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NX 5 Basic User Basic Curves Basic Curves Basic Curves are available in NX5 but are not found in the Insert—Curve drop down menu as in previous The Curve cascading menu in NX5 offers the Line Feature creation options but not Basic Curves. To access Basic Curves use the Toolbar Add or Remove Buttons option and add the Basic Curve icon to the Curve Toolbar. Page 1

Curve Creation

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Page 1: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Basic CurvesBasic Curves are available in NX5 but are not found in the Insert—Curve

drop down menu as in previous versions of NX.

The Curve cascading menu in NX5

offers the Line Feature creation

options but not Basic Curves. To

access Basic Curves use the Toolbar

Add or Remove Buttons option and

add the Basic Curve icon to the

Curve Toolbar.

Page 1

Select the Basic Curves icon to activate the

Page 2: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Basic Curve dialog and Tracking Bar.

The Basic Curve dialog offers several of the Basic Curve creation tools

from left to right in the top of the dialog.

Line

Arc

Circle

Fillet

Trim

Edit Curve Parameters

Basic Curve dialog options will differ depending on the creation option

chosen.

Page 2

The Basic Curve dialog has a new look but offers

the same options as seen in NX3. The operators

work the same as they did before. The Tracking

Bar looks and functions the same as in previous

versions of NX.

The active option will highlight as

seen by the orange color Line icon.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Line

Arc

Circle

When Basic Curves is accessed the Curve Tracking Bar is also made

active. This is used for input values and the cursor is not necessary for curve

creation. To advance from one text field to the next use the Tab Key. If

OK or MB2 is used either nothing will happen or the curve will be created

with the wrong input.

The Fillet option offers three methods for Fillet Creation:

Simple Fillet

Page 3

Page 4: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

2 Line Fillet

3 Line Fillet

Line Creation Options

Enter Start and End Point values in the proper text fields

in the Curve Creation Dialog bar.

Change the Point Method to Point Constructor and key in

the Start and End Point values in the XC, YC, and ZC

text fields.

Select existing geometry.

Create Parallel to the current XC, YC, or ZC axis.

Create Parallel at Distance From.

Create Perpendicular or at an Angle from an existing line.

Create an Unbounded Line using the Graphics Window

borders as the Start and End limits of the Line. This can

only be used if String Mode is deactivated.

Lines are created using the String Mode if active. String Mode provides a

Dynamic Preview or Rubber-banding display in the Graphics Window of

the new object from the end of the previous curve to the cursor. String

mode can be ended by either selecting the Break String toggle or pressing

MB2.

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Page 5: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Delta is used in conjunction with the Tracking Bar. If active any value

entries will be measured from the previous defining point.

Angle Increment is a Snap Angle value that allows NX to create a

Horizontal or Vertical Line if your selection is with angle limits.

Lock Mode is available when creating a Line Parallel, Perpendicular, or

at an Angle to another line. It is only available after selecting a line start

point and selecting the Base Line. When the desired relationship to the

reference line is displayed in Preview press MB2 to activate Lock Mode

and lock in the relationship no matter where the cursor is moved. If Lock

Mode has been activated the toggle description changes to Unlock Mode

and can be activated using MB2.

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Start point of line to be created.

Dynamic Preview

Existing Line.

Cursor

Start Point of new line.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Once the Base Line is selected the new line can only be created either

Angled, Perpendicular, or Parallel to it. The Rubber-Banding will

continue to change between the three options as the cursor is moved around

the Graphics Window. When the Rubber-Banding displays the desired

relationship to the Base Line pressing MB2 will lock that relationship.

Line Creation Methods:

Parallel at Distance From has two options.

Original allows you to create a single line or multiple lines Parallel

at a Distance From a base curve using a value keyed into the Offset

Text Field.

Page 6

Base Line selected between an

end point and the mid-point with

the cursor Selection Ball.

When creating offset lines Parallel at a Distance

selection is important. Select the curve with the

Selection Ball between the End and Mid Points.

The crosshair of the cursor is placed on the side of

the line to define the offset direction as shown in the

graphic to the right.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

This operator does not work if String Mode is toggled On.

Key in the Offset distance and press Enter. Every time you press Enter a

new line will be created. If you have the Original option active every new

line created will be on top of the previous line because the Offset is always

measured from the Original Base Curve.

Creating a line tangent to two arcs.

Select Arc 1 with the selection ball away from

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New Line

Base Line

Cursor location when selecting Base Line.

Page 8: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

a control point of the arc.

Drag the cursor away from the arc

to see the Tangency Condition.

There are two possible Tangency Conditions. If the tangency displayed is

incorrect pass the cursor between the arc center and the tangency attachment

point to reverse it.

Select Arc 2 with the selection ball away from any defining point of

the curve.

Creating a line midway between two parallel lines.

Page 8

Result of Tangency change

Line created using this method.

Curve 1

Select Curve 1 near the end point you want

the new line to start from.

Select Curve 2 from the same end making

sure no point is inside the selection ball.

Selecting the 2 existing curves in that

fashion establishes the base point of the

new curve midway between them.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Create a line that bisects the angle between 2 lines.

Select Line 1 between control points.

Select Line 2 between control points.

After selecting Line 2 NX creates the base point of the new line at the

intersection of the two lines selected. Because of this it does not matter

which end of the two lines you select.

Page 9

Curve 2

Select the end point of either existing curve to

establish the end point of the new Curve.

Select the End Point of Curve 2 for Length.

New curve created midway between Curve 1 and Curve 2

Page 10: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Drag the cursor to where you want the end point of the line to be and

either select geometry or do a cursor location pick to crate the line.

Creating lines using the Dialog Bar

Key in the coordinate location of the Line Base Point in the XC, YC,

and ZC Test Fields and Press the Enter key.

Using the Dialog Bar for Point 2.

a. Activate the XC Text Field by Double Clicking it and key in the

desired value.

Page 10

Place the cursor where the new line end point will be.

The Asterisk displayed is the cursor location pick defining the new line end point

The values used for the graphic on the left

were:

XC = 0.00YC = -50.00ZC = 0.00

These values establish the Base Point of the Line to be created.

Page 11: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

b. Press the Tab key.

c. Key in the value in the Second Text Field.

d. Press the Tab key.

e. Key in the value in the third Text Field.

f. Press the Enter key.

When using the Dialog Bar for creation Press the Enter key to execute the

desired values. Using MB2 does not work.

Use the Tab Key to get to the Text Field needed to key in the second set

of coordinate values. When completed Press the Enter key.

Result

Create a line normal to a face through a point.

Select an Existing Point to define the Lines Base Point.

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Select a Base Point for the line to be created.

Page 12: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Change the Point Method to Select Face in the Basic Curve dialog.

Select the face the line is to be created normal to.

Arc Creation

Arc offers two creation options:

Page 12

A line is created from the point

selected to the face selected.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

There is also an Alternate Solution toggle that will create an Arc opposite

the one defined. This toggle is only available before the final point is

specified and can be tricky during creation. It is easier to get the Alternate

Solution using the Compliment Arc toggle found in the Edit Curve

Parameters dialog.

Start, End, Point on Arc

This creation option requires the selection of a Start Point for the Arc, an

End Point for the Arc and a Point on Arc that defines the Radius value of

the Arc being created. All three points can be either screen selections,

points on geometry, or values entered in the Tracking Bar.

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Start, End, Point on Arc.

Center, Start, End.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The Tracking Bar for Start, End, Point on Arc has two text fields grayed

out. These fields are only available when using the Center, Start, End

creation option.

These two text fields are used to enter a Start and End Angle value when

creating the Arc using Center, Start, End option if desired. Geometry can

also be used to define the Start and End points of the Arc as well as screen

selections.

This is an example of selecting the Arc Center as a screen selection and the

Start and End Points being defined using geometry.

The next example uses the Tracking Bar for the entries that will define the

Arc to be created. The XC, YC, and ZC entries define where the Arc

Center will be located in space. The Radius and Diameter values

determine the Arc size, and the Start Angle and End Angle entries define

the actual Arc Delta Angles.

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Select the Arc Start Point

Select the Arc Center

Select the Arc End Point

45 m/m Radius Value

124° End Angle

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Full Circle is only available if String Mode is deactivated. Use this to

create a Full Circle once the third point is specified.

String Mode and Delta both work the same way described in Line

Creation.

Circle Creation

This creation method is limited. The only option available is Multiple

Positions. Once a Circle has been created this option can be activated

allowing Multiple Circles of the same value to be created by selecting

different origins.

Fillet Creation

Fillet offers three methods of creation:

Simple Fillet- will apply a Fillet of the value in the Radius

text field if the intersection of two curves will fit inside the

cursor selection ball. The cursor crosshair will identify the

Fillet Center. The curves are trimmed automatically.

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0, 0, 0 Arc Center

33° Start Angle

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

2 Line Fillet- will apply a Fillet at the intersection of two

curves of the value in the Radius text field. Select the

Curves in a Counterclockwise rotation and identify the

Approximate Fillet Center. The Curve Trim options are

available for deactivation.

3 Line Fillet- will apply a Fillet between three curves. The

Radius is determined by the curve relationship and no

Radius value can be entered. An Approximate Fillet Center

is required. The Trim options are also available using this

creation method.

Page 16

Selection Result Selection Result

Curve 1

Curve 2

Select Approximate Center

Result

Page 17: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Trim Curve

Trim Curve has four selection options.

