Supplemental Assembly Modeling with

Files on CD
SolidWorks 2004/2005
For the Intermediate SolidWorks User

David C. Planchard & Marie P. Planchard

SDC
PUBLICATIONS

Schroff Development Corporation

www.schroff.com
www.schroff-europe.com
Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Project 3
Top Down Design – In-context

Below are the desired outcomes and usage competencies based on the completion of this
Project.

Project Desired Outcomes: Usage Competencies:

• 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly. • Ability to create assemblies with multiple

configurations.
• PLATE-B part. • An understanding of In-context methods
as a Top Down assembly modeling
approach.
• Ability to create, Lock and Redefine
External references.
• Configurations for the • Knowledge to develop and incorporate
GUIDE-CYLINDER, SLIDE- assembly configurations at various levels
TABLE and 2AXIS- with the ConfigurationManager and
TRANSFER assemblies. Design Table.
• Ability to create and modify Mates
related to configurations.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Notes:

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Project 3 – Top Down Design – In-Context

Project Objective

Create the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly. Design

the PLATE-B part in the context of the GUIDE-
CYLINDER and SLIDE-TABLE assemblies. A
new part is developed in the context of an
assembly. The new part develops in-context
features.

Utilize the ConfigurationManager to create

configurations for the GUIDE-CYLINDER and
SLIDE-TABLE.

Utilize a Design Table to create configurations for 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly

the new 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly. The
2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly is the second
component in the 3AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

On the completion of this project, you

will be able to:
2AXIS-
TRANSFER
• Apply a Top-Down Design assembly
assembly modeling approach to
develop components in the
context of the assembly.
• Review External reference and
InPlace Mate syntax to create the
PLATE-B part.
• Apply a Bottom-Up Design 3AXIS-TRANSFER assembly
assembly modeling approach to
assemble additional components.
• Select the appropriate hole types and fasteners required in an assembly.
• Obtain the required dimensions, measure and insert features.
• Calculate the interference between components.
• Edit Mates and redefine External references.
• Add configurations to assembly components with the ConfigurationManager.
• Develop a Design Table and utilize parameters to control configurations and state.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

SolidWorks Tools and Commands

In Project 3, utilize the following SolidWorks tools and commands.

SolidWorks Tools and Commands:

$Configuration Edit Part, Edit Sub-assembly Rename
$STATE Extrude Boss/Base Replace Components
Add Configuration Feature Palette Replace Mate Entities
Autodimension Fixed/Float Rotate Component
Coincident Mate Hide Section view
Component Pattern Hole Wizard Selection Filters toolbar
Component Properties InPlace Mate Select Other
Concentric Mate Interference Detection Shortcut keys
Configurations Insert Component, New Part Show
Customize keyboard List External References Show Update Holders
Design Library Lock All Sketch relations: On Entity, Midpoint,
Coincident, Horizontal, Vertical
Design Table Mate Types Sketch tools: Centerline, Dimension
Dimensions/Relations toolbar Measure SmartMate
Display/Delete Relations Move Component Suppress/Set to Resolved
Distance Mate Move with Triad Suppress/Unsuppress
Do not create External References New view Suspend Automatic Rebuild
Edit Component Open part, Open assembly View Planes, Origins, Temporary
Axis

Build modeling skill and speed. Project 3 primarily utilizes Pop-up menus and Shortcut
keys to execute the tools in the Assembly toolbar.

Assembly Toolbar:
Insert Component (3)
Hide/Show (3)
Suppress (3)
Edit Component (3)
Mate (3)
Move Component (3)
Rotate Component (3)
Smart Fasteners (Add-in)
Exploded View (Exercise 3.3)
Exploded Line Sketch
Interference Detection (3)
Features (3)
Simulation
(3)
Assembly tools utilized in Project 3.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Project Overview

The 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly is the second

sub-assembly for the 3AXIS-TRANSFER
assembly. The 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly
combines the GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly and
the SLIDE-TABLE assembly. The SLIDE-
TABLE assembly vertically lifts the GRIPPER
100mm. The GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly
moves 100mm horizontally. GUIDE-CYLINDER SLIDE-TABLE
assembly assembly

The SLIDE-TABLE assembly cannot

be fastened directly to the GUIDE- GUIDE-CYLINDER
CYLINDER assembly. Design the assembly
PLATE-B part as an interim part to SHCSs
address this issue. Create PLATE-B in
the context of the GUIDE-CYLINDER
assembly.

The 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly PLATE-B

consists of the following models:

• GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly. SLIDE-TABLE

assembly
• PLATE-B part.
2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly
• SLIDE-TABLE assembly.
• SHCS.

Add the configurations

for the GUIDE-
CYLINDER, SLIDE-
TABLE and 2AXIS-
TRANSFER assemblies
Normal Extended
to represent physical
positions. GUIDE-CYLINDER Configurations

Utilize the ConfigurationManager to create the GUIDE-CYLINDER configurations

named, Normal and Extended.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Utilize the ConfigurationManager to

create the SLIDE-TABLE configurations,
named Normal and Extended.

