Bridging, in the context of SolidWorks multi-body design, refers to the creation of a solid structure that connects multiple separate solid bodies within the same part or assembly. The bridging technique is valuable when designing a model in stages. Instead of creating the entire geometry in one go, you can build portions of the model first and then use the bridging technique to connect these components.
As an illustration, when creating a golf club, you may have detailed plans for the head and shaft individually but lack precise information on how they interconnect. In such a scenario, you can initially design the head and shaft independently. Subsequently, the bridging technique enables you to join these two distinct bodies seamlessly.
Method on using bridging method in SolidWorks:
- Begin by creating individual solid bodies that represent different parts or sections of your overall design. These bodies could be created separately, each representing a specific component of the final assembly.
- Determine the locations where these bodies need to be connected or where a bridge needs to be established. This can involve identifying interfaces or regions where the components should be join.
- Use SolidWorks features like “Boss/Base Extrude,” “Swept Boss/Base,” or other relevant commands to add material and create the bridging structure. This step involves designing the connecting geometry that unifies the previously created bodies.
- Ensure that the bridging elements integrate smoothly with the existing bodies.