Page 17

Fillet created as a result of the selection sequence shown to the left.

Page 18: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Trim Curve dialog collapsed.

Trim Curve selection options.

Select Curve

Bounding Object 1

Bounding Object 2

Intersection

Settings

Trim Curve dialog expanded.

The selection sequence for Trimming Curves in NX5 is different than in

previous NX versions. The first object to select now is the Curve to be

Trimmed. If the Curve is to be shortened to a Bounding Object select the

Curve in the area that is to be removed by the Trim operation. After

selecting the Curve to be Trimmed the Cue Line will prompt you to select

the Bounding Object or Objects. If the Curve being Trimmed is to be

extended to a Bounding Object select the Curve near the end to be affected

by the Trim. If the end selected is incorrect use the End to Trim option to

modify the selection.

Select Curve is the Curve

to be Trimmed.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Curve to Trim is the Curve that is to be either Lengthened or Shortened.

Select the end of the Curve to be modified. When a Curve is selected to be

Trimmed it is flagged Select Curve and a small circle will appear at the end

nearest where it was selected. When a Bounding Object is selected it is

flagged Select Object.

If the ball is at the wrong end use the End to Trim drop down to change

ends.

A Bounding Object 1 must be selected but a Bounding Object 2 does not.

If a second Bounding Object is not needed press MB2 to skip that selection

step.

Vector Direction is only available

if the Intersections method

is set to Specify Vector.

Page 19

The Select Curve is the Curve to be Trimmed and the small circle indicates the end of the curve to be affected by the Trim.

The Select Object is the Trimming Boundary and the small circle indicates the end of the curve to be affected by the Trim.

Page 20: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

If the Bounding Object is to be trimmed as well as the Curve to Trim

activate Trim Bounding Objects. If the Bounding Object is to be used for

more than one trim activate Keep Bounding Objects Selected.

Curve Extension

There are four Curve Extension

options that affect a splines shape if

it is to be extended.

Natural. This extends the spline by attempting to calculate the additional

length based on the shape of the end to be extended.

Linear. A straight transition tangent to the spline at the end to be extended.

Circular. Extends the spline by calculating a radius value based on the

spline end being extended.

None. If None is selected you can only shorten to a boundary but not

extended.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Inferred Intersection will Trim a curve to the nearest intersection point to

the Bounding Object. The Method to Find Intersections options only

have an impact on the result if the curves being Trimmed are not on the

same plane as the Bounding Object.

Associative Output will Trim a Curve but keep the original String to

Trim only display it in a Dashed Font.

Input Curves controls what happens to the original Curve being Trimmed.

Retain- keeps a copy of the original Trimmed Curve

Delete- only keeps a copy of the Trimmed Curve

Blank- keeps a copy of the original Trimmed Curve only

Blanks it.

Replace- replaces the original Curve to be Trimmed with

the Trimmed Curve.

If Associative Output is active only Replace and Blank are available under

Input Curves.

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Spline Natural Extension Spline Linear Extension

Spline Circular Extension Spline None Extension

Page 22: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The selection sequence can be

changed by activating the

Select Object buttons for each

select step in the desired

sequence.

Select Object Button

To change the selection

sequence select the Select

Object button for Bounding

Object 1 and select the first

boundary for the curve to be

trimmed to. You will automatically advance to the Bounding Object 2

selection step. Select Bounding Object 2 if desired, if no second bounding

object is to be used press MB2 to return to the Select Curve step to select

the Curve to be Trimmed.

Edit Curve Parameters allows the Editing of any Curve Creation Input.

Editing Line Parameters.

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Page 23: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

When you select a line to edit the Text Fields will display its current values.

You can key in new Length or Angle values. The Angle is measured in

relationship to the current XC axis of the WCS.

Key in the new values as required and press the Enter or Return key to

execute the edit.

The line will update to the new values.

a. A line end point can also be relocated. If you select Edit Curve

Parameters and select the end point of a line that point will attach

itself to the cursor and you can move it to a new location.

Page 23

Select the line with its end point inside

the Cursor Selection Ball.

The line is now attached to the

cursor and can be placed in a

new location by selecting

another curve end point.

New values

Page 24: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Editing the Parameters of Arcs and Circles

When you select Insert—Curve—Basic Curve—Edit Parameters the

creation tool bar will appear. When a Circle or Arc is selected the Text

Field dialog will change listing the current values which you can change.

The edit options are the same for Arcs and Circles.

It is important when an Arc or Circle is selected to know what the small

balls appearing on the geometry are telling you.

a. The small circles on an Arc are indicating the Start, Mid, and End

Point of that Arc. The small circles are indicating the Start and

End points of a Circle, which are the same, and the Circle Center.

If you are using Pre-Selection a Plus sign will also display at the center of

both Arcs and Circles. That display will disappear once the object is

selected.

Page 24

Select the end point of another curve to

complete the edit.

Page 25: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

b. If you select either curve with an end point inside the selection ball

that point attaches itself to the cursor. This allows you to move the

cursor and modify the Delta Angle of the creation.

c. If you select the curve at the radius center indicator, the small plus

sigh, the arc or circle attaches itself to the cursor and can be moved

to a new location.

Edit Curve Parameters Options:

1. Parameters- Activates the Text Fields Dialog bar when curves are

selected allowing you to key in new defining values. When selecting

curves select between control points rather than selecting where the arc

end point is inside the selection ball.

Note: If values are keyed into the Tracking Bar Text Fields MB2

does not execute the edit. In order to execute the edit after keying in

new values Press the Enter or Return key.

If you select an end point instead of the arc between control points

you will be in the Drag Mode no matter whether you have

Parameters or Drag mode toggled.

Page 25

New Arc end point. Select the screen or existing geometry to place the arc end at this location.

Original Arc end point.

Page 26: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

2. Dragging- Dragging allows you to modify the radius value of an arc or

move its Delta Angle or relocate the arc depending on how you select the

geometry.

a. If you select the arc between control points the arc attaches to the

cursor and you can drag the radius value larger or smaller.

b. If you select the arc with an end point in the selection ball you can

drag the end point to change the arcs delta angle.

c. If you select the arcs center the arc attaches to the cursor and can

be relocated.

3. Display Original Spline allows you to see the original spline as well as

the edited version until the edit is accepted. At that time the original

spline display disappears.

4. Edit Associative Curve:

By Parameter- This allows you to edit an associative curve

without breaking the associative link.

As Original- This option breaks the associative link of the

curve to be edited and its original defining curve. You will

receive a warning if this option is used.

Page 26

Page 27: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

EXERCISE-Creating Lines

Create a new file named exercise_curves_01.prt

Page 27

Page 28: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Use the Text Fields in the Tracking

Bar and create the lines required

to duplicate the image to the right.

1. Select the Basic Curve icon.

2. Activate String Mode and the Delta option

3. Activate the XC Text Field by double selecting it with MB1. Key in the

following values displayed below. Remember to press the Tab key to

move to the YC and ZC Text Fields. Make sure the XC Text Field is

active before starting to key in the next row of values.

XC YC ZC

a. 0.0 0.0 0.0 Press Enter

b. 0.0 175.0 0.0 Press Enter

c. –25.0 25.0 0.0 Press Enter

d. 0.0 50.0 0.0 Press Enter

e. 50.0 0.0 0.0 Press Enter

f. 0.0 -25.0 0.0 Press Enter

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Page 29: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

g. 10.0 0.0 0.0 Press Enter

h. 0.0 25.0 0.0 Press Enter

j. 50.0 0.0 0.0 Press Enter

k. 0.0 -50.0 0.0 Press Enter

m. –25.0 -25.0 0.0 Press Enter

n. 0.0 -175.0 0.0 Press Enter

4. Close the Curve Creation by selecting the Start Point of the first curve

created where the WCS is displayed as the End Point of the last line to be

created.

5. Offset all the curves inward 12.0 m/m using the Parallel at a Distance

option.

Remember each time a line is selected to Offset the Offset Text Field must

be activated and the key used to obtain the desired results.

When all 12 lines have been Offset save the file and close it.

Select File—Save

Select File—Close—All Parts

EXERCISE-Creating Arcs

Create a new file named exercise_curves_02.prt

Create Six Arcs using the text fields in the Tracking Bar. Select the Basic

Curve icon and activate the Arc option.

Since Start and End angles will be used the Creation Method must be

Center, Start, End. Also turn off String Mode.

Arc 1: XC= 0.0

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Page 30: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

YC= 0.0

ZC= 0.0

Radius= 150.0

Start Angle= 180.0 º

End Angle= 360.0 º

When creating multiple arcs the Arc icon must be selected between

each set of entries in the Text Fields.

Arc 2: XC= 0.0

YC= 400.0

ZC= 0.0

Radius= 150.0

Start angle= 0.0 º

End angle= 180.0 º

Arc 3: XC= 0.0

YC= 0.0

ZC= 0.0

Radius= 120.0

Start angle= 105.0 º

End angle= 435.0 º

Arc 4: XC= 0.0

YC=400.0

ZC= 0.0

Radius= 120.0

Page 30

(If you use 75 º an invalid entry error message will appear.)

Page 31: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Start angle= -75.0 º

End angle= 255.0 º

Arc 5: XC= 0.0

YC= 200.0

ZC= 0.0

Radius= 80.0

Start angle= -65.0 º

End angle= 65.0 º

Arc 6: XC= 0.0

YC=200.0

ZC= 0.0

Radius= 80.0

Start angle= 115.0 º

End angle= 245.0 º

Page 31

When you are finished with the six arcs

the file should appear as the graphic to

the right. If it does not check the

entries for the arc/arcs in question.

