To change the thickness of a surface or solid body in SOLIDWORKS, use the Thicken feature.
Steps to Thicken a Surface or Solid in SOLIDWORKS:
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Access the Thicken Command: Click Thicken on the Features toolbar, or go to Insert > Boss/Base > Thicken.
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Select the Surface or Solid: In the graphics area, select the surface or solid body you want to thicken.
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Define Thicken Parameters in the PropertyManager:
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Thickness: Specify the desired thickness value.
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Thicken Side: Choose which side of the surface or solid to thicken:
- Side 1: Thicken to one side of the selected face/surface.
- Side 2: Thicken to the opposite side of the selected face/surface.
- Thicken Both Sides: Adds the specified thickness to both sides of the selected face/surface. This effectively adds half the thickness to each side.
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Create Solid Body: (Optional) If thickening a surface, ensure "Create solid from enclosed volume" is checked if you intend to create a solid body as a result of the thickening operation.
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Merge Result: (Optional) If thickening and coming into contact with an existing body, select "Merge result" to combine the thickened feature with an existing solid body.
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Click OK: Click the green checkmark to apply the thicken feature.
Example:
Imagine you have a thin surface representing a sheet of metal. You can use the Thicken command to give it a physical thickness, making it a solid part. You can choose to add the thickness to the inside, the outside, or equally to both sides of the original surface.
Key Considerations:
- Surface Selection: Be mindful of which surface you select, as it determines the direction of thickening.
- Thickness Value: Ensure the thickness value is appropriate for your design. Too small a value might not be visible, while too large a value could create unintended geometry.
- Self-Intersecting Geometry: Very small radii or complex shapes can cause self-intersecting geometry when thickened, leading to errors. In such cases, consider simplifying the geometry or using a different modeling approach.
By using the Thicken feature in SOLIDWORKS, you can easily add or modify the thickness of your models, creating realistic and manufacturable parts.
