Manual Softmotion

Getting Started with NI SoftMotion for SolidWorks
™

This tutorial demonstrates how to set up and design motion simulations using NI SoftMotion for SolidWorks. You will use the LabVIEW Project to connect to a preconfigured SolidWorks motion study, create and configure NI SoftMotion axes for the motors in the SolidWorks assembly, and use NI SoftMotion function blocks to create a trajectory forthe SolidWorks simulation.
Note

This document covers how to use NI SoftMotion function blocks with your existing SolidWorks assemblies to create and evaluate motion profiles for your system. For information about using SolidWorks refer to the SolidWorks documentation.

Contents
Required Components............................................................................. 2 RequiredSoftware ........................................................................... 2 Optional Hardware and Software .................................................... 2 Related Documentation.................................................................... 3 Overview of NI SoftMotion for SolidWorks .......................................... 4 Step 1: Setting Up the LabVIEW Project............................................... 5 Adding the SolidWorks Assembly to the Project ............................ 5 Adding Axes to the Project .............................................................. 7 Adding Coordinates to the Project................................................... 8 Step 2: Configuring the Axes.................................................................. 10 Step 3:Creating a Motion Profile and Running the Simulation ............. 12 Configuring the Timed Loop ........................................................... 12 Creating a Move Profile................................................................... 13 Deploying, Running, and Stopping the Simulation ......................... 15 Step 4: Deploying to Hardware (Optional)............................................. 16 Where to Go for Support......................................................................... 18

Required Components
This section lists the software used in the tutorial. This section also lists documents you may find helpful while completing the tutorial.

Required Software
The following software is required for this tutorial.

❑ LabVIEW 2009 (32-bit) or later ❑LabVIEW NI SoftMotion Module Standard 2009 or later ❑ NI SoftMotion for SolidWorks
Note

NI SoftMotion for SolidWorks requires free activation. Refer to Working With SolidWorks Assemblies in the NI SoftMotion Module book of the LabVIEW Help for information about activating this feature.

❑ SolidWorks 2009 Service Pack 2.1 or higher and SolidWorks Motion
Simulation with the Motion Simulationadd-in enabled from the Tools menu in SolidWorks. This is included with SolidWorks Premium, Simulation Premium, or Simulation Professional.
Tip When you enable the Motion Simulation add-in from the Add-Ins dialog box in SolidWorks, place a checkmark in both the left and right checkboxes so you do not have to re-enable the add-in each time you use NI SoftMotion for SolidWorks.

You can download afree 30-day trial of the required National Instruments software from ni.com/labview/family.

Optional Hardware and Software
The following additional hardware and software is required to complete the Step 4: Deploying to Hardware (Optional) section of this tutorial:

❑ Software
– – LabVIEW Real-Time Module 2009 or later NI-RIO 3.2.0 or later

❑ Hardware
– CompactRIO controller and chassisthat support the RIO Scan Interface or – NI 9144 distributed chassis

Getting Started with NI SoftMotion for SolidWorks

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ni.com

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Tip

Two NI 9512 single-axis stepper drive interface modules Power supply for the controller A separate power supply for the modules Ethernet connection and cable

Even if you do not have the hardware used in this tutorial, you can follow the...