Tank Tracks

[ryan_perryXR9NP]

Hi guys, I am modeling a tank, and want to make the tracks work using joints. Is there any way to rig joints so that I can have my track components move along a path instead of along a single axis?

here is my model. Each track link is an individual component that was made out of patterned bodies. The Bodies were patterned along a path that I would like the tracks to be able to move along.

[jhackney1972]

You need to attach your model as I do not see it.  If you do not know how to attach your Fusion 360 model follow these easy steps. Open the model in Fusion 360, select the File menu, then Export and save as a F3D or F3Z file to your hard drive. Then use the Attachments section, of a forum post, to attach it.

Edit: another way is to modify your model.  Strip out all except the required components for the tracks and save as a new file.  Then attach it.

[ryan_perryXR9NP]

Thank you for getting back so quickly, I cannot attach my model due to the rather large file size, do you know how I can fix that?

[jhackney1972]

If you ZIP the file, does it go below the size limit?  There are other file transfer services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and others.  You can search the internet to find one that suits you. 

[ryan_perryXR9NP]

Thanks man! Heres the file via google drive! https://drive.google.com/file/d/15VmStuZYHxnKRraviTo0DRTX1hrIvyX4/view?usp=sharing 

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

You have a problem in the way you modeled the track individual components.  The connecting holes, between the track sections, are not round.  This prevents the creation of Joints which are required to animate the model.  In the Animated GIF file you will see one side accepts the Joint Origin at the center but the other side does not.  If you go back and do a sketch on that side, project the hole, then measure it you will find it only gives you a length, not a diameter.  Even if this major problem is overcome, this will be an extremely time consuming task.

You can go to YouTube and do a search and find a few videos on animating a chain which will give you an idea the task you face.  You also are asking to travel around MORE than two axles.

[ryan_perryXR9NP]

Thanks man I appreciate it!