If you have ever wondered how to model a spring in SOLIDWORKS, we can create many types of springs in SOLIDWORKS. We create a spring in SOLIDWORKS by sweeping a profile along a helical path. They can have different shapes. We can treat the ends by flattening or extending with added geometry. This blog will describe how to create a basic spring.

The first step is to create a helix.  A helix starts with a sketched circle.  After sketching and dimensioning a circle, while still in the sketch, go to the Features toolbar in the CommandManager, and from the Curves drop down select “Helix and Spiral”.

A helix can be defined by pitch and revolution, height and revolution, or height and pitch.  It can have a constant or a variable pitch.  It can also be tapered.

Enter the desired values and select OK.

When the helix is completed, the profile that’s to be swept needs to be created.  If it’s a circular shape, there’s no need to sketch it.  The sweep option “Circular Profile” will create it.

Creating a spring using he “Circular Profile” option would look like this:

If the profile is something other than a circle, it must be sketched.  If a plane is needed at one end or other of the helix, it is easy to create.  Start the plane command, pick the end of the helix and the helical curve.  A plane is created perpendicular to the helix passing through that point.  Sketch the profile on that plane. The sketch should have a pierce relation to the helical curve.

Exit the sketch and do the swept boss command. Creating a spring by sweeping a non-circular shape would look like this:

And that is how to model a spring in SOLIDWORKS.