Problem

This article goes over how to project a 2D Sketch onto a Surface or Face using a Wrap in SOLIDWORKS. For other methods, check out these articles:

How to Project a Sketch onto a Surface or Face using Convert Entities in SOLIDWORKS – Hawk Ridge Systems
How to Project a Sketch onto a Surface or Face using a Projected Curve in SOLIDWORKS – Hawk Ridge Systems
How to Project a Sketch onto a Surface or Face using Split Lines in SOLIDWORKS – Hawk Ridge Systems

It is best to think about a Wrap feature as applying a sketch as a sticker or decal to a curved surface. The image below shows the difference between the seed sketch and its result when viewed normal to the sketch plane.

The final shape does not match the original sketch. The distance between points is calculated across the surface instead.

The Wrap feature is best for applying text to a model. A "Projected Curve" or "Split Line" method will produce the stretched-out result below on any curved surface.

Solution

To use the "Wrap" feature, follow the steps below:

1. Complete the sketch that to use with the wrap
2. Navigate to the "Features" tab in the Command Manager

3. Select the "Wrap" button

   

4. Select the sketch to activate the "Wrap" property manager

   

5. Select "Scribe" as the Wrap Type

   

   Note: The Wrap feature can also "Emboss" or "Deboss" instead of "Scribe". An emboss will create a raised feature, while a deboss will create an indented feature.

6. Select the appropriate Wrap Method of Analytical or Spline Surface depending on the application

   

   Analytical: This method is best for wrapping a sketch around a planar, cylindrical, or conical face. A limitation of this method is that the sketch plane must be tangent to the face.

   

   Spline Surface: This method will wrap the sketch on any face type. However, it cannot wrap around a model past 180 degrees. Therefore, it doesn't work well with cylinders and cones. This tool is best used when the analytical method produces an error or incorrect results.

   

7. When using the "Spline Surface" wrap method, additional options for "Accuracy" appear in the property manager. This can be used to increase the detail of the wrap feature, which is sometimes necessary for more complex geometry. Increasing this value can significantly impact performance. Therefore, it is recommended to keep it as low as possible.

   

8. Select the surface or face to wrap the sketch onto

   

9. Click the Green Checkmark to complete the feature.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.