Float / Fix / Mates

  • Float & Fix

    • In SolidWorks assembly, Fix and Float are options used to specify how a component behaves when it is inserted into an assembly. These options determine whether a component is allowed to move or is locked in place when the assembly is manipulated.

    example
    • Fixed: When a component is fixed, it is locked in place and cannot move in any direction. This option is typically used for components that are intended to be stationary or fixed to a specific location in the assembly.
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    • Floating: When a component is set to float, it is free to move and rotate in the assembly. This option is typically used for components that are intended to move or be adjusted relative to other components in the assembly.
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      To set a component to Fixed or Floating, simply right-click on the component in the assembly and select "Float" or "Fix" from the context menu. Alternatively, users can select the component and use the "Float" or "Fix" buttons in the Assembly toolbar.

  • Mates
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    In SolidWorks, mates are used to define the relationship between components in an assembly. Mates allow users to specify how components are positioned and oriented relative to each other. By defining these relationships, users can ensure that components move and rotate together as they would in the real world.

    There are several types of mates available in SolidWorks, including:

    • Coincident mate: This mate connects two points or edges so that they share the same location in space.
    • Concentric mate: This mate aligns two cylindrical faces so that they share the same axis.
    • Distance mate: This mate specifies the distance between two points or planes.
    • Angle mate: This mate specifies the angle between two planes or edges.
    • Parallel mate: This mate aligns two faces or edges so that they are parallel to each other.

    To apply a mate in SolidWorks, simply select the components you want to mate and choose the appropriate mate type from the Mate toolbar or the context menu. SolidWorks will display a preview of the mate, and the user can then adjust the position or orientation of the components as needed. Mates can also be added in bulk using the Mate manager. The Mate manager allows users to select multiple components and apply mates to them all at once. This is particularly useful when working with complex assemblies that contain many components. Mates can also be used in conjunction with other SolidWorks features, such as configurations and motion studies, to create more advanced and customizable models. For example, users can create multiple configurations of an assembly, each with different mates, to simulate different operating conditions.

    In summary, mates in SolidWorks are an essential feature that allows users to define the relationships between components in an assembly. Mates can be applied in various ways and can be used in conjunction with other SolidWorks features to create more advanced and realistic models.