Learn the fundamental process of using mates in SolidWorks to create relationships between components in an assembly, defining their position and movement relative to each other.
Start by opening an existing SolidWorks assembly file (.SLDASM) or create a new one. Ensure you have at least two components inserted into the assembly that you wish to connect.
Navigate to the Assembly tab in the CommandManager at the top of the screen. In the Assembly group, click on the Mate icon (it looks like a paperclip).
The Mate PropertyManager will appear on the left. Click on the faces, edges, vertices, or planes of the two components you want to relate. Your selections will appear in the Mate Selections box.
Based on your selections, SolidWorks will automatically suggest a standard mate type (e.g., Coincident, Concentric, Parallel). You can accept the suggestion or manually select a different mate from the list provided in the PropertyManager.
Once you are satisfied with the preview, click the green checkmark ✓ to add the mate. The components will snap into their mated position. Click the final green checkmark ✓ in the PropertyManager to exit the Mate tool.
Tips for Efficient Mating
Hold down the Ctrl key, select the entities on two different components, and a context toolbar will appear, allowing you to add common mates without opening the full Mate tool.
In the Mate PropertyManager, click the paperclip icon (Keep Visible) to keep the tool active after adding a mate. This is great for adding several mates in a row.
Expand the Mates folder at the bottom of the FeatureManager Design Tree to see all mates in the assembly. You can right-click any mate to edit, suppress, or delete it.
Don't limit yourself to Standard Mates. Check out the Advanced Mates and Mechanical Mates tabs for powerful options like Width, Symmetric, Gear, and Cam mates.
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