To make large models easier to manage, you may want to divide a model into discrete components based on different types of entities: nodes, elements, keypoints, lines, areas, or volumes. Each component can contain only one type of entity. Doing this enables you to perform tasks such as applying loads or producing graphics displays conveniently and separately on different portions of the model.

You can also create assemblies, which are groups that combine two or more components or even multiple assemblies. You can nest assemblies up to five levels deep. For example, you could build an assembly named motor from components called STATOR, PERMMAG, ROTOR, and WINDINGS.

The table below describes some of the commands you can issue to build components and assemblies. For more detailed discussions of these commands, see the Command Reference. For further information on components and assemblies, see Selecting and Components in the Basic Analysis Guide.