Parallel Constraint in Assembly

[Cadmanto]

This is probably a simple one that I am missing, but how do I get a parallel constraint applied to these

two edges.

[Curtis_Waguespack · Accepted solution]

Hi Cadmanto, 

You can use an Angle constraint to do this.

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com

[jtylerbc]

If you think about it, parallel and perpendicular constraints that some systems have are really just specialized angular constraints.  Inventor does away with them, and you simply use the angular constraint with an appropriate value (0 or 180 for parallel, 90 for perpendicular) to achieve the same effect.

[Cadmanto]

Thanks Curtis.  Always interesting how different softwares attack

similar issues.  Never would have guess the angle was the solution given there

is a parallel in the sketch constraints.

[jtylerbc]

It's probably there in the sketch constraints to keep you from having to clutter your sketch with angle dimensions.  I've seen some sketches done by people who used a lot of 90 deg dimensions because they didn't understand geometric constraints that well - it's not pretty.

In assembly constraints, there's not any real advantage either way (parallel/perpendicular vs angle), because either way it's just an entry in the browser.

[bkasperHX6DY]

Two Clicks instead of 3 is an advantage, less links to break later as well. I think a parallel or perpendicular is much more intuitive. Probably 95% of all angle mates are parallel or perpendicular.

[cadman777]

I try not to use Angle Constraints b/c they screw with the other constraints.

The way I'd fulfill the OP's request (ancient thread!) is 2 Mate Constraints, between the side and edge in both directions. I use it all the time in railings with multiple angles for the connecting clips. the only time I use Angle Constraints is 1. when any other Constrain is impossible to be used, and 2) when the part needs to pivot (which I usually Drive and video, or create a PositionalView in the drawing.