Sketch fillet and chamfer in Solidworks - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This data represents the lengths of two sketch lines and the parameters for applying a fillet and a chamfer between them in a SolidWorks sketch.

Cell	Value
A1	Line1 Length
B1	100
A2	Line2 Length
B2	80
A3	Fillet Radius
B3	10
A4	Chamfer Distance1
B4	15
A5	Chamfer Distance2
B5	10

Formula Trace

Fillet_Length_Adjusted = (Line1 Length - Fillet Radius) + (Line2 Length - Fillet Radius) + (Fillet Radius * π / 2) Chamfer_Length_Adjusted = (Line1 Length - Chamfer Distance1) + (Line2 Length - Chamfer Distance2) + sqrt(Chamfer Distance1^2 + Chamfer Distance2^2)

Step 1: Line1 Length - Fillet Radius

Step 2: Line2 Length - Fillet Radius

Step 3: Fillet Radius * π / 2

Step 4: Fillet_Length_Adjusted = 90 + 70 + 15.708

Step 5: Line1 Length - Chamfer Distance1

Step 6: Line2 Length - Chamfer Distance2

Step 7: sqrt(Chamfer Distance1^2 + Chamfer Distance2^2)

Step 8: Chamfer_Length_Adjusted = 85 + 70 + 18.028

Cell Reference Map

     A       B
  +-------+-------+
1 |Line1  |  100  |
  +-------+-------+
2 |Line2  |   80  |
  +-------+-------+
3 |Fillet |   10  |
  +-------+-------+
4 |Chamf1 |   15  |
  +-------+-------+
5 |Chamf2 |   10  |
  +-------+-------+

References: B1, B2 for line lengths; B3 for fillet radius; B4, B5 for chamfer distances.

This map shows the cells used as inputs for the fillet and chamfer length adjustment calculations.

Result

     A                 B
  +----------------+---------+
6 |Fillet Adj. Len | 175.708 |
  +----------------+---------+
7 |Chamfer Adj. Len| 173.028 |
  +----------------+---------+

These cells show the final adjusted lengths after applying fillet and chamfer respectively.

The result cells display the total adjusted lengths of the sketch lines after applying the fillet and chamfer modifications.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What does the term 'Fillet Radius * π / 2' represent in the formula?

A The length of the fillet arc (quarter circle)

B The total length of both lines

C The sum of chamfer distances

D The radius of the chamfer

Key Result

Sketch fillet adjusts line lengths by subtracting radius and adding quarter circle arc; chamfer adjusts by subtracting distances and adding hypotenuse of chamfer legs.

Practice

1. What does a sketch fillet do in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Cuts the corner of a sketch at an angle

B. Creates a hole in the sketch

C. Extends the sketch line beyond its endpoint

D. Rounds the corner of a sketch with a radius

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the function of fillet

   A fillet in sketching rounds the sharp corner between two lines by adding a smooth arc with a specified radius.

2. Step 2: Compare with chamfer

   Unlike a chamfer, which cuts the corner at an angle, a fillet creates a rounded edge.

3. Final Answer:

   Rounds the corner of a sketch with a radius -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Fillet = Rounded corner [OK]

Hint: Fillet = round corner; chamfer = angled cut [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing fillet with chamfer
• Thinking fillet cuts corners
• Assuming fillet extends lines

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to create a sketch fillet in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Select two lines -> Click Fillet tool -> Enter radius -> Apply

B. Select one line -> Click Chamfer tool -> Enter angle -> Apply

C. Draw circle -> Select Fillet tool -> Enter diameter -> Apply

D. Select two points -> Click Extend tool -> Enter length -> Apply

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify correct fillet creation steps

   To create a fillet, you select two intersecting lines, then use the Fillet tool and specify the radius.

2. Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options

   Options involving chamfer tool, circles, or extend tool do not create fillets.

3. Final Answer:

   Select two lines -> Click Fillet tool -> Enter radius -> Apply -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Fillet syntax = select lines + radius [OK]

Hint: Fillet needs two lines and radius input [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using chamfer tool for fillet
• Selecting only one line
• Confusing radius with diameter

3. Given two intersecting sketch lines, if you apply a fillet with radius 5 mm, what will be the shape at the corner?

medium

A. A sharp corner remains unchanged

B. A rounded arc with radius 5 mm replaces the corner

C. A straight angled cut replaces the corner

D. The lines extend beyond the intersection by 5 mm

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand fillet effect on corner

   Applying a fillet replaces the sharp corner with a smooth arc of the specified radius.

2. Step 2: Confirm radius usage

   The radius defines the size of the arc rounding the corner, so radius 5 mm means the arc has 5 mm radius.

3. Final Answer:

   A rounded arc with radius 5 mm replaces the corner -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Fillet radius = arc radius [OK]

Hint: Fillet radius = arc size at corner [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking fillet leaves corner sharp
• Confusing fillet with chamfer
• Assuming lines extend instead of rounding

4. You tried to apply a chamfer on two non-intersecting sketch lines but got an error. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. Fillet tool was selected instead of chamfer

B. Chamfer radius is too large

C. Lines do not intersect, so chamfer cannot be applied

D. Sketch is not fully defined

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand chamfer requirements

   Chamfer requires two intersecting lines to cut the corner at an angle.

2. Step 2: Analyze error cause

   If lines do not intersect, there is no corner to chamfer, causing an error.

3. Final Answer:

   Lines do not intersect, so chamfer cannot be applied -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Chamfer needs intersecting lines [OK]

Hint: Chamfer needs intersecting lines to work [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying chamfer on parallel lines
• Confusing fillet and chamfer tools
• Ignoring line intersection requirement

5. You want to prepare a sketch corner for manufacturing by removing sharp edges. Which combination of sketch fillet and chamfer should you apply if the corner must have a 3 mm radius rounded edge and a 2 mm angled cut on the adjacent edge?

hard

A. Apply a 3 mm fillet on the corner, then a 2 mm chamfer on one adjacent line

B. Apply a 2 mm chamfer on the corner, then a 3 mm fillet on one adjacent line

C. Apply only a 3 mm fillet on the corner

D. Apply only a 2 mm chamfer on the corner

Solution

1. Step 1: Apply fillet for rounded corner

   Use a 3 mm fillet to round the corner itself, removing the sharp edge with a smooth arc.

2. Step 2: Apply chamfer on adjacent edge

   Apply a 2 mm chamfer on one adjacent line to create an angled cut next to the rounded corner.

3. Final Answer:

   Apply a 3 mm fillet on the corner, then a 2 mm chamfer on one adjacent line -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Fillet rounds corner + chamfer cuts edge [OK]

Hint: Fillet rounds corner; chamfer cuts adjacent edge [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Applying chamfer before fillet on corner
• Using only one tool instead of both
• Mixing radius and distance values