Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Unigraphics NX4 Manual PDF
Unigraphics NX4 Manual PDF
Student Guide
January 2006
MT10050 NX 4
Publication Number
mt10050_g NX 4
Manual History
Manual
Revision
Unigraphics
Version
Publication
Date
Version 15.0
February 1999
Version 16.0
January 2000
Version 17.0
December 2000
Version 18.0
September 2001
Unigraphics NX
September 2002
Unigraphics NX 2
September 2003
NX 3
November 2004
NX 4
January 2006
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Intended Audience . . . .
Course Objectives . . . . .
Prerequisites . . . . . . . .
How to Use This Course
Class Standards . . . . . .
Part File Naming . .
Seed Parts . . . . . . . .
Colors . . . . . . . . . . .
Definitions of Terms . . .
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. 1-2
. 1-3
. 1-4
. 1-5
. 1-7
. 1-9
1-10
1-12
1-14
1-16
1-17
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. 2-2
. 2-3
. 2-6
. 2-7
2-11
2-14
2-15
2-17
2-19
2-21
2-23
2-25
Practical Applications of NX
Contents
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. 3-2
. 3-4
. 3-5
. 3-6
. 3-8
. 3-9
3-10
3-18
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. 4-3
. 4-5
. 4-7
. 4-8
. 4-9
4-11
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. 5-2
. 5-5
. 5-7
. 5-8
. 5-9
5-12
5-21
5-23
5-24
5-25
5-28
5-29
5-34
5-35
5-37
5-38
5-41
5-42
5-43
5-48
5-50
Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Creating and Editing Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Contents
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. 7-2
. 7-3
. 7-5
. 7-8
7-10
7-12
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. 8-2
. 8-3
. 8-6
8-10
8-13
8-16
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. 9-2
. 9-3
. 9-6
. 9-7
. 9-8
. 9-9
9-11
9-12
9-13
9-24
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. 10-4
. 10-5
. 10-6
. 10-7
. 10-8
10-10
10-11
10-13
10-15
10-16
10-17
10-21
Practical Applications of NX
Contents
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. 11-2
. 11-4
. 11-5
. 11-6
. 11-7
11-10
11-12
11-13
11-14
11-15
11-16
11-17
11-18
11-20
11-21
11-22
11-27
11-30
11-34
11-47
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. 12-2
. 12-3
. 12-4
. 12-6
12-16
12-21
12-23
12-28
12-33
12-37
12-38
12-43
12-44
12-51
12-52
Sketching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
Sketching Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-2
6
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Contents
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. 13-6
. 13-7
. 13-8
13-12
13-13
13-14
13-21
13-28
13-33
13-34
13-37
13-42
13-46
13-48
13-54
13-57
13-59
13-63
13-66
13-69
13-71
13-76
13-85
13-92
13-93
13-99
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. 14-2
. 14-3
. 14-7
. 14-9
14-13
14-14
14-16
14-17
14-22
14-25
14-27
14-29
14-33
14-36
14-38
14-42
14-45
14-48
Practical Applications of NX
Contents
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. 15-2
. 15-3
. 15-7
. 15-8
15-11
15-15
15-18
15-21
15-22
15-23
15-27
15-32
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. 16-2
. 16-3
. 16-4
. 16-5
. 16-8
16-12
16-15
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. 17-2
. 17-4
. 17-5
. 17-9
17-10
Practical Applications of NX
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. 18-2
. 18-3
. 18-4
. 18-5
. 18-7
. 18-8
18-12
18-15
18-17
18-18
18-19
18-20
18-21
18-22
mt10050_g NX 4
Contents
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18-24
18-26
18-27
18-28
18-33
18-36
18-37
18-40
18-41
18-45
18-47
18-48
18-50
18-52
18-53
18-54
18-56
18-61
18-62
18-65
18-67
18-71
18-72
18-75
18-76
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A-2
A-3
A-4
A-6
A-8
A-10
A-12
A-14
A-16
A-18
A-19
A-21
A-23
A-25
A-27
A-28
A-30
A-32
A-34
Practical Applications of NX
Contents
Project 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-36
Project 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-38
Project 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-40
Expression Operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precedence and Associativity
Legacy Unit Conversion . . .
Built-in Functions . . . . . . . .
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B-1
B-2
B-3
B-4
B-5
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. C-1
. C-2
C-11
C-12
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D-1
D-2
D-3
D-6
D-8
D-9
D-10
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-1
10
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Overview
Intended Audience
This course is suited for designers, engineers, manufacturing engineers,
application programmers, NC programmers, CAD/CAM managers, and
system managers who have a need for understanding and using NXsoftware.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this course, the student should be able to:
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this class.
Practical Applications of NX
11
(FileOpen)
12
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Overview
Mouse Buttons
The mouse will be used throughout this course to make selections. Examples
of different mouse devices are shown. The mouse buttons are referred to as
the first, second, and third mouse buttons, starting from left to right. On
mouses with mouse wheels, the wheel acts as mouse button 2 when it is
pressed. On two-button mouses, the buttons represent 1 and 3. Both buttons
pushed together equals mouse button 2.
Practical Applications of NX
13
Class Standards
Class Standards
The following standards will be used in this course. Standardization allows
you to work with and predict the organization of parts created by others. All
work should be performed in accordance with these standards.
1
2
3
4
Part Number
Configuration
Revision
Extension
14
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Overview
Seed Parts
Seed parts are an effective tool for establishing customer defaults or any
settings that are part-dependent (saved with the part). This may include
non-geometric data such as:
Preferences
Layer categories
Part attributes
Once a seed part is established, it should be write-protected to avoid
accidental modification.
Two seed parts are available for use in this course, seedpart_in for inch parts
and seedpart_mm for metric parts. These parts incorporate the standards
described above.
Colors
The following colors are preset to indicate different object types:
Object
Solid Bodies
Sheet Bodies
Lines and Arc
(non-sketch curves)
Conics and Splines
(non-sketch curves)
Sketch Curves
Reference Curves
(in sketches)
Datum Features
Points and Coordinate Systems
System Display Color
Default Color
Light Gray (87)
Light Dull Azure (92)
Dark Hard Blue (212)
Dark Hard Blue (212)
Obscure Dull Green (144)
Dark Faded Cyan (105)
Light Weak Red (81)
Dark Hard Blue (212)
Orange Orange Red (114)
NX identifies colors using numbers with IDs that range from 1 to 216.
Practical Applications of NX
15
Definitions of Terms
Definitions of Terms
Explicit Modeling
Explicit modeling is modeling that is not parametric. Objects are created
relative to model space, not each other. Changes to one or more objects do not
necessarily affect other objects or the finished model. Examples of explicit
modeling include creating a line between two existing points or creating an
arc through three existing points. If one of the existing points were moved,
the line/arc would not change.
Parametric Modeling
A parametric model is one in which the values (parameters) used for
the definition of the model are stored with the model for future editing.
Parameters may reference each other to establish relationships between the
various features of the model. Examples include the diameter and depth of
a hole or the length, width, and height of a rectangular pad. The designers
intent may be that the hole is always as deep as the pad is high. Linking
these parameters together may achieve the desired results. This is not easily
accomplished with an explicit model.
Constraint-based Modeling
A constraint-based model is one in which the geometry of the model is driven
or solved from a set of design rules applied to the geometry defining the model
as constraints. These constraints might be dimensional constraints (such
as sketch dimensions or positioning dimensions) or geometric constraints
(such as parallelism or tangency). Examples include a line tangent to an arc
where the designer intends for that tangent condition to be maintained even
though the angle of the line may change or a perpendicular condition being
maintained as angles are modified.
Hybrid Modeling
Hybrid modeling refers to the selectively combined use of the three types
of modeling described above. Hybrid modelers allow designers to use
parametric modeling where needed without requiring that the entire model be
constrained before proceeding. Because of this, designers have more flexibility
in modeling techniques. The NXhybrid modeler supports traditional explicit
geometric modeling along with constraint-based sketching and parametric
feature modeling. All tools are integrated so they can be used in combination.
16
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Lesson
Getting Started
Purpose
This lesson is a fundamental introduction to working with NX parts.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Start an NX session.
Open a Part.
Copy a Part.
Practical Applications of NX
1-1
Getting Started
Starting NX
The first step in working in NX is to log on to a workstation and start an NX
session. Because this procedure may vary among companies and platforms,
consult your system administrator for a site specific procedure to follow.
After starting NX, you will see the "No Part" interface. This interface only
allows you to perform actions such as changing defaults and preferences,
opening an existing part, or creating a new part.
The graphics shown in this text are taken from a workstation with a
Windows operating system. The display of windows and dialogs on a
UNIX workstation will differ slightly from those shown.
1-2
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mt10050_g NX 4
Getting Started
Gateway Application
NX functions are divided into "applications". Gateway is the prerequisite
for all other interactive applications, and is the first application you enter
when you start NX and open or create a part. Gateway allows the review of
existing parts. To create or edit objects within a part, another application,
such as Modeling, must be started.
1 Work and displayed part names
2 Cue line
3 Status line
4 Resource bar
Practical Applications of NX
1-3
Getting Started
Cue/Status Line
The Cue/Status line appears at the top of the main application window. The
Cue line prompts you for user interaction. The Status line gives you feedback
about system activity.
To relocate the Cue and Status line below the graphics window,
choose ToolsCustomize, choose the Layout tab, and change the
Cue/Status Position to Bottom.
Menu Bar Pull-Down Menus
The Menu Bar is a horizontal arrangement of options displayed near the top
of the main NX window. These options correspond to different NX functional
categories. Clicking the first mouse button (MB1) over a Menu Bar option
displays a pull-down menu. Arrows to the right of items in a pull-down menu
indicate that further cascading menus are available.
By default, menus appear folded so that only the frequently used options
are shown. The down arrow at the bottom of the menu can be selected to
display the full menu.
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mt10050_g NX 4
Getting Started
Choosing the arrow on the right side of the box (or anywhere within the box)
will list a hierarchy of the available folders and drives. Choosing anywhere
away from the list of the available folders and drives will dismiss the listing
without selecting another folder or drive.
The list in the window below the Look In: box shows the available folders and
files. NX parts have a .prt extension.
The Up One Level option works with the Look in: option menu to
traverse back up through the folder hierarchy.
Practical Applications of NX
1-5
Getting Started
1
The Create New Folder option allows new sub-folders to be created in
the current folder.
The View Menu option menu allows the appearance of the listing in the
window to be modified. The default is a List. Selecting the Details button will
display a more detailed listing of the files and folders including Name, Size,
Type, last Modified date and time, and any Attributes that may apply to the
file. Other options include Thumbnails, Tiles, and Icons.
The
option at the top right of the dialog changes the cursor to
and
allows selection of any of the controls in the dialog for a short description
of their function.
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Getting Started
(FileNew)
Step 2:
Practical Applications of NX
1-7
Getting Started
Step 3:
Step 4:
1-8
Practical Applications of NX
(FileSave)
mt10050_g NX 4
Getting Started
In most cases the displayed part and the work part are the same. There are
times when working in an assembly when it is advantageous that the work
part be other than the displayed part.
Changing the Displayed Part
Since multiple parts may be open at any given time, you will need to control
which part is displayed in the graphics window. This can be accomplished
with the Window menu bar option.
The Window option works in two ways:
Practical Applications of NX
1-9
Getting Started
(FileOpen)
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Getting Started
Select intro_1 in the file list box and choose OK to open the part
(or double-click on the file name).
Practical Applications of NX
1-11
Getting Started
In the Save Part File As dialog, use the Save in: option menu
to navigate to the proper folder to save the part. (HINT: This
should be one level up from the parts folder.)
Click in the File name field.
Key in ***_intro_1 as the new part name where *** represents
your initials.
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Getting Started
Choose OK.
The Status Line states that the part is being saved. When the
save is complete, the message Part file saved displays. Work
in NX may be resumed.
You can save your work and
exit NX all at once by choosing
FileCloseSave All and Exit. However,
do not close or exit at this time.
Step 2:
Practical Applications of NX
1-13
Getting Started
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Getting Started
Closing the part does not save the part, it only clears the part from
the local memory. Changes that have been made to the part will
be lost if you continue.
Step 2:
Step 3:
Practical Applications of NX
1-15
Getting Started
Exiting NX
You can end an NXsession, by choosing FileExit.
If any parts are still open and have been modified without saving, a warning
message displays.
1-16
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Getting Started
Summary
In this lesson you:
Started an NX session.
Copied a Part.
Closed a Part.
Exited NX.
Practical Applications of NX
1-17
Lesson
Purpose
This lesson is a fundamental introduction to the NX User Interface.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Customize toolbars.
Practical Applications of NX
2-1
Toolbars
The NX user interface supports the use of toolbars to allow quick access to
functionality via logical groupings of common functionality displayed as icons.
Each application has a set of toolbars which support functions within that
application (e.g. Modeling, Drafting, Assemblies, etc.).
When you exit an NX session, the state of the toolbars can be saved
so that they will displayed the same when you start a new session.
This is controlled by the Save layout at exit option under the General
tab in the PreferencesUser Interface dialog.
Toolbars may be in one of two states:
2-2
Undocked toolbars (2) are free floating on the screen. These toolbars are
shown within the NX window, but may be located outside the window
depending on screen setup.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Customizing Toolbars
The display of the toolbars as well as the display of each element within a
toolbar may be customized.
The Text Below Icon option can be used to display the names of
the icons in a toolbar.
Practical Applications of NX
2-3
2-4
Use the Third Mouse Button (MB3) within the NX window but outside
the graphics window, to display a menu of all toolbars. The toolbars listed
with a check box are displayed. Choosing a toolbar name with the First
Mouse Button (MB1) will turn it on or off. The Customize option may be
selected to access the Customize dialog.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
To turn on and off the display of icons within a toolbar, select the Toolbar
Options area of the toolbar and choose Add or Remove Buttons, and the
toolbar name. This will display a cascading menu with all of the available
icons for the toolbar. Placing a check in the box next to the command will
immediately display the icon in the appropriate toolbar. Removing the check
will hide the icon.
Practical Applications of NX
2-5
Roles
NX has many advanced capabilities, but while learning you may want to
use a smaller set of tools. Roles let you control the appearance of the user
interface in a number of ways. Some examples are:
Choosing a Role
NX comes with a number of built-in roles. There are System Defaults roles:
There are also roles that are tailored to particular industry types and
experience levels, under the Industry Specific option:
2-6
Click the role you want or drag it into the graphics window.
In the warning dialog, choose OK to accept the new role or choose Cancel
to stop the change from occurring.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
(FileOpen)
Select intro_1 in the file list box and choose OK to open the part
(or double-click on the file name).
Step 2:
Practical Applications of NX
2-7
The Customize dialog helps you identify and control which toolbars
are displayed.
Undock a toolbar.
Place the cursor on the handle portion (1) of the Analysis
toolbar and press and hold down MB1.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Release MB1.
The name of the toolbar is displayed in its title bar while it is
undocked.
Step 4:
Dock a toolbar.
Place the cursor on the header portion (1) of the Analysis
toolbar and press and hold down MB1.
Drag the toolbar such that the header portion falls within the
main menu bar as shown.
Release MB1.
The toolbar is docked to the NX window.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
2-9
Step 5:
Step 6:
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mt10050_g NX 4
Step 2:
Practical Applications of NX
2-11
Step 4:
Practical Applications of NX
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Step 5:
Practical Applications of NX
2-13
Mouse Navigation
The mouse may be used as well as the keyboard to make selections. A mouse
wheel acts as MB2 when it is pressed. On two button mouses, the buttons
represent MB1 and MB3. Both buttons pressed together act as MB2.
Below is a summary of the various actions that can be performed using the
mouse buttons.
Mouse Button
First Mouse Button
MB1
Action
Selects or drags objects.
Second Mouse Button OK while in an operator. Press and hold down while
(center or both buttons) in the graphics window to Rotate the view. Hold
MB2
down Shift+MB2 to Pan and hold down Ctrl+MB2
to Zoom In/Out.
Third Mouse Button
(in graphic window)
MB3
2-14
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Practical Applications of NX
2-15
Option
Description
Refresh
Fit
Fits the entire part to the view. Utilizes the fit percentage
found on the PreferencesVisualizationScreen dialog.
Zoom
Rotate
Activates the Rotate mode to rotate the view with the cursor.
Pan
Rendering
Style
Orient View
Set Rotate
Point
Clear Rotate
Point
Undo
When you press and hold MB3, a radial pop-up displays icons that surround
the cursor location. These icons include display options that you can choose
just as you would from a menu. As you learn the position of the icons, just
moving the mouse in the appropriate direction will choose the option.
1 Shaded
2 Shaded with Edges
3 Studio
4 Fit
5 Wireframe with Dim Edges
6 Face Analysis
The View toolbar may also be used to perform many of the view
manipulation functions found in the View Pop-Up Menu.
2-16
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mt10050_g NX 4
Practical Applications of NX
2-17
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Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Selecting Objects
The Selection toolbar may be used to assist in the selection of an object for
creation, modification, or information. In NX, you may either select an object
first and then choose a function to perform, or, choose a function first and
then select the required object.
The Selection Type Filter is used to control precisely which type of object can
be selected. When a type is chosen from this list, no other object types can
be selected. The contents of the list depends on whether you have already
chosen an NX function and which function you are performing.
There are many additional options which can be added as icons to the
Selection toolbar to further discriminate in the selection of objects. Some of
these options are also available by choosing EditSelection from the menu
bar.
MB3 may be used to choose an available operator for an object. The cursor
must be on top of the object and the object highlighted for the MB3 pop-up
menu to appear.
The items on the pop-up menu will vary depending on the type of object. The
following pop-up menu is typically displayed for a feature.
Practical Applications of NX
2-19
If you press and hold MB3 over an object, a radial pop-up appears. The
options will vary depending on the type of object. The following radial pop-up
menu is typically displayed for a feature.
Deselecting Objects
If you select the wrong object, you can deselect it by holding down the <Shift>
key and selecting it again with MB1.
To deselect all objects in the graphics window, press the <Esc> key.
2-20
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mt10050_g NX 4
This cursor display indicates that there is more than one selectable object at
that position. Using MB1 after the cursor changes will display the QuickPick
dialog.
Practical Applications of NX
2-21
All selectable objects beneath the cursor are listed in the dialog. Use MB2
to cycle through the items in the list and then choose MB1 when the desired
object is highlighted. The icons in the dialog may be used to narrow down list
to include only construction objects, features, body objects (faces, edges, etc.),
components, or annotations.
2-22
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Step 2:
In the graphics window, but not on top of the part, click MB3.
Choose Orient ViewRight in the pop-up menu.
Press the Home key on the keyboard.
The view is oriented to the Trimetric view.
Practical Applications of NX
2-23
Place and hold the cursor at the location shown below until the
QuickPick indicator appears.
2-24
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mt10050_g NX 4
Summary
In this lesson you:
Practical Applications of NX
2-25
Lesson
Coordinate Systems
3
Purpose
This lesson is an introduction to the coordinate systems that are used in NX.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Practical Applications of NX
3-1
Coordinate Systems
There are several types of coordinate systems that are utilized in NX. This
lesson will discuss the following types:
3-2
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Coordinate Systems
Since the ABS is not mobile, the Work Coordinate System (WCS) is used to
facilitate geometry construction in different orientations. The WCS can be
located and oriented manually anywhere in model space. The WCS is not a
selectable entity.
Practical Applications of NX
3-3
Coordinate Systems
3-4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Coordinate Systems
When the cursor passes over the WCS, it will highlight with
temporary rotation planes to indicate that it can be selected. If
there is other geometry in the vicinity and the WCS cannot be easily
selected, use the Utility toolbar or menu bar to access it.
After you move the WCS, you can either choose MB2 or turn off the Move
WCS icon to confirm the location and the WCS will return to a normal display.
Undo is available while in dynamic WCS mode and can be used to
restore the WCS to a previous location or orientation.
Practical Applications of NX
3-5
Coordinate Systems
Origin Handle
When you select the cube-shaped handle at the origin of the WCS, you can
relocate the WCS to any point in the graphics window as dictated by the Snap
Point toolbar (End Point, Arc Center, etc.). Help indicators will display on a
highlighted object to help you predict where the WCS will be relocated.
Cursor Location is always available regardless of the other options that are
enabled in the toolbar.
3-6
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Coordinate Systems
Practical Applications of NX
3-7
Coordinate Systems
Axis Handles
When you select a conehead axis handle, a dynamic input field appears in
the graphics window next to the WCS to input a specific distance or snap
increment. You can also drag the handle to move the coordinate system along
the axis.
3-8
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Coordinate Systems
Rotation Handles
When you select a spherical rotation handle, a dynamic input field appears
next to the WCS to enter a specific angle or snap increment. You can also
drag the handle to rotate the coordinate system about the axis.
The Snap value is an incremental angle to rotate the WCS. The default
Snap value is 45 so the WCS snaps in 45 degree increments as you drag the
rotation handle. The Angle value will update as you drag the handle.
Practical Applications of NX
3-9
Coordinate Systems
Step 1:
Step 2:
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Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Coordinate Systems
(FormatWCSDynamics)
Practical Applications of NX
3-11
Coordinate Systems
3
Choose MB2.
Step 4:
The coordinates of the arc center relative to both the WCS and
Absolute Coordinate System are displayed in an Information
window.
Information Units Millimeters
Point
XC =
0.000000000
X =
YC = 25.000000000
Y =
ZC = -14.000000000
Z =
32.500000000
14.000000000
16.000000000
3-12
Practical Applications of NX
(FormatWCSDynamics)
mt10050_g NX 4
Coordinate Systems
Choose MB2.
Step 6:
(FormatWCSDynamics)
Practical Applications of NX
3-13
Coordinate Systems
3
Select the edge at the location shown below. A vector will
appear from the end of the selected edge.
