Lesson 1: Introduction to Animations - In this lesson we will be introducing the interface used for Animations. We will be discussing the different types of motion that are available within SOLIDWORKS. We will then introduce the concept of Key Frame animations and create our first animations using the Animations Wizard.
Lesson 2: Movement of Geometry - In this lesson we will cover multiple methods of creating Keys within the Timeline, whether automatically or manually. We will create a simple animation in three different ways, controlling the motion by positional Key Frames, Mates and Motors. We will also investigate the different Interpolation modes available for controlling the transition for each Key Frame.
Lesson 3: Cameras - We will create multiple SOLIDWORKS Camera views to represent real-life camera lenses, changing location, target location, aspect ratio, perspective and depth of field. With the camera views setup, we will the use them within an animation, switching between the different cameras every few seconds. We will also look at changing the camera lens and distance to the object to create a visual effect called ‘dolly zoom’ or the ‘Hitchcock effect’.
Lesson 4: Camera Sleds & Path Mates - We will utilise the techniques of Path mates to move component along a path to represent motion and Camera Sleds which is attaching a camera to a moving component. This will allow us to follow a drone around a flying path or a car on a track day, giving us various cameras showing the driver’s point-of-view and following the car within the animation. This method has been used within films and recently gained popularity with the masses through the use of ‘dash-cams’.
Lesson 5: Changing Visual Properties - In this lesson we will be looking into changing the visual properties of an animation. This will include changing the colour of components, varying display styles, hiding components and changing lighting values. We will also introduce Sun Studies to represent sunlight at specified times of the day and year, to see how sunlight can influence our models.
Lesson 6: Mate Controller - In this lesson we will be exploring the functionality of the Mate Controller and controlling various mates to create a mate-based motion.
Lesson 7: In-Context Modelling - In this lesson we will build upon knowledge gained from the SOLIDWORKS Assembly course and use in-context modelling. In this example we will use equations and in-context relations at the assembly level to control certain parameters at part level.
Lesson 8: Assembly Level Features - In this lesson we will be utilising in-context assembly modelling within an animation. We will be creating an assembly level feature that will effect certain components. In this case study, we will have an assembly level Extruded Cut, originating from a jigsaw blade, cutting material from a plank of wood.
Lesson 9: Outputs Options - The aim of this lesson is to illustrate methods for outputting animations into a useable format; from either the options within SOLIDWORKS or for the suitability for post-processing in other video editing applications.
Lesson 10: Photorealistic Outputs - In this lesson you will be shown how we can output realistic outputs using SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional.
This lesson is optional for the course as it is using the SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional, an upgraded version of the rendering package.