If you have made mistakes delete the

incorrect arc/arcs and recreate them.

To delete an object select Edit—Delete

—and select the object or objects you

wish to delete and select OK.

When you are finished Save the file

and close it.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

EXERCISE-Creating Circles and Arcs

Open file: exercise_curve_3.prt

Page 32

Page 33: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Instruction A:

Create a 24.0 Diameter circle at Points A, B, C, and D.

Use the Multiple Positions option to minimize keying in entries.

Instruction B:

Turn Off Multiple Positions and crate the following circles and arcs

using the chart below.

Point Designation

Radius or Diameter value

StartAngle

EndAngle

Point E 30.0 r 180 degrees 270 degrees

Point F 20.0 r -90 degrees 360 degrees

Point G 50.0 dia*

Page 33

File as opened

Page 34: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Point H 33.0 r*

Point J 20.0 r 0 degrees 180 degrees

Point K 30.0 r 0 degrees 180 degrees

Point L 44.0 r 180 degrees 360 degrees

Point M 25.0 r 0 degrees 180 degrees

Point N 25.0 r 180 degrees 360 degrees

* Select the Circle icon and create a circle instead of using the Arc option.

When you have completed creating the arcs and circles make Layer 20

Invisible and save the file.

Note: To make Layer 20 Invisible select Format—Layer Sittings, select

Layer 20 from the layers listed in the bottom listing window and choose the

Invisible toggle.

Note: To save the file select File—Save As—Select the directory to save

the file in and key in the name exercise_curve_3.prt.

Page 34

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

EXERCISE-Creating Fillets

Open file: exercise_fillet.prt

Page 35

File when complete.

Page 36: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Step 1:

Apply a 20.0 r Fillet at Locations 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Note: If you happen to select the curves in a clockwise order

use the Third Mouse Button Pop-Up menu option Undo

to remove the Fillet and select again in the reverse order.

Step 2:

Apply a 100.0 r Fillet at Locations 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Step 3:

Apply a 150.0 r Fillet at Locations 9 and 10.

Step 4:

Apply Fillets at Locations 11, 12, 13, and 14.

Page 36

Exercise as opened.

Page 37: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Step 5:

Go to Format—Layer Sittings,

select Layer 10 and select

the Invisible toggle below

the listing window.

Select the OK Push Button

to execute the command.

EXERCISE-Trimming Curves

Open file: trim_curve.prt

Step 1: Trim to Same Boundry. Zoom in on the portion labeled Trim to

Same Boundry and follow the instructions below.

Page 37

Completed exercise

Page 38: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

a. Either select Insert—Curve--Basic Curve and select the Trim

Curve icon or select Edit—Curve—Trim to activate the Trim

Curve dialog.

b. Make sure the Single Selection option is toggled Off.

c. First Bounding Object icon will be active. Select the Orange

Curve for the Bounding Object.

d. Select the String to Trim icon to activate it.

e. Select the Gray curve to the left of the Bounding Object.

After each Trim has been executed and you will be prompted to Select

String to Trim.

f. Select the Cyan Curve to the left of the Bounding Object.

g. Since Reuse Bounding Object is activated there will be no need to

respecify the Bounding Object. Select the Pink, Yellow, and

Magenta curves to the right of the Bounding Object.

h. If all three curves are selected properly and the trim will remove

the right portion of the curves choose OK to execute the trim.

Page 38

Trim to Same Boundry. Results of Step 1.

Page 39: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Step 2: Spline Extensions. Zoom in on the portion labeled Trim to Same

Boundry and follow the instructions below.

Make sure Use Inferred Intersection is toggled On. If you want the

selection options to advance automatically toggle On Single

Selection. Remember this will only march through the icons if you

are selecting two Bounding Objects. For this particular trim

operation you will only need one Bounding Object. You might

prefer selecting the icons needed to perform the trims rather than

using MB2 and trying to march through the selection sequence.

a. Select Edit—Curve—Trim.

b. Trim the Cyan Spline to the Green Curve using Natural for the

extension method.

Select the Green Curve as the Bounding Object.

Either select the String to Trim icon or press MB2

twice to advance to the String to Trim icon.

Select the Cyan Spline at the end nearest the

Bounding Object.

The extension is executed when the spline is selected and you remain

in the trim operator.

c. Change the Spline Extension method from Natural to Linear and

select the Magenta Spline to be trimmed to the Green Spline.

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Page 40: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

d. Change the Spline Extension method from Linear to Circular and

select the Yellow Spline. The trim is executed as soon as the

spline is selected but because of the spline shape the trim result

looks very similar to the Natural Extension.

e. Change the Spline Extension method from Circular to None and

select the Aquamarine Spline.

If you are wondering why nothing happened you have to

remember what was said about the None Extension

earlier. None will not lengthen a curve, it will only

shorten a curve.

f. Select the First Bounding Object icon and de-select the original

boundary curve by pressing the Shift key on the keyboard and re-

selecting the curve you wish to replace with another Boundary

Curve.

g. Select the short Yellow Curve as the Bounding Object and press

MB2 twice to advance to the String to Trim icon.

h. Select the shorter portion of the Aquamarine Spline to trim back

to the Bounding Object.

Page 40

Spline Extension Options. Results of Step 2.

Page 41: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Step 3: Trimming without Using Inferred Intersection.

If Use Inferred Intersection is toggled On NX will trim the curve

selected to the point closest to where the Boundary Object was

selected. With Use Inferred Intersection toggled Off there can

possibly be two trim solutions.

Use the Orange Line and the Aquamarine Arc.

a. Select the Use Inferred Intersection to change its status to Off.

b. Select the Orange Line as the First Bounding Object.

c. Press MB2 one time to advance to the String to Trim icon.

Small plus (+) signs appear on the Bounding Object indication the

intersection of two possible trim results.

d. Select the Plus Sign to the right when the Secondary Trim Curve

dialog appears.

Page 41

Two trim possibilities

Select the First Bounding Object from this end.

Page 42: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

e. Select OK to execute the trim.

Step 4: Trimming to Intersections.

This portion of the exercise deals with trimming boundaries with the

String to Trim as well as the Four Intersection Options.

a. Zoom up on the curves identified as INTERSECTION METHOD

SHORTEST 3D DISTANCE.

b. Select Edit—Curve—Trim

Page 42

Trim Result

Page 43: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Leave Single Selection toggled On, Set the Use Inferred Intersection

toggled to Off, toggle Off the option Reuse Bounding Objects, and toggle

On the option Trim Bounding Objects. Put the Method to Find

Intersection at Shortest 3D Distance. Since the curves you are to trim

physically intersect the result will not be affected by these sittings.

c. Select the Bounding Objects as

indicated to the right.

d. Select the Green Line as indicated

by the X in the graphic and watch

the trim result.

e. Toggle the Trim Bounding Objects option to Off and select the

same two Orange Curves as the Bounding Objects.

f. Select the long Green Line between the two Bounding Objects to

remove the center portion.

g. Again, select the two Orange-

Curves as the Bounding Objects.

h. Select the Magenta Curve as the

String to Trim.

Page 43

Select curve to trim here

Bounding Object 1

Bounding Object 2

Intersection Method:

Shortest 3D Distance

Page 44: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The result of the trim just performed is predictable. The Magenta Curve is

not on the same plane as the Orange Curves. The Orange Curves create a

plane. There is a theoretical intersection between the Orange and Magenta

Curves normal to the plane defined by the Bounding Objects. The Shortest

3D Distance is the theoretical intersection along the normals of the two

curves.

Step 5: Intersection Method Relative to WCS.

Since this trim method defines the intersection along the XC axis

based on the current WCS it will be necessary to redefine the WCS.

If the WCS is not changed, the result of this trim will be identical to

the previous one.

a. Select WCS—Orient from the Gateway Menu Bar. On the CSYS

Constructor select the Filter widget and select the CSYS option.

b. Select the Green Saved WCS.

c. Select the two Orange Curves

as the Bounding Objects.

Page 44

Existing

WCS

Page 45: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

d. Select the Magenta Curve near

either end to execute the trim.

Intersection Relative to WCS trims along the ZC axis normal to the

current XC-YC plane. If you study this and the previous trim you will

notice some differences between the results.

Step 6: Intersection method Along a Vector.

c. Select the two Orange Curves as the Bounding Objects.

Remember to read the Cue Line for the selection prompts.

d. When the Vector Direction icon becomes available the Vector

Method option also becomes available. Select the Vector Method

option Vector Constructor.

Page 45

a. Return the WCS to Absolute. Select WCS—Orient and

choose the Absolute CSYS icon and select OK.

b. Select Edit—Curve—Trim to activate the Trim Curve

dialog.

e. Key in the following Values in The I, J, K text fields:

I= 0.000

J= 1.000

K= 2.000

f. Select OK after keying in the values for I, J, and K. Look at the

Vector that appears at the WCS. That Vector tells NX what

direction to look for the theoretical intersection for those curves

selected.

Trim Result using Intersection Relative to WCS

Page 46: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

g. Select OK.

h. Select the Magenta Curve near either end to trim.

