How Do I Stretch an Assembly in SolidWorks?

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In this tutorial, we will learn how to stretch an assembly in SolidWorks. Stretching an assembly allows you to modify the size or shape of components within the assembly without affecting other parts or features.

Step 1: Open the Assembly

First, open the assembly file in SolidWorks by navigating to File > Open. Browse for the file and click Open.

Step 2: Activate the Stretch Command

To activate the stretch command, go to the Command Manager and click on Features. From the drop-down menu, select Mate, then choose Stretch.

Step 3: Select Components to be Stretched

Select the components within the assembly that you want to stretch. You can use either individual components or a selection set of multiple components.

Step 4: Define Stretch Direction

To define the stretch direction, click on one of the selected components and drag it along a desired axis. You can also specify a distance or percentage by entering values in the dialogue box that appears.

Tips:

  • To stretch along multiple axes, hold down the Ctrl key while dragging.
  • If you want to maintain proportions while stretching, check the box for “Maintain Proportions” in the dialogue box.
  • To reverse direction, simply drag in the opposite direction.
  • If you want to rotate instead of stretching, use the “Rotate Component(s)” option in step 2. This will allow you to rotate the selected components around their center.

Step 5: Confirm Stretch

Once you are satisfied with the stretching, click OK to confirm the changes. The selected components will now be stretched accordingly.

Step 6: Save and Close the Assembly

Finally, save your work by going to File > Save. You can also choose to save it as a new file if you want to keep the original assembly intact. Close the assembly file when you are done.

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to stretch an assembly in SolidWorks. This powerful feature allows you to quickly modify assemblies, making it easier to design and iterate on complex models.

Note: The stretch command may not be available in all versions of SolidWorks or may have different names depending on your software version. Refer to the SolidWorks documentation for specific instructions if needed.