How to Add Trim Extend in Weldments in SolidWorks

In SolidWorks weldments, use the Trim/Extend tool found under the Weldments tab to cleanly join structural members by trimming or extending their ends. Select the members to trim or extend, then choose the appropriate trim type and confirm to apply the changes.

Syntax

The Trim/Extend tool in SolidWorks weldments allows you to modify the ends of structural members to create clean joints. The basic steps are:

• Activate Weldments tab: Ensure the Weldments tab is visible in the CommandManager.
• Select Trim/Extend tool: Click the Trim/Extend button.
• Choose members: Select the structural members you want to trim or extend.
• Pick trim type: Options include 'Corner', 'Miter', 'Trim to face', or 'Extend to face'.
• Apply: Confirm the operation to update the weldment members.

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1. Activate Weldments tab
2. Click Trim/Extend tool
3. Select members to trim or extend
4. Choose trim type (Corner, Miter, Trim to face, Extend to face)
5. Click Apply or OK

Example

This example shows how to trim two overlapping square tubes in a weldment frame using the Corner trim type.

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1. Open your weldment part with overlapping members.
2. Go to the Weldments tab.
3. Click the Trim/Extend tool.
4. Select the two overlapping members.
5. Choose 'Corner' as the trim type.
6. Click the green checkmark to apply.

Result: The overlapping ends are trimmed to meet cleanly at the corner.

Output

The two square tube members are trimmed so their ends meet exactly at the corner without overlap.

Common Pitfalls

• Not selecting members properly: You must select both members involved in the trim or extend operation.
• Wrong trim type: Choosing an incorrect trim type can cause unexpected geometry or gaps.
• Ignoring member profiles: Different profiles may require different trim methods for clean joints.
• Not updating the weldment feature: Always confirm the trim to update the model.

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Wrong way:
1. Select only one member
2. Try to trim without selecting the other member

Right way:
1. Select both members
2. Choose correct trim type
3. Apply trim

Quick Reference

Trim Type	Description	Use Case
Corner	Trims members to meet at a corner	Most common for frame corners
Miter	Creates angled cuts for miter joints	For angled weldments
Trim to Face	Trims member end to a selected face	When trimming to complex surfaces
Extend to Face	Extends member end to a selected face	When members need lengthening

Key Takeaways

Use the Trim/Extend tool in the Weldments tab to cleanly join structural members.

Always select all members involved before applying trim or extend.

Choose the correct trim type based on the joint geometry.

Confirm the operation to update the weldment model.

Check member profiles to ensure proper trimming or extending.