Combine the GUIDE-CYLINDER

Normal configuration and Extended
configuration with the SLIDE-TABLE
Normal configuration and Extended Normal Extended
configuration to create the following four
2AXIS-TRANSFER configurations:
SLIDE-TABLE Configurations
1. Normal-Normal.

2. Normal-Extended.

3. Extended-Normal.

4. Extended-Extended.

The GUIDE-CYLINDER configuration is listed first, followed by the SLIDE-TABLE

configuration.

Normal-Normal Normal-Extended Extended-Normal Extended-Extended

2AXIS-TRANSFER configurations

Create the fifth 2AXIS-

TRANSFER configuration
named Fastener. Unsuppress
the SHCSs in the Fastener
configuration. Suppress the
SHCSs in the other four
configurations.
Fastener

2AXIS-TRANSFER Configurations

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Top Down Design Assembly Modeling Approach

In the Top Down design assembly modeling approach, the major design requirements are
translated into assemblies, sub-assemblies and components. You do not need all of the
required component design details. The model requires individual relationships between
components. There are two methods to begin a Top Down design assembly approach:

• Method 1: Start with a Layout Sketch in the assembly.

• Method 2: Start with a component in the assembly.
In Method 1, all major components are positioned based on a 2D sketch. Relationships
between sub-assemblies must be maintained for proper fit. Utilize Method 1 in Project 6.

Delivery Station Layout Sketch

In Method 2, relationships are derived from an existing component in the assembly.

Utilize Method 2 for the PLATE-B part.

Develop the PLATE-B part in the context of the existing GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly.
The PLATE-B part contains In-context relations.

An In-context relation is a reference between a sketch entity in a part and an entity in

another component. Relations that are defined In-context are listed as External
references.

In-context relations and External references are powerful tools in the design phase.
Begin with an empty part and utilize existing components in the assembly. Determine
the geometric and functional requirements of the part.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Mastering assembly modeling techniques with in-context relations requires practice and
time. Planning and selecting the correct reference and understanding how to incorporate
changes are important. Explore various techniques using InPlace Mates and External
references developed in the context of an assembly.

Assembly Modeling Techniques with InPlace Mates:

1. Plan the Top Down design method. Start from a Layout sketch or with a component
in the assembly.
2. Prepare the references. Utilize descriptive feature names for referenced features and
sketches.
3. Utilize InPlace Mates sparingly. Load all related components into memory to
propagate changes. Do not use InPlace Mates for purchased parts or hardware.
4. Group references. Select references from one component at a time.
5. Ask questions! Will the part be used again in a different assembly? If the answer is
yes, do not use InPlace Mates. If the answer is no, use InPlace Mates.
6. Will the part be used in physical dynamics or multiple configurations? If the answer
is yes, do not use InPlace Mates.
7. Examine how to redefine External references. Use List References and Lock
References to locate and protect geometry. Existing references do not update in a
locked state. Locate the locked references. Create new references for the sketch and
the feature.
8. Reduce the size of the FeatureManager. Hide Update Holders for In-context
features.
9. Work in the Edit Part mode to obtain the required external references in the
assembly. Create all non-referenced features in the Part, not in the assembly.
10. Obtain knowledge of your company’s policy on InPlace Mates or develop one as
part of an engineering standard. .
Note: Using the Break All command keeps External references from updating.

Note: The Break All command is not utilized in this project. The authors prefer other
techniques based on experience.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly

Create an assembly called 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly. Determine the specific

features required to create the PLATE-B part using the Top Down design assembly
approach. Utilize Insert, Component, New Part to create PLATE-B in the context of the
GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly.

Redefine the orientation of the GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly. The Float option removes
the Fixed constraint in the FeatureManager. Utilize the 2AXIS-TRANSFER default
reference planes: Front Plane, Top Plane and Right Plane. The reference planes provide
an accurate method to locate the first component in an assembly at the required
orientation.

Note: To rotate a component by

an exact value, select Rotate
Component. Select the By Delta
XYZ option. Enter an angular
value.

Rotate Component is accessed

through the Assembly toolbar.

To display the Move command

in the Pop-up menu, right-click
the Customize option in the
Graphics window. Check Move.

With the Pop-up menu, the

Rotate Component command requires two steps. Right-click Move. Right-click Rotate
Component.

The Shortcut keys you created in Project 2 are utilized in this project.

P (Show/Hide Planes), T (Show/Hide Temporary Axis), and M (Mate) are utilized in this
project.

Deactivate the Large Assembly Mode.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Activity: 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly

Close all documents.

1) Click Window, Close All.

Deactivate the Large Assembly Mode.

2) Click Tools. Uncheck Large Assembly Mode.

Open the GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly.

3) Double-click the SMC folder. Double-click the MGPM50-100
folder. Drag the GUIDE-CYLINDER icon into the Graphic
window.

Create a new assembly.

4) Click Make Assembly from Part/Assembly from the
Standard toolbar.

5) Select the MY-TEMPLATES tab. Double-click the ASM-MM-

ANSI icon. The Insert Component PropertyManager is
displayed.

6) Click a position to the left of the new assembly

Origin.

7) Click View. Uncheck Planes to hide all planes.

Shortcut key: P key.

Assembly Origin not

selected.

Save the assembly.

8) Click Save.

9) Select DELIVERY-STATION for

Save in: file folder.

