manufacturing constraints: When designing shells for real-world applications, keep in mind any manufacturing constraints that may affect material removal or thickness requirements.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to shell a cylinder in SolidWorks.
Shelling is a versatile tool that can be applied to various design scenarios. Practice and experiment with different shapes and parameters to expand your SolidWorks skills.