3-14
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mt10050_g NX 4
Coordinate Systems
Practical Applications of NX
3-15
Coordinate Systems
Choose InformationObject.
Select the lower edge of the part shown.
Choose OK
in the upper left corner of graphics window
(or MB2) to accept the selected edge.
Information about the edge will appear in the Information
window. The coordinates of the start and end points are
displayed relative to both the WCS and Absolute Coordinate
System.
Edge Geometry
Angle
Length
=
=
Line
0.000000000
33.000000000
Vertex 1
XC = 16.000000000
YC = -0.000000000
ZC = -25.000000000
X = 49.000000000
Y = 145.069219382
Z = -33.669872981
Vertex 2
XC = 49.000000000
YC = -0.000000000
ZC = -25.000000000
X = 16.000000000
Y = 145.069219382
Z = -33.669872981
3-16
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Coordinate Systems
Choose OK.
The WCS moves back to the Absolute origin and orientation.
Practical Applications of NX
3-17
Coordinate Systems
Summary
The Absolute Coordinate System is a stationary coordinate system that
defines a fixed point in model space while the Work Coordinate System (WCS)
is a mobile coordinate system that may be moved and reoriented as necessary
to support other functions.
In this lesson you:
Identified the difference between the Absolute Coordinate System and the
Work Coordinate System.
3-18
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mt10050_g NX 4
Lesson
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Practical Applications of NX
4-1
Primitives
A Primitive is a solid object that is analytic in nature. A Primitive may be
thought of as "raw stock" to which material will be added or removed to
achieve the finished part. There are multiple ways of defining each of the four
Primitive types. Primitives may be used as the basic shape at the start of
the solid modeling process.
When a Primitive is created, its type and its size must be specified as well as
its location and orientation in model space.
The four types of Primitives are:
Block
Cylinder
Cone
Sphere
If a Primitive is used in a part, it should be used as the initial solid
feature. Although NX allows the use of multiple Primitives in one
solid body, the practice is not recommended because of the advantages
and associativity of other solid modeling functionality.
Primitives are positioned explicitly. Their origins are set by a
specified point in model space. However, they can be moved manually
by either using Transform or the Move Feature functions. The
creation parameter values of a Primitive may be edited and made
associative to each other.
4-2
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Block
A Block may be created by specifying the size and location of the block in
model space. The orientation will be implied from the orientation of the WCS.
There are three different methods that may be used to create a Block, Origin
Edge Lengths, Two Points Height, and Two Diagonal Points. The middle
portion of the dialog and the Selection Steps change depending on the type
of Block creation method you choose. This lesson discusses the first method,
Origin, Edge Lengths.
Practical Applications of NX
4-3
Specify the origin of the corner of the block. The Snap Point toolbar is
available to access the Point Constructor dialog or to specify a point
relative to existing geometry. The edges of the block will be parallel to
the XC, YC, and ZC axes.
If an origin is not specified explicitly and OK is chosen, the corner
of the block will be placed at the WCS origin.
Choose OK or Apply.
After the block has been created, its size may be changed by editing the
values that were used for edge lengths during creation.
4-4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Step 2:
Step 3:
Create a Block.
Choose InsertDesign FeatureBlock.
4
Verify the Origin, Edge Lengths
type is selected.
Practical Applications of NX
4-5
4
Step 5:
4-6
Practical Applications of NX
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Cylinder
A cylinder may be created by specifying the orientation, size and location of
the cylinder. There are two methods to create a cylinder.
Diameter, Height
Height, Arc
Practical Applications of NX
4-7
Defining Vectors
The Cylinder and Cone features require a direction vector to be specified to
define the orientation of the axis. The Vector Constructor dialog is used to
specify this direction.
The XC, YC, and ZC Axis options are sufficient for the purpose of
this course.
In the example below, the direction vector is the ZC Axis. The cylinder
is shown created at an origin away from the WCS with a specified
height in the direction of the vector.
4-8
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Step 2:
Step 3:
=
=
75
200
Step 4:
Practical Applications of NX
4-9
=
=
15
150
Step 5:
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Summary
This lesson was an introduction to the creation of solid models using primitive
features. If a primitive feature is used, it should be the base feature and there
should only be one in a part because they cannot be associatively positioned.
In this lesson you:
Created a block.
Practical Applications of NX
4-11
Lesson
Position features.
Practical Applications of NX
5-1
5
Placement Face
All form features require a placement face. For a groove, the placement face
must be cylindrical or conical. For all other form features, the placement face
must be planar. This planar placement face defines the X-Y plane of the
coordinate system for the feature being created. Features are created normal
to the placement face.
A datum plane may be used as the planar placement face. In the following
example, the datum plane is used as the Planar Placement face for the hole
feature.
5-2
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Practical Applications of NX
5-3
6
7
8
9
Angular
Point onto Point
Point onto Line
Line onto Line
Only the dimension types that apply to the feature being creating
will be displayed.
Positioning dimensions are not required, but it is recommended that they be
added when features are created for ease of future editing.
5-4
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mt10050_g NX 4
Hole
This option is used to create simple, counterbore, and countersink holes in
an existing solid. The middle portion of the dialog contains fields to enter
parameters and will vary depending on the type of hole that is chosen. The
dialog below appears for the Simple hole type.
Select the placement face. If a datum plane is selected choose the Reverse
Side button as required.
Choose OK or Apply.
Practical Applications of NX
5-5
Hole Types
Simple
1 Diameter
2 Depth
3 Tip Angle
Counterbore
1 C-Bore Diameter
2 C-Bore Depth
3 Hole Depth
Countersink
1 C-Sink Diameter
2 C-Sink Angle
3 Hole Depth
5-6
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Boss
The Boss feature is used to add a cylindrical shape with a specified height to
a model, having either straight or tapered sides.
1 Diameter
2 Height
3 Taper Angle
A positive or negative value may be entered depending on which way the wall
is to incline. A zero value results in a vertical cylinder wall.
Practical Applications of NX
5-7
Positioning Terminology
Target Solid The solid body that a Boolean operation acts upon. In the
context of a Form Feature it is the solid body that the Hole, Slot, Pocket or
Groove will subtract from, or a Boss or Pad will unite with.
Target Edge An edge on the Target Solid that is selected for positioning
purposes.
Tool Edge An edge on the Tool Solid that is selected for positioning
purposes.
5-8
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Positioning Methods
Horizontal
Specifies the horizontal distance between two points, one on the target solid
and the other on the tool solid. Horizontal is measured along the X-axis of the
feature coordinate system (the Horizontal Reference). As edges are selected,
the nearest valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).
1 Horizontal Reference
2 Target Edge (End Point)
3 Tool Edge (Tangent Point)
Vertical
Specifies the vertical distance between two points, one on the target solid and
the other on the tool solid. Vertical is measured along the Y-axis of the feature
coordinate system (perpendicular to the Horizontal Reference). As edges are
selected, the nearest valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).
1 Horizontal Reference
2 Target Edge (End Point)
3 Tool Edge (Arc Center)
Practical Applications of NX
5-9
Perpendicular
Specifies the shortest (normal) distance between a linear edge on the target
solid (also datum planes or axis) and a point on the tool solid. The linear
target edge is always selected first.
1 Target Edge
2 Tool Edge (Arc Center)
5
Point onto Line
Specifies that the distance between an edge on the target solid (also datum
planes or axis) and a point on the tool solid is zero.
1 Target Edge (Datum Plane)
2 Tool Edge (Arc Center)
5-10
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Parallel
Specifies the shortest distance between two points, one point on the target
solid and the other point on the tool solid. As edges are selected, the nearest
valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).
1 Target Edge (Arc Center)
2 Tool Edge (Arc Center)
5
Point onto Point
Specifies the distance between a point on the target solid and a point on the
tool solid is zero. This is commonly used to align arc centers (concentric) of
cylindrical or conical features. This method fully constrains their location
since rotation is not a degree of freedom for cylindrical or conical features.
1 Target Edge (Arc Center)
2 Tool Edge (Arc Center)
Point onto Point is the same as the Parallel positioning dimension with
the value automatically set to zero. You can change it to a non-zero
value when you edit the feature.
Practical Applications of NX
5-11
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Create a boss.
Choose InsertDesign FeatureBoss.
5-12
Practical Applications of NX
=
=
=
2
.125
0
mt10050_g NX 4
Select the top face of the block (1) as the placement face.
Choose OK (MB2).
Notice Perpendicular
is already selected.
Select edge (2) and enter a value of 4.
Select edge (3) and enter a value of 3.
Choose OK. (MB2)
Step 4:
(InsertDesign FeatureHole)
Practical Applications of NX
5-13
Select the top face of the boss (1) as the placement face and the
bottom face of the block as the thru face.
Choose Apply.
Step 5:
5-14
Practical Applications of NX
=
=
=
1
.5
.5
mt10050_g NX 4
Select the top face of the block as the placement face and the
bottom face of the block as the thru face.
Choose Apply.
Verify Perpendicular
is selected.
Select edge (1) and enter a value of 1.5.
Select edge (2) and enter a value of 1.5.
Choose OK (MB2).
Step 6:
1
.5
.5
Practical Applications of NX
5-15
Select the top face of the block as the placement face and the
bottom face of the block as the thru face.
Choose Apply.
Verify Perpendicular
is selected.
Select edge (1) and enter a value of 1.5.
Select edge (2) and enter a value of 1.5.
Choose OK (MB2).
Step 7:
5-16
Practical Applications of NX
=
=
=
.25
1
0
mt10050_g NX 4
Select the top face of the block as the placement face in the
approximate location shown (1).
Choose Apply.
Choose Horizontal
.
Select a front edge (2) of the block as the
Horizontal Reference, select the edge of the boss (3) as the
target edge, and choose the Arc Center option.
Choose Vertical.
Select the edge of the boss again as the target edge and choose
the Arc Center option.
Key in a value of 1.25.
Choose OK.
Practical Applications of NX
5-17
Create another simple thru hole that is aligned with the edges of
the front face of the block.
Verify the Simple
Key in a Diameter of 1.
Select the right face of the block (1) as the placement face and
left face (2) as the thru face.
Choose OK.
5-18
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
.
Choose Perpendicular
Select the bottom right edge (4).
Key in a value of 1.5 and choose OK.
Step 9:
(InsertDesign FeatureHole)
Key in a Diameter of 7.
Select the top face of the block as the placement face and
bottom face as the thru face.
Choose OK.
Practical Applications of NX
5-19
5
The completed part should appear as shown.
5-20
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Slot
This option allows you to create a slot in a solid body as if cut by a milling
machine tool. In each case, the shape of the cutting tool corresponds to the
slot type and dimensions.
The slot feature will be created so that the axis of the cutting tool is normal to
the face or datum plane selected. Initially, the path of the slot will be parallel
to the selected Horizontal Reference.
There are several different slot types available. You will be prompted for the
parameters that apply to the type of slot chosen.
Rectangular Slot
The Rectangular slot type uses a tool that has cylindrical end faces and will
produce sharp edges along the bottom of the slot.
1 Length
2 Width
3 Depth
The Width of the rectangular slot represents the diameter of the cylindrical
cutting tool.
The Depth of the slot is measured in a direction parallel to the tool axis from
the placement face to the bottom of the slot. Depth values must be positive.
The Length is measured parallel to the horizontal reference (X in the feature
coordinate system). Length values must be positive.
Practical Applications of NX
5-21
You will be prompted to select starting and ending thru faces instead of a
length parameter. The two thru faces cannot be parallel to the placement face.
The rectangular slot shown below was created with the Thru Slot option
enabled. The selected starting and ending thru faces are shaded.
You should not dimension to the end arcs of the slot when positioning a Thru
Slot. The length of a Thru Slot is determined by the selected thru faces. The
only positioning dimension required is to locate an edge or centerline along
the length of the slot (tool) to a target edge or datum. Parallel at a Distance
can be used to constrain the feature and control the two remaining degrees
of freedom.
5-22
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Pocket
The pocket feature is used to create a cavity in a solid body.
There are three types of pockets:
Rectangular
Rectangular Pocket
This option allows a rectangular pocket to be defined to a specified depth, with
or without a floor and/or corner radius, having either straight or tapered walls.
The following parameters may be specified:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Length
Width
Depth
Corner Radius
Floor Radius
Taper Angle
Practical Applications of NX
5-23
Pad
This option allows a raised pad on a solid body.
There are two types of pads:
Rectangular
Rectangular Pad
This option allows a rectangular pad to be defined to a specified height, with
or without a corner radius and/or taper.
The following parameters may be specified:
1
2
3
4
5
Length
Width
Height
Corner Radius
Taper Angle
5-24
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Parallel at a Distance
Specifies that a linear edge on the target solid (also a datum plane or datum
axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid must be parallel and at a given
distance. This is typically used for features with length (slot, pocket or pad).
1 Target Edge
2 Tool Edge (Centerline of Slot)
5
Using Parallel at a Distance will solve two of the three degrees of freedom
necessary to fully specify a feature having a length (rotation and translation
in one direction). Adding another Parallel at a Distance or Line onto Line
dimension would overspecify the location of the feature.
To fully specify the feature in the example an additional positioning
dimension is required to solve the final degree of freedom (i.e. Horizontal,
Vertical, Perpendicular).
Practical Applications of NX
5-25
5
Using Line onto Line will solve two of the three degrees of freedom necessary
to fully specify a feature having a length (rotational and translation in one
direction). Adding another Line onto Line or Parallel at a Distance dimension
would overspecify the location of the feature. To fully specify the feature in
the above example an additional positioning dimension is required to solve
the final degree of freedom (i.e. Horizontal, Perpendicular, or Point onto Line).
Line onto Line is the same as the Parallel at a Distance positioning
dimension with the value automatically set to zero. This zero value
can be changed to a non-zero value when editing the feature.
5-26
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Angular
Specifies that a linear edge on the target solid (also a datum plane or datum
axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid must be at a given angle to each
other. The angle is measured in a counter-clockwise direction (with respect to
the feature coordinate system), from the ends of the edges nearest to where
they are selected.
1 Target Edge
2 Tool Edge (Edge of Pocket)
Practical Applications of NX
5-27
You can use these options to easily lookup functions and define relationships
between features. You can use values that already exist in your model,
making downstream changes easier and in agreement with your design
intent.
Referencing Existing Parameters
Choosing the Reference option will display a Parameter Selection dialog
and allow you to select an existing feature. Once a feature is selected, its
parameters are listed in a dialog. Selecting one of the parameters and
choosing OK will insert it into the entry field.
5-28
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
The design intent is that the length of the pocket be the same
as the Y Length of the block.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
5-29
The parameter for the size of the block appears in the Length
field for the pocket. This p-number may be different in your
part.
5-30
Practical Applications of NX
=
=
=
=
=
1
.25
0
0
0
mt10050_g NX 4
Choose OK.
Practical Applications of NX
5-31
5
The design intent is that the depth of the slot be the same as
the X Length of the block.
Key in the following values:
Length
Width
=
=
1
.55
Press the Tab key to highlight the Depth field (or double-click
in the Depth field).
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Choose Perpendicular
and select the target (3) and the
tool (4) as indicated below. Key in a value of 1.25.
Choose OK.
Step 4:
Practical Applications of NX
5-33
Groove
The groove feature requires a cylindrical or conical placement face. A groove
can be thought of as a feature that would result from a part being cut in a
lathe. After specifying the groove parameters, you will be shown a preview
of the tool solid. The tool solid can be thought of as the path that the lathe
would make as it cuts the solid.
Positioning a Groove
You only have to position a groove along the axis of the cylindrical or conical
placement face. The Positioning dialog will not appear. Instead, you are only
required to specify a horizontal dimension along the axis by selecting a target
edge followed by a tool edge or centerline.
Two grooves are shown in the following example.
1 Target Edge
2 Tool Edge (or centerline)
5-34
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
=
=
2.25
.25
Choose OK.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
5-35
Select the front outside circular edge (1) as the target edge and
the centerline of the groove (2) as the tool edge.
Step 4:
5-36
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Double-click the feature or use the MB3 popup menu in the Part
Navigator.
Any of the valid parameters types may be chosen from the Edit
Parameters dialog. This displays the original creation dialog where
the parameters may be edited.
Choose OK until the editing dialogs are dismissed and the model updates.
Practical Applications of NX
5-37
Edit Positioning
This option allows a feature to be moved by editing its positioning dimensions.
In addition, positioning dimensions may be added to features that are either
underspecified or were not given any positioning dimensions at the time
of creation.
Once the feature has been selected, the following options are offered based
upon the positioning status of the selected feature.
5-38
With the cursor over the feature in the graphics window, choose
MB3Edit Positioning.
With the cursor over the feature in the Part Navigator, choose
MB3Edit Positioning.
Choose OK until the editing dialogs are dismissed and the model updates.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Add Dimension
This option may be used to add a positioning dimension to a feature.
When adding positioning dimensions, any edge (1) resulting from the
intersection of the feature being positioned (2) and a face on the target solid
(3) may not be selected as the tool edge.
The intersection edge is a child object of the tool and target solids face and
is defined by the boolean operation associated with the feature type being
created. The boolean operation does not occur until after the position of the
feature has been defined. Therefore, the intersection edge is not a valid
selection to specify location.
When adding positioning dimensions to a Thru Hole, no edges will be
selectable as the target edge because both edges are intersection edges. The
Identify Solid Face option is used to select the center of the cylindrical face (1).
Practical Applications of NX
5-39
Valid target edges for positioning purposes must belong to features existing
in the feature creation list of the model before the feature being positioned.
In the example below the features are numbered in the order in which they
were created. Feature (2) may not be positioned using any face or edge from
feature (3). If an edge or face from feature (3) is selected as a target, a message
is displayed stating that you cannot select an object from a later feature and a
dialog will let you highlight those edges and faces which can be selected.
5
Edit Dimension Value
Features may be moved by changing the values of the features positioning
dimensions.
To use this option:
Select the dimension to edit (if there is only one positioning dimension, it
is selected automatically).
Continue editing as many dimension values as desired. Once all the desired
dimension values have been edited, choose OK.
Delete Dimension
Use this option to delete a positioning dimension from a feature. The feature
will then remain in its current location as its position is no longer associated
to the model.
If you are replacing a dimension, add the new dimension before
deleting the old one. The Edit Positioning dialog is maintained when
you add a dimension but is automatically dismissed when you delete
a dimension.
5-40
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Error Messages
If the model cannot be updated based on the new parameters or location of
the feature, the Edit During Update dialog will be presented. This dialog
provides several options for dealing with the failed update.
You can choose Show Current Model followed by the Show Failure
Area option to help identify the problem visually.
Practical Applications of NX
5-41
5-42
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Step 2:
Step 3:
With the cursor over the highlighted hole feature, click MB3
and choose Edit Parameters.
Practical Applications of NX
5-43
With the cursor over the highlighted hole feature, click MB3
and choose Edit Positioning.
5-44
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Step 5:
With the cursor over the highlighted hole feature, click MB3
and choose Edit Parameters.
Choose Change Type.
Choose Simple and choose OK.
Choose OK to accept the Diameter value of .3125.
Choose OK again to complete the edit of the hole.
Step 6:
Practical Applications of NX
5-45
Because the hole was created as a thru hole, you are limited in
what you can select for a tool edge. In cases where you cannot
select an appropriate tool edge or, if the resulting edge is not
a true circle (like shown at one end), you can use the Identify
Solid Face option.
5-46
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Step 7:
Practical Applications of NX
5-47
5-48
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Practical Applications of NX
5-49
Summary
In this lesson you were introduced to Form Features. Form features are used
to add detail to the model during creation. Form features are fully associative
to the geometry and parameter values used to create them. The different
form features are: Hole, Boss, Pocket, Pad, Slot, and Groove.
This lesson you:
5-50
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Lesson
Expressions
Purpose
This lesson is a fundamental introduction to Expressions.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Create Expressions.
Edit Expressions.
Practical Applications of NX
6-1
Expressions
Overview
Expressions are arithmetic or conditional formulas that define the
characteristics of a part. Expressions define the dimensions and relationships
of a model.
Expressions are automatically created when:
a feature is created.
a sketch is dimensioned.
a feature is positioned.
All expressions have a single, unique name and a string or formula that
can contain a combination of variables, functions, numbers, operators, and
symbols.
Expression names are variables that you can insert in the formula strings of
other expressions. This can be helpful in breaking up lengthy formulas as
well as defining relationships that can be used in place of numbers.
Expression formulas are evaluated for values.
Here are some examples of expressions, their formulas and their resulting
values:
Expression Name
Formula
Value
length
5*width
20
p1+p2*(2+p8*sin(p3))
18.849555921
118
118
6-2
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Expressions
Expression Name
Formula
Dimensionality
Units
More Options
Practical Applications of NX
6-3
Expressions
6
1 Listed
Expressions
2 Expression list
3 Accept Edit
4 Reject Edit
5 Less Options
6-4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Expressions
Creating Expressions
There are three methods to create expressions:
Procedure:
Key in the name of the expression in the Name field and press the
<Enter> key.
Key in the formula for the expression in the Formula field and press the
<Enter> key.
Editing Expressions
Procedure:
Choose the expression to modify from the expression list. The expression
will be displayed in the Name and Formula fields.
Practical Applications of NX
6-5
Expressions
6-6
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Expressions
Practical Applications of NX
6-7
Expressions
Step 2:
Step 3:
The dialog lists all of the expressions in the part. Notice the
default expression names p0, p1, and p2 which define the block.
Step 4:
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Expressions
Step 5:
=
=
=
length=8
width=6
height=6/2
Choose OK.
Step 6:
Practical Applications of NX
6-9
Expressions
This lists only the expressions in the part that you explicitly
named.
The formula for height is a constant numeric value 6/2. The
desired design intent is that the height grows proportionally
with the width. This relationship could not be established upon
creation as the width expression was not in existence.
Step 7:
6-10
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Expressions
The block will update with the new width and height.
