How to Do a Revolved Cut in SOLIDWORKS

A revolved cut removes material by rotating a sketch profile around an axis. It is useful for grooves, turned features, countersinks, internal cavities, rounded recesses, and any cut that has rotational symmetry.

Create the cut profile

Start a sketch on a plane that passes through the axis of rotation. Draw the cross-section of the material you want to remove. The profile should not cross the axis unless that is part of a valid revolved cut setup.

Think of the sketch as the side profile of the cut. For a lathe-style groove, draw the groove shape in section and let the revolve create the circular cut around the part.

Add an axis of revolution

The axis can be a centerline in the sketch, a model edge, an axis feature, or another valid reference. The cut rotates around this axis. Make sure the axis represents the true center of the revolved feature.

A sketch centerline is often the simplest option because it keeps the profile and axis together in one sketch. For existing cylindrical parts, a temporary axis or model edge can also work well.

1. Start a sketch through the part centerline.
2. Draw the cut profile.
3. Add a construction centerline or select an existing axis.
4. Choose Revolved Cut.
5. Select the axis and set the angle.
6. Preview and accept the cut.

Set the revolve angle

A full 360 degree revolved cut removes material all the way around the axis. A partial angle removes material only through part of the rotation. Use the angle that matches the design requirement, and check the preview before accepting the feature.

Partial revolved cuts are useful for local scallops or limited-angle features. Full revolved cuts are more common for grooves, countersinks, and turned details.

Use dimensions for control

Dimension the sketch profile so the cut is predictable. Important values usually include the distance from the axis, groove width, depth, angle, radius, or chamfer shape. A fully controlled sketch is easier to edit later.

If the revolved cut represents a manufactured feature, match the dimensions to the drawing requirement. Avoid dragging sketch points by eye when the cut controls fit or function.

Use construction geometry when it helps define the profile. Centerlines, reference dimensions, and relations can make the cut easier to edit without changing the design intent.

Check for invalid geometry

If the revolved cut fails, the profile may cross the axis, self-intersect, or create zero-thickness geometry. Simplify the sketch and test the cut again. Also confirm that the cut profile actually intersects the solid body.

Troubleshooting

If the wrong material is removed, check the axis and angle direction. If the preview does not appear, check whether the sketch profile is closed and valid. If the feature affects the wrong body in a multi-body part, review the feature scope.

Revolved cuts are excellent for turned or circular features. Keep the sketch simple, define the axis clearly, and verify the preview before rebuilding the rest of the model.

After the cut is accepted, inspect the part in section view if the feature is internal. This helps confirm the profile removed the intended material and did not leave a thin unwanted face.