Chapter 23: Animating with the MotionManager
In This Chapter
Introducing the MotionManager Creating rotating and exploded view animations Animating view changes in the MotionManager Using key points Working with Basic Motion
The MotionManager is an interface that enables you to create movies showing motion of parts and assemblies based on a timeline. These movies can range from a simple rotating part to complex moving machinery, involving motion constrained by assembly mates or motion driven by motors, springs, gravity, and contact. You can render the movies using PhotoView 360 or show them in a SolidWorks display mode, including RealView.
Collectively, the results of any of the motion capabilities in SolidWorks are called Motion Studies. Some of the capabilities are more focused on analysis while others involve simple animation for presenting a movie, but all are able to create movie output.
SolidWorks 2011 has three primary methods and two ancillary methods of creating motion in assemblies. The primary methods are
• Animation. This creates simple motion driven by the Animation Wizard, key frames, mates, and motors.
• Basic Motion. This includes motors, springs, friction, and standard mates.
• SolidWorks Motion (analysis). This includes basic motion as well as forces and dampers, and will calculate loads, velocities, and accelerations. This is not part of SolidWorks Standard, but you will take a brief look at it anyway, just to get a well-rounded view of the entire topic of ...
