SolidWorks® Surfacing and Complex Shape Modeling Bible

Chapter 2. Surfacing Primer

IN THIS CHAPTER

• What are surfaces?

• Surfacing: One stop in the evolution of CAD

• Choosing solids or surfaces

• Surfacing theory and concepts

• Understanding curvature continuity

Solid modeling has introduced an entire generation of engineers and designers to working in 3D. Today you can find younger users who have never drawn on the drawing board with a pencil and instruments, or even done much work in 2D CAD applications. Solid–modeling software takes the underlying power of surface modeling and automates its application to common types of mechanical geometry. In addition to modeling mechanical parts more quickly, this also allows many more people to gain entry into the world of 3D design because less specialized knowledge is required. Solid modeling removes many of the tedious modeling tasks that you would otherwise need to go through by using a surfacing approach.

SolidWorks users who are just beginning to venture into the use of surfacing techniques may find that a new world awaits them. Learning the concepts, tools, and language of the trade can initially be a daunting task, but one that ultimately pays off in many ways. This surfacing primer aims to introduce you to the things you need to know when using surfacing functions in SolidWorks.

What are Surfaces?

In the early days of automobiles, an integral part of knowing how to drive a car was knowing how to tinker with the engine. Modern design and manufacturing now allow us to drive a car without knowing how it ...