SolidWorks Tech Tip: Symmetry Fixtures on Shell Elements

Therefore, in order to apply symmetry to components defined with Shell elements, you would have needed to use the Use Reference Geometry fixture as seen below. And depending on your reference, you would have to be very careful with which buttons you selected for Translation and Rotation.

Well, today I’m here to tell you that this limitation of the Symmetry Fixture no longer exists. We no longer need to select a cut face for defining symmetry. We can NOW select a symmetry ‘edge,’ so anything defined with shells can now use the Symmetry fixture.

Below, you will see a thin plate defined with Shell elements. And as you can see, I’m using the Symmetry fixture, choosing the ‘edge’ of the plate. Hitting the green check mark, the symmetry fixture is defined. So now, we have a faster and easier way to apply symmetry on components defined with shells.