(SolidWorks 2005)
You have the option to not create external references when designing in the context of an assembly. If you select Do not create external references, no in-place mate is created when you create a new component. Also, external references are not created when you reference the geometry of other components, such as when you use Convert Entities or Offset Entities, or extrude Up to Vertex of another component.
Click Do not create external references on the Assembly toolbar.You can switch Do not create external references off and on as you work in an assembly, to create external references for some components, but not for others.
