Applying fixtures (constraints) in Solidworks - Interactive Code Practice

Practice - 5 Tasks

1fill in blank

easy

Complete the code to apply a fixed constraint to the selected face.

Solidworks

model.AddFixture([1], "Fixed")

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

AselectedFace

BselectedEdge

CselectedBody

DselectedVertex

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Using an edge or vertex instead of a face for the fixed constraint.

The fixed constraint is applied to a face, so selectedFace is the correct input.

2fill in blank

medium

Complete the code to apply a hinge constraint between two components.

Solidworks

assembly.ApplyConstraint([1], componentA, componentB)

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

ABall

BHinge

CSlider

DFixed

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Choosing fixed or slider constraints which do not allow rotation.

A hinge constraint allows rotation between two components, so Hinge is correct.

3fill in blank

hard

Fix the error in the code to correctly apply a slider constraint.

Solidworks

assembly.ApplyConstraint("[1]", comp1, comp2)

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

ABall

BFixed

CHinge

DSlider

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Using hinge or fixed constraint types instead of slider.

The slider constraint allows linear movement along one axis, so Slider is the correct constraint type.

4fill in blank

hard

Fill both blanks to apply a ball constraint and set its limit angle.

Solidworks

constraint = assembly.ApplyConstraint([1], partX, partY)
constraint.SetLimitAngle([2])

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

ABall

B30

C45

DHinge

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Using hinge constraint instead of ball, or setting an incorrect angle value.

The ball constraint allows rotation in all directions, and setting the limit angle to 30 degrees restricts its movement accordingly.

5fill in blank

hard

Fill all three blanks to create a fixed constraint, name it, and activate it.

Solidworks

fix = model.AddFixture([1], [2])
fix.[3]()

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

Aface1

B"FixedConstraint"

CActivate

DDeactivate

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Using Deactivate instead of Activate, or missing quotes around the name.

The fixed constraint is applied to face1, named "FixedConstraint", and then activated with Activate().

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