
If you're working with SOLIDWORKS Plastics and you've discovered a hole in your model, don't panic. This issue can be resolved using the SOLIDWORKS modelling tools and some surfacing techniques. You can start the Plastics analysis and generate the SOLIDWORKS Plastics mesh as you normally would. If the mesh summary step warns you that the mesh is not waterproof, select the green check to access the Mesh Editing tools, and focus on the Fill Hole Tools. The Fill Hole option can be used to heal the hole by selecting the red highlighted edge, but this may require further refinement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hole-fixing method | "Fill Hole" option |
| Hole-fixing tool | SOLIDWORKS modeling tools |
| Hole-fixing technique | Surfacing |
| Sketching tool | Circle tool |
| Sketching practice | Drawing a gasket part with relations and modification tools |
| Sketching instruction | Drawing a .3125-inch circle and two .090-inch circles |
| Hole placement | On the center line |
| Hole type | Clearance holes |
| Hole orientation | Symmetrical across vertical and horizontal centerlines |
| Hole diameter | .266 inches |
| Hole depth | Blind end condition of .500 for threads and .7500 for pilot hole |
| Hole countersink | Near-side countersink of .280 inches at 90 degrees |
| Hole cutting | Extrude cut |
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What You'll Learn

Using the Fill Hole option
The Fill Hole option in SOLIDWORKS is a useful tool for closing holes in your models and designs. This feature was introduced in 2001 and is a quick and simple way to fill holes, whether they are naturally occurring in a new design or if you need to cut out a problematic section.
To use the Fill Hole option, start by selecting a hole in your model. The Fill Surface command will then fill the hole with a surface patch, with the boundary most commonly formed by selecting edges in the model. You can also use sketch entities and curves to define the boundary. This allows you to fill holes with more than four edges and even those with irregular shapes.
The Fill Hole option also provides control over the boundary condition of the surface. You can choose from different settings, such as contact, tangency, or curvature continuous, depending on your specific requirements. Additionally, by combining the Fill feature with the Merge/Knit technique, you can convert an enclosed volume into a solid body, further enhancing the functionality of this tool.
The Fill Hole option is a versatile tool that can be applied to various scenarios. For instance, if you have a solid with a blind hole, you can use the Fill surface to cap the open end and then use the Merge option to fill the hole completely. This feature can save you time and streamline your design process, making it a valuable addition to your SOLIDWORKS toolkit.
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Sketching the pan
To sketch a pan in SolidWorks, you'll first need to start a new part with ANSI Drafting Standard and IPS Units. Begin a new sketch on the Top Plane. Using the Circle tool, place and define four holes with a diameter of 0.266 inches. The positioning of these holes is important. The rightmost hole should be 1.200 inches from the vertical centerline, while the second rightmost hole should be 2.15 inches from the same vertical centerline.
You can also sketch the pan by starting with a sketch on the front face of the part. Draw a 0.3125-inch circle and two 0.090-inch circles. Use a center line through the front face vertically to help you place and constrain the holes. It is recommended to use symmetry or mirroring with the 0.090-inch holes.
If you're working with a sheet metal tube and a catchpan, you've created both as sheet metal parts, and you want to cut a hole in the pan, you can insert the pipe part into another part and extrude-cut a thin sliver along the pipe's length. Then, convert the outer edge to sheet metal to create a wrap pattern. Alternatively, you can make the desired cut, uncheck "normal to surface," and use extruded cuts with a laser tube cutter if you have access to one.
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Placing the hole
When placing a hole in SolidWorks, there are a few different methods you can use, depending on the specific requirements of your project. Here are some detailed instructions for placing a hole:
First, it is important to determine the specific location and type of hole you need for your project. SolidWorks offers a variety of hole options, including clearance holes, tapped holes, and extruded holes. The placement of the hole will depend on the specific dimensions and constraints of your model.
Once you have identified the location for the hole, you can start by sketching the hole on the appropriate face or plane of the part. Use the Circle tool to define the diameter and placement of the hole accurately. You can utilize centerlines or reference points to constrain and position the hole precisely. For instance, you can start by sketching a .3125-inch circle and two .090-inch circles on the front face, using a center line through the front face vertically to help you place and constrain the holes. It is recommended to use a symmetric or mirror pattern with the .090″ holes.
