How to Animate Assembly in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide
To animate an assembly in
SolidWorks, use the Motion Study tab to create keyframes for parts' positions over time. You can drag the timeline, add motors or forces, and then play or export the animation as a video.Syntax
Animating an assembly in SolidWorks involves these main steps:
- Open Motion Study tab: Found at the bottom of the SolidWorks window.
- Add keyframes: Move parts to desired positions at specific times on the timeline.
- Insert motors or forces (optional): To simulate real movement.
- Play or export: Preview the animation or save it as a video file.
plaintext
1. Open your assembly in SolidWorks. 2. Click the 'Motion Study' tab at the bottom. 3. Move the timeline cursor to a time point. 4. Select a part and move or rotate it. 5. SolidWorks automatically creates a keyframe. 6. Repeat for other parts and times. 7. Click 'Calculate' to preview animation. 8. Use 'Save Animation' to export video.
Example
This example shows how to animate a simple two-part assembly where one part rotates 90 degrees over 5 seconds.
plaintext
1. Open assembly with two parts. 2. Go to 'Motion Study' tab. 3. Move timeline cursor to 0 seconds. 4. Select the rotating part. 5. Set rotation angle to 0 degrees (initial position). 6. Move timeline cursor to 5 seconds. 7. Rotate the part 90 degrees. 8. SolidWorks creates keyframes at 0s and 5s. 9. Click 'Calculate' to see the rotation animation. 10. Export animation if desired.
Output
Animation plays showing the part smoothly rotating 90 degrees over 5 seconds.
Common Pitfalls
- Not setting keyframes: Moving parts without timeline cursor changes won't create animation.
- Ignoring mates: Parts constrained by mates may not move freely; adjust mates or use flexible subassemblies.
- Forgetting to calculate: Animation won't preview until you click 'Calculate'.
- Overcomplicating timeline: Too many keyframes can make editing hard; keep it simple.
plaintext
Wrong way: 1. Move part without changing timeline cursor. 2. No keyframe created, no animation. Right way: 1. Move timeline cursor to desired time. 2. Move or rotate part. 3. Keyframe is created automatically.
Quick Reference
| Action | Description | Shortcut/Location |
|---|---|---|
| Open Motion Study | Access animation timeline | Bottom tab in SolidWorks window |
| Add Keyframe | Move part at timeline cursor | Automatic when moving parts |
| Insert Motor | Add rotational or linear motion | Motion Study toolbar > Motor |
| Calculate Animation | Preview animation | Calculate button in Motion Study tab |
| Save Animation | Export video file | Save Animation button in Motion Study tab |
Key Takeaways
Use the Motion Study tab to create and control assembly animations.
Always move the timeline cursor before adjusting parts to create keyframes.
Check mates and constraints to ensure parts can move as intended.
Click Calculate to preview animations before exporting.
Keep animations simple for easier editing and better performance.