What is the difference between a "Solid Body" and a "Surface Body" in SolidWorks?

A Solid Body occupies volume, which means it has a specific three-dimensional form with defined boundaries. This volumetric attribute allows it to have mass and be used in various physical simulations and analyses, such as stress, strain, and inertia calculations. Solid Bodies are essential for creating functional parts that simulate real-world applications in assemblies and manufacturing processes.

In contrast, a Surface Body is essentially two-dimensional. It has no thickness and does not occupy volume; therefore, it cannot be physically represented in a way that includes mass or density. Surface Bodies are often used for aesthetic design, tooling surfaces, or complex shape modeling where volume is not needed. They are beneficial in scenarios where only the outer shapes of components are important, like in surface modeling or preliminary design phases of products.

The distinction between these two body types is key in SolidWorks, as knowing when to use each type depends on the goals of the design project. Solid Bodies are utilized when the final product needs to be robust and functional, whereas Surface Bodies serve specialized purposes in design workflows.