Page 245 - Mastering SolidWorks

Chapter 7

Modeling with Primary Features

This chapter helps you identify which features to use in which situations—and in some cases,
which features to avoid. It also helps you evaluate which feature is best to use for a particular
job. With some features, it is clear when to use them, but not for others. This chapter guides you
through the decision-making process. I have split the list of SolidWorks features into two groups:
primary features and secondary features. Primary features are, of course, the ones you use most
frequently.

IN THIS CHAPTER, YOU WILL LEARN TO:
◆ Understand the details for extrudes

◆ Understand the details for revolves
◆ Understand some complex solid features
◆ Understand the different fillet types

Identifying When to Use Which Tool

I always try to think of alternative ways to do things. It is important to have a backup plan—or
sometimes multiple backup plans—in case a feature doesn’t perform exactly the way you want it
to perform. As an exercise, I often try to see how many different ways a particular shape might
be modeled and how each modeling method relates to manufacturing methods, costs, editability,
efficiency, and so on. You may also want to try this approach for fun or for education. If you are
familiar only with the standard half dozen or so most-used features, your options are limited.
Sometimes, simple features truly are the correct ones to use, but using them because they are the
only things you know is not always the best approach.
Using the Extrude Feature
Extruded features can be grouped into several categories, with extruded Boss and Cut features at
the highest level. You can extrude closed-loop sketches, regions, and, in some cases, faces. You
can extrude from a face, an offset, or a plane. Extrude features can also be made in one direction,
two directions, or as a midplane. Draft is also an option with Extrude features.

Mastering SolidWorks, First Edition. Matt Lombard.
© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.