3DCS Mechanical is an easy-to-use variation analysis solution for mechanical and kinematic assemblies. It provides a library of joints and constraints to model assembly processes beyond the 3-2-1 object to target method. Assemblies can be rigid or can move through a range of motion. Simulation results can be calculated at multiple steps of this motion. Over-constrained parts will be automatically accommodated.

The library of Joint and Constraint moves allows users to directly model the assembly process of mechanisms. For example, a three-bar linkage could be modeled with three revolute joint moves. 3DCS Mechanical will be able to assure functionality of mechanical systems such as suspension systems, engines, landing gears, doors, switches and other mechanisms.

The 3DCS Mechanical functions are contained in the Mechanical Toolbar. This is a separately licensed product. When a mechanical model is opened the specific license is automatically checked out.

Kinematic Simulation

Simulates the variation of tolerances at each step of the Kinematic Motion move.

Kinematic Animation

Graphically animates the selected Kinematic Motion move.

Kinematic Motion

Rotates or translates a part while maintaining the other joint and constraints, allowing the assembly to be analyzed at various positions.

Fixed

Holds the parts in the Move Parts list in their current location.

Coincidence

Locates the part to be coplanar, coaxial or coincident.

Contact

Locates the features so that their surfaces touch. This routine can also be used to translate a part along a curve; locate a sphere inside a cone (similar to the spherical move), locate a torus inside a cone (similar to the revolute move).

Offset

Lcates the features to be parallel (if applicable) and separated by an offset value as specified by the user

Angle

Locates features to be rotated apart from one another so that the angle between them is the specified value

Fix Together

Holds the parts in the Move Parts list perfectly rigid relative to one another.

Break Part

Removes all previously applied Mechanical moves on the chosen Features or part(s).

Spherical

(Also called a ball joint or spherical bearing) locates two centers to one another, controlling three translation DoF's.

Revolute

(Also called pin or hinge joint) locates the two axes to one another, controlling four DoF's, and uses the plane constraints to control a fifth, translation, DoF (usual the tertiary locators).

Prismatic

(Also called the slider) locates the two axes to one another, controlling four DoF's, and uses the plane constraints to control a fifth, rotational DoF.

Cylindrical

Locates the two axes to one another, controlling four DoF's.

Planar

Locates the two features to be coplanar, controlling three DoF's (one translation and two rotation).

Point on Plane Joint

Locates a point to a plane, controlling one DoF (one translation).

Point on Line Joint

(Ring Joint) locates a point to an axis, controlling two DoF's (two translation).

Line on Plane Joint

Locates an axis to a plane, controlling two DoF's (one translation and one rotation).

Universal

(Also called universal coupling, U-joint, Cardin joint, Hardy-Spicer joint, or Hooke's joint)attaches two parts at the ends of a pair of axes

Definitions:

•DoF - Degree of Freedom - each of a number of independently variable factors affecting the range of states in which a system may exist, in particular any of the directions in which independent motion can occur.