In SOLIDWORKS, the revolve command is used to create or remove geometry by rotating a 2D sketch about an axis. It is important to think carefully about the design intent of your part. If done right, you can eliminate the need for extra features and create holes and details in a single step. Before we can access the feature, we need to create a new 2D sketch on a plane. Start the sketch by drawing a centreline – this will be our axis of revolution. Then we’ll add all the sketch geometry to one side of it. We only need to sketch half of a cross section to create a revolved part. SOLIDWORKS will handle the other half for us. Choose revolve boss or base from the features tab. This tool creates geometry. If you have only one centreline in your sketch, SOLIDWORKS will automatically select it as the axis of revolution. Then, Modify the settings if required. and accept the feature to finish the revolve. In certain cases, there may be additional construction geometry required to define a sketch. In this case, the axis of revolution must be defined manually by selecting the appropriate centreline. It is also possible to choose a solid sketch line as the axis of rotation. This must be manually selected, since without a centreline, SOLIDWORKS will not automatically recognise the sketch as a potential revolve. Finally, to avoid errors when creating revolves, make sure that no part of your sketch crosses the axis of rotation. Anything drawn past this axis will cause the command to fail. If you need to cut away material using a revolved sketch, then you’ll want to use the cut-revolve tool instead. This is controlled in exact the same way as a Boss Revolve, but it will remove geometry instead of creating it. Learn more SOLIDWORKS tips, tricks, and solutions by visiting our blog or contact us via the details on screen.