Create a simple model using a sketch profile

Create a new part and a simple structure for solar panels on a spacecraft by extruding the sketch.

Create a part file

Create a part file.

  1. Choose File tab→New .
  2. Create a new part file using the Model template and name the file solar_panel.prt.
  3. Click OK.

Define a sketch profile

Define a sketch profile.

  1. Choose Home tab→Construction group→Sketch .
  2. In the graphics window, select the Top plane.
  3. Click OK.
  4. Choose Home tab→Curve group→Line .
  5. Click the center of the graphics window and move the mouse to the left until the line has reached a length of 1500.
  6. Click the graphics window to fix the line.
  7. In the Line dialog box, in the Size group, in the Length box, specify 2250 mm and press Enter.
  8. In the Angle box, specify 90 degrees and press Enter.
    To view the whole profile, right-click in the graphics window and choose Fit.
  9. Click Close.
  10. Using either method, define the remaining profile lines as shown in the following image.
    • To use your mouse, make sure to uncheck the lock for both the Size and Angle boxes to freely click and drag a new line.
    • To use the Line dialog box, specify the Size and Angle values of the next line, and click the end of the last line.


  11. Close the Line dialog box.
  12. Choose Home tab→Sketch group→Finish .

Extrude the sketch

Extrude the sketch to create the base of the solar panel model.

  1. Choose Home tab→Base group→Extrude .
    Notice that the sketch is already selected.
  2. In the Limits group, in the end Distance box, type 20 mm.
  3. Click OK.

Create a sketch on existing sketch plane

Create a sketch on existing sketch plane.

  1. Choose Home tab→Construction group→Sketch .
  2. Select the face of the extruded solar panel.
    Move your mouse toward the corner to have the coordinate system set as shown on the image.

  3. Click OK.
  4. Choose Home tab→Curve group→Rectangle by Three Points .
  5. In the Location group, click Point Dialog.
  6. From the list, select Cursor Location.
  7. In the Output Coordinates group, in the XC box, type -1450 and press Enter, in the YC box, type 50 and press Enter, and in the ZC box, type 20 and press Enter.
  8. In the Size group, in the Width box, type 400, and press Enter.
  9. In the Angle box, type 0, and press Enter.
  10. In the Height box, type 650, and press Enter.
  11. Click within the rectangle's outline. Make sure that the shape is set as shown on the image.
  12. Close the dialog box.
  13. Choose Home tab→Sketch group→Finish

Create a pattern of rectangular features on the solar panel base

Create a pattern of rectangular features on the solar panel base.

  1. Choose Home tab→Base group→Pattern Feature .
    Notice that the sketch is already selected.
  2. In the Direction 1 group, click Specify Vector and in the graphics window, select the Y-axis direction.
  3. In the Count box, type 5.
  4. In the Pitch Distance box, type 435 mm.
  5. In the Direction 2 group, select the Use Direction 2 check box.
  6. Click Specify Vector and in the graphics window, select the X-axis direction.
  7. In the Count box, type 2.
  8. In the Pitch Distance box, type 750 mm.
  9. Click OK.

Extrude using Boolean operations

Extrude using Boolean operations.

  1. Choose Home tab→Base group→Extrude
  2. In the graphics window, from the Curve Rule list, select Connected Curves.
  3. Select the curve of each rectangle.
    40 curves are selected.
  4. In the Limits group, in the end Distance box, type -20 mm.
  5. In the Boolean group, from the Boolean (Unite) list, select Subtract.
  6. Click OK.
You have completed this lab.