In this tutorial, we will learn how to use the Symmetry Mate feature in SolidWorks. The Symmetry Mate allows us to create symmetric relationships between components in an assembly.
Step 1: Open the Assembly
To begin, open the assembly file in SolidWorks by either clicking on “Open” from the “File” menu or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + O. Select the desired assembly file and click on “Open”.
Step 2: Activate the Mate tool
Once the assembly is open, switch to the “Assembly” tab in the Command Manager. Click on the Mate button to activate the Mate tool.
Step 3: Select Components
Select two components that you want to create a symmetry relationship between. You can select them by either clicking on them in the graphics area or by using the Select Components option from the Mate PropertyManager.
Tips:
- You can hold down Ctrl while selecting components to add more than one component to your selection.
- To deselect a component, simply click on it again while holding down Ctrl.
- If you have difficulty selecting components, try using different selection filters such as Select Faces, Select Edges, or Select Bodies.
Step 4: Choose Symmetry Mate Type
In the Mate PropertyManager, under “Mate Selections”, choose “Symmetry” as your mate type.
Step 5: Define Symmetry Plane and Origin
Once you have chosen the Symmetry Mate type, you need to define the symmetry plane and origin. To do this:
- Click on the Select button next to “Symmetry Plane”.
- In the graphics area, select a face or plane that represents the symmetry plane.
- Click on the Select button next to “Origin”.
- In the graphics area, select a point or vertex that represents the origin of symmetry.
Tips:
- You can use reference geometry features such as planes or axes to define your symmetry plane and origin.
- If you want to redefine your symmetry plane or origin, simply click on the corresponding “Select” button again and choose a different face, plane, point, or vertex.
- The preview in the graphics area will update dynamically as you make your selections.
Step 6: Set Additional Options (if desired)
In the Mate PropertyManager, you can set additional options for your Symmetry Mate if desired. These options include:
- Maintain Coincident Relationship: This option maintains a coincident relationship between the selected components and their original positions in relation to other components in the assembly. If this option is deselected, only the symmetric relationship will be maintained.
- Flip Symmetric Components: This option flips one of the symmetric components about its symmetry plane. Use this option if you want one component to be mirrored from its original position.
Step 7: Apply and Close
Click on the Apply button in the Mate PropertyManager to create the Symmetry Mate. If you want to create additional Symmetry Mates, click on the Apply button again after making your selections. Once you have finished creating Symmetry Mates, click on the Close button to exit the Mate tool.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to use the Symmetry Mate feature in SolidWorks. By using this powerful tool, you can easily create symmetric relationships between components in your assemblies.
Note: The Symmetry Mate feature is available in SolidWorks 2014 and later versions.