I’m working on a car model in Solidworks, which I’m planning to 3D print, and I’m not sure what is the difference in between the surface or solids? When should I go for one, over the other? Any tips?
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In Solidworks, use SOLIDS, Solidworks doesn’t work as well with surfaces, and they are harder to edit if you need to change them 
The only time I use surfaces is when I’m making a mold (converting the part into separate mold halves)
Good luck!!!
Hello! The surface feature and the solid feature are exactly as they are described. One feature produces a surface only with a “zero” thickness. The solid actually has volume. I have never saved a surfaced model before in .stl, but if the part is only a shell and can save in .stl, most slicers (like Cura) have a feature that allow to “fill” any voids in a part, removing any holes (be careful with this as any “leaks” whille cause a bad gcode that will stop the printer half way, or not be printed should the printee catch the error in the stl file). This, however, is not desirable if you have a part that has holes and other features under the “shadow” of the model itself. I would recommend thickening those “shelled” features and rendering it then to be printed.
Further to Nerdy Cactus, I second the model as a solid plan of action.
It is much easier to create a surface from an existing solid than the other way around. Just choose ‘Offset Surface’ and set the distance to zero…voila, instant surface from a solid part. If you want to print a hollow model then just use the ‘Shell’ option on the solid part.
As for the ease of creating the shape using a solid vs surface, I don’t know that there is much difference, if at all, but I can’t really speak from experience all that well as I almost exclusively use solids to model.
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Hi.
Would be great to see the finish CAD.
From my experience in modelling cars, etc… I tend to use surface modelling for complex geometry such as multi curved surfaces, etc and Solid modelling for geometric shapes (basic shapes) and fillets.
Note: If you’re 3D printing the CAD then definitely convert to solid, as this will make sure the CAD model is water tight and 3d print friendly (basic checks)
Hope that helps
MCHD
6
Hi, you can only print solid with 3D printer. Surfaces in SW has a thickness of 0. But you can create a solid with your surface by using the “thicken function” in SW. ==> 27- SolidWorks Surface TUTORIAL: THICKEN SURFACE - YouTube
Good luck,
AIM
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In solid works or another surface modeling program you need close all holes, couldn´t have any gap between surfaces. the best way is use knit surface in solid works. So 3D printing software understands what is inside and what is outside and can generate a g code correctly. Also is good always repair the model surface on Netfab repair Online.
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I think that everyone else pretty much nailed it but I will add my 2 cents. The basic difference is that In SW between solids and surfaces is that surfaces do not have depth. Using surfaces is a way to model pretty complex curves and dimensions. After you have done all of your surface modeling it is possible to combine all of the surfaces using “knit surface” and then give that one knit surface a set thickness. A solid on the other hand had depth in the model. When you extrude or revolve something it will give that sketch a filled in dimension. This is useful for just about every type of modeling and is the main format that people draft in. If you are modeling a car then I would advise a multi-plane loft solid feature to give you the basic shape of the car and then go from there. I have had a little experience in drafting some single rider electric cars and that is how I did it. Hope this helps if you have any other pointed questions feel free to email dreamspace3dprinting@gmail.com, they have done some really good modeling for me in the past and they are always around to help
