When
inserting components into assemblies, SOLIDWORKS recognizes components that appear as nuts,
bolts, or washers to automatically add mates to components.
SOLIDWORKS uses AI to recognize the fasteners. Automatic recognition is limited to:
- Fasteners with preview images
- Single body fasteners that are SOLIDWORKS parts
- Components to mate that are 20% or less than the geometry
diameter
- Fasteners that do not have mate references and are not
Toolbox parts
If you do not want to use automatic recognition, press ALT while dragging a component into the
assembly.
To add SmartMates with AI
fastener recognition:
-
From
one of the following sources, drag a fastener (nut, bolt, or washer) onto an
assembly component to
mate:
- FeatureManager® design tree
(CTRL+drag if the component is in
the same assembly)
- Insert Components
(Assembly
toolbar)
- Task
Pane (such as the Design Library
or File Explorer 
)
The pointer changes to
.
-
Drop the fastener on the component to mate when the pointer changes to
.