Convert entity is a SolidWorks utility that is very helpful in projecting any entity while sketching. This utility saves time. It allows users can copy a sketch, face, or set of edges and project them onto the active sketch plane.
In this article, you will learn about the steps that will help you use the “convert entity” utility.
To use “convert entity” you need to follow the following steps:
- When you start a new sketch in the sketch tool you can locate the “convert entity” button.
- Click on the option.
- Then in the property manager, you will find a blue box with the heading “Entities to convert”.
- Select the entities to convert and then click on Ok.
As soon as you click okay you will see a black sketch of the entity you converted.
Now you can perform the desired feature operation on the sketch.
Tip: For Faster operation first select the entities and then click on convert entities, this will directly project it the active sketch plane. It’s an easier and shorter method.
Note: All the entities copied in the sketch plane will automatically get a relation with their parent entity. In this case, it is an “On edge relation” Hence any change in the copied entity will change the new sketch.
Advanced Uses of Convert Entities in SolidWorks
While the “Convert Entities” tool in SolidWorks is primarily used to create new sketch entities by copying geometry from existing entities, there are several advanced techniques that can be used to increase its functionality. By learning these techniques, users can significantly improve their workflow and efficiency in SolidWorks. In this section, we will explore some of the advanced uses of the “Convert Entities” tool in SolidWorks.
- Creating offset sketches
One advanced use of “Convert Entities” is to create offset sketches. This can be useful when creating designs that require multiple parallel features. Here’s how you can use “Convert Entities” to create offset sketches:
- First, use “Convert Entities” to copy the existing sketch geometry.
- Next, use the “Offset Entities” tool to create a new set of entities that are offset from the original ones.
- Finally, modify the new entities to suit your design needs.
For example, if you are designing a gear with evenly spaced teeth, you can use “Convert Entities” to copy the profile of one tooth and then use “Offset Entities” to create a new set of entities that are offset by a certain distance to create the other teeth.
- Using “Convert Entities” with the “Wrap” feature
Another advanced technique that can be used with “Convert Entities” is to combine it with the “Wrap” feature. The “Wrap” feature allows you to project a sketch onto a non-planar surface. By using “Convert Entities” to copy an existing sketch geometry onto the surface, you can then wrap the copied geometry around the surface to create a more complex design. Here’s how to do it:
- First, use “Convert Entities” to copy the sketch geometry that you want to wrap around a non-planar surface.
- Next, use the “Wrap” feature to wrap the copied geometry around the surface.
For example, if you are designing a bottle with a complex shape, you can use “Convert Entities” to copy the outline of the bottle and then wrap the copied geometry around the surface to create the full bottle shape.
- Using “Convert Entities” with other SolidWorks features
Finally, you can use “Convert Entities” in combination with other SolidWorks features, such as the “Pattern” or “Mirror” feature, to quickly create complex designs with a high degree of symmetry. By copying existing sketch geometry and then mirroring or patterning it, you can create complex shapes with ease. Here’s how to do it:
- First, use “Convert Entities” to copy the sketch geometry that you want to mirror or pattern.
- Next, use the “Pattern” or “Mirror” feature to create the desired symmetry.
For example, if you are designing a part with multiple circular features, you can use “Convert Entities” to copy one of the circular features and then use the “Circular Pattern” feature to create the other circular features with ease.
In conclusion, the “Convert Entities” tool in SolidWorks has a lot of advanced uses beyond its basic functionality. By learning these techniques, users can take their designs to the next level and save time and effort in the design process.
Best Practices for Using Convert Entities in SolidWorks
While the “Convert Entities” tool in SolidWorks is a powerful feature that can save time and effort when creating designs, there are some best practices that should be followed to use it effectively. In this section, we will explore some best practices for using “Convert Entities” in SolidWorks.
- Only use “Convert Entities” when necessary
The “Convert Entities” tool can be very useful, but it should only be used when necessary. In some cases, it may be better to create new entities from scratch rather than copying existing ones. For example, if you need to create a new line that is at a different angle than an existing line, it may be better to create the new line from scratch rather than copying and modifying the existing one.
- Use “Convert Entities” in combination with constraints
When using “Convert Entities” to copy sketch geometry, it’s important to apply constraints to the new entities to ensure they are properly positioned and aligned. Without constraints, the new entities may move or shift when the sketch is modified. Applying constraints also ensures that the new entities are properly related to existing entities.
- Minimize the number of entities in a sketch
When using “Convert Entities,” it’s important to keep the number of entities in a sketch to a minimum. The more entities that are in a sketch, the slower it will be to regenerate the sketch and the model. By using “Convert Entities” to copy and modify existing entities, it can be easy to create complex sketches with many entities. However, this can lead to performance issues.
- Optimize sketches for performance
To optimize sketches for performance, it’s important to keep the sketch geometry as simple as possible. This means avoiding unnecessary entities and applying constraints to ensure that the sketch is fully defined. It’s also important to use lightweight sketch geometry whenever possible.
- Use “Convert Entities” with caution on imported geometry
When using “Convert Entities” on imported geometry, it’s important to use caution. Imported geometry can have small errors or inconsistencies that may not be immediately apparent. Using “Convert Entities” on imported geometry can compound these errors, leading to more significant problems in the design.
In conclusion, “Convert Entities” is a powerful feature in SolidWorks that can save time and effort in the design process. However, it’s important to follow best practices to use it effectively. By using “Convert Entities” only when necessary, applying constraints to new entities, minimizing the number of entities in a sketch, optimizing sketches for performance, and using caution on imported geometry, SolidWorks users can get the most out of this powerful tool.
