Fixed vs. Mates
Fixed vs. Mates
(OP)
Any opinion on "fixing" components in assemblies versus mating them? Most of my mated parts show up as under defined in the feature tree but seem to be placed correctly. Once I fix them they aren't going anywhere. Now the boss wants an exploded assembly of the 100+ part model. Am I right that I can't do that with fixed components? Thanks.






RE: Fixed vs. Mates
Give it a quick try. Go into configurations and do an auto explode. Let us know if it works.
Bradley
RE: Fixed vs. Mates
We do a lot of automotive interior components. All of the components are fixed and modeled in in-car position.
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RE: Fixed vs. Mates
Our assemblies are about 600 components, all are mated, none are fixed. Having fixed parts with hardware is a bad idea. If there is a change to a part, your hardware will not update to the new hole locations, and interferences and other problems could be introduced.
We don't fully define some items, such as hardware, as we feel the added mates to keep something from rotating does not prove to be beneficial when compared to the strain on the computer when resolving mates.
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RE: Fixed vs. Mates
However, if you have time to experiment, make all the parts fully mated, then make a new config. In that config, suppress all the mates, then Fix all the parts. The orignal config should have all the mates unsupressed & the "fixed" suppressed. Then you will have the best of both worlds.
RE: Fixed vs. Mates
1 Already tried auto-explode without success. I kinda knew it wouldn't work anyhow.
2 I forgot to mention that I did not fix the hardware so whan I auto-explode, fasteners are the only items that move.
3 Unfortunately no time to play. I'm actually a consultant with the company. I bought in SolidWorks for the company's long term program but have no idea if I'll be a part of that. I like the idea a configuration options though.
Thanks to all.