Step 7: Along Screen Normals

Note: This trim option can produce results that appear to physically

intersect even though they do no.

a. Select the two Orange Curves as the Bounding Objects.

b. Change the Intersection Method to Along Screen Normals.

c. Select the Magenta Curve near either end.

Page 46

Trim Vector Display Trim Along a Vector Result

Trim Result

Page 47: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

EXERCISE-Edit Curve Parameters

Open file: edit_curve-parameters.prt

Page 47

Rotate the geometry after the trim to

see the curves used were on different

planes.

File as Opened.

Page 48: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Step 1: Editing lines.

a. Select Insert—Curve—Basic Curve.

b. Select the Edit Curve Parameter icon.

c. Select Line A and connect it to Line Point B.

Note: Remember when selecting Point A the end of the line must be

inside the selection ball.

d. Once the Line End Point is attached to the cursor move the

cursor to Line Point B and select the line end.

Step 2: Create a Triangle by editing existing lines.

a. Repeat the process in Step 1 and place Line Point C on

Line End Point D.

b. The final edit to create the triangle is to place Line End E

onto Line End F.

Step 3: Editing and moving Arcs and Circles.

a. Change the Diameter of Circle 1 to 16.50.

b. Change the Radius of Circle 2 to 9.3.

c. Move both Green Circles to be centered on Green Point 1.

Page 48

Page 49: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Note: Remember to select the circle to move at its theoretical radius

center so it will attach to the cursor for moving.

d. Select Arc1 and change its Radius value to equal 6.0.

e. Select the arc just modified and move it to the Magenta

Point, Point 2.

f. Select Arc 2 and enter the following values for Radius,

Start and End Angles.

Radius = 7.9

Start Angle = 30.0º

End Angle = 240º

g. Move the newly modified Arc 1 from its present location to

the same Magenta Point 2 used to satisfy instruction (e).

h. Go to Format—Layer Sittings and make Layer 2

Invisible.

i. Save the file.

Page 49

Exercise Complete

Page 50: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Creating ChamfersSelect the Chamfer icon from the Curve Toolbar

This selection sequence produces the Chamfer dialog which offers two

Chamfer options.

Page 50

Page 51: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Simple Chamfer- Enter a single value that is measured along two curves to

determine the portion removed in creating the Chamfer.

When you select Simple Chamfer the first dialog that appears

is the Chamfer parameter dialog where you enter the actual

Chamfer value.

The next dialog that appears is for specifying the curves to be

chamfered. The selection process requires both curves be

inside the Selection Ball in order to produce the desired result.

If both curves are inside the selection ball the Chamfer will be

applied.

Page 51

The graphic above shows the Chamfer created and how the values were measured along each curve.

Page 52: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The graphics below shows the proper selection sequence to produce the

desired Chamfer.

Not only do both curves affected have to be inside the selection ball, the

crosshairs have to be in the correct quadrant to define which direction the

Chamfer will be applied.

Page 52

If the curves to be Chamfered are

selected with the crosshairs

positioned as is displayed to the left

the result will be unacceptable.

For the desired result select the curves

as show in the graphic to the left.

Result with improper selection

Result with proper selection

Page 53: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

User Defined Chamfer is the second option. When the User Define

Chamfer toggle is selected it produces the Chamfer Trim options.

No Trim- This option will create the Chamfer and leave both curves

untrimmed.

When you select User-Defined Chamfer the default option is Offset/Angle.

Page 53

Automatic Trim- This option Trims

both curves affected by the Chamfer.

Manual Trim- This option allows

you to tell NX to Trim Curve 1

and/or Curve 2 after the actual

Chamfer is performed. Selecting the

Yes option requires you to select the

end of each curve to be removed.

Selecting No for either curve will

execute the Chamfer and leave the

curves untrimmed.

The Offset is measured along the

Second Curve selected from the

intersection of the two curves used.

The Angle is measured at the

Offset distance from the Second

Curve selected.

Offset Distance

Second Curve

Page 54: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Selection Sequence for Offset and Angle Chamfer

a. Insert—Curve—Chamfer.

b. User-Defined Chamfer.

c. Select the Trim option.

d. Enter the Offset and Angle values.

e. Select Curve 1.

f. Select Curve 2.

g. Indicate approximate intersection point.

Even though it has been mentioned before it is important enough to be

mentioned again. Selection order is important when using User-Defined

Chamfer. The Offset value is measured along the second curve. The

Angle is measured from the offset point to the second selected curve.

The two examples above show the difference dictated by selection

sequence. They are the same curves, and the same values. The only

difference is the Curve 1, Curve 2 selection sequence.

Page 54

First Curve

Angle

Applied Chamfer

Page 55: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

If Simple Offset or Offset and Angle does not apply to a Chamfer need,

there is one additional option available.

Offset Values is also selection sensitive. The First Offset is measured

along the Second Curve selected. The Second Offset is measured along

the First Curve selected.

Page 55

When the Chamfer dialog appears

after selecting the User-Defined

Chamfer toggle, select the Offset

Values toggle.

The Offset Values offers the

opportunity to key in two different

offset values to define

Curve 1

Second Offset Value

Curve 2

First Offset Value

Page 56: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Creating RectanglesSpecifying two diagonal points creates rectangles.

Select the Rectangle option from the Curve Toolbar.

Page 56

This selection sequence

activates the Point

Constructor. Use the icons

to select Existing

Geometry for the

Diagonal Input or use the

Text Fields to give

Coordinate Point

Locations for creation.

Page 57: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

When Rectangles are created their boundaries are parallel to the XC and

YC axes of the Current WCS if viewed down the ZC axis. If a Rectangle

is created by using Cursor Location instead of selecting existing geometry

or specifying coordinate points it is created on the Current XC—YC plane.

Page 57

The Rectangle displayed has two boundaries parallel to the XC axis and two boundaries parallel to the YC axis.

Point 1

Point 2

Point 3

Point 4

Point 5

Point 6

Point 8

Page 58: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Points 1 and 2 were Cursor Location picks so the Rectangle was created

on the current XC—YC plane.

Points 3 and 4 were Coordinate Locations keyed into the Text Fields so

the Rectangle was created off the XC—YC plane

Points 5, 6, 7, and 8 were created by Selecting Existing Geometry and the

point locations selected defined the plane of creation.

Creating PolygonsSelect the Polygon icon in the Curve toolbar.

This dialog is used to enter the number of sides you want your Polygon to

have. You must have a minimum of 3 sides and a maximum of 513 sides.

Select OK after specifying the number of sides your Polygon is going to

have to activate the Creation Method dialog. Select the Method you wish to

use to create your Polygon.

Page 58

Point 7

By selecting the Polygon

option you activate the

Polygon dialog for side

definition..

Page 59: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Inscribed Radius. This determines the size of the Polygon by specifying

the largest diameter circle that will fit inside the

specified Polygon tangent to its sides. The circle

defining the size is tangent to the sides of the Polygon.

Circumscribed Radius. This option determines the Polygon size by

specifying a value that will pass through all the

side intersections of the Polygon.

Side of Polygon. This option determines the Polygon size by specifying the

length of each side. Radius values are not considered.

Polygons are created on the current XC-YC plane and the intersection of

Start and End Side lies on the XC axis.

Orientation Angle allows you to create the Polygon starting off the XC

axis rotated toward the YC axis using the using a positive orientation angle.

Page 59

Page 60: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Creating an EllipseSelect the Ellipse icon from the Curve Toolbar.

The first dialog that appears after selecting the Ellipse option is the Point

Constructor. Use this to specify the Ellipse Center or Base Point of the

Ellipse.

After specifying where you want the Ellipse center to be the Ellipse

Parameter dialog is activated for the creation values to be entered.

Page 60

Polygon with no Orientation Angle Polygon with Orientation

Angle of 30 degrees

NX defines an Ellipse by

specifying a Semi-Minor and

Semi-Major radius value

positioned about a center point.

Page 61: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Ellipses are created on the current XC-YC plane and the Rotation Angle is

measured counter clockwise from the XC axis toward the YC axis.

The Ellipse displayed was positioned at the 0, 0, 0 of the WCS. Its

Semimajor Radius is 40.0m/m and its Semiminor Radius is 20.0m/m. It

was created as a complete Ellipse, 0 to 360º, with no Rotation Angle.

Page 61

Start Angle and End Angle are set by default from 0 degrees to 360

degrees. Both points reside on the XC axis. An Ellipse can be created

at any Start and End Angle by keying in values in these two Text

Fields.

Rotation Angle determines where the 0 degree Start Angle will be in

relationship to the current XC axis.

Semimajor- This is the top

and bottom radius values of

the Ellipse.

Semiminor- This value

defines the two ends of the

Ellipse.

Page 62: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

EXERCISE-Creating Basic Curves

Create a new file and name it: exercise_curve_4.prt

Use the graphic below and create the profile using as many of the Basic

Curve creation operators as you can.

Page 62

R

Page 63: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Point CreationSelect Insert—Datum/Point to activate the Point Constructor for creating

or specifying Points.

You can either create Associate or

Non-associative Points using the

Point Constructor.

To either activate or de-activate the

Associative option select the Settings

down arrow.

Page 63

Page 64: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Under Settings is where the

Associative option is located.

Prior to the actual creation of a Point a small cube will display showing

where the Point will be located.

The Point Constructor offers all the

options displayed in the drop down

for specifying Points.

Inferred Point allows the selection of

most but not all filter specific options.

Cursor Location will create points

on the XC-YC plane of the WCS.

