Applying fixtures (constraints) in Solidworks - Dashboard Guide

Dashboard Mode - Applying fixtures (constraints)

Goal

Understand how applying fixtures (constraints) affects the stability and movement of parts in an assembly.

Sample Data: Assembly Parts and Fixtures

Part ID	Part Name	Fixture Applied	Degrees of Freedom (DOF) Before	Degrees of Freedom (DOF) After
1	Base Plate	Fixed	6	0
2	Arm	Hinge	6	1
3	Slider	Linear	6	1
4	Cover	None	6	6
5	Pin	Fixed	6	0

Dashboard Components

• KPI Card: Total Parts Fixed - CALCULATE(COUNTROWS(Parts), Parts[Fixture Applied] = "Fixed") Result: 2
• KPI Card: Average DOF After Fixtures - AVERAGE(Parts[Degrees of Freedom (DOF) After]) Result: 1.6
• Bar Chart: Parts vs Degrees of Freedom After Fixtures
  Formula: Use Parts[Part Name] on X-axis and Parts[Degrees of Freedom (DOF) After] on Y-axis
• Table: Detailed Parts Fixture Status
  Shows all columns from sample data for clear comparison

Dashboard Layout

+----------------------+----------------------+
| Total Parts Fixed     | Average DOF After    |
|        [ 2 ]          |       [ 1.6 ]        |
+----------------------+----------------------+
|                                              |
|           Bar Chart: Parts vs DOF After       |
|                                              |
+----------------------------------------------+
|                Detailed Parts Table           |
+----------------------------------------------+

Interactivity

A filter allows selecting fixture types (Fixed, Hinge, Linear, None). When a fixture type is selected:

• KPI cards update counts and averages based on filtered parts.
• Bar chart shows only parts with the selected fixture type.
• Table filters to show only parts with the selected fixture.

Self Check

If you add a filter for Fixture Applied = 'Fixed', which components update and how?

• KPI Card 'Total Parts Fixed' updates to show 2.
• KPI Card 'Average DOF After Fixtures' updates to average DOF of fixed parts (0).
• Bar Chart shows only 'Base Plate' and 'Pin' with DOF 0.
• Table shows only rows for 'Base Plate' and 'Pin'.

Key Result

Dashboard shows how different fixture constraints reduce parts' degrees of freedom in an assembly.

Practice

1.

What is the main purpose of applying fixtures in SolidWorks?

easy

A. To increase the size of parts automatically

B. To add color to parts for better visualization

C. To prevent parts from moving during simulation or assembly

D. To create new parts from existing ones

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of fixtures

   Fixtures are used to hold parts in place so they do not move during analysis or assembly.

2. Step 2: Identify the correct purpose

   Preventing movement is the key function, not changing appearance or size.

3. Final Answer:

   To prevent parts from moving during simulation or assembly -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Fixtures stop movement = C [OK]

Hint: Fixtures stop movement, not change appearance or size [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing fixtures with visual effects
• Thinking fixtures create new parts
• Assuming fixtures resize parts

2.

Which of the following is the correct way to apply a fixed fixture in SolidWorks?

1. Select the face or edge to fix
2. Click 'Fixed Geometry' in the fixture menu
3. Confirm the selection

easy

A. Select face, click 'Move Part', confirm selection

B. Select part, click 'Add Material', confirm selection

C. Select edge, click 'Delete Fixture', confirm selection

D. Select face, click 'Fixed Geometry', confirm selection

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify correct fixture application steps

   Applying a fixed fixture involves selecting the face or edge, then choosing 'Fixed Geometry'.

2. Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options

   Options involving moving parts, deleting fixtures, or adding material are unrelated to applying fixed fixtures.

3. Final Answer:

   Select face, click 'Fixed Geometry', confirm selection -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Fixed fixture = Select face + Fixed Geometry [OK]

Hint: Fixed fixture means 'Fixed Geometry' on selected face [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing options unrelated to fixing parts
• Confusing 'Move Part' with fixing
• Trying to add material instead of fixing

3.

Given a model where a cylindrical face is fixed and a force is applied on the opposite face, what will happen if you apply a Fixed fixture on the cylindrical face?

medium

A. The model will move freely without any restriction

B. The model will not move at the fixed face, and stress will distribute accordingly

C. The force will be ignored and no stress will appear

D. The model will explode due to over-constraint

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the effect of a fixed fixture

   Fixing the cylindrical face means it cannot move, so forces applied elsewhere cause stress distribution.

2. Step 2: Analyze the options

   Movement is restricted at the fixed face, so The model will not move at the fixed face, and stress will distribute accordingly is correct. The model won't move freely or ignore forces, and it won't explode just from one fixed fixture.

3. Final Answer:

   The model will not move at the fixed face, and stress will distribute accordingly -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Fixed face stops movement, stress spreads = A [OK]

Hint: Fixed face means no movement there, stress spreads [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking the model moves freely despite fixture
• Assuming force is ignored
• Believing the model explodes from simple fixture

4.

In a simulation setup, you applied two conflicting fixtures on the same face: a Fixed fixture and a Roller/Slider fixture. What is the likely issue?

medium

A. The simulation will fail due to over-constraining the face

B. The face will move freely without restriction

C. The fixtures will merge and work correctly

D. The software will ignore both fixtures

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand fixture conflicts

   Applying two conflicting fixtures on the same face causes over-constraint, which the software cannot resolve.

2. Step 2: Identify the outcome

   Over-constraining leads to simulation failure or errors, not free movement or ignoring fixtures.

3. Final Answer:

   The simulation will fail due to over-constraining the face -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Conflicting fixtures cause failure = D [OK]

Hint: Avoid applying conflicting fixtures on the same face [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming fixtures merge automatically
• Thinking face moves freely despite fixtures
• Believing software ignores conflicts silently

5.

You have a complex assembly where multiple parts need to be fixed to simulate load correctly. Which approach best avoids over-constraining the model?

hard

A. Apply fixed fixtures only on the main base part and use appropriate mates for others

B. Fix every part individually to ensure no movement

C. Apply conflicting fixtures on multiple faces to be safe

D. Do not apply any fixtures and rely on gravity

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand over-constraint risks

   Fixing every part or applying conflicting fixtures causes over-constraint and errors.

2. Step 2: Choose best practice

   Fixing the main base part and using mates (constraints) for others restricts movement properly without over-constraining.

3. Final Answer:

   Apply fixed fixtures only on the main base part and use appropriate mates for others -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Fix base + mates avoid over-constraint = A [OK]

Hint: Fix base part only, use mates for others [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Fixing all parts causing over-constraint
• Applying conflicting fixtures
• Ignoring fixtures and relying on gravity