How to constrain motionless parts?

Josy_La

Our assemblies do not require movement therefore I always use the fastened mate when I have matching holes conditions. But some of my parts don't have holes but still need to be fix in a precise location. How can I mate them without the use of mate connector?

bradley_sauln

Mate connectors do not need holes in order to align parts. They will automatically pick up geometrically relevant points on your parts to be utilized. If you need to set a custom location, you can place your own mate connectors in either a part studio or assembly: https://cad.onshape.com/help/#mateconnector.htm?Highlight=mate connectors

lougallo

@Josy_La It is also worth mentioning that you can add mate connectors or mate to the origin on the assembly.  This can be a great solution for locking down parts that translate up to a top level assembly.

bradley_sauln

Mate connectors do not need holes in order to align parts. They will automatically pick up geometrically relevant points on your parts to be utilized. If you need to set a custom location, you can place your own mate connectors in either a part studio or assembly: https://cad.onshape.com/help/#mateconnector.htm?Highlight=mate connectors

Josy_La

Ok thanks I see what Planar mate can do for me. It is an acceptable solution easy to work with.

lougallo

@Josy_La It is also worth mentioning that you can add mate connectors or mate to the origin on the assembly.  This can be a great solution for locking down parts that translate up to a top level assembly.

bill_daniels

How do I precisely position a part IN CLEAR SPACE where there is nothing to place a receiving mate on?  I know the exact XYZ coordinates where I want the part to go relative to the origin.

NeilCooke

@bill_daniels use a fasten mate on the origin then use the offset option to specify your XYZ location