Previewing a Mate Component in the Component Preview Window

The Component Preview window facilitates the selection of items to mate. When you view a component in the Component Preview window, you can zoom and rotate the view of the component independently from the assembly.

In this example, create a concentric mate between a rivet and the pivot hole in a scissors blade. You can use the Component Preview window to select the small cylindrical face of the hole.

To preview a mate component:

  1. Open the assembly that contains the components to mate.
  2. Select the component that you want to view in the Component Preview window.
  3. Click one of the following options:
    • Component Preview Window (context toolbar).
    • Component Preview Window (Assembly toolbar).
    • Tools > Component > Preview Window.
    The Component Preview window opens and displays the selected component.

  4. In the Component Preview window:
    1. Zoom and rotate the view.
    2. Select the item to mate.
  5. In the main window, click Ctrl + select the second item to mate.
  6. Select the mate type.
    In this example, you add a Concentric mate between the wall of the hole and the barrel of the rivet.
    The mate is complete.
  7. Click Exit Preview.