Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to explode a part in SolidWorks Well, the answer is yes! In this tutorial, we will explore how you can use the powerful features of SolidWorks to explode your parts and create visually engaging assembly animations.
What is an exploded view
An exploded view is a visual representation of an assembly where the individual parts are separated or “exploded” from each other. This type of view is commonly used to demonstrate the relationship between parts and how they fit together in an assembly.
How to create an exploded view in SolidWorks
Creating an exploded view in SolidWorks is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open your assembly
To start, open the assembly file you want to create an exploded view for. Make sure all the necessary parts are properly inserted and positioned within the assembly.
Step 2: Activate the Exploded View feature
In the SolidWorks menu, navigate to the “Assembly” tab and click on “Exploded View.” This will activate the Exploded View feature, allowing you to manipulate and reposition parts within your assembly.
Step 3: Select parts to explode
In the Exploded View feature toolbar, click on “Auto-Explode” or manually select each part you want to explode. You can use various selection tools like box selection or individual selection depending on your preference.
Step 4: Drag and position exploded parts
Once you have selected your desired parts, click and drag them away from their original position in the assembly. You can use the handles provided to easily manipulate their location and orientation.
Step 5: Add explode lines and arrows
To enhance the clarity of your exploded view, you can add explode lines and arrows. In the Exploded View feature toolbar, click on “Add Explode Line.”
Then, select a part and drag the line to represent the direction of explosion. You can also add arrows to indicate the movement of parts.
Step 6: Customize exploded view properties
SolidWorks provides several options to customize your exploded view. You can adjust the spacing between parts, control the opacity of hidden parts, and modify various other settings to achieve the desired visual effect.
Animating an exploded view
Creating an animated exploded view in SolidWorks is a fantastic way to showcase the assembly process or highlight specific features. To animate your exploded view:
Step 1: Activate Motion Study mode
In SolidWorks, go to the “Motion Study” tab and click on “Motion Study.” This will enable Motion Study mode, allowing you to create animations.
Step 2: Define key positions
In the Motion Manager timeline, right-click on “Key Positions” and select “Add Key Position.” Set up each key position by dragging and repositioning parts at different time intervals.
Step 3: Adjust motion properties
To refine your animation, you can adjust motion properties such as easing in/out or setting specific durations for each key position. Experiment with different settings until you achieve a smooth and visually appealing animation.
Conclusion
An exploded view in SolidWorks is a powerful tool that allows you to present your assemblies in a clear and visually engaging manner. By following these steps, you can easily create both static exploded views and dynamic animations to showcase your designs effectively.