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

To add a spring in SolidWorks Motion Study, first create or insert a spring component in your assembly. Then, in the Motion Study tab, use the Force or Spring tool to define the spring properties like stiffness and free length, and connect it between the desired parts to simulate its behavior.

Syntax

In SolidWorks Motion Study, adding a spring involves these key steps:

• Insert Spring Component: Add a spring part or create a spring feature in your assembly.
• Open Motion Study: Switch to the Motion Study tab at the bottom of the SolidWorks window.
• Add Spring Force: Use the Force or Spring tool from the Motion Study toolbar.
• Define Parameters: Set spring stiffness, free length, and attach points.

This process lets you simulate spring behavior dynamically between parts.

text

1. Insert spring component in assembly
2. Go to Motion Study tab
3. Click 'Force' or 'Spring' icon
4. Select 'Spring' from the list
5. Pick attachment points on parts
6. Enter spring properties (stiffness, free length)
7. Confirm and run simulation

Example

This example shows how to add a spring between two parts in a SolidWorks assembly and simulate its motion.

text

1. Open your assembly with two parts.
2. Insert a spring component or create a spring feature.
3. Switch to the Motion Study tab.
4. Click on 'Force' > 'Spring'.
5. Select the two faces or edges where the spring attaches.
6. Enter spring stiffness (e.g., 100 N/mm) and free length (e.g., 50 mm).
7. Click OK.
8. Press 'Calculate' to run the motion simulation.
9. Observe the spring compressing or extending as parts move.

Output

Motion Study runs showing spring force applied between parts, with spring compressing and extending realistically.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding springs in SolidWorks Motion Study include:

• Not selecting correct attachment points, causing unrealistic spring behavior.
• Forgetting to define spring stiffness or free length, leading to no visible effect.
• Using a spring component without proper mates, so it does not move correctly.
• Running the simulation without enabling motion calculation.

Always double-check spring parameters and mates before simulating.

text

Wrong way:
- Select wrong faces for spring attachment
- Leave stiffness empty

Right way:
- Select correct faces or edges
- Enter realistic stiffness and free length values

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Insert spring component	Use a standard spring or create one with Helix feature
2	Open Motion Study tab	Located at bottom of SolidWorks window
3	Add spring force	Click 'Force' > 'Spring' icon
4	Select attachment points	Pick faces or edges on parts to connect spring
5	Set spring properties	Define stiffness (N/mm) and free length (mm)
6	Run simulation	Click 'Calculate' to see spring motion

Key Takeaways

Insert or create a spring component before adding it in Motion Study.

Use the 'Spring' force tool to define spring behavior between parts.

Set correct attachment points and realistic spring parameters.

Ensure mates allow spring movement for accurate simulation.

Run the motion calculation to see the spring in action.