Revolved cut in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

A revolved cut removes material by rotating a sketch around an axis. It helps create holes or shapes that are symmetrical around a center line.

When you need to cut a circular groove inside a part.

When creating a hole that follows a curved path around an axis.

When shaping a part with symmetrical features like rings or slots.

When you want to remove material evenly around a center line.

When designing parts like pulleys or knobs with cut features.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Features tab > Revolved Cut button

The Revolved Cut property manager opens on the right side

💡 Make sure you have a sketch ready before starting the revolved cut

Step 2: Select

- Sketch in the graphics area or FeatureManager design tree

The sketch profile highlights and appears in the property manager

Step 3: Select

- Axis of revolution field in the property manager

The cursor changes to select an edge, axis, or centerline

💡 Choose a straight line or axis that the sketch will revolve around

Step 4: Click

- Edge or centerline in the sketch or model

The axis of revolution is set and shown in the property manager

Step 5: Set

- Angle of revolution field

The preview updates to show the cut shape based on the angle

💡 Use 360 degrees for a full cut around the axis

Step 6: Click

- OK (green checkmark) button

The revolved cut is created and material is removed from the part

Before vs After

Before

A solid cylinder with a sketch of a half-circle profile on one face and a centerline axis

After

The cylinder has a groove cut around its centerline matching the revolved sketch profile

Settings Reference

Direction 1 - Angle

📍 Revolved Cut property manager

Controls how far the sketch revolves to cut material

Default: 360 degrees

Axis of Revolution

📍 Revolved Cut property manager

Defines the line around which the sketch rotates

Default: None

Flip Side to Cut

📍 Revolved Cut property manager

Changes which side of the sketch profile is cut

Default: Unchecked

Common Mistakes

Selecting a sketch without a closed profile

The revolved cut requires a closed shape to remove material properly

Ensure the sketch profile is fully closed before using revolved cut

Choosing an axis that is not straight or not in the sketch

The axis must be a straight line to revolve the sketch correctly

Select a straight edge, axis, or centerline as the axis of revolution

Setting the angle less than needed without previewing

The cut may be incomplete or not as expected

Use the preview to check the cut and set the angle to 360 degrees for full revolution if needed

Summary

Revolved cut removes material by rotating a closed sketch around a straight axis.

It is useful for creating symmetrical cuts like grooves or holes around a centerline.

Always use a closed sketch and a straight axis for correct results.

Practice

1.

What does the Revolved Cut feature do in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Adds material by extruding a sketch

B. Mirrors a feature across a plane

C. Creates a flat surface on a part

D. Removes material by rotating a sketch around an axis

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Revolved Cut purpose

   Revolved Cut removes material by spinning a sketch around a defined axis.

2. Step 2: Compare with other features

   Extrude adds material, mirror duplicates features, and flat surface creation is unrelated.

3. Final Answer:

   Removes material by rotating a sketch around an axis -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Revolved Cut = Remove by rotation [OK]

Hint: Revolved cut spins sketch to remove material [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing cut with extrude
• Thinking it adds material
• Mixing with mirror feature

2.

Which of the following is the correct syntax to start a Revolved Cut in SolidWorks?

Insert > Cut > Revolved Cut

easy

A. Insert > Boss/Base > Revolved Cut

B. Insert > Hole Wizard > Revolved Cut

C. Insert > Cut > Revolved Cut

D. Insert > Surface > Revolved Cut

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall menu path for Revolved Cut

   The correct menu path is Insert > Cut > Revolved Cut.

2. Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options

   Boss/Base adds material, Surface is for surfaces, Hole Wizard is for holes, not revolved cuts.

3. Final Answer:

   Insert > Cut > Revolved Cut -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Menu path = Insert > Cut > Revolved Cut [OK]

Hint: Revolved Cut is under Insert > Cut menu [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing Boss/Base instead of Cut
• Confusing Hole Wizard with Revolved Cut
• Selecting Surface instead of Cut

3.

Given a sketch of a semicircle with radius 10 mm and an axis along the diameter, what will be the result of a Revolved Cut feature?

medium

A. A solid hemisphere cut with 10 mm radius

B. A hollow sphere cut with 10 mm radius

C. A full cylinder cut with 10 mm radius

D. A hollow cylinder cut with 10 mm radius

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand sketch and axis

   A semicircle revolved around its diameter axis creates a solid hemisphere shape.

2. Step 2: Identify cut shape

   The Revolved Cut removes material in a solid hemisphere form, not a hollow sphere or cylinder.

3. Final Answer:

   A solid hemisphere cut with 10 mm radius -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Semicircle revolve = solid hemisphere cut [OK]

Hint: Semicircle revolve around diameter = solid hemisphere cut [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking it creates a hollow cylinder cut
• Confusing cylinder with sphere
• Assuming full cylinder cut

4.

Why does a Revolved Cut fail when the sketch is not closed?

medium

A. Because the sketch cannot form a solid profile to revolve

B. Because the axis is missing

C. Because the sketch is too complex

D. Because the material thickness is zero

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand sketch closure requirement

   Revolved Cut needs a closed sketch to create a solid profile for cutting.

2. Step 2: Identify failure cause

   An open sketch cannot form a solid shape when revolved, causing the feature to fail.

3. Final Answer:

   Because the sketch cannot form a solid profile to revolve -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Closed sketch needed for revolve [OK]

Hint: Sketch must be closed to revolve cut [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Blaming missing axis instead of open sketch
• Assuming complexity causes failure
• Confusing material thickness with sketch closure

5.

You want to create a groove inside a cylindrical part using Revolved Cut. Which two things must you ensure before applying the feature?

hard

A. The sketch is closed and the part is flat

B. The sketch is closed and the axis is defined

C. The sketch is open and the axis is undefined

D. The sketch is open and the part is hollow

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify sketch requirements

   The sketch must be closed to form a valid profile for cutting.

2. Step 2: Confirm axis definition

   A clear axis must be defined to revolve the sketch correctly.

3. Final Answer:

   The sketch is closed and the axis is defined -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Closed sketch + defined axis = successful revolved cut [OK]

Hint: Always close sketch and define axis before revolved cut [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using open sketches
• Not defining axis
• Assuming flat or hollow part is required