Components Overview

A component gives a model node a function. A Drive moves the node. A Sensor detects parts. A Lamp lights up when a signal is set. A model is a tree of CAD parts with components attached.

The GLB file stores the components with the model. Every viewer that opens the file runs them the same way.

Adding a component

There are two ways, both in the Editor:

• Quick Edit on the right has buttons for the components you need most often — see the Quick Edit Reference.
• ADD COMPONENT at the bottom of the property inspector lists every component that can be added to the selected node. Double-click a node in the hierarchy to open its inspector.

Select the node first. A component acts on its node and everything below it. Put a drive on the node that holds all moving parts.

The property inspector shows the component’s settings. Enter values in the unit shown (mm, mm/s, °).

Click Link signal to connect a signal field; see Signal Binding. Reference fields list matching parts, such as the sensors a logic step can wait for.

All components

Component	What it does	Page
Drive	Moves a node along or around an axis	Drives
Drive behaviours	Control a drive the way a real actuator does: cylinder, servo, conveyor motor, device profiles	Drives
Pulse Encoder	Toggles a signal every few millimetres of drive travel	Drives
Energy Chain	Turns a rigid CAD cable carrier into a moving chain	Drives
Transport Surface	A conveyor that carries parts	Material Flow
Source / MU	Creates parts	Material Flow
Sink	Removes parts	Material Flow
Sensor	Detects parts	Material Flow
Transport Stopper	Stops parts on a conveyor	Material Flow
Zone	A box that detects, stops or carries parts	Material Flow
Grip / Grip Target	Picks and places parts	Gripping
PLC signals	Values exchanged with a controller	Signals and Logic
Logic steps	Sequences that run the model without a controller	Signals and Logic
PLC Program	A Structured Text program run by the virtual PLC	Virtual PLC (ST)
Connection Mode	Whether the model starts on its own logic or a real PLC	Signals and Logic
Lamp	A part that lights up from a signal	HMI Markers
Web Sensor, Web Visibility, Web Error, Web Diagnostics	Show signal states, errors and diagnoses on the part they concern	HMI Markers
Operator Panel	A control box with buttons, lamps and E-stops	Operator Panel
3D buttons	Push buttons, emergency stops and switches in the 3D scene	HMI Markers
Collision Role	Reports parts that touch	Collision Detection
Box Collider, Physics Zone	Physical parts that fall, slide and stack	Physics
Mechanism and its joints	Closed-loop kinematics such as a delta robot	Rigid-Body Mechanisms
Chain	Chain conveyors and bucket elevators	Chain Conveyors
Ribbon components	Paper, film or foil running over rollers	Ribbon Handling
Machining Volume / Machining Tool	Material removal by a cutting tool	CSG Machining
FMU	An FMI co-simulation model inside the twin	Attach and Run an FMU

See also

• Quick Edit Reference — the buttons that add the common components
• Your First Twin from CAD — a drive on a real CAD file, step by step
• Demo Models — models that use most of these components
• rv-ODT specification — the exact file format of every component