Mate Reference Functionality & Macros

[Slagathor]

I am interested constructing an assembly automation Macro utilizing mate references. Since parts can have multiple mate references, this could be a very powerful feature.

When you use a mate reference in the traditional manner, and you add a part to an assembly (and and existing part in the assembly, and the new part share a properly configured mate reference pair), you have to manually place the new part close to its mating part. A vertical dumbell symbol appears. If you left click when the dumbell is present (ie close enough together)... the parts snap together. Mates are created automatically.

Is there a way to turn off this limitation, so that as soon as a part is added, it snaps in place? It seems that this behavior keys off of display behavior, and will thus require macro/API work....

For instance...if you zoom way in close to your primary mate reference feature on the base part...then import its mating part...the dumbells appear immediately. If you immediately left click the part snaps in place.

Rather than work around like this...it seems like it would be a lot better if there were a way to have this behavior turned off altogether. In fact, I am not even interested in seeing the parts mated into place....just show me the finished product.

This will be my first foray into Macro/API work...so take it easy on me...!

 

[JMirisola]

How would the macro know which parts you want mated together? I could see this working for a 2 part assembly, maybe, but beyond that? Also, that "limitation" is a safeguard so that you can be assured that your parts are mating together correctly. I don't know that I'd ever trust SolidWorks enough to let it always determine how parts are to be mated together. I've had parts try to mate backwards enough to be wary.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
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