PROBLEM: Different link types. HELP!!

[Anonymous]

Hi smarties. Dummy here.

I need to produce an active model of a particular style of lever press, but I can't figure out how to configure the linkages / constraints as there are different types required (it's probably easy as heck but I'm a bit backward at times lol)

In a nutshell, I need to rotate lever 1 anti-clockwise which will in turn push 5 down with incredible force for a hole punch.

Any help would be greatly appreciated (step by step would be insane!!!!)

Thanks in advance 🙂

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

EXAMPLE (I used curve editor) It's very rough.

How to make this an interactive model?

[Anonymous]

[leeminardi]

You have checked this as being solved.  Are you still looking for a solution?

Note, what you have configured is known as a 6-bar linkage.  For the purpose of rigging it with Max you can consider it as a two 4-bar linkages with shared links.  The first has only pivot joints (the 2 blue links plus the long green link, plue ground).  This can be modeled using an HI IK solver.  1:00 to about 4:00 of this video show you how to rig a 4-bar linkage.  Note you do not need to use bones as I did in the video. 

The second 4-bar linkage (that includes the magenta link) is essentially a piston also called a slider-crank mechanism.  The best and most accurate way  to model piston action that I found is using expression controllers as I did in this video and this one.

If you need more help with the rigging post the file and I will give it a try.