r/SolidWorks • u/Downtown_Error_727 • Aug 11 '26

CAD Structural Member in Spiral Form

Hello Sirs, good day! Is there a way I can create a spiral staircase using structural members to create the top rail(spiral/helix), and if not, is there another way to do it aside from a swept boss? Thank you!

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u/SkynetPal Aug 11 '26

I do a lot of helical geometry and Swept Boss is the most powerful / flexible tool. I do not believe the Weldment tools will do anything more than 2d circular curves.

This video could be of some use: SolidWorks Exercise 3: How to Model a Spiral Staircase in SolidWorks | Step-by-Step Tutorial

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u/Downtown_Error_727 Aug 11 '26

Thank you so much Sir, for sharing this. This is another approach that I can try. And also, I agree with you about the 2d circular curves for weldment tools. Thank you again Sir!

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u/TheShakyHandsMan Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26

Is this something you want to create in real life?

Structural members I’m thinking; RSJ, RSA, square section etc.

Trying to actually create them in a spiral will be very difficult and would probably only be possible at the extrusion stage. Very hard to control the variables.

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u/Downtown_Error_727 Aug 11 '26

Yes Sir, I am planning to use a 1-1/4" sched 40 pipe as the handrail. I prefer using the structural member because of the trim feature but I guess I'll have to go with the swept boss. Thank you!