Mastering SolidWorks: The Design Approach, 3rd Edition

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. We have used the SolidWorks features Extruded Boss/Base and Revolved Boss/Base and their subtracting counterparts, Extruded Cut and Revolved Cut. These four features create one class of parts: those with constant cross sections. We use the 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 80% or more of the mechanical parts you are likely to need.

These four features cannot create some classes of parts: They cannot create parts whose cross sections are variable or parts that have nonplanar ...