SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Chapter 12: Building Efficient Assemblies

Component patterns are listed at the bottom of the assembly FeatureManager with a set of

components under a LocalPattern icon. The component instances under the LocalPattern can be

controlled in several ways, including assigned configurations, colors, and display states. The

pattern can even be dissolved, leaving the components, but dissolving the intelligent pattern that

places them.

Mirror components are revamped in 2010 and are also listed under a special MirrorComponent
icon after the mates.

Performance

To improve performance, it is best to pattern subassemblies if possible. If it is not possible, then patterning a

group of parts is the next best option. Making multiple patterns, one for each part, is an inefficient way to

accomplish the same thing. n

In-context reference update holders

It is difficult to get a good picture of assemblies in general without including a discussion about

in-context references, but to treat the subject properly, it also requires its own section, and in fact,

this book gives in-context modeling its own chapter (Chapter 16). When you create a reference

between parts in an assembly, the assembly needs to remember which parts are involved in the

reference, and what assembly creates the spatial relationship between them.

When you create the relation, a placeholder has to remain in the assembly to hold this information.

This placeholder is called an Update Holder. The Update Holders do not display by default. To see

them, you must right-click the top level in the FeatureManager and select Show Update Holders.

They only exist when in-context references exist in the assembly, and there is one Update Holder

for each in-context sketch or feature. You cannot do very much with the Update Holders, other

than query them for parent/child relations and to list the external relations, but they serve as a

reminder that you have in-context references to maintain. For more information on this feature,

see Chapter 16.

Popular perceptions of in-context techniques aside, in-context modeling is a powerful extension of

parametric design techniques. If you follow the best practice suggestions outlined in Chapter 16,

you will soon gain confidence and master this technique rather than being frightened by it. The

functionality works, and if you do not abuse it, it will serve you well.

Smart Fasteners

Smart Fasteners are assembly features that automatically select Toolbox parts for use in standard-

sized holes, and you can use them in many different ways. The Smart Fastener feature in the

assembly FeatureManager is used to edit the definition of the Smart Fastener, which can include

adding items such as nuts and washers. You can also use Smart Fasteners in conjunction with the

Hole Wizard to place appropriate holes and matched fasteners, all in a single step.