Unable to extrude the selected object.

[Mark84106]

I get this "Unable to extrude the selected object." when I try to extrude a downloaded 2d drawing from Cad Central's Library. Any suggestions on how to change it so I can extrude it into a 3d object.
All the best,
Mark

 

[ca4suskyhawk]

Not sure about the problem you are facing. Can u describe more in detail especially about the drawing u downloaded.

Cheers

 

[TheTick]

Make sure your sketch section is completely closed. Use your sketch line extension and trim tools. Also, you can join two endpoints by selecting the endpoints and adding a "merge" constraint.

Instead of extruding your imported sketch, use the imported sketch as a "master" control line feature. Make a new sketch on top of it, and use "Convert Entities" to copy master sketch elements. This way, you can eliminate any curves which may have been double drawn.

Good and evil: wrap them up and disguise it as people.

 

[Mark84106]

"Sketch Section"? What's that? How do I add a merge contraint (another thing I never heard of...surprise surprise). TheTick...now I'm reading your message a little farther down...it says use "convert entities". How do I do that too. Man, I don't know much do I?
Thanks for your help.
All the best.
Mark
P.S. also thank you ca4suskyhawk. I think TheTick has the answer I'm looking for...if he responds (kidding). .

 

[TheTick]

Welcome to 3D modeling. Sounds like you jumped right into the deep end.

"Sketch section" would be the sketch used to make an extrusion or revolve. An extrusion needs a sketch to define its section. It needs to be closed (make a complete unbroken path around the perimeter) unless you are making a thin extrusion (extruding a curve profile and adding thickness).

I am always happy to help. However, it sounds like you are missing too many essentials to be effectively helped here before you go back and pick up some basic skills.

Have you gone through the tutorials in the help files, yet? That is where you should start. Then try experimenting with some simple extrusions. For instance, extrude a rectangle to make a box, and see what happens when you change things in the feature or the sketch. Also, experiment with thin extrusions.

SolidWorks does have some really great features to convert 2D to 3D. Take some time to work on your foundation skills and you'll be fluent in no time.

I will still be here to help, as are many others. The Tick is just a click away.

Best regards,
Tick

Good and evil: wrap them up and disguise it as people.

 

[SBaugh]

Best way to test a sketch for being closed and ready to extrude is to use Tools\Sketch Tools\ Check sketch for Feature.

That tool will let you know where the problem is at. Also don't bit off more than you can chew when extruding. Don't do the whole model in one sketch spread it out a bit.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376
When in doubt, always check the help

 

[Mark84106]

thank you Scott and TheTick. I'm actually fairly experienced in AutoCAD 97 LT but I've been away from it for quite a while and now I'm upgrading and designing a new invention.
All the best,
Mark