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5.1: Revolved Features

  • Page ID
    53596

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    Revolved features are used primarily to create cylindrical parts (though this doesn’t mean they can’t be used for other unique situations). Revolved features take the cross section of a cylindrical feature and then revolve it by a number of degrees (90, 180, 360, etc. See Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)).

    Four 3D geometric shapes: an arch-like form, a thin cylinder with a vertical cutout, a thicker version of the cylinder, and a disc with a central hub.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Revolved Sketch at Different Angle

    The revolved part is generated from a sketch of the half section for the part (imagine a half section on a technical drawing). The sketch of the revolved feature controls the cross-section of the feature, and the revolved feature itself controls the axis of the revolution, as well as how many degrees the profile is revolved.

    To create a revolve feature, you first need to create the profile sketch. What the sketch needs to include depends on the scenario, but one thing every revolve profile sketch needs is a centerline. The centerline is to tell the revolved feature where to revolve about (the axis of revolution). This should come as no surprise due to the fact that almost all cylindrical parts have a central axis. It is good practice that the centerline for a revolved sketch be the very first thing you draw, so that you can base the rest of that sketch off of the centerline.

    Revolved Feature sketches always need a centerline for specifying the axis of the revolved feature!

    Because revolved features are used primarily for cylindrical parts that require lots of diameter dimensions to be specified, you can specify dimensions for diameters in the revolve profile sketch even though a circular feature doesn’t exist yet. See the left image of Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\), how the diameter dimensions reference horizontal lines and the centerline to dimensions implied diameters. The diameter symbol is automatically displayed and everything!

    The image is divided into two sections with detailed technical drawings. On the left, there is a SolidWorks sketch featuring a stepped geometry with precise dimensions. Key dimensions include a total height of 2.660 units, smaller segment heights and widths of 1.030, 0.400, and 0.200 units. It also includes diameters with tolerances, such as 1.000 and 0.500 units. On the right side, the drawing labeled "Section A" shows a cross-sectional view of the same geometry with hatched areas indicating material. It includes a highlighted profile in red, which is pointed out by a red arrow to a text box that reads "Profile for SolidWorks Sketch." The dimensions are similar, with additional detailed specifications like a 0.200 unit feature and chamfer details (3x 0.050 x 45°).
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Creating a Revolved Sketch

    To specify diameter dimensions for revolved sketch profiles, select the horizontal line that will create the diameter when the revolve is done, as well as the centerline being used for the axis of revolution. The dimension will show as a radius until you move your cursor below the centerline. After specifying your first diameter dimension, selecting other horizontal lines defaults to a diameter dimension. Eventually, you finish specifying diameters and want to specify something else, so to end the automatic diameter dimension set, hit ESC from the keyboard or exit the command.

    The image depicts a software interface for a 3D CAD tool's revolve feature. At the top, there are icons for confirming (green check) or cancelling (red X) the action. Below is a section titled "Axis of Revolution" with "Line1" written inside a light blue text box indicating the selected reference line for the revolve. The next section, "Direction1," includes a dropdown menu set to "Blind" and an input box showing "360deg," meaning the feature will revolve 360 degrees. Additional sections labeled "Direction2" and "Selected Contours" are visible but collapsed, indicated by downward-pointing arrows.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\) Revolve Property Manager

    Once you have your sketch with the revolve profile and the centerline that will be used as the axis for the revolve, you can complete your revolve feature by activating Revolved Boss/Base from the Features tab of the CommandManager and using the property manager to specify your revolve settings (Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\)).

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\): Exploring the Revolve Feature

    Explore some of the components of a revolved sketch and the feature settings available for a revolved feature. First, explore the Revolved Boss/Base tool and then also see how the Revolved Cut tool works along with the sketches involved.

    1. Start a new sketch on the right plane. Sketch a centerline and a profile above the centerline.
    2. Activate the Revolved Boss/Base Command, exploring the different options available.
    3. Then, create a new sketch also on the Right Plane of a simple circle on one of the edges of your revolved boss.
    4. Finally, use revolved cut to cut the groove into the revolved boss using the existing axis.

    This page titled 5.1: Revolved Features is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Melvin Hortman via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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