Converting entities and intersection curves in Solidworks - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the 'Convert Entities' tool do in SolidWorks?

It creates a sketch entity by projecting edges, faces, or curves from existing geometry onto the current sketch plane.

intermediate

How is an 'Intersection Curve' different from 'Convert Entities'?

An Intersection Curve creates a sketch by projecting the intersection of two or more surfaces or solids onto a sketch plane, capturing their exact intersection shape.

beginner

Why use 'Convert Entities' instead of redrawing geometry manually?

It saves time and ensures accuracy by directly referencing existing model edges, reducing errors and maintaining design intent.

intermediate

Can 'Intersection Curve' be used with multiple bodies in a multi-body part?

Yes, it can create curves where different bodies intersect, helping to define complex shapes or features based on those intersections.

intermediate

What is a practical example of using 'Intersection Curve' in design?

When designing a cut or feature that follows the exact shape where two surfaces meet, like a pipe intersecting a plate, the Intersection Curve helps create precise sketch lines.

What does the 'Convert Entities' tool create in a sketch?

A Surface bodies

B New 3D features

C Projected edges from existing geometry

D Assembly mates

Convert Entities projects edges or curves from existing geometry onto the active sketch plane.

Which tool would you use to get the exact line where two surfaces meet?

A Convert Entities

B Intersection Curve

C Extrude Boss/Base

D Fillet

Intersection Curve creates a sketch of the intersection between surfaces or solids.

Can 'Convert Entities' create sketch geometry from edges on a different plane than the sketch?

A Only for assembly components

B No, only edges on the same plane

C Only if the edges are 3D sketches

D Yes, it projects edges onto the sketch plane

Convert Entities projects edges from any geometry onto the current sketch plane.

What is a key benefit of using 'Convert Entities' in your workflow?

A It ensures sketch accuracy by referencing existing edges

B It deletes old sketches

C It creates new solid bodies

D It automatically colors sketches

Convert Entities helps maintain accuracy by referencing existing model edges.

Which scenario best fits using 'Intersection Curve'?

A Finding the line where a cylinder cuts a block

B Drawing a circle on a flat plane

C Adding a hole feature

D Mirroring a sketch

Intersection Curve is used to capture the exact intersection line between two bodies or surfaces.

Explain how 'Convert Entities' helps in creating sketches from existing model geometry.

Think about how you avoid redrawing shapes.

Describe a situation where using 'Intersection Curve' is necessary and how it works.

Consider where two parts meet exactly.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of the Convert Entities tool in SolidWorks?

easy

A. To delete unwanted sketch lines automatically

B. To create new 3D surfaces from sketches

C. To project existing edges onto the current sketch plane

D. To merge two separate sketches into one

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the function of Convert Entities

   The Convert Entities tool projects edges or faces from existing geometry onto the active sketch plane.

2. Step 2: Compare options with this function

   Only To project existing edges onto the current sketch plane describes projecting existing edges onto the sketch plane, matching the tool's purpose.

3. Final Answer:

   To project existing edges onto the current sketch plane -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Convert Entities = Project edges [OK]

Hint: Convert Entities projects edges onto sketches quickly [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Convert Entities with creating new surfaces
• Thinking it merges sketches
• Assuming it deletes sketch lines

2. Which of the following is the correct way to use the Intersection Curve tool in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Select two intersecting surfaces to create sketch lines where they meet

B. Select a single edge to convert it into a 3D curve

C. Draw freehand lines that snap to existing edges

D. Automatically fill closed sketch profiles

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the purpose of Intersection Curve

   Intersection Curve creates sketch lines from the intersection of two or more surfaces.

2. Step 2: Match the correct usage

   Select two intersecting surfaces to create sketch lines where they meet correctly states selecting two intersecting surfaces to generate sketch lines at their intersection.

3. Final Answer:

   Select two intersecting surfaces to create sketch lines where they meet -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Intersection Curve = Lines from surface intersections [OK]

Hint: Use Intersection Curve on surfaces, not edges [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to use Intersection Curve on a single edge
• Confusing it with freehand drawing
• Assuming it fills sketches automatically

3. Given a model with two intersecting planes, what will happen if you use Intersection Curve on these planes?

medium

A. The sketch will be deleted automatically

B. The planes will merge into a single surface

C. Nothing will happen because planes cannot intersect

D. A sketch line will be created along the intersection line of the two planes

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand intersection of planes

   Two planes intersect along a line if they are not parallel.

2. Step 2: Apply Intersection Curve tool

   Using Intersection Curve on these planes creates a sketch line along their intersection.

3. Final Answer:

   A sketch line will be created along the intersection line of the two planes -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Intersection Curve on planes = sketch line [OK]

Hint: Intersection Curve creates lines where surfaces meet [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking planes cannot intersect
• Expecting surfaces to merge
• Assuming no output is created

4. You tried to use Convert Entities on a face but no sketch lines appeared. What is the most likely reason?

medium

A. The sketch plane is not parallel or intersecting the selected face

B. You selected multiple faces instead of one

C. Convert Entities only works on edges, not faces

D. The model is in 3D view mode

Solution

1. Step 1: Check sketch plane relation to face

   Convert Entities projects edges onto the active sketch plane; if the plane does not intersect or align with the face, no projection occurs.

2. Step 2: Evaluate other options

   The sketch plane is not parallel or intersecting the selected face correctly identifies the plane-face relation as the cause; other options are incorrect because Convert Entities works on edges of faces and multiple faces can be selected.

3. Final Answer:

   The sketch plane is not parallel or intersecting the selected face -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Sketch plane must intersect face for Convert Entities [OK]

Hint: Ensure sketch plane crosses face before converting entities [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming Convert Entities works without plane intersection
• Believing it only works on edges, not faces
• Ignoring sketch plane orientation

5. You want to create a sketch that exactly follows the edges where a cylinder intersects a plane at an angle. Which combination of tools should you use?

hard

A. Use Convert Entities directly on the cylinder edges only

B. Use Intersection Curve to create the intersection lines, then Convert Entities to project them onto your sketch plane

C. Draw the intersection manually using the line tool

D. Use the Extrude tool to create the intersection

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the intersection between cylinder and plane

   The intersection between a cylinder and an angled plane is a curve, not a simple edge.

2. Step 2: Use Intersection Curve to create sketch lines

   Intersection Curve generates the exact intersection lines between the cylinder surface and the plane.

3. Step 3: Use Convert Entities to project onto sketch plane

   After creating the intersection curve, Convert Entities can project it onto the active sketch plane for further use.

4. Final Answer:

   Use Intersection Curve to create the intersection lines, then Convert Entities to project them onto your sketch plane -> Option B

5. Quick Check:

   Intersection Curve + Convert Entities = accurate sketch [OK]

Hint: Combine Intersection Curve and Convert Entities for angled intersections [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to convert cylinder edges directly without intersection
• Drawing intersection manually causing inaccuracies
• Using Extrude tool which is unrelated