What Does Coincident Mean in SolidWorks?
In SolidWorks, the term “coincident” refers to the relationship between two or more entities that share the same position in a three-dimensional space. This relationship is commonly used in sketching and assembling components within a SolidWorks model.
Sketching with Coincident Relationships
When creating sketches in SolidWorks, you often need to define the position of various sketch entities relative to each other. By using coincident relationships, you can ensure that specific points, lines, or curves are constrained to be located at the same coordinates as other entities.
To apply a coincident relationship, follow these steps:
- Select the first entity that you want to define as coincident.
- Click on the second entity that you want to make coincident with the first one.
- Release the mouse button.
The two entities will now be locked together and maintain their relative positions even if you move or edit other parts of your sketch. This is particularly useful when creating symmetrical designs or aligning different elements within a sketch.
Assembling Components with Coincident Relationships
In an assembly model, coincident relationships are used to position and align different components. By defining certain faces or edges as coincident, you can ensure that they overlap or touch each other precisely as intended.
To apply a coincident relationship between components:
- Select the face or edge of one component that you want to align with another component.
- Select the face or edge of the second component that should coincide with the first one.
- Confirm your selection and observe the components snapping into place.
The coincident relationship ensures that the selected faces or edges of the components remain in contact, maintaining their position even if you move or rotate other parts of the assembly. This is crucial for creating accurate and well-fitted assemblies.
Summary
In SolidWorks, coincident relationships are essential for defining precise positions and alignments between sketch entities and assembly components. Whether you are creating complex sketches or assembling intricate models, understanding and utilizing coincident relationships will greatly enhance your design capabilities.
Remember, when sketching or assembling in SolidWorks, don’t overlook the power of coincident relationships to ensure accuracy and maintain design intent.