SolidWorks® 2010 Bible

Chapter 33. Animating with MotionManager

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Creating rotating and exploded view animations

• Animating view changes in the MotionManager

• Using key points

• Flexing parts using animations

• Working with Basic Motion

SolidWorks renamed the Animator product MotionManager, and it is now available in SolidWorks Standard. The MotionManager enables you to create movies of parts and assemblies. These movies can show something as simple as a part rotating or as complicated as complex machinery in motion, including motion constrained by assembly mates or motion driven by motors, springs, gravity, and contact.

This chapter does not cover Motion Analysis, formerly COSMOSMotion, because it is beyond the scope of SolidWorks Standard.

Overview

SolidWorks uses two different types of motion studies: Animation and Basic Motion. Animation uses key frames to drive the motion, and Basic Motion uses motors, springs, gravity (Physical Simulation), and collision (Physical Dynamics).

Understanding the terminology

The terminology used in this new product can be a little confusing. Here's an overview:

• MotionManager. Animator is now MotionManager. Animator as a separate product no longer exists. Its functionality has been absorbed into SolidWorks Standard.

• Motion Analysis. COSMOSMotion is now Motion Analysis. Motion Analysis is beyond the scope of this book.

• Basic Motion. Physical Simulation is now Basic Motion. Basic Motion uses motors, springs, gravity, and so on; it does not use key frames. It includes Physical ...