Assemblies, constraints & file types
Graphic Communication · National 5 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about assemblies, constraints & file types, specifically to be able to:
- assemble components with mate, align and centre axis
Success criteria WILF
- I can assemble components with mate, align and centre axis
Assembly constraints
- Mate: two faces brought together, facing each other (touching).
- Align (flush): two faces made level, facing the same way.
- Centre axis (axis to axis): the centre lines of two round features lined up, e.g. a pin in a hole.
Typical order: centre axis to line parts up, then mate to bring faces together, then align to finish. Use the exact terms: the 2024 N5 report says most candidates didn't give "centre axis".
Producing drawings from CAD
CAD can generate orthographic, sectional and pictorial views straight from the 3D model, so views are always consistent and update when the model changes. Never type over a wrong dimension on a production drawing: fix the model instead. In the assignment an overridden dimension scores 0 for that component.
Key terms
| Mate | Two faces brought together facing each other. |
|---|---|
| Align | Two faces made flush, facing the same way. |
| Centre axis | Lines up the axes of two round features. |
Quick check
1. Which constraint lines up a pin with a hole?
- Mate
- Align
- Centre axis
- Fillet
Show answer
2. Two faces touching, facing each other, is…
- Align
- Shell
- Centre axis
- Mate
Show answer
3. Two faces level with each other, facing the same way, is…
- Align
- Mate
- Centre axis
- Chamfer
Show answer
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.