Simcenter 3D Motion for general mechanisms
Simcenter 3D Motion offers modeling and simulation capabilities to help engineers understand and predict the functional behavior of mechanisms.
Simcenter 3D Motion offers modeling and simulation capabilities to help engineers understand and predict the functional behavior of mechanisms.
It delivers a complete and robust set of capabilities to support all aspects of advanced dynamic, static and kinematics motion simulation. The early use of motion simulation is key to evaluating mechanism performance to increase design confidence and reduce risks.
This page gives a more in-depth, technical overview of Simcenter 3D Motion for general mechanisms.
The workflow begins with CAD integration. Simcenter 3D Motion supports multi-CAD environments and synchronous technology, making it easy to bring existing geometry into the simulation model without remodelling effort or data loss. With native support for NX CAD, assemblies can be converted directly into multi-body motion systems. Constraints within the CAD assembly automatically become motion joints, while 3D contacts between bodies transfer seamlessly into the simulation environment. Beyond NX, Simcenter 3D Motion supports CAD import from all major systems, including Catia, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, JT, Parasolid, STEP, IGES, ACIS, and AutoCAD. This means engineers can leverage existing geometry regardless of how or where it was created, enabling mixed-CAD workflows and smoother collaboration across teams. Engineers can modify geometry directly inside the simulation model without needing to return to the original CAD source. These edits help quickly prepare parts for motion analysis, remove unnecessary details, or adapt components for different concept directions.
Once the geometry is ready, engineers can move into Kinematics and Dynamics. The kinematics capabilities allow engineers to visualize how a mechanism moves throughout its full range of motion. Designers can easily detect interferences between parts, verify clearances, and ensure that velocities and accelerations stay within specified limits. With dynamics, Simcenter 3D Motion reveals the forces and moments generated during operation. Engineers can evaluate whether loads remain within design limits and use simulation results to drive further structural or control-system analysis. Dynamic simulation also supports mechatronic and hydraulic control integration. Simcenter 3D Motion also enables stress and strain evaluation on flexible bodies. This highlights structural hotspots, identifies fatigue-sensitive areas, and ensures that components can withstand operational loads.
The next step is Automation, Customization & Optimization. Simcenter 3D Motion enables engineers to drive model parameters through spreadsheets like Excel, scripting, or design space exploration tools. This makes it possible to automatically investigate design variants and optimize systems faster, with less trial and error.
Finally, the workflow connects to Mechatronic MiL/SiL/HiL environments. With links to tools like Imagine.Lab Amesim, MATLAB/Simulink, and FMI-based co-simulation, users can validate control strategies and evaluate mechanical and electronic interactions before hardware exists.
Together, these stages form a powerful closed-loop engineering process. Simcenter 3D Motion helps engineers manage complexity, reduce development cost, and deliver proven performance long before physical testing even begins.
Want to know how we can leverage Simcenter 3D Motion to tackle your optimization challanges?
For Simcenter 3D there are several possibilities to obtain the license:
In addition to the basic platform, several additional modules are available which can be flexibly added in the same way. Would you like to know more?
How will Simcenter 3D benefit me?
Simcenter 3D delivers all solutions for product development in one platform. The sophisticated geometry tools will save your team tremendous amounts of time on modeling, so they can put all the time and effort into exploration and innovation. Simcenter 3D is built on a predictive- instead of a validation approach to engineering. With Simcenter 3D you can explore design ideas and visualize concepts at a fraction of the cost of expensive physical testing. With the seamless integration between CAE and 3D modelling you gain many insights, into how to improve quality, reduce cost or maximize the performance of your product.
Simcenter 3D is a powerful simulation tool that integrates seamlessly into the design process. This case study showcases how its implementation has improved efficiency, reduced development time, and enhanced product quality across various projects.
Case Study: Mynaric | Case Study: Reaction Dynamic
Contact us +31 (0)15-285 05 80 info@femto.eu
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At Femto Engineering we help companies achieve their innovation ambitions with engineering consultancy, software, and R&D.
We are Siemens DISW Expert Partner for Simcenter Femap, Simcenter 3D, Simcenter Amesim, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, SDC verifier, Altair HyperWorks, Altair SimSolid and Altair PhysicsAI. Get in touch and let us make CAE work for you.
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