Modeling the Handle for the Screw in SolidWorks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome back to the Multibody Dynamics using SolidWorks blog series! In this blog, part of the blog series, we’ll explore how to model the handle or lever used to rotate the screw in the machine vice assembly. This component is crucial for completing the full multibody dynamics assembly. Let’s dive into the details! 

Step 1: Sketching the Screw Attachment 

1. Start a New Part: Launch SolidWorks, go to File > New > Part, and ensure your unit system is set to millimeters. 
2. Sketch the Base of the Handle: Select the Front Plane and use the Polygon Tool to create a six-sided polygon, centered at the origin. This polygon represents the area where the handle attaches to the screw. 
3. Align the Polygon: Use the Vertical Constraint to align the top edge of the polygon with the origin. 
4. Apply Dimensions: Use Smart Dimension to set the edge length to 10 mm, ensuring it fits perfectly with the screw. 
5. Switch to Millimeters: If your dimensions appear incorrect (e.g., showing as meters), ensure the unit system is set to millimeters. After changing units, return to the sketch, and the updated dimensions will appear. 

Step 2: Adding Thickness to the Handle 

1. Create a Second Polygon: On the same sketch, create another polygon, centered at the same point, to define the thickness of the handle. Select one of the edges of the new polygon and set the thickness to 5 mm. 
2. Extrude the Sketch: Use Extruded Boss/Base to extrude the sketch by 20 mm. This extrusion forms the base of the handle, which will connect to the screw. 

Step 3: Modeling the First Handle Section 

1. Create a New Sketch for the Handle: Select one of the faces of the extruded base and start a new sketch. Use Control + 8 to view the face directly. 
2. Sketch a Circle: Use the Circle Tool to draw a circle, starting from the center point of the base. 
3. Use the Horizontal Constraint to ensure the circle aligns correctly with the origin. 
4. Set the diameter of the circle to 12.5 mm. 
5. Extrude the Circle: Extrude this circle by 80 mm to create the first section of the handle. 

Step 4: Modeling the Second Handle Section 

1. Rotate the Geometry: Rotate the part to the opposite face and start another sketch to create the second handle section. 
2. Draw the Second Circle: Again, use the Circle Tool to draw a circle, ensuring it's centered and aligned with the origin. Set the diameter to 12.5 mm and position it 10 mm from the edge of the face. 
3. Extrude the Second Handle Section: Extrude this circle by 80 mm to match the first handle section. 

Step 5: Finalizing the Handle for Assembly 

At this stage, the handle is fully modeled and ready for integration into the machine vice. The handle consists of the base polygon that attaches to the screw and two extended circular handles, ensuring a smooth rotational motion. 

Conclusion 

In this blog, we’ve successfully modeled the handle that rotates the screw in the machine vice assembly. This completes a crucial step in preparing the assembly for multibody dynamics simulation using SolidWorks. By following these steps, you’ve created a part that fits perfectly with the previously modeled screw and stationary components. 

For those eager to learn more, consider enrolling in Skill-Lync’s Full Course on SolidWorks Training, which covers everything from SolidWorks basics to advanced multibody dynamics modeling and simulations for mechanical engineering. 

Stay tuned for the next blog, where we’ll assemble the components and begin simulating the machine vice! 

This blog is part of our ongoing series on Multibody Dynamics. 

If you missed the previous posts, check them out here.   

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