Chain element
Chain Elements represent individual links, buckets, or carriers in continuous chain transport systems.
Overview
Chain Elements are the individual components that move along a chain path. Each element is automatically created and managed by the parent Chain component during simulation. Chain elements can be simple visual representations or physics-enabled objects that interact with other simulation elements.
Most properties are automatically calculated by the Chain component, with key configuration options for alignment and physics behavior.
Properties
Settings
Align With Chain (boolean) controls whether the element automatically rotates to follow the chain's tangent direction during movement. Enable this for realistic chain behavior where elements orient along the path.
Move Rigid Body (boolean) determines whether physics simulation is enabled for the chain element. When enabled, the element's Rigidbody is actively moved and can interact with colliders. When disabled, only the transform is updated for visual representation, providing 29-33x performance improvement with Burst optimization compared to 19-23x with physics enabled.
Align Vector (Vector3) defines the local axis used as the basis for alignment calculations when Align With Chain is enabled. This vector determines which direction on the element should point along the chain tangent.
Align Object Local Z Up (GameObject) optionally specifies a reference object whose forward direction defines the up vector for element alignment instead of using Align Vector.
Debug Directions (boolean) enables visual debugging in the Scene view showing the tangent direction (green) and up direction (red) for troubleshooting alignment issues.
Initial Position (float) sets the starting position of the chain element along the chain path in millimeters, configured by the Chain component during element creation.
Offset To Drive Position (float) adds a position offset in millimeters relative to the connected drive's position, useful for fine-tuning element placement.
Connected Chain (Chain reference) manually links to a specific Chain component. Leave this null for automatically generated elements, which are connected by the Chain during creation.
Performance Optimization
Burst Compiler Support
Chain Elements support Unity's Burst Compiler optimization when the parent Chain has Burst enabled. Configure the MoveRigidBody property based on your performance and physics requirements:
Visual-Only Elements (Maximum Performance)
Set MoveRigidBody = false
Elements follow the chain path without physics interaction
Achieves 29-33x speedup with Burst optimization
Use for decorative chain links, visual carriers, or non-interactive elements
Physics-Interactive Elements
Set MoveRigidBody = true
Elements can collide with and move other objects
Achieves 19-23x speedup with Burst optimization
Required when elements need to push parts, trigger sensors, or interact physically
The Chain Element Inspector displays performance guidance to help you choose the optimal setting for your use case.
Common Use Cases
Bucket Elevator Buckets
Set MoveRigidBody=false for visual-only material transport
Buckets follow the elevator path without physics overhead
Maximum 29-33x performance with Burst optimization
Overhead Conveyor Carriers
Set MoveRigidBody=true when carriers need to interact with sensors
Physics enables collision detection for load pickup/drop
Maintains 19-23x speedup while preserving functionality
Chain Links
Set MoveRigidBody=false for decorative chain visualization
Pure visual representation without collision calculations
Optimal performance for large chain installations
Alignment Configuration
Chain elements can align with the chain path in two modes:
Vector-Based Alignment
Uses the Align Vector property to define orientation
Specify which local axis should point along the tangent
Common settings: (1,0,0) for X-axis, (0,1,0) for Y-axis
Object-Based Alignment
Uses Align Object Local Z Up reference object
The referenced object's forward direction becomes the up vector
Useful for complex orientation requirements
Enable Debug Directions to visualize:
Green ray: Chain tangent direction (forward)
Red ray: Up direction used for alignment
Integration Notes
Automatic Creation
Chain elements are typically created automatically by the Chain component
Number and spacing defined by Chain properties
Elements are instantiated from the prefab specified in Chain settings
Manual Placement
For manually placed elements, assign the Connected Chain reference
Useful for specialized elements at specific positions
Manually placed elements coexist with auto-generated ones
Drive Synchronization
Elements automatically synchronize with the connected drive speed
Position updates occur during drive calculations
Batch processing optimizes performance for multiple elements
See Also
Chain - Parent component managing chain element creation and movement
Drive - Controls chain speed and position
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