Add a "width" constraint

[#1]

I would like to have a width constraint added, so that when two parts are mated together, they remain centered with each other even if one, or both, part sized changes.

[#2]

Can you explain this in more detail or provide a screen capture?

[#3]

I bet you use offset constraints don't you?

This is a big no no use sketches to control the placement of parts.

[#4]

I have no idea what you mean by offset constraints. I am a former SolidWorks user that is now using Inventor. SolidWorks has a width mate that I used all the time. It would be handy if Inventor had such a mate.

[#5]

How do you constrain it now?

[#6]

Either offsetting a distance from an edge (which doesn't work good if part sizes may change), or I'll stop my assembly, open the part files and add a plane.

[#7]

Yep thats what I mean offset constraint from the edge this is not good practice. And using a plane is not as good as using a sketch. Plus offsset contraints can cause issues when using adaptive in assemblies.

Have you ever seen an assembly explode and wonder why and if you crab a part and try to move it they all snap back into the right location?

This is caused by offset constraints. In the help I believe it says to use face to face rather than offsets.

[#8]

Model things about the origin planes. Use the origin planes to constrain parts together...

[#9]

hi sps,

the key word is symetrical i think. ie as some of the guys say, best using orign & mid planes.

(there is another post about that, just a click or two away from this one)!

[#10]

Ok, I get it. I do use the mid planes, etc. I'm just saying that a width constraint is MUCH easier to use and more user friendly.

[#11]

Sometimes the surface to surface fit is part of the design intent. If parts are mated to work planes or datums and a part grows they will over lap without giving an indication. If parts are mated surface to surface and one grows you have an indication of the effects of the part growing. That said I center on datums (work planes) as often as possible.

I think the request is for either symetric mating or tab and slot mating where you select two sides of a slot and then select two sides of the tab that fits within. This can be VERY useful!

jlecther,

when mating to sketches, do you show a sketch of an existing feature and then mate to something like the midpoint of a line? Do you need to project geometry or something for that? This is something I may have to try.

Thank you