Intermediate NX Design and Assemblies

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© 2011. Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. All rights reserved

Siemens PLM Software

Intermediate NX Design andAssemblies

Student GuideOctober 2011

MT10056-S – NX 8

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Course overview

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Course overview

Intended audience

This course is for designers, engineers, and CAD/CAM managers who need tocreate parametric solid models that capture design intent.

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Course objectives

•••••••••••••••••

Pattern sketch curvesOffset sketch curvesCreate a basic free form shapeCreate expressions with measurementsCopy/paste a featureCreate reference setsCreate draftUse Synchronous ModelingCreate a variable blendCreate component arraysApply top down assembly modelingDesign “in context”Use the WAVE geometry linkerCreate interpart referencesDefine remembered assembly constraintsDefine a revision identifierManage assembly arrangements

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Prerequisites

Essentials for NX Designers

Working knowledge of the following:

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•

•

•

•

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NX interface

Sketching and constraining techniques.

Adding and constraining assembly components.

Swept features with optional Offset

WCS & Absolute coordinate systems

Simple blends

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How to use this manual

The following guidelines describe how you can get the most benefit from your useof the course guide and the accompanying HTML activities.

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Lesson format

The general format for lesson content is:

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•

•

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Instructor presentation

One or more activities

Project

Summary

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Learning tips

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•

Ask questions.

Confirm important facts by restating them in your own words.

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Common symbols

Design Intent – Information about the task and what must be accomplished.

Tip — Useful information or advice.

Note — Contains useful information that supplements or emphasizes themain points.

Example — Shows a possible way that the current topic of discussioncould be used.

Caution — Contains important reminders or information about a task.

Warning — Contains information essential to your success.

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Classroom system information

Your instructor will provide the following items for working in the classroom:

Student login:

User name:

Password:

Work directory:

Parts directory:

Instructor:

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Layer standards

Parts used in this course were created using layer categories the same as or verysimilar to those found in the Model template parts.

Layer categories in the Model template parts

Layers1–1011–2021–4041–60

61–80

CategorySolidsSheetsSketchesCurves

Datums

DescriptionSolid bodiesSheet bodiesAll external sketchesNon-sketch curvesPlanes, axes, coordinatesystems

No category81–255 assigned

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Roles, toolbars, and menus

This course was designed to use the Essentials with full menus role.

Roles

The role you choose affects the number of buttons that appear on toolbars, andthe number of shortcut menu items you will see.

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Procedure – Choosing a role

To activate a role:

1.

2.

3.

Open the Roles palette on the Resource bar.

Click the role you want.

Acknowledge the warning message.

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Customize the interface

NX provides customization tools to fine tune your interface.

Toolbars

You can choose which buttons are displayed using Add and Remove buttonsunder Toolbar Options on any toolbar.

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Activities: Set the role for this course

In the Course Overview lesson, do the activity:

• Set the role for this course

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Lesson 1Constrain sketches

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Constrain sketches

Purpose

This lesson describes creating and modifying sketch constraints.

Objectives

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

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•

•

•

•

Auto create and display constraints.

Use constraints to create relationships.

Constrain the perimeter of a sketch.

Animate your sketch for movement visualization.

Position your sketch with positioning dimensions.

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Auto Constrain

The Auto Constrain command creates specific multiple geometric constrainttypes to selected sketch objects.

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Auto Constrain options

Curves toConstrain

Constraintsto Apply

Set All andClear All

ApplyRemoteConstraints

DistanceTolerance

AngleTolerance

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Perimeter Dimension

The Perimeter Dimension command constrains the collective lengths of selectedcurves of a sketch profile to a desired value. The curves allowed for selection withPerimeter Dimension are lines and arcs.

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Activities: Auto and Perimeter constraints

In the Constrain sketches section, do the activity:

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•

Create auto constraints

Constrain the perimeter of a sketch

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• Control expressions in a cooling pipe.

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Sketch Animate Dimension

The Animate Dimension command dynamically displays the effects of varying agiven dimension over a specified range.

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Animate Dimension options

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•

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Value

Lower Limit

Upper Limit

Steps/Cycle

Display Dimensions

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Activity: Animate dimension


Experiment with sketch dimensions

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Sketch positioning techniques

You can locate your sketch in their plane using datum axes, datum planes, objectsbelonging to other sketches, non-sketch curves, or solid edges.

