Converting from 2D to 3D Drawings in SOLIDWORKS

TriMech Marketing

24 Feb, 2020 09:52 PM

With SOLIDWORKS, converting 2D DWG files to 3D models is quick and easy. In this tutorial, we go over how to do this.

1. Step 1:

   Starting with this DWG assembly, we are going to work on this bracket to convert it from 2D to 3D.

   

   
   

   
   

2. Step 2:

   Open in SOLIDWORKS, using DXF/DWG Import Wizard. You can create a solid model from this part. You can control the units, add constraints and import the dimensions themselves. You can also control the layers that are available. Check the layers you need to convert it into SOLIDWORKS.

   
   

3. Step 3:

   Click Next. You can repair or merge overlapping entities. You can also select which parts you want to put on which plane and assign the origin. Click Finish.

   

   
   

   
   

4. Step 4:

   The sketch will open in SOLIDWORKS. Using the 2D to 3D toolbar, you can decide which will be the front sketch and which will be the top sketch. It will fold that sketch in the top view down in a 3D orientation. You can then align the sketches using a couple of entities and snap them together so that they are oriented properly.

5. Step 5:

   You can then assign the Right View to fold it around as well and align it. By selecting the points and then the aligning the sketch, you get a representation of the 3D model from the 2D sketch.  

6. Step 6:

   Take the first front plane and start an extrusion there to create the model. You can choose the directions and you can do it as an Up To Vertex.

   

   
   

   
   

7. Step 7:

   You now can cut away from the right view. Using an extruded cut, select that view, Cut Through All. Check the flip side to cut and cut away the outside of the sketch.

   

   
   

   
   

8. Step 8:

   You can then take the part and convert it to a sheet metal part. Go to the sheet metal model, select Convert to Sheet Metal > fixed face > collect all bends. Click OK and it creates the sheet metal part, along with sheet metal entry in the feature manager and the flatten part of the sheet metal program.

   

   
   

   
   

9. Step 9:

   You can flatten the part as well now. The flatten in our tree is suppressed when it is folded so you can’t put anything in the flattened state. This is where you use the Unfold tool. You can go in and unfold a part without flattening it and create a sketch on the top face. Select the rounded part of the top sketch and convert those entities.

   

   
   

   
   

10. Step 10:

    Grab and drag the lines outside the model to be sure to get a clean cut through all. Do an extruded cut through all. Make sure the arrow is pointing to the outside (the part you want to cut away). 

    

    
    

    
    

    
    

11. Step 11:

    Now there is a rounded nose on the lever. You can go into the sheet metal tool again and fold it. Select the bends and close. This part is now completed. 

    

    
    

    
    

12. Step 12:

    You can flatten it, fold it back and use it in drawings and other things.

    See the full tutorial video here.