How to Create a Motion Study in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To create a motion study in SolidWorks, open your assembly or part, then go to the Motion Study tab at the bottom of the screen. Click New Motion Study, add motors, forces, or contacts as needed, and use the timeline to animate your model. Finally, run the simulation to see the motion results.

Syntax

Creating a motion study in SolidWorks involves these main steps:

• Open Model: Start with an assembly or part file.
• Motion Study Tab: Click the Motion Study tab at the bottom.
• New Motion Study: Click New Motion Study to create a blank timeline.
• Add Elements: Insert motors, forces, or contacts to define movement.
• Timeline: Use the timeline to set keyframes and durations.
• Calculate: Run the motion analysis to simulate.

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1. Open your assembly or part file in SolidWorks.
2. Click the 'Motion Study' tab at the bottom of the window.
3. Click 'New Motion Study' button.
4. Add motors or forces by selecting components and applying motion elements.
5. Use the timeline to set keyframes for movement.
6. Click 'Calculate' to run the motion simulation.

Example

This example shows how to create a simple rotary motion study on a gear component:

• Open an assembly with a gear.
• Go to the Motion Study tab.
• Create a new motion study.
• Add a rotary motor to the gear shaft.
• Set the motor speed to 60 RPM.
• Use the timeline to run the motor for 5 seconds.
• Click Calculate to simulate the gear rotation.

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1. Open assembly with gear.
2. Click 'Motion Study' tab.
3. Click 'New Motion Study'.
4. Select gear shaft, add 'Motor' from MotionManager.
5. Set motor type to 'Rotary Motor' and speed to 60 RPM.
6. Drag timeline to 5 seconds.
7. Click 'Calculate' to run simulation.

Output

The gear rotates smoothly at 60 RPM for 5 seconds, showing the motion animation in the viewport.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating motion studies include:

• Not selecting the correct component for motors or forces.
• Forgetting to set the timeline duration, resulting in no visible motion.
• Ignoring contacts or collisions, which can cause unrealistic motion.
• Not clicking Calculate after setting up the study, so no simulation runs.

Always verify component constraints and ensure all motion elements are properly applied.

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Wrong way:
1. Add motor but forget to set speed.
2. Run simulation without clicking 'Calculate'.

Right way:
1. Add motor and set speed (e.g., 60 RPM).
2. Set timeline duration.
3. Click 'Calculate' to run simulation.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Description
1	Open Model	Start with your assembly or part file.
2	Motion Study Tab	Click the tab at the bottom of SolidWorks.
3	New Motion Study	Create a new timeline for animation.
4	Add Motion Elements	Insert motors, forces, or contacts.
5	Set Timeline	Define duration and keyframes.
6	Calculate	Run the simulation to see results.

Key Takeaways

Use the Motion Study tab to create and manage motion animations.

Add motors or forces to components to define movement.

Set the timeline duration and keyframes to control motion timing.

Always click Calculate to run the motion simulation.

Check component constraints and contacts for realistic results.