Step 9:
Practical Applications of NX
6-11
Expressions
Summary
Expressions are algebraic or arithmetic statements used to control the
characteristics of a part. All expressions have a name, a formula, and a value
and are used to define the dimensions and relationships of a model.
In this lesson you:
Created Expressions.
Edited Expressions.
6-12
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Lesson
Shell
Purpose
This lesson introduces the Shell feature operation.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Practical Applications of NX
7-1
Shell
7-2
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Shell
After the selecting faces to remove, the resulting solid previews in the
graphics window. The Thickness can be adjusted by dragging the handle (1)
to the desired value or keying in the value in the dynamic input field (2).
Practical Applications of NX
7-3
Shell
Initially, the drag handle will point inward and a positive value for thickness
will hollow the original solid. To reverse the direction, double click the drag
handle (or use MB3). When the drag handle points outward, a positive
thickness value will create a shell around the original solid.
You may also specify a negative thickness value to create the shell
in the opposite direction of the drag handle.
When you achieve the desired Thickness value and direction , choose OK (or
MB2) to create the feature.
Selection Intent Face Options
The Selection Intent toolbar is available to specify face selection rules while
selecting faces. These rules can be applied to automatically select a collection
of faces in a single step instead of selecting each one individually.
7-4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Shell
Step 2:
Step 3:
Practical Applications of NX
7-5
Shell
7-6
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Shell
Choose OK (MB2).
Step 5:
Step 6:
Practical Applications of NX
7-7
Shell
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
(InsertOffset/ScaleShell)
7-8
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Shell
Step 4:
Practical Applications of NX
7-9
Shell
Step 2:
Step 3:
(InsertOffset/ScaleShell)
Key in a Thickness of 4.
Verify the Face option is set to Tangent Faces in the Selection
Intent toolbar.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Shell
Step 4:
Practical Applications of NX
7-11
Shell
Summary
The Shell feature creates a cavity inside, or a shell around an existing solid,
based upon a specified thickness. In addition, selected faces may be assigned
alternate thicknesses.
In this lesson you:
7-12
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Lesson
Edge Operations
Purpose
This lesson introduces Edge Blend and Chamfer operations.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Create Chamfers.
Practical Applications of NX
8-1
Edge Operations
Overview
Edge operations are available to provide additional definition to the edges of a
model. These operations include Edge Blend and Chamfer. They are available
in the Feature Operation toolbar or by choosing InsertDetail Feature.
You may also create edge blends and chamfers by first selecting the
edge(s) and choosing Blend or Chamfer from the MB3 pop-up menu.
8-2
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Edge Operations
Edge Blend
This option creates cylindrical or conical faces in place of an edge on a solid
body. Material is added or subtracted depending on the topology of the solid
body and the faces intersecting the selected edges (1,2) are shortened.
Practical Applications of NX
8-3
Edge Operations
After the selecting edges, the result is previewed in the graphics window. The
radius value can be adjusted by dragging one of the radius drag handles (1) or
by keying in the value in the dynamic input field (2).
Choose OK, Apply, or MB2 twice to create the edge blend feature.
8-4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Edge Operations
You may continue to define another edge set or complete the blend operation
by choosing OK (or MB2 twice).
Selection Intent
The Selection Intent toolbar is available while creating an edge blend to
specify edge selection rules. These rules can be applied to automatically select
a collection of edges in a single step instead of selecting each edge individually.
Practical Applications of NX
8-5
Edge Operations
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
8-6
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Edge Operations
Key in .75 for the radius and press Enter (or use the drag
handles).
Practical Applications of NX
8-7
Edge Operations
8-8
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Edge Operations
Select the two additional edges on the left side of the part
shown below.
Step 5:
Practical Applications of NX
8-9
Edge Operations
Chamfer
This option bevels the edges of a solid body by defining the desired chamfer
dimensions.
Material is added or subtracted depending on the topology of the solid body
and the faces intersecting the selected edges (1,2) are shortened.
8-10
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Edge Operations
Creating Chamfers
The Chamfer dialog is displayed and you are prompted to select the edges to
chamfer. You can specify an Input Option and offset values in the dialog.
After edges are selected, you can also use the drag handles or dynamic entry
fields in the graphics window to specify the offsets.
Choose OK (or MB2 ) to create the chamfer.
Practical Applications of NX
8-11
Edge Operations
Symmetric Offsets
Asymmetric Offsets
You can change the Input Option in the dialog or by highlighting the
drag handle in the graphics window with the cursor and choosing
MB3.
8-12
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Edge Operations
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
=
=
1.75
30
Practical Applications of NX
8-13
Edge Operations
If your model does not look like the figure below, choose the
Reverse Offsets icon
Choose Apply.
Step 4:
First Offset
Second Offset
8-14
Practical Applications of NX
=
=
.25
.5
mt10050_g NX 4
Edge Operations
If your model does not look like the figure below, choose the
Reverse Offsets icon.
Choose OK.
Step 5:
Practical Applications of NX
8-15
Edge Operations
Summary
The Edge Blend and Chamfer operations are available to provide additional
definition to the edges of a model. All of the blended edges or chamfered edges
created in a single operation are considered to be one feature.
In this lesson you:
8-16
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Lesson
Practical Applications of NX
9-1
9-2
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Layers
Layers are used to organize a part. They work like invisible containers to
house the different objects used to create an NX solid model. A layer is a
system-defined attribute that all objects must have.
There are 256 layers in NX, one of which is always the Work Layer. Any of
the layers can be assigned to one of four classifications of status:
Work
Selectable (on)
Visible Only
Invisible (off)
The Work Layer is the layer that objects are created on and is always visible
and selectable while it remains the Work Layer. Layer 1 is the default Work
Layer when a new part is created. When the Work Layer is changed, the
previous Work Layer automatically becomes Selectable and could then be
assigned a different status.
The number of objects on one layer is not limited. You may choose which
layers to create objects on and what the status will be. However, employing
company standards for the use of layers is recommended.
Practical Applications of NX
9-3
To assign a status to a layer or layers, choose the Layer Settings icon from the
Utility toolbar or choose FormatLayer Settings from the menu bar.
Select a layer from the Layer/Status list area and choose one of the four
options below the list (Selectable, Invisible, Make Work, or Visible Only).
Double-clicking on a layer (other than the work layer) toggles it
between Selectable and Invisible.
9-4
Practical Applications of NX
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Layer Listing The filtering option menu at the bottom of the dialog
allows the Layer/Status listing window to display All Layers, Layers with
Objects, or All Selectable Layers.
Practical Applications of NX
9-5
Layer Categories
The following layer and category standards will be followed in this class.
Model Geometry
Object Geometry
Layer Assignment
Category Name
Solid Geometry
120
SOLIDS
Inter-part Modeling
1520
LINKED_OBJECTS
Sketch Geometry
2140
SKETCHES
Curve Geometry
4160
CURVES
Reference Geometry
6180
DATUMS
Sheet Bodies
81100
SHEETS
Layer Assignment
Category Name
101110
FORMATS
Layer Assignment
Category Name
Mechanism Tools
121130
MECH
131150
CAE
Manufacturing
151180
MFG
Quality Tools
181190
QA
Drafting Objects
Object Geometry
Drawing Borders
Engineering Disciplines
Object Geometry
9-6
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9-7
Part Navigator
The Part Navigator is useful to identify the features of the model. Selecting
a feature in the Part Navigator window will highlight that feature in the
graphics window and will also highlight its parent and/or child features in
the Part Navigator. Conversely, selecting a feature in the graphics window
will highlight that feature and its parents/children in the Part Navigator.
To access the Part Navigator, choose the Part Navigator icon on the resource
bar located vertically to the right of the graphics window.
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Information
The Information pull-down menu offers a number of options to obtain
information about the model.
InformationFeature
This provides another interface to identify Parent/Child relationships
between the selected feature and the other features in the model. In addition,
expressions that control the feature may be displayed in the graphics window
by toggling on the Display Dimensions option. Choosing OK or Apply will
display the Information window with the geometric data and associated
expressions.
Feature information may also be accessed by selecting the feature in
the Part Navigator and choosing MB3Information or, by selecting
the feature in the graphics window and choosing MB3Properties.
InformationObject
This is used to display information about selected objects in an Information
window. Any type of geometric object may be selected including curves, edges,
faces, and bodies. The Information window will display information such as
name, layer, color, object type, and geometric properties (length, diameter,
start and end coordinates, etc.).
InformationExpressionList All
This lists all expressions in the part in the Information window. From the
Information window, the list can be printed or saved to a text file.
InformationExpressionList All by Reference
This is used to identify expressions that reference other expressions and the
features that they define. The EditFind option within the Information
window can be used to search for a specific expression.
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Referenced Expressions
If an expression defines a feature directly, the feature name is listed with it in
the Expressions dialog. However, an expression may also be included in the
formula of other expressions. The referencing expressions and features may
be identified by using the List References option in the Expressions dialog.
To use this option:
Choose ToolsExpression.
Select the expression and choose List References in the MB3 pop-up menu.
An Information window will list the features and other expressions that
are referencing the selected expression.
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Distance
This Distance option is used to obtain the minimum distance between any
two objects such as points, curves, planes, bodies, edges, and/or faces.
This can be accessed by choosing AnalysisDistance or the Distance icon
in the Analysis toolbar. An icon option bar appears in the upper left corner
of the graphics window with options to select the first point or object (1) and
the second point or object (2).
After selecting the two objects, a temporary ruler and measurement result
are displayed in the graphics window. The resulting units for the distance
are determined by the setting in AnalysisUnits.
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Mass Properties
Basic mass properties data can be calculated by choosing
AnalysisMass Properties and selecting the solid body.
The units for the results are determined by the setting in AnalysisUnits.
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Step 2:
Step 3:
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Step 5:
(MB3Fit)
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9-15
Choose EditFeaturePlayback.
All of the solid features are suppressed except the reference
features and the sketch. The Edit During Update dialog
informs you that the Fixed Datum Plane(0) feature has been
updated, this is the first feature in the model history.
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9-17
Find the values that control the thickness of the web extrusion.
In the Part Navigator, place the cursor on
Extrude(4) web extrusion, press MB3, and choose
Information.
Scroll through the Information window to see the parameters
and controlling expressions.
The expression p4 is identified as the Both Side Distance.
This expression controls the start and end distances from the
section geometry for the extrusion. A value of .125 on both
sides produces a web thickness of .25.
Note that the parent of this feature is the sketch S21:Sketch(3).
Close the Information window.
Step 9:
Identify the expression that controls the distance from the large
hole center to the small hole center.
Since the web feature was generated from the sketch geometry, the
obvious place to look for the expression that controls the hole to
hole distance is in the sketch.
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For the first object, select one of the upper edges of the web.
For the second object, select one of the lower edges of the web.
Choose Library
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9-23
Summary
In this lesson, you queried a model to determine the creation method and
design intent. These skills are important to review parts created by other
users.
In this lesson you:
Identified expressions.
Measured a distance.
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Lesson
10 Introduction to Assemblies
Purpose
This lesson introduces the Assembly application.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
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Practical Applications of NX
10-1
Introduction to Assemblies
Subassembly
A subassembly is an assembly used as a component within a higher level
assembly. The figure below shows the subassembly of the integrated circuit
board for the toy laser gun. A subassembly has components of its own.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Component Objects
A component object is the entity that contains the pointer that links the
assembly back to the master component part.
A component object can also be a subassembly made up of other component
parts and/or component objects.
An example of an assembly structure is shown below:
1 Top level assembly.
2 Subassembly. This is a component part and has been added to the
top level assembly.
3 Piece Parts. These are component parts and have been added to the
top level assembly or subassemblies.
4 A Component Object.
Component Parts
A component part is a part which is pointed to by a component object within
an assembly. The actual geometry is stored in the component part and is
referenced, not copied, by the assembly.
The term piece part is used to refer to master geometry as it exists outside
of an assembly.
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Practical Applications of NX
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Introduction to Assemblies
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Introduction to Assemblies
Load Method
The Load Method determines where to search for the component parts when
an assembly is opened. There are three possible settings.
As Saved looks for each component part in the same directory it was in
when the assembly was last saved.
From Directory looks for each component in the same directory as the
assembly part.
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Practical Applications of NX
10-5
Introduction to Assemblies
Load States
The Load Options also control whether component parts will be fully loaded,
partially loaded, or unloaded when an assembly is opened. These are referred
to as Load States.
Fully Loaded
A part is fully loaded if all of its data is loaded into system memory.
All components can be fully loaded by changing the Load Components option
to All Components and toggling off the Use Partial Loading option before
opening the assembly.
Partially Loaded
When a part is partially loaded, only the data required to display the part is
loaded into memory. Components will be partially loaded if the Use Partial
Loading option is turned on when the assembly is opened.
Partially loading components reduces the memory requirements and improves
performance. This is beneficial when working with large assemblies.
Unloaded
A component part is unloaded if it is not loaded when the assembly is opened.
Component parts may be refrained from loading by changing the Load
Components option to No Components before opening the assembly. This
will drastically reduce the amount of memory required and improve system
performance but the component geometry will not be visible.
Individual components or subassemblies may be opened at a later time when
they are needed.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Load Failure
The Abort Load on Failure option specifies what to do if a component part
is not found, based on the current load method.
When turned on, no parts are loaded unless all of the components are
found. The first component that cannot be found will be listed in an error
window.
When turned off, the assembly is loaded along with any of the components
that are found. Those components that are not found will be listed in a
warning window and left unloaded.
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Practical Applications of NX
10-7
Introduction to Assemblies
Step 2:
(FileOpen)
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Introduction to Assemblies
Step 3:
Step 4:
Do not close any parts. You will use the assembly in the next
activity.
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Practical Applications of NX
10-9
Introduction to Assemblies
You may re-size the Assembly Navigator window and use the scroll
bars to see the entire tree structure and all of the columns.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Node Display
Each component of an assembly is displayed as a node in the assembly tree
structure. If you select on a node with MB1, the system will highlight the
component geometry in the graphics window.
Each node consists of a check box, an icon, the part name, and additional
columns. If the part is an assembly or subassembly, an expand/collapse box
will also be present.
Components may be selected for various operations by choosing the
appropriate node in the Assembly Navigator with MB1.
Icons
Assembly (or subassembly) If the icon is yellow, the assembly is
within the work part. If the icon is gray with solid edges, the assembly is a
non-work part. If the icon is gray with dashed edges, the assembly is closed.
Loads the component and its children partially or fully, depending on the
load options. Unloaded parents may also be loaded at this time.
Afterwards, the check boxes of the part and its children will contain red
check marks except for those which fail to load, are excluded from a
reference set, or reside on invisible layers.
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Practical Applications of NX
10-11
10
Introduction to Assemblies
Gray check The part is blanked, and at least partially open. It also
appears for unblanked parts which either have an excluded reference set or
are on invisible layers. Clicking on this type of check box:
Unblanks the component, along with any of its children that were blanked.
Afterwards, the check boxes of the part and its children have large red
checks, except for those whose loading failed, who have an excluded
reference set, or are on invisible layers.
Afterwards, the components check box has a gray check and its children
have gray checks (if blanked) or no checks (if unloaded).
You cannot close a part by clicking on its check box. To close a part, use the
FileClose option or the Close option in the Assembly Navigator pop-up
menu.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Step 2:
Step 3:
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Introduction to Assemblies
Close a component.
Choose FileCloseSelected Parts.
Choose All Parts in Session at the top of the Close Parts dialog.
Select laser_ic9_13 from the list and choose OK.
In the Assembly Navigator, the laser_ic9_13 nodes no longer
have check marks in their boxes and the components are
not displayed in the graphics window. This means that the
components are not loaded.
Step 5:
Step 6:
Do not close or save the part. You will use this assembly in the
next activity.
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Introduction to Assemblies
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Practical Applications of NX
10-15
Introduction to Assemblies
Once a component has been highlighted in the graphics window, the MB3
pop-up menu may be used to choose an available action for that component.
The cursor must be on top of the component for the component-specific pop-up
menu to appear.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Designing in Context
Designing in Context is the ability to directly edit component geometry as
it is displayed in the assembly. Geometry from other components can be
selected to aid in the modeling.
Select the component from the graphics window and use the MB3 pop-up
menu.
Choose Window and selecting a part from the Loaded Part List, which
contains up to the last ten loaded parts.
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Practical Applications of NX
10-17
Introduction to Assemblies
Window
Choosing WindowMore will display the Change Window dialog which lists
all partially and fully loaded parts other than the current displayed part.
Choosing it from the list of loaded parts. You may enter a portion of the
part name in the Search Text field to help find the part in the list. The
Options button can be used to specify how to perform the search.
Selecting geometry in the graphics window (if the current displayed part
is an assembly).
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Introduction to Assemblies
Select the component from the graphics window and use the MB3 pop-up
menu.
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Practical Applications of NX
10-19
Introduction to Assemblies
If a component has already been selected, choosing the Make Work Part icon
will immediately make it the work part. If no component has been selected,
the Set Work Part dialog is displayed. This dialog allows you to select a
component from a list or enter a name.
Choosing the Displayed Part option changes the work part back to
the displayed assembly. This makes the displayed part and the work
part the same.
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Introduction to Assemblies
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Introduction to Assemblies
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Introduction to Assemblies
Step 2:
Step 3:
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Introduction to Assemblies
Step 5:
Step 6:
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Practical Applications of NX
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Introduction to Assemblies
If the work part is a piece part (lowest level component), only that part
will be saved.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Summary
An assembly is a part which contains component objects. It is a collection of
pointers to piece parts and/or subassemblies.
Assemblies provides the ability to design in context.
In this lesson you:
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10
11
Lesson
Reposition components.
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11
Top-Down Modeling
Top-Down Modeling
As the name suggests, an assembly is created at the top level hierarchy and
parts are filed down the hierarchy, creating subassemblies and components.
Bottom-Up Modeling
A Bottom-Up assembly modeling approach starts by creating the lowest level
piece parts that will make up the assembly. Existing component parts and
subassemblies are added to assemblies as the process moves up the assembly
level hierarchy.
In the Bottom-Up approach, component parts are created separate from
the assembly and later added to the assembly. This approach applies to
purchased parts or existing parts.
First, the pin is
created in separate
part outside of the
assembly
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11-3
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11
Assemblies Application
The Assemblies application may be turned on and off by choosing
StartAssemblies. Toggling on the Assemblies application displays the
Assemblies toolbar and expands the functions available in the Assemblies
pull-down menu.
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11
Assemblies Toolbar
Turning on the Assemblies application will also display the Assemblies
toolbar.
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Adding Components to an Assembly
A component part may be added to an assembly by choosing the
Add Existing Component icon from the Assemblies toolbar or choosing
AssembliesComponentsAdd Existing from the menu bar. The
Assemblies application must be turned on to access this option.
The component part to add can be specified with the Select Part dialog.
There are several ways to identify a part when the Select Part dialog is active:
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11
After the part is identified, the Add Existing Part dialog appears. This dialog
is used to specify how the existing part will be added as a component object to
the assembly and what information will be stored with the component object.
Reference Set - Allows you to control the amount of data that is loaded from
each component and viewed in the context of the assembly.
Layer Options - Defines the layer to which the objects in the new component
will be added in the current work part.
11-8
Work - Places all objects from the component part on the current work
layer.
Original - Places each object from the component part on the same layer
in which it resides in the component part.
As Specified - Places all objects from the component on the layer specified
in the Specified Layer entry field.
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Creating a New Parent Assembly
This option lets you create a new parent assembly for your current work part.
The new parent assembly is a completely new part, which becomes the new
displayed part and work part in your session.
When you choose this option, the New Part File dialog is displayed so that
you can enter a name for the new parent. The former work part is added to
the parent assembly as a component.
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Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
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Step 5:
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Step 6:
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Mating Conditions
By applying mating conditions to components in an assembly, you establish
parametric, positional relationships between objects in the components.
These relationships are termed mating constraints.
In the example shown, if you align the cylindrical face of a bolt to the
cylindrical face of a hole in a block and then move the hole, the bolt will
automatically move with it.
1 Mate
4 Parallel
7 Distance
2 Align
5 Perpendicular 8 Tangent
3 Angle
6 Center
FROM / TO
When selecting objects to mate, the Cue line will be directing you to
select FROM and TO objects. The FROM object is part of the component that
is going to move to a new position. The TO object is part of the component
that is remaining in its present location.
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Mate Constraint
When applying the Mate constraint to components using planar faces and
datum planes, the objects will be oriented so that their normals are parallel
and point in opposite directions. The components will not necessarily have
physical contact but will be coplanar. By definition, a face normal in a solid
body points away from the solid.
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11
Align Constraint
When you apply the Align constraint to components using planar objects
(planar faces and datum planes), the objects will be oriented so that their
normals are parallel and point in the same direction. The components will
not necessarily have physical contact but will be coplanar.
The Align constraint can also be used to position an edge or curve object of
a component with a planar object (planar face or datum plane) of another
component. A vector will be determined from the edge or curve object and
the objects will be oriented so that the vector and the planar object lie on the
same plane (same behavior as with mate constraint).
Using the CSYS Filter
The Align constraint allows existing coordinate systems to be used as
FROM/TO selection objects. When using the CSYS option, select the FROM
CSYS and then immediately select the TO CSYS. This constraint will remove
all DOFs between the two components.
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Angle Constraint
Use the Angle constraint when you need to control specific angles between
objects of components.
The example below illustrates an angle constraint that is being applied in
conjunction with two other constraints. The two planar faces of the blocks
must always be coplanar by virtue of the Mate constraint. The pivot for the
Angle constraint is determined by the Align constraint that is applied to
the two edges.
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11
Parallel Constraint
Use the Parallel constraint when you need to establish parallelism between
objects of components. Objects that have surface normals associated to them
will be oriented parallel based on those normals.
