When working with SolidWorks, it is essential to understand how to show tolerance in your designs. Tolerance refers to the allowable variation in dimensions or properties of a part or assembly. It ensures that the parts fit together properly and function as intended.
Why is Tolerance Important?
Tolerance is crucial in manufacturing as it accounts for variations that may occur during the production process. Without proper tolerancing, parts may not fit together correctly, leading to assembly issues and potential product failure. By showing tolerance in SolidWorks, you can communicate these variations effectively.
Show Tolerance with Dimensioning
One way to show tolerance in SolidWorks is through dimensioning. Dimensioning refers to adding measurements and annotations to your design, providing information about the size and tolerances of various features.
Add Dimensions
To add dimensions, select the desired sketch or feature and click on the “Smart Dimension” tool from the Dimension toolbar. Click on the edges or vertices you want to dimension, and SolidWorks will display the measurements.
Note: It’s important to ensure that your design is fully defined before adding dimensions for accurate results.
Show Tolerances
To show tolerances within dimensions, follow these steps:
- Select the dimension you want to add a tolerance to.
- Right-click on it and choose “Tolerance” from the context menu.
- In the Tolerance dialog box, specify the upper and lower limits for your tolerance values.
- Choose whether you want a bilateral or unilateral tolerance by selecting either “Symmetric” or “Asymmetric.”
- Click OK to apply the tolerance to your dimension.
Note: SolidWorks allows you to specify tolerances in various units, such as inches, millimeters, or degrees.
Displaying Tolerances with Feature Control Frames
Another way to show tolerance in SolidWorks is by using feature control frames. Feature control frames are graphical symbols that communicate the geometric tolerances and other requirements for a feature. They are commonly used in engineering drawings.
Add a Feature Control Frame
To add a feature control frame, follow these steps:
- Select the dimension or feature you want to add a feature control frame to.
- Right-click on it and choose “Annotation > Feature Control Frame” from the context menu.
- In the Feature Control Frame PropertyManager, specify the necessary geometric tolerances and other required information.
- Click OK to apply the feature control frame.
Note: It’s crucial to understand the different symbols and their meanings when using feature control frames. Refer to relevant standards or guidelines for accurate usage.
In Conclusion
Showcasing tolerance in SolidWorks is essential for clear communication between designers, manufacturers, and suppliers. By properly dimensioning your designs and utilizing feature control frames, you can provide accurate information about the allowable variations in your parts or assemblies. Remember to always refer to industry standards and guidelines for precise tolerance representation.