If your model turns invisible when you use the Extrude Boss feature in SolidWorks, it could be due to a few different reasons. Here are some potential causes and solutions:
Here are few issues which causes failed extrusion:
- Open sketch( Endpoints of the sketch is not closed).
- self intersecting sketch( Lines intersecting or crossing each other).
- Wrong model view settings.
- Poor graphics display.
Here are some common solutions for the above mentioned problems:
1. Graphics Display Issue
- Update or Reconfigure Graphics Card: SolidWorks relies heavily on your GPU. Make sure your graphics card driver is up to date and properly configured for SolidWorks.
- Change Display Settings: Go to Options > System Options > Performance and disable “Enhanced Graphics Performance” to see if that resolves the issue.
- OpenGL Mode: Enable software OpenGL mode to see if it fixes the issue. Go to Options > System Options > Performance and check “Use Software OpenGL”. This can indicate if the issue is GPU-related.
2. Model View Settings
- Hidden Lines: You might be in the wrong display mode. Check if you’re in the hidden lines removed or shaded with edges view. You can change this from the View toolbar or by going to View > Display.
- Hide Body/Part: You might have accidentally hidden the part. In the Feature Manager Tree, check if the sketch or the feature is hidden (greyed out). Right-click on it and select Show if necessary.
3. Sketch or Profile Issues
- Invalid Sketch: The sketch used for the extrude might be invalid (e.g., open or self-intersecting). Make sure the sketch is closed and properly defined.
- Also inspect the sketch using inspect tools.
- Direction of Extrusion: Check the direction of the extrusion. It might be going in a direction that hides the model (e.g., too thin or too small to be visible).
4. Assembly or Configuration Context
- Hidden in Assembly: If working in an assembly, the part might be hidden or suppressed in certain configurations.
- Section View: Make sure you aren’t in a section view, as this could cause the model to appear invisible.
5. Transperancy issues
- The part may be accidentally made transparent.
- Right-click the part or feature in the Feature Manager Tree and go to the Appearances option. Check if transparency is enabled and set the transparency slider to opaque.
If the issue persists after trying these solutions, let me know more details about your setup, and I can help troubleshoot further!