Chapter 4. Features and Macros

4.1 Introduction

We have been using a limited set of features thus far in the book. We have used extrusions and revolves. In terms of SolidWorks, we have used Extruded Boss/Base and Revolved Boss/Base, and their subtracting counterparts, Extruded Cut and Revolved Cut. These four features create one class of parts: the ones with constant cross sections. We use extruded boss or cut to create uniform thickness parts. We use the revolved boss or cut to create axisymmetric parts. Amazingly, these four features can create about 80% or more of the mechanical parts.

Other classes of parts exist that these four features cannot create. These are the parts whose cross sections are variable, or parts that have nonplanar faces ...

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