End Point limits the selection to the

end points of curves and edges.

Control Point allows the selection of End Points, Mid Points, and defining

points of a spline.

Page 64

Page 65: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Intersection Point will create a point at the physical or theoretical

intersection of two objects.

Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Center creates a point at the center of those types of

geometry.

Angle on Arc/Ellipse allows the creation of a point on an Arc or Ellipse at a

keyed in angle to the creation 0 degree point.

Quadrant Point will create a Point at the 0, 90, 180, or 270 degree location

of an Arc or Circle based on the 0 degree creation location.

Point on Curve/Edge will crate a point on a curve or edge where the cursor

is located when the geometry is selected.

Between Two Points allows the creation of a Point between two specified

points using a text field percentage value. After the first and second points

have been specified enter the location of the desired point and select either

Apply or OK to create the point.

Page 65

Page 66: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Select either Apply or OK to create a point 25% between the first point, the

Green point, and the second point, the Red point.

The Point Constructor also offers the ability to key in a Coordinate

Location in relation to either the Current WCS or Absolute.

If the Angle on Arc/Ellipse is being used the text fields change for Angle

Input after the Arc or Ellipse is selected.

The Snap Point Toolbar also becomes available when the Point option is

selected. Both Associative and Non-associative Point creation work in

conjunction with the Snap Point Toolbar for creating Points in 3

dimensional space or on geometry.

Page 66

Page 67: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Associative Points update to geometry modification, Non-

associative Points do not update to geometry modifications.

Enable

Snap

Point if

activated

allows selections to snap to points on objects.

End Point limits the selection to the end points of curves and edges.

Mid Point limits the selection to the Mid Point of curves and edges.

Control Point allows the selection of End Points, Mid Points, and defining

points of a spline.

Intersection Point will create a point at the physical or theoretical

intersection of two objects.

Arc Center will create a point at the center of an Arc, Ellipse, or Sphere.

Quadrant Point will create a point at the 0, 90, 180, 270, or 360 degree

mark of an Arc or Ellipse.

Existing Point limits the selection to a point that already exists.

Page 67

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Page 68: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Point on Curve allows you to place a point along a curve. The only

drawback is there is no way of knowing the arc length location prior to

placement.

Point on Surface places a point anywhere on a surface but as is the case

with Point on Curve there is no way of knowing the coordinate location of

the point when placed.

Point SetSelect the Point Set icon from the Curve Toolbar to activate the Point Set

dialog.

Page 68

Page 69: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Equal Arc Length: Works with percentages.

Places a set of points at an equally spaced distance along a curve. The

distance value is measured using percentage values of the curves total

arc length and the user can control the percentage of the curve the

points are applied to.

Page 69

Points on Curve

This option offers five Spacing Methods.

Five points were placed on

the spline using Points on

Curve, Equal Arc Length.

The arc length between

points is 103.66.

Page 70: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Equal Parameters: Works with percentages.

Places a set of points along a curve at equal Parametric Intervals

based on Chordal Division Tangencies.

This illustrates how NX determines how the points will be placed on

the curve based on the Equal Parameters Spacing Method.

This will also work with curves that have Reversals of Curvature.

Technically you cannot chordally divide a curve in the ways just mentioned,

Page 70

Chord 1

Line parallel to Chord 1 and tangent to the curve.

Point of tangency between the purple curves.

Chord 2

Line parallel to Chord 2 and tangent to the curve.

Point of tangency between the olive curves.

Page 71: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

but the software makes estimates based on the concept of chordal divisions.

This is why you can enter any number of points and select any type of curve

when spacing Points by equal parameters.

Geometric Progression: Works with percentages.

This spacing method places points on a curve based on a geometric

ratio of the previous arc length percentage. The Ratio is user defined

in the Points On Curve dialog. Prior to placing points NX analyzes

the entire curve to determine the spacing so there is no remainder

distance.

Chordal Tolerance: Works with the entire curve and not percentage.

Works better with curves that approximate an arc rather than complex

splines because it produces a more uniform spacing between points.

The Chordal Tolerance represents the Maximum Distance between

the Parent Curve and a Chord between two adjacent points in the

set.

Page 71Chordal bisector

Point

Page 72: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Incremental Arc Length:

This method allows the user to define the Arc Length value between

points. When the curve is selected its true arc length is displayed in

the Status Line. Enter the Arc Length spacing desired in the Points

On Curve text field and select OK or Apply to create the points.

The spline was not equally divisible by the Arc Length value

specified so there was a remainder at the right side of the curve.

NX no longer displays what the remainder arc length value is

but the curve Total Arc Length is displayed in the Status

Line.

This is also selection sensitive, the Arc Length values are

measured from the end closest to where the curve was selected.

Page 72

Chord

Page 73: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The most commonly alignment methods used is Equal Arc Length and

Equal Parameters.

General Conics

Conic Definition:

Page 73

Circle

Ellipse

Parabola

Hyperbola

Circle—Cutting plane is parallel to

the cone base.

Ellipse—Cutting plane is angled to the

cone centerline.

Parabola—Cutting plane is parallel to

the cone wall.

Hyperbola—Cutting plane is parallel

to the cone centerline.

Page 74: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Conic Creation Terminology

To construct General Conics a familiarity with their mathematics is

required as well as some of the terms associated with them.

Slope-The relative angle between the tangent vector at any

point and the XC-axis.Anchor-(Apex) The intersection point of the tangent lines from

the end points of the curve.

Chord-A line between the end points.

Page 74

Page 75: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Least Tension Conic- Conic with minimum amount of curvature

(maximum radius) to satisfy the initial conditions.

A Least Tension Conic usually produces an Ellipse, but if the angle

between the tangent vectors and chord are equal the resultant is an Arc.

Rho, also known as the Projective Discriminant is another factor of a

General Conic.

Rho=Y1/Y2 and must be between .001 to .999. The Larger the Rho

value the Pointier the Curve.

Page 75

A=B

angle Bangle A

Page 76: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Select the General Conic icon from the Curve Toolbar.

There are Seven Conic creation methods.

5 Points—Creates a conic through five defining points using the Point

Constructor.

If the conic is an Arc, Ellipse, or Parabola, it will pass through all 5

points. If the conic is a Hyperbola, it does not always pass through

Page 76

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

the first and last points, but generally uses those points to determine

the asymptote.

4 Points, 1 Slope—Creates a conic through four points, the slope applied is

to the starting end of the conic.

The Slope is defined using one of four methods, and prompted for

after the first point is selected.

Example One: Using Vector Components.

Select Point 1.

Select the Vector Component toggle.

Enter the values:

Select the remaining 3 Points to create the Conic.

Page 77

Point 1

Dir Pt A

Page 78: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Example Two: Using Direction Point.

Select Point 1.

Select the Direction Point toggle.

Select Dir Pt A.

Select the remaining 3 Points to create the Conic.

3 Points, 2 Slope—Creates a conic through three points and defines the

slope at both ends of the conic.

The Slopes are defined using one of the same four methods used for

4Points, 1 Slope, and are prompted for after selecting the first and last

points.

3 Points, Anchor—Creates a conic Through Three Points, with a specified

Anchor Point. The Anchor Point is the intersection of the Tangent Lines

at the endpoints of the conic that establishes the conic slopes.

2 Points, Anchor, Rho—Creates a conic through Two Points that define

the conic Start and End Points, an Anchor Point, the intersection of the

tangent lines at the endpoints, and a Rho value. The Rho determines which

type of conic is created:

Page 78

Page 79: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Greater than or equal to .001 but less than .500, an Ellipse is

created.

If the value is equal to .500, a Parabola is created.

Greater than .500 but less than or equal to .999, a Hyperbola is

created.

Coefficients—Allows for the creation of any conic by equation. The

coefficient values of the mathematical equation are entered as A through F

in the parameters dialog. These values control size, type, and orientation

based on the location of the WCS. NX uses a general equation for all conic

types as long as A, B, and C are not all zeros.

Ax² + Bxy + Cy² + Dx + Ey + F = 0

2 Points, 2 Slopes, Rho—Creates a conic through two points, with slopes

assigned to each end and a Rho value determining the peak transition.

Creating three Conic curves

1. Vector Direction.

a. Starting Slope values: X= 1

Y=-7

b. End Slope values: X=1

Y=7

2. Slope of Curve.

a. Use the Green curve to define the slope at Point One.

b. Use the Cyan curve to define the slope at Point Two.

Page 79

Since this Conic does not pass

through all three points what kind of

curve was created?

Answer: Hyperbola.

Page 80: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

3. Angle.

a. The Angle for the First Slope is 15 Degrees.

b. The angle for the Second Slope is –15 Degrees.

Page 80

3 Points, 2 SlopesSlope of Curve

3 Points, 2 SlopesAngle

Page 81: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Offset CurvesOffset allows you to perform a true Offset of a curve or series of curves a

specified Distance, Angle, or Law Control.

Select the Offset icon in the Curve Toolbar to access the curve selection

dialog.

This is the expanded Offset dialog

showing the Settings and Preview

option . The Offset Curve dialog

shows the objects that can be selected

for Offset. If you select an Edge or

Face to Offset only Offset Curves

are created.

Page 81

After selecting the Curve/Curves

to Offset several additional options

have to be considered. If a Single

Curve is selected a Point is required

to establish the Offset Plane. If

Multiple Curves are selected they

define the Offset Plane.