When applying the Parallel constraint to position a planar object of a
component (planar face or datum plane) with an edge or curve object of
another component; a vector will be determined from the edge or curve object.
The vector and the planar objects normal will then become parallel.
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Perpendicular Constraint
Use the Perpendicular constraint when you need to establish perpendicularity
between objects of components. Objects that have surface normals associated
to them will be oriented perpendicular based on those normals.
When applying the Perpendicular constraint to position a planar object of a
component, (planar faces and datum planes), with an edge or curve object of
another component; a vector will be determined from the edge or curve object,
that vector and the planar objects normal will then become perpendicular.
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Center Constraint
Use the Center constraint to center 1 or 2 objects of a component to 1 or 2
objects of another component.
Center Objects 1 to 1
Center Objects 1 to 2
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Center Objects 2 to 2
Procedure
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Distance Constraint
Use the Distance constraint to define a distance between two geometric
objects. The sign (+/-) of the dimension controls which side of the object the
solution is on.
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Tangent Constraint
Use the Tangent constraint to define a physical contact between two geometric
objects. There can be multiple solutions to a tangent constraint. To specify
which solution is desired, a help point will be computed from the pick position
on the surface and used to find a unique solution to the tangent constraint.
The following are some examples of tangent constraints:
Point on Surface.
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Choose Preview and then choose Apply (the dialog remains to let you
add more constraints).
or
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Vary Constraints
The Vary Constraints option can be used to reposition the active component
in the Mating Conditions dialog. Existing mating constraints will limit the
freedom of movement. This dialog is similar to the Reposition Component
dialog. A different component can be selected and repositioned by choosing
the Select Component icon.
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Preview
The Preview option becomes active after all the objects have been correctly
selected for a constraint. This option lets you preview the solution by
actually moving the component based on the existing constraints. Additional
constraints may still be applied. After previewing the constraint, choose
Apply or OK to accept the constraint or continue creating another constraint.
If the constraint is not correct, choose Unpreview and use the Selection Steps
to define different FROM and TO faces.
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List Errors
If there are no degree of freedom indicators visible and the Preview option is
unavailable, you may have tried to define an invalid mating constraint. This
will activate the List Errors option. Choosing it will present information
about the error. The constraint must be deleted and recreated.
11-26
OK This should be selected only after all constraints have been applied.
This will save the mating condition (and its constraints) and dismiss the
Mating Conditions dialog.
Apply This will apply the constraint and the dialog will remain open.
Cancel This will dismiss the dialog without saving any of the
constraints you added.
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Tree Listing
The Mating Conditions Tree Listing list all of the assemblies mating
conditions and constraints. Several options and viewing preferences may
be controlled from the Listing Tree.
1 Mating Condition expanded to display constraint
2 Mating Constraint suppression toggle
3 Mating Condition
4 Mating Constraints
5 Mating Constraint pop-up menu
Suppress/Unsuppress
Mating Conditions or individual Mating Constraints may be suppressed or
unsuppressed using the check box.
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From Highlights the FROM object for all constraints of the selected
condition.
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Repositioning Components
The Reposition Component option may be used on a component that does not
have any mating conditions, has suppressed mating conditions, or is only
partially constrained. If the component is partially constrained, its mating
constraints will be enforced within the reposition function.
To reposition a component choose the Reposition Component icon from
the Assemblies toolbar or choose AssembliesComponentsReposition
Components from the menu bar.
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Transform Options
The Reposition Component dialog includes the following transform options:
1 Point to Point
2 Translate
3 Rotate About a Point
4 Rotate About a line
5 Reposition
6 Rotate Between Axes
7 Rotating Between Points
Distance or Angle
The Distance input field (or Angle field if a rotation is being defined) lets you
define a distance (or angle) for movement.
Snap Increment
Snap Increment allows snapping to whole-multiple distances when using
the direction or rotation drag handles.
Vector Method
Provides options to define a vector when moving a component using one of
the direction drag handles.
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Highlight Collision you can continue moving the components, and the
areas that collided are highlighted.
Stop Before Collision the motion stops just before a collision occurs.
The distance between the components when the motion stops depends
on the setting of the Motion Animation slider. The closer the slider is
to Fine, the shorter the distance.
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There are several ways to reposition a component with the drag handles.
To move the origin of the component to a specific point, select the origin
drag handle (filled square) with MB1 and then select a destination point.
The destination points that can be selected are determined by the Snap
Point toolbar.
To rotate the component about an axis, select a rotation drag handle (filled
circle) and drag the component while holding down MB1.
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1 Crank
4 Ramrod
7 Base
2 Shaft
5 Smasher Plate
8 Mount
3 Link
6 Hinges
Step 2:
Step 3:
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Select the square drag handle (origin) and while holding down
MB1, drag the shaft to the location shown below, release MB1,
and choose OK.
Choose Center.
Notice that the From Selection Step
active.
is
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Choose Distance.
Select the planar face of the Shaft component as shown below.
Choose Align.
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Choose Center.
Select the cylindrical face (1) of the Crank component as shown
below.
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Choose Parallel.
Select the internal planar face of the crank as shown below.
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Choose the Add Existing Component icon
in the
Assemblies toolbar. (AssembliesComponentsAdd Existing)
Choose Choose Part File.
Select nc_arm and choose OK.
The Component Preview window appears and displays the part.
In the Add Existing Part dialog, verify the following settings:
Reference Set = Body
Positioning = Mate
Layer Options = Original
Choose OK.
Choose Center.
In the Component Preview window, select the cylindrical face
as shown below.
Choose Distance.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
11-39
11
Choose Parallel.
Select the internal planar face of the Arm component as shown
below.
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Step 7:
Choose Center.
Practical Applications of NX
11-41
11
11
Select the cylindrical face of the link (1) shown below for the
FROM selection.
Select the cylindrical face of the arm (2) shown below for the
TO selection.
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Step 8:
11
FROM
TO
Second FROM
Second TO
Practical Applications of NX
11-43
11
FROM
TO
Second FROM
Second TO
Choose Apply.
Set the Center Objects filter to 1 to 1.
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11
Choose Apply.
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11-45
11
Step 9:
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11
Summary
Assemblies may be created using the Top-Down, Bottom-Up, or a combination
of the two methods.
By applying mating conditions to components, you were able to relate their
locations and orientations in an assembly.
The Reposition Component option may be used in preparation for mating
components.
In this lesson you:
Repositioned components.
Practical Applications of NX
11-47
11
Lesson
12 Datum Features
12
Purpose
This lesson will define datum plane and datum axis features.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Practical Applications of NX
12-1
Datum Features
12
In the case where a hole must pierce a cylinder to a certain depth from the
outside of the cylinder, a construction tool is necessary. This tool is needed
because the hole feature requires a planar placement face for creation rather
than the cylindrical face of the base solid.
Datum Features may be accessed from the General Datums and Points menu
in the Feature Operation toolbar or by choosing InsertDatum/Point.
12-2
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Datum Features
Datum Planes
The datum plane option allows a planar reference feature to be created that
has many uses.
To serve as the planar placement face for the creation of form features
(i.e. hole, slot, pad, boss, pocket).
For the mirror plane when using Mirror Body and Mirror Feature.
To define the start or end limits when creating extruded and revolved
features.
To trim a body.
Practical Applications of NX
12-3
12
Datum Features
12
You can also select the objects first and then choose the Datum Plane
option. The constraints will be inferred from the selected objects and
a preview is displayed.
While the datum plane is previewed, you can specify new constraints and
objects or change the parameters using drag handles displayed in the
graphics window.
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Datum Features
Cycle Solution
This option allows you to cycle through alternate solutions when more than
one type of datum plane can be created, based on the object selections and
constraints.
Flip Direction
The datum plane preview displays an arrow conehead in its center that
points in the direction of the plane normal. You can change this direction by
choosing this option or using MB3 Reverse Direction on the conehead.
Practical Applications of NX
12-5
12
Datum Features
12
12-6
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Datum Features
Select a planar face. A preview of the datum plane displays, with an offset
drag handle.
Select the handle, drag the datum plane to the desired location and
choose OK.
Practical Applications of NX
12-7
12
Datum Features
12
12-8
(InsertDatum/PointDatum Plane)
Choose OK.
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Datum Features
Select the cylindrical axis symbol of the cylindrical face in the graphics
window.
Choose OK.
(InsertDatum/PointDatum Plane)
Practical Applications of NX
12-9
12
Datum Features
12
12-10
(InsertDatum/PointDatum Plane)
Select the edge through which the datum plane is to pass. You may choose
the axis of a cylinder instead of an edge.
Select the planar face or datum plane that the angle will reference.
Key in a value for the angle (in degrees), press Enter, and choose OK.
Select the rotation drag handle and drag the datum plane to the
desired angle and choose OK.
Practical Applications of NX
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Datum Features
Choose OK.
Practical Applications of NX
12-11
12
Datum Features
12
12-12
Choose OK.
Choose OK.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Datum Features
Choose OK.
(InsertDatum/PointDatum Plane)
If it is difficult to select points using the Inferred Plane mode, you can
choose the Curves and Points option in the Datum Plane dialog to
prevent the selection of other inferred object types.
Practical Applications of NX
12-13
12
Datum Features
12
(InsertDatum/PointDatum Plane)
You can alter the datum plane by dragging the handle of the point to
change its position along the curve or keying in a Location value.
If, in addition to the curve, you select another face or linear edge, the
direction of the datum plane is defined based on this second object as
follows:
12-14
for a planar face, the datum plane is made parallel to the object.
for a linear edge, the datum plane is made normal to the object.
for a non-planar face, the datum plane is made parallel to the tangent
plane at the closest point on the surface.
Practical Applications of NX
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Datum Features
Select a point.
Use the Vector option menu to define a direction, or accept the default. A
preview of the datum plane is displayed.
In the example below, a point was defined at the arc center of the hole and a
direction was defined using the Vector Constructor dialog.
Practical Applications of NX
12-15
12
Datum Features
12
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
12-16
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Datum Features
Select the top face of the block (1) and confirm the selection if
necessary.
12
Step 4:
Practical Applications of NX
12-17
Datum Features
12
is
is turned off.
Select the first point (1) and confirm any of the edges. Any of
the edges are acceptable because they share the end point.
Carefully select each of the two midpoints (2 & 3).
Step 5:
12-18
Create the third datum plane midway between the left and right
faces.
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Datum Features
12
Choose OK (MB2).
The datum plane is created and located at the center of the
part and is parallel to the faces selected.
Step 6:
Practical Applications of NX
12-19
Datum Features
12
X Length
Y Length
Z Length
Choose OK.
The revised values are displayed in the graphics window. The
feature may still be modified without updating the model.
Choose OK in the Edit Parameters dialog to complete the
change.
12-20
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Datum Features
Choose the Edit Feature Parameters icon in the Edit Feature toolbar.
To edit the size of a datum plane, you can drag one of the handles along
its boundaries. These handles appear when previewing the datum during
creation and when editing its parameters.
Practical Applications of NX
12-21
12
Datum Features
12
Choose EditDelete
With the cursor over the datum plane boundary, choose MB3Delete.
Select the datum plane from the graphics window and either press the
Delete key on your keyboard or choose the Delete icon.
12-22
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Datum Features
12
Step 3:
Practical Applications of NX
12-23
Datum Features
Move the cursor over the outside cylindrical face of the feature
at the bottom of the part and select the cylindrical axis symbol.
12
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Datum Features
12
Create a hole.
Practical Applications of NX
12-25
Datum Features
(InsertDesign FeatureHole)
Choose Simple.
12
Step 7:
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Datum Features
12
Step 8:
Practical Applications of NX
12-27
Datum Features
12
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
12-28
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Datum Features
Select the right edge (1, not the mid point) and confirm the
selection if necessary.
Make sure Point on Curve is turned off in the Snap
Point toolbar.
Select the top face (2), and confirm the selection if necessary.
Step 4:
(InsertDesign FeatureHole)
Practical Applications of NX
12-29
12
Datum Features
12
Select the boundary of the newly created datum plane for the
placement face.
Select the bottom face (1) of the block as the Thru Face.
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Datum Features
Select the edge of the block shown (1), as the target edge.
12
Practical Applications of NX
12-31
Datum Features
12
Step 5:
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Datum Features
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Practical Applications of NX
12-33
12
Datum Features
12
Choose OK (MB2).
Step 6:
(InsertDesign FeatureHole)
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Datum Features
Step 7:
Practical Applications of NX
12-35
12
Datum Features
Click on p2=100.000.
Key in 400.
12
12-36
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Datum Features
Datum Axis
This option allows a linear reference feature to be created and has several
uses.
Directional reference.
Practical Applications of NX
12-37
12
Datum Features
12
Through an Edge
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Datum Features
Choose OK.
(InsertDatum/PointDatum Axis)
Practical Applications of NX
12-39
12
Datum Features
12
Choose OK.
(InsertDatum/PointDatum Axis)
The Point on Curve icon in the Snap Point toolbar must be off in
order to create a datum axis through an edge or curve.
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Datum Features
Choose OK.
(InsertDatum/PointDatum Axis)
Practical Applications of NX
12-41
12
Datum Features
12
Choose OK.
(InsertDatum/PointDatum Axis)
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Datum Features
With the cursor over the selection, click MB3 and choose Edit Parameters
or Edit with Rollback.
Choose EditFeatureParameters.
Use EditDelete
With the cursor over the datum axis, click MB3 and choose Delete.
Practical Applications of NX
12-43
12
Datum Features
12
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
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Datum Features
12
Practical Applications of NX
12-45
Datum Features
12
12-46
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Datum Features
12
Step 4:
(InsertDesign FeatureHole)
Choose Simple.
Key in .5 for the Diameter.
Practical Applications of NX
12-47
Datum Features
12
The hole will always remain on the datum axis and stay
centered in the block.
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Datum Features
Step 5:
12
Practical Applications of NX
12-49
Datum Features
12
Step 7:
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Datum Features
Datum CSYS
A Datum CSYS (InsertDatum/PointDatum CSYS) provides a set of
associative objects consisting of three planes, three axes, a coordinate system,
and an origin point. The Datum CSYS appears as a single feature in the Part
Navigator but its objects can be selected individually to support the creation
of other features, constraining sketches, and positioning of components in
an assembly.
Practical Applications of NX
12-51
12
Datum Features
Summary
Datums are reference features that are used as construction tools to assist in
the creation of solid features and sketches in locations and orientations where
planar placement faces do not exist.
12
12-52
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Lesson
13 Sketching
13
Purpose
This lesson introduces the method of creating a sketch and free hand
sketching of curves.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Create a sketch.
Identify constraints.
Practical Applications of NX
13-1
Sketching
Sketching Overview
What is a sketch?
A sketch is a collection of two-dimensional geometry within a part. Each
sketch is a named collection of 2D curves and points residing on a plane that
you specify. You can use sketches to address a wide variety of design needs.
For example, you might create.
13
Sketcher tools let you fully capture your design intent through geometric and
dimensional relationships that we refer to collectively as constraints. Use
constraints to create parameter-driven designs that you can update easily
and predictably. Sketcher evaluates constraints as you work to ensure that
they are complete and do not conflict.
Sketcher offers you the flexibility to create as many, or as few, constraints as
your design requires. Geometric relations may be established between the
curves within a profile as well as with curves in other profiles and model
geometry such as edges or datums.
13-2
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Sketching
Why sketch?
Sketches provide a high level of control over features and automate the
propagation of changes. You can quickly apply constraints to capture a
well-known design intent.
Once a sketch is placed on a face or datum plane, it will automatically move
when the position of the placement face/datum is changed. Since sketches do
not require constraints, this approach is the quickest way to build features
and still have a sufficient level of associativity.
The inherent ability to solve a sketch in real time means that, as rules are
applied, the sketch objects change and move to reflect the effect that the
assigned rule has on the geometry. This gives you the ability to quickly
change profiles of features created using sketches.
Using Sketches for Detail Part Features
When there is a commonly used shape that varies in size, a sketch can easily
accommodate the iterations of the design by editing a single constraint.
Practical Applications of NX
13-3
13
Sketching
Sketches should be used as base features of a model if the shape lends itself
to extruded or revolved geometry.
13
Sketches may be used in a number of different ways. Consider them for guide
paths for swept features, or as section curves for free form features.
13-4
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Sketching
An important aspect of modeling that will help you decide how to use a
sketch is defining the design intent of the model. The design intent consists
of two items:
As a general rule, the more design considerations and potential areas for
change, the more likely there are benefits from sketching.
Practical Applications of NX
13-5
13
Sketching
13
If a sketch is not created from within a feature creation dialog, it will appear
as a separate feature in the Part Navigator.
13-6
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Sketching
Sketch Visibility
Organizing the data in a part is an important aspect of modeling. The
sketcher helps in this endeavor by automating the visibility of sketches are
activated and deactivated.
Practical Applications of NX
13-7
13
Sketching
13
An icon option bar shown below appears in the upper left corner of the
graphics window and contains options to define the sketch plane.
1 Sketch in Place
4 YCZC Plane
7 Datum CSYS
2 Sketch Plane
5 XCZC Plane
8 OK
3 XCYC Plane
6 Datum Plane
9 Cancel
XC-YC Plane
YC-ZC Plane
ZC-XC Plane
Datum CSYS
Initially, the XC-YC plane will be highlighted in the graphics window. You
can accept this plane or choose one of the other options.
(MB2).
13-8
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Sketching
Choose OK.
13
Choose OK.
A similar procedure can be used to create a relative Datum CSYS
on the fly.
If there is an existing Datum CSYS in the part and it is coincident with the
WCS. The X-Y plane of the Datum CSYS will initially highlight as the default
sketch plane. If you choose the XC-YC, YC-ZC, or ZC-XC option, you will be
asked whether to use the corresponding Datum CSYS plane instead.
Practical Applications of NX
13-9
Sketching
13
To specify a new direction, select the axis to redirect and then select a
straight edge. The straight edge is projected to the sketch plane to define
the new direction.
13-10
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Sketching
Naming a Sketch
Since a unique name is required for each sketch, a default name will
initially be assigned with a numeric suffix. The format of the default name
is "SKETCH_###" where ### is replaced by the next sequential three digit
number beginning with 000 (SKETCH_000, SKETCH_001, etc.). A sketch
name may be defined during or after the sketch has been created by clicking
on the default sketch name, typing in the new name and pressing Enter.
13
Practical Applications of NX
13-11
Sketching
13
Choose the Sketch icon and select the desired sketch from the Sketch
Name pull-down.
13-12
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mt10050_g NX 4
Sketching
Choose OK.
Select the face, Datum Plane, or Datum CSYS plane. (You could also
create a relative Datum Plane or Datum CSYS on the fly.)
Choose OK.
Practical Applications of NX
13-13
13
Sketching
13
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
(InsertSketch)
Choose OK.
(MB2)
Step 5:
Step 6:
Step 7:
Step 8:
(SketchFinish Sketch)
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Sketching
(InsertSketch)
is already selected.
Choose OK.
Step 9:
(MB2)
(InsertCircle)
Practical Applications of NX
13-15
13
Sketching
13
(TaskFinish Sketch)
Step 10: Change the orientation of the face that defines the sketch plane.
Choose ToolsExpression.
Select the expression Change_Me and change the formula to
3.5.
Choose OK.
Rotate the part and notice how the circle remains associative
to the face.
Step 11: Create a sketch on a datum plane.
(Home key)
(InsertSketch)
Practical Applications of NX
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Sketching
13
Practical Applications of NX
13-17
Sketching
13
Choose OK.
(MB2)
YC
ZC
XC
13-18
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Sketching
13
Practical Applications of NX
13-19
Sketching
13
YC
ZC
XC
13-20
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Sketching
Sketch Curves
Sketch curves are created via the Sketch Curve toolbar. As curves are
created geometric constraints are assigned to the curves relative to the Infer
Constraints Settings.
1
2
3
4
Profile
Line
Arc
Circle
13
As you create the curves a symbol will appear near the curve being created to
represent the constraint that will be applied, if any.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
13-21
Sketching
Locking a Constraint
When a constraint symbol appears during curve creation you may lock in that
constraint by pressing MB2. For example, if you are creating a line and the
parallel symbol appears, press MB2. As you move the cursor, the new line
that is rubber banding is doing so parallel to the reference curve.
Snap Angle
The snap angle is a preference setting in the Sketch Preferences dialog that is
applied when curves are being created. It is used to "snap" a line to horizontal
or vertical. The default snap angle is set to 3 and is user definable between
0 and 20. This angular tolerance is defined on either side of horizontal or
vertical from the first specified location, effectively creating a 6 tolerance
zone by default.
13
When creating lines outside of the sketcher, snap angle only applies
when using inferred cursor location.
Snap Point Toolbar
The Snap Point toolbar can be displayed when creating most of the curve types
in the sketcher so that you have more control over the selection of locations.
When the Snap Point toolbar is active, regardless of the point types turned
on, cursor location is always available.
13-22
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Sketching
13
Profile Tool
The Profile tool allows creation of a string of lines and arcs without having to
specify a start for each curve after the first curve is created. The Profile tool
is turned on by default when you first create a sketch and can be accessed by
choosing the Profile icon on the Sketch Curve toolbar.
The icon options in the upper left corner of the graphics window allow you to
switch between creating lines (1) or arcs (2) and allow you to switch between
Coordinate Mode (3) or Parameter Mode (4). Line creation and Coordinate
Mode are the defaults.
Once you have created the first curve (line or arc), the default will revert back
to Line. You can switch to arc creation by using press-drag-release with MB1.
Practical Applications of NX
13-23
Sketching
The "circle-X" symbol (1) controls the direction in which the arc will be
created.
If the desired arc is in the wrong direction, release MB1, pass the cursor over
the end of the line, and exit in a different quadrant of the symbol.
13
As you create curves with the profile tool, the string mode can be broken
by clicking MB2.
13-24
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Sketching
Creating Lines
Line creation is accessed by choosing the Line icon on the Sketch Curve
toolbar.
