SOLIDWORKS Fixed vs Floating Components

In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between fixed and floating components in a SOLIDWORKS assembly. We will also look at a tool that will allow us to temporarily move between these two component states.

Fixed Components 

In SOLIDWORKS, a fixed component is locked down in all six degrees of freedom, meaning the component’s position is fixed in space and cannot be moved. To indicate a component is fixed, SOLIDWORKS places an (f) next to the component name in the FeatureManager Design Tree.

Note: By default, the first component inserted into an assembly will become fixed. When inserting additional components, clicking the green check mark in the Insert Component PropertyManager will also fix the component at the assembly origin. If you intend to mate the component, drop the component into the graphics area; do not click the green check mark.

A component that is not fixed can be set this way by right-clicking the component in the FeatureManager Design Tree and choosing Fix.

Note: If the component has existing mates, fixing the component will result in mate errors. If you want the component fixed, first delete the mates that lock the component down.

Floating a Component

When a component is fixed in the FeatureManager Design Tree, it can be changed to a floating state, meaning the component can be moved in all degrees of freedom again. To float a component, right-click on the component in the FeatureManager Design Tree and choose Float.

Temporary Fix/Group

When working with assemblies that have several degrees of freedom, or many moving parts, it is sometimes difficult to move a component without affecting the position of others. 

For example, this robotic arm assembly has several degrees of freedom. Moving the robot wrist (red component), affects the position of all other components with multiple degrees of freedom.

For occasions like this, SOLIDWORKS has a feature called Temporary Fix/Group. To access this command, right-click in a blank space of the graphics area and choose Temporary Fix/Group.

In the Components to fix selection box, select the robot forearm component that is mated to the robotic wrist, then click the Fix/Group button. 

This will allow us to move the robot wrist angle without affecting the position/rotation of the forearm. When the component is in the desired position, click Exit to escape the command. The component stays in the place it was moved to.

We can also group components together using the Components to group field. This basically treats all select components like a subassembly, meaning they all move together as one part. 

We can also use a combination of Components to fix and Components to group. 

In this example, we want the robot arms, forearms, and wrist to move as a group, but the shoulder to be fixed so that it cannot rotate. Select the robot shoulder as the fixed component, and set the arms, forearm, and wrist as the components to group. We can now move those components as a group without affecting the rotation of the robot shoulder.

Note: Always click Fix/Group before moving a component. To see the selections again, and to choose different component groupings, choose    Selections. To exit the command, choose Exit. 

Want to Learn More?

Take your SOLIDWORKS skills to the next level and enroll in the official SOLIDWORKS Essentials training course . Both online and in-person classes are available.

I hope you found this article explaining Fixed vs Floating components in SOLIDWORKS helpful. Check out more tips and tricks listed below. Additionally, join the GoEngineer Community to participate in the conversation, create forum posts, and answer questions from other SOLIDWORKS users. 

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