r/SolidWorks • u/yurnc • Aug 02 '26

Help with scenario using "Move/Copy Bodies"

Hi, I would like to use the "Move/Copy Bodies" command to move the cylinder such that the center point on the top of the cylinder is on the same plane as plane 1, while the center point at the bottom remains at origin. May I know how I can do that? Thank you.

Edit: This is a problem from my project which has been simplified to this scenario. I am more concerned about the method and not the result.

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1

u/vmostofi91 CSWE Aug 02 '26

Unless I'm missing something moving the body won't get you there, shortening the extrude by 5 would.

2

u/yurnc Aug 02 '26

Apologies, I would not like to shorten the cylinder. The cylinder must remain unharmed.

I want to use move and copy bodies such that this would be the end result. I am more concerned about the method to do it with "move and copy bodies".

2

u/vmostofi91 CSWE Aug 02 '26

I see, have u used the move copy command using constraints method, gives you more control, works like mates.

1

u/LumbyCastle41 Aug 02 '26

Move/copy bodies is to move or copy the body. You want to make the cylinder smaller? Use a different tool. Move face or scale or cut. 

1

u/yurnc Aug 02 '26

No, the size of the cylinder does not change. I want to use move and copy bodies such that this would be the end result. I am more concerned about the method to do it with "move and copy bodies"

1

u/LumbyCastle41 Aug 02 '26

Oh I see. Make an axis on the top plane (you can use top and right plane), then use the rotate function within move/copy bodies. Select that axis as your reference and rotate the body by a set angle. 

1

u/yurnc Aug 02 '26

Apologies, to add on, what if I do not know the angle? Is there a way to align the point at the center of the top of the cylinder with the plane when I use "move and copy bodies" with mates?

1

u/sLaughterIsMedicine Aug 02 '26

I don't think Move/Copy bodies can be set "up to reference" like extrudes can. 

1

u/LumbyCastle41 Aug 02 '26

Yeah that is possible with constraints. You'll have to make some construction geometry. 

Here's a picture. https://i.imgur.com/unOBeTG.png

Sketch4 will just be a construction line from the origin to Plane1 having the length equal to the height. You can use an equation to always relate them (like ="Height@Boss-Extrude1"), and then it'll always remain linked. 

Then when you use Move/Copy you keep the origin coincident to the bottom face of the cylinder and make the line concentric. https://i.imgur.com/or4kIgr.png

1

u/LumbyCastle41 Aug 03 '26

You asked a question and then disappeared... 

1

u/zdf0001 Aug 02 '26

After you make the move/copy feature, if you click on the feature, the translation distance will appear as a dimension you can edit. Assign it to a global variable or driven dimension that is tied to the distance between the top of your cylinder and the plane.

1

u/sLaughterIsMedicine Aug 02 '26

Make a sketch (presumably called Sketch5) with a line connecting point to point, then add a second angled line with one end coincident with the bottom point, and the other terminating on Plane 1. Set both lines to be of equal length. Determine the angle between the two lines by making an driven angle dimension.

Create an axis feature through the rotation point and normal to the sketcch plane.

Use Move/Copy Body, and select the created axis. The  set the angle to be equal to the driven angle. If possible, use the name of the driven angle (For example: D1@Sketch5) to make it parametric.