Designed, built and tested by CSCMotion

Custom 3DOF Motion Platform

We design and manufacture servo-electric three-axis platforms for industrial testing, research and OEM equipment. Our reference series controls heave, roll and pitch; when your application needs another axis combination, we evaluate a custom mechanism around the load and motion task.

Our reference range covers 100 to 30,000 kg payload classes, with custom configurations available. We confirm the final load rating and motion envelope from your complete moving assembly, center of gravity, inertia, trajectory and duty cycle.

3 defined axes

Reference series: heave, roll and pitch

100–2,000 kg

Reference payload classes for initial selection

Servo-electric

Actuators and structure sized for the load case

Controller & API

Commands, feedback and safety agreed before build

Define the three axes before selecting a model

Start by Defining the Three Required Axes

“3DOF” means three controlled degrees of freedom, but it does not identify one universal axis set. Tell us which translations and rotations your application needs; we record the axes, signs, units and coordinate frame in the project specification.

Our reference product classes use heave, roll and pitch. If you need yaw, surge, sway or another combination, we evaluate it as a custom architecture instead of applying performance from the reference series.

Our reference configuration uses Z-axis heave, roll about X and pitch about Y. We confirm coordinate signs, rotation center and command units with your team in the interface document.

Three-axis definition graphic brief.

Surge

Translation along X

Sway

Translation along Y

Heave

Translation along Z

Reference product range

Choose a 3DOF Platform Range

Choose the closest payload range as a starting point. We then check your complete moving mass, top-frame size, CG, inertia, required heave and tilt, and duty cycle before recommending a configuration.

Compact · 100 / 150 kg classes

Compact 3DOF Motion Platform

For light fixtures, compact research rigs and smaller OEM assemblies where installation space and responsive motion matter. We adapt the top interface, travel and controls to your equipment.

References

ACE3-3DOF-100 / 300

Axes

Heave / roll / pitch reference

Final sizing

Moving mass, CG and workspace

Discuss a compact platform →

Mid-load · 500 kg class

Mid-Load 3DOF Motion Platform

For laboratory equipment, test fixtures and OEM frames that need more mounting area or payload margin than our compact range.

References

ACE3-3DOF-500

Axes

Heave / roll / pitch reference

Final sizing

Top frame, inertia and duty cycle

Discuss a 500 kg-class platform →

High-payload · 800 kg +

High-Payload 3DOF Motion Platform

For larger fixtures and professional systems where structure, CG, inertia, foundation reactions and installed power must be reviewed together.

References

ACE3-3DOF-800 / 1000

Axes

Heave / roll / pitch reference

Final sizing

Structure, power and FAT plan

Discuss a 800 kg + platform →

Reference model comparison

Compare Our 3DOF Reference Classes

The table helps you identify the closest starting point. Send us the moving assembly and required motion; we will confirm whether a reference configuration fits or a custom geometry is needed.

Reference model	Payload class	Reference axes	Profile	Typical design priority	Review status
ACE-3DOF-100	100 kg	Heave / roll / pitch	Compact	Small footprint and light research fixtures	Availability review
ACE-3DOF-300	300 kg	Heave / roll / pitch	Compact	Balance of payload, footprint and response	Priority reference
ACE-3DOF-500	500 kg	Heave / roll / pitch	Mid-load	Mounting flexibility and controlled dynamics	Priority reference
ACE-3DOF-800	800 kg	Heave / roll / pitch	High-payload	Structure, CG, installed power and integration	Priority reference
ACE-3DOF-1000	1000 kg	Heave / roll / pitch	High-payload	Structure, CG, installed power and integration	Priority reference

We do not apply one set of heave, roll, pitch, speed, acceleration or power figures to every project. We calculate these values for the approved geometry and operating condition, then record them in the project datasheet.

Requirement-driven engineering

We Engineer the Platform Around Your Motion Task

Before we select actuators or platform geometry, we define the three axes and complete moving system. These inputs allow us to size the platform correctly and set measurable acceptance criteria.

