SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Chapter 18: Working with Library Features

Figure 18.8 shows the base feature and the first feature of the library feature. The only relations

between the sketch of the library feature and the base feature are the sketch plane and the two

dimensions.

FIGURE 18.8

Creating a library feature

Note
Notice that names have been assigned to all the dimensions, sketches, and features. This is because the dimen-
sion names all display in the interface. If you look back to Figure 18.4, in the Size Dimensions pane, dimension
names make it easy to know which dimension to change, whereas the D1 dimension leaves you guessing as to
what it applies. n

You should ensure that subsequent features after the first one reference only the first feature of the

library feature (which is the second feature in the part). This is not a mandatory requirement, but a

helpful guideline. You can make additional references, but they should be limited to the same

items that were already referenced if possible. Users who model carelessly or do not pay attention

to what they are doing typically have trouble making library features that function and are easy to

use. Successful modeling of library features is like planning a strategy in a game of chess.

Now you can add the second extruded feature, being careful to reference only geometry that is

going to move with the library feature. Figure 18.9 shows the newly added feature. If you would

like to follow along as I detail how this feature is built, you can open the part from the CD-ROM

under the filename Chapter 18 First Library Feature.sldlfp.