How to Make a Hinge in SOLIDWORKS

A hinge in SOLIDWORKS can be modeled as separate leaves, a pin, and interlocking knuckles. The cleanest approach is to build the hinge parts with simple sketches, control the knuckle spacing, and then assemble the parts with concentric mates so the hinge can rotate.

Plan the hinge first

Before modeling, decide the hinge width, leaf thickness, pin diameter, knuckle length, clearance, and mounting-hole pattern. A hinge looks simple, but the spacing between the knuckles and pin clearance determines whether the assembly can move without interference.

For a quick concept model, you can use simple extrudes and cuts. For a manufacturing drawing, define the dimensions carefully and leave realistic gaps between rotating parts.

Create the hinge leaf

Start with one flat hinge leaf. Sketch the rectangular plate, extrude it to thickness, and add mounting holes. Use dimensions from the centerline or edges so the hole pattern is easy to control later.

Model the knuckles

Create the hinge knuckles as cylindrical features along the edge of the leaf. You can use extruded bosses, revolved features, or swept features depending on how you prefer to build the model. Cut away alternating sections so one leaf has one knuckle pattern and the matching leaf has the opposite pattern.

Keep a small gap between knuckles. If the knuckles touch exactly, the assembly may look correct but will not represent a realistic moving hinge.

Add the hinge pin

Create a pin as a simple cylinder that passes through all knuckles. The pin should be slightly smaller than the knuckle hole if you want clearance. Add chamfers or rounded ends if the hinge needs a more finished appearance.

Assemble the hinge

Insert the two leaves and the pin into an assembly. Add concentric mates between the pin and the knuckle holes. Use coincident or distance mates to locate the leaves along the pin while still allowing rotation.

If the hinge should move in the assembly, avoid locking rotation on the main concentric mate. Add a limit angle mate if you need to restrict the motion range.

Check motion and interference

Rotate the hinge through its expected travel and run an interference check. Look for knuckles touching, leaves colliding, or the pin shifting because the assembly is under-defined. Fix the model before creating final drawings.