01 Selected axes

Confirm heave, roll and pitch or identify the alternative three-axis combination required.

02 Moving mass

Include the payload, fixture, top frame, cabin, operator and every item that moves.

03 Center of gravity & inertia

Provide the CG location and inertia where available; both directly affect actuator load and usable motion.

04 Travel, angle & pivot point

Define heave, roll, pitch, rotation center and the simultaneous trajectories that matter.

05 Dynamics & duty cycle

Velocity, acceleration, frequency content, motion profile and operating hours.

06 Integration & acceptance

Share the top-frame, footprint, power and host-interface constraints, and confirm safety and FAT responsibilities.

Specifications you can review and approve

What We Confirm in Your Project Datasheet

We issue configuration-specific data rather than a generic list of maximum values. Each figure in the project datasheet is tied to the selected axes, approved moving assembly, geometry and operating condition.

Specification	Customer input	Engineering output	Why it matters
Axis definition	Required translations and rotations	Named axes, signs, units and coordinate frame	Prevents different meanings of “3DOF”
Moving load	Payload, fixture, top frame and accessories	Rated payload and gross moving load definition	Prevents undersizing around the test article alone
CG & inertia	CG coordinates and mass distribution	Approved CG and inertia condition	Changes force, torque and available motion
Heave / travel	Required vertical or project-specific translation	Single-axis and combined-axis usable travel	Actuator stroke is not equal to platform travel
Roll & pitch	Required angles and rotation center	Angular range around an agreed coordinate frame	Pivot point changes actuator motion and load
Dynamics	Velocity, acceleration, frequency and trajectory	Achievable values under approved conditions	Peak and continuous operation are different
Structure	Top frame, footprint, height and mounting	Outline drawing and installation interfaces	Geometry determines motion and site fit
Electrical & control	Power, environment, duty cycle, host commands and I/O	Cabinet, protection and interface definition	Avoids late installation and software risk
Safety & FAT	Risk boundaries and acceptance objectives	Limits, interlocks, test plan and deliverables	Makes acceptance measurable before shipment

We confirm performance after reviewing the selected axes, moving load, CG, inertia, platform geometry, simultaneous motion and duty cycle.

Payload, CG and combined motion

Why Mass Alone Is Not Enough

A compact centered fixture and a tall offset assembly may weigh the same, but they do not place the same demand on the actuators, joints or structure during roll and pitch. We select the platform from the complete moving assembly—not the payload figure alone.

Single-axis limits are not the same as simultaneous heave, roll and pitch capability. We calculate the usable combined workspace around your approved load, rotation center and operating trajectory.

Total moving mass

CG in X, Y and Z

Moments of inertia

Rotation center

Single-axis range

Combined-axis trajectory

Payload, CG and combined-workspace brief.

Final drawing must use the approved product geometry and coordinate convention.

Electric three-axis architecture brief.

Electric actuation / closed-loop feedback

How Our 3DOF Platform Produces Coordinated Motion

Our controller coordinates the platform mechanism to generate the commanded heave, roll and pitch pose. Servo drives and feedback devices close the motion loop while software limits keep the platform inside the approved workspace.

Different three-axis mechanisms create different load paths, footprints and service requirements. We confirm the actuator arrangement and performance against the selected model or custom design.

Servo-electric actuation

Closed-loop position feedback

Coordinated three-axis limits

Project-specific top-frame geometry

Mechanical and software protection

Service-access planning

Controller, software and API integration

We Define the Control Interface Before Manufacturing

We document commands, coordinate conventions, units, update timing, motion limits, I/O and safety responsibilities before manufacturing. This gives your software and electrical teams a clear interface before commissioning.

01 / Host

Test or OEM System

Trajectory, pose, simulator data or project-specific motion commands.

02 / Interface

Data & I/O Layer

Protocol, update behavior, command units, status and interlocks.

03 / Control

3DOF Controller

Kinematics, coordination, limits and motion execution.

