How to Add Motor in SolidWorks Motion Study: Step-by-Step Guide

To add a motor in a SolidWorks Motion Study, open the Motion Study tab, click Motor from the Motion Manager toolbar, then select the component and define motor type and parameters. This adds rotational or linear motion to your part for simulation.

Syntax

In SolidWorks Motion Study, adding a motor follows this pattern:

• Open Motion Study tab: Access the Motion Manager at the bottom of the SolidWorks window.
• Click Motor button: Found in the Motion Manager toolbar.
• Select component: Choose the part or assembly face to apply the motor.
• Define motor type: Choose between rotary or linear motor.
• Set parameters: Input speed, direction, and duration.
• Confirm: Click OK to add the motor to the study.

arm_architecture

1. Open Motion Study tab
2. Click Motor button in Motion Manager toolbar
3. Select component or face
4. Choose motor type (Rotary or Linear)
5. Set speed, direction, and duration
6. Click OK to apply motor

Example

This example shows how to add a rotary motor to a gear in a motion study:

1. Open your assembly and switch to the Motion Study tab.
2. Click the Motor icon in the Motion Manager toolbar.
3. Select the cylindrical face of the gear to apply the motor.
4. Choose Rotary Motor type.
5. Set the speed to 60 RPM and direction clockwise.
6. Set the duration to 5 seconds.
7. Click OK to add the motor.
8. Run the motion study to see the gear rotate.

arm_architecture

Motion Study Steps:
1. Open assembly and go to Motion Study tab
2. Click Motor button
3. Select gear cylindrical face
4. Choose Rotary Motor
5. Set speed = 60 RPM, direction = clockwise
6. Set duration = 5 seconds
7. Click OK
8. Play motion study to see rotation

Output

Gear rotates clockwise at 60 RPM for 5 seconds in the motion study animation.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding motors in SolidWorks Motion Study include:

• Not selecting the correct face or component, causing the motor not to apply.
• Choosing the wrong motor type (rotary vs linear) for the intended motion.
• Setting unrealistic speed or duration values that cause simulation errors.
• Forgetting to fix other parts or mates, which can lead to unexpected movement.
• Not running the motion study after adding the motor to see the effect.

Always double-check selections and parameters before confirming.

arm_architecture

Wrong way:
1. Select wrong face
2. Choose rotary motor but want linear motion
3. Set speed too high
4. Click OK

Right way:
1. Select correct face
2. Choose correct motor type
3. Set realistic speed
4. Fix other parts if needed
5. Click OK

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Open Motion Study tab	Located at bottom of SolidWorks window
2	Click Motor button	Toolbar in Motion Manager
3	Select component or face	Choose rotating or moving part
4	Choose motor type	Rotary for rotation, Linear for sliding
5	Set speed and direction	Use realistic values
6	Set duration	Define how long motor runs
7	Click OK	Apply motor to study
8	Run motion study	See animation of motor effect

Key Takeaways

Open the Motion Study tab and use the Motor button to add motion to parts.

Select the correct component face and motor type (rotary or linear) for your motion.

Set realistic speed, direction, and duration parameters to avoid simulation errors.

Fix other parts or mates as needed to prevent unwanted movement during simulation.

Always run the motion study after adding the motor to visualize the motion.