Fix a Part or a Subassembly

Purpose of the function

  • The function locks the part to its location.
  • The function is sometimes used when you do not want to position the part in place using constraints.
  • Locking parts in place lightens the () calculation of the geometric constraints of the assembly model. You can do this with structures that do not require kinematics viewing, for example, a welded steel structure.
  • Fixing prevents the part from being dragged, but does not prevent the functions: Move or Rotate.

You can select more than one part to be fixed at once. Previously done part fixings are retained. The fixing is done to a first-level subassembly of the assembly.

The fixing affects kinematics viewing

In order to be able to view the kinematics of an assembly, there must be a fixed part in the assembly.
  • The auxiliary planes of the assembly may be used as a "fixed part" as long as one of the parts is bound to these auxiliary planes by constraints.
  • The part that was first added into the assembly is locked in place.
  • If the constraints of the assembly do not apply in any way to the fixed part or the auxiliary planes of the assembly, the dragging of the parts does not allow a kinematic view, but instead the parts move in the drag.

Fix a part by using the Fix function

  1. Select the part or parts to be fixed
    • Select one or more parts from an assembly model.
    • Select one or more part or subassembly label from the assembly tree.
  2. Select Constraints > Fix.

Fix a part by pressing the F key

  1. Select parts to be fixed from the model.

    • In the model, move the cursor over the part to be fixed and press the F key. If you want to fix several parts, select parts in the model and press the F key.

  2. Select parts to be fixed in the assembly tree.

    • Select one part, part patten or subassembly in the assembly tree and press the F key. You can use the F key to fix and release items in the assembly tree.
Note:
  • You can use this function to lock a part or a subassembly of the main assembly, but not a part of a subassembly. If you want to edit locking parts of a subassembly, you must first select the subassembly for editing.
  • A fixed (locked) part and a subassembly is highlighted in the assembly tree with the lock symbol
    • Part
    • Assembly

    Assembly Tree Symbols and Conventions

  • Use the context-sensitive Release function to remove the fixing of a part or subassembly.