Can you create a part that has multiple separate solid bodies in SolidWorks?

Short Answer

Yes — in SolidWorks, you can create a part with multiple separate solid bodies by using a multi-body part workflow, most commonly with Boss-Extrude while clearing Merge result. This is a standard professional method for modeling related solids in one file. Limitation: separate bodies do not behave like separate part files in assemblies.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: if Merge result stays enabled during an added feature, SolidWorks will automatically join touching geometry into one body and remove the separation you intended. Also, some downstream operations like BOMs, custom properties, and drawing workflows can become confusing if you use multi-body parts carelessly.

How to Create Multiple Solid Bodies in SolidWorks

• Command: Boss-Extrude

• Shortcut: No default keyboard shortcut

• Quick Steps:

  1. In the FeatureManager, start a new sketch on a plane or face, then go to Features > Extruded Boss/Base on the CommandManager.
  2. Create the first solid, then make another sketch for the next shape and start Boss-Extrude again.
  3. In the PropertyManager, clear the Merge result checkbox before confirming, so the new extrusion becomes a separate solid body.

Variables & Settings

• Key Setting: Merge result

• Expert Setting: when enabled, SolidWorks combines touching solid geometry into one body during the feature creation. When disabled, the new feature remains an independent solid body, which is the key setting for building multi-body parts.

Why it Fails

• Cause 1 (Geometry): the new feature touches or overlaps existing geometry and Merge result is enabled, so SolidWorks combines them into one solid body.
• Cause 2 (layers/Locks): bodies may be hidden in the Solid Bodies folder or affected by display state settings, making it look like the body was not created separately.
• Cause 3 (Command/Logic): using a feature like Combine later in the workflow can merge separate bodies unintentionally, defeating the multi-body setup.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

• Quick Fix: edit the creating feature and clear Merge result, or use Insert > Features > Delete/Keep Body to clean up the result if unwanted bodies were created.
• Manager’s Verdict: use multi-body parts when bodies are manufactured or positioned together during design, but avoid them when each item needs independent lifecycle control, separate revisioning, or standard assembly/bom handling.

FAQ

Can I save separate solid bodies as individual part files?
Yes, use Save Bodies to export each solid body into its own part.

Can I make drawings from individual bodies in a multi-body part?
Yes, but it is usually easier if you first save the bodies out as separate part files.

Can separate solid bodies have different materials?
Yes, SolidWorks supports material assignment at the body level in a multi-body part.

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