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.

Practice

1.

What is the main purpose of the Revolved Boss/Base feature in SolidWorks?

easy

A. To measure distances between parts

B. To cut holes in a 3D model

C. To add colors to a 3D model

D. To create 3D shapes by spinning a 2D sketch around an axis

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the Revolved Boss/Base function

   This feature creates 3D shapes by revolving a 2D sketch around a chosen axis.

2. Step 2: Compare options to the function

   Only To create 3D shapes by spinning a 2D sketch around an axis describes spinning a 2D sketch to form a 3D shape, matching the feature's purpose.

3. Final Answer:

   To create 3D shapes by spinning a 2D sketch around an axis -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Revolved Boss/Base = 3D shape by revolving sketch [OK]

Hint: Remember: revolve means spin a sketch around an axis [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing revolve with cut or color features
• Thinking it measures distances
• Assuming it creates flat sketches

2.

Which of the following is the correct syntax to start a Revolved Boss/Base feature in SolidWorks?

1. Select sketch
2. Choose Revolved Boss/Base
3. Select axis of revolution
4. Set angle

easy

A. Select sketch, choose Revolved Boss/Base, select axis, set angle

B. Select axis, choose Revolved Boss/Base, select sketch, set angle

C. Choose Revolved Boss/Base, select angle, select sketch, select axis

D. Set angle, select sketch, choose Revolved Boss/Base, select axis

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the correct order of operations

   You must first select the 2D sketch, then start the Revolved Boss/Base feature, then pick the axis, and finally set the angle.

2. Step 2: Match the steps to options

   Only Select sketch, choose Revolved Boss/Base, select axis, set angle follows this logical and correct sequence.

3. Final Answer:

   Select sketch, choose Revolved Boss/Base, select axis, set angle -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Correct order = sketch -> feature -> axis -> angle [OK]

Hint: Always pick sketch before axis in revolve setup [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Selecting axis before sketch
• Setting angle before choosing feature
• Skipping axis selection

3.

Given a semicircle sketch revolved 180 degrees around its diameter axis using Revolved Boss/Base, what 3D shape is created?

medium

A. A half sphere

B. A cylinder

C. A full sphere

D. A cone

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the sketch and revolution angle

   A semicircle revolved 180 degrees around its diameter axis will create half of a sphere shape.

2. Step 2: Match shape to revolution

   Revolving 180 degrees (half circle) of a semicircle forms a half sphere, not a full sphere or cylinder.

3. Final Answer:

   A half sphere -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Semicircle + 180° revolve = half sphere [OK]

Hint: Half circle revolved 180° makes half sphere [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming 180° revolve makes full sphere
• Confusing semicircle with rectangle
• Thinking it creates a cylinder

4.

Identify the error in this Revolved Boss/Base setup:
1. Sketch is a closed profile
2. Axis selected is a line outside the sketch plane
3. Revolution angle set to 360 degrees
What is the likely problem?

medium

A. Sketch must be open, not closed

B. Angle cannot be 360 degrees

C. Axis must lie in the sketch plane or intersect it

D. Axis line must be parallel to sketch plane

Solution

1. Step 1: Check axis position relative to sketch

   The axis must be in or intersect the sketch plane to revolve the profile correctly.

2. Step 2: Analyze given axis outside sketch plane

   An axis outside the sketch plane will cause errors or no valid revolution.

3. Final Answer:

   Axis must lie in the sketch plane or intersect it -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Axis position error = axis must intersect sketch plane [OK]

Hint: Axis must cross or be in sketch plane for revolve [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking sketch must be open
• Believing 360° angle is invalid
• Assuming axis must be parallel to sketch plane

5.

You want to create a vase shape by revolving a profile sketch around an axis. The profile is open on one side. What must you do to successfully use Revolved Boss/Base?

hard

A. Select multiple axes for revolution

B. Close the profile sketch before revolving

C. Set the revolution angle to less than 180 degrees

D. Use Revolved Cut instead of Boss/Base

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand profile requirements for revolve

   The profile must be a closed sketch to create a solid 3D shape with Revolved Boss/Base.

2. Step 2: Fix open profile issue

   Closing the profile ensures the revolve creates a solid vase shape without errors.

3. Final Answer:

   Close the profile sketch before revolving -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Closed profile needed for solid revolve [OK]

Hint: Always close your sketch profile before revolve [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to revolve open profiles
• Using Revolved Cut instead of Boss/Base incorrectly
• Thinking multiple axes can be selected