When you need to apply motion to your model, most people automatically assume it's Kinematics. Kinematics works great when you have multiple parts moving/pushing other parts in a product. However, Fitting Simulation can be used when you need to move one part or when you’re trying to show how a part would assemble itself without clashing into other parts of the assembly.
To move parts using the Fitting Simulation workbench, you build what’s called Tracks. A 'track' is the path the part will move along to show how to assemble or disassemble it. You can build your own track by using the compass or if you have a curve already (Ex: a scanned in curve), then you can use that curve to build your track off of.
Here is an example of the icon to build your own track.
Figure 1-1
Once the icon is selected, you will want to select the part with which you want to build the track. The compass will snap onto the part. Use the compass to move the part in the direction you want as shown in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2
After each direction change, hit the record icon as shown in Figure 1-3. Hitting ‘record’ will record each direction change as shown in Figure 1-4. After each time the record icon is selected, a white line will appear showing the track. Our part was moved to the right, up, then to the right again.
Figure 1-3
Figure 1-4
From the dialog box that appears, you can time your motion using speed or time as shown in Figure 1-5.
Figure 1-5
While building the track you can also play it through to make sure you’re getting the right motion you desire. While in the track function, the Player toolbar also appears. Play through your motion to make sure it doesn’t move too fast or too slow as shown in Figure 1-6.
Figure 1-6
If you already have a curve or track that you want your part to use then you can click the icon shown in Figure 1-7.
Figure 1-7
You will notice that the part and curve are in separate part files as shown in Figure 1-8.
Figure 1-8
Select the part that you will use to move along your track. When the dialog appears as shown in Figure 1-9, select on the curve you want to use as the track and click 'ok.'
Figure 1-9
The track should be built off of the curve that you selected. Set your time or speed and play through to make sure you have the right motion as shown in Figure 1-10.
Figure 1-10
This content is from the DMU: Fitting Simulation Workbench.
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