How to Create Structural Member in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To create a structural member in SolidWorks, first activate the Weldments tab, then use the Structural Member tool to select a standard profile and sketch lines where the members will be placed. SolidWorks will automatically generate the 3D structural members along the selected sketch paths.

Syntax

The basic steps to create a structural member in SolidWorks are:

• Activate Weldments tab: Enable the Weldments feature from the Command Manager.
• Sketch path: Draw 2D lines or profiles where the structural members will be placed.
• Structural Member tool: Select this tool to choose a standard profile (like square tube, angle, etc.) and apply it to the sketch lines.
• Adjust properties: Modify size, orientation, and end treatments as needed.

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1. Enable Weldments tab
2. Create a 2D sketch with lines
3. Exit the sketch
4. Click Structural Member tool
5. Select profile and apply to sketch lines
6. Adjust member properties

Example

This example shows how to create a simple rectangular frame using structural members:

• Open a new part and enable the Weldments tab.
• Create a new 2D sketch on the Front Plane.
• Draw a rectangle using the Line tool.
• Exit the sketch and select the Structural Member tool.
• Choose a square tube profile from the standard library.
• Apply the profile to each line of the rectangle.
• Adjust the size and orientation if needed.

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1. Open SolidWorks and start a new part.
2. Enable Weldments tab via Tools > Add-Ins.
3. Sketch a rectangle on Front Plane.
4. Exit sketch.
5. Click Structural Member tool.
6. Select 'Square Tube' profile.
7. Click each rectangle line to apply.
8. Confirm and exit tool.

Output

A 3D rectangular frame made of square tube structural members appears along the sketch lines.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating structural members include:

• Not enabling the Weldments tab before starting.
• Sketching lines that are not fully defined or disconnected.
• Choosing incompatible profiles for the sketch geometry.
• Forgetting to exit the sketch before applying structural members.
• Ignoring member orientation which can cause incorrect placement.

Always ensure sketches are clean and fully constrained before applying structural members.

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Wrong:
- Applying structural member without exiting sketch
- Using open or broken sketch lines

Right:
- Exit sketch before applying
- Use closed or continuous lines
- Fully define sketch

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Enable Weldments tab	Use Tools > Add-Ins if not visible
2	Create 2D sketch	Draw lines where members go
3	Exit sketch	Must exit before applying members
4	Select Structural Member tool	Choose profile from library
5	Apply profile to sketch lines	Click each line carefully
6	Adjust properties	Set size, orientation, and trims

Key Takeaways

Always enable the Weldments tab before creating structural members.

Sketch clean, fully defined lines to serve as paths for members.

Exit the sketch before applying structural members to avoid errors.

Choose appropriate standard profiles from the Weldments library.

Adjust member properties to fit your design needs.