Defining symmetries (optional)

With the Live Parts™ for SOLIDWORKS Add-in, users can define symmetries within your Live Parts design. Symmetries in Live Parts can either be linear or rotational, each of which is defined as follows.

Defining linear symmetries

By adding linear symmetry parameters, users can constrain Live Parts to balance cell operations on either side of a plane (out to a certain effective distance). A linear symmetry is defined using the SOLIDWORKS Add-in by specifying a plane in your assembly centered on a datum point:

1. Select Symmetry in the Live Parts for SOLIDWORKS Add-in toolbar.
2. Click on the Point box and select the relevant datum point your SOLIDWORKS assembly.
3. Click on the Plane box and select the relevant datum plane in your SOLIDWORKS assembly.
4. Specify a distance from the symmetry plane within which the symmetry constraint will be effective. By default this value is 100mm. Any cell operations that take place further than distance from the symmetry point will not cause symmetry to be imposed.
5. Click the Checkmark as the top of the symmetry side menu.

Defining rotational symmetries

By adding rotational symmetries, users can constrain Live Parts to balance cell operations such that the resulting design looks the same after a specified degree of rotation (out to a certain distance). A rotational symmetry is defined using the SOLIDWORKS Add-in by specifying a plane in your assembly centered on a datum point as well as an axis of rotation and rotational angle:

1. Select Rotational Symmetry in the Live Parts for SOLIDWORKS Add-in toolbar.
2. Click on the Point box and select the relevant datum point your SOLIDWORKS assembly.
3. Click on the Plane box and select the relevant datum plane in your SOLIDWORKS assembly.
4. Click on the Axis box and select the relevant datum line in your SOLIDWORKS assembly
5. Specify a distance from the symmetry plane within which the symmetry constraint will be effective. By default this value is 100mm. Any cell operations that take place further than distance from the symmetry point will not cause symmetry to be imposed.
6. Specify a rotational angle to indicate the periodicity of the symmetry.
7. Click the Checkmark as the top of the symmetry side menu.

Notes on symmetry

• Symmetry is not an absolute constraint in Live Parts because the growing object will aim to also to minimize cell material. If you define asymmetrical forces, the Live Parts object may respect the symmetry, but may not be able to realize full symmetry. 
• In order to get the best results with rotational symmetry, users should set up Seed Cells in the part to align with the symmetry planes, and the forces defined should be symmetrical relative to these planes as well.