Mate constraints
Assemblies position multiple parts relative to one another using mate constraints. Coincident, concentric, parallel, and distance mates fix how components align — a shaft concentric to a bore, a face flush against a plate, a cover offset from a housing.
Mates capture assembly intent the same way sketch constraints capture part intent: change one component and the assembly updates to keep the relationships you defined.
- Coincident — align faces or points.
- Concentric — line up cylindrical features like shafts and holes.
- Distance and parallel — hold a fixed gap or orientation between components.
Interference detection
Before anything is manufactured, check that parts actually fit. Interference detection finds where components overlap in space and highlights the clashing volume so you can correct fits and clearances early.
Running interference checks as the assembly grows catches problems while they are still cheap to fix.
Tip: Check interference after every significant change to a mated component — it is far cheaper to catch a clash on screen than at the machine.
Bill of materials
Every assembly produces a bill of materials — a structured list of the components it contains and their quantities. The BOM stays in sync with the model, so adding or removing a part updates the list automatically.
Use the BOM to drive purchasing, quoting, and documentation without maintaining a separate spreadsheet by hand.
Exploded views
Exploded views separate an assembly along its axes so each component and its relationships are clearly visible. They are ideal for assembly instructions, documentation, and communicating how parts go together.
An exploded view is a presentation of the same assembly — collapse it and the components snap back to their mated positions.
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