Mates (SOLIDWORKS)
Geometric constraints between components in a SOLIDWORKS assembly — coincident, concentric, parallel, distance, angle, and advanced/mechanical mates.
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Definition
Standard mates remove degrees of freedom between parts: coincident (faces touch), concentric (axes coincide), parallel, perpendicular, tangent, distance, angle. Advanced mates include limit (distance with min/max), symmetric, width, profile center, path mate, linear/linear coupler. Mechanical mates simulate joints: cam, hinge, gear, rack-pinion, screw, universal joint.
Mates are evaluated at assembly rebuild. An over-defined assembly carries redundant mates that don't conflict but slow rebuild; a conflicting mate set produces 'mate cannot be satisfied' errors.
Why it matters
Mate strategy determines whether an assembly is reasonable to maintain. A well-mated assembly accepts component edits gracefully; a chaotic one breaks every time a part rebuilds.
Common pitfalls
- Mating to edges instead of faces or axes — edges shift as features rebuild and mates fail.
- Using redundant mates 'just in case' — over-defined assemblies rebuild slowly.
- Mating to subassembly child geometry rather than to publishing planes — couples assemblies too tightly.
- Forgetting to lock sub-assemblies when they should behave rigidly.
How the mate solver removes degrees of freedom
Each unconstrained rigid body in an assembly has six degrees of freedom (DOF): three translational, three rotational. Every mate you add is an equation the solver must satisfy simultaneously at rebuild. A concentric mate removes two translational and two rotational DOF; a coincident face-to-face mate removes one translational and two rotational DOF. When the remaining DOF reach zero the component is fully defined; add one more consistent mate and it is over-defined but valid; add a contradictory one and SOLIDWORKS reports Mate cannot be satisfied and marks the mate with a red error.
Picking a mate scheme that survives edits
Reference stable, permanent geometry — origin planes, axes, and published reference geometry — rather than model edges or faces that regenerate. For kinematics, prefer mechanical mates (gear, cam, rack-and-pinion, screw, hinge) over stacks of angle/limit mates: they express intent directly and rebuild faster. Group rigidly-moving parts into a subassembly and set it to Rigid so the top level only solves the moving interfaces. Use View > Hide/Show > Mates and the Mate folder's View Mates to audit what actually constrains a part.
References
Primary and vendor documentation used while writing this page (external links, not republished):
SOLIDWORKS Ecosystem Context
This concept is a core structural element of the SOLIDWORKS drafting and engineering environment developed by Dassault Systèmes. Dassault Systèmes' mainstream parametric MCAD — feature-based modelling, assembly mates, and 2D drawings tightly coupled to the 3D model.
Relevant SOLIDWORKS FAQs
❓ Is SOLIDWORKS available on macOS?
Not natively. SOLIDWORKS is Windows-only. Mac users run it via Parallels, VMware Fusion, or Boot Camp (Intel Macs). On Apple Silicon, virtualisation is limited. The official cross-platform alternative from Dassault is the browser-based xDesign on 3DEXPERIENCE.
❓ What's the difference between SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional, and Premium?
Standard is the core modelling + drawings package. Professional adds CAD Library, PhotoView 360 rendering, eDrawings Professional, Toolbox, advanced sheet metal. Premium adds Simulation, Routing (electrical/piping), ScanTo3D, Motion. Most production shops use Premium; education usually uses Premium-equivalent.
❓ What is 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS vs. traditional SOLIDWORKS?
Traditional SOLIDWORKS is a desktop product, files saved to disk/network/PDM. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is the same desktop product but cloud-connected: files saved to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, license tied to a Platform identity, and access to companion cloud apps (3D Sculptor / xDesign, simulation, PLM).
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🎓 Recommended Practice Lessons
Step-by-step practical exercises and certification-aligned paths chosen by our editors to master this concept:
SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD Specialization (Coursera)
SOLIDWORKS - Tutorial for Beginners in 13 MINUTES!
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