Once in line creation, the icons in the upper left corner of the graphics window
provide two options: Coordinate Mode (by cursor location or keying in an XC
and YC coordinates) and Parameter Mode.
13
There are several ways to create a line:
Locate the start, and then enter the length and angle parameters.
Locate the start, enter one parameter, and then locate the end.
Once you indicate a start location, the system will switch to the Parameter
Mode. But, you can still specify an end location without switching back to
Coordinate Mode.
Practical Applications of NX
13-25
Sketching
Creating Arcs
Arc creation is accessed by choosing the Arc icon on the Sketch Curve toolbar.
Once in arc creation, the icons in the upper left corner of the graphics window
give you two sets of options. The first is creation method, and the second is
for the Coordinate/Parameter Mode.
13
There are two different arc creation methods:
Arc by 3 Points There are several ways to create the arc with
this method:
Locate the start, locate the end, and then locate a point on the arc.
Locate the start, enter a radius value and press Enter, locate the end
point, and then move the cursor to preview and choose which of the
four possible solutions to create.
The same as the previous, but enter the radius value after locating the
end point, but before the point on arc.
Arc by Center and End Points There are several ways to create
an arc with this method:
Locate the center, locate the start point, and locate the end point. (The
start point location determines the radius.)
Locate the center, locate the start point, enter a radius value and press
Enter, locate the end point.
Locate the center, enter radius and sweep angle values and press
Enter, locate the start of the sweep, and specify the direction for the
sweep.
Once you indicate a first location, the system will switch to Parameter
Mode. But you can still specify locations with the cursor without switching
back to Coordinate Mode.
13-26
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Sketching
Creating Circles
Circle creation is accessed by choosing the Circle icon on the Sketch Curve
toolbar.
Once in circle creation, the icons in the upper left corner of the graphics
window provide two sets of options. The first is creation method, and the
second is for the Coordinate/Parameter Mode.
13
There are two different circle creation options:
Circle by Center and Diameter There are a few ways to create a
circle with this option:
Locate the center, enter a Diameter, and press Enter. The circle is
created. You are then in multiple circle creation mode - just indicate
another location for a circle center.
Locate the center, drag the radius until you get the size you want.
Press Enter. The circle is created, and you are in multiple circle
creation mode. Indicate another center.
Once you indicate a first location, the system will switch to the enter
Parameters mode. But you can still give a location without changing
back to XY.
Practical Applications of NX
13-27
Sketching
13
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Choose OK
Step 5:
(InsertSketch)
13-28
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Sketching
13
Choose OK.
Step 7:
Create a Profile.
In this step you will create the sketch curves shown below using
the Profile tool.
Practical Applications of NX
13-29
Sketching
13
Hold MB1 down and drag the cursor straight up from the end
point of the last line and then release.
You are now in Arc creation mode.
13-30
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Sketching
13
Practical Applications of NX
13-31
Sketching
Optional Challenge
Practice sketching the following profiles:
13
13-32
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Sketching
Creating Fillets
Fillet creation is accessed by choosing the Fillet icon on the Sketch Curve
toolbar.
Once in fillet creation, icon options appear in the upper left corner of the
graphics window. The Trim Inputs option (1) determines whether or not the
original curves are trimmed. The Delete Third Curve option (2) determines
whether the middle curve is deleted in a three-curve fillet. The Create
Alternate Fillet option (3) will produce a complementary solution for the fillet
(e.g. a 270 degree arc instead of the default 90 degree arc).
You can create fillets between lines, arcs or conics. You can also create a fillet
between two parallel lines.
There are several ways to create Fillets:
Select two curves with a single selection (at their intersection), and then
drag the size and quadrant.
Select two curves individually, and drag the size and quadrant.
Select one curve, enter a radius value, and select the second curve.
Select two curves individually, enter a radius value, and the indicate the
desired quadrant.
Drag (with MB1) across the two curves you want to fillet. The size of the
fillet is determined by where the curves are selected.
Practical Applications of NX
13-33
13
Sketching
Quick Trim
This option will allow you to trim any curve to the closest curve in the sketch
and preview the results in preselection color.
13
You can trim multiple curves at one time, by using the "crayon" select method.
Hold down MB1 and drag across the portion of curves you want to trim away.
You can select a specific curve to trim to, by using Ctrl-select to select the
desired boundary curve. More than one bounding curve can be selected using
this method.
In the example below, both the arc on the left and the spline on the right were
Ctrl-selected as boundary curves. With the cursor on the top line, (between
the two boundary curves), the center section is previewed as the portion to
be removed.
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Sketching
13
If you trim an arc to a line that is tangent, the tangency constraint is retained.
Practical Applications of NX
13-35
Sketching
Quick Extend
This option will extend lines, arcs and conics to the closest curve in the
sketch. The system will preview the results in the preselection color.
The curve being extended must extend to an actual intersection with the
boundary curve.
You can extend multiple curves at one time, by using the "crayon" select
method. Hold down MB1 and drag across the ends of curves you want to
extend.
13
You can also select specific boundary curves by using the control-select
method.
As with Quick Trim, when you use Quick Extend, appropriate constraints are
automatically created.
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Sketching
13
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Create a 4 mm radius fillet using lines L16 and L20 with a single
selection and trimming the lines.
(InsertFillet)
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Sketching
13
Drag the cursor around the screen and notice that you can
select which quadrant you want.
Select in the lower right quadrant to place the fillet in the
desired quadrant.
Step 6:
Create a 4 mm fillet using lines L16 and L17 with a single selection
and do not trim the lines.
Turn off Trim Inputs. (background not highlighted)
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13
Step 7:
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Sketching
Step 8:
Create another fillet between lines L18 and L20 by using the
"crayon", but this time do NOT use a radius value.
Use Backspace to erase the 4 in the text field.
13
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Sketching
Step 9:
Create a fillet between lines L18 and L19, and drag the size and
quadrant.
Individually select the lines L18 and L19.
Drag the cursor around the screen.
Select a location to create an arc similar to the one shown below.
13
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Sketching
Step 2:
Step 3:
13
(EditQuick Trim)
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Sketching
Hold MB1 down and drag the cursor across the two curves as
shown below.
13
Step 4:
(EditQuick Extend)
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Sketching
13
The status line informs you that the curve cannot be extended.
This is because there is no other curve that would intersect
the arc.
Place the cursor on the arc at location (2) shown below.
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Step 5:
Step 6:
Step 7:
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Sketching
Sketch Points
Sketch objects are defined by theoretical points. A line, for instance, is defined
by two points. The sketcher attempts to mathematically solve for the location
of the points by analyzing the constraints (rules) that are placed on objects.
The points that the sketch solver analyzes are referred to as sketch points.
By controlling the locations of these sketch points the curve itself may be
controlled. There are various ways to control these points. The sketch points
associated with different types of curves are illustrated in the graphic below.
13
Line
Arc
Circle
Spline
Fillet
Point
Ellipse
Undefined in Undefined in
Y Direction
X Direction
Defined in
X and Y
Directions
(no display)
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Sketching
DOF arrows are removed as rules are written that define the location of the
sketch points.
Arc - Arcs have sketch points at the center and at either end. These
sketch points as well as the radius of the arc may be defined.
Circle - Circles may have the center point as well as a radius or diameter
defined.
Ellipse - An ellipse may have the location of its center defined; also, the
parameters for the size and orientation of the ellipse are stored for future
editing.
Line - Lines may have the sketch points at either end defined.
Spline - Degree three splines may have their defining points located.
Slopes of the spline at the defining points may also be defined. Splines
that are of a degree other than three may be added to sketches; however,
since their defining points are not located at their knot points, there is no
way to locate their defining points using constraints.
If any of the sketch points that define a curve are unconstrained, the curve is
displayed in the color specified by the Partially Constrained Curves setting
in PreferencesSketchColors. When all defining points are constrained,
the curve will change to the color specified by the Fully Constrained Curves
setting in PreferencesSketchColors. Theses colors only apply during the
creation of dimensions or constraints.
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Sketching
Dimensional Constraints
Design Intent
The power in sketching is derived from the ability to capture design intent.
You do this by creating rules, called constraints, that dictate how sketch
objects will react to changes.
As many or as few constraints as necessary may be applied to cause the
sketch profile to update in the manner desired.
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Sketching
As dimensions are being created, the dimension, its extension lines, and
arrows are displayed as soon as the geometry has been selected.
Drag the dimension until it is the correct type, for example horizontal
or parallel.
Sometimes, a dimension type may be inferred before all of the geometry has
been selected. In this case, continue to select geometry until the correct
dimension type is displayed, or select the icon for the dimension type you
desire and select the geometry again.
An expression is also created for each dimension. The name (1) and value
(2) of the expression appear in a text box in the graphics window after the
dimension has been placed. You may key in a new name or value. Press
the Enter key to activate the change.
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13
Sketching
You can use the dialog to help create and edit dimensions. You can change the
value of a dimension by either keying it in or using the slider bar.
13
There are also two option menus to change the appearance of the dimension.
The Placement option menu is for defining how the text and arrows of the
dimension will be displayed. Options are for automatic placement of text and
arrows (1), manual text placement with arrows inside the extension lines (2),
or manual text placement with the arrows outside the extension lines (3).
The Leader option menu is for defining whether the dimensions leader is
attached to the left (1) or right (2) of the dimension text.
Both of these option menus may be used before, during or after dimension
creation.
Text Height
The Text Height controls the displayed height of the dimension text.
Modifying this value will affect the display of all dimensions in the active
sketch.
The Text Height option can also be accessed by choosing
PreferencesSketch.
The Fixed Text Height option in SketchPreferences controls the size of
the dimension text when you zoom. If this option is turned on, the text will
remain the same size relative to the screen as you zoom in and out.
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Dimension Types
Inferred The dimension type (except perimeter) is inferred based on
the objects selected and the cursor location.
Horizontal Specifies a distance constraint between two points with
respect to the X-axis of the sketch coordinate system. Points, points on sketch
curves, edges, lines, and arcs are selectable.
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Sketching
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Perimeter Constrains the collective lengths of lines and arcs to a
desired value. After selecting the curves and choosing MB2, an expression
is automatically generated with a Perimeter_ prefix added to the name.
(i.e. Perimeter_p7=6.456). There will be no graphical representation of this
constraint in the graphics window.
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Sketching
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Step 1:
Open angle_adj_1.
Step 2:
Step 3:
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Sketching
13
Choose MB2 to exit dimension creation mode.
Step 4:
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Editing Dimensions
The editing of dimensions may be achieved as follows:
To edit the value or the name, simply double-click on the dimension and
edit the value or the name in the text box and press Enter.
To edit the position, place cursor over a dimension, press and hold down
MB1, and simply drag the dimensions location.
Additional editing that may be done with the Dimensions dialog as listed
below:
Name
Value
Position
Text placement
Leader side
Text height
The name and value of a dimension may also be edited by using the
Expressions dialog. As dimensions are edited, the constraints are
evaluated and the geometry is modified.
Delay Evaluation
Delay Evaluation prevents geometry changes as one or more dimensions are
modified. This is available as an icon on the Sketcher toolbar or by choosing
ToolsDelay Sketch Evaluation.
Evaluate Sketch
Evaluate Sketch controls sketch evaluation when Delay Evaluation is on.
(Sketches are evaluated automatically when you exit from the Constraints
dialog.) This is available as an icon on the Sketcher toolbar or by choosing
ToolsEvaluate Sketch
Update Model
Update Model forces the model to update without leaving the sketch
function. (The model is updated automatically when you exit from the sketch
environment.) This is available as an icon on the Sketcher toolbar or by
choosing ToolsUpdate Model.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
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Sketching
Retain Dimensions
When a sketch is deactivated the dimensions are normally hidden.
Retain Dimensions is a toggle in the Sketch Preferences dialog to retain
dimension display after the sketch is deactivated.
13
Retain Dimensions applies only to the active sketch, thus to suit your needs
you may have a mixture of sketches with and without retained dimensions.
Use this setting when you need to display dimensions without an active
sketch, for example to reference expression names between sketches, when
creating features, or for plotting.
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Sketching
Open angle_adj_2.
Step 2:
Step 3:
13
(MB3Fit)
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Sketching
Step 4:
Edit a dimension.
Place the cursor over a sketch curve and choose MB3Edit.
Choose MB3Orient View to Model.
Double-click on the 45 dimension.
In the dynamic input field, key in 75 and press Enter.
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Step 5:
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Sketching
Step 6:
(MB3Undo)
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Sketching
Geometric Constraints
A geometric constraint establishes a geometric characteristic of a sketch
object (such as defining a line as being horizontal) or the type of relationship
between two or more objects (such as requiring that two lines be parallel or
perpendicular, or that several arcs have the same radius).
Unlike dimensional constraints, geometric constraints have no editable
numeric values; a constant angle constraint, for instance, simply dictates that
the line stay at the angle it is at when the constraint is applied.
To create geometric constraints, choose the Constraints icon, select the
objects, and choose the desired constraint from the icon option bar that
appears in the upper left corner of the graphics window. Only icons for
constraints that apply to the selected geometry will be displayed.
You may also choose the constraint from an MB3 pop-up menu after selecting
the geometry.
To assign multiple constraints at one time, press the Ctrl key while
selecting the objects. The icon option bar for the constraints will
then remain in the upper left corner of the graphics window after
you choose the first constraint. You can use MB2 or the Esc key to
cancel creation of constraints.
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13
Sketching
13
Coincident
Collinear
Concentric
Constant Angle
Constant Length
Equal Length
Equal Radius
Fixed
Horizontal
Midpoint
13-64
Parallel
Perpendicular
Point on Curve
Point on String
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Sketching
Scale,
NonUniform
Scale, Uniform
Slope of Curve
Tangent
Vertical
Constant Angle
Collinear
Concentric
Horizontal
Tangent
Vertical
Equal Radius
Parallel
Coincident
Perpendicular
Point on Curve
Equal Length
Midpoint of Curve
Constant Length
Point on String
Mirror
Scale, Uniform
Slope of Curve
Scale, Non-Uniform
If the sketch curves are relatively small (the view is zoomed out), the
symbols may not be displayed. You may need to zoom in to see them.
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13
Sketching
Show/Remove Constraints
Show/Remove Constraints helps you manage constraints. The constraints
may be listed by object(s) or all of the constraints of the active sketch may
be listed at once.
1 List all constraints
or by object(s).
13
Constraint Interrogation
While the Show/Remove dialog is displayed, you can determine what
constraints are present by passing the selection ball over a sketch object. If
the object has an associated constraint, the object will be pre-highlighted
along with any other objects that share the constraint. The constraint symbol
will appear next to the sketch objects. If an object which has no constraints
associated with it, it will not highlight.
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Sketching
Constraint Categories
There are two major categories of constraints, Explicit and Inferred.
Explicit constraints are constraints that you create by assignment using the
constraints dialog or by virtue of the creation method. Inferred constraints
are Coincident constraints that the system has inferred and created
during the curve creation process. You have the option to list only Explicit
constraints, only Inferred constraints, or both.
13
Constraint Listing
The constraints may also be listed in the Show/Remove Constraints dialog by
selecting one of the three options at the top of the dialog window.
Selected Object
Selected Objects
All in Active
Sketch
Listing Box
Any time there are constraints listed in the list box they may be browsed by
selecting the constraint to highlight it. When the constraint is highlighted in
the list box, the sketch object(s) that is associated with it is also highlighted
in the graphics window. The Step Up the List and Step Down the List buttons
allow easy navigation through the various constraints. The Up and Down
arrows on most keyboards will mimic this behavior.
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Sketching
Information
The Information button located on the Show/Remove Constraints dialog will
list all of the constraints in the active sketch to the information window.
This is useful should there be a need to make a hard copy of the constraints
or save them as a text file.
Removing Constraints
Constraints may be deleted by these methods:
13
Highlight them in the Show/Remove Constraints dialog List box and select
Remove Highlighted Constraint(s), or just double click them in the list.
Turn on Select Constraints (on the Selection toolbar), select the constraint
symbol on the graphics window, and then choose the Delete icon.
Undo
Undo from the Edit pull-down menu, the Undo icon on the Standard toolbar,
the MB3 pop-up menu, or the accelerator keys. Undo takes the user actions
back one step at a time.
After an Undo is performed, the Redo option is available in the Edit
pulldown menu or Standard toolbar.
Dragging Geometry
Under constrained geometry can be dragged only when not in a constraint
creation mode. Simply hold down and drag MB1 while on the selected
curve(s) or point(s).
Selection
When in the Sketcher Task Environment, the selection toolbar changes. It
has two icons that are only available in the Sketcher.
Select Sketch Objects allows selection of curves and dimensions
in the sketch.
Select Constraints allows selection of constraint symbols in the
graphics window.
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Constraint Conditions
When either the Dimensions or Constraints option is chosen, the Status line
lists the constraint condition for the active sketch. A sketch may be fully
constrained, under constrained, or over constrained. When the sketch is
under constrained the Status line will indicate the number of constraints
needed.
Sketch needs 4 constraints
Sketch is fully constrained
Sketch contains over constrained geometry
13
A sketch is evaluated each time a constraint is placed upon the sketch. Each
time a sketch is evaluated, the system attempts to solve the set of constraints
that describe how the geometric objects are positioned and their relationships
with each other.
Fully Constrained
In order to completely capture the design intent of a particular profile, it may
be beneficial to fully constrain the sketch. This occurs when the solver is able
to completely define all sketch geometry.
There is no requirement to fully constrain a sketch. The design intent has
been captured sufficiently when the constraint set applied to the profile
causes it to update in the intended manner.
Under Constrained
A sketch is under constrained when there is insufficient information to
completely locate each sketch point. Degree-of-freedom arrows are displayed
at each point that can not be solved to identify the direction in which that
point remains free to move.
Over Constrained
A sketch is over constrained when too much constraint information is
supplied to the solver. For example, if an Equal Length constraint is applied
to two lines and then dimensions are added to each to constrain their length,
the sketch would be over constrained.
The geometry and dimensional constraints that are causing the over
constrained condition are highlighted in a different color to help you identify
and resolve the issue. This color is determined by the Overconstrained Curves
and Dimensions setting in the Sketch Preferences.
An unwanted constraint must be removed before the system will change the
geometric configuration. The sketch remains in the last solved condition.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
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Sketching
Conflicting Constraints
Dimensional constraints and geometry that are in conflict in the current
configuration with the current constraint set are also highlighted in a
different color. This indicates that the constraint set that has been supplied is
not solvable with the geometry in its current configuration. Constraints may
need to be added or removed in order for the sketcher to be able to solve the
constraint set. The highlight color is determined by the Conflicting Curves
and Dimensions setting in the Sketch Preferences.
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Sketching
Open angle_adj_3.
Step 2:
Step 3:
(MB3Fit)
(InsertConstraints)
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Sketching
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Sketching
Select the six tangent curve pairs near the six points shown
below, two adjacent curves at a time, and apply aTangent
constraint to each pair. Be careful to select on the correct half
of the arc.
13
Lastly, the two arcs at the top of the slot should remain
concentric.
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Sketching
Select the two upper arcs (1) and apply a Concentric constraint.
13
The slot should now be constrained such that the angle may be
adjusted while the configuration remains as intended.
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Sketching
Step 5:
(ToolsUpdate Model)
13
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Sketching
13
The width of the slot at the bottom of the angled lines is controlled
by the radius at the bottom of the slot.
Step 1:
Open pipevise_1.
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
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13
(InsertConstraints)
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Sketching
13
Step 6:
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Sketching
(MB3Fit)
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13
Sketching
13
(InsertConstraints)
Hold the Ctrl key down and select the two horizontal lines (1)
at the top of the profile.
Choose Collinear
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Sketching
Choose Tangent.
Create another Tangent constraint on the other side of the slot,
selecting the left side of the arc and the left vertical line.
Hold the Ctrl key down and select the bottom horizontal line
and the lower endpoint of the line originating from the arc
center.
Choose Midpoint.
Use the Esc key to deselect all the curves.
(EditSelectionDeselect All).
Select the line (1), shown below, between the midpoint and
the arc center.
Choose Vertical.
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13
Sketching
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Sketching
Select the right angled line and the top right horizontal line,
avoiding the end points. Place this angular dimension and
change its value to the p number assigned to the other angular
dimension.
13
Select the arc at the bottom of the slot. Place the radius
dimension and change its value to .25.
Select the line connecting the arc center and the midpoint
and place this vertical dimension. Change its value to 1.5 and
choose Enter.
The Status line now informs you that the sketch is fully
constrained. Remember that it is not necessarily required
to fully constrain the profile if it is updating in the manner
desired.
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Sketching
Step 9:
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13
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
(InsertSketch)
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Sketching
Choose OK
Step 4:
13
(InsertCircle)
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Sketching
13
Choose MB2.
The two circles are fully constrained because of the dimensional
and geometric constraints that were inferred as you created them.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
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Sketching
Step 6:
(InsertCircle)
Click and drag to create a circle near on left side of the graphics
window. Key in a Diameter value of 0.5 and press Enter.
13
(InsertConstraints)
Select the arc center of the circle and the horizontal datum axis.
Step 7:
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Sketching
Select the two circles on the left side and choose Concentric.
13
Step 8:
(InsertConstraints)
Select the two new circles on the right and choose Concentric.
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Sketching
Select the arc center of the circles on the right and the
horizontal datum axis and choose Point on Curve.
Select the smaller circle on the left and the smaller circle on
the right and choose Equal Radius.
Select the larger circle on the left and the larger circle on the
13
Step 9:
Step 10: Create the tangent lines on the outer boundary of the gasket.
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(InsertLine)
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Sketching
13
To convert objects, select them in the graphics window and choose Convert
To/From Reference from the MB3 pop-up menu.
Reference curves are displayed in a phantom line font and are ignored
during sweep operations.
