Part II: Building Intelligence into Your Parts
Caution
A word of caution is needed when using split lines, especially if you plan to add or remove split lines from an
existing model. The split lines should go as far down the tree as possible. Split lines change the face IDs of the
faces that they split, and often the edges as well. If you roll back and apply a split line before existing features,
you may have a significant amount of cleanup to do. Similarly, if you remove a split line that already has sev-
eral dependent features, many other features may also be deleted or simply lose their references. n
Equation Driven Curve
The Equation Driven Curve is not really a curve feature; it is a sketch entity. It specifies a spline
inside a 2D sketch with an actual equation. Even though this is a spline based sketch entity, it can
only be controlled through the equation, and not by using spline controls. This feature is covered
in more detail in Chapter 3, with other sketch entities.
Understanding Fillet Types
SolidWorks offers very powerful filleting functions. The Fillet feature comprises various types of
fillets and blends. Simple fillets on straight and round edges are handled differently from variable-
radius fillets, which are handled differently from the single or double hold line fillet or setback fil-
lets. Once you click the OK button to create a fillet as a certain type, you cannot switch it to
another type. You can switch types only before you create an established fillet feature.Many filleting options are available, but most of them are relatively little used or even known. In
fact, most users confine themselves to the Constant Radius or Variable Radius fillets. The following
section describes all the available fillet types and options:l (^) Constant Radius Fillet
Multiple Radius Fillet ....................................................................................
l (^) Round Corners
Keep edge/Keep surface .................................................................................
l (^) Keep Feature
l Variable Radius Fillet
l (^) Face Fillet
l Curvature Continuous Fillet
l (^) Face Fillet with Help Point
Single hold line fillet ......................................................................................
l (^) Double Hold Line Fillet