3DCS contains several types of mechanical joints to give users the ability to model a large range of assembly processes. This section divides move routines groups based on frequency of use and briefly defines the routines.
Frequently used Joints
Revolute locates two axes to one another, controlling four DoF's, and uses the plane constraints to control a fifth, translation, DoF (usually the tertiary locators).
Cylindrical locates two axes to one another, controlling four DoF's.
Intermittently used Joints
Prismatic locates two axes to one another, controlling four DoF's, and uses the plane constraints to control a fifth, rotational DoF.
Spherical locates two spherical centers to one another, controlling three translation DoF's.
Planar locates two features to be coplanar, controlling three DoF's (one translation and two rotation).
Point on Plane locates a point to a plane, controlling one DoF (one translation).
Point on Line locates a point to an axis, controlling two DoF's (two translation).
Line on Plane locates an axis to a plane, controlling two DoF's (one translation and one rotation).
Rarely used Joints
Universal attaches two parts at their closest ends.
A chart summarizing the degrees of freedom controlled by each joint is shown below.