04 / Drive

Servo System

Coordinated drive loops with actuator feedback.

05 / Platform

Measured Motion

Position, alarms, safety state and agreed validation data.

We have integrated project-specific control through USB, CAN, RS232, RS485, Ethernet and fieldbus-based architectures. The protocol, data format and update behavior for your platform will be confirmed in the interface document.

Applications we support

Focused Motion for Your Equipment and Test Objective

We recommend 3DOF when three defined axes reproduce the motion your application needs. This keeps the mechanism, controls and validation focused on the required task.

Industrial testing

Reproduce Six-Axis Motion for Testing

Mount your component or equipment on a controlled six-axis base for repeatable laboratory motion and validation.

Explore industrial testing →

Research & laboratories

Build a Six-Axis Research Platform

Configure the platform for motion studies, control development, equipment evaluation and repeatable trajectory work.

Explore research platforms →

OEM integration

Integrate Motion Beneath Your Equipment

We coordinate the moving frame, mounting, controller and electrical interface with your equipment design team.

Explore custom OEM systems →

Professional integration

A Motion Base for Professional Integrators

We supply the motion platform, controller and platform-side interface. The simulator integrator remains responsible for the cabin, visual system, training content and complete-system delivery.

Explore simulator-platform integration →

Built and tested by CSCMotion

3DOF Motion Platform Project Videos & Photos

Our project media shows the actual platform, its three-axis mechanism, loaded factory testing and customer integration. We publish project names and performance data only when the customer has approved them.

Six-Axis Factory Acceptance Test

A complete FAT sequence shows coordinated motion, the approved test load and the safety conditions used during verification.

Explore industrial testing →

Platform Assembly & Inspection

Assembly footage shows how we bring the structure, actuators, electrical cabinet and controls together as one platform.

Explore research platforms →

Compact & Mid-Payload Platform

Final captions will identify the verified model and project purpose where customer permission allows.

High-Payload Configuration

This view establishes the real scale of our high-payload construction and factory setup.

Structure & Mounting Interfaces

The mounting details show where your fixture, cabin or equipment connects to the moving frame.

Actuation & Feedback

Close-up project photography documents the actuator, joint, feedback and cable-routing details.

Controller & Electrical System

The cabinet and controller are engineered as part of the complete platform supply.

Loaded FAT Evidence

Loaded-test captions will state the verified mass condition, tested motion and acceptance method.

Architecture selection

3DOF vs 6DOF Motion Platform

More axes do not automatically create a better system. We recommend 3DOF when three named axes cover the task, and 6DOF when the assembly needs full translational and rotational pose control.

Full pose motion

6DOF Motion Platform

Best when surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch and yaw are all needed for the approved trajectory or test method.

Review 6DOF platforms →

Focused motion

3DOF Motion Platform

Best when heave, roll and pitch—or another explicitly defined three-axis set—covers the required task.

Define the required three axes →

Axis count alone does not determine price or performance. We compare the usable workspace, moving assembly, dynamics, integration scope and acceptance method for your actual project.

Reference geometry or project engineering

Reference Configuration or Custom Three-Axis Geometry?

A reference configuration is the fastest route when your load and heave, roll and pitch requirements fit an existing platform family. We develop a custom mechanism when the axes, moving assembly or installation require another geometry.

Reference starting point

Configure an Existing Platform Family

We start from a 100–1000 kg reference class, then confirm the moving frame, workspace, controls and project options.

Compare reference classes →

Project-specific engineering

Engineer a Custom Three-Axis System

We develop a custom mechanism for yaw, surge, sway, special low-height structures or nonstandard travel and installation constraints.

Discuss a custom platform →

Engineering evidence from real projects

What Our Case Studies Document

Our case studies focus on the information an engineering buyer needs: the moving assembly, selected axes, platform scope, integration method and acceptance evidence. Confidential project details remain protected.