When creating a tapped hole, you can use the Hole Wizard feature to specify the type of thread, the blind end condition, and any countersink requirements. For example, you can specify a bottom 1/4-20 tapped hole with a blind end condition of .500 for the threads and .7500 for the pilot hole, along with a near-side countersink of .280 inches at 90 degrees.
If you are working with an oil pan gasket, you can start by creating a new part with ANSI Drafting Standard and IPS Units. Sketch four .266-inch diameter holes using the Circle tool, positioning them symmetrically across both the vertical and horizontal centerlines. The dimensions of the holes from the vertical centerline can be specified as needed.
For more complex scenarios, such as coping a pipe to a sheet metal pan, you might need to employ additional techniques. You can insert the pipe part into another part, extrude cut a small section along the length of the pipe, and then convert the outer edge to sheet metal to create a wrap pattern. Alternatively, you can make a flat panel by unchecking the "normal to surface" option for sheet metal cuts, resulting in a usable flat pattern.
In cases where you encounter holes in your SolidWorks model, you can utilize the Fill Hole option to heal the hole and refine the mesh. This may require the use of surfacing techniques and further refinement to achieve the desired result.
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Extrude cutting a pipe
Next, you will need to make a weldment profile with the slit already in it. This is because it is impossible to extrude a slit on an existing pipe where the origin, planes, or ends of the pipe are not perpendicular to the pipe's axis. You can then use the ''Save Bodies' feature to split the pipe into separate part files.
Now, in a file, extrude a new body with the same thickness and diameter as your pipe. Do not merge the result. Hide the new body and use the 'Rules Surface' tool to make a plane perpendicular to the outside line of the pipe. Use the 'Intersect' function with your new body and the rules surface to create a new tube.
Finally, use 'Cut Extrude' to remove a small amount of material in the axial direction, and then use the 'Insert Bends' feature with a K factor of 0. This should now be flattened, and you have successfully extrude cut a pipe in Solidworks.
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Using the Hole Wizard feature
When fixing a pan in a hole in SolidWorks, the Hole Wizard feature is a powerful tool that can save you time and effort. Here's a step-by-step guide on using the Hole Wizard feature for this task:
Step 1: Start a New Sketch
Begin by opening SolidWorks and starting a new sketch on the Top Plane. This will serve as the foundation for your pan design.
Step 2: Sketch the Pan and Define Holes
Using the Circle tool, sketch the outline of your pan, ensuring it aligns with the dimensions and shape you require. For an oil pan gasket, you would define four .266-inch diameter holes, with specific dimensions from the vertical centerline for each hole, as shown in the tutorial. You can use the centerline sketch tool to draw a centerline through the middle of the front face to help you place and constrain the holes accurately.
Step 3: Utilize Symmetry
For a structurally sound design, it is recommended to use symmetry or mirroring with the holes. In the case of an oil pan gasket, the clearance holes are symmetrical across both the vertical and horizontal centerlines. This ensures that the holes are evenly spaced and aligned correctly.
Step 4: Apply the Hole Wizard Feature
Now, you can utilize the Hole Wizard feature to create the holes in your pan. Select the Hole Wizard tool and define the type of hole you require, such as a tapped hole or a simple through-hole. Specify the dimensions, including the blind-end conditions and countersink angles, as needed.
Step 5: Place the Hole
Switch to the Positions Tab and select the face where you want to place the hole, typically the bottom face, directly in the middle. This ensures that the hole is positioned accurately relative to the pan's sketch.
The Hole Wizard feature in SolidWorks provides flexibility and precision when designing objects with holes, making it a preferred choice over simpler hole-creation methods. By following these steps, you can effectively fix a pan in a hole using SolidWorks' robust modeling capabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
You can fix a hole in SolidWorks Plastics by using the “Fill Hole” option and selecting the red highlighted edge.
If the hole is not filled, the model will not be watertight, which is necessary for SOLIDWORKS Plastics.
You can insert the pipe part into another part and then extrude-cut a tiny sliver along the length of the pipe.
Make sure to uncheck the "normal to surface" option that is automatically applied to sheet metal cuts.
Yes, you can use extruded cuts with a laser tube cutter if you have access to one.











































