Creating a mirrored version of a part in SolidWorks, often referred to as an "opposite-hand" version, typically involves creating a new part file that is a mirrored copy of an existing one. This process is straightforward and allows you to create left-hand and right-hand versions of components efficiently.
Here's how to create a mirrored part based on an existing part document:
Steps to Create a Mirrored Part (Opposite-Hand Version)
To generate a mirrored version of your existing part:
- Open the Source Part Document: Start by opening the SolidWorks part document you wish to mirror.
- Select the Mirror Plane: In the graphics area or the FeatureManager design tree, click a model face or plane about which to mirror the part. This selected face or plane will act as the mirror boundary for the new part.
- Access the Mirror Part Command: With the face or plane selected, go to the SolidWorks menu and click Insert > Mirror Part.
- New Part Window Opens: A new part window will automatically open. This is where your mirrored part will be created.
- Save the New Part: Before proceeding, SolidWorks prompts you to save the new mirrored part file. Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Original Part - Left Hand", "Original Part - Right Hand") and specify a location.
- Choose Transfer Options: The "Mirror Part" PropertyManager appears. Under Transfer, select any combination of items from the source part to be included in the opposite-hand version. These options allow you to carry over various elements from the original part to the new mirrored one.
Understanding Transfer Options
When creating a mirrored part, you can choose which elements from the original part are copied to the new mirrored part. This ensures the new part inherits the necessary design intent and properties.
Here are some common items you can transfer:
- Solid Bodies: The core geometry of the part.
- Surface Bodies: Any surface geometry.
- Axes: Existing reference axes.
- Cosmetic Threads: Visual thread representations.
- Hole Wizard Data: Data for Hole Wizard features.
- Feature Names: Keep the original feature names in the new part's FeatureManager tree.
- SolidWorks Simulation Data: If applicable, simulation setup data.
- Properties: Custom and file properties.
- Sketches: Include the original sketches.
- Dimensions: Transfer dimensions associated with features.
- Materials: Apply the same material to the new part.
It's often beneficial to transfer Solid Bodies, Properties, Materials, and perhaps Feature Names and Hole Wizard Data, depending on your needs. Transferring sketches and dimensions can be useful if you anticipate modifying the mirrored part based on those original definitions.
Practical Considerations
- Linking to Original: By default, the new mirrored part is derived from and linked to the original part. Changes to the original part will update the mirrored part. You can choose to break this link in the "Mirror Part" PropertyManager if you want the new part to be independent.
- Opposite-Hand Naming: It's crucial to use clear naming conventions to distinguish between the original and the mirrored (opposite-hand) versions.
- Use Cases: This process is essential for designing products with symmetrical components, such as brackets, handles, or automotive parts, where distinct left-hand and right-hand versions are required in an assembly.
By following these steps, you can efficiently create an opposite-hand version of your SolidWorks part, saving significant time compared to remodeling from scratch.
