How to Use Shell Feature in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, use the Shell feature to hollow out a solid part by specifying wall thickness and selecting faces to remove. This creates a thin-walled shell by removing internal material while keeping the outer shape intact.

Syntax

The Shell feature in SolidWorks is accessed from the Features toolbar or Insert menu. You specify:

• Wall Thickness: The thickness of the shell walls.
• Faces to Remove: Optional faces to open the shell.

This hollows the solid body inside, leaving walls of the specified thickness.

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Shell Feature Parameters:
- Wall Thickness: Numeric value (e.g., 2 mm)
- Faces to Remove: Select one or more faces

Usage:
1. Select the solid body.
2. Click Shell.
3. Enter Wall Thickness.
4. Select Faces to Remove (optional).
5. Confirm to create shell.

Example

This example shows how to shell a cube with 10 mm sides to have 2 mm thick walls and remove the top face to create an open box.

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1. Create a 10 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm cube.
2. Select the cube.
3. Click <Shell> from the Features toolbar.
4. Enter Wall Thickness = 2 mm.
5. Select the top face to remove.
6. Click OK to apply.

Result: A hollow cube with 2 mm thick walls and an open top.

Output

Visual result: A hollow box shape with 2 mm thick walls and no top face.

Common Pitfalls

• Setting wall thickness too large can cause errors if it exceeds half the part thickness.
• Not selecting faces to remove when needed results in a closed shell.
• Trying to shell very thin or complex geometry may fail due to geometry constraints.

Always check the preview before confirming the shell.

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Wrong:
- Wall Thickness = 6 mm on a 10 mm thick part (too thick)
- No faces removed when an opening is needed

Right:
- Wall Thickness = 2 mm
- Select faces to remove for openings

Quick Reference

Parameter	Description	Tips
Wall Thickness	Thickness of shell walls	Must be less than half part thickness
Faces to Remove	Faces to open shell	Select to create openings
Preview	Shows shell before applying	Always check for errors
Feature Location	Features toolbar or Insert > Features > Shell	Easy to find in SolidWorks UI

Key Takeaways

Use the Shell feature to hollow out solid parts by specifying wall thickness.

Select faces to remove if you want openings in the shell.

Wall thickness must be less than half the part thickness to avoid errors.

Always preview the shell before confirming to catch issues.

Shell is found in the Features toolbar or Insert menu in SolidWorks.