Rigging Mechanical Objects in Maya

Learn techniques for rigging mechanical objects, machines, and other inanimate objects in Maya.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know before watching this course
• Using the exercise files

1. Rigging Pistons

• Set up the scene
• Set up joints to control the pistons
• Attach the piston to the joints
• Rig the second piston

2. Cams and Rocker Arms

• Create a push rod
• Set up cams
• Add rocker arms
• Simulating springs

3. Gears and Pulleys

• Sync up gears to the crankshaft
• Using expressions to drive gears
• Create a belt drive with wire deformers
• Fit the belt using blend shapes
• Drive the pulleys
• Animate the belt

4. Rigging a Conveyor Belt

• Calculate the number of panels needed
• Connect the conveyor drums to the pulley
• Prevent flipping in motion paths
• Sync motion of the first panel to system
• Add the remaining panels
• Finalize the scene

Conclusion

• Next steps