Your first twin from scratch

You'll build the smallest possible twin, one part moving under one variable, touching every core concept once. No CAD file is required for the mechanics; a selected model-less object can still be positioned with its transform gizmo.

1. New project

Toolbar → New. Name it First Twin. You start in Idle mode with an empty scene.

2. Create an object

Objects tab → add a Simple object, name it Slider. Optionally import a model for it, or continue without visible geometry; the mechanics are identical. Select a model-less object from the Objects panel whenever you need its transform gizmo.

3. Create the driver variable

Variables tab → add a variable Slider_Position. On its Simulation tab:

• Mode: Function
• Function: MasterTime, minimum 0, maximum 200, speed 50

That's a sawtooth ramp: 0→200 units in 4 seconds, repeating.

4. Bind it

Back in Objects, select Slider → Variable Bindings → set Position X to Slider_Position.

5. Simulate

Switch the mode to Simulation. Keep the model-less slider selected to watch its transform gizmo sweep along X and snap back. You've closed the loop: variable computed each tick → object reads it → scene moves.

6. Make the motion physical

The snap-back is ugly. Replace it with a there-and-back profile:

1. Motion tab → new cam, master range 0…360.
2. Segment 1: Poly5, master 0→180, slave 0→200, zero start/end velocity and acceleration.
3. Segment 2: Poly5, master 180→360, slave 200→0, same boundary conditions.
4. Edit Slider_Position: change the MasterTime maximum to 360, speed 90. Add a second variable Slider_Smooth, mode Motion Cam, your cam + master Slider_Position.
5. Rebind the object's Position X to Slider_Smooth.

Simulate again, the slider now glides out and back with proper accelerations. Open the cam visualizer to see the curves you just created.

7. Save

Save (projects are explicitly saved). Done, you've used objects, variables, functions, cams and bindings.

Where next

• Give the machine a sequence: state machines
• Give the slider a runtime visual with your CAD
• Drive it from a PLC: connect to PLCSIM