There are two methods you can use to position your sketch.

•

•

Sketch constraints or dimensions.

Positioning dimensions.

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Sketch positioning techniques

If you try create a positioning dimension on a sketch that is constrained to outsideobjects, you will receive the following error message

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Activities: Locating a sketch


Locating a sketch

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Review: Constraining Sketches

1. What sketch tool can be used to automatically create geometric constraintsfor existing sketch curves?

• Auto Constrain

2. What Dimensional Constraint option creates an expression used to controlthe collective lengths of the selected curves of a sketch profile?

• Perimeter

3. Sketches may be located using geometric and dimensional __________.

• Constraints

4. What sketch tool dynamically displays the effect of varying a given dimensionover a specified range?

• Animate Dimension

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Summary: Sketch constraints

Sketch constraints allow you to capture and maintain design intent even afterdesign changes occur. Through dimensions and constraints, you can adapt yoursolid models to the design intent of the final product.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

•

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Auto created and displayed constraints.

Constrained the perimeter of a sketch.

Used constraints to create relationships.

Animated your sketch for movement visualization.

Positioned your sketch with positioning dimensions and constraints.

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Lesson 2Additional Sketch techniques

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Additional Sketch techniques

Purpose

This lesson will introduce you to additional techniques you can use to manipulateand evaluate your sketch.

Objectives


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Project curves to a sketch.

Add existing curves to a sketch.

Create and edit offset sketch curves.

Create linear and circular patterns in a sketch.

Edit sketch curves using Edit Defining Section.

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Offset Curve

The Offset Curve command creates curves at a constant distance from existingcurves and edges.

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Offset Curve options

Curves toOffset

Distance

ReverseDirection

CreateDimension

SymmetricOffset

Number ofCopies

CapOptions

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Activities: Project and Offset

In the Additional Sketch techniques section, do the activities:

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Project curves to a sketch

Offset edges

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Pattern Curve

Use the Pattern Curve command to pattern edges, curves, and points that areparallel to the sketch plane.

The available types are:

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•

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Linear Pattern

Circular Pattern

General Pattern

that can be modified when youThis command also creates a pattern constraintdouble-click one of the patterned curves.

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Pattern Curve linear associative options

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Selected curve for pattern.

Direction 1

Pitch Distance

Span Distance

Direction 2

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Pattern Curve circular associative options

1.

2.

3.

4.

Selected curve for pattern

Pitch Angle

Span Angle

Create Pitch Expressions .

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Activities: Pattern curves

In the Additional Sketch techniques section, do the activities:

• Create a linear pattern in two directions

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• Create a general pattern in a sketch

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Edit Defining Section

Use the Edit Defining Section command, as necessary, to edit and map sectionsthat affect downstream features.

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Edit Defining Section dialog box

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Specify Origin Curve

Replacement Assistant

List

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Activity: Edit defining section

In the Additional Sketch techniques section, do the activity:

Edit Defining Section

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Add Existing Curves to a Sketch

The Add Existing Curves command adds existing curves and points, as wellas conic curves such as ellipses, parabolas and hyperbolas, to your active sketch.

An example of when you would use this command could be that you havea general idea of what a cross sectional profile looks like, but do not quiteunderstand how form, fit, and function of the part will drive the design intent.As the design matures and you recognize the intent, you may then create asketch and add already swept curve geometry to it.

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Activities: Add existing curves to a sketch

In the Additional Sketch techniques section, do the activity:

• Convert a 2D dwg to a sketch-based model

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Review: Additional Sketch techniques

1. What option allows the addition or removal of objects from a sketch profilethat has already been swept into a solid body?

• Edit Defining Section

2. What sketcher option lets you create extracted curves of external objectsonto the sketch plane?

• Project Curves

3. Which sketch option lets you create associative curves that are offset fromexisting sketch curves.

• Offset Curve

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Summary: Additional sketch techniques

In this lesson you:

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•

•

•

•

Projected edge curves to a sketch.

Offset the edges of a part in a sketch.

