How to Use Cut Extrude in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, use the Cut Extrude feature to remove material by sketching a shape on a face and then extruding it inward. Select a face, create a closed sketch, then click Cut Extrude to specify depth and direction to cut through the model.

Syntax

The Cut Extrude feature in SolidWorks follows this basic workflow:

• Select Face/Plane: Choose the surface or plane to sketch on.
• Create Sketch: Draw a closed shape that defines the cut area.
• Activate Cut Extrude: Click the Cut Extrude tool from the Features toolbar.
• Set Parameters: Define the cut depth, direction, and end condition (e.g., blind, through all).
• Confirm: Apply the cut to remove material.

This process removes material inside the sketch profile by extruding it into the solid.

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1. Select a face or plane
2. Create a closed sketch (circle, rectangle, etc.)
3. Click Features > Extruded Cut
4. Set depth and direction
5. Click OK to cut

Example

This example shows how to cut a circular hole through a block using Cut Extrude:

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1. Open a new part and create a 100mm x 100mm x 50mm block using Extrude Boss.
2. Select the top face of the block.
3. Click Sketch and draw a circle with 20mm diameter at the center.
4. Exit the sketch.
5. Click Features > Extruded Cut.
6. Set the cut depth to 50mm (through the block).
7. Click OK to create the hole.

Output

The block now has a 20mm diameter hole cut straight through from the top face.

Common Pitfalls

• Open Sketch Profiles: Cut Extrude requires a fully closed sketch; open profiles cause errors.
• Wrong Face Selection: Sketching on the wrong face or plane leads to misplaced cuts.
• Cut Depth Mistakes: Setting too shallow or too deep cut depth may not remove the intended material.
• Direction Confusion: Extrude direction must be correct to cut into the solid, not away from it.

Always double-check your sketch closure, face selection, and cut parameters before confirming.

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Wrong way:
- Sketch is not closed
- Cut depth set to 0

Right way:
- Close the sketch fully
- Set appropriate cut depth (e.g., through all)

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Select face or plane	Choose the correct surface for sketching
2	Create closed sketch	Ensure sketch is fully closed to avoid errors
3	Activate Cut Extrude	Use Features > Extruded Cut toolbar button
4	Set depth and direction	Use 'Through All' for full cuts
5	Confirm cut	Review preview before clicking OK

Key Takeaways

Cut Extrude removes material by extruding a closed sketch inward on a selected face.

Always create a fully closed sketch to avoid errors during the cut.

Set the correct cut depth and direction to remove the intended material.

Use 'Through All' end condition for cuts that go completely through the part.

Double-check face selection and sketch placement before applying the cut.