Kinematic analysis means examining on a computer, before anything is built, how the parts of a mechanism will move: their position, velocity and acceleration. DKT Design and Software simulates the motion of machines, checks that the design works as intended, and shows how the machine works in a clear technical animation.
What is kinematic analysis?
Kinematics studies motion independently of the forces that cause it: which part of a mechanism moves where, how fast and with what acceleration. Kinetic (dynamic) analysis also takes those forces and moments into account. In design, the kinematics are verified first: do parts collide, is the stroke long enough, does the mechanism reach the required position? We cover the topic in detail in our what is kinematic analysis guide.
How is kinematic analysis done?
- Model and joints: The mechanism’s 3D model is prepared and the joints between parts (revolute, sliding, fixed) are defined.
- Drive: Motion sources such as cylinders, motors or cranks and their ranges of motion are entered.
- Simulation: The mechanism is run on the computer; position, velocity, acceleration and collisions are examined.
- Improvement: Problem areas are fixed in the design and the simulation is repeated.
- Animation: The verified motion is turned into a technical animation that explains how the machine works.
Kinematic analysis methods
- Graphical method: Velocity and acceleration vectors are found on a drawing; a quick check for simple planar mechanisms.
- Analytical method: Loop-closure equations of the mechanism are written and position, velocity and acceleration are solved from them.
- Computer simulation: The whole mechanism is solved on the 3D model; the most practical route for complex and spatial mechanisms.
Examples of kinematic analysis
Slider-crank and four-bar mechanisms, cylinder-driven tilting and lifting devices, conveyor and transfer systems, robot arms and door or cover mechanisms are typical examples. The animation above shows a cylinder-driven tilting mechanism.
What it is good for
- Catching collisions, insufficient stroke and locking before production
- Improving the design’s performance and efficiency
- Getting motion data for selecting cylinders and motors
- Showing customers and your team how the machine will work
Working-principle animation
The quickest way to explain how a machine works is to show it working. The verified motion is turned into a technical animation that explains the machine’s operation step by step. These animations can be used in design reviews, quotes and sales presentations, at trade fairs and on websites.
From animation to software
The motion sequence defined in the animation is also the starting point for the machine’s control software. When we also develop the machine’s software, its steps are built to match the operating sequence in the animation. We explain how machine design, analysis, animation and software work together on our engineering services page.
Kinematic analysis and 3D animation pricing
The price depends on the complexity of the mechanism, whether a 3D model already exists, the length of the animation and the level of visual detail. Details are on our 3D animation and modelling pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need for a kinematic analysis?
The mechanism’s 3D model if you have one; otherwise dimensions, sketches and ranges of motion. If there is no model, we can design it.
What is the difference between kinematic and kinetic analysis?
Kinematic analysis studies the geometry of motion (position, velocity, acceleration); kinetic analysis also takes the forces and moments that cause the motion into account.
Can kinematic analysis be done in SolidWorks?
Yes. Mechanisms can be simulated with the motion analysis tools of CAD programs such as SolidWorks. Share your model and we will plan the analysis and animation together.
Can I use the animation for marketing?
Yes. Animations are delivered as video files, so you can use them in presentations, on your website and at trade fairs.
Related pages
- Engineering services
- Machine design
- Structural analysis and load calculations
- Machine control software
- What is kinematic analysis?
- Welding robots with machine vision
- AI welding robot
Send us your mechanism
Your 3D model, or the mechanism’s dimensions and ranges of motion, is enough; we will plan the analysis and animation together. WhatsApp: +90 547 909 99 90 · info@dokuti.com