Page 82: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Type determines which of the

four methods of Offset will be

performed.

Distance

Distance allows the Offset to be measured along the geometry normals at a

specified distance value.

When executing an Offset it is important to know the Positive Offset

Direction. The Vector that displays when the Offset Curve dialog becomes

active tells you the Positive Direction.

If the Offset Direction is wrong

select the Reverse Direction button

to flip the direction of the Offset 180°.

Page 82

Positive Offset Direction

Offset Distance Value

Reverse Direction button

Page 83: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Being able to reverse the positive direction eliminates the need to key in

negative values. This operator will accept negative values but it is better not

to use them if possible.

Distance as the Offset option offers a Distance text field for entering the

offset value. The Down Arrow offers additional ways of inputting the

Offset Value.

Measure allows the Offset input to

be the Distance Measurement

between two objects.

Formula allows the creation of a

formula to define the Offset

Distance.

The Formula will then display in

the Expressions dialog defining the Offset if it is accepted by selecting the

by selecting the green check Accept button at the right end of the formula

text field.

Function allows the selection of a Trigametric Function to use as the

Offset input. This can be viewed as an additional Formula method of

defining an Offset.

Page 83

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Reference allows the selection a defining feature parameter from an existing

feature to define the Offset input.

The Values listed below the Reference option are previously used inputs

that can be selected to define the Offset input.

Make Constant locks the input value for the Offset guaranteeing minimum

deviation when Offsetting complex curves.

Draft

This option requires both an Offset value for Distance and an Angle for

Draft.

The Distance is measured normal to the plane of the curves.

The Angle is measured in the direction the Reference Vector is

pointing.

Using an Offset Value of 8.0 mm and an Angle of 30º could produce

different results depending on the Positive Vector direction.

The Analytical Plane that appears when the Offset Curve dialog is

activated is representative of the Distance Value in the text field at the time

of activation.

Page 84

Offset outward Offset inward

Page 85: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Not only does Draft Height and Draft Angle Offset the Curves in a

distance relationship to the Base Curve plane, it also Offsets them at

an angle to the Base Curve plane.

Law Control

Law Control allows you to create a Variable Value Offset by creating a

Law Curve to define the Offset Values.

It is important to select the Base Curve properly so the Law Controlled

Offset gives you the desired result. The Positive Direction Vector is where

the First Offset Value will be applied when the Offset is created.

Page 85

Values of Previous Offset

If those are not the desired

values key in the correct ones in

the Text fields and select the

Redisplay Reference Objects

to get an update.

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Solid Face allows you to select a Face to Offset all its edges. It

minimizes the selection process.

Page 86

Offset Law Type offers several options for offsetting the curves.

The Law functionality within NX5 is covered in a separate module

and covers all the Law options available with the different operators.

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3D Axial Offset Type is used to offset coplanar or non-coplanar 3D

Curves. It offers options that allow specification of Offset Direction using

the Vector Constructor or using an Inferred Vector. The ZC-axis is the

initial default Offset Direction and the Offset Curve created is always a

Spline.

This is the Vector Constructor used for specifying the Offset Direction.

Page 87

Off

set

dir

ecti

on

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

These are the Infer Direction

options available for specifying

the Offset.

This Offset method does

require a Direction as well as a

Distance of the Offset. If no

Direction is selected the

default direction will be

accepted when the Offset is

created.

After selecting the curves to be Offset, choosing an Offset Method, and

entering the Offset Parameters the next option to be considered is how the

Offset Curve Trim will be controlled.

Select a Trim option

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a. None will not extend a curve if the Offset creates a gap between

curves

b. Extended Tangents will allow NX to increase the length of an

Offset Curve to eliminate possible gaps. This is where the

Extend Factor becomes important if the Offset is set to Non-

associative, . The

Extend Factor is a multiple of the Offset Distance. That is the

maximum Arc Length distance a curve can be extended to fill a

gap between curves. This factor is most important with angles less

than 90º.

Page 89

The Offset Curves are the same length as the Base Curves selected.

Extend Factor set to 5 so the Offset Curves can extend to an intersection.

The Extend option is set to Fillet. The transition radius is the same as the Offset value

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It is acceptable to key in a high Extend Factor value because NX will not

Extend beyond an intersection of two curves.

c. Fillet will create an Arc transition between Offset Curves that

have not been extended.

Group Objects allows the Offset Curves to be linked in a group. Grouped

Curves can be dealt with individually or as if they were one object. Toggle

the option On to activate Group Objects or toggle it Off to have the option

inactive.

Tolerance is the acceptable deviation value of the Offset Curves to the

original curves if you are offsetting splines or conics.

Number of Copies allows you to create Multiple Offsets using the same

value. Each Offset applied is from the previous set of curves.

For this result the Number of Copies was 3.

Page 90

In this example the Fillet value will be 2.0

because the Offset value is 2.0 and the Extend

Factor is set on 1.

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Rough Offset is only available for Distance and Draft Curve Offsets. This

is primarily used when the input curves are self-intersecting but can produce

unexpected results in the Trim options if the output is set to Associative. It

can also create unexpected results in the actual input curves as well as the

output curves if the output is Non-associative.

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Extract Curve

Extract creates geometry, curves, using edges and faces of existing bodies.

Select the Extract Curve icon in the Curve Toolbar to activate the Extract

Curve dialog.

Edge Curves allows you to create curves from of selected edges of existing

bodies. Selecting the Edge Curves toggle activates the Single Edge Curve

filter dialog.

Page 92

Curve Types that can

be Extracted

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

If you choose not to use any of the filter toggles you can select any Faces or

Edge of a solid body or sheet body.

Page 93

All in Face activates a filter

dialog that controls what objects

can be selected for extraction.

If you select a Face it will highlight displaying

the Edges that will be Extracted. After

selecting the face you must OK back to the

Extract Curves dialog to actually create the

curves.

Selected face

What appears to be Green

Edges defining the face

selected earlier are actually

the Curves created.

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All Adjacent to Face will Extract all the edges adjacent to the Face/Faces

selected.

The Green curves in the graphic above were Extracted using All Adjacent

to Face. If you replace the current work view with another view they will

still be displayed.

Page 94

The Edges displayed in Blue are the

edges that will be Extracted. This also

requires selecting OK until the Extract

Curves dialog is active before the

curves are actually created.

Curves created by selecting individual

faces or All Adjacent to Face are visible

in any other view you may wish to view

the geometry in. This means they are not

view dependent and if you Replace Work

View the Extracted curves are visible and

can be selected if necessary.

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Examples showing only the curves in other views:

Edge Curves-All in Solid allows you to Extract curves from all the edges

of a body.

Page 95

View the curves were created in.

TFR-Iso View Top View

These curves are also displayed in all other

views and can be used if necessary.

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Edge Chaining allows you to select a series of Edges to be Extracted.

Selection procedure is important. If you want to Extract the edges

displayed in Dark Red select at Point 1

first and Point 2 second.

This may or may not select

the desired edges.

Isoparametric Curves are the equivalent to the U/V Grid display and help

define face contour. Select the Isoparametric Curve toggle to activate the

Isoparametric Curve dialog.

Page 96

You should be aware that

Edge Chaining is more

likely to produce the desired

results if all the edges are on

the same plane. You might

be better off selecting the

edges individually if they are

on different planes.

You can only create the Isoparametric

Curves in one direction at a time. U is

the X direction of the face and V is the

Y direction of the face. Curve Count

is the number of curves to be created.

Percentage dictates what portion of the

face will display the Isoparametric

Curves. It is in essence the Start and

End distance to create the

Point1

Point 2

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Isoparametric Curves. If you leave the Percentage at 0 and 100 curves

will be created on the Start and End edges.

The Constant V direction Isoparametric Curves works the same as

Constant U except the Extracted curves are crated Perpendicular to the V

Vector.

Select New Face deselects the previously selected face and lets you select

another face.

Page 97

Select the face to display the U/V

directions.

Select OK to create the curves.

Choose direction Result

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Silhouette Curves allows you to Extract the NX generated curves that help

define a contoured face.

Rotate the model and reselect the body to Extract the Silhouette Curves

again. Repeat this procedure as many times as necessary to generate enough

curves to identify the contour.

Page 98

The curves you see on the interior of the sheet

are Silhouette Curves and are NX generated to

help define the sheet contour. These are

reference curves from View Display.

Select the Silhouette Curve option, select the

Sheet and NX will generate Silhouette Curves.

The Green Curves are the Extracted Silhouettes

which include the View Display Silhouettes

along with additional curves for contour display.

Display after 10 rotations

Sheet after 10 rotations.

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Isocline Curves are curves where the Draft Angle is constant. They are

Created Perpendicular to a Direction Vector where a specified angle is

tangent to a face.

Page 99

Same sheet body using the same parameters as before but the direction is ZC.

Parameters and the result using the YC direction.

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Shadow Outline creates an outline of the solid in the work view. It ignores any interior edges and must be displayed with the Invisible Hidden Edge option.

Page 100

Cannot use Shadow Outline with this display.

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Page 101

You must have this display in order to use Shadow Outline.

Select the Shadow Outline

toggle and the curves are

created showing only the

outline of the body.

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EllipseSelect the Ellipse icon from the Curve Toolbar to activate the Ellipse

parameter dialog.

Ellipses, like circles, are created in the plane of the WCS.

An Ellipse can be created by the user specifying five values:

Semimajor- This value is measured along the X-axis and is

half the major diameter of an Ellipse.

