Datasheet

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Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks
“Feature-based” modeling means that you build the model by creating 2D sketches and applying pro-
cesses (features) to create the 3D shape. For example, you can create a simple box by using the
Extrude process, and you can create a sphere using the Revolve process. However, you can make a
cylinder using either process, by revolving a rectangle or extruding a circle. You start by visualizing
the 3D shape, and then apply a 3D process to a 2D sketch to create that shape. This concept on its own
is half of what you need to know to create models with SolidWorks.
Figure 1.15 shows images of simple feature types along with the 2D sketches from which they
were created.
FIGURE 1.15
Simple extruded and revolved features
Many different feature types in SolidWorks enable you to create everything from the simplest geome-
try shown in Figure 1.15 to more complex artistic or organic shapes. In general, when I talk about
modeling in this book, I am talking about solid modeling, although SolidWorks also has a complete
complement of surfacing tools. I discuss the distinction between solid and surface modeling in
Chapter 20.
Cross-Reference
To learn more about surfacing in SolidWorks, refer to the SolidWorks Surfacing and Complex Shape Modeling
Bible (Wiley, 2008) for a complete surfacing reference.
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Table 1.2 lists some of the most common features that you find in SolidWorks and classifies them
according to whether they always require a sketch, a sketch is optional, or they never require a
sketch.
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