Removing sketch fillets in SolidWorks is a straightforward process, typically involving editing the sketch itself. For 3D feature fillets, which are often confused with sketch fillets, you can either delete the entire feature or modify it to remove specific edges.
How to Remove Sketch Fillets in SolidWorks
SolidWorks allows for two main types of fillets: 2D sketch fillets and 3D feature fillets. The method for removal depends on which type you are working with.
1. Removing a 2D Sketch Fillet
A 2D sketch fillet is created within a sketch to round off corners on sketch entities. Removing it means editing the sketch and deleting or modifying the specific fillet arc.
Steps to Remove a 2D Sketch Fillet:
- Edit the Sketch:
- Locate the sketch containing the fillet in the SolidWorks FeatureManager design tree.
- Right-click on the sketch and select "Edit Sketch" (or double-click the sketch in the graphics area). SolidWorks will enter sketch mode.
- Select the Fillet:
- In the graphics area, click on the arc segment that represents the sketch fillet you wish to remove. It will turn blue, indicating it's selected.
- Delete the Fillet:
- Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
- Alternatively, right-click on the selected fillet and choose "Delete" from the context menu.
- Result: The fillet arc will be removed, and the two sketch lines that were previously filleted will extend to form a sharp corner.
- Exit Sketch:
- Click the "Exit Sketch" button in the CommandManager or confirmation corner to save your changes.
Example:
Imagine you have a rectangular sketch with rounded corners created using the "Sketch Fillet" tool. To remove one of these rounded corners:
- Enter the sketch.
- Click on the specific arc representing the corner you want to sharpen.
- Press Delete. The two lines forming that corner will now meet at a sharp point.
2. Modifying or Removing a 3D Feature Fillet
A 3D feature fillet is a feature applied to edges of a 3D model, not within a sketch. These appear as distinct features in the FeatureManager design tree. You might want to remove the entire fillet feature or just specific edges from a multi-edge fillet.
A. Deleting an Entire 3D Fillet Feature
If you want to remove all instances of a particular fillet feature from your 3D model:
- Locate the Fillet Feature:
- In the SolidWorks FeatureManager design tree, find the "Fillet" feature (it may be named "Fillet1", "Fillet2", etc.).
- Delete the Feature:
- Right-click on the "Fillet" feature.
- Select "Delete" from the context menu.
- Confirm Deletion:
- A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click "Yes" to confirm the deletion.
- Result: All edges previously filleted by this feature will revert to sharp corners.
B. Removing Specific Edges from an Existing 3D Feature Fillet
Sometimes, a single fillet feature might be applied to multiple edges, and you only want to remove the fillet from one or a few of those edges, not all of them.
Steps to Remove Specific Edges:
- Edit the Fillet Feature:
- In the FeatureManager design tree, locate the "Fillet" feature that contains the edges you wish to modify.
- Right-click on the "Fillet" feature and select "Edit Feature". This will open the Fillet PropertyManager.
- Identify Edges for Removal:
- In the PropertyManager, under the "Items To Fillet" section, you will see a list of the edges currently included in this fillet feature.
- In the graphics area, select the specific filleted edge you wish to remove (e.g., a circular filleted edge if it's part of a larger selection). When you select it in the graphics area, its corresponding entry will often highlight in the "Items To Fillet" list.
- Remove the Edge:
- In the "Items To Fillet" section of the PropertyManager, with the unwanted edge highlighted (either by selecting it in the graphics area or directly in the list), click the "Remove" button next to the highlighted edge. This removes it from the current fillet's selection set.
- Apply Changes:
- Click the green checkmark (OK) in the PropertyManager to apply your modifications.
- Result: The selected edge will revert to a sharp corner, while other edges included in the same fillet feature will remain filleted.
Comparison: Sketch Fillet vs. Feature Fillet
Understanding the distinction helps in correctly identifying what you need to remove.
| Feature Type | Description | Location in SolidWorks | Removal Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sketch Fillet | A 2D arc applied to sketch entities (lines, arcs) within a sketch. | Inside a sketch (e.g., Sketch1/Fillet1) |
Edit the sketch, select the fillet arc, and press Delete. |
| Feature Fillet | A 3D rounded edge applied to edges of a solid or surface body. | As a standalone feature in the FeatureManager | Full: Delete the entire "Fillet" feature. Partial: Edit the "Fillet" feature, and remove specific edges from the "Items To Fillet" list. |
Best Practices
- Be Mindful of Relations: When deleting sketch fillets, sometimes sketch relations (like tangent or coincident) might prevent a clean deletion. You may need to delete conflicting relations first.
- FeatureManager is Key: Always refer to the FeatureManager design tree to clearly identify whether you're dealing with a sketch entity or a 3D feature.
- Undo Option: If you've just created a fillet and immediately want to remove it, pressing
Ctrl+Z(Undo) is the quickest way.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and remove both 2D sketch fillets and 3D feature fillets in SolidWorks, ensuring your models are precisely as intended.