Created linear and circular patterns in a sketch.

Edited a sketch section that has down-stream features associated with it.

Converted 2D data into a parametric 3D part.

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Lesson 3Basic freeform

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Basic freeform

Purpose

Most designers need more control than they can achieve while only using analyticshapes. Spline Curves and sheet bodies take design beyond analytic geometryso you can freely construct any form you require, thus the term “freeform.”

Objectives

In this introductory lesson you will learn how to:

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•

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Create splines through points.

Create a sketch on path normal to edges.

Create a freeform body, by variational sweep.

Create a tongue and groove profile using a variational sweep.

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Studio Spline overview

A splines flexible nature and variety of data interpretation methods make splinesthe foundation of freeform modeling.

Studio Splines interactively create associative or non associative splines.

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Studio Spline overview

Spline creation methods

These are the basic methods you can use to create splines:

By Poles

ThroughPoints

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Activities: Create a spline

In the Basic Freeform section, do the activity:

• Create a spline

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Sketch On Path

1.

2.

3.

Path

Sketch

Variational Sweep

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Sketch on Path dialog box

The following is an overview of the unique Sketch on Path creation options.

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•

•

Path

Plane Location

Plane Orientation

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• Sketch Orientation

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Variational Sweep

Use the Variational Sweep command to create a body by sweeping a crosssection along a path where the shape of the section varies along the path.

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Variational Sweep dialog box

The following is an overview of the unique Variational Sweep creation options.

• Limits

o

o

o

% Arc Length starts the sweep at a specified percentage.

Arc Length starts or ends the sweep at a specified length.

Through Points starts or ends the sweep at a specified point on theguide curve.

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•

Secondary Sections

Settings

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Activities: Create a multi-rail Variational Sweep feature

In the Basic Freeform section, do the following activities:

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•

Create a multi-rail Variational Sweep feature

Create tongue and groove type parts

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Review: Basic Freeform

1. True/False — Before you start a swept feature such as Extrude or VariationalSweep, you must first create the sketch profile.

• False (Internal sketches can be created “on-the-fly”)

2. What spline type passes exactly along a set of data points?

• Through Points

3. True/False — Studio splines are used when you want to watch a curvedynamically develop as the definition progresses.

• True

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Summary: Basic freeform

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

•

•

Created a studio spline through a set of specified points.

Created a Sketch on Path designed to define a three dimensional shape.

Created a freeform body, by variational sweep.

Created a tongue and groove profile using a variational sweep.

Discovered embedded sketches.

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Lesson 4Expressions

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Expressions

Purpose

You can easily create many types of intelligent expressions based onmeasurements and inter-part references.

This lesson describes various aspects of the expression functionality.

Objectives


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•

•

Create comments in Expressions

Create Conditional Expressions

Reference Measurements of geometric properties via expressions

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The Expressions dialog box

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Listed Expressions

Expression list

Filter box

Unit

Dimensionality specifies the physical property for the Number type, i.e.constant, length, area, etc..

Additional functions

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Expression comments

You can enter comments for an expression using either of the following methods:

•

•

Comment column

Formula box

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Expression operators

Operators may be classified into arithmetic, conditional, and relational/Boolean.

Functions

Use Functions to locate any standard or user defined function to insert into aformula.

Built-in functions include the following examples:

Nameabsarcsinsinpi

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Activities: Expressions

In the Expressions section, do the activities:

•

•

Work with expressions

Dimensionality in expressions

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Conditional expressions

Expressions can be used to define a variable based on specific conditions. Thiskind of expression is created by using the if-else statement.

Consider the following:

Example

NameLgthWdth

Formula12.5if ( Lgth > 10 ) ( 5 ) else ( 3 )

Expressions can also use Boolean operations such as AND or OR.

Consider the following:

ExampleNameLgthWdth

Formula12.5if ( Lgth > 0 && Lgth < 10 ) ( 3 ) else ( 5 )

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Activities: Create conditional expressions

In the Expressions section, do the activity:

• Create conditional expressions

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Measurements and Expressions

Use the measurement options, in the Expressions dialog box, to capture valuesfor use in expression formulas.