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13
Step 1:
Open seedpart_in.
Step 2:
Step 3:
(InsertSketch)
Choose OK.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
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Sketching
Step 4:
13
Choose OK.
Step 5:
Create a rectangle.
Choose the Rectangle icon.
(InsertRectangle)
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13
Step 6:
Step 7:
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Sketching
13
Step 8:
(InsertLine)
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Sketching
13
Notice that the sketch configuration does not change when the
value is modified. The system leaves the geometry in its last
solved state until the over constrained condition is resolved.
Step 12: Convert sketch dimensions to reference.
Choose MB2 to exit the dimension creation mode.
Select the horizontal and vertical dimensions.
Choose MB3Convert To/From Reference.
The sketch is returned to a fully constrained condition. The
reference dimensions reflect the value only. They do not control
the geometry to which they are attached.
The over constrained condition could also have been resolved
by deleting the horizontal and vertical dimensions.
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Sketching
Summary
This lesson introduced the concept of sketch creation.
Sketches may be used to define a base feature, guide paths, and additional
associative features to the base feature.
A sketch parametrically controls curves. It can also be defined on a sketch
plane which is associative to a datum plane/face of a model. Both of these
benefits allow you to capture and maintain design intent.
Constraints are applied to sketch objects in order to capture the design intent.
The level of constraint, partial or full, is determined by the design intent
and what is necessary to capture it.
In this lesson you:
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13
Lesson
Purpose
This lesson introduces Swept Features and Boolean Operations.
14
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
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14
The features/bodies that are created will be associated with both the section
string and the guide string.
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Extrude
The Extrude option (InsertDesign FeatureExtrude) allows a feature to be
created by sweeping planar, section string geometry in a linear direction for
a specified distance.
Extruding a Sketch
A sketch can easily be extruded using an object/action approach by placing
the cursor over it in the graphics window and choosing the Extrude option in
the MB3 pop-up menu.
The Start and End extrude distances can then be specified by using the drag
handles or by keying in values in the dynamic input boxes. The Start drag
handle is represented by a sphere (1) and the End drag handle is represented
by a cone (2).
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14
The Extrude dialog is displayed and provides a single user interface to specify
Limits, Offset, Draft, and Boolean operation for an extrusion.
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Extruding a partial sketch is a technique that is used when one sketch may
define multiple features.
14
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14-5
Extruding a set of closed planar connected curves with another closed set
within the boundary of the first creates a solid with an interior hole.
Extruding a curve or set of planar connected curves which are not closed
creates a sheet body unless offsets are used.
14
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14
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
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Choose OK (MB2).
Step 4:
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Boolean Operations
Boolean operations are used to create a single solid body out of two or more
existing solid bodies. If a solid already exists in the part, a Boolean operation
can be specified in the Extrude dialog to combine the new feature with the
existing solid body instead of creating it as a separate solid body.
1 Create
2 Unite
3 Subtract
4 Intersect
14
Practical Applications of NX
14-9
Unite
This option produces one solid body by defining a target solid (1) and tool
solid (2).
14
Subtract
This option allows material to be removed from a target solid (1) by using
another solid as the tool solid (2), leaving empty space where the tool solid
existed.
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Intersect
This option results in a solid occupying the volume common to the selected
target solid (1) and tool solid (2).
14
Boolean Errors
If you attempt to unite a tool solid within a target solid and there is no change
in topology, the following message appears.
If you attempt to unite, subtract, or intersect a tool solid with a target solid
and the two solids do not touch, the following message appears.
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If you attempt to subtract a tool solid (1) from a target solid and the operation
would produce a zero thickness (2), the following message appears.
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Until Next
Until Selected
Until Extended
Through All
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Offset Examples
The values of the Start Offset and End Offset may be positive or negative.
The positive direction is determined by the direction of the End Offset drag
handle (cone).
Start Offset Zero
End Offset Positive
14
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14-16
If the section string included interior holes, the holes would be tapered
in the opposite direction to the outside objects.
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Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
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Step 4:
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14
in the dialog.
Key in .25 for the End (Limit) value and press Enter.
Turn the Offset option on.
Key in .25 for the End (Offset) value and press Enter.
If the Offset drag handle is pointing away from the center of
the part, use a positive value for the End offset. If the Offset
drag handle is pointing toward the center of the part, use a
negative value.
Practical Applications of NX
14-19
14
The selected edge is extruded from its origin, normal to its creation
plane to a distance .25 units. The feature is defined as being .25
units thick measured outside the edge. The thickness was defined
by the values entered in the End Offset fields relative to direction
of the offset drag handle.
Step 5:
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Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
in the dialog.
Key in .075 for the End (Limit) value and press Enter.
Turn the Offset option on.
Key in .15 for the Start (Offset) value and .275 for the End
(Offset) value and press Enter.
If the Offset drag handle is pointing away from the center of
the part, use positive values for the offsets. If the Offset drag
handle is pointing toward the center of the part, use negative
values.
Choose OK.
Step 6:
Practical Applications of NX
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14
Selection Intent
The Selection Intent toolbar is available to specify curve and edge selection
rules for section strings when creating extruded features. These rules can be
applied to automatically select a collection of curves or edges in a single step
instead of selecting them individually.
Curve Options
When a feature requires the selection of a profile or individual curves and
edges, the Curve options become available for collecting and section building.
The pull-down menu displays the curve or edge selection rules that are
applicable to the feature you are creating.
The cursor changes to a Curve Collecting mode, indicating you can collect
curves or edges. Choose the rule from the pull-down menu that best describes
the action for the design intent of your feature.
14
Any Lets you use the original default intent method to extend a
selection. The default method can vary based on the type of object you
selected. For example, with Extrude the default could be All Curves of
Feature if a curve is selected, and Single if the selected object is an edge.
The Any method lets the controlling feature derive intent based on the
type of object selected.
Single Curve Lets you single-select one or more curves or edges. No
rule is applied to a collection of singly-selected curves, and it is basically
a simple list of objects without intent. You can enhance a collection of
singly-selected curves or edges by moving MB3 over one of the selected
objects and then choosing another rule.
Connected Curves Lets you select a chain of curves or edges that share
endpoints. No rule is applied if the chained curves are non-associative.
The curve intent does not attempt to grow or shrink the chain if curves
are added or no longer form a single chain after an edit to the model.
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Stop at Intersection
Select this option to specify that auto chaining stops not only at endpoints of
the curve or edge but also on intersections with other curves or edges. When
you select a chain, all other curves and edges visible in the selection view are
checked for intersections with the current chain. At each of the intersection
points (that is, where two or more objects meet at a point, either interior or at
an end point) the system bounds the chain.
Follow Fillet
You can use this option to automatically chain a section onto and off of a
tangent arc. This option is available only when you are building a section,
and only for Connected Curves and Tangent Curves chaining intents. If you
select both Follow Fillet and Stop At Intersections, Follow Fillet overrides
Stop At Intersections at branches where it applies
Practical Applications of NX
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14
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Step 1:
14
Step 2:
Step 3:
(InsertDesign
Practical Applications of NX
14-25
14
End (Limit)
.125
Step 4:
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Closed String
14
An open section string swept along a guide path that forms an enclosed
loop will automatically cap the end faces, providing the Modeling
Preferences Body Type is set to Solid.
Open section strings will always be swept into a solid body when using
the sweep with offset option.
Only one Section String and only one Guide String may be selected.
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14-28
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14
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Practical Applications of NX
14-29
Select one of the I-beam sketch curves as the section string (1).
The I-beam is a sketch feature so all of the curves in the I-beam
are selected except the reference line.
14
Choose OK. (MB2)
Verify that the Curve option to Feature Curves in the Selection
Intent toolbar.
Select one of the curves from the sketch on layer 23 as the
guide string (2).
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mt10050_g NX 4
Choose Create.
14
Cancel the Sweep along Guide dialog.
Step 4:
(InsertCombine BodiesUnite)
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14
Step 5:
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14
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Practical Applications of NX
14-33
Select the sketch of the closed profile (2) as the guide string.
14
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Step 4:
14
Step 5:
Practical Applications of NX
14-35
Revolve
The Revolve option (InsertDesign FeatureRevolve) allows you to create a
feature by rotating a section string about an axis through specified angles.
The Revolve feature requires a section (1), a location and direction for the
rotation axis (2), and Start and End angles (3,4). The angles can be specified
by using drag handles, keying in values in the dynamic input boxes, or in
a dialog.
14
You can also revolve a sketch by placing the cursor over it in the
graphics window and choosing the Revolve option in the MB3 pop-up
menu.
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Practical Applications of NX
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The Revolve dialog is displayed and provides a single user interface to specify
Angular Limits, Offset, and a Boolean operation.
14
When revolving an open section string a full 360, the end faces will be
automatically capped to produce a solid body if the Body Type option is
set to Solid.
The Right Hand rule determines the direction of the sweep. You can
reverse the direction by double-clicking on the axis vector in the graphics
window or by choosing the Reverse Direction icon in the dialog.
Practical Applications of NX
14-37
Step 2:
Step 3:
14
= 0
End
= 360
Choose MB2.
Select the Datum Axis in the graphics window.
Choose OK (MB2).
A solid revolved body is created from the open section string.
If you wanted to create a solid body with a sweep of less than
360, the section string must be closed or offsets must be
specified.
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Step 4:
End (Limit)
180
Start (Offset)
End (Offset)
.25
14
Choose MB2.
Select the Datum Axis in the graphics window.
Choose OK. (MB2)
Notice that the revolution starts at the plane of the curves and
revolves in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the
positive axis of rotation (the Datum Axis). The Right Hand
Rule for Positive Rotation applies.
Step 5:
Practical Applications of NX
14-39
14
End Angle
90
Choose MB2.
Select the short edge, as shown below, as the inferred rotation
axis vector.
Unite the new revolved solid body with the existing solid body.
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(InsertCombine BodiesUnite)
Select the target (1) and tool solid (2) as shown below.
14
Choose OK. (MB2)
Step 7:
Step 8:
Practical Applications of NX
14-41
Step 2:
Step 3:
14
Make layer 24 selectable to view the section string (1) and make
all other layers invisible. Layer 1 will remain the work layer.
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mt10050_g NX 4
14
Choose MB2.
Select the vertical line shown (2) to define the vector for the
axis of revolution.
End Angle
360
Practical Applications of NX
14-43
Step 4:
Unite the new revolved solid body with the existing solid body.
Choose the Unite icon.
(InsertCombine BodiesUnite)
14
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14
Step 2:
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14
14-46
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14
Step 3:
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14-47
Summary
Swept features are created by extruding, revolving, or sweeping a section
string. The section string may be composed of sketch curves, explicit curves,
solid edges, solid faces, and sheet bodies.
Boolean operations are used to create a single solid body out of two or more
existing solid bodies.
In this lesson you:
14
14-48
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mt10050_g NX 4
Lesson
Delete features.
Move features.
Rename a feature.
15
Practical Applications of NX
15-1
15
15-2
Part Navigator Many feature editing options are available in the Part
Navigator. You may also use it to review the Model History and feature
dependencies.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Part Navigator
The Part Navigator allows various actions to be performed on features.
Holding down MB3 on a feature node in the Part Navigator displays a feature
specific pop-up menu offering pertinent editing options.
To access the Part Navigator, choose the icon on the resource bar on the right
side of the NX window.
15
The options available in the pop-up menu will vary depending on the
type of feature selected. Many of the options are not available if the
Modeling application is not active.
Practical Applications of NX
15-3
Display Dimensions
Choosing Display Dimensions causes the features parameter values to be
displayed (just as they are with Edit Parameters). The temporary display
remains until a Refresh is performed.
Show/Hide
Allows the body or parents for the selected feature to be hidden or displayed.
This function blanks/unblanks the object(s) and their display can be brought
back by using the Show/Hide options or the options under EditBlank.
The Hide Body option "blanks" the solid body that the feature is applied to.
The Hide Parents option is more applicable to swept features. If the Hide
Parents option is used on a swept feature, the system will hide (blank) the
parent curves which generated the swept feature. If the swept feature is
derived by a solid edge(s) then the Hide Parents option will hide (blank) the
parent solid body. This option is not effective in showing or hiding "resulting
curves," which are produced directly from a curve feature operation, such
as with Offset Curve.
15
15-4
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15
Practical Applications of NX
15-5
Rename
This option allows you to append a user-defined name to the feature. The user
defined name will appear in addition to the system defined name in the Part
Navigator (i.e. Simple Hole(6) Alignment Hole).
Delete
Deletes the selected feature (same as EditDelete).
Object Dependency Browser
The Object Dependency Browser allows the parent and child relationships of
a feature to be interrogated.
Information
Provides information about the selected feature in the Information window.
Properties
15
This option provides access to General and Attribute information for the
feature selected. General properties include the feature name, which can be
edited similarly to the Rename function. Attributes can be added to any
feature to include information which could be called out in a specified column
of the Part Navigator. For more information on feature attributes and Part
Navigator columns see the technical documentation.
15-6
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Deleting Features
You can delete features by selecting the feature and choosing Delete from the
MB3 pop-up menu. The feature can be selected in the graphics window or
Part Navigator.
If you choose the Delete icon from the Standard toolbar (or EditDelete), an
icon options bar is displayed in upper left corner of the graphics window.
Choosing the Features icon allows you to select features to delete
Practical Applications of NX
15-7
15
Update Failures
When an edit is made to a feature, the model is updated (or rebuilt) to
incorporate this change. Sometimes the edit may cause a failure in a feature
that occurs later in the model history. The Edit During Update dialog will
appear if an update failure occurs and allow you to resolve the problem.
In the example below, an edit was made to a Shell feature that results in the
removal of an edge that is later blended. After the edit is made, the blend
fails during the model update and the Edit During Update dialog appears.
15
The options that allow you to advance forward through the model history
(Step, Step To, and Continue) are disabled until the failure is resolved and the
feature successfully updates. You may delete, suppress, or edit the current
feature or step back and edit an earlier feature.
15-8
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Practical Applications of NX
15-9
15
Show Current Model displays the part of the model that has been
successfully rebuilt.
For performance reasons, the display does not change during update
when an update method other than Show Current Model is used.
After the model update has finished, the display is updated.
Post Recovery Update Status specifies what should happen after an edit
is made during an update failure.
Continue restarts the automatic update process from where it left off.
Pause stops at the next feature after an edit is made and lets you
choose other Edit during Update options, rather than automatically
resuming the update.
15
15-10
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Step 2:
Step 3:
15
Practical Applications of NX
15-11
Step 5:
15
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Step 6:
(MB3Fit)
Delete a feature.
Practical Applications of NX
15-13
15
15
The three holes will be deleted because faces of the slot were
used as their placement face or thru face.
Close the Information window.
Choose OK.
The T Slot and the dependent hole features are removed.
Step 8:
15-14
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
15
Step 2:
Step 3:
Practical Applications of NX
15-15
Choose OK (MB2).
The Edit during Update dialog appears.
15
The feature that has caused the failure to occur is shown in the
graphics window.
Choose Show Current Model.
The model appears in the graphics window relative to the new
1.75 width value.
15-16
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Choose Edit
15
Step 4:
Practical Applications of NX
15-17
Step 2:
Step 3:
15
15-18
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
15
Press and hold down MB1 on Shell(5) and drag the feature
just below Blend(6).
Notice the sharp corners on the inside of the part.
Practical Applications of NX
15-19
Press and hold down MB1 on Shell(6) and drag the feature
just below Blend(7).
Now there is a radius on the inside edges.
15
Step 5:
Rename a Feature.
Select the Blend(5) feature in the Part Navigator and choose
MB3Rename.
Key in Throat Blend and press Enter.
The new name is appended to the system-defined name in the
Part Navigator. This can make the feature easier to identify
when reordering or reviewing the model.
Step 6:
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If Delayed Update after Edit is off, the part is updated after the
completion of each edit operation. This is the default setting.
If Delayed Update after Edit is on, feature updates are delayed while
edits are made. For example, the positioning dimension of a feature may
be changed followed by an edit to the parameters of another feature
without updating the model.
Update Model
Once Delayed Update after Edit is enabled and edits are made, the Update
Model option becomes available so that you can update the model when it is
convenient.
This option is accessed by choosing ToolsUpdateUpdate Model. If this
is an option that will be used often you can add the Update icon to the Edit
Feature toolbar.
The model will be updated automatically when the part is saved.
Practical Applications of NX
15-21
15
Move Feature
The Move Feature option (EditFeatureMove) allows you to move a feature
that is not associatively positioned to a new location.
This option excludes all swept features, relative datum features, and
instance arrays as well as features whose location has been constrained
using positioning dimensions.
Move Feature can be used to move a primitive that is used as the base
feature for the model.
15
15-22
To a Point
CSYS to CSYS
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Reattaching a Feature
One of the options available for editing under Edit Parameters is Reattach.
Reattach allows the feature references of the feature to be redefined.
A feature reference may be an attachment face, a thru face, a target edge for
positioning, etc. Objects that may have their references redefined include
most form features (holes, pockets, grooves, pads, slots, and bosses), and
linear instance sets of these features, trim faces of extruded and revolved
features, and user-defined features (UDFs).
In the example below, a pad feature and associated holes are reattached from
the original placement face to a new face.
15
Practical Applications of NX
15-23
15
15-24
Practical Applications of NX
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Reattach Options
The following options are available to redefine feature references:
Specify First Thru Face allows the first through/trim face of the
feature being edited to be redefined.
15
Specify Second Thru face allows the second through/trim face of
the feature being edited to be redefined.
Specify Tool Placement Face allows the tool face of a User Defined
Feature (UDF) to be redefined.
In addition, while using any of these redefine feature references options, the
following options on the Reattach dialog are available:
Filter allows filtering of selectable object types including faces, datum
planes, edges, and datum axes. The default is All Types. The list of filter
options available is dependent on the specific Reattach option icon chosen.
Positioning Dimensions A list window displays the types of positioning
dimensions currently on the selected feature. If MB1 is used to select a
dimension in this list, its available references are highlighted in the graphics
window. Double-clicking with MB1 on a dimension in the list allows it to
be redefined.
Direction Reference allows the definition of a new Horizontal or Vertical
feature reference. The default is always set for the existing reference type.
Reverse Direction allows the features reference direction to be reversed.
Reverse Side allows the features normal direction to be reversed when
reattaching that feature to a datum plane.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
15-25
15
15-26
Practical Applications of NX
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15
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Practical Applications of NX
15-27
15
The third icon, Redefine Positioning Dimensions, is active and
the Cue line prompts you to select a Dimension to Redefine.
Select the vertical positioning dimension from the graphics
window (20.0).
Select the lower front edge (1) of the solid as the target object.
Select the bottom outside edge of the pad (2) feature as the
tool edge.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Select the right vertical edge (1) of the solid as the Target
Object.
Select the right outside edge (2) of the pad feature as the tool
edge.
The holes also move with the pad because they are child
features of the pad. They were placed on a face of the pad and
were positioned relative to the edges of the pad.
The model was created by extruding a sketch. The XC-YC
Plane option was chosen when the sketch was created so
it is attached to a fixed datum plane and constrained to
fixed datum axes.
Now, you have been informed that the sketch should be in
the YC-ZC plane so that part orientation is consistent with
a standard product orientation used at your company. This
can be accomplished by moving the fixed datum features.
The sketch and all of the other dependent features will
move with them.
Practical Applications of NX
15-29
15
Step 4:
Choose EditFeatureMove.
Select the three fixed datum features in the Move Feature
dialog. (Click and drag MB1 over all three features or
Ctrl-Select each feature.)
15
Choose XC Axis
15-30
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Choose ZC Axis
15
Step 5:
Practical Applications of NX
15-31
Summary
The editing options provide robust capabilities to change design, form, fit, and
function. Because parametric values can be accessed and edited, investment
of parametric design time is not wasted when the need for design changes
occur.
In this lesson you:
Deleted features.
15
15-32
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Lesson
16 Instance Arrays
Purpose
This lesson is an introduction to Instance Arrays.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
16
Practical Applications of NX
16-1
Instance Arrays
Instance Feature
You can use the Instance Feature option to duplicate existing features and
eliminate repetitive tasks when creating models. This option can be accessed
by choosing the Instance Feature icon from the Feature Operation toolbar or
by choosing InsertAssociative CopyInstance from the menu bar.
An Instance is a shape linked feature, similar to a copy. The Instance not only
duplicates the feature but preserves the parameters of the feature.
Since all instances of a feature are associated, the parameters of the original
feature may be edited and the changes are reflected in every instance of the
feature. The instance itself is also a parametric feature so parameters such
as the number of instances and spacing may be edited.
The following Instance Types are available:
16
Rectangular Array
Circular Array
There are three Methods available for creating Rectangular and Circular
Instance arrays:
General
Simple
Identical
16-2
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Instance Arrays
Practical Applications of NX
16-3
16
Instance Arrays
Once the feature and parameters are specified, a rotation axis must be
defined. The circular instance array will be created in a plane normal to this
rotation axis. There are two ways to define a rotation axis:
16
16-4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Instance Arrays
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Orient the WCS so that the XC-YC plane is parallel to the plane of
the array.
Choose FormatWCSOrient.
16
Choose X-Axis, Y-Axis.
Select the XAxis (1) and YAxis (2) as shown.
Practical Applications of NX
16-5
Instance Arrays
Choose OK.
Step 4:
16
General
Number Along XC
XC Offset
1.25
Number Along YC
YC Offset
.687
Choose OK.
A preview of the instance array appears in the graphics
window. Choosing Yes will create the instance as it is shown.
Choosing No will return to the Enter Parameters dialog.
16-6
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Instance Arrays
Choose Yes.
Step 5:
16
Practical Applications of NX
16-7
Instance Arrays
16
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Instance Arrays
General
Number =
Angle
120
Choose OK.
The axis of rotation must be selected. Using a Datum Axis
maintains positional associativity.