10) Enter 2AXIS-TRANSFER for File

name. Click Save.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Float the GUIDE-CYLINDER.

11) Right-click GUIDE-CYLINDER in the
FeatureManager.

12) Click Float. The GUIDE-CYLINDER entry

changes from fixed, (f) to under-defined, (-).

Rotate the GUIDE-CYLINDER.

13) Right-click the GUIDE-CYLINDER in the
Graphics window. Click Move with Triad.

14) Hold the right mouse button down on the

green vertical arrow.

15) Drag the mouse pointer to the right to rotate the component approximately 90 degrees.

16) Release the right mouse button.

Mate the GUIDE-CYLINDER.

17) Click Mate . Shortcut key: M.

18) Click GUIDE-CYLINDER\Plane3. Click 2AXIS-

TRANSFER\Front Plane. Coincident is selected by default.
Click OK.

19) Click GUIDE-CYLINDER\Plane2.

20) Click 2AXIS-TRANSFER\Top Plane. Coincident is selected

by default. Click OK.

21) Click GUIDE-CYLINDER\Plane1.

22) Click 2AXIS-TRANSFER\Right Plane. Coincident is

selected by default. Click OK.

23) Click OK to exit the Mate PropertyManager.

Expand the Mates.

24) Double-click the Mates in 2AXIS-
TRANSFER folder to display the 3
Coincident Mates. The GUIDE-CYLINDER
is fully defined in the 2AXIS-TRANSFER
assembly.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

The Fix option provides a fast technique in assembly modeling. As models become
more complex, it is difficult to determine where the component Origin is in space.
Mating the first component to three planes takes more time but provides orientation
flexibility and greater accuracy.

Hide the MGPTube part.

25) Right-click the MGPTube part in the
Graphics window.

26) Click Hide .

Expand the MGPRod part.

27) Double-click MPGRod in the 2AXIS-
TRANSFER FeatureManager.

28) Click MountHoles2 in the

FeatureManager. The four holes are
selected in the Graphics window and
displayed in green.

The PLATE-B part references the

MountHoles2 feature.

In-context, External References and InPlace Mates

An in-context relationship is a geometric relationship between a sketch entity in one part,

and a feature on a component in the assembly.

An External reference is a relationship that exists between a sketch entity and geometry
outside the sketch. Example: The GUIDE-CYLINDER utilizes reference planes to
develop the Base Extrude feature for the MGPTube.

An External reference develops an in-context relationship when geometry is referenced

outside the part. Example: Create the new PLATE-B part in the context of the 2AXIS-
TRANSFER assembly that references the MGPRod component.

Components added in the context of an existing assembly automatically receive an

InPlace Mate. The InPlace Mate is a Coincident Mate created between the Front Plane of

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

a new component and the selected planar geometry of the assembly. The component is
fully defined; no additional Mates are required to position the component.

By default, SolidWorks uses the default templates for new parts and assemblies
developed in the context of an existing assembly. To select a custom Template, define
the System Options, Document Templates option before you insert a new component into
the assembly.

To create the PLATE-B part developed

in the context of the 2AXIS-
TRANSFER assembly, select Insert,
Component, New Part .

Select the custom Part Template from

the MY-TEMPLATES folder. Enter
PLATE-B for the new part.

Select the MGPRod right face to create an InPlace Mate reference with the PLATE-B
Front Plane. SolidWorks automatically selects the Edit Component icon when
inserting a new component. The PLATE-B blue text appears in the FeatureManager.
The default blue color indicates that the part is actively being edited.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

The right face of the MGPRod part is the current Sketch plane. The current sketch name
is Sketch1. The current Graphics window title displays the sketch and name.

Example:

“Sketch1 of PLATE-B -in- 2AXIS-TRANSFER.”

PLATE-B is the name of the component created in the context of the 2AXIS-
TRANSFER assembly. SolidWorks automatically selects Sketch .

The Mate, InPlace1 (GUIDE-

CYLINDER<1>, PLATE-B<1>)
fully defines PLATE-B in the
2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

The Assembly toolbar, FeatureManager and Pop-up Assembly menu display different
options.

Review Edit Component, Edit Part and Edit Sub-assembly tools.

• For parts and assemblies,

utilize the Edit Component

from the
Assembly toolbar.
• For parts only, utilize Edit Part and Open Part.
• For assemblies only, utilize Edit Sub-assembly and
Open Assembly.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

SolidWorks creates External references from

the PLATE-B part to the GUIDE-
CYLINDER assembly. Example: The
Extrude1 feature develops an External
reference from the sketch plane. Sketch1
develops External references from the
Convert Entities Sketch tool.

In SolidWorks 2005, the Do not create External references option develops no

InPlace Mate or External references. Select this option before you select Insert,
Component, New Part. Customize the Assembly toolbar in the next activity to include
this important option.

The procedure to create a component in the context of an assembly with no External

references is the same as creating a new part with External references. Select a Sketch
plane and create the sketch.

If you utilize Convert Entities and Offset Entities Sketch tools, no External references
develop. The new part requires dimensions and relations to fully define the geometry and
Mates to constrain its position in the assembly. The Do not create External references
option toggles on and off. Insert this option into the Assembly toolbar.

