Extruded cut in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

An extruded cut removes material from a 3D part by pushing a 2D sketch shape into the model. This helps create holes, slots, or other cut features to shape your design.

When you need to create a hole through a solid block for a bolt or screw.

When you want to cut a slot or groove into a part for assembly.

When you need to remove material to reduce weight without changing the outer shape.

When designing parts that require openings for wiring or fluid flow.

When modifying a solid model by subtracting specific shapes.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Features tab > Extruded Cut button

The Extruded Cut property manager opens on the right side of the screen

Step 2: Select

- A planar face or plane in the graphics area

A new sketch is created on the selected face or plane

Step 3: Draw

- Sketch tools (e.g., rectangle, circle) in the Sketch tab

A 2D shape appears on the sketch plane representing the cut area

Step 4: Click

- Features tab > Extruded Cut button again if needed

The sketch is ready to be extruded as a cut

Step 5: Set

- Direction and depth options in the Extruded Cut property manager

The preview shows the cut shape penetrating the solid model

Step 6: Click

- OK (green checkmark) in the property manager

The material inside the sketch shape is removed from the 3D model

Before vs After

Before

A solid rectangular block with no holes or cuts

After

The block has a circular hole cut through it where the sketch was extruded

Settings Reference

Direction

📍 Extruded Cut property manager

Controls the direction(s) in which the cut is extruded

Default: One Direction

Depth

📍 Extruded Cut property manager

Defines how far the cut extends into the model

Default: Blind (specific depth)

Flip Side to Cut

📍 Extruded Cut property manager

Changes which side of the sketch is removed

Default: Unchecked

Common Mistakes

Not selecting a face or plane before starting the sketch

The sketch will not be placed correctly, causing errors or unexpected cut locations

Always select a planar face or plane before creating the sketch for the cut

Setting the cut depth too shallow or too deep

The cut may not fully remove material or may cut through unintended areas

Use preview and appropriate depth options like 'Through All' to ensure correct cut length

Summary

Extruded cut removes material by pushing a 2D sketch shape into a 3D model.

You must create a sketch on a face or plane before defining the cut.

Set direction and depth carefully to control the cut size and location.

Practice

1. What does the Extruded Cut feature do in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Removes material by pushing a 2D sketch through a 3D part

B. Adds material by extruding a 2D sketch

C. Creates a 3D sketch from a 2D profile

D. Measures the volume of a 3D part

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of Extruded Cut

   Extruded Cut removes material by pushing a closed 2D sketch through a 3D solid.

2. Step 2: Differentiate from other features

   Unlike Extrude Boss/Base which adds material, Extruded Cut removes it.

3. Final Answer:

   Removes material by pushing a 2D sketch through a 3D part -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Extruded Cut = Remove material [OK]

Hint: Extruded Cut always removes material, not adds [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Extruded Cut with Extrude Boss/Base
• Thinking it creates 3D sketches
• Assuming it measures volume

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to start an Extruded Cut in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Select a closed sketch, then click 'Features' > 'Extruded Cut'

B. Draw an open sketch and click 'Extruded Cut'

C. Select a 3D sketch and click 'Extruded Cut'

D. Click 'Insert' > 'Boss/Base' > 'Extruded Cut'

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the sketch type needed

   Extruded Cut requires a closed 2D sketch to define the cut area.

2. Step 2: Locate the correct menu option

   The correct path is selecting the closed sketch, then using 'Features' > 'Extruded Cut'.

3. Final Answer:

   Select a closed sketch, then click 'Features' > 'Extruded Cut' -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Closed sketch + Features > Extruded Cut = Correct [OK]

Hint: Always use a closed sketch before Extruded Cut [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using open sketches which cause errors
• Trying to cut from 3D sketches
• Confusing Extruded Cut with Boss/Base insertion

3. Given a cylinder with diameter 50mm and height 100mm, you create a circular sketch of diameter 20mm on the top face and apply an Extruded Cut with depth 30mm. What is the height of the remaining cylinder after the cut?

medium

A. 30mm

B. 100mm

C. 70mm

D. 50mm

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the original cylinder dimensions

   The cylinder is 100mm tall before the cut.

2. Step 2: Apply the Extruded Cut effect

   The 20mm diameter circular sketch on the top face extruded cut to 30mm depth removes a cylindrical hole 30mm deep from the top, but the overall external height of the part remains unchanged.

3. Step 3: Calculate remaining height

   Remaining height = 100mm (total height unaffected).

4. Final Answer:

   100mm -> Option B

5. Quick Check:

   Total height unchanged by internal cut [OK]

Hint: Extruded Cut removes internal material; overall dimensions unchanged [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Subtracting cut depth from total height
• Thinking blind cut trims the top of the part
• Confusing hole depth with height reduction

4. You tried to create an Extruded Cut but SolidWorks shows an error. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The sketch is on a 3D plane

B. The cut depth is zero

C. The sketch is not closed

D. The part is too large

Solution

1. Step 1: Check sketch closure requirement

   Extruded Cut requires a closed sketch; open sketches cause errors.

2. Step 2: Evaluate other options

   Cut depth zero usually disables the feature but may not error; 3D plane sketches are allowed if projected; part size does not cause errors.

3. Final Answer:

   The sketch is not closed -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Open sketch = Extruded Cut error [OK]

Hint: Always close your sketch before cutting [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring open sketch errors
• Assuming zero depth causes error
• Blaming part size incorrectly

5. You want to create a slot through a rectangular block 80mm long, 40mm wide, and 20mm high. You sketch a rectangle 10mm wide and 60mm long on the top face and apply an Extruded Cut through all. What will be the shape and size of the cut?

hard

A. A circular hole 10mm diameter through the block

B. A rectangular slot 10mm wide, 60mm long, and 10mm deep

C. A rectangular slot 20mm wide, 60mm long, and 40mm deep

D. A rectangular slot 10mm wide, 60mm long, and 20mm deep

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze the sketch dimensions

   The sketch is a rectangle 10mm wide and 60mm long on the top face.

2. Step 2: Understand the cut depth

   Extruded Cut 'through all' removes material through the entire 20mm height.

3. Step 3: Determine the cut shape and size

   The cut will be a rectangular slot 10mm wide, 60mm long, and 20mm deep (full block height).

4. Final Answer:

   A rectangular slot 10mm wide, 60mm long, and 20mm deep -> Option D

5. Quick Check:

   Sketch size + through all depth = slot size [OK]

Hint: Through all cuts full thickness matching sketch shape [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing width and depth dimensions
• Assuming partial cut depth
• Mistaking slot for circular hole