Understanding and using the profile center mate

The profile center advanced mate allows us to create a centered relationship between two straight profiles in one step. This can save us time as well as deliver a precise centered design intent in one go. However, the mate also has its own limitations. The profile center mate is an essential part of our assembly toolkit. In this section, we will learn about the profile center and how to apply this mate to two different parts.

Defining the profile center advanced mate

The profile center advanced mates option helps us to center two surfaces in relation to each other in an assembly. The following screenshot highlights the effect of the profile center mate. The assembly on the left is before applying the mate, while the one on the right is after applying the mate:

Figure 14.1 – The profile center mate can position one part at the center of another

Note that SOLIDWORKS interprets the profile of the shape...