SOLIDWORKS Tips: How to Create a Sphere in SOLIDWORKS

Creating a sphere in SOLIDWORKS can be achieved simply by using a sketch and a feature.

Now that you know how to create a revolve (you do know how to, right? If not, check out this tutorial to learn how to create revolves in SOLIDWORKS first), you can create a sphere in a few simple steps.

During Wimbledon, we’re guiding you through creating and simulating tennis balls in SOLIDWORKS. Our next tutorial focuses on using more advanced techniques to create the tennis ball!

SOLID VS SURFACE GEOMETRY

A sphere can be created in SOLIDWORKS as a solid or as a surface.

Both methods require a sketch and a revolved feature.

But the key understanding is that solid geometry is a filled void with a density, whereas surface geometry is infinitely thin and has no mass.

To learn the difference between solid and surface geometry and enhance your SOLIDWORKS skills, we recommend attending our Essentials SOLIDWORKS training course.

CREATING A SPHERE IN SOLIDWORKS

To start creating a sphere, we need to sketch a semi-circle. We’ll then add a construction centreline, delete the unwanted edge, and then revolve the sketch.

Let’s break that down.

1. Start a new sketch on the Front, Right or Top plane.

2. Draw a circle with the centre at the origin.

3. Bisect the circle with a sketched line through the centre point.

1. 4. Use the Trim Entities tool on the Features tab to remove one side of the circle.
   1. 1. TOP TIP – Use

      mouse gestures

      to speed up your sketching process!

   

   1. 5. Convert the straight line to construction geometry.
      1. 1. TOP TIP – Modify the keyboard shortcuts so activates your

         Construction Geometry

         conversion tool.

      

      6. While in the sketch, activate the Revolve Boss/Base tool. You might be asked about creating a non-thin revolution. Here, SOLIDWORKS is simply asking if you want to create a hollow or solid sphere.

      Click Yes to create a solid sphere. Notice the construction geometry is automatically selected as the axis to revolve around, but this could be selected manually.

      

      7. Direction1 should be set to 360° for a complete revolution.

      

      8. Click accept to complete the sphere.

      Practise this workflow and soon you’ll be creating spheres in 10 seconds flat.

      Creating a sphere forms the basis for creating most sports balls. Check back on throughout the week as we guide you through creating and simulating the movement of a tennis ball.

      Fancy a more advanced SOLIDWORKS modelling challenge?

      Get modelling a tennis ball with this step-by-step guide to modelling a tennis ball in SOLIDWORKS.