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

In SolidWorks, use the Revolved Surface feature by first creating a 2D sketch of the profile and an axis of revolution. Then select Insert > Surface > Revolve to revolve the sketch around the axis, creating a smooth surface.

Syntax

The Revolved Surface feature in SolidWorks requires a 2D sketch profile and an axis of revolution. The syntax or usage pattern is:

• Sketch Profile: The shape to revolve.
• Axis of Revolution: A line or edge around which the profile rotates.
• Angle: The degree of revolution, usually 360° for a full surface.

This creates a surface by rotating the profile around the axis.

text

Insert > Surface > Revolve

Select Sketch Profile
Select Axis of Revolution
Set Angle (default 360°)
Click OK

Example

This example shows how to create a revolved surface of a half-circle profile around a vertical axis.

text

1. Open a new part in SolidWorks.
2. Create a new sketch on the Front Plane.
3. Draw a half-circle with the center at the origin.
4. Draw a vertical centerline at the origin as the axis of revolution.
5. Exit the sketch.
6. Go to Insert > Surface > Revolve.
7. Select the half-circle as the profile and the centerline as the axis.
8. Set the angle to 360 degrees.
9. Click OK to create the revolved surface.

Output

A smooth, hollow revolved surface shaped like a full circular tube is created.

Common Pitfalls

• Profile not closed: The sketch profile must be closed or properly defined to revolve correctly.
• Axis not defined: You must have a single straight line as the axis of revolution.
• Sketch plane issues: The profile and axis should be on the same sketch or properly aligned.
• Angle too small: Setting an angle less than 360° creates a partial surface, which may be unintended.

text

Wrong way:
- Using an open profile sketch
- No axis line selected

Right way:
- Closed profile sketch
- Single centerline as axis
- Proper angle set

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Create 2D sketch profile	Ensure profile is closed and fully defined
2	Draw axis of revolution	Use a centerline or straight edge in the sketch
3	Select Insert > Surface > Revolve	Open the Revolve Surface tool
4	Select profile and axis	Click profile first, then axis line
5	Set revolution angle	360° for full surface, less for partial
6	Confirm to create surface	Check surface preview before OK

Key Takeaways

Always create a closed 2D sketch profile before revolving.

Define a clear axis of revolution using a centerline or edge.

Use the Insert > Surface > Revolve command to create the revolved surface.

Set the revolution angle carefully to control the surface extent.

Check for sketch and axis alignment to avoid errors.