Measure Distance

Measure Length

Measure Angle

Measure Bodies

Measure Area

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Stand-alone measurements and Measure features

Measurements created with measurement options in the Expressions dialogbox are stand alone measurements.

Measure features also appear in the Part Navigator under the Measures node.

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Measurements and DesignLogic

During the feature creation, when you use the Measure option on theDesignLogic list, the measurement is attached to the feature or model.

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Activities: Apply measurements

In the Expressions section, do the activity:

• Apply measurements

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Review: Expressions

1. To add a description to an expression you can insert a _________.

• Comment

2. What general action allows the creation of a “feature” that captures distance,length, angle, bodies, or area?

• Measure

3. True/False — Conditional Expressions or “if-else statements” should only beused when capturing design intent that can be reused in additional or futureprojects.

• True

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Summary: Expressions

You can create comments when entering a formula by using double forwardslashes "//" after the formula and before the comment.

Conditional Expressions allow you to develop design rule relationships betweencertain elements of your model.

You may use Measurements to create a feature parameter based on somegeometric property.

In this lesson you:

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•

•

•

Created and edited expressions.

Created comments in expressions.

Created conditional expressions.

Created measurement expressions.

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Lesson 5Duplicating features

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Duplicating features

Purpose

This lesson describes various methods to create duplicate features.

Objectives


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•

•

•

Mirror selected features

Copy and Paste Features

Create Instance Geometry Along Path

Pattern history-free geometry

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Mirror Feature overview

Use the Mirror Feature command to mirror one or more features within a body.Use this to build symmetrical geometry.

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Extrude and hole array selected and mirrored across a datum plane

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Activities: Create and edit mirror features

In the Duplicate features section, do the activity:

• Create and edit mirror features

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Copy, Copy Feature, and Paste

Use the Copy, Copy Feature and Paste commands to copy features, faces,points, and curves and paste them within your model or to another part file.

You can select objects to copy from either the graphics window or the PartNavigator.

Copy

CopyFeature

Paste

Copies selected features, faces, points, curves, and assemblycomponents to the clipboard.

Copies selected features to the clipboard. If no features are selected,the Copy Feature dialog box opens with a list of features from whichyou can select.

Pastes a copy of the objects on the clipboard to your model or toanother part file.

Copy and Copy Feature both replace whatever was previously copied to theclipboard.

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Activities: Copy and paste a sketch


• Copy and paste a sketch

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Instance Geometry overview

Use the Instance Geometry command to create associative and non-associativecopies of objects.

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Instance Geometry types

The available instance methods from the Type option list are:

From/To

Mirror

Translate

Rotate

AlongPath

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Instance Geometry Along Path type

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•

•

•

•

Select Path

Distance Option Fill Path Length

Distance Option Arc Length

Location

Angle

Number of Copies

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Activities: Geometry Instance – Along Path


• Instance Geometry - Along Path

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Pattern Face

Use the Pattern Face command to copy a set of faces in a rectangular pattern,circular pattern, or mirror them, and add them to a body.

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Pattern Face types

1

2

3

Rectangular Pattern

Circular Pattern

Mirror

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Activities: Create a pattern using faces


• Create a pattern using faces

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Review: Duplicating features

1. True/False — Mirror Feature lets you mirror about datum planes or planarfaces.

• True

2. True/False — The Instance Geometry type Along Path, allows you toassociatively copy geometry only in a linear direction.

• False (Geometry can be associatively copied along any path; linear,radial, or an irregular path.)

3. True/False — The Copy Feature and Paste functions let you copy featuresand paste them only within the same part.

• False (Features can be copied from one part file to another.)

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Summary: Duplicating features

Duplicating features reduces the time you use to create multiple occurrences offeatures.

Mirror Feature allows you to mirror selected features about a datum plane orplanar face.

The copy/paste feature allows the duplication of features within or across part files.

Instance Geometry Along Path allows features to be duplicated in non-linear ornon-circular patterns.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

•

Created a Mirror Feature.

Copied and Pasted Features.

Created Instance Geometry Along Path.

Patterned history-free geometry.

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Lesson 6Assembly functions

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Assembly functions

Purpose

This lesson introduces Assembly Navigator, attributes, and clearancefunctionality.

