SOLIDWORKS 2025 SP3 introduces AI Fastener Recognition, expanding SmartMate functionality beyond Toolbox components. In SolidProfessor’s latest 2-Minute Tech Tip, you’ll see how AI can automatically recognize and mate nuts, bolts, and washers even when they’re lacking Mate Reference features or are obtained from external resources such as McMaster-Carr.
Using AI recognition with a non-Toolbox fastener to automatically apply mates
Instead of manually applying mates to downloaded or imported hardware, SOLIDWORKS now evaluates fastener geometry and size to position components correctly as you place them. Whether you’re dragging from Windows Explorer, inserting components, or copying existing hardware, the system detects valid fasteners and applies the expected mates instantly.
Key benefits include:
- Automatic mating for non-Toolbox fasteners
- Automatic mating for fasteners without Mate References
- Support for some imported file formats (not yet officially supported)
AI fastener recognition successfully being applied to an imported STEP file
There are a few limitations to keep in mind. AI recognition currently only applies to nuts, bolts, and washers (although support for additional fastener types is anticipated for future releases) and while our testing has revealed that it will work with certain imported file types such as STEP, non-SOLIDWORKS files are not yet officially supported. Despite these limitations, AI fastener recognition is a useful option when working with custom or uncommon hardware, but should you prefer, it can be disabled via System Options.
This new feature reduces repetitive setup and helps maintain assembly efficiency and is included beginning in SOLIDWORKS 2025 Service Pack 3 and all future versions. For more on fasteners, mates, and assembly workflows, explore our SOLIDWORKS Toolbox and Design Library training.