Semiminor- This value is measured along the Y-axis and is

half the minor diameter of an Ellipse.

Start Angle- This is a user defined start point for the Ellipse

specified in the X to Y rotation.

End Angle- This is a user defined end point for the Ellipse.

Rotation Angle- this function defines the starting angle of the

Ellipse measured in the X to Y rotation.

Ellipse Parameter dialog after

specifying the Ellipse Center.

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Display of Ellipse creation requirements.

Page 103

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ParabolaA Parabola is a planar curve created by a point moving so its distance from a

fixed point is equal to its distance from a fixed line.

Page 104

Focal Length=Distance from Vertex to Directrix.

The Focal Length is a distance from the Vertex to the

Focus and must be greater than zero.

X=Y

A Parabola is created through a set of points equidistant

from the Focus and the Directrix.

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HyperbolaA Hyperbola is a curve with no reversals of curvature.

The parameters required to create a Hyperbola are:

Semi-Transverse—A point along the Axis of Symmetry defining the curve

Apex.

Semi-Conjugate—A distance measured perpendicular to the Axis of

Symmetry.

*Semi-Transverse and the Semi-Conjugate define the curve slope.

Minimum DY—Start Distance that extends past the Axis of Symmetry.

The value can be either positive or negative.

Maximum DY—End Distance that extends past the Axis of Symmetry.

Rotation Angle—Orientation angle of curve relative to the +XC axis.

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HelixHelix is a simple operator that requires some complex mathematics to define

the curve to be created. A Helix is always created along a ZC-axis.

Select the Helix icon from the Curve Toolbar to activate the Helix dialog.

Creating a Helix using Parameter entries.

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Number of Turns defines the number of Helix coils. This value must be

greater than zero.Pitch is the distance between a complete 360 degree revolution.

Radius Method—Enter Radius allows you to define the Helix diameter.

Turn Direction determines if the Helix is to be a Clockwise (Left Hand)

or Counterclockwise (Right Hand) construction.

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Define Orientation allows you to use the Z-axis, X point option of the

CSYS Constructor to define the Helix orientation. The Helix

Center will be on or parallel to the defined Z-axis.

Point Constructor allows you to specify the Helix Base Point (start point)

using existing geometry or coordinate locations by entering

values in the Text Fields.

The second Radius Method for creating a Helix is Use Law.

When using Law you are defining the radius values using a curve. You will

have to enter Number of Turns, Pitch, and Turn Direction. Those entries

can be made either before or after specifying the Law definition.

Select the Use Law radio button to activate the Law dialog.

The first three options from the left are Constant, Linear, and Cubic.

Page 108

Turn Direction

Constant requires a single radius value.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Linear requires a Start and End radius value and the transition is straight

without contour from the Start Value to the End Value.

Cubic works the same as Linear but makes an S-shape transition from

the Start Value to the End Value.

Values Along Spine—Linear allows you to select points along a

Spine Curve and assign Radius values at those points. The

Spine Curve defines the orientation of the Helix center. This

option creates a straight transition from point to point without

contour.

Values Along Spine—Cubic works identical to Values Along

Spine—Linear except the transition is S-shape.

By Equation allows you to define the Helix by using an equation

To define the radius values.

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By Law Curve allows you to select a user defined curve inrelationship to a Base Curve to define the Helix shape.

Page 110

Constant Linear Cubic

Spine—Linear Spine—Cubic By Law Curve

Law Curve

Base Curve

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The importance of selecting a Base Line is the distances between the Law

Curve and the Base Line are calculated proportionally along the Helix axis

for its height. The height is determined by Number of Turns and Pitch.

Bridge Curves

Bridge creates a curve that fills the gap between two curves at a specified

point along those curves. It is not restricted to only end points.

Select the Bridge Curve icon from the

Curve Toolbar to activate the Bridge

dialog.

Page 111

Bridge curves can either be Tangent

or Curvature.

Continuity Methods: Tangent, and

Curvature.

Tangent—Creates a 3-degree, 4

pole curve that is tangent to the

Parent Curves.

Curvature—Creates a 5-degree,

6 pole curve that is tangent and

curvature continuous to the

selected curves.

When the Bridge Curve first appears it

is a Preview. OK or Apply will create

the Bridge Curve, Cancel will close

the operator and not create the Bridge

Curve.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

After the Bridge Curve

preview is displayed the

Start/End portion of the dialog

is available. Start/End

determines which of the two

curves selected will be

highlighted. The Start is the

first parent curve selected and

the End is the second parent

curve selected.

Page 112

Tangent

Curvature

Curvature creates a more rounded curve in the

transition between the selected curves to Bridge

between.

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Continuity determines the Type of Bridge Curve transition between parent

curves. The options are G0 (Positional), G1 (Tangent), G2 (Curvature),

and G3 (Flow).

G0-Positional G1-Tangent G2-Curvature

G3-Flow

Also available is a Slider Bar that allows the placement of the start and end

of the Bridge Curve along the two parent curves. Position offers a

percentage Slider Bar for dragging the Bridge Curve along a parent curve

depending on which curve is active. Change the active curve by selecting

the Start or End option.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The Slider Bar drags the attachment point of the Bridge Curve along the

First and/or Second curve by percentages. To specify which curve the

The Reverse Direction toggle allows you to Reverse the Bridge Curve

Direction while in preview mode. You Reverse Direction on each curve

individually so again you must select the Start Curve or Emd Curve button

before selecting the Reverse Direction toggle.

Page 114

First Curve

Second Curve

Preview Reverse the Start Curve direction

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Shape Control allows you to modify the Bridge Curve shape by changing

its Depth and Skew.

End Points allow you to modify the Tangent Magnitude

between the ranges of 1.0 and 5.0 for curves one and two.

This shows the Bridge Curve Tangent Magnitude modification of

3.0 for both the Start and End Curves.

Entering new values in the text field can change the range. Key in the value,

press Enter, and the slider bar updates to the entry where the dial is located.

The Depth and Skew Type allows the modification of both the depth of the

Bridge Curve as well as which parent curve the transition emphasis is

drawn toward, the Start Curve or the End Curve.

Page 115

Reverse the End Curve direction

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Depth controls the amount of curvature the Bridge Curve has

between the two selected objects.

Skew determines which curve, Start Curve or End Curve, the peak

of the Bridge Curve is drawn toward.

Depth and Skew can be

modified by using the Slider

Bar or using the Handles in the

Bridge Curve Preview.

Use the Click and Drag method to modify the Depth and Skew when

using the Handles.

Shape Control Conic allows the modification of the Rho value of the

Bridge Curve transition. The closer the Rho is to .001 the flatter the

transition, the closer the Rho is to .999 the more pointed the transition. The

Rho can be modified using the Slider Bar or the Handle.

Page 116

Skew Handle

Depth Handle

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Reference Shape Curve

allows you to select

another curve to assign

Attributes to the Bridge

Curve to be created.

Page 117

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Plane CreationNX offers two Plane operators:

Datum Planes

Analytical Planes

Analytical Planes are infinite just as Datum Planes but are Non-

associative to the geometry used to create them. They can be partially

associative to the model depending on how they are used.

If a Plane is selected as a Trim Plane the Trim is Associative to

the Plane. Move the Plane and the Trim updates.

Original Trim Transform Plane and the Trim Updates

Move the Model and the Plane

moves with the Model.

Transform the Model and the Plane

and Trim move with it. However, the

Plane can be deleted without deleting

the Trim.

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If the Plane Constructor or an Inferred option is used to perform a Trim

no Plane is created and there is no associatively.

Select the Plane icon from the Curve Toolbar to activate the Plane dialog.

Analytical Planes display in

the graphics window as

triangles. These Planes can be

created in relationship to the

WCS or Absolute and there are

14 methods available to define

them. There are also three

Principal Plane options that

allow the definition of a Plane

along a chosen axis. The text

field allows for an Offset value

entry.

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There are six options for creating

Analytical Planes displayed when the

Plane dialog is activated.

These options from left to right are Inferred, Point and Direction, Point on

Curve, YC-ZC Plane, XC-ZC Plane, and XC-YC Plane.

Select the Type down arrow to display these six options along with eight

additional methods of creating an Analytical Plane.

12 Defining Methods

Inferred has the ability to create a Plane using any of these methods but

there are times when using the actual method is easier for selection purposes.

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The following are illustrations of several Plane creation methods.

At Angle

At Distance

Page 121

Select a Planar Face and a

Linear Pivot Axis. Click

and Drag the Rotation

Handle to the desired

Angle to the Face and

press MB2 to create the

Plane.

Select a Planar Face.

Enter the desired Distance

value from the selected

Face and press Enter to

have the display update.

Press MB2 to create the

Plane.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Bisect

If the parameters between

the two selected faces

change the Plane will not

update to remain half way

between the two faces.

Point on Curve

Page 122

Select two Planar Faces

for the Plane to be created

half way between them and

press MB2 to create the

Plane.

Select the Curve or Edge to

have the Preview display.

Drag the Preview to the

desired location and press

MB2 to create the Plane.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

If the X, Y, or Z option is selected the dialog offers the option of placing the

Plane to be created at either Absolute or the WCS.

This shows the Plane Preview at the YC-ZC Plane of Absolute because

that is the active Radio Button.

The most common use of Analytical Planes is Cutting Sections.

