Advanced mates (angle, width, path) in Solidworks - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This data shows three components with their advanced mate types and parameters in SolidWorks: an angle mate of 45 degrees between two faces, a width mate of 10mm between two edges, and a path mate aligning a point along a curve.

Cell	Value
A1	Component
B1	Mate Type
C1	Reference 1
D1	Reference 2
E1	Value
A2	Gear
B2	Angle Mate
C2	Face1
D2	Face2
E2	45°
A3	Slider
B3	Width Mate
C3	Edge1
D3	Edge2
E3	10mm
A4	Arm
B4	Path Mate
C4	Curve1
D4	Point1
E4	Along Path

Formula Trace

Apply Angle Mate (Face1, Face2, 45°) + Apply Width Mate (Edge1, Edge2, 10mm) + Apply Path Mate (Curve1, Point1)

Step 1: Angle between Face1 and Face2 = ?

Step 2: Distance between Edge1 and Edge2 = ?

Step 3: Position of Point1 along Curve1 = ?

Step 4: Combined mates applied

Cell Reference Map

    A       B           C        D        E
1 |Component|Mate Type  |Ref1    |Ref2    |Value
2 |Gear     |Angle Mate |Face1   |Face2   |45°
3 |Slider   |Width Mate |Edge1   |Edge2   |10mm
4 |Arm      |Path Mate  |Curve1  |Point1  |Along Path

The references used in the mates are Face1 and Face2 for the angle mate, Edge1 and Edge2 for the width mate, and Curve1 and Point1 for the path mate.

Result

    A       B           C        D        E
1 |Component|Mate Type  |Ref1    |Ref2    |Value
2 |Gear     |Angle Mate |Face1   |Face2   |45°
3 |Slider   |Width Mate |Edge1   |Edge2   |10mm
4 |Arm      |Path Mate  |Curve1  |Point1  |Along Path

Result: Assembly constrained with specified mates

The final result shows the assembly with the Gear set at a 45° angle between two faces, the Slider constrained to maintain a 10mm width between edges, and the Arm's point aligned along the path curve.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What does the angle mate between Face1 and Face2 set?

A The width to 10 mm

B The distance to 45 mm

C The angle to 45 degrees

D The path alignment

Key Result

Advanced mates constrain components by setting angles, widths, or path alignments between references.

Practice

1.

What is the main purpose of using angle mates in SolidWorks assemblies?

easy

A. To create a path for a part to follow

B. To control the rotational angle between two components

C. To lock the position of a part in all directions

D. To fix the distance between two parts

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the function of angle mates

   Angle mates specifically control the rotational angle between two parts, allowing precise angular positioning.

2. Step 2: Compare with other mate types

   Distance mates control linear spacing, fixed mates lock all movement, and path mates guide movement along a path.

3. Final Answer:

   To control the rotational angle between two components -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Angle mates = control rotation [OK]

Hint: Angle mates set rotation, not distance or fixed position [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing angle mates with distance mates
• Thinking angle mates fix all movement
• Mixing path mates with angle mates

2.

Which of the following is the correct syntax to create a width mate between two faces in SolidWorks?

1. Select both faces
2. Choose Width Mate
3. Select the center plane
4. Confirm

easy

A. Select one face and one edge, then apply width mate directly

B. Select two edges, then select a reference axis to define the width mate

C. Select two faces, then select a center plane to define the width mate

D. Select two faces only, width mate applies automatically

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the correct selection for width mate

   Width mates require selecting two faces and a center plane or axis to define the width constraint.

2. Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options

   Edges alone or one face and one edge do not define width mates properly; automatic application without center reference is incorrect.

3. Final Answer:

   Select two faces, then select a center plane to define the width mate -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Width mate = two faces + center plane [OK]

Hint: Width mates need two faces plus a center reference [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Selecting edges instead of faces
• Skipping the center plane selection
• Assuming width mate applies automatically

3.

Given an assembly where a path mate is applied to a slider component along a curved edge, what will happen if the path is a closed loop?

medium

A. The slider will move continuously around the loop without stopping

B. The slider will stop at the start point and cannot move further

C. The slider will move back and forth along the path

D. The slider will detach from the path and float freely

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand path mate behavior on closed loops

   Path mates constrain movement along a defined path. If the path is closed, the component can move continuously around it.

2. Step 2: Analyze other options

   Stopping or detaching does not occur unless additional mates or limits are applied; back and forth motion requires limits or motors.

3. Final Answer:

   The slider will move continuously around the loop without stopping -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Closed path mate = continuous motion [OK]

Hint: Closed path means endless movement along it [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming slider stops at start point
• Thinking path mate causes back and forth by default
• Believing slider detaches without extra mates

4.

In an assembly, a user tries to apply an angle mate between two faces but receives an error. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The angle mate requires a reference axis which is missing

B. The faces are coincident and angle mate is redundant

C. The two faces are parallel and angle mate cannot be applied

D. The faces belong to the same part and mates require different parts

Solution

1. Step 1: Check mate requirements

   Mates in SolidWorks connect different parts; applying mates between faces of the same part is invalid.

2. Step 2: Evaluate other options

   Angle mates can be applied to parallel faces; coincident faces do not cause errors; reference axis is not always required.

3. Final Answer:

   The faces belong to the same part and mates require different parts -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Mates connect parts, not faces on same part [OK]

Hint: Mates only work between different parts [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to mate faces on the same part
• Assuming parallel faces block angle mates
• Thinking reference axis is always needed

5.

You need to assemble a robotic arm where the forearm must rotate exactly 45 degrees relative to the upper arm and slide along a curved track. Which combination of advanced mates should you use?

hard

A. Angle mate for rotation and path mate for sliding along the track

B. Width mate for rotation and angle mate for sliding

C. Path mate for rotation and width mate for sliding

D. Distance mate for rotation and path mate for sliding

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify mate for rotation control

   Angle mates precisely control rotation between parts, perfect for setting 45 degrees between forearm and upper arm.

2. Step 2: Identify mate for sliding along curved track

   Path mates constrain movement along a curve, ideal for sliding motion along the track.

3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options

   Width mates control width, not rotation or sliding; distance mates control linear spacing, not rotation.

4. Final Answer:

   Angle mate for rotation and path mate for sliding along the track -> Option A

5. Quick Check:

   Rotation = angle mate, sliding = path mate [OK]

Hint: Use angle for rotation, path for curved sliding [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using width mate for rotation
• Confusing distance mate with angle mate
• Applying path mate for rotation