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SOLIDWORKS Split Tool: Split Complex Parts into Multiple Bodies

  • Category SOLIDWORKS
  • Last Updated Aug 19, 2026
  • Reading Time 5 min read
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SOLIDWORKS Practical Guide

SOLIDWORKS Split Tool: How to Split a Complex Pump Casing into Multiple Bodies

Working with complex mechanical components often requires dividing a single solid model into multiple bodies for manufacturing, assembly, inspection, or further design development. In SOLIDWORKS, the Split Tool provides a powerful and flexible way to divide a part into separate bodies while maintaining accurate geometry and well-defined interfaces.

In this tutorial, we use a pump casing as an example to demonstrate how the Split Tool can be applied to a complex mechanical design. Rather than treating the casing as one large solid, we will split it into multiple separate bodies that can be prepared for manufacturing and assembly.

What Is the Split Tool in SOLIDWORKS?

The Split Tool allows you to divide a single part into multiple solid bodies using selected sketches, planes, surfaces, faces, or other intersecting geometry. Once the model has been split, each resulting body can be handled independently.

This is particularly useful when designing components that need to be:

  • Manufactured as separate components
  • Assembled together after machining or casting
  • Divided along specific parting lines
  • Modified independently
  • Prepared for different manufacturing operations
  • Simplified for complex modeling workflows

For complex components such as pump casings, housings, brackets, covers, and cast parts, the Split Tool can significantly simplify the design process.

Practical Pump Casing Example

A pump casing is a great example of where splitting a model can be useful. The casing may contain complex curved surfaces, internal cavities, mounting features, inlet and outlet passages, and other geometry that makes it difficult to manufacture or manage as a single body.

In the tutorial, we start with a complex pump casing and identify suitable locations where the model can be divided. We then create the required splitting geometry and use the Split feature to generate multiple separate solid bodies.

The objective is not simply to divide the geometry, but to create meaningful bodies that can represent individual manufactured or assembled components.

What You'll Learn

1. Split a Complex Part into Multiple Bodies Learn how to take a single solid model and divide it into multiple independent bodies using the SOLIDWORKS Split Tool.
2. Define Precise Split Locations The location of a split is critical when working with mechanical components. You'll see how appropriate planes, sketches, or surfaces can be used to define accurate separation locations.
3. Create Separate Manufacturable Components Once the model has been split, the resulting bodies can be used as the basis for individual components. This can make downstream manufacturing and assembly workflows much easier to manage.
4. Maintain Proper Mating Interfaces A good split should preserve the geometry needed for components to come together correctly. We'll look at how the split locations can be planned to maintain useful mating and contact surfaces.
5. Simplify Complex Part Design Instead of managing one complicated solid throughout the entire workflow, splitting the model allows different bodies to be handled independently.

Why Use the Split Tool?

The Split Tool can be especially valuable when a design needs to transition from a conceptual model into a manufacturing-ready workflow.

For example, a designer may initially create a complete casing as one solid. Later, the manufacturing process may require the casing to be produced as two or more separate pieces. Rather than rebuilding the entire model, the Split Tool can be used to divide the existing geometry at appropriate locations.

This approach can save modeling time and reduce unnecessary duplication of design work.

Split Tool for Manufacturing and Assembly

One of the biggest advantages of splitting a complex model is the ability to think about design, manufacturing, and assembly together. When deciding where to split a component, consider factors such as:

  • Manufacturing process
  • Parting line location
  • Machining accessibility
  • Assembly requirements
  • Fastener locations
  • Sealing surfaces
  • Mating surfaces
  • Component strength
  • Ease of inspection

For a pump casing, for example, the split location may need to accommodate assembly access while also preserving the surfaces required for sealing and alignment.

A Useful SOLIDWORKS Workflow Create the complete model → Identify the required separation → Create splitting geometry → Apply Split → Select resulting bodies → Save or reuse individual bodies

Where Else Can You Use the Split Tool?

The technique demonstrated in this tutorial is not limited to pump casings. The Split Tool can also be useful for:

  • Machine housings
  • Gearbox casings
  • Engine components
  • Covers and enclosures
  • Cast components
  • Molded parts
  • Brackets
  • Fixtures
  • Complex mechanical assemblies
  • Prototype components

Whenever a single solid needs to become multiple logical bodies, the Split Tool can be an effective solution.

Watch the Tutorial

Watch the practical tutorial to see how the SOLIDWORKS Split Tool is used on a complex pump casing and how one model can be transformed into multiple separate bodies.

Whether you're a SOLIDWORKS beginner, mechanical design engineer, student, or CAD professional, understanding features like Split can help you build more efficient and manufacturing-focused modeling workflows.

Conclusion

The SOLIDWORKS Split Tool is a simple but powerful feature for managing complex part geometry. By strategically dividing a model into multiple bodies, designers can make components easier to manufacture, modify, inspect, and assemble.

The pump casing example demonstrates how a complex single-body model can be transformed into a more practical multi-body design without rebuilding the entire component from scratch. If you're working with complex mechanical designs, adding the Split Tool to your SOLIDWORKS workflow can help you approach part modeling with greater flexibility and efficiency.

Learn More About SOLIDWORKS: Explore CADArtifex for tutorials, learning resources, books, and professional SOLIDWORKS training.
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