How Do You Mirror an Assembly in SolidWorks and Delete Original?
SolidWorks is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software that allows users to create and manipulate 3D models. One of the useful features in SolidWorks is the ability to mirror assemblies. This allows you to create a mirrored copy of an assembly, which can be particularly helpful when designing symmetrical objects or components.
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of mirroring an assembly in SolidWorks and deleting the original. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open the Assembly
To begin, open the assembly file in SolidWorks that you want to mirror. You can do this by going to File > Open and selecting the desired assembly file from your computer.
Step 2: Activate the Mirror Assembly Feature
Once you have your assembly open, navigate to the Assembly Features tab located on the left-hand side of your screen. Click on it to activate the feature.
Note:
If you don’t see the Assembly Features tab, it may be hidden. To unhide it, right-click anywhere on the tabs bar and select Show Assembly Features.
Step 3: Select Components to Mirror
With the Mirror Assembly Feature activated, you can now select the components you want to mirror. To do this, simply click on each component while holding down the Ctrl key.
The selected components will be highlighted in blue.
You can also use other selection methods, such as the Select Components tool or the Select by Box tool, depending on your preference and the complexity of your assembly.
Step 4: Define the Mirror Plane
Once you have selected the components you want to mirror, it’s time to define the mirror plane. The mirror plane is an imaginary plane that acts as a reflection surface for mirroring your components. To define the mirror plane, follow these steps:
- Click on the Mirror Plane icon: It is represented by an icon resembling a double-sided arrow. You can find it in the Mirror Assembly Feature toolbar.
- Select a face or plane: Choose a face or plane in your assembly that will act as the mirror plane. Click on it to select it.
- Define orientation: Choose whether you want to mirror about an existing face or create a new reference plane for mirroring purposes. This depends on your specific design requirements.
Step 5: Configure Mirror Options
Before finalizing the mirroring process, you might want to configure some additional options based on your preferences. The options include:
- Delete Original Components: If you want to delete the original components after mirroring, make sure this option is checked.
- Mirror Components Only: If you only want to mirror components without copying mates and other relations, enable this option.
- Mirror Features: This option allows you to mirror features applied to individual components.
Step 6: Mirror the Assembly
Once you have configured the mirror options, click on the Mirror button to begin mirroring your assembly. SolidWorks will create a mirrored copy of the selected components based on the defined mirror plane.
If you encounter any errors or warnings during the mirroring process, make sure to address them before proceeding. These warnings can help identify potential issues with your design.
Step 7: Review and Save Changes
After the mirroring process is complete, take some time to review the mirrored assembly. Ensure that all components are correctly positioned and aligned according to your design intent.
Finally, save your changes by going to File > Save or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + S. It is always a good practice to save your work regularly throughout the design process.
Congratulations!
You have successfully learned how to mirror an assembly in SolidWorks and delete the original. This powerful feature can save time and effort in designing symmetrical objects or components.
Experiment with different mirror planes and options to achieve optimal results for your specific design requirements. Happy designing!