How to Use Extruded Surface in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, use the Extruded Surface feature to create a surface by extending a 2D sketch along a straight path. Select a sketch, then click Insert > Surface > Extruded Surface, set the depth and direction, and confirm to generate the extruded surface.

Syntax

The Extruded Surface feature in SolidWorks follows this usage pattern:

• Insert > Surface > Extruded Surface: Opens the extrude surface dialog.
• Sketch Selection: Choose a 2D sketch to extrude.
• Direction and Depth: Define how far and in which direction the surface extends.
• End Condition: Options like Blind (fixed depth), Through All, or Up to Vertex.
• Confirm: Click OK to create the extruded surface.

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Insert > Surface > Extruded Surface
Select Sketch
Set Direction and Depth
Choose End Condition
Click OK

Example

This example shows how to create an extruded surface from a simple rectangle sketch:

1. Create a new sketch on the Front Plane.
2. Draw a rectangle using the Rectangle tool.
3. Exit the sketch.
4. Go to Insert > Surface > Extruded Surface.
5. Select the rectangle sketch.
6. Set the depth to 50 mm and direction normal to the sketch plane.
7. Choose Blind as the end condition.
8. Click OK to generate the extruded surface.

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1. Open Front Plane and create a rectangle sketch.
2. Exit sketch.
3. Insert > Surface > Extruded Surface.
4. Select rectangle sketch.
5. Set Depth = 50 mm.
6. End Condition = Blind.
7. Click OK.

Output

An extruded surface extending 50 mm from the rectangle sketch is created.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using extruded surfaces include:

• Trying to extrude a sketch with open or non-closed profiles, which can cause errors.
• Confusing solid extrude with surface extrude; surface extrude creates only a surface, not a solid body.
• Setting an incorrect end condition that results in zero or no extrusion.
• Not selecting the correct sketch before starting the extrude surface command.

Always ensure your sketch is valid and closed if needed, and double-check the extrusion parameters.

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/* Wrong: Sketch with open profile */
// Results in error or incomplete surface

/* Right: Closed rectangle sketch */
// Successful extruded surface creation

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Notes
1	Create 2D Sketch	Use closed profiles for best results
2	Select Insert > Surface > Extruded Surface	Opens extrude surface dialog
3	Choose Sketch	Select the sketch to extrude
4	Set Direction and Depth	Define extrusion length and direction
5	Pick End Condition	Blind, Through All, Up to Vertex, etc.
6	Click OK	Creates the extruded surface

Key Takeaways

Use the Extruded Surface feature to extend a 2D sketch into a surface by setting depth and direction.

Always select a valid, closed sketch to avoid errors during extrusion.

Choose the correct end condition to control how far the surface extrudes.

Remember extruded surfaces create surfaces, not solid bodies.

Use the Insert > Surface > Extruded Surface menu to start the process.