In SolidWorks, you typically combine solid or surface bodies within a single part file using the Combine feature. This powerful tool allows you to merge multiple bodies into one, subtract one body from another, or find the common volume between them.
Understanding the SolidWorks Combine Feature
The Combine feature is specifically designed to manipulate bodies within a single SolidWorks part document. If you have multiple part files that you want to bring together, you would create an assembly and insert them. The Combine feature is used when you have created multiple solid or surface bodies within the same part environment, perhaps from different sketches, extrusions, or imported geometry, and you need to unify them.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Combine Bodies
Combining bodies in SolidWorks using the Combine feature is straightforward. Here's how to do it, incorporating the method described in the reference:
Accessing the Combine Command
You can access the Combine feature through two primary methods:
- From the Features toolbar: Look for the
Combineicon. - Through the Insert menu: Navigate to
Insert > Features > Combine.
Using the Combine PropertyManager
Once you activate the Combine command, the PropertyManager will appear. This is where you define the operation.
- Select the Operation Type: Under the Operation Type section in the PropertyManager, choose the type of combination you want to perform. As per the reference, to combine bodies into a single entity, you select Add. Other options include Subtract and Common.
- Select Bodies to Combine: In the Bodies to Combine box, select the solid or surface bodies from the graphics area or the FeatureManager design tree that you wish to merge together. SolidWorks will highlight the selected bodies.
- Preview and Confirm: Optionally, check the
Show previewbox to see a preview of the resulting combined body. Once satisfied, click the green checkmark to complete the operation.
Summary of the Process:
| Step | Action | Location/PropertyManager |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Access Command | Open the Combine feature | Features toolbar or Insert > Features > Combine |
| 2. Select Operation Type | Choose how bodies interact | PropertyManager > Operation Type (Select Add to combine) |
| 3. Select Bodies | Pick the bodies involved | PropertyManager > Bodies to Combine |
| 4. Finalize | Confirm the operation | PropertyManager > Green checkmark |
Operation Types Explained
While the primary method for merging objects is the Add operation mentioned in the reference, the Combine feature offers other powerful operations:
- Add: Merges the selected bodies into a single, unified body. The original boundaries between the selected bodies disappear. This is the method used for simple "combining" or "adding" material.
- Subtract: Removes material from a main body (the "Main Body") using other bodies (the "Bodies to Subtract") as cutting tools.
- Common: Creates a new body from the intersection of the selected bodies – retaining only the volume that is common to all selected bodies.
Practical Tips and Considerations
- Multi-Body Parts: The Combine feature is exclusively used within a single SolidWorks part document that contains multiple solid or surface bodies.
- Body Selection: Ensure you select all the intended bodies for the operation. You can click on them directly in the graphics area or expand the "Solid Bodies" or "Surface Bodies" folder in the FeatureManager tree to select them by name.
- Order Matters for Subtract: When using the Subtract operation, the order in which you select the "Main Body" and "Bodies to Subtract" is crucial.
By following these steps, you can effectively combine multiple bodies in SolidWorks using the dedicated Combine feature, streamlining your modeling process for complex multi-body parts.
