Parallel Mate in SolidWorks: Definition and Usage

In SolidWorks, a Parallel Mate is a constraint that forces two selected faces, edges, or planes to remain parallel to each other. It ensures that the components maintain a consistent orientation without touching or aligning directly. This mate is useful for controlling the relative angles between parts in an assembly.

How It Works

A Parallel Mate in SolidWorks works by locking the orientation of two components so that their selected faces, edges, or planes stay parallel. Imagine two books lying on a table side by side but never touching; they always face the same direction without tilting towards or away from each other. This mate keeps the parts aligned like that, regardless of their distance.

It does not fix the distance or position between the parts, only their angle. So, the parts can move closer or farther but will never rotate to become non-parallel. This is helpful when you want parts to move freely but keep a consistent orientation, like two parallel rails or panels.

Example

This example shows how to create a parallel mate between two planes in a SolidWorks assembly using the API.

VBScript

Dim swApp As Object
Dim swModel As Object
Dim swAssembly As Object
Dim swMate As Object

Sub CreateParallelMate()
    Set swApp = Application.SldWorks
    Set swModel = swApp.ActiveDoc
    Set swAssembly = swModel

    ' Select first plane
    swModel.Extension.SelectByID2 "Plane1", "PLANE", 0, 0, 0, False, 0, Nothing, 0
    ' Select second plane
    swModel.Extension.SelectByID2 "Plane2", "PLANE", 0, 0, 0, True, 0, Nothing, 0

    ' Add parallel mate
    Const swMateParallel As Integer = 4
    Set swMate = swAssembly.AddMate3(swMateParallel, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, False, False, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

    If Not swMate Is Nothing Then
        MsgBox "Parallel mate created successfully."
    Else
        MsgBox "Failed to create parallel mate."
    End If
End Sub

Output

Parallel mate created successfully.

When to Use

Use a Parallel Mate when you want two parts to keep the same orientation but allow movement along or away from each other. For example:

• Keeping two rails parallel in a sliding mechanism.
• Ensuring panels or walls stay aligned in architectural assemblies.
• Maintaining parallelism between shafts or rods that must rotate but not tilt.

This mate is ideal when angle control is needed without fixing position or contact.

Key Points

• Parallel Mate keeps two faces, edges, or planes parallel in an assembly.
• It controls orientation but not distance or position.
• Useful for parts that move but must stay aligned.
• Can be created manually or via SolidWorks API.

Key Takeaways

Parallel Mate ensures two components stay parallel in orientation without fixing their position.

It is useful for assemblies where parts must move but remain aligned.

You can create parallel mates between faces, edges, or planes.

Parallel mates do not restrict distance, only angle.

SolidWorks API allows automation of parallel mate creation.