SOLIDWORKS Tips: How to Create a Revolve in SOLIDWORKS

Revolves are axis-symmetrical or turned forms, like tubes, spheres, and basic water bottles.

Creating revolves in SOLIDWORKS can be achieved in a few simple steps.

We’ll explore what geometry is required to create a revolve, as well as how to visualise the required sketch profile – which is probably the more difficult part!

Did you know? Revolves form the basis for creating spheres in SOLIDWORKS. Throughout the course of Wimbledon, we’re exploring how to create and simulate tennis balls. Check back during the tournament for new content!

HOW TO CREATE A REVOLVE IN SOLIDWORKS

To create a revolve in SOLIDWORKS, you need two things:

• a sketch profile.
• an axis for this sketch to be revolved around.

The first thing to understand is what the sketch profile should look like, in order to create a successful revolve.

Take a look at the example drawing below.

To create this part using the revolve feature, we need to take half of the cross-section and then revolve that around the centre.

This is what the sketch profile for the revolve should look like. We’ve essentially just taken half the section view from the above drawing.

THE TWO RULES OF REVOLVES

There are certain rules that should be followed when creating a sketch for a revolve.

1. 1. A centreline, axis, sketch line or linear edge must be specified as the axis of revolution.

       

      If a sketch contains a single centreline, SOLIDWORKS will automatically select it to revolve around.

      In a sketch that contains two or more centrelines, you will need to manually select the Axis of Revolution.

1. The sketch must not cross the axis.

    

Acceptable

Unacceptable

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CREATING A REVOLVE IN SOLIDWORKS

So, in essence, the steps to create a revolve in SOLIDWORKS are:

1. Start a new 2D sketch on a plane.
2. Create all solid sketch geometry on one side of a centreline/axis.
3. Choose Revolve Boss/Base from the Features tab.
4. If not selected automatically, manually select the axis you wish to use for the revolve.
5. Specify the direction and angle.
6. Accept the feature.

Revolves are a straightforward, but essential, feature for your SOLIDWORKS toolkit.

So now you know how to create a revolve, it’s time to apply that and learn how to create a sphere in SOLIDWORKS.

Take the Next Steps…

Why not expand your toolkit further with our SOLIDWORKS Essentials training course?

You’ll get hands on with the basics and some handy shortcuts, not to mention full access across four days to our expert SOLIDWORKS Engineers to ask any questions you want!

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a complete beginner or are intimately familiar with CAD, our friendly and expert trainers are ready to help you get the most out of SOLIDWORKS, either online or in a classroom local to you.

We also have a load of free SOLIDWORKS tutorials across our site, or you can check out our YouTube channel for more tips and tricks.