Description: You can create instances of other models in your main model, allowing you to add complete subassemblies in addition to individual parts. Model instances are created in the same way as part instances and can be positioned and manipulated in a similar fashion.

When you create a new model instance, the main assembly of the referenced model is instantiated in the assembly of the current (working) model. Model instances produce a subassembly from the contents of the other model. Since the referenced model assembly may contain other model instances as children, multiple levels of complex subassemblies are possible.

Model instances can be created from the Create Instance dialog box, as shown in Figure 3–3.

Model instances have the following characteristics:

• A particular model can be instantiated multiple times, and you can instantiate as many different models as desired.

• Model instances are always dependent, not independent.

• You can freely mix model instances with part instances.

• Model instance subassemblies can contain either geometric parts or orphan mesh parts.

• Model instances can be positioned and oriented in the main assembly by using transformations (Translate, Translate To, Rotate) and positioning constraints; linear and radial patterns are not supported with model instances.

• Part instance commands such as Suppress/Resume, Hide/Show, Delete, and Show Parents/Children can also be used on model instances. (Replace, Switch Context, Exclude from Simulation, and Merge/Cut are not supported with model instances.)

• Sets or surfaces defined in the referenced model are brought into the model instance, maintaining the Model Tree hierarchy of features.

• Model instances are supported and selectable in Display Groups and in the Instance tab of the Assembly Display Options.

Assembly module:
    InstanceCreate: from Models