When designing a frame in Solidworks, like a dune buggy frame for example, what is better and/or easier and why, designing in 2D or 3D?

Answer 1

Use the "Weldment" function and find the structural member that you are going to use (e.g., round or rectangular tubes) or create Structural Members to match your actual members.

Use the 3D sketch tool to create your frame, or a combination of 2D and 3D sketches, and the weldment tool will populate those frame sketches with the members, making the correct miter cuts and creating a cut list. You can use different members on different sketches, so plan your sketches based on the member groups. For instance, the frame rails may have rectangular sections and the roll cage round sections, so those sketches could be separate, then the rectangular sections would go with one sketch, possibly 2D if the members are all in-plane, whereas the roll cage would probably be best done in 3D since members will be going out of plane.

LS

Answer 2

When designing the frame there are a few techniques I would use.

1. Try the 3D sketch modeling tool and then convert the sketch to weldments. This will allow you to select the size of framing needed for the sketch. This may be the easiest to use however you may find it very difficult to create a fully defined sketch.
2. You can also do a 2D sketch however this may be difficult since each time you need to change the angle of the frame piece you may need to create a new plane. Once you make a 2D sketch you would also need to create a circle normal to your created lines since you would need to use the swept base tool to create the 3D frame.