Research project · permission required

Compact Three-Axis Research Rig

The case study explains why the selected axes were sufficient, how the fixture and CG were defined, and what the test verified.

OEM / testing · permission required

300 kg-Class Integration Project

The case study documents the moving assembly, top-frame interface, motion profile, controller boundary and acceptance checks.

High-payload · permission required

800 kg-Class Professional System

The case study explains how we selected the structure, installed power, interface and FAT plan from the project requirement.

Clear responsibilities from the start

What We Supply—and What Your Team Supplies

We define the supply boundary in the proposal so your mechanical, electrical and software teams know exactly what we provide and what remains with the integrator.

Our platform-side scope

Your team or integrator scope

How we deliver a custom 3DOF platform

From Your Requirements to an Accepted Platform

We convert your requirements into defined engineering outputs, supply responsibilities and acceptance checks. The project schedule is confirmed after feasibility review.

Step 01

Requirements

We review the application, moving mass, CG, workspace, dynamics, duty cycle and site.

Step 02

Feasibility

We check geometry, actuator capacity, power, interfaces and key project risks.

Step 03

Engineering

We complete the mechanical, electrical, control, software, safety and documentation design.

Step 04

Build & FAT

We manufacture, assemble and commission the platform, then complete the agreed FAT.

Step 05

Delivery Support

We provide shipment documents, installation guidance and the agreed integration support.

3DOF motion platform price

What We Need to Prepare an Accurate Quote

Price depends on the selected axes, complete moving load, travel, angles, dynamics, structure, controls and delivery scope. Two projects in the same payload class can require different platforms because their CG, motion and duty cycle are different.

We prepare the quotation from your approved requirements and clearly separate included equipment, optional items and customer-supplied scope.

Reference class and axes

Moving load, CG and inertia

Travel, angles and dynamics

Structure and mounting

Travel, angles and dynamics

Structure and mounting

Quotation-factor graphic brief.

Answers from our engineering team

3DOF Motion Platform FAQ

What is a 3DOF motion platform?

A 3DOF motion platform controls three defined degrees of freedom. Our reference series uses heave, roll and pitch for vertical translation and two-axis tilt.

Which three axes does a 3DOF motion platform use?

The term does not identify one universal axis set. Tell us which translations and rotations you need; we confirm the selected axes, signs, units and coordinate frame in the project documents.

Do CSCMotion reference platforms use heave, roll and pitch?

Yes. Our 100–500 kg reference classes use heave, roll and pitch. If your application needs another three-axis combination, we review it as a custom architecture.

Can a 3DOF motion platform include yaw?

Yes, but yaw is not part of our heave, roll and pitch reference series. We review the mechanism, range, load, footprint and controls separately for any design that includes yaw.

What payload classes are available?

We offer 100, 150, 300 and 500 kg reference classes. We confirm the final configuration from the gross moving mass, center of gravity, inertia, workspace and duty cycle.

What is the difference between a 3DOF and 6DOF motion platform?

A 3DOF platform controls three selected axes. Our 6DOF motion platform controls surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch and yaw. We recommend the architecture that matches your motion task, usable workspace and acceptance objective.

What controller, software and API options are available?

We select the interface around your host system. Our project experience includes USB, CAN, RS232, RS485, Ethernet and fieldbus-based architectures. We confirm commands, units, timing, I/O, status, limits and responsibilities in the interface document.

Can CSCMotion share 3DOF project photos and motion-test videos?

Yes, when customer confidentiality and media permissions allow. We publish approved assembly, factory-test, finished-system and installation media, and we limit project names and specifications to cleared information. See our 3DOF project media section.

Talk directly with our engineering team

Send Your 3DOF Requirements

You do not need to complete the specification before contacting us. Send the required axes, moving assembly and target motion; our engineers will identify missing inputs and recommend the next step.

What must move and which axes are required

Moving mass, dimensions, CG and inertia

Required travel, angles and dynamics

Mounting, installation, power and environment

Host interface, FAT expectations and schedule