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A bracket looks simple: a flat base, an upright support, and a few holes. But the way you build it in SOLIDWORKS can make a big difference when the design needs to change.
In this tutorial, we’ll model the same L-shaped bracket three ways:
Each approach can produce a similar shape. The best choice depends on how the bracket will be made and what changes you expect later.
The exact dimensions aren’t important here. The goal is to compare how each modeling strategy handles edits.
Method 1: One Sketch, One Extrusion
This is the most direct approach. Sketch the bracket’s L-shaped side profile, then extrude it to the desired width.
Steps
- Start a sketch on a side plane.
- Draw the bracket’s L-shaped cross-section.
- Add dimensions and fully define the sketch.
- Use Extruded Boss/Base to give the bracket its width.
- Add the holes with Hole Wizard or cut features.
Advantages
- Quick to create.
- Easy to understand for a simple, fixed shape.
- The main bracket form is controlled by one sketch.
Trade-offs
The L-shaped sketch controls several important dimensions at once. If the base length, flange height, or material thickness changes, you’ll need to edit that sketch carefully. A crowded sketch can become difficult to manage as the part grows.
Feature Tree Example
This method works well when the part is simple and unlikely to change much.
Method 2: Two Sketches, Two Extrusions
Instead of drawing the entire L-shaped profile at once, create the base and upright flange as separate features.
Steps
- Sketch a rectangle for the base.
- Extrude it to the required thickness.
- Select a face or plane and sketch the upright flange.
- Extrude the flange, joining it to the base.
- Add the mounting holes.
Advantages
- The base and flange have separate dimensions.
- It can be easier to adjust the base length or flange height independently.
- Each feature has a clear purpose in the FeatureManager design tree.
Trade-offs
The second feature depends on where its sketch is attached. If you attach it to a face that later changes or disappears, the model may need repair. Use stable references and avoid unnecessary dependencies.
Feature Tree Example
This approach is useful when the bracket’s base and flange may change independently.
Method 3: Build It as a Sheet Metal Part
If the bracket will be cut from sheet metal and bent, model it with the sheet metal tools. This captures the manufacturing method in the model.
Steps
- Create the base using Base Flange/Tab.
- Add the upright with Edge Flange.
- Set the thickness and bend parameters.
- Add the mounting holes.
- Check the flat pattern to confirm the part can be unfolded.
Advantages
- The model represents a real sheet metal part.
- You can create a flat pattern for manufacturing.
- Thickness and bend details are handled using sheet metal features.
Trade-offs
This is more setup than a basic solid model. It’s most useful when the part actually needs to be fabricated from sheet metal. For a machined or 3D-printed bracket, sheet metal features may not be the right choice.
Feature Tree Example
Which Feature Tree Is Easiest to Edit?
There isn’t one universal winner. Choose based on the part’s purpose and likely changes:
| If you expect… | A good starting point |
|---|---|
| A simple shape with few future changes | One sketch and one extrusion |
| The base and flange to change independently | Separate sketches and extrusions |
| The bracket to be cut and bent from sheet metal | Sheet metal features |
An editable model usually has sketches that are fully defined, features with clear names, and references that are unlikely to disappear during edits. For example, rename Boss-Extrude1 to Base and Boss-Extrude2 to Flange.
A Useful Test: Change a Dimension
After building the bracket, try changing the flange height or base length. Watch how the model rebuilds.
- Does the part update cleanly?
- Do the holes remain in the intended positions?
- Does the sketch stay understandable?
- Does the FeatureManager tree make the design easy to follow?
If a small change causes errors, inspect the sketches and references. A model that works only at its original dimensions may need a more robust feature sequence.
Final Takeaway
The quickest modeling method isn’t always the easiest to maintain. A single extrusion can be perfect for a simple bracket, while separate features may make design changes clearer. If the bracket is truly made from bent sheet metal, use the sheet metal tools so the model reflects how it will be manufactured.
Before choosing a method, ask two questions: How will this part be made? and What is likely to change? Those answers will help you build a feature tree that’s easier to understand and edit.
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