Lesson goal
Build an assembly from existing parts and mate it correctly.
4 videos
1 exercise
Beginner
Prerequisite: Know how to model a simple part
1. Watch the videos
Dassault Systèmes videos hosted on MySolidWorks: they open in a new tab and a free account is enough. Watch them in order.
Assembly ModelingOpen an assembly, add components and mates.In French↗ Bottom-Up Assembly ModelingAdd and orient existing parts, then mate them.In French↗ Move and Rotate ComponentsDrag, use the triad, move by values.In French↗ Standard MatesCoincident, parallel, concentric, distance, angle.In French↗
2. Key takeaways
The first component inserted is fixed: choose the part that serves as the reference (frame, base plate).
Each mate removes degrees of freedom; a fully constrained component no longer moves.
Leave functional motions free (shaft rotation, sliding): the assembly can then be animated and checked.
Mate on the planes and axes of the parts where possible: these references survive changes better than faces.
Tip
Open the Mates folder and look at errors or warnings as soon as they appear: a conflicting mate fixed right away saves hours of searching later.
3. Do the exercise
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