How to Use a Sketch to Create Bodies in SOLIDWORKS

Knowing how to use a sketch to create bodies in SOLIDWORKS is an essential design skill. Planning out how to model a component can lead to faster creation of the part and improved design intent.

Mastering the SOLIDWORKS fundamentals sets you on a path to learning new techniques, time-saving workflows, and ultimately software mastery.

Which Features Can Use a Sketch to Create Bodies in SOLIDWORKS?

Many tools in SOLIDWORKS can create a body from just a sketch; however, the most useful features that can take a sketch to a body include:

• Extruded Boss/Base
• Revolved Boss/Base
• Swept Boss/Base

These SOLIDWORKS features are the first listed in the CommandManager along with the Lofted Boss/Base and Boundary Boss/Base. With these features, you can convert 2D sketches into 3D complex geometries.

Foundational features in the CommandManager

Extruded Boss/Base

The first feature that appears when using a sketch to create bodies in SOLIDWORKS is the Extruded Boss/Base. It uses a 2D sketch on any primary or custom plane and makes a 3D solid by giving it a depth of your choosing.

To use the Extruded Boss/Base:

1. Select the plane you want to create a sketch on.
2. Activate the Sketch command from the Sketch tab of the CommandManager.
3. Draw a closed shape and dimension it. If you choose to leave it open, SOLIDWORKS will assume your intent is to make a Thin Extrude.
   

   A fully dimensioned cat sketch

4. Exit the sketch and navigate to the Features tab in the CommandManager.
5. Select Extruded Boss/Base and then use the flyout FeatureManager to select the sketch you want to extrude.
6. The Extrude PropertyManager will open with options for extrusion location, direction, length, draft, and selected contour.
   

   Boss Extrude options

7. Ensure that the preview is enabled to verify that the direction and thickness are correct..
8. Once satisfied with the extrude, hit the green checkmark to accept.

You now have a solid body made with just one 2D sketch. If you were to make another sketch and allow a merge during a second extrusion, you can begin to model more high-level parts.

Revolved Boss/Base

The second SOLIDWORKS feature in the CommandManager that allows you to create a solid from a sketch is the Revolved Boss/Base. This takes your 2D sketch and rotates it a specified number of degrees around an axis of your choosing.

To create a Revolved Boss/Base:

1. Select a plane to sketch on, keeping in mind the orientation of the part you are creating.
2. Create a fully defined and closed sketch.
   

   Fully defined sketch with axis of rotation

3. Exit the sketch and go to the Features tab of the CommandManager.
4. Select the Revolved Boss/Base command and then the sketch you want rotated.
5. In the PropertyManager, select your axis of rotation, direction, and degrees of rotation.
   

   Specify the direction and degrees

6. When satisfied with the preview, select the green checkmark

Umbrella made from a sketch and Revolve

Revolves are best for parts that contain circular, cylindrical, or symmetric parts.

Swept Boss/Base

The Swept Boss/Base command resides in the list of three Boss/Base features next to the Revolve Boss/Base. It is the easiest way to create complicated geometry from sketches. This SOLIDWORKS feature operates differently from an extrude or revolve as it requires a second sketch to be drawn.

To use Swept Boss/Base:

1. Select a plane to sketch the profile of the sweep. Plan out the position of your sketch to ensure no problems down the line.
   

   Sketch profile for Swept Boss/Base

2. Save and exit the initial sketch before creating a new one on an orthogonal plane.
3. Sketch the guide curve, or path, that you want the body to take.
   

   Path for the profile sketch to follow

4. Ensure that the profile and path intersect one another.
5. Click the Swept Boss/Base feature and select the profile and path sketches.
   

   The Sweep PropertyManager

6. Once satisfied with the body, click the green checkmark.
   

   Slide made from a Swept Boss/Base

The Swept Boss/Base is best suited for parts that require a complex guide curve with an unchanging profile.

Become a SOLIDWORKS Expert

Foundational and advanced SOLIDWORKS techniques like these are covered in formal, instructor-led training courses. Javelin offers a multitude of training classes with three methods of learning, allowing you to find a class that fits your schedule.

These courses help you become more efficient at day-to-day tasks, prepare for a certification, or get ready for new capabilities.

Review upcoming training courses and register for a session here.