Complex Shapes
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
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.