Page 123

This shows the Plane Preview at the YC-ZC Plane of the WCS.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Section CuttingSection allows you to create geometry that can display the cross sectional

profile depending on the geometry selected.

If you cut Sections through Curves a Point is created at the Intersection of

the curve and the section defining plane.

If you cut a Section through a Solid Body or Sheet Body Curves are

created defining the solid faces where the cutting plane intersects them.

Select the Section Curve icon from the Curve Toolbar to activate the

Section Curve dialog.

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The Type down arrow opens a drop down with the four Section Cutting

options available.

Selected Planes allows you to specify the cutting plane by using the Plane

Subfunction dialog.

Selection Sequence:

Select the object/objects to be sectioned.

Use the Selection Filter to

specify the Type of geometry

selectable to have the Section

Curves created through.

Select the Plane Constructor button to the right of the

Specify Plane option.

Decide if Associative or Non-associative output is the

desired result of the Section Geometry. This decision will

have an impact on what options are available.

Associative or Non-associative output is located under

Settings.

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Associative:

The Section Curve dialog changes if Associative

Output is toggled Off. There are additional options to

be considered if the output is to be Non-associative.

Non-Associative:

Associative and Non-associative both offer the same

Curve Fit options.

o Cubic creates 3-degree Splines at the intersection of

the cutting plane and the faces to be sectioned It

creates lines on planar faces and arcs if the cutting

plane is normal to cylindrical faces. It is considered

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an approximation of the face especially if the face has

complex curvature.

o Quintic creates 5-degree Splines at the intersection of

the cutting plane and the faces to be sectioned. It

creates lines on planar faces and arcs if the cutting

plane is normal to cylindrical faces. It is also

considered an approximation of the face especially if

the face has complex curvature.

o Advanced allows the user to determine the Maximum

Degree and Maximum Segments of the curves being

created to define the section cut. This can also be

consider an approximate representation of the faces if

more complex curves are required to define a face or

set of faces.

Non-associative output options:

Group Objects will gather all

the curves needed to define a

Section together in a Group.

Grouped objects can either be

dealt with individually or as if

they were a single curve

depending on the operation you

are performing.

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Output Sampled Points will create a series of Points instead of

curves at the intersection of the cutting plane and the object/objects

being sectioned.

If Output Sampled Points is activated the Sample Distance is

available for determining the spacing between Points.

Join Curves is also an option when creating Non-associative Section

Curves.

The default Join option is No which allows NX to create the Section

Curves on each Sectioned Object at the intersection of the cutting

plane. Cubic and Quintic were defined earlier and work the same

here. General will create an exact curve defining the section based

on the most complex face sectioned. This can create an extremely

complex curve.

Select the Plane Constructor icon to activate the Plane

Subfunction dialog for specifying the Cutting Plane for

the Section to be created. Specify the Plane and press

MB2 to preview the Cutting Plane. Multiple Sections

can be defined but each Cutting Plane must be specified

individually.

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The triangle that displays is a preview of where the Section will be cut

through the model. If you wish to cut additional Sections you have to select

the Plane Constructor button and specify a cutting plane for each Section.

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Parallel Planes allows you to cut multiple Sections through a model with a

common distance between each cutting plane.

Page 130

Section Plane 1

Section Plane 2

The Black curves and Dark Red

curves represent the two Sections

cut.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The first Selection Step is the same as the previous operator but the

second Selection Step is different.

Parallel Planes require a Base Plane. The Base Plane is the Plane all

Cutting Planes are located relative to. Select the Plane Constructor

button to activate the Plane dialog. Define the Base Plane and press

MB2 to return to the Section Curve dialog.

the Plane anywhere along the YC axis by entering a location value. The

Base Plane can also be located from Absolute or the current WCS. The

Conehead Vector on the Plane Preview shows the positive direction for the

Start, End, and Step values. If the Positive direction is incorrect select the

Reverse Direction button under the Plane Orientation option..

Page 131

In this example the XC-ZC

Plane was defined as the

Base Plane. The Distance

option allows you to place

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

It is a good practice to enter the Step Distance, Start Distance, and End

Distance test field values before specifying your Base Plane because as

soon as your return to the Section Curve dialog after specifying the Base

Plane NX creates a preview of the cutting planes using the values displayed

in the text fields.

If the Start, End, or Step values need to be modified enter the new

values and press the Enter key to update the preview.

Step Distance is the distance between each cutting plane.

Start Distance is where the first cutting plane is to be located in

relationship to the Base Plane.

End Distance is where the last cutting plane is to be located in

relationship to the Base Plane.

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Once the preview is displayed select OK to cut the Sections.

Page 133

Desired result of Plane preview

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

This is an example of the Positive Direction for the Sections being

incorrect. Reselect the Plane Constructor button and select the Reverse

Direction button in Plane Orientation and press MB2 to return to the

Section Curve dialog. The Planes have been updated to be in the correct

direction.

Radial Planes creates true Radial Sections through solids. It requires a

Step Angle as well as a Start and End Angle measured to a Base Plane.

This option also has three selection steps instead of two and each step

changes the Section Curve dialog requirements. This operator is governed

by the same rules that apply to Parallel Planes.

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The first requirement is to

Select Object, the object to be

Sectioned.

The next step is to Specify

Vector to define the Radial

Axis. This is done by either

selecting the Vector

Constructor button to activate

the Vector Constructor,

or by using the Inferred Vector option.

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The Start text field is the Start Angle from the Base Plane, the End text

field is the End Angle from the Base Plane, and the Step text field is the

Angle increment between Sections.

Page 136

The Vector indicates the Rotation

Axis as well as the Rotation Center.

The third requirement is selecting a

Reference Point to define the Base

Plane the Start and End Angle values

will be measured from.

Reference Point for Plane definition

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Key in the Start, End, and Step values to display a preview of the Cutting

Planes. If the Preview is incorrect enter new values and press the Enter

key to update the display. Select OK to create the Sections.

Planes Perpendicular to a Curve

gives you several options in defining

the Cutting Planes along an existing

curve based on the Plane Location

option selected.

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The percentage values are measured from the start end of the curve at

creation. If the curve was created left to right, no matter which end of the

curve is selected the measurement is 0% from the left to 100% on the right.

Page 138

You tell NX how many Sections you want and at what

Start and End Percentage along the line depending on

which Spacing Along Curve option is used.

Equal Arc Lengths takes the actual

Arc Length value of the curve and

divides equally using the parameters

you enter into the Spacing Along

Curve Text Fields.

Equal Arc Length, Equal

Parameters, and Geometric

Progression all use a

Percentage value rather than an

actual arc length value.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Equal Parameters uses the curve equation to divide the curve by the values

entered into the Spacing along Curve Text Fields. The result can be

slightly difference from the Equal Arc Lengths option or be much more

noticeable depending on the curve shape.

Equal Parameters works with percentages by placing a set of Cutting

Planes along a curve at equal Parametric Intervals based on chordal

division tangencies.

This illustrates how NX determines how the Cutting Planes will be

placed on the curve based on the Equal Parameters Spacing

Method.

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Chord 1

Line parallel to Chord 1 and tangent to the curve.

Point of tangency between the purple curves.

Chord 2

Line parallel to Chord 2 and tangent to the curve.

Point of tangency between the olive curves.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Geometric Progression

This spacing method places the Section Planes along a curve based on a

Geometric Ratio.

Geometric Progression works with percentages and places Cutting Planes

on a curve based on a geometric ratio of the previous arc length percentage.

The Ratio is user defined. Prior to placing Cutting Planes NX analyzes the

entire curve to determine the spacing so there is no remainder distance.

Chordal Tolerance

Chordal Tolerance works with the entire curve and not percentage.

It works better with curves that approximate an arc rather than complex

splines because it produces a more uniform spacing between points.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The Chordal Tolerance represents the maximum distance between the

parent curve and a chord between two adjacent points in the set.

Incremental Arc Length

Incremental Arc Length places the Section Planes evenly along a curve at

an Arc Length value entered into the parameter text field between the

Cutting Planes.

NX will place as many planes along the curve at the Arc Length value

entered. If the Curve is not evenly divisible by the Arc Length value a

remainder will be left.

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Chord

Chordal bisector

Point where the Cutting Plane would appear Normal to the Curve.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

The spline was not equally divisible by the Arc Length value specified so

there was a remainder at the end of the curve. NX no longer displays what

the remainder arc length value is.

Instead of what should be created,

several more than five planes

are displayed. The results in more

sections than is required.

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Example:Cut sections through the Sheet Body

every 40.0mm along the curve above it.

The Curve is 144+ long.

To accomplish this requirement a plane

should be placed at the spline Start, at

40.0, 80.0, 120.0, and at the End of the

spline.

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Curve Creation Exercises:

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Page 144

50.6

101.2

32.464.8

33.95

67.9

56.0R2 PLACES

19.0 DIA4 PLACES

8.0R8 PLACES

17.0R4 PLACES

10.0R2 PLACES

12.0TYP

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

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30.0R

115.0

218.0

113.0

15.0R60.0

74.0

175.0

70.0

37.5R2 PLACES

50.042.0

30.0 DIA2 PLACES

15.0TYP

12.0R12 PLACES

25.0R2 PLACES

25.0R2 PLACES

12.0R8 PLACES

60°

25.0R

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NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

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Page 148: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Create the following 3-dimensional curve models.

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Page 149: Curve Creation

NX 5Basic User Basic Curves

Page 149