How to create a round or cylindrical object from a flat sketch in SolidWorks?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in SolidWorks, the fastest and most common way to create a round or cylindrical object from a flat sketch is with Revolved Boss/Base. Sketch a closed profile, add a centerline as the axis, then revolve it by 360 degrees. This method only works correctly when the sketch profile and axis are properly defined.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your sketch crosses the revolve centerline or contains open contours, the feature may fail or create invalid zero-thickness geometry. This is especially common when the profile touches the axis at sharp corners.

How-to

  • Command: Revolved Boss/Base

  • Shortcut: No default keyboard shortcut

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Create a 2D sketch on a plane, draw the half-profile of the cylindrical shape, and add a construction centerline for the axis of revolution.
    2. Go to the Features tab on the CommandManager and click Revolved Boss/Base.
    3. In the PropertyManager, select the centerline as Axis of Revolution, set Angle to 360°, and confirm the feature.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Thin Feature

    Use Thin Feature only when revolving an open sketch intentionally. For standard solid cylinders, keep it off and use a fully closed profile for more reliable results.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The sketch is open, self-intersecting, or crosses the axis of revolution, causing the revolve to fail.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The sketch or reference geometry is hidden, suppressed, or not selectable, so the axis cannot be assigned correctly.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): A full 360° revolve creates zero-thickness geometry because the profile touches the centerline incorrectly.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run Tools > Sketch Tools > Check Sketch for Feature before using Revolved Boss/Base to find open contours or invalid geometry.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Revolved Boss/Base for shafts, bushings, pulleys, and any axisymmetric part. Avoid it when the shape is not truly rotational; in those cases, Extruded Boss/Base is usually cleaner and easier to edit.

FAQ

Can I make a cylinder from a circle sketch in SolidWorks?
Yes, but Extruded Boss/Base is usually the standard method for a simple straight cylinder.

Do I need a centerline for a revolve in SolidWorks?
Yes, a revolve needs an axis, typically a sketch centerline or model edge.

Can I revolve an open sketch in SolidWorks?
Yes, but only if you enable Thin Feature and the geometry supports it.

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