Choose Datum Axis.
Make layer 61 selectable.
Select the Datum Axis (1).
16
A preview of the instance array appears in the graphics
window. For better performance, only the first feature selected
is previewed.
Choose Yes if the temporary display looks correct.
Step 4:
Symmetric Offsets
Offset
1.5
ON
Practical Applications of NX
16-9
Instance Arrays
Step 5:
16
General
Number =
Angle
90
16-10
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Instance Arrays
Step 6:
16
Practical Applications of NX
16-11
Instance Arrays
Step 2:
Step 3:
16
16-12
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Instance Arrays
The model contains two identical hole patterns. The center hole
in each pattern is positioned associatively to the relative datum
planes in the part. The hole pattern on the left was created by
specifying a point in space and a vector as the rotation axis. The
pattern on the right was created by selecting a datum axis as the
rotation axis.
Step 4:
Y Length
10
Z Length
16
Practical Applications of NX
16-13
Instance Arrays
The model updates to reflect the change. Notice that the hole
pattern on the left does not move with the datum planes and
center hole but maintains the same position in absolute space.
This is because the hole pattern was created with a non-associative
reference point and direction vector.
The hole pattern on the right is associative to the datum axis that
was used to define the rotation axis and updated accordingly.
16
Step 5:
16-14
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Instance Arrays
Summary
The Instance functionality duplicates existing features, eliminating repetitive
efforts in the creation of models.
In this lesson you:
16
Practical Applications of NX
16-15
16
Lesson
17
Practical Applications of NX
17-1
17
17-2
Practical Applications of NX
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Drafting
Assembly
Master Model
Analysis
N/C
Each application uses a separate assembly part. When the Master Model is
revised, the other applications will automatically update with minimal or
no associativity loss.
The design intent of the various design applications can be maintained
through protection of the Master Model.
Practical Applications of NX
17
17-3
abcd1234.prt
Owned by designer. Contains
master model geometry.
17
The manufacturing engineer owns the assembly part but does not necessarily
have write access to the master model which is owned by the designer.
17-4
Practical Applications of NX
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(FileOpen)
Choose Options.
Verify the Load Method is set to From Directory in the Load
Options dialog and choose OK.
Choose the mm_tapedisp_dwg part and OK.
Step 2:
Step 3:
17
Fit the view and note the drawing name, SH1, at the lower
left corner. (MB3Fit)
Step 4:
Practical Applications of NX
17-5
C:\parts\mm_tapedisp_dwg.prt
Ref Set Name
SOLID
Component Name
MM_TAPE_DISP
17
Choose OK.
(MB2)
C:\parts\mm_tapedisp_dwg.prt
C:\parts\mm_tapedisp.prt
1, inherited from component
Practical Applications of NX
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(FileOpen)
17
Practical Applications of NX
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17
17-8
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Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
17
Step 5:
Step 6:
Practical Applications of NX
17-9
Summary
This Master Model approach offers many benefits. Master model parts may
be write-protected and owned by one user or group yet the data can be shared
with other users or groups. Downstream users can access the latest data and
incorporate updates as the part is being developed.
17
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Lesson
18 Introduction to Drafting
Purpose
This lesson will introduce the Drafting application.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Modify Preferences.
Create Dimensions.
Create Annotations.
18
Practical Applications of NX
18-1
Introduction to Drafting
You can add views to the drawing just by indicating their location with
the cursor.
When you add orthographic views, they will automatically be aligned with
the parent view as you create them.
Every view is fully associated with the solid. If the solid is updated, the
views will also be updated.
18
18-2
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Introduction to Drafting
Use MB3 over the drawing node in the Part Navigator and choose
Insert Sheet from the pop-up menu.
18
Practical Applications of NX
18-3
Introduction to Drafting
Opening a Drawing
There are a few ways to open a drawing:
In the Part Navigator, double click the sheet name or, use MB3 over the
drawing sheet node and choose Open from the pop-up menu.
Choose FormatOpen Sheet and select the sheet name from a list.
18
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Introduction to Drafting
Editing a Drawing
In NX, the term "drawing" is used to define a collection of views. Think of
each drawing as a separate page in the part. One part can contain many
pages, in other words, many drawings.
To edit a drawing, you can:
Choose EditSheet.
Use MB3 in the Part Navigator to highlight the drawing sheet and choose
Edit Sheet from the pop-up menu.
Select the dashed-line border of a drawing sheet with MB3 to access the
pop-up menu and choose Edit Sheet.
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The current state of the displayed drawing affects the options that are
available. You should be aware of the following:
You can edit the drawing to a larger or smaller size. You can even edit the
drawing to a size small enough so that a portion of a view falls outside
the boundary of the drawing. However, if you edit the drawing to a size
so small that a member view falls entirely outside the boundary of the
drawing, you will get an error message.
If you need to edit the drawing to a smaller size, but cannot due to the
current position of the views, you will first have to move the views closer
to the drawings origin at the lower left corner of the drawing.
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Deleting a Drawing
There are a few different ways to delete a drawing sheet:
Select the dashed-line border of the drawing sheet with MB3 then choose
Delete from the pop-up menu. This will delete the current drawing sheet.
In the Part Navigator, select the drawing node with MB3 and choose
Delete.
Choose the Delete Sheet icon from the Drawing Layout toolbar.
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Step 2:
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Choose OK.
In the graphics window, the dashed lines define the border of
the new E size drawing sheet. The name of the drawing sheet
appears in the lower left hand corner.
Step 3:
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Step 4:
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Step 2:
Step 3:
18
Choose Apply.
The drawing changes to display the new size.
Step 4:
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In this case you want every view on this drawing sheet to display
the part full size.
Leave the upper Scale field set to 1. Change the lower Scale
field to 1, then choose OK.
All the views that are present on the drawing assume the new
scale. The positions of the drawing views do not change with
the scale.
Step 5:
18
Step 6:
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The default colors for the foreground and background are black and gray
but any color may be selected.
The Show Widths option displays line widths.
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18
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In the Part Navigator, place the cursor over the drawing sheet node and
use MB3 to select Monochrome from the pop-up menu.
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View Preferences
The display of views is controlled by choosing the View Preferences icon or
PreferencesView.
You can then use the View Preferences dialog to define the display of hidden
lines, silhouettes, smooth edges, as well as section view background lines, etc.
18
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Introduction to Drafting
Hidden Lines
If you turn the Hidden Line option off, Hidden Line is not performed and all
hidden lines in the view will appear as solid lines.
If you turn the Hidden Line option on, the color, font, and width of the hidden
lines are determined by the settings in the Color/Font/Width menus.
18
The Edges Hidden By Edges option controls the display of edges which are
hidden by other overlapping edges. If this option is turned off, edges hidden
by other edges are erased from the view.
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Smooth Edges
Smooth edges are those whose adjacent faces have the same surface tangent
at the edge where they meet.
If you turn the Smooth Edges option on, you can use the Color/Font/Width
settings to specify their appearance. You can also use the End Gaps option to
vary the edge intersection appearance.
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Virtual Intersections
The Virtual Intersections option allows you to display imaginary intersection
curves as required by the JIS standard (section 6.13) and the ISO 128-1982
standard (section 5.2.2). The Virtual Intersections option is used when you
want to display the curves in a member view that show where blended faces
theoretically intersect. The color, font, and width of virtual intersections can
be controlled when the Virtual Intersections option is turned on.
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In the graphics window, place the cursor over the dashed line that
represents the drawing border and choose Add Base View from the MB3
pop-up menu.
Add Base View is the default option (bold) in the pop-up menu.
So, the base view can be added simply by double-clicking on the
drawing border.
In the Part Navigator, select a drawing sheet node and choose Add Base
View from the MB3 pop-up menu.
Choose the Add Base View icon in the Drawing Layout toolbar.
When using any of these methods, click in the graphics window to place the
base view on the drawing.
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Scale Provides a means to set the scale of the base view. A pull-down
menu list several preset scales as well as the options to enter a custom
scale or define the scale by an expression.
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1 Rotation Tool
4 Associative Orientation
5 Reset
3 Horizontal Direction
6 Reverse Direction
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1 Projection lines
2 Border preview of new projected view.
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Base View Allow you to choose a different base view then originally
selected.
Move View Allows you to move existing views during the operation
of adding a new view.
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Choose EditStyle.
Moving Views
A view may be dragged around the drawing by placing the cursor over the
hold MB1
border of the view, when the cursor changes to drag mode,
down and move the view as required. As you move the view in proximity to
another view, alignment lines will appear to aid in the positioning of the
view. The alignment lines will appear relative to the top, bottom, left, right,
or center of the view.
If you select more than one view, they can all be moved simultaneously.
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Select the view border with MB3; choose Delete from the pop-up menu.
Use MB3 in the Part Navigator to highlight the view to be removed, and
select Delete from the pop-up menu.
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Step 2:
Step 3:
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Choose OK.
Locate the view in the upper left corner of the drawing by
clicking MB1.
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Step 4:
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Press MB2.
Step 6:
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Utility Symbols
The Utility Symbols option creates various centerlines, offset center points,
target points, and intersection symbols.
When you choose the Utility Symbol icon (or InsertSymbolUtility
Symbol), the Utility Symbols dialog displays. This dialog allows you to
specify settings that control the utility symbol as you create it. You can also
use this dialog to modify existing symbols.
The Utility Symbols dialog consists
of four areas:
1 Symbol Icons
2 Point Position Options
3 Symbol Display Parameters
4 Preference Options
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18
Introduction to Drafting
If the linear centerline contains three or more associated points and all
the associated points are moved, the centerline is automatically resized
and updated. If all of the points are deleted, the centerline is also deleted,
depending on the Retained Annotation status.
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Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
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Step 5:
18
Any holes selected that are not collinear will not be added to the
symbol.
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Step 6:
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Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
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Select two arc center locations for each of the three centerline
placements shown below:
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18
Step 6:
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Dimensions
The various dimensions types may be accessed two different ways.
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Use the Dimensions toolbar. This toolbar offers a menu of the available
dimension types.
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Annotation Preferences
Dimensions may be displayed in many different ways. Some of the settings
are for appearance, i.e. extension line and arrowhead. Other settings convey
the value of the dimension, i.e. the number of decimal places used to define
tolerance. In general most of the dimensions will share the same appearance.
The Annotation Preferences dialog is used to capture those global settings.
The Annotation Preferences dialog is activated by choosing
PreferencesAnnotation or by choosing the Annotations Preferences icon.
Line/Arrow Controls the style and size of leaders, arrows, and extension
lines for both dimensions and other annotations. A preview area provides
a rendition of the symbol with leaders and dimensions.
Units Controls the desired unit of measure for dimensions and whether
dimensions are created in single or dual dimension format.
Radial Controls the settings that are unique to diameter and radius
dimensions.
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1 Style
4 Annotation
2 Precision (decimal places) 5 Reset
3 Tolerance Type
Annotation Placement Toolbar
The Annotation Placement toolbar also appears when creating dimensions to
help control the placement of the dimension.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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Leader Type
Leader Placement
Opens the Create Leader dialog
Associate Origin with Helper Lines
Alignment Position
Opens the Origin Tool dialog
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This toolbar acts as a filter for selecting points on parts. You can turn icons on
(highlighted) or off in order to limit your selection to specific types of points.
The Two Pick Intersection icon (at the right end of the toolbar) will let you
select any two edges whose intersection you cannot get within the select ball.
(When you turn it on, all of the other icons will be grayed out.)
The Escape Key
You can press the Escape key at any time to release all selected objects. It is
often quicker than using Shift+Select.
Placement Cues for Dimensions
As you create dimensions it is now very simple to align the dimension with an
existing dimension. To help you do this, the system will provide graphical
cues whenever the origins of the dimensions line up.
As you begin to locate the dimension, pass the cursor over the existing
dimension that you want to align to. Whenever the placement image of
the new dimension is aligned horizontally or vertically with the existing
dimension (or other annotation), you will get a dashed help line.
18
If you want the new dimension associated with the existing dimension, make
sure the Associate Origin with Helper Lines icon
by default).
is turned on (It is on
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Appended Text
Text may be appended to a dimension while you are creating it.
If you want only one line of appended text, you can select the object(s) to
dimension and, prior to locating the dimension, choose one of the Appended
Text options in the MB3 pop-up menu.
You may also use the right (after), left (before), up (above), or down
(below) arrow key on the keyboard instead of the MB3 pop-up options.
If the text is more complex, you will need to use the Annotation Editor dialog.
You can access the Annotation Editor from the interactive toolbar at any
time, or you can access it after selection of objects (and before locating the
dimension) by using MB3.
To add appended text to a previously created dimension that does not already
have appended text, you can:
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Double-click on the dimension, and then use the Annotation Editor icon
in the interactive toolbar.
Double-click on the dimension and then use the right (after), left (before),
up (above), or down (below) arrow key on the keyboard to get the appended
text location you desire. Key in the text and press Enter.
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Double-click on the dimension and then use the right (after), left (before),
up (above), or down (below) arrow key on the keyboard to get the appended
text location you desire.
Select the dimension, and then use MB3 on the appended text. You get
the following menu:
the Edit Appended Text option will access the Annotation Editor dialog.
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Tolerances
There are several ways to add or edit tolerances.
Prior to creating a dimension (after choosing a dimension icon), you can
choose the Tolerance icon on the interactive toolbar, and set the desired
tolerance type. The Tolerance Values icon is then added to the toolbar. Choose
it and enter the desired values.
While creating a dimension (after selecting the object to dimension), you can:
Tolerance Type
Tolerance Values
To add a tolerance later, you can select the dimension and use the methods
shown above.
To edit a tolerance later, you can use one of the following three methods:
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Double-click on the dimension to access the dimension bar (in the upper
left corner of the graphics screen).
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Automatic
Arrows Out
Arrows In
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The other popup menu appears when you double-click with MB1 on
an existing dimension (while in or outside of the dimension function)
and then click MB3.
18
When you access this popup menu, the dimension bar also appears in
the upper left hand corner.
The cursor will change to indicate that you are in the editing mode.
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If you again double-click (with MB1) on the selected dimension, you will
access the Dimension Style dialog.
Changing the Precision of a Dimension
There are a few ways to change the precision of an existing dimension. After
double-clicking on the dimension:
18
Deleting Dimensions
You can use the dimension pop-up menu to delete a dimension or you can
select the dimension(s) to delete, and use the Delete icon.
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Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
in the Dimension
18
If you select the wrong object, press the Escape key on
the keyboard to deselect, and select again.
Place the dimension by clicking MB1 at the desired location.
If you need to change the style of an existing dimension,
double-click it (to select it), then double-click it again
to display the Dimension Style dialog.
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Step 5:
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Step 7:
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Choose Reset.
dimension.
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Text Creation
The Annotation Editor is used to create notes, labels, and GD&T symbols.
You can access the Annotation Editor interface by:
Choosing InsertAnnotation.
The Annotation icon option bar and the edit window will be displayed in the
graphics window. However, the small edit window can be enlarged and moved.
1 Annotation Bar
2 Edit Window
3 Annotation Placement Toolbar
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Creating Notes
The Annotation bar is stationary. It will always remain in the upper left
hand corner.
18
Because this is a window, you can drag any side or corner to change its size or
drag the entire window to a different location. Also, youll see horizontal and
vertical scroll bars appear whenever they are required.
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The Annotation Placement toolbar works the same as it does for dimensions.
Entering Text
To enter text, begin typing over the highlighted text in the Edit window.
You can use CTRL-i, CTRL-b, and CTRL-u to for italics, bold, and
underlined text as you compose the note.
It also appears on the cursor as a placement image.
After you locate the text, it remains in the edit window for you to use again or
edit for the next annotation.
You can also create a note on a drawing by dragging a .txt file from
an operating system window to the drawing.
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Locate the cursor on the curve/edge/face where you want the arrowhead
located (with the cursor displayed as shown below).
18
Press (and hold down) MB1 and drag the cursor away from the selection
point. A temporary display of the leader will be shown on the screen.
If you want a second leader, repeat the second and third steps before defining
a text location with MB1.
You can quickly change a leader location by clicking MB3 over the
leader, choosing Edit Associativity, and specifying the new location.
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Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Create a note.
(InsertAnnotation)
18
Press Backspace to remove the text from the Edit window.
Key in your name into the Edit Window. It will be placed in
the title block.
There are no limits on the number of characters per line,
or the total number of characters that can be entered.
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Step 5:
Because you are currently using the system defaults for the
Lettering preferences, the text alignment position is located at the
mid-center of the note.
Notice that the text remains behind the cursor in the
graphics window. The text will continue to follow the
cursor until the Edit window is closed.
Step 6:
Create a label.
In capital letters, key in the following text in the Edit window.
OMIT PAINT FOR
ELECTRICAL BONDING
Click and hold down MB1 on the phantom circle in the front
view and drag the text until you see a leader; release MB1.
Click MB1 once again to place the label as shown below.
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Drafting symbols
GD&T symbols
User-Defined symbols
Expression values
You can access the Annotation Editor dialog by choosing the Annotation
Editor icon
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18
1 Toolbar
2 Text Entry Window
3 Preview Window (Show Preview icon must be selected)
4 Symbol Display and Text Preference Options
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As you enter text and symbols, the text and control characters appear within
the Text Entry Window. In this window you may use the formatting options
available on the Toolbar to customize the appearance of your text.
For example, you may want your name to appear as italic, underlined
letters. As you type, the text will appear in the graphics window and in the
annotation editor preview window (if turned on) as shown.
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The Annotation Editor dialog contains several options for text formatting.
Some of the more common options are described below.
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Editing Notes
You can edit text in a previously created note or label by selecting it from the
drawing and using the MB3 pop-up menu.
You get the following menu:
You can also edit annotation objects by double-clicking (with MB1) on the note
or label. You can also use MB1 to select multiple objects (but this will reduce
the options available on the MB3 pop-up menu).
Helper Lines
Helper lines act as a guide that allows you to line up notes, labels, dimensions,
symbols, and views to other drawing objects on the drawing. Helper lines
appear as a dashed line.
To use helper lines, move the cursor over the object to
which you want to align as you are placing the new
annotation. The note highlights and helper lines appear.
18
Press and release MB1 to place the annotation at the desired location.
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Step 2:
Create a note.
Choose the Annotation Editor icon.
(InsertAnnotation)
Step 3:
18
Choose the Clear icon
the editor.
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Verify the Font is set to blockfont and the change the Character
Scale Factor to 1.75.
Step 4:
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Step 7:
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Introduction to Drafting
Summary
The Drafting Application provides for the creation of drawings. Views and
dimensions that are placed on a drawing are associative to the solid model
and update when changes are made to the model.
The Annotation Editor interface makes it easy to create, edit and delete notes
and labels. The annotation bar and edit window allows you to work with
notes and labels without opening the Annotation Editor dialog.
In this lesson you:
Modified a drawing.
Created Dimensions.
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Appendix
A Additional Projects
Practical Applications of NX
A-1
Additional Projects
Project 1
A-2
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Additional Projects
Project 2
Practical Applications of NX
A-3
Additional Projects
Project 3
A-4
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Additional Projects
Practical Applications of NX
A-5
Additional Projects
Project 4
A-6
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Additional Projects
Practical Applications of NX
A-7
Additional Projects
Project 5
A-8
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Additional Projects
Practical Applications of NX
A-9
Additional Projects
Project 6
A-10
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Additional Projects
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Additional Projects
Project 7
A-12
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Additional Projects
Practical Applications of NX
A-13
Additional Projects
Project 8
A-14
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Additional Projects
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Additional Projects
Project 9
A-16
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Additional Projects
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Additional Projects
Project 10
A-18
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Additional Projects
Project 11
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Additional Projects
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Additional Projects
Project 12
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Additional Projects
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Additional Projects
Project 13
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Additional Projects
A-24
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Additional Projects
Project 14
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Additional Projects
A-26
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Project 15
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Additional Projects
Project 16
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Practical Applications of NX
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Additional Projects
Project 17
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Additional Projects
Project 18
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Additional Projects
Project 19
A-34
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Additional Projects
Project 20
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Additional Projects
Project 21
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Additional Projects
Project 22
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Practical Applications of NX
A-41
Appendix
B Expression Operators
Overview
The following information lists the various operators that may be used in
expressions.
B
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
B-1
Expression Operators
Operators
There are several types of operators that you may use in the expression
language.
Arithmetic Operators
Example
Addition
p2=p5+p3
p2=p5p3
Multiplication
p2=p5*p3
Division
p2=p5/p3
Modulus
p2=p5%p3
Exponential
p2=p5^2
Assignment
p2=p5
Greater Than
<
Less Than
>=
<=
==
Equal
!=
Not Equal
Negate
& or &&
Logical AND
| or ||
Logical OR
B
B-2
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Expression Operators
Associativity
Right to Left
(change sign)
*
Left to Right
+
>
<
==
>=
<=
!=
&&
||
=
Right to Left
B
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Practical Applications of NX
B-3
Expression Operators
ft
grd
in
km
mc
min
ml
mm
mtr
sec
yd
B
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Expression Operators
Built-in Functions
Built-in functions include math, string, and engineering functions.
Scientific Notation
You may optionally enter numbers in scientific notation. The value you enter
must contain a positive or negative sign. For example, you can enter:
2e+5 which is the same as the value 200000
2e-5 which is the same as the value .00002
Built-in Functions
abs
arccos
arcsin
arctan
arctan2
ASCII
ceiling
Char
charReplace
dateTimeString Returns the system date and time in the format Fri Nov
21 09:56:12 2005\n
floor
format
getenv
hypcos
hypsin
hyptan
Practical Applications of NX
B
B-5
Expression Operators
Built-in Functions
log
log10
MakeNumber
max
min
mod
Returns pi
Radians
replaceString
round
sin
sqrt
StringLower
StringUpper
StringValue
subString
tan
ug_ functions
B
B-6
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Appendix
Points may be specified in one of two ways: either choose one of the provided,
icons at the top of the dialog, or directly enter the X-Y-Z coordinates in the
fields provided.