Activity: In-context, External References and InPlace Mates

Set the Default Template option.

29) Click Tools, Options, System Options

30) Click Default Templates.

31) Check Prompt user to select document template.

32) Click OK.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Insert the new PLATE-B part.

33) Click Insert, Component, New Part.

34) Select the PART-MM-ANSI Template.

35) Select DELIVERY-STATION

for Save in: file folder.

36) Enter PLATE-B for the file

name.

37) Click Save.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Locate the new part with an InPlace Mate.

38) The Component Pointer icon is
displayed on the mouse pointer. The
PLATE-B component is empty and requires
a sketch plane. Click the right face of the
MGPRod Part. SolidWorks creates the
InPlace1 Mate.

Convert existing edges.

39) Click the right face.

40) Click Convert Entities from the Sketch

toolbar.

41) Click the top left MountHoles2 circle.

Hold the Ctrl key down. Select the three
MountHoles2 circles.

42) Click Convert Entities . Release the Ctrl key.

Extrude Sketch1.
43) Click Extruded
Boss/Base
from the
Features
toolbar.

44) Enter 15 for Convert outside

Depth. 4 edges and
MountHole2
edges.

45) Click OK. The name of PLATE-B is displayed in blue. The PLATE-B part is edited in-
context of the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

Return to the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

46) Right-click a position in the Graphics window. Click Edit Assembly 2AXIS-TRANSFER.

Note: Select from the Assembly toolbar to exit

Edit Part and return to the assembly.

47) Right-click PLATE-B in the Graphics window. Click View Mates. The Inplace1 Mate lists
the component references; GUIDE-CYLINDER<1> and PLATE-B<1>.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Display the MGPTube part.

48) Right-click MGPTube from the FeatureManager. Click Show.

Save the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

49) Click Save.

Open PLATE-B.
50) Right-click PLATE-B in the Graphics window. Click Open Part.

Review External references in PLATE-B.

51) The “->” symbol indicates that there are External references for the PLATE-B part. Right-
click PLATE-B. Click List External Refs. The External Reference list contains the
Feature, Data, Status, Reference Identity and Feature Component. All External references
are defined. Click OK.

Customize the Assembly toolbar.

52) Click Tools, Customize,
Commands.

53) Select Assembly from Drag (2004) icon

the Categories list.

54) For 2004: Click the New

Part icon.

Drag (2005) icon into

Assembly toolbar.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

55) For 2005: Click the Do not create External references icon.

56) Drag the icon into the Assembly toolbar.

57) Click OK.

Base-Extrude Sketch1 contains three types of External references.

Convert Face entry occurs when you select the sketch plane. Convert Edge and Arc
entries occur when you select Convert Entities in Sketch1. The Data column lists
External references.

• Convert Face.
• Convert Edge.
• Arc.
The Convert Entities of the MGPRod’s right face results in four Convert Edge references.
The four Convert Edge references are:

• Bottom Horizontal Line.

• Right Vertical Line.
• Top Horizontal Line.
• Left Vertical Line.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

There are four Arc references. The Convert Entities of the four MountHoles2 circles
created the Arc references.

From the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly, utilize two additional methods to access

External references.

Method 1: Right-click on a component in the

FeatureManager or Graphics window. Click List
External Refs.

Method 2: Right-click on the top level assembly icon.

Click Show Update Holders. SolidWorks creates an
Update Holder for each External sketch reference.
The Update Holders are displayed at the bottom of the
FeatureManager.

The Update Holder entry contains the

option to List External Refs.

Reduce the size of the FeatureManager.

Select the default Hide Update Holders.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Hole Selection

Hole selection becomes an important decision in machine

design. You decide on the hole type, placement and feature
selection. Four ∅10mm SHCSs fasten the PLATE-B part
to the GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly. Should the holes
utilize a counterbore? Answer: No. The holes are too close
to the edge of the PLATE-B part. Do you enlarge PLATE-
B to accommodate the counterbore? Answer: No.
Increasing the part size adds additional weight and cost.

You must decide whether to create the PLATE-B

holes in a Top Down design approach with External PLATE-B
references, or a Bottom-Up Design approach with no
External references. Examine the SLIDE-TABLE
assembly to determine the fastener type. Are
additional holes required to mount the SLIDE-TABLE
assembly to PLATE-B? Answer: Yes. Add two
additional holes.

There are two major components in the SLIDE-TABLE

assembly:
MXSL-Table
1.) MXSL-Body.

2.) MXSL-Table.

MXSL-Body

SLIDE-TABLE assembly

The MXSL-Body back face mates to the PLATE-B front face. Simplify the mate
process. Hide the MXSL-Table.

Utilize BodyThruHole4 and BodyThruHole5, closest to the bottom face. Create two M6
Cbores in the PLATE-B part that correspond to the ThruHoles in the MXSLTable. No
External references are created in this Bottom Up approach.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Minimize the use of External references from multiple parts. Multiple part
references lead to problems in higher levels of the assembly. External references require
additional modification when dissolving components and forming sub-assemblies used in
other projects.

Avoid unnecessary references. Do not work continuously in Edit Component mode

for the individual part. Open the part. Insert additional features at the part level. The
individual part is less complex than an assembly. Rebuild time is quicker.

