SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Part IV: Creating and Using Libraries

Populating multiple holes at once

Figure 17.18 shows the progression from a plate with holes in an assembly. In this example, you

would Ctrl+select the edges of the holes, then select a fastener, and then choose Insert Into

Assembly from the RMB menu to populate multiple holes.

FIGURE 17.18

Populating multiple holes at once in an assembly

Feature Driven component patterns

Chapter 15 covers Feature Driven component patterns (also known as derived patterns), where a

pattern of parts in an assembly is driven by a feature pattern in a part. You can find this assembly

feature by choosing Insert ➪ Component Patterns ➪ Feature Driven in the assembly menus.

Smart Fasteners

Smart Fasteners are Toolbox parts that know what holes they go into automatically. The database
that holds all the information for Toolbox part types and sizes also holds the information for the
sizes of the holes. It is only natural that SolidWorks tries to combine this information and use it to
its best advantage. You can use Smart Fasteners in two ways: asking SolidWorks to automatically
place fasteners in existing holes or placing hole series holes and fasteners simultaneously in the
context of the assembly.