You can define constraint pairs in components, called iMates, that tell parts and subassemblies how to connect when inserted in an assembly. You can also define one half of the constraint pair limits to specify the allowable range of motion. Symbols identify iMates. The symbols show the type and state of the iMate.

You can define groups of iMates, called composite iMates. When placed and matched with another composite iMate with the same name and number of members, all constraints in the group are solved.

Creating iMates

You create iMates as you create or modify a component or by inferring them automatically. You define half of a constraint pair on a component. The iMate definition is stored in the file, and when the component is placed in an assembly, it is automatically positioned (the iMate result ).

On the ribbon, use Manage tabAuthor paneliMate to define an iMate when creating or modifying a component. Or, use the Infer iMates check box when creating or editing hole features or extrude and revolve features with closed-loop circular edges.

You can select two or more iMates in the browser, and then right-click to create a composite iMate. When placed in an assembly, all constraints are satisfied when matched to a component with a matching composite iMate.

To convert existing assembly constraints to iMate definitions, right-click a constraint in the browser and select Infer iMates. You can create individual iMates or composite iMates.

Inferred iMate definitions are saved with the component. The iMates created with this method do not replace the constraints that were originally placed in the active assembly. To replace original constraints with new iMates, manually delete the constraints and apply new iMates.

What are inferred iMates?

An inferred iMate is automatically calculated based on a special algorithm that places the constraint in a location likely to be the most useful.

In an assembly, iMates can be inferred on selected components, features, or constraints.

You can infer iMates on a closed-loop circular edge for extruded, revolved, and hole features. When you create the feature, select the Infer iMate check box to create an iMate automatically. For example, one or more insert iMates can be inferred for a hole or a revolve feature.

Or, right-click a feature in the browser and select Infer iMate. You can give the iMate a name or accept the default name.

Use infer iMates on a constraint when you have multiple components that must constrain to multiple instances of the same part in an assembly file.

You create or infer iMates when you want geometry to use in assembly constraints. iMates also document the way you intend components to relate to one another. For example, the four mounting holes and the shaft of a motor can all have iMates. They identify the geometry that is likely to be constrained when the motor is placed in an assembly. The same iMates also serve to document the interface of the motor. It has a mounting interface (the four iMates on the holes) and a drive interface (the iMate on the shaft that rotates). You can also create iMates on the electrical connectors on the motor to represent the electrical interface.

How do iMates differ from assembly constraints?

You define iMates when you create or edit a component, attaching them to critical placement features. Components that constrain to one another in an assembly each have one half of an iMate pair. When the components are placed in an assembly, the iMate halves know how to fit together.

You can retain constraints during component replacement by using matching iMates in both components. The components with the matching iMate definitions match so long as their properties match, not necessarily their geometric shape. For example, if their properties are the identical, an insert iMate definition can be equivalent on a circular edge and a circular arc.

You define assembly constraints when you place a component in an assembly and match its position relative to another component. A component replacement without iMates retains assembly constraints only if the existing and new components are created from a common base (using Save Copy As). Unless you use iMates each time you use a component, define how it fits together with other components.

Using iMates in an assembly

iMates are ideal for components that are used repeatedly and always constrained in the same way. You define an iMate once, saving time every time you place the component. Composite iMates solve multiple constraints with a single selection.

Using iMates, you can automatically place key assembly constraints when you place the component:

On the placed component, an iMate definition is matched based on its properties. If the iMate definition names and match lists do not match, the iMate definitions can still match. However, pairings of iMate definitions whose names and match lists do match are preferred over definitions that do not.
When the two iMate halves match in the assembly, a single consumed iMate result is created.

An iMate symbol is shown in the browser and on the components in the graphics window (although they are off by default). On the ribbon, use View tabVisibility paneliMate Glyphs option to control the display of iMate glyphs in the graphics window.

