Creating 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
If a component is used in other mates, you can move it only within the degrees of freedom allowed by those mates. Also, you cannot add SmartMates to an instance in a component pattern.

To create SmartMates:

  1. Drag a component (but do not drop it immediately).
    • For a component (part or subassembly) that is already in the assembly:
      • Alt-select an entity and drag.
    • 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.
    When the pointer is over an entity of another component that can be mated, the pointer changes to indicate the mate or mates that can result if the component is dropped at this location. A preview of the component snaps into place.
  2. 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.

    To change the alignment with the Quick Mates context toolbar, press Tab until Flip Mate Alignment is highlighted. Then press the Space Bar to change the alignment.

  3. Drop the component.
  4. Click in the Mate pop-up toolbar.
    You can also create SmartMates while moving a component with the Move Component PropertyManager.