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Sun, 02/21/10 – 11:55 PM | Comments

Sometimes when testing newer versions of Software you discover some “unreported” enhancements that really can be a time saver.  That type of enhancement is the source of this post, but first we’ll take an overall …

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The SolidWorks Secret Weapon: The Wrap Tool

Submitted by Ricky Jordan on Friday, January 2, 2009Comments

Have you ever wanted to place a logo on a SolidWorks model?  There are of course a number of ways to do this.  If you want the logo to be embossed or cut you probably would first think of the Extrude tool.  But then again what if the surface is curved?  Hmm…well what if you only want the logo to appear like a decal on the model?  One possibility for this would certainly be the Decal function inside of PhotoWorks.  The only problem with that is that you can’t view the decal when you share your model via E-Drawings or other 3D web viewing formats.

Everything I have mentioned above can be accomplished with the Wrap feature!  I am often surprised at how this tool can sometimes be forgotten by SolidWorks users.  Here is the low down.  The Wrap tool allows you to “apply” 2D Geometry to a surface much in the way you apply a sticker or decal to your everyday items.  Extrude and Split Line Operations only PROJECT 2D data to surfaces.

wrap1The REALLY cool thing about the wrap tool is that you have the option to use sketches to emboss, cut, or scribe a model face.  The scribe option is probably the most overlooked.  It is very similar to the Split Line tool in that it splits faces without changing the “shape” of the surface or solid face.  If all you are doing is splitting faces, then the Wrap tool has one key advantage over the Split Line tool in that it can handle multiple closed profiles without using the Contour Selection tool.  If you DO want to use the Contour Selection tool, then it supports that also.  (You must preselect using Contour Selection PRIOR to initiating the feature.)  The biggest limitation with this tool is that it only can be used on single planar, cylindrical, or conical faces.  (Here’s a prime candidate for an Enhancement Request!).

wrap2You can also Emboss or Deboss (cut) solids with this tool.  The only disadvantage of it versus the Extrude is the lack of a built in Draft Option.  It does however allow you to set a pull direction which can come in handy on plastic parts.

While it might not be the most well know feature it sure has come in handy for me more than a few times….so check it out if you haven’t yet.  It just might end up being the Secret Weapon for YOUR next project!

Stay tuned….more to come!

TigerDirect

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  • Koksal
    Cylinderical and planer surface OK, but wrapping on to conical surface is not possible with release sw2010.
  • Solovee
    Newbie here
    Interesting - thanks for that.
    Rick, can you model a book (like a manual) for me with a coil binding spring as a single part.

    Thanks
  • erichunt
    Any suggestions on why when I'm using the wrap feature certain radiuses are not able to be wrapped? For example I was modeling a .07 mm hole (yes I know that's small) and Solidworks would not be able to build the wrap feature, but if I increased the hole size to .078 it would work. Also I was trying to wrap a sketch with a .02 mm hole and the wrap would just ignore the hole and make it solid. This time if I shrank the hole to .0148 mm (nothing larger) then the wrap would build with the hole.

    thanks
  • Duane
    Ricky

    Hoping you could take a minute and help me out. I have a question on LinkedIn Freelance that I would like you to take a look at. I want to put a logo (text) on a surface by using annotations (lettering) I need it on a rad and to size it to suit the part.
    The sketched letters jump around on me and I am lost at getting the letters on a suitable rad.
    I suppose there is a first time for everything?
    Thanks
    Duane
    duanecooley@ezlink.ca
  • Natasha P.
    Thank you so very much for this amazing tip.. have been looking everywhere for more than a week on how to drat logos on parts in Solidworks - (I'm new to the program), but have to do it for my work! - and the paycheck!:).. - Thanks so much.. Very useful info - I feel I should have to pay you for it!!:))) Thanks!!!!
  • Natasha,

    LOL! I'm glad you are finding the information useful. This site was started so that we can all share information on SolidWorks. Keep us posted on your progress.

    Ricky
  • Alex
    How can I do "Wrap" in CATIA like solidworks?
  • Alex,

    I'm not familiar with CATIA so unfortunately I cannot help with the Wrap tool in that software. Try searching the net and see what you can find. There are some users who post a lot of CATIA videos on YouTube. You can try contacting one of those individuals and see if they can help.

    Ricky
  • You would use the "Decal" tool available in Photoworks; this is the easiest way to wrap a company logo onto any surface.
  • Any other options? I want to emboss/deboss a logo onto a curved (revolved), sort of spherical surface. An extrude ends up really warping the extremities of the logo because the size size/diameter of the revolve is small compared to the size of the logo . The decal won't help me as I will be using the cad to create either an SLA model or a CNC'd model, so the geometry has to be in the CAD file. Any ideas?
  • sy
    how can i add a company logo picture on a cylinderical shape surface any idea
  • steve
    its a shame that the wrap tool is three times slower than an extrude on a planer face.
  • Yes...I have seen this too. For planar surfaces Extrude is probably better since you have the option to add draft during creation. If you need to just split faces on a planar face, I like the Wrap tool better though since it can handle multiple closed loops much easier vs. the Split Line too.

    Ricky
  • I for one Rick, will use this now. Haven't had a reason before but it seems so easy according to how you taught it here that I'm ready to kick the tires. Thanks Ricky

    Richie
  • Richie,

    Glad to help. Let us know how it goes for you! :-)

    Ricky
  • "Eye twitching", thought we where talking about Christmas present for a moment.
    Really cool post, I'm defiantly going to play around with this feature, thanks Ricky
  • GREAT! It's good to explore features we don't use much. I try to do it as often as possible. Let us know how your experiences with it go!

    Ricky
  • ecirwin
    Just thought I would add a comment about the idea of using this type of feature on something other than planar, cylindrical, or conical faces. This feature is based on actually "wrapping" the geometry onto the surface. That translates into the real world as being able to lay a sheet of paper or maybe a sticker onto a surface without wrinkling it, or stretching it. Which means that spherical and organic surfaces are off the list.

    I understand the desire for this kind of feature, but I also understand the mathematical limitations. When you consider how the geometry would have to distort to make this possible, then you have to ask where would the distortion happen. Things like graphics and text don't do well when you start to distort them. It doesn't take much to make them look like you are seeing them in a carnival mirror. I don't think that is the desired effect.
  • Yes, I'm sure that there would be some mathematical challenges in expanding this tool in future versions....but SolidWorks does have some really talented programmers....so we will wait and see. :-)

    You raise some great points. It's not the best tool for all jobs...but one that is often forgotten. My hope is that when we raise discussions like this we can help generate some ideas for SolidWorks to use in future versions. Thanks for you inputs! :-)

    Ricky
  • This is an excellent tool for those who need it. In my line of work, I have never needed to use it and it appears I never will :(. However, it is always good to be reminded of lesser used tools. I may be able to recommend a a solution to someone based on the posts like this one even if I do not have the need to use it. Thanks for reminding us about it Ricky and pointing out the plus/minus of the tool.
  • Hi Rod! I'm glad you liked the post. I'm going to try to zero in on some tools like this that really are handy but don't often get much press, so look for more in the future!

    Ricky
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