Mechanical Design Handbook

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Showing posts with the label motion simulation

NX Motion Simulation Part 5: Final Results & Digital Twin Verification

This is the moment of truth. In the previous posts, we moved from abstract mathematical derivations in Excel to the concrete setup of a 3D Digital Twin . Advertisement The result of our timing diagram design—utilizing overlapping motion with Fifth-Degree (3-4-5) Polynomial and Linear cam functions—is now fully integrated into the 3D model. We are no longer just guessing; we are validating the Mechatronics Design Workflow . The Power of "Spreadsheet Run" The simulation below was executed using the Kinematics environment in the Unigraphics (UG) NX4 Motion Simulation Module (now known as Simcenter 3D). By utilizing the "Spreadsheet Run" command, we are not just animating the assembly; we are driving the geometry with pure, precise data. Every frame of movement corresponds to a specific calculation row in our Excel sheet. This creates a direct data bridge, confirming that the complex polynomial curves we designed will phy...

NX Motion Simulation Part 4: Spreadsheet Run & Final Animation

In [ Part 3 of this series ], we set up the kinematic joints for our machine. However, the drivers are currently set to "Constant Velocity," which does not reflect reality. Advertisement Now, we execute the most powerful part of the Digital Twin workflow: injecting our precise timing diagram data from Excel directly into the 3D simulation. Step 1: Exporting Joint Data to Excel 1. Select the "Graphing" command. This tool is typically used to view results, but we will use it to open the data channel. 2. Select "Spreadsheet" . This tells NX to bridge the data into Microsoft Excel. 3. Click OK. NX will automatically launch Excel. You will see columns for "drv J_Mill" and "drv J_Die" with linear values. These are the default placeholders we created earlier. We must replace these with our optimized curves. Step 2: Preparing the Data ...

NX Motion Simulation Part 3: Slider Joints & Linear Drivers

In [ Part 2 of this series ], we finished setting the driver for the revolute joint of the indexing mill. Now, we will set up the Punch Die . Advertisement Step 1: Setting up the Slider Joint The movement of the punch die is different from the indexing mill. It moves only in linear motion along the Z-axis. The joint for this kind of movement is called a "Slider" joint. Procedure: 1. Select Joint command. 2. Select "Slider" joint icon. 3. Select the "Die" link we created earlier. 4. Click "Orientation on the first link" → Select "Point". 5. Select the center point of the cylinder to define the joint origin. 6. Select "Vector" → Click the bottom face of the cylinder (defines the downward Z-axis). 7. Rename to "J_Die". 8. Click Ok. Step 2: Defining the Linear Driver Advertisement ...

NX Motion Simulation Part 2: Setting up Links and Joints

Let's continue from the previous post . Now it's time to visualize our previous calculation for the timing diagram of the indexing mill and punch die using 3D Motion Simulation in Unigraphics (UG) NX4 . Advertisement While we successfully created a 2D motion simulation in Excel , modern engineering demands a full Digital Twin . The UG NX4 Assembly model is prepared as shown below. The mating conditions of the assembly model follow the sketch shown in [ Timing Diagram (Part 1 - No Overlap Movement) ]. Step 1: Entering the Simulation Environment New to UG NX4 Motion Simulation ? No problem. Follow this step-by-step guideline. In the motion simulation environment , all commands are initially disabled. You must right-click on the assembly file and select New Simulation . This command creates the necessary files and organizes them automatically. Step 2: Defining the Kine...

NX Motion Simulation: Integrating Excel Timing Diagrams - Part 1

During the process of timing diagram design , I normally start with detailed calculations in an Excel spreadsheet to minimize acceleration while satisfying the required process cycle time. Advertisement Once I can visualize the preferred displacement, velocity, and acceleration profiles of the mechanisms in Excel, the question becomes: What's next? Shall I start manufacturing immediately? The answer is NO. In modern engineering, we use Digital Twin Technology to verify the design first. From Excel to 3D Simulation Currently, I use Unigraphics (UG) NX4 (now Siemens NX) to design the mechanical parts. When the assembly modeling is done, I use the assembly model to simulate the movement of mechanisms with the Motion Simulation Module . This step is critical for Virtual Commissioning . It helps confirm the timing diagram before releasing the design for manufacturing. It is especially useful when movements are combined in ...

Timing Diagrams Part 4: Motion Simulation & Verification in Excel

In post [ Part 1 - No Overlap Movement ] , we established the core design requirement: The die must work synchronously with the indexing mill. Advertisement Figure 1: The physical system requires precise synchronization. The Problem: Rigid Sequencing Without detailed calculation, inexperienced designers often end up with a rigid timing diagram. The die waits for the indexing to completely finish before moving. The Consequence: This compressed movement window results in extremely high acceleration ( 4.15 m/s² ). This leads to massive inertial forces, vibration, and premature equipment failure . The Solution: Optimized Overlap In post [ Part 3 - Cycloid Cam Profile Analysis ] , we utilized the "Soft Start" properties of the Cycloid profile. By allowing the motions to overlap safely, we extended the indexing angle significantly without causing collisions. The Engineering Impact: ...

Dynamic Simulation Tutorial: Setting up 3D Contact in UG NX4 Motion

Which software are you using in your mechanical design project? Advertisement I have been using Solid Edge 3D CAD software for 1-2 years for my mechanical design projects in the past. But now, according to the standardization in my design organization, I have to switch to use Unigraphics software instead, or we call it in short as "UG NX4" (the latest versions are simply called NX ). To be honest, at first, I still liked Solid Edge because I think I can make modeling and assembly in Solid Edge faster and easier than in UG. But one of the good things for UG is the Motion Simulation module that helps me simulate the movement of mechanical assemblies before releasing for manufacturing. I know that Solid Edge also has this kind of simulation module, but I didn't have a chance to use it (no license). So in this post, I would like to share how easy it is to set up motion simulation in UG NX4. Let's start with a very simple modeling. ...

Solid Edge Sketch Motion Simulation using Excel VBA - Part 1

Solid Edge features a very useful application called " Motion " which allows users to simulate the movement of mechanical parts. This enables machine designers to test and ensure that the movement of their mechanism is exactly as expected before manufacturing parts. This helps save a lot of money. Advertisement However, instead of using the " Motion " application, I would like to show you how to simulate the motion of mechanical parts using a sketch in Solid Edge together with Microsoft Excel . Why? Most of the time, I start my mechanical design with the concept and layout using sketches. If we could simulate the motion of mechanical parts in a sketch, it would help me a lot. I got this idea when I was playing with sketches and constraints in Solid Edge . Solid Edge allows us to change the dimensions easily by just rotating the mouse wheel. Figure 1: The Concept — Using VBA to "push" dimension values from E...

DIY Motion Simulation: Visualize Machine Timing with Excel VBA

Motion Simulation with Microsoft Excel Mechanical design usually deals with the movement of several parts. There are a lot of software packages that help simulate the movement of machine parts, such as NX (UG), Solid Edge, and SolidWorks. Advertisement But how do you make a simulation without those expensive software packages? I use Microsoft Excel to simulate my timing diagrams. As you can see in the video above, it provides a clear visual representation of the machine's cycle. How it Works Actually, it is nothing but motion simulation using the graphing method in Microsoft Excel. While it cannot simulate complex 3D collisions or physics like high-end CAD, it helps you get a feel for how your machine will behave according to your timing diagram. This technique uses VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to control the movements. Here is the general workflow: Prepare the Spreadsheet: Create a table defining the geometry (...