Thread: Chain
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Unread 03-02-2009, 00:34
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Re: Chain

Quote:
Originally Posted by JD Mather View Post
Do not create all of the links.
You need only one roller link and one pin link (depending on the type of chain used - I haven't looked at the supplied).

Create an ipt with the path (actually I think the DAcc does this for you).
Create one workpoint on the path.
Use the Curve Driven Pattern tool (missed named - Rectangular Pattern) to pattern the workpoint at the correct pitch around the path.
(see http://home.pct.edu/~jmather/AU2006/MA13-3%20Mather.pdf - not exactly the same thing so don't get confused, but it should get you going)

Then in the assembly place the one (or two) links as needed and constrain to the points. Then use Pattern Component using the point pattern to drive the palcement of the rest of the links around the path.

To actually animate the movement of a chain is more difficult than I can explain here.
This method is amazing! We're definately going to use this. Thanks a bunch!