How to Animate a Spring in SolidWorks

Test out real-world applications with SolidWorks.

SolidWorks is a 3D animation tool for testing real-world products from the safety of your computer screen. If you're working on a project requiring springs, you can animate the exact dimensions of the spring to simulate the same conditions the spring will undergo in the physical work with SolidWorks. Once you become familiar with SolidWorks commands and prompts, you can animate a spring that replicates any specifications you see fit. 

Instructions

1. Start a new part in SolidWorks as an "mm" or "inch." RMB on any plane and select "Insert Sketch" from the toolbar. RMB in the graphic area and select "Circle" from the sketch toolbar. 

2. Draw the circle and RMB in the graphic area and select "Smart Dimension" from the toolbar. Dimension the circle and give it a value. Select the sketch and go to "Insert," "Curve" then click "Helix/Spiral." 

3. Set the sketch's parameter in the "Helix/Spiral Property Manager". Exit the "Helix/Spiral" command and RMB on the right plane and click "Insert Sketch." Select "Plane" from the toolbar and click "Helix." Choose "Normal to Curve" in the "Plane" menu. Start a new sketch on a new plane. 

4. Draw a circle and give it a dimension. Select the center of the circle and press CTRL to select the Helix. Choose "Pierce Relation" from the "Property Manager" to define the sketch. 

5. Click the "Swept Bose/Base" option in the toolbar. Go to "Property Manager." Select the circle as the profile and helix as the path. Click "OK." 

References

• Wordpress: How To Animate A Spring