Mirror components--what about mates?

[brrian]

I just used the "Mirror Components" feature for the first time. It seems to be a very useful feature, but it appears that it does not mirror the mate relations (i.e. after the mirror, I can freely move the mirror components).

Is there any way to control whether the mirror components are fixed or moveable? I couldn't find anything in the FeatureManager or in Help that would indicate that it can be controlled. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,

Brian

 

[MElam]

On the first page of the mirror components property manager, under Selections and below where you specify the mirror plane, there is a check box for "Recreate mates to new components".

This option should recreate the mates BETWEEN the new components, but does not recreate the mates from the new components back to the main assembly.

 

[dsgnr1]

brrian
help (f1) reports:

To preserve any mates between the selected components when you mirror more than one component, select Recreate mates to new components.

Iv'e used this feature as well, and don't remember being able to keep mates.

dsgnr1



Experience is a dear teacher, and only fools will learn from no other.
Ben Franklin

 

[CADGemini]

Mirrored components can be moved after they are mirrored because solidworks sees it as a new part being added to the assembly. However if you use a Linear component pattern then the patterened component remain fully defined because they are being driven from the component that you used to pattern from.

So it is easier to use linear pattern than it is to mirror components and re-apply the mates to the mirrored component.

Best Regards,
Jon

Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

 

[hisrik]

jksolid is exactly right!

 

[brrian]

I understand.

It would make sense to me to at least include the option to lock mirror components based on original mates, so the mirror components would move (or not move) based on the original components' mates. That's a mouthful.

Woud you guys agree with that? Then, if the original components shifted 1/2 inch up for example, so would the mirror components.

Without that option, I'm better off with a pattern, like jksolid says.

Thanks,

Brian

 

[dsgnr1]

I agree with brrian.
If you have a non-symmetrical shape, then you truly cannot mirror using a pattern. (or am I missing something?)
I think brrian's point is good enough for a enhancement submission.

To get the best from these forums read FAQ731-376 before posting

" I haven't slept for ten days...
because that would be too long" Mitch Hedburg

 

[MElam]

Look up Symmetry Mate in help.

Why is this mate not used as a funtion of the mirror components command? I have no idea.

 

[badboggs]

I was wondering if anyone has found a workaround for this problem. Seems so lame that you can't mirror components and have them controlled by the locations of the originals. Is this an oversight by SW or is there real reason.

This same logic applies to a circular or linear sketch pattern. You use this nice interface to put the new objects out there and they are just floating. Why not have something that allows you to control and adjust them after the fact. Any thoughts?

Boggs

 

[badboggs]

One other thing I was just thinking about. This dumbness of the mirror in regards to the mates. It would be like inserting a circular component pattern and not being able to adjust the angles or instances of the pattern after the fact. What would be the point?

Boggs

 

[BillVDP]

I think i have some what of a workaround for mirror mates. we have the same problem where i work and use mirror component daily. anyways here is what i have when mirroring mirror also any part that has a mate to the parts you are trying to mirror. then delete the extra mirrored part and all mates except the ones to the extra parts will stay. doesn't fix all mates but reduces lost mates.

also to badboggs inserting a circular component pattern and not being able to adjust the angles or instances of the pattern after the fact.

first question are you using circular pattern within an assembly

I am using solidworks 5.1 and in assemblies it lets me adjust the angles or instances of the pattern after the fact.

I don't know about any other versions though

hope i helped even a little

Bill

 

[PlasticFantastic]

He was saying that the mirror component should have the same control as the patern