Introduction to SolidWorks

Lesson 8 – Modeling the Truck Base
Section III – Modeling Complex Parts 8.3 Modeling the Truck Base

 Click the check mark and verify that SolidWorks added a ∞ symbol to the diameter of the

first hole.

 Click Smart Dimension, click the diameter of the second hole, open the pull down-menu

and select Link Value.

 Open the pull-down menu for the name and you should find CornerHole.

 Select CornerHole and click the check mark.

 Your model should look like Figure 8.2.

Step 60: Use the Mirror Entities command on the Sketch tab to create the other two holes.

 Click the pull-down menu for the line command and select the centerline.

 Sketch a vertical centerline from the origin. The direction and length of the line is not

important. You will notice that the end point is blue, or undefined. You can constrain it by

using Smart Dimension, or by clicking on the point, which opens the

PropertyManager, and selecting Fix in Add Relations.

 Click Mirror Entities on the Sketch tab.

 For Entities to mirror, select the two holes.

 For Mirror about, select the centerline.

 Click the check mark to accept the Mirror command.

 Click Extruded Cut on the Features menu. Select Through All or Up to Next.

 Click the check mark.

The cylinder extrusion with the pocket for the spacer is at an angle from the horizontal plane.
First, we must create a sketch plane. Then, we will sketch a circle and extrude the cylinder.

Fix Relations

The “Fix” relation can be used to fix the location of points in a spline. They are also useful to fix the

end points in a construction line that will be used for the mirror or sweep commands. They should not

be used instead of proper modeling using dimensions and relationships.

Sketch Clutter

It is possible to have too much information in your sketch. Figure 8.2, for example shows dimensions

and relationships. To turn-off the relationships, use ViewSketch relationships on the Main Menu

to toggle on and off. Other useful toggles are ViewTemporary Axis and ViewHide All Types.

Changing Linked Values and Equations

Links can be broken and equations can be changed. Double click on the number and use the smart

dimension pull-down menu to make changes.