In the illustration, the rod and the housings have iMates with the same name. Multiple housings can have the same relationship defined as an iMate. You can use Replace Component to switch housings and retain the constraint relationship between the rod and housing.

A composite iMate definition can include multiple iMate definitions. It could, for example, set an offset distance, an insert axis, mating faces, and a range of motion. When placed in an assembly, all constraints are satisfied when matched to a component with a composite iMate definition with the same number of members with matching properties. The composite iMate definitions whose names and match lists do match are preferred over definitions that do not.

Combining iMates in a composite

In the browser, you can select two or more iMates, right-click, and then select Create Composite. A composite iMate is created in the browser with the individual iMates nested under it. You can use the default composite name or give it a more meaningful one.

In other parts that use the same iMate combination, create another composite iMate containing the same individual iMates. When matched with another composite iMate with the same name and number of members in an assembly, all constraints are solved at once.

Procedures

Create iMates

You can define constraint pairs in parts, called iMates, that tell parts how to connect when inserted in an assembly. In the browser, an iMates folder contains all iMate definitions defined in the file. Pause your cursor over an iMate to highlight it in the graphics window.

You can define maximum, minimum, and resting position limits for an iMate.

You can select two or more iMates to create a composite iMate. When matched with another composite iMate with the same name and number of members, all iMates in the group are solved at once ( iMate result ).

You can also convert constraints between components in an assembly and automatically create multiple single iMates or a single composite iMate. These iMate definitions are saved with the part file.

Create an iMate

On the ribbon, click Manage tabAuthor paneliMate.
In the Create iMate dialog box, the Mate constraint is automatically selected. Use the default or click Angle, Tangent, or Insert.
Click the Assembly tab to create a stationary constraint or the Motion tab to create a motion constraint.
On the Assembly tab:
- Enter Offset or Angle, if appropriate.
- In the Solution box, click the result, according to the constraint type. There is no pictured solution for an Angle constraint.
- Optionally, click the More button to set maximum, minimum, or resting position limits.
- In the graphics window, select the geometry to constrain.
On the Motion tab:
- Click Rotation or Rotation-Translation.
- Enter Ratio or Distance, as appropriate.
- In the Solution box, click the result, according to the constraint type.
- In the graphics window, select the geometry to constrain.
Click the button to expand the dialog box. Autodesk Inventor uses iMate names as the first criteria for matching iMates in an assembly. If no names match, iMate properties are used to match.
- In the Name box, enter an iMate name, or leave blank and a default name is automatically created.
- Optionally, click in the Limits tab to set the maximum, minimum, and resting position limits.
  - Check Use Offset As Resting Position and enter the required value in the Offset value box to specify the resting position. Clear the check box to disable.
  - Check Maximum and enter a value to specify the maximum limit position. Clear the check box to disable.
  - Check Minimum and enter a value to specify the minimum limit position. Clear the check box to disable.
- In the Matching tab, select from the listed names, if available, or click Add Name to List and enter a name. Optionally, delete a name or use the up or down arrows to move the name in the list.
Click Apply to create the iMate. Continue to create iMates as needed or click OK to quit.
Save the file.

NoteIf you use the default iMate name, consider changing it to something more meaningful. Choose a name to correspond with the matching iMate in another part, and then use the browser to rename the iMate. For example, to identify the geometry, rename Mate1 to Axis1. Rename a secondary iMate, named Mate2, to Face1.

Create a composite iMate

Create multiple single iMates in a part or assembly.
In the browser, click to expand the iMates folder.
Hold down CTRL, and then click each iMate you want to include in the composite iMate.
Right-click, and then select Create Composite.
Optionally, click the composite iMate label, and then give it a name to describe its purpose or placement.
Save the file.

NoteChoose a name that corresponds with a matching composite iMate in another part or assembly. You can replace parts in an assembly that were positioned using a common composite iMate. Then the composite iMate automatically positions the replacement using the previously defined constraints.

