3D Sketches

What are 3D sketches and what are they good for? 3D sketches can be a valuable tool while sketching in SolidWorks. Not only do you have use of all of the sketch tools such as Lines, Arcs, Circles and Splines, but you can also use all of the Rectangle sketch tools as well. 3D Sketching can be especially useful when you are creating a path for a sweep or a loft.

To create a 3D Sketch go to Insert, 3D Sketch. This puts you in the 3D Sketch mode. Select the type of sketch you want to create like a line, circle, arc etc… You will see that your cursor now changes to show coordinate values underneath it.

The values (XY) let you know which plane you are about to sketch on, as well as the red arrows on the origin. Pressing the Tab key will allow you to switch the sketch planes from XY to YZ to ZX.

 

Pick the sketch plane you want to start on a start sketching. As you create your sketches just tab to change planes and create the desired sketch. You can add dimensions and relations just like in a 2D sketch.

Phil Whitaker         
CATI Technical Support