SOLIDWORKS Extrude Cut Feature

Summary

In this video, Matt Perez explains how to use the Extrude Cut feature in SolidWorks, highlighting key differences between it and the standard Extrude feature. He walks viewers through various end conditions, such as 'Through All' and 'Up to Next,' and explains how to apply offset from surface for precise cuts. Perez also covers practical tips like using thin features and handling complex shapes like cylinders. Overall, this tutorial is a great resource for SolidWorks users looking to understand the intricacies of cutting through parts with the Extrude Cut tool.

Takeaways

• 😀 Extrude Cut in SolidWorks is similar to the extrude feature but with differences in end conditions.
• 😀 The main differences in Extrude Cut include options like Through All Both, Up to Next, and Offset from Surface.
• 😀 The 'Through All Both' end condition automatically selects both direction 1 and direction 2, making it easier to cut through all bodies.
• 😀 'Up to Next' cuts through the first solid body it encounters and ends at the face of the body, offering more control than Through All.
• 😀 The 'Offset from Surface' option in Extrude Cut lets you start from a face and offset the cut by a set distance, such as 2mm.
• 😀 When using the 'Offset from Surface' option, you may need to change the end condition to 'Blind' to make it work properly.
• 😀 You can't apply a draft to a feature when using 'From Surface' or 'Offset from Surface' in Extrude Cut.
• 😀 Extrude Cut can be used to create precise cuts in parts by selecting faces and controlling the offset, making it a versatile tool.
• 😀 Sometimes, the software may not allow you to select the face on the fly when using the 'From Surface' option; starting over can resolve the issue.
• 😀 A section view in SolidWorks can help visualize the cut made by Extrude Cut, showing how material is removed from the part.
• 😀 The main takeaway between Extrude and Extrude Cut is the type of feature created: Extrude adds material, while Extrude Cut removes material.

Q & A

What is the main difference between an extrude and an extrude cut in SolidWorks?

The main difference is that an extrude adds material to a part, while an extrude cut removes material from a part. The extrude cut tool is used to create voids or cuts in a part, whereas extrude is used for adding features like bosses or pads.

What is the function of the 'Through All Both' option in extrude cuts?

'Through All Both' automatically selects both direction one and direction two, cutting through the entire part in both directions. This feature makes it more efficient compared to older versions where you had to manually select the direction for each side.

How does the 'Up to Next' end condition in an extrude cut work?

The 'Up to Next' end condition cuts the material until it reaches the first solid body it encounters. The cut will end at the face of the first body, rather than cutting all the way through the part.

When should you use the 'Offset from Surface' option in an extrude cut?

The 'Offset from Surface' option is useful when you need to cut material starting from a specific surface and offset by a certain distance. This is commonly used to create small pockets or cut away material starting from a reference face.

What happens if the 'From Surface' selection gets locked when using the 'Offset from Surface' option?

If the 'From Surface' selection gets locked, you may need to reset the options by changing the end condition to 'Blind' and selecting the face again. Sometimes SolidWorks can get confused, especially when working with complex shapes like cylinders.

What is the effect of flipping the direction when using the 'Offset from Surface' option?

Flipping the direction changes the orientation of the cut. Depending on the selected face and direction, it will either cut material from the outer side of the face or from the inner side, allowing more control over the cut's depth and placement.

Can you apply a draft to an extrude cut feature when using 'Offset from Surface'?

No, you cannot directly apply a draft to an extrude cut when using the 'Offset from Surface' option. If you need a draft, you must apply it using a different feature, such as a separate draft feature or through other modeling techniques.

How does 'Up to Next' differ from 'Through All' in an extrude cut?

'Through All' cuts through the entire part, regardless of what it encounters, while 'Up to Next' stops the cut once it hits the next solid body. 'Up to Next' provides more control when you don't want to cut all the way through the part.

Why is the 'Through All Both' option considered more efficient than previous versions?

In earlier versions of SolidWorks, you had to manually select two directions for the 'Through All' cut. The 'Through All Both' option automates this, selecting both directions at once, making it faster and more convenient to use.

What kind of problems can arise when using the 'Offset from Surface' feature with cylindrical parts?

When working with cylindrical parts, the 'Offset from Surface' feature can be tricky because the software may have difficulty determining the correct direction for the cut. This is due to the continuous nature of the cylindrical surface, which may confuse the software in selecting the correct cutting direction.