Posted on April 24, 2022 (Updated on July 28, 2025)

How do you create an axis of revolution in SolidWorks?

Space & Navigation

SolidWorks Revolutions: Mastering the Axis for Killer 3D Models

So, you want to spin some sweet 3D shapes in SolidWorks, huh? The revolve feature is your golden ticket, letting you whip up everything from simple cylinders to seriously complex, symmetrical designs. But here’s the thing: it all hinges on the axis of revolution. Get that wrong, and your model’s gonna look… well, not so great. Think of it like this: the axis is the central pole around which your 2D sketch does its dance, creating the 3D form. Let’s dive in!

The Revolve Feature: Your 3D Spinning Wheel

First things first, let’s quickly recap what the revolve feature actually does. Basically, you draw a 2D shape, then tell SolidWorks to spin it around a line. Poof! Instant 3D object. You can make it a solid thing or just a surface, depending on what you’re after. The possibilities? Pretty much endless.

Nailing That Axis: Your Options

Okay, time to get down to business. How do you actually create this all-important axis? SolidWorks gives you a few ways to go about it:

  • The Mighty Centerline: This is your bread and butter, the simplest and most common method. Just draw a centerline right in your sketch. SolidWorks knows this is prime axis material.

    • How-to: Grab the “Centerline” tool from the Sketch tab and draw away. Simple as that!
    • Pro Tip: I always drop the centerline in first. It’s like setting the stage before the actors come on. Dimension everything else from it and you’ll save yourself headaches later. Trust me, I’ve been there.

  • Sketch Lines and Edges: Reusing What You’ve Got: Sometimes, you don’t need a separate centerline. You can actually use an existing line in your sketch or even an edge of a feature.

    • How-to: SolidWorks might not automatically pick up on a regular sketch line as an axis. You’ll have to manually select it in the “Axis of Revolution” box in the Revolve PropertyManager.
    • Why Bother?: Super handy when you’re being efficient and don’t want to clutter your sketch with extra lines.

  • Plane Intersection: When You Need to Get Fancy: Need an axis that’s totally off-kilter? No problem! You can create an axis where two planes intersect.

    • How-to: Head to “Reference Geometry” on the Features tab, pick “Axis,” then “Two Planes.” Select your planes, and bam, axis created!
    • Real Talk: This is your go-to when you want to revolve something around the origin or some other specific point in space. It’s like having a laser-guided axis.

  • Ride the X or Y Axis: You can revolve entities around the positive X or Y axis of the current coordinate system.

    • How-to: Click Solids > Draw > Revolve (or type Revolve). Specify entities to revolve and press Enter. Type X or Y to use the positive X- or Y-axis of the current custom coordinate system as axis direction. Specify the angle of revolution (default: 360 degrees).

    • Revolve Time: Let’s Make Some Magic

    Alright, you’ve got your axis. Now, let’s actually use the revolve feature:

  • Sketch It Out: Draw the 2D profile you want to spin. This is the shape that’s going to get turned into a 3D object.
  • Revolve, Baby!: Go to the Features tab and click “Revolved Boss/Base” (to add material) or “Revolved Cut” (to remove material).
  • Axis Selection: Tell SolidWorks which line is your axis of revolution. Hopefully, it’ll auto-select your centerline, but if not, just click it.
  • Spin Control: Set the angle of revolution. 360 degrees for a full spin, less for a partial one.
  • Tweak It: Play with the other settings. You can revolve in one direction, both directions, create a thin-walled feature, and more.
  • Hit the Green Light: Click that green check mark and watch your 3D masterpiece come to life!

    • Pro Tips for Revolve Rockstars

    • Closed vs. Open: If you want a solid object, your sketch profile must be closed. For surfaces, open profiles are your friend.
    • Don’t Cross the Line!: Make sure your sketch doesn’t cross the axis of revolution. Seriously, SolidWorks will throw a fit.
    • Diameter Dimensions: Dimension across the centerline to create diameter dimensions. Super useful for cylindrical parts. It’s a neat trick I learned the hard way.
    • 2D Only: Your profile sketch needs to be a 2D sketch. No 3D sketches allowed for profiles. However, the Axis of Revolution can be a 3D sketch.

    Final Spin

    Mastering the axis of revolution is key to unlocking the full potential of the revolve feature in SolidWorks. With a bit of practice, you’ll be spinning out complex 3D models like a pro. So get out there, experiment, and have some fun! You’ll be amazed at what you can create.

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