Assemblies basics (how to move parts relative to each other)

IMK

Hello,
I am finding it impossible to move parts relative to each other in an assemble.
I can import them, mate them, even create moving assemblies of gears and cranks etc.
But how to simple move to part relative to each other seems impossible!.
eg i have imported two 3x10mm bars Part1 and i want to assemble them in an L shape at 90 deg. and laterally aligned. 
I can drag them about and use the TriAd to rotate them but how to align them precisely to each other i can not figure out how.
So can some one help please or point to to a video that explains the basics of moveing parts in an assemble.
Many thanks imk    

Narayan_K

@ IMK, we can move or rotate parts relative each other by dragging or using triad manipulator.But to get exact/precision movement we have to use assembly mate features.

 

IMK

Narayan_K 
Many thanks for the help with mating the two rectangular section and the trouble you went to to make the gif.
However my question is far larger than that simple mate, for example i have made a simple document:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/e725d4dda8fc4787bda18e9d/w/1de628d5b45d497ca85ce5a5/e/86533e10399741e789735cb7
and mated my two rectangular bars (easy), however i cant get the same to work for round bars and other irregular curved shapes.
Also i would like to align parts relative to a face or plane but can not figure how to do it.
Must admit Onshape Mates are wonderful and smart but some how i cant do basic arrangement/alignments with them.
imk

Narayan_K

@ IMK, I agree with you, at present there is no separate feature available for tangent.But at this stage as a work around you can create some mate connector at required contact point to mate them.



 

IMK

Narayan_K,
I knew there was a way but very frustrating not been able to figure! Many thanks five star help i did it 1st try!
BTW is there a way to move parts relative/aligned to planes or faces in assemblies please?
IMK  

3dcad

@IMK Do you mean moving parts manually while they are mated to stay aligned with something? There are no planes in assembly but you can create mate connector to origin.

peter_hall

If you mean you want to move a quantity of parts together in an assy to a different position then group the parts you want to move, attach one mate on the group (fixed,slider etc) and attach to another mate you have applied to another piece of geometry in the assy.

IMK

Hello,
3DCad, sorry about late reply but had a few things to catch up on in past 24hr.
Just tried mate to origin and works fine for what i want to do, although i still find mate's in general a little tricky to find what pat of a part is being mated with what but this will come with practice.
Many thanks for the help imk

3dcad

@IMK You are right, they feel a bit odd in the beginning - but when you feel the power of 1 mate per part positioning they make you smile
Mate limits are also easy to use and totally awesome.