Constraints

In SolidWorks, constraints define how each part of the sketch interacts with each other. For example, constraints are used to make two lines perpendicular, or to make an arc tangent to some other surface.

Constraining an Individual Line

Fix A fixed object cannot be moved

Horizontal - The line becomes horizontal - Line is still movable, but remains in horizontal orientation ORDER OF CONSTRAINTS IS VERY IMPORTANT - For example, if you first fix a line, and then add the horizontal constraint, SolidWorks will give you an error message saying that the system is OVERCONSTRAINED. - However, if you first add the horizontal constraint, and then the fix constraint, the object will remain horizontal and is no longer movable. Vertical - The line becomes vertical - Like horizontal, the line is still movable - Same order of constraints rule applies as before

Constraining an Individual Circle

For a circle by itself, the only constraint that can be made is FIX.

Constraining an Individual Rectangle

Rectangles have built in constraints that do not need to be defined. This is some form of them having 2 sets of parallel lines with 2 sets of equal line size. Individual edges of rectangles can be constrained just like lines

Constraining Two Lines Together

To constrain any two shapes together, click on one shape, hold CTRL, and click on the other

Horizontal - If you make both lines horizontal, the command is excuted but does not appear as a constraint amongst the two - It will however show up as individual constraints for each one

Constraints: Page 1

So if this is done by mistake, you can always UNDO or CTRL Z, but you can also click on the individual member and deleted the constraint that way

Verical - Works just the same way as horizontal Perpendicular - Fixes the two lines to be perpendicular to each other - This will show up in the constraint list between the two members Parallel - Works in the same fashion as the perpendicular constraint - If the constraint moves the line that you were not intending for it to move, then apply other constraints to your system first before applying this one. Equal - Makes both lines the same length Colinear - Makes the lines lie along the same infinite line - Dashed line appears between them (not real, construction line)

Constraining a Circle and a Line

Tangent - Makes the line tangent to the circle

Constraining Two Circles

Tangent - Makes the two circles tangent to each other (touch at only one point) Concentric - Makes the two circles, regardless of radius, have the same center Equal - Both circles will be of the same size

Constraints: Page 2

Constraining Two Arcs

Coradial - Two arcs will have the same center, and the same radius, but can take up different parts of a circle - This also exists for circles, but is unnecessary as it puts two circles in the same spot

Constraining Two Endpoints

Merge - Moves two points to the same spot

Constraining an Arc and a Line

Tangent - Will make the arc tangent to the endpoint of the line

Constraints: Page 3