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Types of SmartMates

You can create some types of SmartMates by dragging components into assemblies using certain model geometry. You inference the geometry of existing components to create mates as you drop the new components.

Use one of the following entities to drag the component:

  • Linear or circular edge

  • Temporary axis

  • Vertex

  • Planar face

  • Cylindrical/conical face

  • Origin or coordinate system

To create SmartMates:

  1. Drag a component (but do not drop it immediately).

  • For a part that is not in the assembly yet:

    Drag the part from the graphics area of its window into the graphics area of the assembly window.

    • From a part file: Select an entity and drag.

    • From an assembly file: Hold down Shift, then select an entity and drag.

  • For a component (part or subassembly) that is already in the assembly:

    • Alt-select an entity and drag.

When the pointer is over an entity of another component that is a potential mate partner, the pointer changes to indicate the mate or mates that will result if the component is dropped at this location. A preview of the component snaps into place.

  1. If the preview indicates that you need to change the alignment condition, press Tab to flip the alignment (aligned/anti-aligned).

    Release Alt before pressing Tab.

  2. Drop the component.

  3. Click in the Mate popup toolbar.

The following types of automatic mates are supported:

Mating entities

Type of mate

Pointer

Click for example

2 linear edges

Coincident

 

2 planar faces

Coincident

 

2 vertices

Coincident

 

2 conical faces, or 2 temporary axes , or 1 conical face and 1 temporary axis

Concentric

 

2 circular edges (peg-in-hole SmartMates).
The edges do not have to be complete circles.

Concentric
(conical faces)
- and -
Coincident
(adjacent planar faces)

 

2 circular patterns on flanges (flange SmartMates).

Concentric and coincident

 

Origins and coordinate systems

Coincident

 

You can also create SmartMates while moving a component with the Move Component PropertyManager. See Adding SmartMates While Moving Components.

 



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