To be able to manage the connections between the various figures. The Layout module uses a technology based on particular blocks called mates.

The program provides various automations: automatic component positioning, shot peening, and many automation functions. To work properly, these functions need to have well-formed figures. Basically, to ensure correct operation it is sufficient to insert the mates correctly. Each mates performs a specific function. There are mates for positioning components, mates for peening, and mates for mirroring components. Mates are defined by blocks with a specific name and a specific orientation. The mates are stored inside a service dwg file called “blocks.dwg”. It is sufficient to include this file in the table to have all the mate blocks available. In the figure you can see different mates highlighted.