# Creating an Axisymmetric Model with SolidWorks

**URL:** <https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/creating-an-axisymmetric-model-with-solidworks/540>\
**Category:** Tips & Tricks\
**Created:** [November 11, 2022, 5:44pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/creating-an-axisymmetric-model-with-solidworks/540 "2022-11-11T17:44:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![GB61](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/258eb7/32.png) [@GB61](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/GB61)\
**Post date:** [November 11, 2022, 5:44pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/creating-an-axisymmetric-model-with-solidworks/540/1 "2022-11-11T17:44:02Z")

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Continuing the discussion from [2D Axisymmetric \*ERROR in e\_c3d: nonpositive jacobian](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/2d-axisymmetric-error-in-e-c3d-nonpositive-jacobian/490/16):

> [@2D Axisymmetric \*ERROR in e\_c3d: nonpositive jacobian](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/2d-axisymmetric-error-in-e-c3d-nonpositive-jacobian/490/1):
>
> How do I get 2D surfaces from Solidworks to PrePoMax?

In SolidWorks to create surfaces for an axisymmetric analysis of an assembly do the following:

- Model the assembly in Solidworks.

- Using an extruded cut, expose the surfaces you want in the axisymmetric analysis.

- Save the assembly as a SolidWorks **part file** (no need to do feature recognition).

- Open the part file and select the surfaces you want to use.

- Save the file as a STEP file.

- The following dialog box will appear.  
 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/prepomax/original/1X/d6c604906ee18f3b3328694b4a4fe6078d372ae1.png)

- Choose “Selected face(s).”

- A STEP file with the surfaces will be created.

- Import the STEP file into PrePoMax

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**Author:** ![SergioP1975](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/prepomax.discourse.group/sergiop1975/32/37_2.png) [@SergioP1975](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/SergioP1975)\
**Post date:** [November 11, 2022, 7:37pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/creating-an-axisymmetric-model-with-solidworks/540/2 "2022-11-11T19:37:00Z")

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One important thing to note, is that the assembly/parts/faces that will be part of the model must be in the XY plane, with Y as the axis of simmetry. Now I don´t remember if PrePoMax can rotate them, but is easier to made directly in the CAD.

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**Author:** ![FEAnalyst](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/prepomax.discourse.group/feanalyst/32/688_2.png) [@FEAnalyst](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/FEAnalyst)\
**Post date:** [November 11, 2022, 7:56pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/creating-an-axisymmetric-model-with-solidworks/540/3 "2022-11-11T19:56:19Z")

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Here’s an instruction in Polish: [2D model](http://www.tu.kielce.pl/~rokach/instr/PPM_2d_model.htm)