SolidWorks® Surfacing and Complex Shape Modeling Bible

Chapter 6. Using the Primary Shape Creation Features

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Choosing which feature to use

• Using sweeps

• Using lofts

• Using the Boundary Surface feature

• Using the Fill Surface feature

SolidWorks has many options when it comes to surface feature types, but only a few distinguish themselves as primary shape creation features. For example, a loft is a primary shape creation feature, but a fillet is not. While fillets can make complex geometry, they are dependent on other existing geometry and in most cases take on a secondary role in overall shape creation. Also, the Freeform feature can shape major faces, but again, it is dependent on existing geometry.

The features that I consider to be primary shape creation features in SolidWorks surfacing are the Sweep, Loft, Boundary, and Fill features. There are certainly overlapping applications for these four features, which can make choosing between them confusing at times. The first part of this chapter helps you make the decision about which feature to use in which situation.

The second part of this chapter explains all of the available options for each of these features. Several examples show the options in action. If you are impatient with detailed descriptions of how things work, you may want to just skip directly to the chapters in Part 4, which are built on extensive model walk–throughs.

Choosing Which Feature to Use

When you first sit down with a brand–new complex surface modeling project, you may hesitate for a moment. "Where do I start?" ...