SOLIDWORKS Creating a Helix

To begin, sketch a circle of the desired initial diameter of the first revolution. Select this sketch and click: Insert > Curve > Helix/Spiral.



Now select from the drop-down menu “Pitch and revolution”. This allows you to customise these two variables in the helix and the rest of the data will be calculated for you. Similarly you can define the helix by its height and pitch or height and revolutions depending on which values you know.

If you wish to obtain a variable pitch you can select this option. A table will now appear and you can now add in your desired values. Choose the starting angle as well as the preferred direction and click OK.



Have a go!

Update: When this blog was first written the helix/spiral tool was also the preferred way of creating threads, since then SOLIDWORKS has added an easy-to-use thread feature. Watch this short video to learn more.

Written: July 2013, Harneel HeerUpdated: June 2021, Aaron Moore