Mates (SOLIDWORKS)
Geometric constraints between components in a SOLIDWORKS assembly — coincident, concentric, parallel, distance, angle, and advanced/mechanical mates.
Definition
Standard mates remove degrees of freedom between parts: coincident (faces touch), concentric (axes coincide), parallel, perpendicular, tangent, distance, angle. Advanced mates include limit (distance with min/max), symmetric, width, profile center, path mate, linear/linear coupler. Mechanical mates simulate joints: cam, hinge, gear, rack-pinion, screw, universal joint.
Mates are evaluated at assembly rebuild. An over-defined assembly carries redundant mates that don't conflict but slow rebuild; a conflicting mate set produces 'mate cannot be satisfied' errors.
Why it matters
Mate strategy determines whether an assembly is reasonable to maintain. A well-mated assembly accepts component edits gracefully; a chaotic one breaks every time a part rebuilds.
Technical Deep Dive & Core Mechanics
From a geometric perspective, Mates (SOLIDWORKS) represents a parametric boundary representation (B-Rep) mechanism within SOLIDWORKS. The underlying geometric modeling kernel—whether Parasolid, ACIS, or a proprietary solver—maintains a strictly ordered history tree (Feature Manager). Each operation stores topological references (faces, edges, vertices) that are re-evaluated sequentially during model regeneration.
Common pitfalls
- Mating to edges instead of faces or axes — edges shift as features rebuild and mates fail.
- Using redundant mates 'just in case' — over-defined assemblies rebuild slowly.
- Mating to subassembly child geometry rather than to publishing planes — couples assemblies too tightly.
- Forgetting to lock sub-assemblies when they should behave rigidly.
This concept is a core structural element of the SOLIDWORKS drafting and engineering environment developed by Dassault Systèmes. Dassault Systèmes' mainstream parametric MCAD — feature-based modelling, assembly mates, and 2D drawings tightly coupled to the 3D model.
Relevant SOLIDWORKS FAQs
❓ Is SOLIDWORKS available on macOS?
Not natively. SOLIDWORKS is Windows-only. Mac users run it via Parallels, VMware Fusion, or Boot Camp (Intel Macs). On Apple Silicon, virtualisation is limited. The official cross-platform alternative from Dassault is the browser-based xDesign on 3DEXPERIENCE.
❓ What's the difference between SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional, and Premium?
Standard is the core modelling + drawings package. Professional adds CAD Library, PhotoView 360 rendering, eDrawings Professional, Toolbox, advanced sheet metal. Premium adds Simulation, Routing (electrical/piping), ScanTo3D, Motion. Most production shops use Premium; education usually uses Premium-equivalent.
❓ What is 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS vs. traditional SOLIDWORKS?
Traditional SOLIDWORKS is a desktop product, files saved to disk/network/PDM. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is the same desktop product but cloud-connected: files saved to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, license tied to a Platform identity, and access to companion cloud apps (3D Sculptor / xDesign, simulation, PLM).
⚡ Concept Self-Test
🎓 Recommended Practice Lessons
Step-by-step practical exercises and certification-aligned paths chosen by our editors to master this concept:
SOLIDWORKS Professional Design & Engineering Specialization
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) Exam Study Guide & Mock Practice
🌳 Semantic Crossroads & Navigation Pathways
Trunk-Branch-Leaf ModelCore glossary, interactive graph, and domain-wide concept index.
Parent design environments and platforms implementing this method natively.