How to Create Custom Weldment Profile in SolidWorks Easily

To create a custom weldment profile in SolidWorks, start by drawing the 2D cross-section of your profile in a new part file using Sketch. Save this sketch as a DXF/DWG file in the Weldment Profiles folder. Then, use this custom profile in your weldment structural members.

Syntax

Creating a custom weldment profile involves these key steps:

• Create Sketch: Draw the 2D shape of the profile in a new part file.
• Save as DXF/DWG: Export the sketch as a DXF or DWG file.
• Place in Weldment Profiles Folder: Save the file in the correct folder for SolidWorks to recognize it.
• Use in Weldment Feature: Select the custom profile when creating structural members.

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1. Open a new part in SolidWorks.
2. Create a 2D sketch of the profile on the Front Plane.
3. Save the sketch as a DXF or DWG file.
4. Copy the DXF/DWG file to the folder: C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS <version>\lang\english\weldment profiles\<profile type>\
5. In your weldment part, select Structural Member and choose your custom profile.

Example

This example shows how to create a custom L-shaped weldment profile:

1. Open SolidWorks and start a new part.
2. Sketch an L shape using two perpendicular lines and add dimensions.
3. Exit the sketch and save it as LShapeProfile.dxf.
4. Copy LShapeProfile.dxf to the Weldment Profiles folder under Angle.
5. In a weldment part, select Structural Member, choose Angle profile type, and pick LShapeProfile.

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Open SolidWorks > New Part > Front Plane > Sketch
Draw two lines forming an L shape with dimensions 50mm x 50mm
Exit Sketch > File > Save As > Select DXF (*.dxf) > Name: LShapeProfile.dxf
Copy LShapeProfile.dxf to C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 2024\lang\english\weldment profiles\angle\
Open weldment part > Structural Member > Profile Type: Angle > Select LShapeProfile

Output

Custom L-shaped profile appears as an option in Structural Member profiles and can be used to create weldment members.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating custom weldment profiles include:

• Saving the sketch in the wrong folder, so SolidWorks cannot find the profile.
• Not exporting the sketch as a DXF or DWG file, which is required for weldment profiles.
• Sketch not being closed or fully defined, causing errors when used.
• Using complex or 3D sketches instead of simple 2D profiles.

Always verify the profile is a closed 2D sketch and placed in the correct folder.

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Wrong way:
- Save sketch as SolidWorks part (.sldprt) and expect it to appear in profiles.
Right way:
- Save sketch as DXF/DWG and place in Weldment Profiles folder.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Details
1	Create 2D Sketch	Draw profile shape on Front Plane in new part
2	Save as DXF/DWG	Export sketch as DXF or DWG file
3	Place in Folder	Copy file to Weldment Profiles folder under correct profile type
4	Use in Weldment	Select custom profile in Structural Member feature

Key Takeaways

Draw your custom profile as a simple 2D sketch in a new part.

Save the sketch as a DXF or DWG file to use as a weldment profile.

Place the DXF/DWG file in the correct Weldment Profiles folder for SolidWorks to detect it.

Ensure the sketch is closed and fully defined to avoid errors.

Select your custom profile when creating structural members in weldments.