Feature-based Models
Just as an assembly consists of individual parts, a SolidWorks part
consists of individual features.
The first feature you create in a part is the base.
This feature is the basis on which you create the other features. The
base feature can be an extrusion, a revolve, a sweep, a loft, thickening
of a surface, or a sheet metal flange. However, most base features are
extrusions. The following are some of the features you can use to make
parts in SolidWorks.
Extrude
- Extrude creates a feature by extruding a 3D object from a 2D sketch,
essentially adding the third dimension. An extrusion can be a base (in
which case it always adds material), a boss (which adds material, often
on another extrusion), or a cut (which removes material).
Revolve
- Revolve creates a feature that adds or removes material by revolving
one or more sketch profiles around a centerline. The feature can be either
a solid, a thin feature, or a surface.
Loft
- Loft creates a feature by making transitions between profiles. A loft
can be a base, boss, cut, or surface.
Sweep
- Sweep creates a base, boss, cut, or surface by moving a profile (section)
along a path.
Boundary
- Boundary creates very high quality, accurate features useful for creating
complex shapes for the consumer product design, medical, aerospace, and
mold markets. A boundary can be a base, boss, cut, or surface.
SolidWorks features are of two types: sketched and applied.
Sketched features
such as extrusions, revolves, sweeps, and lofts are based on sketch geometry.
Applied features
such as chamfers, fillets, and shells are applied directly to the model.
SolidWorks features are always added to the model, whether they add
or remove material. You can modify features after creating them.
See SolidWorks Tutorials:
Lesson 1 - Parts
See SolidWorks Tutorials:
Revolves and Sweeps
See SolidWorks Tutorials: Lofts
See SolidWorks Tutorials: Fillets
Related SolidWorks Topics
Features Overview
Basic Concepts