SAM Mechanism Designer

SAM Mechanism Designer (Synthesis and Analysis of Mechanisms) is a specialized engineering software used to design, simulate, and analyze mechanical linkages and motion systems. Developed by ARTAS Engineering Software, the software focuses on mechanism kinematics and dynamics rather than full 3D CAD modeling.

Instead of modeling complete mechanical parts, SAM allows engineers to build mechanisms using elements such as links, sliders, gears, springs, belts, and dampers. Engineers can then simulate how the mechanism moves and analyze parameters such as velocity, acceleration, forces, and torque throughout the motion cycle.

This makes SAM particularly useful during the concept and mechanism synthesis stage of machine design, where engineers need to evaluate different linkage configurations before committing to detailed CAD models.

The software supports both open-loop and closed-loop mechanisms and provides visual animations and plots to help engineers understand motion behavior and optimize mechanism geometry.

Because of its focused capabilities, SAM is widely used by machine designers, robotics engineers, and engineering educators studying mechanical linkages and motion systems.

Key Features

• Finite element mechanism formulation covering open-loop, closed-loop, multi-loop, and planetary gear train mechanisms
• Kinematics solver computing position, velocity, and acceleration through the full motion cycle with animation and path tracing
• Kinetostatics solver for force and torque analysis including load-dependent friction (Standard and Professional)
• Constrained optimization using a mixed evolutionary algorithm and Simplex method for path, function, and motion targets (Professional)
• Element library including beams, sliders, springs, dampers, gears, belts, rack-and-pinion, curved sliders, and friction elements
• Design Wizards for four-bar mechanism synthesis, angle-function generation, and exact linear guiding design
• Collision detection between mechanism components during animation
• DXF import and export for CAD integration
• Multiple input motion profiles including standard profiles, text file import, and multiple simultaneous actuators
• Available in English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, and Chinese

Best For

Mechanical design engineers and machine designers who need to evaluate and optimize planar linkage concepts quickly during the concept stage, before detailed CAD modeling or full 3D multibody dynamics simulation. Particularly suited to industrial machinery, packaging, automotive, and medical device teams who design planar mechanisms regularly enough to justify a dedicated tool.

Who It’s Not For

Engineers who need full 3D spatial mechanism analysis, flexible body dynamics, contact and impact simulation, or multi-domain system simulation. SAM handles planar mechanisms only.

For mechanisms with significant out-of-plane loading, structural flexibility, or complex 3D motion, tools such as MSC Adams or Siemens Simcenter Motion are more appropriate.

Platform

Windows 10 and 11 only. Node-locked and floating network license configurations available. No Mac, Linux, or browser-based version. DXF export is compatible with any CAD tool that reads DXF format.

Pricing

Commercial engineering software.

Three tiers with both perpetual and annual licensing options.

Light (kinematics only) starts at €1,775 perpetual or €440 per year.

Standard (kinematics and kinetostatics) at €2,375 perpetual or €590 per year.

Professional (full kinematics, kinetostatics, and optimization) at €3,075 perpetual or €765 per year.

Floating network licenses are approximately double the node-locked price.

Educational institute pricing is significantly reduced, with classroom kits available that include 100 floating student licenses.

A free trial license is available through the Artas website.

Pros

• Finite element formulation handles multi-loop and planetary gear train mechanisms that simpler constraint-based tools cannot
• Constrained optimization in the Professional tier finds mechanism geometry automatically rather than requiring manual iteration
• Perpetual licensing available at all tiers with no subscription obligation
• Design Wizards accelerate structured synthesis for common mechanism types
• Accessible pricing relative to full MBD tools like Adams or Simcenter Motion
• Active development with SAM 8.5 released September 2025

Cons

• Planar mechanisms only, no 3D spatial or flexible body analysis
• Windows only with no cross-platform support
• No live integration with SolidWorks, Creo, or NX; DXF export is the only CAD connection
• Optimization module restricted to the Professional tier
• Small developer support model without enterprise SLA depth

Rating

⭐ 4.4 / 5

Editorial Take

SAM Mechanism Designer is a focused tool for mechanism synthesis and motion analysis, making it valuable during the early stages of machine design where engineers need to explore linkage concepts quickly.

Alternatives

MSC Adams, Siemens Simcenter Motion, Working Model 2D, Linkage, SolidWorks Motion, CATIA DMU Kinematics, Universal Mechanism

Used In

• Industrial machinery and automation mechanism design

• Packaging machine linkage development

• Automotive closure and latch mechanism analysis

• Medical device actuator and deployment mechanism synthesis

• Consumer product hinge and articulation design

• University mechanism design coursework

Founded

1987 (Artas Engineering Software)