Snapping 3D Parts into Position

Taking advantage of geometric elements such as axes and planes, you can snap 3D parts into position by selecting the element you want to use before dragging the part. Geometric relationships are then used to slide parts accurately into position.

This task shows you how to:

Take Advantage of Axes to Position Parts
Take Advantage of Planes to Position Parts

Before you begin: Select the parent structure level containing the two 3D parts. For more information, see Basic Concepts.

Take Advantage of Axes to Position Parts

You can select a cylindrical surface to take advantage of axes to snap 3D parts into position.

Select a cylindrical surface of the part you want to place.
Start to drag the part toward the second part, then release the left mouse button.
The part you want to place is attached to the pointer.
Move the mouse pointer over a cylindrical surface of the second part.
The part you want to place snaps to the second part.
Optional: Press the Arrow keys to rotate and correctly orient the part you want to place.
- The UP and DOWN arrow keys change the Z direction.
- The LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys rotate 90° around the Z-axis.
Click when satisfied.
The two parts snap together.
An engineering connection defining axis constraints is created and the corresponding constraint symbol is displayed. For more information, see Assembly Design User's Guide: Engineering Connections.

Optional: To edit the constraint you have just created, click the constraint symbol and do one or more of the following:

Select the constraint mode: driving , measured or controlled .
Select the constraint orientation for one or both 3D parts: undefined , same , opposite or parallel .
Select De-activate to de-activate the 3D constraint.
For angle and distance constraints, change the value.

Tip: To show callouts identifying connected 3D parts and context toolbars when editing engineering connections, select Display in geometry area in Me > Preferences > Mechanical > Natural Assembly.

Take Advantage of Planes to Position Parts

You can select a planar face to take advantage of planes to snap 3D parts into position.

Select a planar face of the part you want to place.
Start to drag the part toward the second part, then release the left mouse button.
Move the mouse pointer over a planar face of the second part.
Optional: Press the Arrow keys to rotate and correctly orient the part you want to place.
- The UP and DOWN arrow keys changes the Z direction.
- The LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys rotate 90° around the Z axis.
Click when satisfied.
The two parts snap together.
An engineering connection defining face constraints is created and the corresponding constraint symbol is displayed. For more information, see Assembly Design User's Guide: Engineering Connections.

Optional: To edit the constraint you have just created, click the constraint symbol and do one or more of the following:

Select the constraint mode: driving , measured or controlled .
Select the constraint orientation for one or both 3D parts: undefined , same , opposite or parallel .
Select De-activate to de-activate the 3D constraint.
For angle and distance constraints, change the value.

Tip: To show callouts identifying connected 3D parts and context toolbars when editing engineering connections, select Display in geometry area in Me > Preferences > Mechanical > Natural Assembly.