Infer iMate definitions from existing components containing one or more constraints

Place constraints between components in an assembly.
In the browser, select a component that has constraints.
Right-click, and select ComponentInfer iMates.
NoteiMate definitions cannot be inferred from assembly features.
If the selected component is one of multiple placements of the same part (or assembly), indicate how to convert the constraints:
- To convert constraints contained on the selected occurrence only, select the Selected Occurrence Only check box.
- To convert constraints contained on all occurrences, clear the Selected Occurrence Only check box.
Select the Create Composite iMates check box to group multiple inferred iMate definitions into one or more composite iMate definitions.
A composite iMate definition is created for each group of constraints that constrain the same two occurrences.
Click Apply.
Optionally, continue to select components for converting additional constraints, and click Apply after each one.
Save the file.

TipRename the iMate in the browser, giving it a name to describe its purpose or placement.

Infer iMate definitions from existing constraints

Place constraints between components in an assembly.
In the browser, select a constraint.
Right-click and select Infer iMates.
Enter a name for the iMate in the browser, giving it a name to describe its purpose or placement.
Select the Create Composite iMates check box to group multiple inferred iMate definitions into one or more composite iMate definitions.
A composite iMate definition is created for each group of constraints that constrain the same two occurrences.
Click Apply.
Save the file.

Infer iMate definitions for existing features

You can infer iMates on hole, revolve, and circular extruded part and assembly features. Inferred iMate definitions are placed only on closed loops.

Autodesk Inventor places the inferred iMate on the edge most likely to be useful. If you want the iMate placed on a different edge, delete the inferred iMate and manually create an iMate.

In the browser, right-click a feature, and then select Infer iMates.
In the Infer iMates dialog box, do one:
- Enter a name to apply to all inferred iMate definitions.
- Leave the Name field blank. A name is automatically assigned according to the constraint type, such as iMate:1 or iMate 2.
TipGive the iMate definition a name to describe its purpose or placement.
Click OK to close the dialog box.
Save the file.

Infer iMates for a new feature

When you create a part or assembly feature, you can infer iMates on circular edges of extrusions, revolves, and holes. A closed loop is required.

Autodesk Inventor places the inferred iMate on the edge most likely to be useful. If you want the iMate placed on a different edge, delete the inferred iMate and manually create an iMate.

Create the profile sketch required to create a feature with a circular edge.
Click the icon for Extrude, Revolve, or Hole.
Select values and geometry as needed.
Select the check box for Infer iMates.
In the Infer iMate dialog box, enter an iMate name or leave blank and click OK. If blank, a name is automatically created according to the constraint type, such as iInsert1.
Click OK to create the feature and automatically create the iMate.
Save the file.

Modify an iMate

For individual iMates, you can edit the constraint type, offset, angle, selected components, and direction.

For composite iMates, you can extract individual iMates, delete the composite iMate, and then redefine. Individual iMates remaining in a composite are deleted when you delete the composite iMate.

NoteThis procedure presumes that the Position View is active. If you have activated the Modeling View, all constraints for each assembly are collected in an iMates folder below the assembly origin folder.

Edit an individual iMate

In the graphics window, double-click to activate the component whose iMate you want to edit.
In the browser, right-click the iMate and then select Edit.
In the Edit Constraint dialog box, change values as needed.
In the Name box, you can change the iMate name. In the Match List, modify the priority of the names by adjusting their order as needed.
When finished, click OK.

Remove individual iMates from a composite iMate

If you intend to delete a composite iMate, but want to retain individual iMates, first remove individual iMates from the composite.

In the browser, click to expand the composite iMate.
Right-click the iMate to remove from the composite iMate, and then select Remove.
The iMate is removed from the composite and placed in the browser below the composite iMate symbol.
Continue to remove individual iMates, as appropriate.
To delete a composite iMate, right-click the composite iMate, and then select Delete.

Place components that have matching iMates

Use Place Component to insert components with matching iMates in an assembly. You can place multiple instances of the component.

