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MechDesigner

by PS Motion · Since 2004
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ActiveAvailable globallyCloud
Quick facts
VendorPS Motion
Year launched2004
StatusActive
LocationDallas, Newtown, Little Neston, Neston, Cheshire CH64 4BP, GB
Countries servedGlobal
Languages1
Integrations
Free tier
Free trial
Contact salesYES

About MechDesigner

MechDesigner is a motion and mechanism design software from PS Motion that supports engineers and students in designing various machines, from simple linkages to complex mechanisms. It provides motion simulation, cam design, and mechanism analysis tools so users can visualize and refine their designs. MechDesigner includes comprehensive online tutorials, an extensive manual, and options for pricing that cater to different user needs. With its capable simulation capabilities, users can test their designs virtually, ensuring functionality before physical implementation. Key capabilities: motion simulation cam design mechanism analysis online tutorials extensive manual Best for: engineers and students that need to design and analyze machine mechanisms effectively.

MechDesigner by PS Motion is highly specialized, world-class software for cam, mechanism, and motion design for complex, multi-axis automation machinery, particularly in the packaging and assembly sectors. Its chief advantage is its use of a closed-form kinematics solver, which delivers fast, stable, and accurate simulation, enabling designers to optimize motion profiles and cam geometry in real-time. Features like the Inverse Kinematics and the dedicated MotionDesigner tool allow engineers to rapidly iterate and ensure the best possible machine performance—higher speed and lower maintenance—before any parts are manufactured. While the software has a high entry cost and a learning curve, its depth of features for motion-centric machine design makes it an essential, time-saving tool for experts in this niche.

Pros & Cons

What users like
  • +Ability to "edit on-the-fly" while the model cycles accelerates the optimization process.
  • +Allows design from the end-product/tooling requirement backward to the drive mechanism
  • +Solves directly from motion and providing high-quality manufacturing data
  • +Focuses on motion optimization as the primary driver for machine performance
  • +Makes simulations significantly faster and more robust than error-minimizing solvers in general CAD
What users flag
  • Requires direct contact for pricing
  • Primarily focused on cam and servo-driven multi-axis machines, making it less versatile for general mechanical design
  • Can be complex and challenging to learn for those unfamiliar with 3D modeling and specialized kinematics/motion design principles.

Features

Key features

Closed-Form Kinematics Solver
Uses highly efficient and robust closed-form mathematical solutions instead of iterative, error-minimizing solvers typically found in general CAD software. This ensures fast, accurate, and stable simulation, especially at critical machine positions.
Integrated MotionDesigner
A powerful, dedicated tool embedded within MechDesigner for designing and editing motion profiles (Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Jerk). Allows real-time optimization of motion curves and instant observation of the effect on the 3D model.
Comprehensive Cam Design
Enables the design and analysis of all cam types (plate, groove, barrel, globoidal, conjugate, etc.), solving profiles directly from the desired follower motion. Provides manufacturing data (DXF, STEP, BiArcs) for high-precision cam manufacture.
Inverse Kinematics (IK)
Allows the designer to specify the desired motion of the end-effector or tooling (the critical point) and automatically derive the necessary motion for the driving cam or servo motor. Simplifies design by focusing on the functional requirement first.
Real-Time Optimization (Design Sets)
A tool that lets users edit key dimensions or parameters and instantly see the change reflected in the model and all kinematic graphs while the simulation is running. Enables rapid design iteration and optimization on the fly.

Additional features

Multi-Axis Machine Simulation
Capable of modeling a complete machine with multiple, interacting planar and spatial mechanisms, all synchronized to a single machine 'clock'. Essential for ensuring all mechanisms work together seamlessly and for checking clearances.
Kinematic and Force Analysis
Automatically analyzes and plots a wide range of parameters over a machine cycle, including transmission angles, pressure angles, contact stress, bearing loads, and motor torques. Crucial for sizing components, predicting component life, and identifying stress points.
Mechanism Modeling
Allows easy design of mechanisms using basic elements like parts, joints, gears (bevels, racks), belts, pulleys, and springs, with complex motions driven by cams or servos. Provides the building blocks for creating any type of machine mechanism.
Scrutinize and Micro-Step
Functionality to micro-step the simulation to tiny increments of machine angle or drag the machine forward/backward to intensely scrutinize interactions, especially at critical transfer points. Helps designers spot potential jamming or collision issues.
CAD Export and Interoperability
Can export cam profiles and other data as DXF, STEP, or text files and has a direct export feature for SOLIDWORKS to create complete 3D cam parts. Facilitates the seamless transition from simulation to manufacturing.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
Request a quote
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Countries & Languages

Global
Countries served
1
Interface languages
2
Billing currencies

Interface languages

English

Billing currencies

🇺🇸USD🇬🇧GBP

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