Revolved surface in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

A revolved surface in SolidWorks helps you create a 3D curved shape by spinning a 2D profile around an axis. This is useful when you want to model objects like bottles, bowls, or wheels that have round shapes.

When you want to create a smooth curved surface by rotating a flat sketch around a center line.

When designing parts like cups, vases, or pipes that are symmetrical around an axis.

When you need to make a hollow or thin-walled object with a round shape.

When you want to quickly generate a surface that can be used for further modeling or analysis.

When you need to visualize or measure curved surfaces without creating a solid body.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Surfaces tab > Revolved Surface

The Revolved Surface PropertyManager opens on the left side of the screen

Step 2: Select

- Sketch section box in the PropertyManager

The cursor changes to select mode for picking a 2D sketch profile

Step 3: Click

- A closed 2D sketch profile in the graphics area

The sketch profile is highlighted and appears in the Sketch section box

Step 4: Select

- Axis of revolution box in the PropertyManager

The cursor changes to select mode for picking the axis line

Step 5: Click

- A line or edge in the graphics area to use as the axis

The axis is highlighted and appears in the Axis of revolution box

Step 6: Type

- Angle input box in the PropertyManager

The angle value updates the preview of the revolved surface in the graphics area

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

Step 7: Click

- OK button in the PropertyManager

The revolved surface is created and shown in the 3D workspace

Before vs After

Before

A 2D closed sketch profile and a line for axis are visible in the graphics area

After

A smooth 3D curved surface formed by revolving the sketch around the axis appears

Settings Reference

Angle of revolution

📍 Revolved Surface PropertyManager > Angle input box

Controls how far the profile is rotated around the axis to create the surface

Default: 360 degrees

Direction of revolution

📍 Revolved Surface PropertyManager > Direction dropdown

Determines if the profile revolves in one direction or symmetrically both ways

Default: One direction

Axis of revolution

📍 Revolved Surface PropertyManager > Axis of revolution box

Defines the line around which the profile spins to form the surface

Default: User selected

Common Mistakes

Selecting an open sketch profile instead of a closed one

Revolved surfaces require a closed profile to create a valid surface

Ensure the sketch profile is fully closed with no gaps before using Revolved Surface

Choosing an axis line that does not intersect or is not near the profile

The axis must be positioned properly to revolve the profile correctly

Pick an axis line that is adjacent or passes through the profile area

Summary

Revolved Surface creates a 3D curved surface by spinning a 2D sketch around an axis.

You must select a closed sketch profile and a proper axis line to generate the surface.

The angle setting controls how much of the revolution is created, up to 360 degrees.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of a Revolved Surface in SolidWorks?

easy

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

B. To extrude a 2D sketch in a straight line

C. To cut a hole through a solid body

D. To mirror a part across a plane

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the Revolved Surface concept

   A revolved surface is created by rotating a 2D profile around a fixed axis.

2. Step 2: Compare with other features

   Extrusion extends a sketch linearly, cutting removes material, mirroring duplicates. Only revolving spins the sketch.

3. Final Answer:

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

4. Quick Check:

   Revolve = spin sketch around axis [OK]

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

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing revolve with extrusion
• Thinking revolve cuts material
• Mixing revolve with mirroring

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to create a revolved surface in SolidWorks using the API method CreateRevolvedSurface?

easy

A. CreateRevolvedSurface(axisLine, profileSketch, angle)

B. CreateRevolvedSurface(profileSketch, axisLine, angle)

C. CreateRevolvedSurface(profileSketch, angle, axisLine)

D. CreateRevolvedSurface(angle, profileSketch, axisLine)

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify parameter order in API

   The method requires the profile sketch first, then the axis line, then the angle of revolution.

2. Step 2: Match parameters to options

   Only CreateRevolvedSurface(profileSketch, axisLine, angle) follows the correct order: profileSketch, axisLine, angle.

3. Final Answer:

   CreateRevolvedSurface(profileSketch, axisLine, angle) -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Profile, Axis, Angle order [OK]

Hint: Remember: Profile first, then axis, then angle [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Swapping axis and profile parameters
• Putting angle before axis
• Incorrect parameter order causing errors

3. Given a 2D sketch of a semicircle and an axis line, what will be the shape created by revolving the sketch 360 degrees around the axis?

medium

A. A hollow cylinder

B. A solid hemisphere

C. A torus (doughnut shape)

D. A sphere

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the semicircle revolution

   Revolving a semicircle 360 degrees around its diameter axis creates a full sphere.

2. Step 2: Eliminate other shapes

   A hollow cylinder needs a rectangle, a torus needs a circle offset from axis, hemisphere is half sphere.

3. Final Answer:

   A sphere -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Semicircle revolve 360° = sphere [OK]

Hint: Semicircle spun fully makes a sphere [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking it creates a cylinder
• Confusing torus with sphere
• Assuming hemisphere instead of full sphere

4. You tried to create a revolved surface but got an error saying "Axis not defined". What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The axis line was not selected or missing

B. The angle of revolution is zero

C. The profile sketch is not closed

D. The sketch is not on the correct plane

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze the error message

   "Axis not defined" means the software cannot find the axis to revolve around.

2. Step 2: Identify common causes

   Most likely the axis line was not selected or missing in the feature setup.

3. Final Answer:

   The axis line was not selected or missing -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Missing axis line causes "Axis not defined" error [OK]

Hint: Always select axis line before revolving [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring axis selection
• Assuming profile closure causes axis error
• Not checking angle value

5. You want to create a revolved surface for a bottle shape using a 2D profile sketch. The profile is open at the top and you revolve it 270 degrees around the vertical axis. What will be the result?

hard

A. A solid cylinder

B. A fully closed bottle shape

C. A partial bottle shape with an open side

D. An error because the profile is open

Solution

1. Step 1: Consider the open profile and revolution angle

   An open profile revolved less than 360 degrees creates a partial surface with an open side.

2. Step 2: Understand the effect of 270 degrees revolution

   Since 270° is less than full circle, the shape will not close fully, leaving a gap.

3. Final Answer:

   A partial bottle shape with an open side -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Open profile + 270° revolve = partial open shape [OK]

Hint: Less than 360° revolve + open profile = open partial shape [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming partial revolve closes shape
• Thinking open profile causes error
• Confusing partial revolve with full revolve