SOLIDWORKS Loft feature

The loft feature is an important tool for (surface) modeling in SOLIDWORKS. The loft feature creates a shape by making transitions between multiple profiles and guide curves. This tool is very valuable for modeling complex surfaces. You can do some really cool stuff when you use this feature properly.

That’s why I have a brand new video about this feature for you. I hope you like it and feel free to leave a comment below.

I have also developed a short tutorial about the loft feature so you can try it yourself:

Open a new part with model units set to millimeters

Go to: File > New > Part 

Create a 2D sketch

Select the Front Plane in the feature tree (menu at the left side) and create a sketch by clicking on the 2D Sketch icon 

The display changes so the Front plane faces you.

Create a shape with the Spline tool

Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline 

Use multiple Spline points to draw a contour as shown in the picture

Make sure that the endpoint of the Spline is connected with the startpoint of the Spline  to create a closed contour.

Click on the Sketch button in the upper right corner and close the 2D Sketch 

Create a new plane parallel on the Front Plane

Go to: Insert > Reference Geometry > Plane or click on the Plane icon 

Select the Front Plane as shown in the picture.

Change the Offset Distance  into 110 mm. 

Click OK 

Create a Circle sketch

Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle or click on the circle icon 

Draw a circle as shown in the picture

Close the Sketch 

Create a 3D Sketch

Click on the Dropdown menu under the 2D sketch option to select the 3D Sketch icon 

Create a shape with the Spline tool

Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline or click on the Spline icon 

Draw a two-point Spline without any midpoints.

Change the dimensions of the blue Spline arrow to create a curve as shown in the picture.

Close the Sketch

Now it’s time to draw the Loft

Go to Insert > Boss/Base > Loft or click on the Loft icon 

Select Sketch1 and Sketch2 as loft profiles 

Enanble the Show preview option

Algin the green balls if you can’t see a preview

Add a Guide Curve

To define the shape of the Loft you can add (multiple) Guide Curves.

Click in the purple Guide Curve box and select 3DSketch1 in the feature tree or the model 

Click OK  to apply your Loft 

This is how the loft feature works in general. If you want a more detailed explanation about lofting, I strongly recommend watching the video near the top section of this page,

Did you like this tutorial and are you eager to learn more? Then you should really check my SOLIDWORKS Boeing 747 course. In this video training course, I will show you how to model an incredible Boeing 747-8 in SOLIDWORKS from scratch.

Click here for a free video to start modeling your own Boeing 747-8 in SOLIDWORKS.

Cheers,

Jan