How to mate multiple parts efficiently
How to mate multiple parts efficiently
(OP)
I have a number of brackets and other similar types of shapes which need to be mated to an assembly. I am trying to do this without having to create each mate one-by-one. Smart mates are not viable for this type of part... a bracket.
I already have made copies of the parts (by using CNTL-drag to copy them). I had hoped to be able to select faces from the various copies, then the one face they all mate to, and then select Mate. But, it appears you can't select more than the two faces which must mate.
If I could copy the parts, with the mates copied as well, that would do the job also. However, this doesn't seem to be available. I realize that it is not viable to do such a thing if the original were fully constrained, since the two parts would end up on top of each other. But, in my case, I only have the original partially constrained.
Any ideas on how to deal with this efficiently?
Joe Dunfee
I already have made copies of the parts (by using CNTL-drag to copy them). I had hoped to be able to select faces from the various copies, then the one face they all mate to, and then select Mate. But, it appears you can't select more than the two faces which must mate.
If I could copy the parts, with the mates copied as well, that would do the job also. However, this doesn't seem to be available. I realize that it is not viable to do such a thing if the original were fully constrained, since the two parts would end up on top of each other. But, in my case, I only have the original partially constrained.
Any ideas on how to deal with this efficiently?
Joe Dunfee






RE: How to mate multiple parts efficiently
RE: How to mate multiple parts efficiently
SW '08 allows for the copying of not only the part, but the mates as well.
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog
Dell M90, Core2 Duo
4GB RAM
Nvidia 3500M
RE: How to mate multiple parts efficiently
Thanks for letting me know about the features in the more recient versions. I will keep them in mind when we upgrade.
Joe Dunfee
RE: How to mate multiple parts efficiently
-Shaggy
RE: How to mate multiple parts efficiently
In my case, the item is an L-shaped bracket that mounts a plate to a T-Slot type aluminum exrusion. I am not using any holes for mates at this time (though some will eventually be drilled).
Joe Dunfee
RE: How to mate multiple parts efficiently
You have some good advice here. Shaggy's recommendation to use feature driven pattern is a good one that too many folks don't know about (a star for you, Shaggy).
I would also like to offer some ideas:
1. If you are mating a hole to a hole then instead of Ctrl-drag to copy/drop them within the assy, instead have two windows open - the assy and the part you want to add. Grab the part by picking on the hole edge that represents the concentric and coincident surfaces, drag it to your assy window and drop it onto the mating hole. This simple action makes it very easy to add the part and two mates in one smooth motion.
2. Use subassemblies. Make a subassy of a bracket and all the fasteners that will go into it. I even make subassemblies of a fastener/washer and use that out the ying-yang. Now you can use the bracket/fastener subassy with a net of fewer mates than if everything is at the one level in your final assy. It has been awhile since I've done it, but you should also be able to dissolve the subassembly into the top level assembly and keep the mates. Personally, I HIGHLY recommend using as many levels of subassemblies as possible to reduce the overall work and keep the tree more manageable. It is a dream to perform adjustments with these subassemblies. About the only time I dissolve these subassemblies is if it is required for a flattened BOM, which I resist. Did I recommend using subassemblies yet?
3. You can use configurations of subassemblies, such a a bolt/washer/nut combo where these are different sizes AND with the nut at different distances from the washer. Design Tables RULE!
4. Combine the use of subassemblies with the feature pattern. My practice is to make a seed feature, such as a hole, a different color from the part. I'll mate the first subassy (bracket and fasteners in this case) to the seed hole (easy to see because of its different color) then pattern the subassy to follow the feature pattern of holes. Awesome stuff here - speed, accuracy of components, ease of maintenance (change), etc.
I hope this gives you more ideas to shorten your work.
- - -Updraft
RE: How to mate multiple parts efficiently
1. For the SW BOM type use PARTS ONLY and keep the sub-assemblies of screws/washer/nuts in your upper level model.
2. For all the assemblies that you want to remain as a single item, create a design table in the assembly and ADD the column header $NEVER_EXPAND_IN_BOM and set all the columns to Y (yes)
In the drawing it will count the number of screws washes etc. but not drill down and list all the parts in your 'selected' sub-assemblies. Thoughts?
RE: How to mate multiple parts efficiently
Cole M
CSWP, CSWST, CSWI, CPDM
HP XW4300, 3.4g proc, 2.5g RAM, ATI Fire GL 3100
Dell M90, Core 2 Duo, 2g RAM, Nvidia Quadra FX2500M
Equus (custom), P4, 3.4g proc, 3g RAM, Nvidia Quadro FX3400
RE: How to mate multiple parts efficiently
Joe Dunfee