Which term describes the relationship that allows two components to move together in an assembly?

The concept of a mating relationship is fundamental in assembly design within Solid Edge and similar CAD systems. A mating relationship allows components to connect in a way that they move together as a single unit within the assembly.

This type of relationship is essential for ensuring that parts interact correctly in terms of their intended function and movement. For example, in the case of a hinge, the two parts would be mated in such a way that one can rotate around a pivot point established by the mating relationship, effectively allowing them to move together as designed.

The mating relationship typically constrains certain degrees of freedom while allowing others, which is crucial for achieving the desired motion and alignment in assemblies. This reflects real-world mechanical interactions, making it an important aspect of mechanical design and simulation.

Other terms such as coaxial, fixed, and constrained relationships serve different purposes in assembly modeling. Coaxial relationships restrict components to share a common axis but do not inherently imply that they move together. A fixed relationship completely prevents movement between components, grounding them in place, while a constrained relationship is a broader term that may refer to various types of movement restrictions, not specifically indicating movement together. Thus, the mating relationship uniquely describes the scenario where two components are designed to function cohesively within