In SolidWorks, you merge a mirrored body with the original body by controlling the Merge solids option within the Mirror feature settings.
When you use the Mirror feature in SolidWorks, you are creating a copy of existing geometry across a mirror plane or face. The behavior of this copied geometry (the mirrored part) depends on a crucial option: Merge solids.
Based on the provided reference:
- If you select a face on a solid part, and clear the Merge solids check box, you will create a mirrored body. This mirrored body will be attached to the original body visually, but it will exist as a separate entity within the part file. This is useful for multi-body parts.
- If you select Merge solids, the original part and the mirrored part become a single entity. This means they are combined into one solid body, which is the default behavior for creating a single solid part.
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Option Selected During Mirror | Resulting Body Structure | Use Case Example |
|---|---|---|
| Merge solids (Checked) | Original and Mirrored parts form a single entity. | Creating symmetrical single solid components. |
| Merge solids (Cleared) | Original and Mirrored parts remain separate bodies. | Designing multi-body parts or complex assemblies. |
Essentially, to "merge mirrors" at the time of creation so they form a single solid with the original, you must ensure the Merge solids option is selected in the Mirror Feature PropertyManager. If you mirror a body and uncheck this option, you will end up with two separate solid bodies.