Objectives


•

•

•

•

Use the Assembly Navigator to manipulate an assembly.

Rearrange components in the Assembly Navigator.

Work with component properties and attributes.

Perform a Simple Clearance Check.

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Assembly Navigator shortcut menu

The Assembly Navigator gives you a graphical display of the assembly structureof the displayed part, and provides a quick and easy method of manipulatingcomponents in an assembly.

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Drag and drop components

You can edit your assembly structure by dragging one or more components to atarget location in the Assembly Navigator hierarchal tree.

You cannot drag a component if:

•

•

•

The target is not loaded.

An occurrence of the dragged component already has the target as its parent.

A cyclic assembly structure would result, for example, if you try to drop aparent onto one of its children.

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Activities: Use the Assembly Navigator

In the Assembly functions section, do the activity:

• Edit the assembly structure

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Attributes

Attributes are used to associate non-graphical information to a CAD design anddisplay them in the following:

•

•

•

•

•

•

Part Navigator

Assembly Navigator

Automated title box notes

Drawing notes and labels

Parts List

Graphics window

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Component Properties overview

Use the Component Properties command to acquire status information about,and make changes to, selected components.

The Component Properties dialog has multiple tabs:

•

•

•

•

•

Assembly

Attributes

Weight

Part File

Parameters

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Assembly Navigator Properties

Use the Properties command to:

•

•

•

•

•

Control the display of bounding boxes for invisible components.

Specify the predefined columns to display.

Define custom columns based on part attributes.

Specify the order of columns.

Select filtering options for components and constraints.

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Assembly Navigator columns

Some of the more common columns that can appear in the Assembly Navigatorare described in the following table.

Column

Descriptive Part NameComponent NamePart NameRead OnlyModifiedPositionCount

Out of Date

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Simple Clearance Check

Use the Simple Clearance Check command to check for possible interferencesbetween selected components and other components in the assembly.

If interferences are found, a report appears. For each interference, the reportlists the following:

Interference Check

TextSelectedComponent

caster_2_forkcaster_2_axlecaster_2_axle

InterferingComponentcaster_2_spacercaster_2_forkcaster_2_wheel

Status

New (Hard)New (Touching)New (Touching)

Isolate Interference

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Activities: Assembly user interface

In the Assembly functions section, do the activity:

• Assembly user interface

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Review: Assembly functions

1. What operation can be done on any node in the Assembly Navigator toquickly make it the work part?

• Double-click the node

2. True/False. When selecting components for an operation, you can selectthem using the Assembly Navigator by selecting the appropriate node.

•

3.

True

What kind of Attribute may be applied to anything that is not a part file suchas lines, splines, edges, datums, faces or bodies, and features?

• Object Attribute

4. True/False. The Check Clearances command can only find hard interferencesbetween components.

• False

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Summary: Assembly functions

The Assembly Navigator provides a graphical display of an assembly whichallows you to quickly and easily select components and manipulate the assembly.

Attributes may be assigned to objects or parts to associate non-graphicalinformation to a CAD design.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

Used the shortcut menu and menu bar to perform operations on componentsin the assembly.

Created Object and Part Attributes.

Checked clearances between components within an assembly.

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Lesson 7Reference Sets

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Reference Sets

Purpose

Reference sets allow you to limit the amount of component part informationdisplayed in an assembly. Reference sets will also allow you to show alternaterepresentations or simplified versions of the model.

Objectives


•

•

•

Create user-defined reference sets

Simplify the displayed assembly by replacing reference sets

Manage reference sets with assembly load options

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Reference sets overview

Use Reference Set commands and options to control the display of a componentor subassembly part in higher level assemblies.

There are two types of reference sets:

•

•

Automatic reference sets that are managed by NX.

User-defined reference sets.

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Default reference sets

Every component or subassembly owns two reference set display conditions thatexist in every part file:

•

•

Empty

Entire Part

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Automatic default reference sets

The following reference sets can be created as you work in your component andsubassembly part files:

•

•

Model

Simplified

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Model reference set

The model reference set contains the actual model geometry, which can include:

•

•

•

Solids

Sheets

Lightweight representations, which can be generated automatically dependingon the setting of your Automatic Lightweight Generation customer default

Model reference sets are used to accurately calculate or generate the following:

•

•

•

•

•

Teamcenter Visualization translation files.– jt.files

Weight or mass analysis.

