This is a challenge with all simulation software in general, including SimLab Composer. Novice and casual users may need to invest some time to learn the simulation setup. SimLab Composer’s video tutorials cover the basics, but the more complex simulations may take time to figure out. It takes not only domain expertise (knowledge of your own industry) but also software interface expertise. The learning curve to master the exact sequence of clicks, selections, and checks to set up even a simple simulation (for instance, make cylindrical solid A to revolve around the pin on solid B) could be quite elusive. That defines whether a solid must remain fixed, whether it can slide along a certain edge, or whether it can revolve around a pin. To simulate mechanical behaviors, you need to assign joints or connector types that define the movements possible between components. Since simulation requires assigning interactions to different components, the automated part-detection feature is an incredible time saver when working with imported data. The software can scan your imported model to identify and single out sub-assembly solids. The Simulation tab includes tools and commands to let you simulate the mechanical behaviors of your assembly. Once the scene is set up, you can render it as a still image, animation, or walk-through.

The list of file types supported is extensive, spanning IGES, STL, JT, OBJ, DWG, and many native CAD formats. The Scene Building tools include a 3D text function, which is handy for adding explanations, headlines, or taglines for client presentations or marketing assets. The different viewing modes-X-ray view, solid illustration, and real-time view, among others-give you either a quick preview while you build your scene or a fully rendered look as you work. You can drop materials onto different subcomponents in your 3D assembly model to see how your product would look when produced in plastic, industrial metal, painted metal, or another finish. The Scene Building tab gives you what you would normally expect from a rendering program: a collection of commonly used materials (plastic, metal, gemstone, glass, etc.), a handful of HDR backgrounds, and preconfigured lights. The focus of this blog post and video report is two feature sets most relevant to MCAD software users: Scene Building and Simulation. It includes five separate environments: Scene Building, Texture Baking, Animation, Simulation, and Automation. SimLab Composer 7 from Simlab Soft feels more like a suite than a single package. The Simulation tab lets you simulate mechanical behaviors of assemblies.

Simlab composer