A hinge mate limits the movement between two components to one
rotational degree of freedom. It has the same effect as adding a concentric mate plus a
coincident mate. You can limit the angular movement between the two components.
Advantages of hinge mates:
- When modeling, you need to apply only one mate instead of two
mates.
- If you run an
analysis (such as with SOLIDWORKS Simulation or SOLIDWORKS Motion), the
reaction forces and results are associated with the hinge mate, not a
concentric or coincident mate.
This association
reduces the negative effects of redundant mates on the analysis.
To add a hinge mate: