To merge shapes in Solidworks, you can't directly combine two separate part files into one. However, you can create a single part file that contains multiple bodies, which can then be combined using the Combine feature. Here's how:
Steps to Create and Combine Multibody Parts:
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Insert the First Part: Begin by opening one of the part files you want to merge. This will be your base part.
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Insert the Second Part:
- Go to Insert > Part.
- Browse to and select the second part file you want to merge.
- When inserting the part, you will be prompted to locate it. Use the Move/Copy toolbar to position the inserted part as desired in relation to the base part. Click the green checkmark to accept the placement. This creates a multibody part file. You now have two separate solid bodies within a single part file.
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Use the Combine Feature:
- Go to Insert > Features > Combine or find the Combine feature on the Features toolbar.
- In the PropertyManager:
- Operation Type: Select "Add" to merge the volumes of the selected bodies.
- Bodies to Combine: Select the two solid bodies you wish to merge. You can select them directly in the graphics area or from the FeatureManager design tree.
- Click the green checkmark to execute the combine operation.
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Result: The two separate solid bodies are now merged into a single solid body within the same part file. The original parts are gone, and you have a new merged part.
Important Considerations:
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Multibody Parts: Solidworks allows you to create parts that contain multiple solid bodies. This is different from an assembly, where parts are separate files related to each other. Using "Insert Part" creates a multibody part.
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Operation Type: The Combine feature offers different operation types:
- Add: Merges the volumes of the selected bodies.
- Subtract: Removes the volume of one body from another.
- Common: Creates a body only where the selected bodies overlap.
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FeatureManager Design Tree: The FeatureManager design tree lists all the features in your part, including the inserted parts and the combine feature. This allows you to edit or suppress features as needed.
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Alternatives: While Combine is the most direct way to merge solid bodies, other features like Knit Surface and Thicken can achieve similar results, particularly when dealing with surface bodies.
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Assemblies vs. Multibody Parts: Choose between assemblies and multibody parts depending on your design intent. Assemblies are better for managing complex products with many separate components, while multibody parts are suitable for designing single parts that consist of multiple features or shapes that need to be combined.
By following these steps, you can effectively merge shapes in Solidworks by creating and combining multibody parts. This approach offers flexibility in designing complex geometries within a single part file.
