Revolved boss/base in Solidworks - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a Revolved Boss/Base in SolidWorks?

A Revolved Boss/Base is a feature that creates a 3D shape by rotating a 2D sketch around an axis, like spinning a profile to form a solid object.

beginner

Which element is essential to create a Revolved Boss/Base?

An axis or centerline around which the sketch profile is rotated to form the 3D shape.

beginner

How does the Revolved Boss/Base feature relate to real-life objects?

It mimics how objects like vases, bowls, or wheels are made by spinning a shape around a center, creating symmetrical parts.

intermediate

What happens if the sketch profile is not closed when using Revolved Boss/Base?

The feature may fail or create an open shape, because the profile must be closed to form a solid body.

intermediate

Can you use Revolved Boss/Base to create hollow shapes?

Yes, by creating a Revolved Cut or using thin feature options, you can make hollow or shell-like revolved parts.

What does the Revolved Boss/Base feature do in SolidWorks?

A Mirrors a feature across a plane

B Extrudes a sketch in a straight line

C Cuts a hole through a part

D Rotates a 2D sketch around an axis to create a 3D solid

Revolved Boss/Base spins a 2D profile around an axis to form a 3D shape.

What must you have in your sketch to use Revolved Boss/Base?

A Only an open profile

B A closed profile and an axis of revolution

C Only a closed profile

D A 3D model

You need a closed profile and an axis or centerline to revolve around.

If your Revolved Boss/Base feature fails, what is a common cause?

A The sketch profile is not closed

B The axis is too short

C The part is too big

D The sketch is on the wrong plane

An open profile cannot create a solid when revolved.

Which real-world object is best modeled by Revolved Boss/Base?

A A cube

B A rectangular box

C A wheel

D A flat plate

Wheels are symmetrical around a center axis, perfect for revolving a profile.

How can you create a hollow revolved shape in SolidWorks?

A Use Revolved Cut or thin feature options

B Use Extruded Boss/Base

C Use Mirror feature

D Use Fillet tool

Revolved Cut or thin features allow hollow shapes by removing or thinning material.

Explain how the Revolved Boss/Base feature works and what you need to create one.

Think about spinning a shape around a line.

Describe a real-life example where Revolved Boss/Base would be the best modeling choice and why.

Imagine objects made on a potter's wheel.

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