Activity: Hole Selection

Hide the GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly.

58) Press Ctrl-Tab to return to the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

59) Right-click GUIDE-CYLINDER in the Graphics window.

Part Origin
Right-click Hide. PLATE-B is displayed.

Note: Do not suppress the GUIDE-CYLINDER

assembly. The Mates will be suppressed and the
2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly will no longer be
constrained.

Note: The 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly determines

the location of the PLATE-B Origin.

Open the SLIDE-TABLE assembly.

60) Double-click the SMC\MXS25L-100B folder.

61) Right-click the SLIDE-TABLE icon.

62) Click Open.

For 2004: Select File, Open or right-click on the SLIDE-TABLE

icon. Click Open.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Determine the SLIDE-TABLE/MXSLBody Thru Hole locations.

63) Right-click SLIDE-TABLE/MXSL-Table in the
FeatureManager. Right-click Hide.

64) Right-click the SLIDE-TABLE/MXSLBody part in the

FeatureManager. Click Set to Resolved.

65) Double-click the MXSLBody to view the ThruHole sketch.

66) Double-click the ThruHoles Sketch from the

FeatureManager. The ∅6.6mm holes are spaced 35mm
apart and 32mm from the MXSLBody Top face.

67) Click BodyThruHole4 and BodyThruHole5 to display the

Thru Hole feature.

BodyThruHole4 and
Display the SLIDE-TABLE/MXSL-Table part. BodyThruHole5
68) Right-click the SLIDE-TABLE/MXSL-
Table in the FeatureManager.

69) Right-click Show.

Display an Isometric view.

70) Press Ctrl+7.

Open the PLATE-B part.

71) Press Ctrl-Tab.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Add Cbore Holes to the back face of the PLATE-B part.

72) Press Ctrl+2 to display the Back view.

73) Click the back face above the Origin.

74) Click the HoleWizard.

Create Cbore Hole1.

75) Click the Counterbore
tab.

76) Select ANSI Metric for

Standard.

77) Select Socket Head Cap

Screw for Screw Type.

78) Select M6 SHCS.

79) Select Through All for Depth.

80) Click Next. Cbore Hole1 is displayed in orange. Orange is the preview color.

Create a Cbore Hole2.

81) Click a position below the Top plane, aligned with the Origin. The center point of Cbore
Hole2 is displayed in blue. Note: Blue indicates that dimensions and relations are required.

Add a Vertical relation.

82) Right-click Select.
Click the Origin.

83) Hold the Ctrl key

down.

84) Click the Hole1

center point and
Hole2 center
point.

85) Click Vertical. Release the Ctrl key.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Add a Symmetric relation.

86) Click Centerline.

87) Sketch a horizontal centerline from the Origin to the midpoint of the right vertical line.

88) Right-click Select.

89) Click the centerline.

90) Hold the Ctrl key down. Click

the Hole1 center point and the
Hole2 center point. Click
Symmetric. Release the Ctrl
key.

Add a vertical dimension.

91) Click Smart Dimension.

92) Click the Hole1 center point and the Hole2 center point. Enter 35. The hole center
points are fully defined.

93) Click Finish.

Display an Isometric view.

94) Press Ctrl+7.

Save the PLATE-B part.

95) Press Ctrl+S.

Return to the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

96) Press Ctrl+Tab.

97) Click Window, 2AXIS-TRANSFER. The message, “Models contained within the assembly
have changed. Would you like to rebuild the assembly now?” Click Yes.

PLATE-B changed by adding two Cbore Holes. The 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly

contains the PLATE-B part. Utilize a Section view to display the new Cbores.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Update the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

98) Right-click the GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly.

99) Click Show.

View the Cbore Hole in the 2AXIS-

TRANSFER assembly.
100) Click the Front Plane in the
2AXIS-TRANSFER
assembly.

101) Click Section View from the

View toolbar. The Cbores
are on the back face of the
PLATE-B part.

102) Click Cancel from the

Section View
PropertyManager to display
the Full view.

Conserve design time. There are numerous Front Plane, Top Plane and Right Plane
entries in an assembly FeatureManager. Each component contains these reference
planes. How do you select the correct Plane? Answer: Locate the component in the
FeatureManager. Expand the component entry. Select the reference plane directly below
the component name.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Mating the SLIDE-TABLE assembly

The SLIDE-TABLE assembly fastens to the

PLATE-B Cbores. Open the SLIDE-TABLE
and 2AXIS-TRANSFER assemblies if
required. Utilize Tile Horizontally and drag
the SLIDE-TABLE assembly icon into the
2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly. Position the MXSL-Body
SLIDE-TABLE in its approximate orientation
before creating a Mate.
MXSL-Table
Hide components when not required. Do not
suppress the GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly.
Suppressing components suppresses Mates,
resulting in parts being free to move and
rotate.

There are many holes on the MXSL-Body part. What holes do you assemble to PLATE-
B? Answer: The two bottom holes on the MXSL-Body part.

Investigate the physical behavior of the SLIDE-TABLE assembly. What part moves?
What part remains static? Answer: The MXSL-Table part linearly translates and the
MXSL-Body part is fixed.

