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5.4: Thin Feature and Rib

  • Page ID
    53599

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    THIN FEATURE

    Thin features are an option for most sketch-based features, such as Boss Extrudes, revolves, sweeps, etc. Rib is automatically a thin feature because it creates a 3D solid from an open sketch. Thin-features are features that extrude in 2 directions: the first direction is perpendicular to the sketch, which is normal for any 3D sketch-based feature, and the second direction is offset from the original sketch, giving the sketch a thickness to be extruded.

    The image contains three panels. The left panel shows a CAD interface with a 2D right‑angle curve, labeled dimensions “2.500” and “R.750,” highlighted segments, and green geometric constraint symbols. The middle panel displays the same sketch with the curved area highlighted in yellow and the same dimensions. The right panel shows a 3D dark gray, matte, L‑shaped object generated from the 2D sketch, shown with depth and perspective.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Process of Creating a Thin Feature
    The image is split into two sections. The left side shows a 2D technical drawing with dimensions and geometric constraints marked. There are several vertical and horizontal lines with arrows indicating measurements. Notable dimensions include 2.250 and 0.625, with a radius marked as R.125. Green symbols and small black dots indicate geometric relationships and constraints.  The right side portrays a 3D rendered model of a circular mechanical part with a central cylindrical hole. The part appears to have a flat circular face and a protruding cylindrical hub.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Revolved Thin Feature

    To create a thin feature, you create a new sketch, sketch the open sketch profile of your object, activate the feature you wish to create, and be sure to check the “Thin-Feature” Option near the bottom of the property manager for the feature.

    If a dialog box comes up asking if you want to close the sketch, say NO!

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\): Creating a Thin Feature

    Here you will explore creating thin features from Extruded Boss Base as well as from Revolved Boss Base.

    • Start a new part file in SolidWorks.
    • Sketch on the Right Plane a fully-defined profile such as is shown in Figures \(\PageIndex{1}\) and \(\PageIndex{2}\).
    • Activate Extruded Boss/Base and choose Thin Feature. Specify the thin feature parameters, along with a MidPlane end condition, and confirm.
    • Move the Rollback bar before the Extruded Boss/Base, and now try with Revolved Boss/Base and the same sketch. Cancel when you have finished experimenting with the different options.

    RIB

    Rib is a sketch-based feature like the Extrude and Revolve tools, but it extrudes in 2 directions at once to create a support feature for unstable shapes. Ribs are very common in cast and injection molded parts because adding them better allows for maintaining a uniform wall thickness throughout the entire part, which is good for casting and injection molding manufacturing processes.

    The image consists of a series of four engineering drawings and 3D models of a bracket. The first section on the left shows a technical drawing with dimensions, highlighting a curved bracket with a right angle. The dimensions are marked clearly (.250) with arrows and numbers. The second section displays a side view of the bracket, emphasizing its shape and proportions. The third section presents an isometric view, offering a perspective of the bracket’s thickness and structure. It includes a diagonal reinforcement structure. The final section on the right is a rendered 3D model of the bracket, complete with smooth, curved surfaces and a hole for mounting at each end.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Rib Process Example

    To create a Rib feature, you start a sketch on a plane that is located at a point where you want to place the rib. Draw an open sketch of the shape you want to make a rib from, and then activating the rib feature creates the rib with the specification of thickness, extrusion direction, and other advanced options.

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{2}\)

    Using your same sketch from the last exercise, create a thin feature using Extruded Boss Base, and then add a rib feature to reinforce the bracket. See the finished product as well: 2130004_RibEx

    • Create the bracket part from the previous exercise with an Extruded Boss Thin Feature using the midplane option for extrusion.
    • Create a new sketch connecting the faces of the bracket on the Right Plane.
    • Activate the Rib tool straight from within the sketch and specify the rib parameters as shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\).

    This page titled 5.4: Thin Feature and Rib 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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