When placing members of an iPart or iAssembly factory, iMates are matched according to how they are specified in the factory. One member can include iMates with no offset value, while another can be offset a specified amount.

TipAt any time, you can right-click and select Use iMates to toggle off and on.

Match iMates automatically with the Interactively place with iMates or the Automatically generate iMates on place options

During component placement, you can automatically apply iMates. In the File Open dialog box, select either Interactively place with iMates or Automatically generate iMates on place. You can also use the Use iMates selection on the context menu. The first match is the first name in the match list of the target component.

NoteThe iMate definition properties must always match for the iMate definitions to match. iMate definitions with matching names and match lists, but without matching properties, do not match.

NoteMatch lists do not prevent other iMates to match once all iMates in the match list are consumed. The match list determines the order in which the iMates are consumed

All possible match names are attempted before Autodesk Inventor tries to match iMate properties without consideration for names and match lists.

	Open an assembly file that contains one or more components with iMates
	On the ribbon, click Assemble tab Component panel Place. Browse to a component with one or more defined iMate constraints, and then select it
	In the Open dialog box, there are two choices to place components with iMates. One method is to select Interactively place with iMates, and then click Open. The component is placed and matched to a corresponding iMate. The command does not stop and you can continue to place multiple instances by using various context menu choices. An iMate symbol for each successful match is shown in the browser.
	A second method is to select Automatically generate iMates on place, and then click Open. The component is placed, all possible iMate solutions are applied, and the command finishes. An iMate symbol for each successful match is shown in the browser.
	NoteIf the component being placed does not automatically solve, the selected component is placed in the graphics window attached to the cursor. Click to place, right-click, and then select Done.
	Repeat to select and place additional components with defined iMates. Ensure that each time, in the Open dialog box, Interactively place with iMates or Automatically generate iMates on place is selected.
	TipWhen placing components with iMates automatically, it is possible for the part to place outside the current viewing area. To set the default window behavior to zoom in on the placed part automatically, use the Assembly application options.

Preview iMate solutions during placement

When placing a component using iMates, use the preview mode to cycle through iMates on the component and on the target component. You can accept or discard solutions as needed.

When the component is first previewed, it is transparent, to indicate that it is not yet placed in the assembly. Accept the iMate result to place the component. If the component has multiple iMate definitions, the component loses its transparency after the first iMate result is accepted. It does not mean that all iMate definitions on the component are matched.

Open an assembly file that contains one or more components with iMates.
On the ribbon, click Assemble tabComponent panelPlace. Browse to a component with one or more defined iMate constraints, and then select it. In the Open dialog box, select either Interactively place with iMates or Automatically generate iMates on place, and then click Open.
When placing a component with iMates, click the mouse to accept the iMate pair previewed on the graphics window.
- If no additional matches are possible, the component is placed and the next instance of the component is previewed.
- If additional matches are possible, the component is constrained with the accepted match and previews the next match.
Press Enter or right-click and select Done to place the component with the selected iMates.

Additional options for resolving iMates during placement are available. Use the shortcut key or right-click and select from the context menu:

Shortcut key	Context menu option
CTRL+I	Use iMates switches off and on. If iMates are matched, discards all iMate matches and returns to regular Place Component.
---	Place at all Matching iMates accepts any matches already accepted and generates matches for the remaining component iMate definitions and places the component. The next component instance is then previewed.
Spacebar	Skip remaining iMate results uses any accepted matches and places the component without evaluating any other solutions. The next component is then previewed.
CTRL + Enter	Generate remaining iMate results uses any accepted matches and generates other solutions. The next component is then previewed.
---	Restart discards any accepted iMate matches and starts again to match iMates.
Right/Left arrow keys	Next or Previous Assembly iMate cycles forward and backward through the iMates on the assembly. The placed components previewed at the new location each time one of the items is selected.
Down/Up arrow keys	Next or Previous Component iMate cycles forward and backward through iMates on the placed component. The component is previewed in its new orientation each time one of the items is selected.
CTRL + Right/Left arrow keys	Next or Previous Instance Assembly iMate jumps to the next or previous instance, in the case of a multiple-instance assembly.

