[louis]

I am working on a small automation project a custom 3-axis CNC gantry and I’ve run into several roadblocks trying to get it modeled and scripted:

1. Mechanism Builder
   I couldn’t find a “Mechanism Builder” option in my version, only an H-bot template that doesn’t match my machine’s kinematics.
   
2. Python API Limits
   After upgrading to v5.9.1, my embedded Python session still didn’t expose key methods like AddCartesianMechanism or AddRobot.
   I discovered a conflicting pip-installed robodk
    package was shadowing the built-in API, and even uninstalling it required running RoboDK’s own Python with an API server enabled—steps that haven’t yet yielded a working solution.
   
3. Script Placement Confusion
   I also struggled to get my custom script to appear under Tools → Run Python Script…, since RoboDK only lists scripts in its dedicated “scripts” folder. Copying files there and restarting didn’t always resolve the  AttributeError
   

Because of these issues, I haven’t been able to attach my CAD parts (X_Rail, Y_Rail, Z_Carriage) to prismatic joints or enforce travel limits via Python. 

Could you point me to any up-to-date examples or tutorials for building a true XYZ gantry (GUI or Python)?

I have attached the 3D model of this project that I am working.

[Sergei]

Please take a look at the Components Add-in:
https://robodk.com/addin/com.robodk.app.shape

After the installation, you can explore it at RoboDK\Addins\com.robodk.app.shape folder

Documentation: https://robodk.com/doc/en/Addin-Shape.ht...Components

[Sergei]

Also, it looks like you need to use 2 synchronized mechanisms to model such a system.
Regarding the optimization of external axes, please take a look at the following documentation topic:
https://robodk.com/doc/en/General.html#SyncAxes

[louis]

Hi Sergei,
Thank you very much for the wonderful responses. The project I am working on does not seek to synchronize with the a robot. I just want to be able to control the 3-axis rails which has no configuration setup in the of list of the mechanisms builder. If there is any way that I can use the Python API to connect with my 3D model I would be appreciate it. Thank you.

[Sergei]

It's possible to synchronize not only the robot with external axes, but also the mechanisms among themselves.
You could use this approach to simulate mechanisms like yours.

Here is the documentation and examples of the RoboDK Python API:
https://robodk.com/doc/en/PythonAPI/index.html