Revolved boss/base in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The Revolved boss/base feature creates a 3D shape by rotating a 2D sketch around an axis. It helps you make round or cylindrical parts quickly, like a bottle or a wheel.

When you want to make a round object like a pipe or a knob from a simple sketch.

When your design needs a symmetrical shape around a center line.

When you want to create parts like cones, cylinders, or rings easily.

When you have a profile sketch and want to spin it to form a solid.

When you need to add a round feature to an existing part by revolving a sketch.

Steps

Step 1: Open or create a 2D sketch

- Sketch tab

A flat sketch with lines or curves appears on the screen

💡 Make sure your sketch is closed or properly shaped for revolving

Step 2: Select the axis of revolution

- Sketch or model area

The axis line is highlighted and ready for use

💡 The axis can be a centerline in your sketch or an edge in the model

Step 3: Click Revolved Boss/Base

- Features tab

The Revolved Boss/Base property manager opens on the left

💡 If the property manager does not open, check if you are in a part document

Step 4: Set the revolution angle

- Revolved Boss/Base property manager

The preview of the revolved shape appears in the graphics area

💡 Use 360 degrees for a full revolution or less for partial shapes

Step 5: Click OK (green checkmark)

- Revolved Boss/Base property manager

The 3D revolved solid is created and shown in the model

💡 You can edit the sketch or axis later to change the shape

Before vs After

Before

A 2D sketch of a half-profile of a bottle with a centerline axis

After

A 3D solid bottle shape created by revolving the sketch 360 degrees around the centerline

Settings Reference

Axis of Revolution

📍 Revolved Boss/Base property manager

Defines the line around which the sketch rotates

Default: None (user must select)

Revolution Angle

📍 Revolved Boss/Base property manager

Controls how far the sketch rotates to form the solid

Default: 360 degrees

Direction of Revolution

📍 Revolved Boss/Base property manager

Chooses if the sketch revolves in one or both directions from the axis

Default: One direction

Common Mistakes

Not selecting an axis of revolution

The tool cannot create a revolved shape without a rotation axis

Always select a centerline or edge as the axis before confirming

Using an open sketch profile

Open sketches do not form a solid when revolved

Close the sketch profile by connecting all endpoints before revolving

Setting revolution angle to 0 degrees

No shape is created if the angle is zero

Set the revolution angle to a positive value, usually 360 degrees for full rotation

Summary

Revolved boss/base creates 3D shapes by spinning a 2D sketch around an axis.

You must select a proper axis and a closed sketch profile for it to work.

Set the revolution angle to control how much the sketch spins to form the solid.