Place multiple components with iMates

You can place multiple instances of a component when you select Interactively place with iMates in the Open dialog box. You can place one instance at a time or continue to place iMates so long as there are matching iMates in the assembly.

Open an assembly file that contains one or more components with iMates.
On the ribbon, click Assemble tabComponent panelPlace. Browse to a component with one or more defined iMate constraints, and then select it.
In the Open dialog box, select Interactively place with iMates and then click Open.
In the graphics window, click to place the component.
To place additional instances, do one:
- Continue to click to place additional instances. Each instance is matched to a corresponding iMate until you right-click and select Done.
- Right-click and select Place at all Matching iMates. Instances are added and matched until all iMates are satisfied.
For best results, plan and create in advance all possible iMate matches. Names in the match list are matched before iMate properties are matched. For each component to match, include the match names of each half of the match pair. For example, Component A must be named in the match list of Component B; Component B must be named in the match list of Component A.

NoteIf you have set up components to constrain fully when placed, you can solve all iMates at once.

When selecting the component, be sure to select Automatically generate iMates on place.
When the component is placed, all possible iMate solutions are applied and the command finishes.
If you depressed Interactively place with iMates it is still possible to solve multiple iMates.When the component is placed and the first iMates are previewed, do not click to accept. Examine the components to make sure they are constrained as needed. If not, click the right arrow to preview the next assembly iMate.
Click to accept the match.
When the next pair of iMates previews, right-click and select Generate Remaining iMate Results.

Match iMates with the ALT-drag shortcut

When you select a component to match iMates, all unconsumed iMates on that component become visible. Once you begin to drag a selected iMate, the iMate glyphs for all valid matching iMates become visible.

Open an assembly file.
On the ribbon, click Assemble tabComponent panelPlace to place one or more components with defined iMates. Make sure Interactively place with iMates or Automatically generate iMates on place are not selected.
Select a component containing iMates to match.
Hold down ALT, click an iMate glyph and drag it over a matching iMate glyph on another component. Once you begin the drag, release ALT, if appropriate. When the second iMate glyph is highlighted and a snap sound indicates the components are constrained, click to place.

Continue to select and match iMates as needed.

NoteYou can also match an iMate to geometry using this same method.

Match iMates with the Constrain command

Open an assembly that contains parts to constrain.
Hold down CTRL, click the components containing the iMate definitions to match, right-click, and then select iMate Glyph Visibility. iMate glyphs on the selected components are displayed.
On the ribbon, click Assemble tabPosition panelConstrain.
Click an iMate glyph on a component.
Click a matching iMate glyph on another component, and then click Apply.

Continue to apply iMates as needed, and then click OK to close the dialog box.

Control iMate visibility

You can turn iMate visibility on and off as needed. Use the right-click menu to turn visibility on and off for selected components. On the ribbon, set the View tabVisibility paneliMate Glyphs option to view any existing iMate glyphs to position the component you are editing.

The visibility of iMates changes according to the action being performed:

Newly created iMates are displayed as they are created.
On selected components, all unconsumed iMates contained on that component are displayed.
All iMates are off when a component is placed in an assembly.
All iMates are off on components being placed using iDrop.
During an ALT-drag operation, all unconsumed iMates that are valid solutions for the iMate being matched are displayed.

Set iMate visibility for a selected occurrence

In the browser or the graphics window, select one or more components.
Right-click and select iMate Glyph Visibility. Clear the check mark to turn off.
To turn on visibility, select one or more components in the browser, right-click and select iMate Glyph Visibility.

NoteTo select multiple components, hold down the CTRL key and select.

