3D rendered model animation
SolidWorks Animator
SolidWorks Animator is a frame based animation software. The user defines how a model or assembly is positioned located and displayed at certain time intervals, the animator then calculates the sequence and intervals necessary to display the movement. The following elements can be created in a animation sequence:
- component position
- measure of a mate with distance or angle, a guide line can also be created and used as a movement path.
- Component properties can be suppressed or shown as well as their display properties (mesh, hidden lines, shaded, etc.).
- Point of view alignment and camera views.
- Component colors and textures
- Camera and lighting properties.
Movement simulation
For fast and efficient results the SolidWorks Animator has a simulation assistant in which the following functions are available:
- part and assembly rotation,
- create exploded view animation of assembly
- dynamic physical simulation,
- COSMOSMotion animation
and can be created in a matter minutes.
rendered 3D animation with PhotoWorks
The SolidWorks Animator offers the option to render a animation photo realistically i.e. every frame of the animation is saved as rendered image and then edited to create a video of the sequence.
Despite the fact that this process is much more CPU and time intensive the advantage of photorealistic animations is apparent. These can be shown on fairs at product presentations etc.. All important properties can be edited to meet the exact demand of the customer, thus optimizing the time needed.
Important factors that directly influence the time needed are screen resolution, color depth, indirect lighting, frames per second … these are tweaked and pre defined to meet customer requirements. All sequences are first shown and approved in a non rendered video (which can be created by the press of a button).
