To create an assembly from subassemblies in SolidWorks, you essentially open a new assembly document and then insert the desired subassemblies (and/or individual parts) into it. This foundational process allows you to build complex products from modular components.
Understanding the Assembly Process
Creating a top-level assembly from pre-existing subassemblies is a common and efficient workflow in CAD software like SolidWorks. It promotes modular design, making it easier to manage large projects, collaborate with teams, and update individual components without affecting the entire design.
As per the reference, the core steps involve:
- Opening a new assembly document.
- Inserting the parts or subassemblies that you intend to include in your new assembly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Assembly
Here's a detailed breakdown of the process to build an assembly using your subassemblies:
1. Start a New Assembly Document
The first crucial step is to initiate a new assembly environment.
- In SolidWorks, go to
File > New. - Select
Assemblyfrom the New SolidWorks Document dialog box. - Click
OK. This will open a new, blank assembly document, ready for you to add components.
2. Insert Your Subassemblies and Parts
Once the new assembly document is open, you need to populate it with your existing subassemblies and individual parts. SolidWorks provides several convenient methods for this, ensuring flexibility based on your workflow.
You can insert components using the following methods:
| Method | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Design Library | Access frequently used or standard components and subassemblies directly from SolidWorks' built-in library pane. Ideal for reusable assets. | Standard components, frequently used sub-assemblies |
| File Explorer | Browse your local or network drives to locate and select specific part (.SLDPRT) or assembly (.SLDASM) files. |
Specific, known file locations |
| Open Dialog Box | Initiated often when you first create a new assembly, SolidWorks may automatically prompt an "Insert Component" dialog box, which functions similarly to a file explorer. | Initial component insertion |
| Drag and Drop | If you have other SolidWorks documents (parts or assemblies) open, you can simply drag them directly from the open window into your new assembly document. | Quick insertion from open documents |
Practical Steps for Insertion:
- After opening a new assembly document, if the "Begin Assembly" PropertyManager appears, you can use it to browse for your first component (often a base component that will be "fixed" in space).
- Alternatively, or for subsequent components, go to the
Assemblytab in the CommandManager and clickInsert Components. - Browse: Click
Browsein the Insert Components PropertyManager to navigate your file system and select the.SLDASM(subassembly) or.SLDPRT(part) files you wish to add. You can select multiple files by holdingCtrl. - Place Components: Once selected, click
Open. The selected component(s) will appear attached to your cursor. Click in the graphics area to place them. - Repeat: Continue inserting all necessary subassemblies and individual parts until your new assembly contains all its intended components.
Post-Insertion: Mating and Positioning
Once your subassemblies and parts are inserted, they will typically float freely in space. To define their relationships and prevent unwanted movement, you must use Mates. Mates are geometric relationships (e.g., concentric, coincident, parallel) that align and constrain components.
- Select the
Matetool from theAssemblytab. - Choose the faces, edges, or vertices of components you wish to mate.
- Select the type of mate (e.g.,
Coincident,Concentric,Distance). - Ensure that one primary subassembly or part is "Fixed" (right-click on the component in the FeatureManager Design Tree and select
Fix) to serve as the anchor for your assembly.
By effectively mating your subassemblies and parts, you transform a collection of floating components into a fully defined and functional assembly, ready for further design, simulation, or manufacturing.
