When working with SolidWorks, there are two commonly used methods for creating holes: Pierce and Coincident. While both techniques accomplish the same goal of creating a hole in a part, they differ in their approach and the results they yield.
Pierce Method
The Pierce method is a straightforward way to create holes in SolidWorks. In this method, you select a point on the surface of the part where you want the hole to be located. The software then creates a hole that pierces through the entire thickness of the part, from one surface to the other.
This method is useful when you need a hole that goes completely through the part, such as for bolts or screws. When using the Pierce method, it’s important to ensure that your part has sufficient thickness so that the hole does not compromise its structural integrity.
Coincident Method
The Coincident method, on the other hand, allows you to create holes that are not necessarily located at specific points on the surface but are instead aligned with existing geometry or features. This method allows for more flexibility and precision when positioning holes.
To create a coincident hole, you select an existing edge or face as a reference for positioning your hole. The software then creates a hole that is coincident with that reference geometry. This technique is particularly useful when you need to create holes that are aligned with other features of your part.
Differences Between Pierce and Coincident
While both methods serve similar purposes, there are some key differences between them:
- Location: The Pierce method requires you to select a specific point on the surface where you want the hole to be located, while the Coincident method allows for more flexibility by aligning holes with existing geometry.
- Depth: The Pierce method creates holes that go through the entire thickness of the part, while the Coincident method allows you to control the depth of the hole.
- Precision: The Coincident method offers greater precision in positioning holes, as it enables you to align them with existing features or geometry on your part.
Conclusion
In summary, both the Pierce and Coincident methods in SolidWorks serve their own purposes when creating holes. The Pierce method is ideal for creating through-holes that go from one surface to another, while the Coincident method offers more precision and flexibility in aligning holes with existing features or geometry. Depending on your specific design requirements, you can choose between these methods to achieve the desired results in your SolidWorks projects.