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6: Complex Shapes

  • Page ID
    53601

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    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this chapter, you will be able to…

    • Create reference geometry to be used in feature creation.
    • Use sweep, helix, loft, and wrap on a basic level to create complex features.

    This chapter is all about exploring the SolidWorks tools that will allow you to create complex shapes. The world isn’t filled with just boxes and cylinders, its filled with some weird stuff that is specifically shaped to accomplish an increased functionality.

    • Imagine flexible piping or guard rails; how would you model those in SolidWorks?
    • Imagine bicycle frames and vacuum nozzles; how would you model those in SolidWorks?
    • What about everyday mechanical components like springs, threads, and cams?

    This chapter will give you the introductory knowledge and skills to model all the things listed above using 4 key features in SolidWorks:

    • Reference Geometry
    • Sweep and Helix
    • Loft
    • Wrap

    • 6.1: Reference Geometry - Planes
      This page covers reference geometry in SolidWorks, including planes, axes, coordinate systems, and points, with an emphasis on the creation and utility of reference planes for part features like extrusions and lofts.
    • 6.2: 2130005A Simple Camshaft Tutorial
      This page offers a comprehensive tutorial for modeling component 2130005A in SolidWorks.
    • 6.3: 2130006 Bike Frame Tutorial
      This page provides a tutorial on creating a bike frame section in SolidWorks, emphasizing the use of reference planes and sketches.
    • 6.4: Sweep
      This page covers the Sweep extrusion tool in design software, detailing its use for creating complex shapes like pipes and springs.
    • 6.5: Loft and Wrap
      This page covers two advanced SolidWorks features: Loft and Wrap.


    This page titled 6: Complex Shapes 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.