Perpendicular Mate in SolidWorks: Definition and Usage

In SolidWorks, a Perpendicular Mate aligns two components so their selected faces, edges, or planes meet at a 90-degree angle. This mate ensures parts are positioned exactly perpendicular to each other in an assembly.

How It Works

A perpendicular mate in SolidWorks works like setting two objects so they form a perfect right angle, just like the corner of a book or a wall meeting the floor. When you apply this mate, you select two faces, edges, or planes, and SolidWorks automatically adjusts their positions so they are exactly 90 degrees apart.

Think of it like placing a picture frame on a wall: the frame’s edge must be perpendicular to the wall surface to hang straight. The perpendicular mate locks this relationship so the parts stay aligned even if you move other parts in the assembly.

Example

This example shows how to apply a perpendicular mate between two parts' faces in a SolidWorks assembly.

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1. Open your assembly in SolidWorks.
2. Select the <code>Mate</code> tool from the Assembly toolbar.
3. Click on the first face or edge of the first part.
4. Click on the second face or edge of the second part.
5. In the Mate PropertyManager, choose <code>Perpendicular</code>.
6. Confirm the mate by clicking <code>OK</code>.

The two selected faces or edges will now be exactly 90 degrees to each other.

Output

The two parts are aligned so their selected faces or edges meet at a right angle, maintaining perpendicularity in the assembly.

When to Use

Use a perpendicular mate when you want parts to meet or align at a right angle. This is common in mechanical assemblies where components like brackets, supports, or frames must be precisely perpendicular for strength and function.

For example, when attaching a shelf bracket to a wall, the bracket’s mounting face should be perpendicular to the wall surface. Another use is aligning shafts or pins perpendicular to a base plate to ensure correct mechanical operation.

Key Points

• The perpendicular mate sets a 90-degree angle between two selected faces, edges, or planes.
• It helps maintain precise right-angle relationships in assemblies.
• It is useful for parts that must be aligned like walls, brackets, or shafts.
• Applying this mate locks the orientation but allows movement along other axes if not fully constrained.

Key Takeaways

A perpendicular mate aligns two parts at a 90-degree angle in SolidWorks assemblies.

It is essential for creating right-angle relationships between faces, edges, or planes.

Use it to ensure parts like brackets or shafts are correctly oriented.

The mate locks orientation but may allow other movements unless fully constrained.