How to Design a Car Body in SolidWorks
Introduction
Designing a car body in SolidWorks is a complex process that requires knowledge of both the software and automotive design principles. However, by following a step-by-step process, you can create a realistic and functional car body model.
Step 1: Sketch the Side Profile
1. Start by creating a new sketch on the Front Plane.
2. Sketch a line that represents the top of the car body.
3. Sketch another line below the first line to represent the bottom of the car body.
4. Sketch in the wheel arches.
5. Sketch in the A-pillar, B-pillar, and C-pillar.
Step 2: Extrude the Side Profile
1. Select the sketch and click on the Extrude Boss/Base feature.
2. Set the extrusion depth to the desired thickness of the car body.
Step 3: Create the Front and Rear Profiles
1. Create a new sketch on the Right Plane.
2. Sketch the front profile of the car body.
3. Create a new sketch on the Left Plane.
4. Sketch the rear profile of the car body.
Step 4: Extrude the Front and Rear Profiles
1. Select the front profile sketch and click on the Extrude Boss/Base feature.
2. Set the extrusion depth to the desired thickness of the front fascia.
3. Select the rear profile sketch and click on the Extrude Boss/Base feature.
4. Set the extrusion depth to the desired thickness of the rear fascia.
Step 5: Create the Roof and Floor
1. Create a new sketch on the Top Plane.
2. Sketch the roof profile of the car body.
3. Create a new sketch on the Bottom Plane.
4. Sketch the floor profile of the car body.
Step 6: Extrude the Roof and Floor
1. Select the roof profile sketch and click on the Extrude Boss/Base feature.
2. Set the extrusion depth to the desired thickness of the roof.
3. Select the floor profile sketch and click on the Extrude Boss/Base feature.
4. Set the extrusion depth to the desired thickness of the floor.
Step 7: Create the Doors and Hood
1. Create a new sketch on the Left Plane.
2. Sketch the door profile.
3. Extrude the door profile to create the door.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create the hood.
Step 8: Create the Windows and Lights
1. Create a new sketch on the Front Plane.
2. Sketch the windshield profile.
3. Extrude the windshield profile to create the windshield.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create the side windows and rear window.
5. Create a new sketch on the Front Plane.
6. Sketch the headlight profile.
7. Extrude the headlight profile to create the headlight.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to create the taillights.
Step 9: Add Details
1. Add details to the car body such as mirrors, door handles, and grilles.
2. Use the Fillet and Chamfer tools to round off the edges of the car body.
3. Apply a material to the car body.
Step 10: Create a Rendered Image
1. Click on the PhotoView 360 tab.
2. Click on the Render Image button.
3. Choose the desired render settings.
4. Click on the Render button.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can create a realistic and functional car body model in SolidWorks. With a little practice, you will be able to create more complex car body designs.
