How Do I Connect Components in SOLIDWORKS?

Connecting components in SOLIDWORKS can refer to two primary methods: defining their relative position and motion within an assembly using Mates, or combining them into a single, new part using the Join feature.

Connecting Components with Mates (Standard Assembly)

The most common way to "connect" components in SOLIDWORKS is by creating an assembly and using Mates. Mates define the geometric relationships between components, such as concentricity, parallelism, perpendicularity, and tangency. This allows you to simulate how parts fit and move together in the real world without altering the individual part geometry.

Key Concepts for Using Mates:

• Assembly Document: Components are connected within a .SLDASM file.
• Inserting Components: Add individual part files (.SLDPRT) or sub-assemblies into the assembly document.
• Mates: Use the Mate tool to select faces, edges, vertices, or planes on different components and apply geometric constraints. Common mate types include:
  • Standard Mates: Coincident, Parallel, Perpendicular, Tangent, Concentric, Lock, Distance, Angle.
  • Advanced Mates: Symmetric, Width, Path Mate, Linear/Linear Coupler.
  • Mechanical Mates: Cam, Slot, Hinge, Gear, Rack and Pinion, Screw, Universal Joint.
• Degrees of Freedom: Mates remove degrees of freedom (translation and rotation) from components until their position is fully defined or moves as intended (e.g., a hinge).

Using mates is essential for verifying fit, performing motion studies, and creating bills of materials for a collection of distinct parts.

Connecting Components by Joining (Creating a Single Part)

Another method, as described in the provided reference, is to join multiple components within an assembly to create a single, combined derived part. This is useful when you want to treat several components as one solid body, often for analysis (like simulation) or to simplify geometry. This process creates a new part file that represents the merged volume of the selected components.

Here's how you can join components based on the steps provided:

Steps to Join Components:

1. Create Base Parts: Design and save the individual part files (.SLDPRT) that you intend to join.
2. Create an Assembly: Start a new assembly document (.SLDASM) and insert the base parts you created in step 1.
3. Position Parts: Arrange the parts in the assembly to their desired relative positions. Ensure they are located correctly for the join operation.
4. Save the Assembly: Save the assembly document. Crucially, keep the assembly window open.
5. Insert a New Part: While the assembly is open, insert a new, empty part into the assembly. This new part will become the container for the joined geometry. You will typically edit this new part.
6. Close the Sketch (if one opens): If inserting the new part automatically opens a sketch on a plane, close the sketch (without saving it).
7. Click Insert > Features > Join: With the new part active for editing within the assembly context, access the Join feature.
   • The Join PropertyManager will appear.
   • Select the solid bodies from the original parts that you want to combine.
   • The tool will merge these bodies into a single solid body within the new part file.
8. Complete the Join: Configure any options in the Join PropertyManager (like selecting the resulting body type) and confirm the operation.
9. Save the New Part: Save the newly created part file, which now contains the joined geometry.

Step	Action	Purpose
1 & 2 (Reference 1)	Create parts; Create assembly with parts.	Prepare components for connection.
3 (Reference 2)	Position parts in the assembly.	Define spatial relationship before combining.
4 (Reference 3)	Save assembly; Keep window open.	Maintain context for inserting and editing new part.
5 (Reference 4)	Insert a new part into the assembly.	Create a container for the combined geometry.
6 (Reference 5)	Close the sketch (if opened).	Exit automatic sketch mode in the new part.
7 (Reference 6)	Click Insert > Features > Join.	Access the tool to merge solid bodies.
Further Steps (Ref)	Select bodies, configure options, confirm.	Execute the merging operation.
Final Step	Save the new part.	Preserve the resulting combined geometry file.

This method creates a derived part that is linked to the original components and assembly. While it represents the combined volume, it is a single entity for certain operations.

Choosing the right method depends on your goal: use Mates for functional assemblies with relative motion, and use the Join feature when you need a single, combined solid body derived from multiple parts.