Set iMate visibility when editing and positioning components

In the browser or the graphics window, click a top-level component or double-click a part or subassembly.
On the ribbon, click View tabVisibility paneliMate Glyphs to turn it on.
To turn off visibility, select a component in the browser; and click View tabVisibility paneliMate Glyphs to deselect it.

References

iMate properties

Displays default properties for iMates and allows some to be edited.

Access:

In the browser or the graphics window, right-click an iMate symbol and select Properties.

Name	Shows the iMate name. If a name was specified when the iMate was created, it is shown; otherwise, the default name is shown. Optionally, you can enter a new name. TipChoose a name to describe the iMate function or other needed characteristic.
Suppress	Select the check box to suppress the iMate.
Type	Shows the constraint type.
Solution	Shows the solution, where more than one is possible for a constraint. For example, a mate constraint can be either Mate or Flush.
Offset	Shows the offset value, if applicable.
Index	Shows the order the iMates are listed in the browser. When the component is added to an assembly, iMates are solved in the order shown. Change the index number to reorder the iMates, as needed.
Maximum	Shows the maximum limit value if applicable.
Minimum	Shows the minimum limit value if applicable.
iPart Identifier	A unique sequential name assigned when the iMate is created. If the part is an iPart or iAssembly, the iMate is listed in the iPart or iAssembly table. In the table, the number cannot be edited but can be combined with a custom name. For example, if you give an iMate a custom name when created or edited in the part browser (FaceMate), the iPart names it FaceMate:iM001. The iMate name assigned by the iPart is listed in the browser when the iPart is used.
Match List	Shows the names used to match iMates when the component is placed. The top name in the match list is the first priority for matching to another iMate. Optionally, uses Add Name to List to create new names to build a match list. Click Delete to remove a name from the list, or use the Up and Down arrows to change the name order. NoteWhen placing a component in an assembly, and matching an iMate, priority is given to a match with another iMate named in the match list. Priority is dependent on the order of the names in the list.

Infer (Component) iMates

Creates iMate definitions for the selected components. Available for components that have no existing iMate definitions. Based on the options selected, it creates either multiple single iMates or a single composite iMate for one or all occurrences of a selected component. The iMate definitions are created and stored in the file of the selected occurrence.

Access:

In the browser, right-click a component with one or more assembly constraints, and then select ComponentInfer iMates.

NoteAvailable for components that have no existing iMate definitions.

Select whether to create multiple single iMates or composite iMates for one or all occurrences of the selected component.
Selected Occurrence Only	Creates iMates for the constraints contained only on the selected occurrence. Clear the check box to create iMates for constraints contained on all occurrences of the selected component in the assembly.
Create Composite iMates	Automatically collects iMates created from inferred constraints into a single composite iMate. Clear the check box to create multiple single iMates.
Select	Selects the component whose constraints you want to convert to iMates or composite iMates.

Infer (Constraint) iMates

Converts assembly constraints to iMate definitions that are stored with the part. Based on the options selected, either multiple single iMates or a single composite iMate is created for one or all occurrences of a selected component. The iMate definitions are created and stored in the file of the selected occurrence.

Access:

In the browser, right-click a constraint with one or multiple assembly constraints, and then select Infer iMates.

Select whether to create multiple single iMates or composite iMates for one or all occurrences of the selected component.
Name	Enter a name to apply to all inferred iMate definitions. If you leave the Name field blank, the name is automatically assigned according to the constraint type.
Create Composite iMates	Automatically collects iMates created from inferred constraints into a single composite iMate. Clear the check box to create multiple single iMates.

Infer (Feature) iMates

Creates iMates on hole, revolve, and circular extruded part and assembly features.

NoteInferred iMate definitions are placed only on closed loops.

Access:

In the browser, right-click a feature, and then select Infer iMates.

Name

Enter a name to apply to all inferred iMate definitions. If you leave the Name field blank, the name is automatically assigned according to the constraint type.

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