An assembly contains the basic objects for dynamic simulation: parts, constraints and graphics.

Assemblies can also contain nested assemblies, which are then referred to as sub-assemblies for clarity.

Assemblies simplify the creation of mechanisms such as vehicles, cranes, or robots. You can transform an entire assembly, or rotate it to view it in a different perspective.

The figure below indicates where assemblies are located in the Vortex® Studio hierarchy.

An assembly consists of parts and their collision geometries, constraints, and attachment points but can also include other objects such as dynamics extensions, scripts, VHL interfaces and graphics.

Building Assemblies from a Graphics Gallery or a 3D Model

Given a graphic asset, or 3D reference model, Vortex® can generate the dynamics components (parts and collision geometries) to match.

1. If you are not already in the Assembly editor, either open an existing assembly or create a new one.
   This assembly will hold the parts built from the graphic asset (to be imported in the next steps).
2. Do one of the following:
   1. Insert 3D models through a Graphics Gallery (recommended).
   2. In the Toolbox, double-click 3D Model....
   3. In the Toolbox, double-click Galleries From Files.

For b., the Import 3D Models panel appears.

1. Do one of the following:
   • Find the 3D model file you want to use under the File System section and double-click it.
   • Click the Browse button under the File System tree and double-click the 3D model file you want to use.

Valid asset file formats include *.flt, *.osg, *.ive, and *.cive.

For a complete list of formats, have a look at the complete list of supported 3d model formats..

The Vortex Editor imports the 3D model file into a new Graphics Gallery. The Graphics Gallery appears in the 3D View and you can now find the node tree for the model under the Explorer panel.

For c., the Add Graphics Gallery panel appears.

1. Do one of the following:
   • Find the graphics gallery file you want to use under the File System section and double-click it.
   • Click the Browse button under the File System tree and double-click the graphics gallery file you want to use.
   The Graphics Gallery appears in the 3D View and you can now find the node tree for the model under the Explorer panel.

1. Once the Graphic Gallery is shown and the node tree is in the Explorer panel, you can create parts. For each part you want to create, follow the instructions under Building Parts from a 3D Model.  
2. When you are finished creating parts, save the Assembly.
   

   
   

   If the graphic file is not found, no graphic will be loaded. An error might occur during runtime simulation causing the simulation to not run properly

Creating Assemblies and Adding Parts Manually

Creating assemblies and parts from a 3D model is by far the best option; however, sometimes you need to create assemblies and add parts to them manually.

In this case, you can follow the instructions in this section.

1. If you are not already in the Assembly editor, either open an existing assembly or create a new one.
2. Follow the instructions in Creating Parts and Geometries Manually

What You Can Do With Assemblies

Once you have an assembly you may perform any of the following tasks:

• Modify the position and orientation of parts
• Set the initial dynamic state of the parts in the assembly
• Set the threshold values for auto-sleep to optimize performance during simulation
• Set the auto-merge thresholds of parts in the assembly
• Add and configure the constraints
• Define attachment points on this assembly