Practical Applications of NX
C-1
Inferred Point
Depending on where you select when using this option, one of the following
single selection options will be used: cursor location, existing point, end
point, mid point or arc center. This option does not require a selection of the
particular point type for each selection.
Cursor Location
Use this option to construct points anywhere on the screen by positioning the
cross hairs and indicating a location. The location defined lies on the WCS
Work plane.
To locate points quickly and precisely, use a grid (see PreferencesWork
Plane Show Grid). When Snap to Grid is on, points snap to the nearest
grid position. The grid spacing may be set as desired. The spacing in the
X-direction does not need to be the same as the spacing in the Y-direction.
For example, if the smallest increment on the part is in eighths of an inch
(.125), then the grid spacing would be set to .125. A point at exactly one inch
in X and two inches in Y could be created by counting over eight grid points in
X and up sixteen in Y and indicating a screen position.
Existing Point
Use this option to specify a location by selecting an existing point.
Remember that the point constructor allows locations in model space to
be specified. In the instance where an existing point is being selected it is
generally a case of using that point to aid in the construction of another object
such as a the endpoint of a line, or the location of an object, such as placement
of a drawing border.
C-2
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
C
End Point
Use this option to specify locations at the end points of existing lines (1),
arcs (2), conics (3), and splines (4).
When selecting geometry, place the selection ball near the end point (1) you
wish to select. The point is located at the end of the curve nearest to where it
was selected (see below). Closed curves, such as complete circles, have only
one endpoint because the two ends are at the same coordinate location.
Practical Applications of NX
C-3
C
Control Point
Use this option to locate points at the control points of geometric objects. The
control points, which vary for each object type, include: Existing points, End
points of conics, End points and Mid points of open arcs, Center points of
circles or arcs, Mid points and End points of lines, and End points or Knot
points of splines.
Use the cursor to select objects. Since some objects have more than one
control point, place the cross hairs near the control point desired. The system
locates the control point nearest the position where the curve is selected.
The illustration below shows the various locations of control points on
existing lines (1), arcs (2), conics (3), and splines (4).
C-4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
C
Intersection Point
Use this option to locate a position at the intersection of two curves or at the
intersection of a curve and a surface or plane. If the curves intersect more
than once, the system creates the point nearest to where the second curve
was selected.
When two selected curves are not coplanar with the XC-YC plane the system
creates the point on the first curve (1) selected. By projecting the second
curve (2) parallel to the ZC axis an apparent intersection is calculated and
the point (3) is defined on the first object selected (see below). Projections
are always done along the ZC-axis.
ZC
YC
XC
Practical Applications of NX
C-5
C
Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Center
Use this option to specify a position at the center of an arc or ellipse by
selecting the arc along its circumference.
In the example below, selecting with the circumference (1) of the large circle
within the selection ball defines the center point (2) of the large circle.
Selecting near the center of the large circle (1) will not select the center of
the large circle since the selection ball touches the circumference of the
small circle.
C-6
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
C
Angle on Arc/Ellipse
Use this option to locate a position (1) at an angular location on an arc or
an ellipse.
The angle value is entered in degrees. The angle is referenced from the
positive XC axis and is measured counterclockwise in the WCS. The angular
position on the arc or ellipse may also be defined on the unconstructed portion
(2) of an arc or ellipse.
Practical Applications of NX
C-7
C
Quadrant Point
Use this option to locate positions at the quarter points of an arc or an ellipse.
Points may be located at the starting point of the arc or ellipse and then
at quarter-distance intervals along the object. The point located (1) is the
quadrant point nearest to the position selected (2). The quadrant position
may also be defined on the unconstructed portion (3) of an arc.
C-8
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
C
Point on Curve/Edge
Use this option to locate positions on a curve or edge by specifying a U
Parameter.
After choosing this option and selecting a curve or edge, the Point Constructor
dialog will display an entry field for a U Parameter.
Practical Applications of NX
C-9
C
Point on Surface
Use this option to locate positions on a surface (face) by specifying a U
Paremeter and a V Parameter.
After choosing this option and selecting a face, the Point Constructor dialog
will display entry fields for the U and V Parameters.
The U and V Parameters can have values between 0 and 1 to define the
location on the face.
C-10
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Reset
The Reset button sets the values X, Y, and Z coordinates of the Base Point to
0 and sets the Offset method to None.
Practical Applications of NX
C-11
Offset
This option allows you to specify a position in model space offset from a
reference position. The offset may be specified in several different methods.
Once an offset method has been specified, it remains in effect until another
one is chosen. The default is None (no offset).
Rectangular Offset
This option allows a position to be offset by keying in values that represent
the X, Y, and Z directions relative to the coordinate system specified from a
reference point (see below).
The location of the offset point (1) relative to the reference point (2) is
determined by the coordinate system (3) selected and the orientation of that
coordinate system.
The origin of the coordinate system has no effect on the offset.
Z
Y
X
C-12
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Cylindrical Offset
This option allows an offset point (1) to be specified by keying in cylindrical
coordinates.
The offset values for Radius (2), Angle (3), and Delta-ZC (4) are defined
relative to the specified coordinate system and applied as illustrated below.
The radius and the angle always lie in the X-Y plane of the coordinate system
specified.
A cylindrical offset may reference either the absolute coordinate system or
the work coordinate system.
ZC
YC
XC
Spherical Offset
This option allows specification of an offset position using spherical
coordinates, two angles and a radius (see below).
Angle 1 always lies in the X-Y plane, and Angle 2 defines the elevation of the
offset point from the X-Y plane. The radius defines the distance between the
base point and the offset point. A spherical offset may reference either the
work coordinate system or the absolute coordinate system.
Z
Y
X
Practical Applications of NX
C-13
Vector Offset
This option allows specification of an offset point (1) by indicating a direction
and distance (2). A vector (3) is defined by selecting a line (4). The direction of
that vector is determined by which end of the line is selected.
Z
Y
X
The direction of the offset is determined by the where the curve is selected
relative to reference point. In the example below, the reference point (1) is
in the middle of the curve. Selecting the curve at position (2) to produce
direction (3) and selecting at position (4) to produces direction (5).
C-14
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Appendix
D Customer Defaults
Overview
There are utilities and customization files which affect the default interface
and behavior of NX. This appendix covers these topics which would normally
be the responsibility of a system administrator.
Practical Applications of NX
D-1
Customer Defaults
Customer Defaults
Customer defaults are accessed by choosing
FileUtilitiesCustomer Defaults.
When NX is first started (out-of-the-box) the defaults are set to User and a
variable points to a user file which may or may not exist. This is an extract
from the log file for a user named nxuser after logging in and starting NX
for the first time:
Processing customer default values file
C:/Documents and Settings/nxuser
/Local Settings/Application Data/Unigraphics Solutions
/NX4/nx4_user.dpv
User customizations file
C:/Documents and Settings/nxuser
/Local Settings/Application Data/Unigraphics Solutions
/NX4/nx4_user.dpv does not exist
The fact that the file does not exist is of no concern because the path is
writable for the person logged in.
NX will create the file nx4_user.dpv when and if the user makes a change to
the defaults.
If the administrator wishes to prevent the user from changing the defaults,
i.e., set them as User (Read Only), there are various ways to accomplish it:
D-2
Create the file and customize it as you wish, and then make it read only.
Define the file in a path to which the user cannot write. The file and the
path need not exist.
Lock one or more defaults at a higher level, i.e. group or site level.
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Customer Defaults
At the Site and Group levels the dialog displays padlocks beside each default,
enabling the administrator to lock out a particular default for lower levels.
When a lock is active not only is the text de-emphasized but value change
is prohibited. Even if the site (or a lower) DPV file is writable the value of
a locked default can not be changed until the lock icon has been toggled off
for the given default).
Practical Applications of NX
D-3
Customer Defaults
For example, to lock out the ability to create promotions, the administrator
clicks the lock beside promotions at the site or group level. The icon changes
color and the text is de-emphasized.
D-4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Customer Defaults
The system administrator can use the Default Lock Status to set the global
locked status for all of the customer defaults on all defaults pages. This
allows strategies like All are locked except..." or All are unlocked except...
instead of requiring the assertion of 5000+ individual locks.
Locks at the group level change color and the text is de-emphasized.
The user then sees all options for Site Standards de-emphasized and
padlocked. No Site Standards may now may be changed at the user level.
Practical Applications of NX
D-5
Customer Defaults
Only the defaults that are changed from the hardcoded settings are saved,
thus the DPV files can be very small in size.
Customer defaults files are defined by environment settings. These are
typically set in ugii_env.dat on Windows systems or .ugii_env on UNIX;
however, the administrator may prevent a user from spoofing these settings
by creating a file named ugii_env.master in the UGII directory where NX
is installed to define these particular environment settings. When this file
exists any attempt to redefine the environment variables will be ignored.
When you change defaults the changes are NOT effective immediately.
They will be in effect the next time NX is started.
D-6
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Customer Defaults
There are two possible settings for the user level and one each for the group
and site levels:
Variable
Defaults File Heading
Description
UGII_LOCAL_USER_DEFAULTS
MISCELLANEOUS
UGII_USER_DIR
UGALLIANCE Variables
UGII_GROUP_DIR
Not defined
UGII_SITE_DIR
UGALLIANCE Variables
Practical Applications of NX
D-7
Customer Defaults
D-8
startup
application
udo
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Customer Defaults
Set the Defaults Level to the level you want to examine, Site, Group,
or User.
Practical Applications of NX
D-9
Customer Defaults
When you receive the new software use Import Defaults to validate your
previous settings against the new release.
Importing Customer Defaults values file:
file.>
Total settings and locks imported:
10
Total settings rejected due to values being locked at the higher level:
Total settings already set to the same value and lock status:
Total settings not recognized in this release:
D-10
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
Index
A
Absolute Coordinate System
Alignment Lines . . . . . . . .
Analysis
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mass Properties . . . . . . .
Annotation
preferences . . . . . . . . . . .
Annotation Editor . . . . . . .
Applications
Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assemblies
Selecting Components . . .
Assemblies Application . . .
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add Components . . . . . .
Assembly Concepts . . . . . .
Assembly Navigator . . . . . .
Pop-Up Menu . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 3-3
. . . . . 13-22
DPV . . . . . . .
Files . . . . . . .
Setting Levels
Cylinder . . . . .
. . . . . . 9-11
. . . . . . 9-12
. . . . . 18-47
. . . . . 18-67
. . . . . . . 1-3
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10-15
11-4
10-2
11-7
11-2
10-10
10-21
B
Block . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boolean Operations .
Errors . . . . . . . . .
Boss . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bottom-Up Modeling
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. . 4-3
. 14-9
14-11
. . 5-7
. 11-2
Chamfer . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Displayed Part .
Coordinate System . . . . .
Absolute . . . . . . . . . . .
WCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CSYS Constructor dialog
Cue line . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Defaults
Directory Structures . .
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C
8-10
. 1-9
. 3-2
. 3-3
. 3-3
. 3-4
. 1-4
. . . . . . . . . D-8
...
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. . . . D-6
D-3, D-6
. . . . D-3
. . . . 4-7
Index-1
Index
Drawings
adding a base view . . .
adding projected views
creating new sheets . .
deleting . . . . . . . . . . .
deleting views . . . . . . .
editing . . . . . . . . . . . .
editing views . . . . . . .
opening . . . . . . . . . . .
view preferences . . . . .
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18-21
18-24
18-3
18-7
18-27
18-5
18-26
18-4
18-17
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13-21
. 9-9
5-48
16-2
16-4
16-3
14-10
. 9-3
. 9-7
10-4
10-7
10-5
10-6
L
E
Edge Blend . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edit
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . .
with Rollback . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing Features . . . . . . . . . .
Evaluate Sketch . . . . . . . . . .
Exit NX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expressions
Dialog with less options . . .
Dialog with more options . .
Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
List Referencers . . . . . . . . .
List References . . . . . . . . . .
operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
precedence and associativity
Extrude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 8-3
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5-37
5-38
5-37
15-2
13-57
. 1-16
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6-3
6-4
6-5
B-5
6-6
9-9
B-2
B-3
14-3
14-16
14-14
F
Feature Coordinate System . . . . . . . 5-3
Form Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
G
Gateway Application . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
H
Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Index-2
Practical Applications of NX
Layers . . . . . . . .
Moving Layers
Load Options . . .
Load Failure . .
Load Method .
Load States . .
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. 15-4
. 9-12
. 17-2
11-12
11-14
11-15
11-18
11-20
11-13
11-16
11-17
11-21
11-23
. 2-14
. 2-15
. 2-16
. 2-16
. 2-16
. 2-16
. 2-16
. 2-16
. 2-16
. 2-16
. 2-16
15-22
mt10050_g NX 4
Index
N
Notes and Labels
annotation editor . . . . . . . . . . . 18-67
O
Opening Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
P
Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parameter Entry Options
Formula . . . . . . . . . . .
Part
Change Displayed . . . .
Close . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save As . . . . . . . . . . .
Part Navigator . . . . . . . .
Placement Face . . . . . . .
Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Point Constructor dialog
Positioning
Edit
Add Dimension . .
Delete Dimension .
Edit Dimension . . . . .
Form Features . . . . . .
Positioning Methods
Angular . . . . . . . . . . .
Horizontal . . . . . . . . .
Line onto Line . . . . . .
Parallel . . . . . . . . . . .
Parallel at a Distance .
Perpendicular . . . . . . .
Point onto Line . . . . . .
Point onto Point . . . . .
Vertical . . . . . . . . . . .
Preferences
Annotation . . . . . . . . .
view . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preview Selection . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 5-24
. . . . . . . . 5-28
. . . . . . . . . 6-6
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15-23
. . 5-2
. 12-2
12-51
. 5-28
11-30
14-36
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. . . . . . . . 1-9
. . . . . . . 1-14
. . . . . . . . 1-7
. . . . . . . 1-10
. . . . . . . 1-12
5-42, 9-8, 15-3
. . . . . . . . 5-2
. . . . . . . 5-23
. . . . . . . . 3-7
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5-39
5-40
5-40
. 5-3
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5-27
. 5-9
5-26
5-11
5-25
5-10
5-10
5-11
. 5-9
. . . . . . . 18-47
. . . . . . . 18-17
. . . . . . . . 2-21
Q
Quick Extend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-36
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved
Selection
Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selection Intent
curve/edge rules . . . . . . . .
Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Follow Fillet . . . . . . . . . . .
selecting sketches . . . . . . .
Stop at Intersection . . . . .
Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Show/Remove Constraints . .
Sketch
Constraining . . . . . . . . . .
Constraints . . . . . . . . . . .
Convert To/From Reference
Creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curve Creation . . . . . . . . .
Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fillets . . . . . . . . . . . .
Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Profile . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing . . . . . . . . . . .
Types . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Naming . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference Direction . . . . .
Show/Remove Constraints
Text Height . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketch Points . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 2-21
. . . . . 2-21
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14-22
. . 8-5
. . 7-4
14-23
. 14-4
14-23
. . 7-2
13-66
. . . . 13-48
. . . . 13-63
. . . . 13-92
13-8, 13-13
. . . . 13-21
. . . . 13-26
. . . . 13-27
. . . . 13-33
. . . . 13-24
. . . . 13-23
. . . . 13-48
. . . . 13-57
. . . . 13-51
. . . . 13-11
. . . . . 13-2
. . . . 13-10
. . . . 13-66
. . . . 13-50
. . . . 13-46
Practical Applications of NX
Index-3
Index
Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
positioning . . . . . . .
Snap Angle . . . . . . . .
Snap Point toolbar . . .
Starting NX . . . . . . . .
Status Line . . . . . . . .
Subassembly . . . . . . .
Subtract . . . . . . . . . .
Sweep Along Guide . .
Symbols
utility symbols . . . .
linear centerline
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. 5-21
. 5-22
13-22
. . 3-6
. . 1-2
. . 1-4
. 10-2
14-10
14-27
. . . . . . . . . 18-33
. . . . . . . . . 18-36
T
Toolbars . . . . . . . .
Assemblies . . . . .
Customizing . . . .
Selection . . . . . .
Snap Point . . . . .
Top-Down Modeling
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. . . . . . 2-2
. . . . . 11-6
. . . . . . 2-3
2-19, 10-16
. . . . . . 3-6
. . . . . 11-2
Update Failures . . . . . .
Update Model . . . . . . .
Utility Symbols . . . . . .
cylindrical centerline
linear centerline . . . .
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. . . . . . 15-8
13-57, 15-21
. . . . . 18-33
. . . . . 18-40
. . . . . 18-36
V
Vectors . . . . . . . . . . . . .
View Preferences . . . . . .
Edges Hidden by Edges
Hidden Lines . . . . . . .
Smooth Edges . . . . . . .
Virtual Intersections . .
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. . 4-8
18-17
18-18
18-18
18-19
18-20
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. . 3-3
. . 3-5
. . 3-5
10-19
W
WCS . . . . .
Dynamics
Move . . .
Work Part .
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U
Unite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-10
Index-4
Practical Applications of NX
mt10050_g NX 4
L
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STUDENT PROFILE
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Morning
Introduction & Overview
Lesson 1.
Getting Started
Lesson 2.
The NX User Interface
Afternoon
Lesson 3.
Lesson 4.
Lesson 5.
Lesson 6.
Tuesday
Coordinate Systems
Introduction to Solid Modeling
Positional Form Features
Expressions
Morning
Lesson 7.
Shell
Lesson 8.
Edge Operations
Workbook Project Description & Section 1 Rear Differential Modeling
Lesson 9.
Model Construction Query
Afternoon
Lesson 10.
Introduction to Assemblies
Lesson 11.
Adding Components & Mating Conditions
Workbook Section 2
Rear Differential Assembly
Wednesday
Morning
Lesson 12.
Datum Features
Workbook Section 3
Rear Axle Modeling and Assembly
Workbook Section 4
Left Pinion Modeling and Assembly
Afternoon
Lesson 13.
Thursday
Sketching
Morning
Lesson 14.
Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Workbook Section 5
Power Pack Sketching
Workbook Section 6
Rear Drive Gear Modeling
Afternoon
Workbook Section 7
Part and Assembly Editing
Lesson 15.
Editing the Model
Lesson 16.
Instance Arrays
Workbook Section 8
Rear Drive Gear Completion
Friday
Morning
Workbook Section 9
Assembly Completion
Lesson 17.
The Master Model
Lesson 18.
Introduction to Drafting
Afternoon
Workbook Section 10
Accelerators
The following Accelerators can be listed from within an NX session by choosing
InformationCustom MenubarAccelerators.
Function
FileNew...
FileOpen...
FileSave
FileSave As...
FilePlot...
FileExecuteGrip...
FileExecuteDebug Grip...
FileExecuteNX Open...
EditUndo
EditCut
EditCopy
Edit-Paste
EditDelete...
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Feature
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Face
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Body
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Edge
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Component
EditSelection-Select All
EditBlankBlank...
EditBlankReverse Blank All
EditBlankUnblank Selected...
EditBlankUnblank All of Part
EditTransform...
EditObject Display...
ViewOperationZoom...
ViewOperationRotate...
ViewOperationSection...
ViewLayoutNew...
ViewLayoutOpen...
ViewLayoutFit All Views
ViewVisualizationHigh Quality Image...
ViewInformation Window
ViewCurrent Dialog
ViewReset Orientation
InsertSketch...
InsertDesign FeatureExtrude...
InsertDesign FeatureRevolve...
InsertTrimTrimmed Sheet...
Accelerator
Ctrl+N
Ctrl+O
Ctrl+S
Ctrl+Shift+A
Ctrl+P
Ctrl+G
Ctrl+Shift+G
Ctrl+U
Ctrl+Z
Ctrl+X
Ctrl+C
Ctrl+V
Ctrl+D or Delete
F
G
B
E
C
Ctrl+A
Ctrl+B
Ctrl+Shift+B
Ctrl+Shift+K
Ctrl+Shift+U
Ctrl+T
Ctrl+J
Ctrl+Shift+Z
Ctrl+R
Ctrl+H
Ctrl+Shift+N
Ctrl+Shift+O
Ctrl+Shift+F
Ctrl+Shift+H
F4
F3
Ctrl+F8
S
X
R
T
InsertSweepVariational Sweep...
FormatLayer Settings...
FormatVisible in View...
FormatWCSDisplay
ToolsExpression...
ToolsJournalPlay...
ToolsJournalEdit
ToolsMacroStart Record...
ToolsMacroPlayback...
ToolsMacroStep...
InformationObject...
AnalysisCurveRefresh Curvature Graphs
PreferencesObject...
PreferencesSelection...
StartModeling...
StartAll ApplicationsShape Studio...
StartDrafting...
StartManufacturing...
StartNX Sheet Metal...
StartAssemblies
StartGateway...
HelpOn Context...
Refresh
Fit
Zoom
Rotate
Orient View-Trimetric
Orient View-Isometric
Orient View-Top
Orient View-Front
Orient View-Right
Orient View-Left
Snap View
V
Ctrl+L
Ctrl+Shift+V
W
Ctrl+E
Alt+F8
Alt+F11
Ctrl+Shift+R
Ctrl+Shift+P
Ctrl+Shift+S
Ctrl+I
Ctrl+Shift+C
Ctrl+Shift+J
Ctrl+Shift+T
M or Ctrl+M
Ctrl+Alt+S
Ctrl+Shift+D
Ctrl+Alt+M
Ctrl+Alt+N
A
Ctrl+W
F1
F5
Ctrl+F
F6
F7
Home
End
Ctrl+Alt+T
Ctrl+Alt+F
Ctrl+Alt+R
Ctrl+Alt+L
F8
Evaluation Delivery
NX 4 PAU, Course #MT10050
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NX 4 PAU, Course #MT10050
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