How to Model a Paperclip in SOLIDWORKS?

In this SOLIDWORKS beginner tutorial, I will show you how to model a paperclip in SOLIDWORKS. I will first guide you through the step-by-step 2d sketch process. You will learn how to use the Circle, Line, Centerline, and Trim functions during this exercise.

Click here to download a SOLIDWORKS file of the paperclip.

When the 2d sketch is finished I will show you how to create a new Plane perpendicular to the 2d sketch. To finish the paperclip I will show you how the Sweep Boss/Base function works.

Happy modeling!

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 circle

Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle or click at the Circle icon 

Create a sketch that starts at the Origin.

Change the diameter of the circle to Ø 9 mm by clicking at the dimension button 

Click Right Mouse Button > Select to finish the circle. 

Create a straight line

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

Create a vertical line as shown in the picture.

Change the length of the line to 22 mm by clicking on the dimension button

Create a centerline

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

Create a horizontal centerline as shown in the picture.

Change the length of the line to 3,9 mm by clicking on the dimension button

Create another circle

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

Create a circle that starts at the left endpoint of the centerline as shown in the picture.

The circle turns black which means that it’s fully defined.

Create another straight line

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

Create a vertical line as shown in the picture.

Change the length of the line to 15 mm by clicking on the dimension button

Create another straight line

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

Create a vertical line as shown in the picture.

Change the length of the line to 31 mm by clicking on the dimension button

Create another centerline

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

Create a horizontal centerline as shown in the picture.

Change the length of the line to 5 mm by clicking on the dimension button

Create another circle

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

Create a circle that starts at the right endpoint of the centerline as shown in the picture.

The circle turns black which means that it’s fully defined.

Create another straight line

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

Create a vertical line as shown in the picture.

Change the length of the line to 24 mm by clicking on the dimension button

Trim the line you don’t need

Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Trim or click on the Line icon

Hold the left mouse button and drag the cursor over the line parts which you want to delete. Trim the three parts as shown in the picture

The sketch is now finished.

Click at the Sketch button in the upper right corner close the 2D Sketch 

Create a new plane

Go to: Insert > Reference Geometry > Plane 

Select one of the endpoints of Sketch1

Hold the Control button and select the purple line as shown in the picture

The new plane appears in blue

Click OK 

Create another 2D sketch

Select the new Plane1 and create a sketch by clicking on the 2D Sketch icon 

Create a circle

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

Create a sketch that starts at the endpoint of Sketch1.

Change the diameter of the circle to Ø 1 mm by clicking on the dimension button

Click at the Sketch button in the upper right corner close the 2D Sketch 

Create a Swept Boss/Base

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

Profile : Select the blue Sketch2

Path : Select the pink Sketch1

Click OK 

Congratulations, you just finished your own Paperclip!

Well, that’s all for today. I hope you learned something from this tutorial!

Click here to download a SOLIDWORKS file of the Paperclip model.

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