SolidWorks Assembly Methods – Guide for CAD Users
1. Introduction to Assemblies
2. An assembly (.sldasm) is a file that combines multiple parts (.sldprt) or sub-assemblies to form a
complete product.
3. Bottom-Up Assembly
4. Parts are created separately in .sldprt files.
5. Insert parts using Insert Components in a new assembly.
6. Apply mates (Coincident, Concentric, Distance, Angle, Tangent).
7. Best for standard mechanical assemblies.
8. Top-Down Assembly (In-Context Part Design)
9. Parts are created inside the assembly environment.
10. Use Insert → New Part and in-place references to model parts.
11. Apply mates as needed.
12. Best for complex assemblies with interdependent parts.
13. Standard Mates
14. Coincident: Faces, edges, or points touch each other.
15. Concentric: Axes of cylinders, holes, or shafts align.
16. Parallel / Perpendicular: Faces or edges oriented at specific angles.
17. Distance / Angle: Defines distance or angular separation.
18. Tangent: Curved surfaces touch planar or curved faces.
19. Sub-Assemblies
20. Rigid Sub-Assembly: Fixed relative positions, behaves as one part.
21. Flexible Sub-Assembly: Maintains internal motion within main assembly.
22. Make Flexible: Right-click sub-assembly → Component Properties → Make Flexible.
23. Toolbox / Smart Components
24. Standard hardware (bolts, nuts, washers, bearings) from Design Library → Toolbox.
25. Smart Fasteners automatically mate hardware in holes.
26. Exploded Views & Motion Study
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27. Exploded View: Assembly → Exploded View to visualize assembly sequence.
28. Motion Study: Motion Study tab → Animation / Motion Analysis.
29. Interference Detection: Evaluate → Interference Detection.
30. Collision Detection: Move Component → Collision Detection.
31. Summary of SolidWorks Assembly Methods
Method / Feature What It Does in SolidWorks When to Use / Benefits
Best for standard mechanical
Bottom-Up Parts created separately, then inserted
assemblies; easy to update
Assembly in .sldasm
individual parts
Best for complex designs where
Top-Down Parts created in-context within
parts depend on each other
Assembly assembly
geometrically
Constrains position and orientation
Ensures accurate alignment and
Standard Mates (Coincident, Concentric, Distance,
movement control
Angle, Tangent)
Simplifies large assemblies and
Sub-Assemblies Groups components as Rigid or Flexible allows internal motion in
mechanisms
Toolbox / Smart Inserts standard hardware with Speeds up assembly of bolt-heavy
Components automatic mates designs, reduces manual mating
Exploded Views / Visualize assembly order and animate Useful for presentations, training,
Motion Study mechanisms and motion analysis
This summary provides a clear, quick reference for SolidWorks assembly techniques and best practices.