For 2005, the Suspend Automatic Rebuild

defers the updating of Mates in the top level
2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly. Utilize this
option to create and change multiple Mates.
The Rebuild command from the Standard
toolbar controls the update of the deferred
Mates.

Utilize a Section view to see the PLATE-B

Cbores and the BodyThruHole4 and
BodyThruHole5.

Utilize the Use for positioning only option to move and rotate
components based on the Mate type. The Mate is not created or
added to the FeatureManager.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Activity: Mating the SLIDE-TABLE assembly.

Insert the SLIDE-TABLE assembly.

103) Click Window, Tile Horizontally.

104) Drag the SLIDE-TABLE

assembly icon into the 2AXIS-
TRANSFER assembly.

105) Click a position in front of the

PLATE-B part.

106) Maximize the 2AXIS-TRANSFER

assembly.

Move and Rotate the SLIDE-TABLE assembly.

107) Right-click the SLIDE-TABLE
assembly in the Graphics window.

108) Click Move.

109) Right-click Rotate Component.

110) Drag the SLIDE-TABLE assembly in

front of the PLATE-B part.

111) Click OK.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Hide the Components not required.

112) Double-click the SLIDE-TABLE entry in the FeatureManager.

113) Hold the Shift key down. Click MXSL-Table<1>. Click

the MXSL-BS+BT<2>. Release the Shift key. The
MXS-A+B is selected automatically with Shift-Select.

114) Hold the Ctrl key down.

115) Click the GUIDE-CYLINDER assembly in the FeatureManager.

116) Right-click Hide. Release the Ctrl key.

Create a new view.

117) Press the Space bar.

118) Pin the View Orientation dialog box.

119) Click Isometric.

120) Hold the Shift key down. Press the Right Arrow key.
Release the Shift key.

121) Click New View. Enter Back Iso for view name.

122) Click OK.

123) Click Isometric.

Position the MXSL-Body.

124) Select the assembly Front
Plane. Hold the Ctrl key
down. Select Plane3 from the
SLIDE-TABLE. Release the
Ctrl key.

125) Press the M Shortcut key to

display the Mate
PropertyManager.

126) Click the Use for positioning

only option. Coincident is
selected by Default.

127) Click OK. Do not move or

rotate the MXSL-Body.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Defer the Mates.

128) Right-click the 2AXIS-TRANSFER
icon.

129) Click Suspend Automatic Rebuild.

Display the Section view.

130) Click the assembly Front Plane. Click
Section view.

Insert the first Concentric Mate.

131) Click the BodyThruHole4 cylindrical
face. Click the top PLATE-B Cbore
cylindrical face. Concentric is
selected by default.

132) Click OK.

Insert the second Concentric Mate.

133) Click the BodyThruHole5 cylindrical
face.

134) Click the bottom PLATE-B Cbore

cylindrical face. Concentric is selected
by default. Click OK.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Insert the first Coincident Mate.

135) Click the PLATE-B front face.

136) Click the Back Iso view.

137) Click the MXSL-Body back face.

138) Click OK. The SLIDE-TABLE is

fully defined.

Save the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

139) Click Save.

Fasteners

The 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly requires two different length fasteners.

• Insert two M6x1.0 SHCSs between the PLATE-B part and the SLIDE-TABLE
assembly.
• Insert two M6x1.0 SHCSs between the PLATE-B part and the GUIDE-
CYLINDER assembly.
• Create an assembly-sketched pattern for the fasteners.
Inserting fastener components simulates the assembly process in manufacturing.
Assemble the PLATE-B part to the SLIDE-TABLE assembly. The individual SHCSs
were created from SolidWorks Toolbox and stored in the MY-TEMPLATE\SHCS folder.

The Mate References in the SHCS create the Concentric\Coincident SmartMate when
dragged to the PLATE-B hole. Utilize the components located in the SHCS folder
instead of SolidWorks\Toolbox to practice Replace and Redefine options.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

Activity: Fasteners

Measure the thread length distance.

140) Press Ctrl+5 to display the Top view.

141) Click Tools, Measure.

142) For 2005: Click Show XYZ Measurements .

143) Click the inside edge of the PLATE-B Cbore

Hole.

144) Click the bottom edge of the hole. The Delta X

distance is 57mm. Utilize a 50mm thread length
for the SHCS.

For 2004, SolidWorks displays the measured values in

the dialog box.

Position the model.

145) Rotate PLATE-B. Click the
top Cbore. Right-click
Zoom to Select.

Insert the M6 SHCSs.

146) Double-click MY-
TOOLBOX\SHCS. Drag
the B18.3.1M-6x1.0x50
Hex SHCS to the top
Cbore. The
Coincident\Concentric

icon is displayed.
Release the mouse pointer
on the inside circular
edge.

147) Drag the B18.3.1M-

6x1.0x50 Hex SHCS to the
bottom Cbore. Release the
mouse pointer on the
inside circular edge.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

148) Double-click the Mates entry in the FeatureManager.

Two instances of the M6x1.0x50 SHCS have been added to the FeatureManager. The
B18.3.1M-6x1.0x50Hex SHCS<1> is the first instance. The B18.3.1M-6x1.0x50Hex
SHCS<2> is the second instance. Each time you insert a SHCS, in the same session of
SolidWorks, the instance number is incremented. Your instance numbers <1>, <2>, may
be different if a SHCS was deleted.

