How Do You Copy Mates in SolidWorks?

by

How Do You Copy Mates in SolidWorks?

When working with assemblies in SolidWorks, it is common to have multiple instances of the same part or subassembly that need to be mated in the same way. Instead of manually applying mates to each instance, SolidWorks provides a convenient feature called Copy Mates. In this tutorial, we will explore how to use this feature effectively.

The Copy Mates Command

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what the Copy Mates command does. This command allows you to select a source component and specify one or more destination components. It then copies all mates from the source component to the destination components, saving you valuable time and effort.

Step 1: Open Your Assembly

To begin, open your assembly file in SolidWorks. Make sure you have at least two instances of the same part or subassembly that require identical mates.

Step 2: Activate the Copy Mates Command

In the Assembly tab of the Ribbon, locate and click on the Copy Mates button. Alternatively, you can access this command by right-clicking on a component in the FeatureManager Design Tree and selecting Copy Component Mates.

Step 3: Select Source Component and Destination Components

A dialog box will appear after activating the Copy Mates command. In this dialog box:

  • Select the source component by clicking on it in either the graphics area or the FeatureManager Design Tree.
  • Select the destination components by either dragging a selection box around them in the graphics area or selecting them one by one in the FeatureManager Design Tree.

Step 4: Choose Mates to Copy

After selecting the source component and destination components, you will see a list of mates that can be copied. By default, all mates are selected. However, you can uncheck any mates that you do not wish to copy.

Step 5: Apply Mates and Complete the Command

Once you have chosen the mates to copy, click on the Apply button to apply the mates to the destination components. You can also choose to click on Cancel if you change your mind and want to exit without applying any mates.

Tips and Tricks

To make effective use of the Copy Mates command in SolidWorks, consider these tips:

  • If you want to copy mates from a subassembly, make sure it is fully defined before using Copy Mates.
  • If you need to copy mates from multiple source components, repeat the Copy Mates command for each source component.
  • If you want to keep a link between the source and destination components, check the option “Create external references” in the Copy Mates dialog box.

In Conclusion

The Copy Mates command in SolidWorks is a powerful tool that allows you to quickly apply identical mates between multiple instances of a component. By following these steps and considering our tips and tricks, you can save time and streamline your assembly process. Experiment with this feature and explore its potential in your own projects!