Constraints: Fixed 3D still WIP?

According to the Mstn help section on the fixed 3d Constraint, you can fix 

  1. the whole Element - no translation or rotation. I think this means that the element is fixed in 3d space. No movement or rotation at all.
  2. Face - the face selected is 'glued' to that plane. Translation and rotation is allowed but the face is always coplanar and coincident on the plane.
  3. Edge - Similarly all translation and rotation is possible but the the edge stays colinear and coincident to the selected edge or vector.
  4. Vertex - The selected vertex is fixed, so only rotation is possible.
  5. Axis - a variation of Edge where the edge is an axis for a cylindrical or toroidal element.

So, applying the Fix Constraint(s) to the Slab, I expected not to be able to move the Slab at all. And when applying the Fix constraint to the Shape, I expected it to be glued to the horizontal plane.

Using the Manipulate 3d Constraints tool seems to bring out the expected behaviour. Not very useful or consistent compared to the other Constraints if this is WAD.

Using OBD 9.2 (Mstn 16.3)

  • BTW The Constraints labels in the Properties Panel should list what kind of Constraint it is referring to - Element, Face, Edge etc. Saves having to hunt and pick to find the Constraint you want to modify. Not always clear on screen.

  • I understand the confusion this is WAD. The move command will move the element as it is moving it within the 3D space of the file. The 3D fixed constraint will prevent movement based on relations to another element. It is best used to establish a datum of sorts. as an example if you fixed 1 block and wanted to created a 3D dimensional constraint the fixed block will not move due to the fixed constraint. However you are still free to move the 1st block within the design space and if a other elements are constrained along with the block they should move accordingly.

    BTW The Constraints labels in the Properties Panel should list what kind of Constraint it is referring to - Element, Face, Edge etc. Saves having to hunt and pick to find the Constraint you want to modify. Not always clear on screen.

    Thanks for the feedback, I would suggest submitting on the Ideas section or submitting an SR the request an enhancement. When viewed in the properties dialog it can be difficult to determine visually where that constraint is applied. The markers are contextual and when an element is selected you can hover over them and the edge, face, or point it is associated will be highlighted in the view.

  • Hi David,

    Thanks for the pointer. I've already added an Idea for the naming the Fix points by type. It would be good to add a bit more info to the help file.

    "Note: Parts are fixed relative to other parts; you can still manipulate the fixed part." does provide a clue, but the animations only show the fixed part.

    I know, there quite a number of combinations: 4 No. types of 3d Fixes X 4 No. types of Part geometry (Vertex, Edge, Face, Element(?)) that can be linked by 7 No. 3d Constraints (Parallel, Perpendicular, Coincident, Tanget, Concentric, 3d Dimension, 3d Angle) = 112 No. combos.

    Never mind 2d x 3d Constraint interaction... or the mixing different Solid types (Slabs, Cylinders, Cones, Tori, Linear Solids).

    It will be important that the help file is comprehensive enough to help avert user frustration and abortive work. Especially for the Fix 3d Constraint which as you say is intended as a datum type Constraint. This means that a lot of designs need to START with the Fix 3d Constraint and go from there.

    WIP: I am noticing some interesting 'problems' looking at the combinations. Will post more about them later.

    One interesting thing is that you can assign 3d Fix Constraints to multiple Solids and then apply Constraints between them. The resultant behaviour is not always very understandable or expected. Another entry in the help file in... due course?

  • WAD stands for Women and Development

    WHAT IS WAD

    Kirk

    I Wish Cadland was Reality

  • THEY NEED TO ADD A FEW MORE CONSTRAINT CHOICES

    COLLINEAR  LINE OR FACE ALIGNS 

    VERTICAL KEEPS A LINE VERTICAL

    HORIZONTAL KEEPS A LINE HORIZONTAL

    SYMMETRIC 

    SORRY NOT SHOUTING

    Kirk

    I Wish Cadland was Reality