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Fixed joint to rotate in only one direction
Posted: 19 June 2018 09:13 PM   [ Ignore ]  
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Hi there, I’m a beginner level of C4D, and my new attempt is to rig this robot arm. The first joint would rotate horizontally, but the rest would rotate vertically. Is there a simple way to tell each joint only rotate in one direction?

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Arm test 4.c4d.zip  (File Size: 47KB - Downloads: 69)
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Posted: 19 June 2018 10:33 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 1 ]  
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Hi artefact,

The IK that you have set up will not work for this. The rotation of the base doesn’t need an IK, nor would it be advised to tell the IK for four (five) joints to be limited to only one rotation. The 2D IK solve is faster, more precise and easier to manage IMHO. To put everthing in one Goal, would also create more keyframes in one object, rather than in at least two, also much easier to mange and to change.

I find that a robot arm has a very limited expression that way anyway. Forward kinematic or even a complete set up with Pose Morph would be much nicer. But I really don’t know your target, so here is your file.
Scene file:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/ezbwtI56aZWxrhTo779L1I42RNx2IJySW5mswJRSMwX

The objects in the file are named with the needed extensions (needed as in artist workflow) as in “R.H” Only rotate in Heading, or “P.X+Z” only move this object in X and /or Z. Anything else, while in Ik, leave alone. Perhaps the Pole might need an adjustment.

A few tutorials as suggestions (always meant as a suggestion to the whole series
http://www.cineversity.com//vidplaylist/robot_arm_suggestion

This page is a must read, if you are serious about character animation. It might be a little bit “dry” but in this page is the core knowledge for the IK arm set up, hence why I suggest it.
https://help.maxon.net/us/#TCAIK-ID_TAGPROPERTIES

Enjoy

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Dr. Sassi V. Sassmannshausen Ph.D.
Cinema 4D Mentor since 2004
Maxon Master Trainer, VES, DCS

Photography For C4D Artists: 200 Free Tutorials.
https://www.youtube.com/user/DrSassiLA/playlists

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Posted: 20 June 2018 02:36 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 2 ]  
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Hi Dr. Sassi,

Thank you very much for the very quick reply! I can definitely use the set up you sent me and I’m sure the tutorial video will be even more helpful since it’s similar to what I am making.

Best,
Artefact

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Posted: 20 June 2018 02:40 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 3 ]  
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Hi Dr. Sassi,

Thank you very much for the very quick reply! I can use the set up you sent me, and the tutorial video will be even more helpful since it’s similar to what I am making.

Best,
Artefact

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Posted: 20 June 2018 01:05 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 4 ]  
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You’re very welcome, Artefact.

Let me know if there is anything else, I’m happy to look into it.

I made a little screen cast, to show you what to do if the arm flips. IF you know the area (space) in which the arm should move, you can set it up to be stable.
Screen capture:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/KEZGDTmPCVjWqIteC4t7BmfhEU7k1oAm3PimWYnhe2e

All the best

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Dr. Sassi V. Sassmannshausen Ph.D.
Cinema 4D Mentor since 2004
Maxon Master Trainer, VES, DCS

Photography For C4D Artists: 200 Free Tutorials.
https://www.youtube.com/user/DrSassiLA/playlists

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NEW: Cineversity [CV4]

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