Tech Tip: How to Sketch Slots

Sketching is the basis of all features in parametric CAD. Today’s Tech Tip goes back to basics to look at the Slot feature.

Slots are frequently used in mechanical design, from aiding in the alignment of fasteners or pins to guiding motion through cams or grooves. In Onshape, slots can be quickly and easily created using the Slot sketch feature.

First, define the shape of your slot (or slots) using a line, arc, or spline tool.

Select the Slot tool. Now select the geometry you previously sketched for the shape. Onshape converts the single line, arc, or spline into a slot. A dimension is automatically created defining the width of the slot, which you can change at any time.

Sometimes, the slot geometry may consist of more than one sketch entity. You can easily multi-select by clicking additional items or using a box-selection. While the Slot tool may create some additional arcs at the end of each segment, remember that trimming is often unnecessary in Onshape.

For more information on the Slot tool, be sure to check out the help Documentation.

Interested in learning more Onshape Tech Tips? You can review the most recent technical blogs here.