How to Join in SolidWorks?

Understanding Joining Techniques in SolidWorks

To effectively work in SolidWorks, understanding the various methods to join or combine elements is essential. Whether you’re combining parts, sketches, or features, SolidWorks offers multiple functionalities tailored for these tasks. Below are detailed instructions on how to join different entities within SolidWorks.

Joining Parts in SolidWorks

1. Creating a Multibody Part:

   • Open your primary part file where you want to incorporate another part.
   • Navigate to Insert > Part.
   • Select the part file you wish to insert into your workspace and press Open. This action creates a multibody part.
2. Combining Bodies:
   • Once you have your multibody part, go to the Features tab in the Command Manager.
   • Click on Combine, located in the Features menu.
   • In the PropertyManager, select the bodies you want to join together and choose the desired operation—Add, Subtract, or Common.
   • Click the green checkmark to finalize the combination.

Merging Sketch Entities

1. Deleting Split Points:

   • Open the sketch that contains the split entities.
   • Navigate to the split point between the two entities and click on it to highlight.
   • Press the Delete key on your keyboard. This action removes the split, effectively joining the entities into a single continuous sketch entity.
2. Using the Knowledge Base:
   • For further assistance, you can search for "Combining Split Entities" in the SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base for specific guidance and examples related to your version of the software.

Understanding Merge Results and Extrusion

1. Setting Up Merge Options:

   • When working with multiple bodies within a part file, you can find the “Merge result” option during the Extrude command.
   • This checkbox is enabled by default and allows you to merge the newly created extrusion with existing bodies in the design.
2. Performing an Extrude:
   • Click on the Extrude option from the 2D to 3D toolbar or access it via Tools > Sketch Tools > 2D to 3D > Extrude.
   • In the PropertyManager, set up your directions for the extrusion, and ensure the “Merge result” option is chosen if you want to combine it with existing bodies.

Additional Techniques in SolidWorks

Creating Thin Features

• To extrude a sketch in both directions, select "Through All – Both Directions" in the Direction 1 settings of the Base Extrude PropertyManager. This will create a thin feature if needed by adjusting the relevant options.

Move/Copy Bodies

• If you need to manipulate bodies, the Move/Copy feature can be accessed via Insert > Features > Move/Copy.... This allows flexible rearrangement of both solid and surface bodies within your assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I troubleshoot issues when parts don’t merge properly?

• Ensure there are no small gaps or errors in your sketches that could prevent merging. Using the "Check Sketch for Feature" tool can help identify issues.

2. What should I do if extrude cuts are failing?

• Review the profiles closely for any gaps. If necessary, try using the cut as a thin feature to evaluate if the cut can be accomplished despite profile issues.

3. Can I join more than two entities when creating a multibody part?

• Yes, during the Combine operation, you can select multiple bodies to merge them collectively using the Add, Subtract, or Common options, depending on the design requirement.