Mirroring a sub-assembly in SolidWorks is a straightforward process primarily accomplished using the Mirror Components feature within the assembly environment. This is commonly done to create an opposite hand version of a complex assembly, as shown in tutorials.
Mirroring a Sub-assembly in SolidWorks
When you need a mirrored copy of a sub-assembly, perhaps for the other side of a machine or product, you don't need to recreate it from scratch. SolidWorks allows you to mirror existing components or sub-assemblies directly within your top-level assembly. This process involves selecting the sub-assembly and defining a mirror plane.
Using the Mirror Components Feature
The primary tool for this task is the Mirror Components command, found on the Assembly tab in the CommandManager. This feature allows you to mirror selected components (which can include sub-assemblies) about a chosen plane.
Key Steps to Mirror a Sub-assembly
Here's a step-by-step guide based on the standard SolidWorks process and reflected in demonstrations:
- Open your main assembly: Ensure the assembly containing the sub-assembly you wish to mirror is open.
- Locate the Mirror Components feature: Go to the Assembly tab > Pattern > Mirror Components.
- Select the Mirror Plane: In the PropertyManager, under "Step 1: Mirror Plane", select the plane you want to mirror about. This could be a standard plane (Front, Top, Right), a face on an existing part, or a custom plane you've created, often located in the middle of your assembly or a specific component, as suggested in the reference.
- Select Components to Mirror: Under "Step 2: Components to Mirror", select the sub-assembly from either the graphics area or the FeatureManager design tree. You can select the sub-assembly directly or select all its individual components if preferred, but selecting the sub-assembly is typical.
- Configure Mirrored Instances: Proceed to "Step 3: Orient Components". This is where you determine how the mirrored parts are handled. For creating a true "opposite hand version" of a sub-assembly, you'll typically choose the option to create mirrored versions of the parts, not just mirrored instances of the original parts.
- Create Opposite Hand Version: This option is crucial for asymmetrical parts within the sub-assembly. SolidWorks can automatically create derived configurations or new files for the mirrored components that are not symmetrical, ensuring they function correctly as a mirror image.
- Seed Component: Use this for components that are symmetrical and don't need a new mirrored version file.
- Review and Finalize: Step through the remaining options in the PropertyManager (Step 4: Features to Be Mirrored - less common for entire sub-assemblies, Step 5: File Saving - important for opposite hand versions). SolidWorks prompts you to name and save any new mirrored component files it creates.
- Complete the Mirror: Click the green check mark to complete the operation. The mirrored sub-assembly will appear in your main assembly, positioned according to the mirror plane you selected.
Why Mirror a Sub-assembly?
Mirroring a sub-assembly efficiently creates mirror image copies of complex component groups. This saves significant time compared to manually re-modeling or re-assembling the mirrored version, especially when many asymmetrical parts are involved requiring opposite-hand counterparts.
By following these steps and utilizing the Mirror Components feature, you can easily create the opposite hand version of your sub-assembly, placing it symmetrically across a chosen plane within your SolidWorks assembly.
