Ryder Cup 2023: How to Model a Golf Ball in SOLIDWORKS

The Ryder Cup returns! To celebrate, we’ve got a new SOLIDWORKS modelling tutorial for you.

Previously, we’ve shown you how to create a sphere and turn it into a tennis ball, run simulations, and even generate photorealistic renders.

Practising your SOLIDWORKS skills is essential to become an expert CAD designer. This time, we’ll show you how to model a golf ball in SOLIDWORKS.

How to Model a Golf Ball in SOLIDWORKS

A golf ball is fundamentally a sphere, and a sphere is comprised of two symmetrical hemispheres. Which gives us a great opportunity to utilise symmetry in our modelling.

Symmetry is a great time-saving technique to employ when modelling in SOLIDWORKS. In fact, it will halve your workload!

So let’s first create a hemisphere with the diameter of 42.67mm.

We’ll then use the Revolve Boss/Base feature, selecting the vertical line as the axis of revolution and confirming the feature.

CREATE THE FIRST DIMPLE

To cut the dimples, we need to create a sketch with a portion of the arc cutting into the surface of the ball.

The first dimple is located centrally at the top of the sphere.

Select the outer circular edge of the hemisphere and select the Convert Entities command.

Confirming the command will create a copy of the circumference of the hemisphere as a sketch entity.

Within the same sketch, zoom in to the top of the hemisphere and sketch a vertical line from the top midpoint of the converted arc, a separate arc and a horizontal construction line as shown below.

Fully define the sketch by adding the dimensions and the tangent relation between the arc and horizontal construction line.

Use the Trim Entities command to cut the rest of the converted edge.

Use the Revolved Cut feature, selecting the vertical line as the axis of revolution.

HOW TO USE CIRCULAR PATTERNS IN SOLIDWORKS

We will use the Circular Pattern

We could create 2 new reference geometry axes. However, our first sketch has the required horizontal and vertical lines that will be sufficient to use as references instead.

The fewer features you use, the easier it is to edit models in future.

Right click on the first sketch and select the eye icon to make the sketch visible in the graphics area.

Select the Circular Pattern feature, found under the drop down from the Linear Pattern command.

Within the Features and Faces selection box, select the face of the dimple to pick up the Revolved Cut. Then highlight the selection box under Direction1 and select the horizontal line from the sketch in the graphics area.

Select Equal Spacing and set the angle and number of instances to 90deg and 8 instances.

Create a second circular pattern, select the Faces selection box and pick the face of the first instance of the dimples the previous circular pattern. For the axis of revolution, select the vertical line from the visible sketch in the graphics area.

Select Equal Spacing and set the angle and number of instances to 360deg and 6 instances.

Repeat this process of inserting Circular Patterns using the face of the next dimple until you get to the last instance, using the same angle, and the number of instances as specified below:

• Circular Pattern 3 – 12 Instances
• Circular Pattern 4 – 18 Instances
• Circular Pattern 5 – 22 Instances
• Circular Pattern 6 – 25 Instances
• Circular Pattern 7 – 27 Instances
• Circular Pattern 8 – 29 Instances

THE FINAL PHASE

Now we need to make the most of that symmetry and mirror the hemisphere.

Right click on the sketch in the tree that is still visible in the graphics area and set this to be hidden.

Use the Mirror feature and select the underside planar face for the Mirror Face/Plane reference, select the dropdown to use Bodies to Mirror and select the body in the graphics area.

Make sure the tick box for Merge Entitles is selected.

Add a Fillet feature, first setting the radius to 0.4mm then select the flat spherical face between the dimples.

Finally, to add colour to the golf ball, we’ll find a suitable appearance to apply.

In the appearance tab, a nice glossy plastic will do nicely.

Navigate to Plastic > Medium Gloss > white medium gloss plastic and drag this onto the face of the geometry.

Once you release your left click after dragging the appearance onto the face, select the Part icon to apply this as a top-level appearance to the file.

Remove the visibility of the edges by selecting Shaded from the Display Style drop down on the heads-up toolbar.

Also if you wish to see the reflections, turn on RealView Graphics under the view settings.

Now you can save the file and take it into SOLIDWORKS Visualize to render up a sleek product image!

In the next tutorial, we’ll show you how to add decals to this golf ball and any spherical object.

Missed a tutorial? Check back through our previous blogs to see what you missed!

Take the Next Steps…

With a SOLIDWORKS subscription you gain access to our expert SOLIDWORKS Technical Support team.

If you find your workflow disrupted or just have a question about SOLIDWORKS, then give us a call on 01926 333 777 or drop an email to [email protected] and one of our expert Engineers will be in contact.