Step 15.5: Add Solids to the model

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Step 15.5: Add Solids to the model

Add Solids


Note: In Step 15.4, we added two Parts which we joined to the Piggyback-Sliders with Pin-Joints. Also, we added a Slide-Joint between the CAD-Lines in the two Parts. The Parts and Joints assemble as an R-P-R dyad. One of the Parts in the R-P-R dyad has been renamed to Tool-Part.


We will design a Solid for the Chain-Link. The design combines the Tool and the chain-link.

There are two types of Solid you can add to a Part.

Add sketch-loops to represent the shape of a Tool-Part. Then add Profile/Extrusion elements. We call this an MD-Solid.

Import a SOLIDWORKS® part or assembly document onto a CAD-Line. We call this a CAD-Solid.


You can also:

Import a DXF File and convert DXF Lines or Circles to MechDesigner sketch-elements - see Tutorial 8

Edit a CAD-Line to import an STL file from other CAD.


Use the two methods to add Solids to a Part

tog_minusAdd a Sketch-Loop, Profile and Extrusion, and Holes
tog_minusImport a Solid from CAD