How to Thicken Surface in SolidWorks?

Overview of Thicken Surface Function

Thickening surfaces is a crucial operation in SolidWorks that allows users to transform surface geometry into solid features. This is especially useful for creating parts that require material thickness for structural integrity or aesthetic purposes.

Preparing to Thicken a Surface

Before using the thicken function, ensure your surface is properly configured. If every surface you plan to thicken is not connected, you need to knit these surfaces together. By doing so, you create a unified surface that can be effectively thickened.

Step 1: Knit Surfaces Together

1. Access the Knit Surface Tool: Navigate to the “Surfaces” toolbar and select the “Knit Surface” option.
2. Select Surfaces: Click on the surfaces you want to merge into a single entity.
3. Confirm the Operation: Ensure that “Create solid” is checked if a closed surface volume is desired, then click “OK” to knit the surfaces.

Thicken the Surface

Once you have a knitted surface, you can proceed to thicken it.

Step 2: Initiate the Thicken Process

1. Locate the Thicken Tool: Go to the “Features” toolbar and click on the “Thicken” option. Alternatively, you can find it through the menu by selecting Insert > Boss/Base > Thicken.
2. Select the Surface: In the graphics area, click on the knitted surface you wish to thicken.

Step 3: Configure Thicken Parameters

1. Access PropertyManager: After selecting the surface, the PropertyManager for Thicken will appear on your left.
2. Set Thickness Value: You need to specify the thickness you want to apply in the thickness input box.
3. Choose the Direction: Decide which side of the surface you want to thicken by selecting the appropriate options. You can either thicken outward, inward, or both ways.

Step 4: Preview and Confirm

1. Review the Preview: Utilize the preview function to visualize the thicken operation before finalizing.
2. Adjust as Necessary: If the preview does not meet expectations, adjust the thickness value or direction accordingly.
3. Finalize the Operation: Once satisfied with the configuration, click on “OK” to execute the thicken command and create the solid feature.

Additional Surface Operations

After thickening a surface, SolidWorks offers many other functionalities to modify and enhance your design. Operations such as cutting, merging, and dividing surfaces can be employed for more complex geometries and designs.

Cutting a Surface

To modify a surface after thickening, you may want to cut into it.

1. Select Cut With Surface Tool: Click on “Cut with Surface” under the Features toolbar.
2. Define the Cutting Surface: Choose the surface that you will use to perform the cut.
3. Adjust Cutting Parameters: Check the preview and alter any cut direction if required before confirming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of surfaces can be thickened in SolidWorks?
Any surface that has been knitted together can be thickened, provided that it forms a closed volume. Single, unconnected surfaces will need to be knitted before thickening.

2. Can I thicken surfaces in both directions?
Yes, while using the thicken tool, you can set the thickness to be applied outward, inward, or in both directions depending on your design requirements.

3. Is it possible to reverse the direction of the thickness after it is applied?
Once the thickness is applied, reversing it can only be done by editing the feature. In the PropertyManager during the thicken operation, you can easily toggle the side options to adjust the direction of the thickness.