Dragging the SHCS into the assembly and referencing the Cbore circular edge created
four SmartMates named 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each time you insert a SmartMate, the instance
number is incremented. Your numbers may be different if a Mate was deleted.

Hide and Show components.

149) Click SLIDE-TABLE, B18.3.1M-
6x1.0x50Hex SHCS <1>. Hold the Ctrl
key down.

150) Click B18.3.1M-6x1.0x50Hex SHCS<2>

from the FeatureManager.

151) Right-click Hide. Release the Ctrl key.

152) Right-click GUIDE-CYLINDER in the

FeatureManager.

153) Click Show. Right-click MGPTube in the Graphics window.

154) Click Hide. PLATE-B and the MGPRod parts are displayed.

Add one M10x1.5 SHCS to PLATE-B.

155) Press the Space bar. Click the Back Iso view.

156) Drag the B18.3.1M-10x1.5x25 Hex SHCS to the back top hole.

157) Release the mouse pointer on the outside circular edge.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

The FeatureManager Mates entry displays the Concentric\Coincident SmartMates named

5 and 6.

Editing Mates and Redefining Components

Assemblies require the ability to

modify Mates and redefined
components. The 2AXIS-
TRANSFER assembly requires
four M10 SHCSs to fasten the
PLATE-B part to the GUIDE-
CYLINDER assembly. Errors
occur in the modify process.
The goal is to learn how to
recognize and correct errors.

A Concentric Mate and Coincident Mate define the SHCS placement. Suppress the
Coincident Mate in order to flip the alignment. Modify the Concentric Mate selections
from the GUIDE-CYLINDER top back hole to the PLATE-B bottom front hole with the
Replace Mate Entities option. Unsuppress the Coincident Mate. Utilize the Replace
Mate Entities option to redefine the Coincident Mate selections.

What is the required thread length? Answer: 25mm or

30mm. Try a 25mm SHCS. The 25mm SHCS thread
does not provide the minimum engagement of 75% for
the MGPRod Plate hole. 25MM Length

Utilize the Replace Component option to modify the 30MM Length

25mm SHCS to a 30mm.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

The SHCS fastens PLATE-B to the GUIDE-

CYLINDER assembly. Create a Local Assembly
Pattern that corresponds to the MountHoles2 position.
Record the dimensions between the holes.

The Local Assembly Pattern of the M10 SHCS

requires the 130mm and 40mm dimensions. Identify
the location of the pattern. Locate the pattern at the
top level of the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

There is a visual interference between the lower right fastener

and the SLIDE-TABLE assembly. What is the solution?
Answer: Utilize the second set of MGPRod M6 holes, named
MountHoles.

Activity: Editing Mates and Redefining Components

Suppress the Coincident Mate, 6.

158) Right-click Mate 6 in the
FeatureManager. Click
Suppress.

Redefine Concentric Mate 5.

159) Right-click Mate 5 in the FeatureManager.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

160) Click Replace Mate

Entities.

161) Select the Face of

GUIDE-CYLINDER
from the Mate
Entities box.

162) Select the PLATE-B

front bottom hole.

163) Click OK.

The SHCS head points towards PLATE-B. Press the Flip Mate Alignment button if
required.

Move the SHCS into position.

164) Drag the SHCS in front of PLATE-B.

Modify Coincident Mate 6.

165) Right-click Mate 6.

166) Click Unsuppress.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

The What’s Wrong box displays two errors. The first error is a general error statement
about the 2AXIS-TRANSFER Mate group. The 2AXIS-TRANSFER entry displays an
error flag in red . The Mates entry displays an error flag in
red.

The second error lists the Feature, Mate 6 and provides a description about the error
condition. The separation distance value is based on the SHCS position in the Graphics
window. To maintain coincident faces, utilize Replace Mate Entities and select the front
PLATE-B face.

Redefine the Mate Entities.

167) Right-click Mate 6.

168) Click Replace Mate

Entities. Red error
flags are displayed on
the Mate Entities.

169) Select the Face of

GUIDE-CYLINDER
entry from the Mate
Entities box.

170) Select the GUIDE-

CYLINDER front
face. Green check
marks are displayed
on the Mate Entities.

171) Click OK.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

The Mates rebuild successfully. Mate 5 and Mate 6 reference the SHCS and PLATE-B.

Create a Section view.

172) Click the Front face of PLATE-
B.

173) Click Section View .

174) Enter -8 to display the Section

view with the hole and fastener.

175) Click OK.

Replace the SHCS.

176) Right-click B18.3.1M-10x1.5x25 Hex SHCS in the FeatureManager.

177) Click the More Arrow at the button

of the Pop-up.

178) Click Replace Components.

179) Click the Browse button from the Replace PropertyManager.

180) Select B18.3.1M-10x1.5x30 Hex SHCS from the MY-TOOLBOX\SHCS folder.

181) Click Open.

182) Click OK.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Display the full view.

183) Click Section View .

Show the MGPTube.

184) Right-click MGPTube in the FeatureManager.

185) Click Show.

