Creating animations in SolidWorks involves using the Motion Study functionality to define the movement of components over time. It's a straightforward process focused on setting key positions for parts and letting SolidWorks interpolate the motion between those keys.
To create a basic animation in SolidWorks, you typically use a Motion Study. This allows you to define the position and orientation of assembly components at different points in time.
Here's a breakdown of the fundamental steps:
- Access the Motion Study: In your SolidWorks assembly document, switch to the Motion Study tab, usually found at the bottom of the graphics area.
- Set Animation Type: Ensure you select "Animation" from the Motion Study type dropdown.
- Define Duration: From the Motion Study timeline, drag the time bar to set the duration of the animation sequence. This determines how long your animation will last.
- Position Components: Move the assembly components to their desired end position of the animation sequence.
- Set Keys:
- You can right-click to place a key at specific points on the timeline for a component's position and orientation.
- Alternatively, you can select Autokey (Animation only) to place a key automatically whenever you move a component while the time bar is at a point other than the start.
- Animate Other Components: To animate other assembly components, repeat steps 3-5 for each part you want to move. You can position them at different times on the timeline to create complex sequences.
SolidWorks then interpolates the motion between the keys you've set, creating a smooth animation when you play the study.
Key Elements for Basic Animation
- Motion Study Tab: The dedicated area for creating and editing animations.
- Timeline: Represents the duration of your animation.
- Time Bar: The cursor you drag along the timeline to indicate the current time.
- Keys: Markers on the timeline that record the position and orientation of a component at a specific time.
- Autokey: An option that automatically creates keys when you move components on the timeline.
Using these tools, you can define simple movements like translating or rotating parts, or more complex sequences by adding multiple keys for a single component.
Example:
Imagine animating a box sliding across a table:
- You start with the box at one end (time 0).
- Drag the time bar to 5 seconds.
- Drag the box to the other end of the table.
- If Autokey is on, a key is automatically placed at 5 seconds recording the box's new position. If not, you right-click the box and select "Create Key" or similar.
- Playing the animation shows the box smoothly moving from the start to the end position over 5 seconds.
By positioning various components at different times and setting keys, you build your complete animated sequence.