The Mated Entities

PropertyManager displays the
Concentric and Coincident
references for Mate 5 and
Mate 6. The SHCS updates in
the Graphics window. The
FeatureManager displays the
new entries with the part icon
and Mates entries.

The Mate Entities PropertyManager provides the ability to change Mate selection.
Explore additional Mate errors and their recovery in Project 4.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

View the dimensions required for a Local Pattern.

186) Double-click
GUIDE-ROD
in the
FeatureManager.

187) Double-click
MGPRod.
Double-click
MountHoles2.

Create a Local Assembly Pattern.

188) Select the B18.3.1M-10x1.5x30Hex
SHCS from the 2AXIS-TRANSFER
FeatureManager for the seed component.

189) Click Insert, Component Pattern, Linear

Pattern.

190) Click the horizontal edge

for Direction 1.

191) Enter 130 for Spacing.

Enter 2 for Instances.

192) Click the vertical edge for

Direction 2.

193) Enter 40 for Spacing. Enter

2 for Instances.

194) Click OK.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

Show the SLIDE-TABLE components.

195) Right-click the SLIDE-TABLE. Click
Show.

196) Double-click SLIDE-TABLE. Select MXS-

A+B<1>.

197) Hold the Ctrl key down.

198) Select MXSL-BS+BT<2>.

199) Right-click Show. Release the Ctrl key.

200) Click Interference Detection

from the Assembly toolbar.

201) Right-click a position in the Selected

components box. Click Clear
Selections.

202) Select MXSL-BS+BT.

203) Select B18.3.1M-10x1.5x30 Hex

SHCS.

204) Click the Calculate button. The

results display the Interference1
volume.

The Interference results in a design decision. Review the four options:

• Modify the positions of the PLATE-B four holes.

• Mount the SLIDE-TABLE to PLATE-B utilizing BodyHole3 and BodyHole4.
• Increase the overall size of PLATE-B and modify the four through holes to
countersink or counterbore.
• Locate additional holes on the MGPRod component.

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Top Down Design – In Context Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks

The first option results in

modification of a purchased part.
The second and third options cause
interference with other components.
Proceed with the fourth option.
Locate two MountHoles on the
MGPRod. Insert two M6 Cbores in
PLATE-B with the Holes Wizard.

Delete the M10 SHCS and Local Pattern.

205) Click M10 SHCS in the 2AXIS-TRANSFER FeatureManager. Hold the Ctrl key down.

206) Click the LocalPattern1. Press the Delete key. Release the Ctrl key.

207) Click Yes to All to delete the dependent Mates.

Hide the SLIDE-TABLE and the GUIDE-CYLINDER/MGPTube.

208) Click the SLIDE-TABLE in the FeatureManager. Hold the Ctrl key down.

209) Click the GUIDE-CYLINDER/MGPTube. Right-click Hide. Release the Ctrl key.

Edit PLATE-B In-context of the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

210) Right-click PLATE-B in the FeatureManager. Click Edit Part. The PLATE-B part name is
displayed in blue.

Display the hidden lines.

211) Click Hidden Lines Visible.

212) Press the T Shortcut key to display the Temporary Axes.

Insert an M6 Cbore.
213) Click the PLATE-B face to the left of the Origin.

214) Click Hole Wizard. Select the Cbore tab. Select ANSI Metric for Standard.

215) Select Socket Head Cap Screw for Screw Type.

216) Select M6 for Diameter. Select Through All for Depth. Click Next.

Position the second M6 hole center point.

217) Click a position to the right of the Origin.

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Assembly Modeling with SolidWorks Top Down Design – In Context

There are two methods to reference the center point of a

Hole Wizard hole or Circle Sketch tool. The first method
is to “wake up” the center point of an existing hole by
dragging the mouse pointer over circular geometry. A
Coincident relationship is inferred. This method requires
that the referenced circular geometry and the new center
point are on the same plane or face.

The second method utilizes the Temporary axis of an existing hole and the new center
point. Work in an Isometric view to display the Temporary axis and the center point.
Utilize this method in the next step.

Select the Axis filter.

218) Right-click a position in the gray area of the Main menu.

219) Check
Selection
Filter.

220) Click Filter Axes.

Add Relations.
221) Click the left MGPRod/MountHole Temporary Axis.

222) Click Clear All Filters.

223) Hold the Ctrl key down.

224) Select the left Cbore center point.

225) Click Coincident. The hole is fully defined.

226) Repeat for Coincident relation

for the right Cbore.

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Return to the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

227) Right-click Edit Assembly:2AXIS-TRANSFER in the Graphics window.

Save the 2AXIS-TRANSFER assembly.

228) Click Save.

Two M6 SHCSs are sized and inserted. This action is an

exercise at the end of the project. Utilize the four outside
mounting holes in a different assembly.

Suppress the SHCSs.

229) Select B18.3.1M-6x1.0x50 Hex SHCS <1>.

230) Hold the Ctrl key down.

231) Select B18.3.1M-6x1.0x50 Hex SHCS <2>.

Suppress SHCSs
232) Right-click Suppress.

233) Release the Ctrl key.

Display the Hidden components.

234) Right-click the GUIDE-
CYLINDER/MGPTube part in the
FeatureManager.

235) Click Show.

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