Assembly clearance analysis.

Bounding box size – used with the Open By Proximity command.

True shape – used with detailed spatial filtering.

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Model reference set

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User-defined reference sets

The default reference sets generated by NX do not always suit your designcriteria. You can define your own reference sets to make sure your assemblydisplay meets your needs.

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Reference Set information

When you request information on a reference set using theInformation→Assemblies→Reference Set method, the system will:

•

•

•

Select the members of the set in the graphics window.

Display the origin and orientation in the graphics window.

Provide a listing of relevant data in the Information window.

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Activities: Create and examine reference sets

In the Reference Sets section, do the activity:

• Create reference sets

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Replace Reference Set

Use the Replace Reference Set command to switch the component display andmanage your assembly graphics window.

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Activities: Replace Reference Sets in an assembly


• Replace reference sets in an assembly

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Reference Sets and assembly load options

You can use the options in Reference Sets group in the Assembly Load Optionsdialog box to control which reference sets are loaded and displayed when youopen an assembly.

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Setting search folders for loading components

You can add or remove search folders from the Load list in the Assembly LoadOptions dialog box. You can change the order of the list to assign priority.

1 – List of current search directories (three dots includes subdirectories).2 – Type new directory to add to list.3 – Adds entered directory to list.

4 – Removes selected directory from list.5 – Moves selected directory up in list.6 – Moves selected directory down in list.

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Activities: Load Options and Reference Sets


• Reference sets and assembly load options

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Review: Reference Sets

1. True/False — Reference sets have many purposes, including excludingunwanted objects, and showing simplified versions of a part.

• True

2. What dialog box determines how and from where the system loads thereference sets for components?

• Assembly Load Options

3. If a reference set is deleted from a component part that is used in multipleassemblies, what reference set will be used in its place the next time one ofthe assemblies is opened?

•

4.

The default reference set (The default is initially set to Entire Part)

True/False — The default Reference Sets of Entire Part and Empty can bedeleted if they are not going to be used.

• False

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Summary

Reference Sets are used to limit the amount of information referenced by thecomponent object in an assembly or subassembly. They allow you to createdifferent displays of the same assembly or component to simplify the assembly orprovide alternate configurations.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

•

Added user-defined reference sets.

Simplified the assembly display by replacing reference sets.

Observed the automatic creation of the model reference set during file save.

Defined a hierarchy of reference sets to be loaded using Assembly LoadOptions.

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Lesson 8Top-down assemblies

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Top-down assemblies

Purpose

Creating data at the assembly level is a common practice and typically referred toas top-down assembly modeling.

Objectives

In this introductory lesson you will learn how to:

•

•

Apply top-down assembly creation methods.

Model and sketch in the context of an assembly.

Page 126



Top-down assembly modeling

With top-down assembly modeling, you can create geometry at the assemblylevel, and move or copy the geometry to one or more components.

Use the Create New Component command to create new part files.

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Create New Component

Use the Create New Component command to create a component part file andreference it in the assembly work part. When you create a component, featureparameters are maintained.

With the top-down method, you can design a:

••

Copy or move existing geometry into a new component.Create an empty component and add geometry to it later.

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Verify the creation of a new component

When you create a new component, it may not be obvious that the componentwas created.

There are a few ways to verify the creation of a new component:

•

•

•

•

Assembly Navigator

Information→Assemblies→List Components

Assemblies→Context Control→Set Work Part

Status line

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Data selection during component creation

Adding data to a new component can be thought of in terms of moving or copyingthe data into the new part. If Delete Original Objects is selected, data is moved;otherwise it is copied.

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Design in context of an assembly

Design in context is the ability to create or edit component geometry while the restof the geometry is available.

•

•

You can change the work part while an assembly is displayed.

There are a group of modeling and expression commands that you can useonly when an assembly is displayed, to design in context.

You can directly edit component geometry while the rest of the assembly is visible.The part you are editing is always the work part. The work part can be:

Page 131



Model in context

Many Modeling commands let you select geometry directly from othercomponents.

When you use these commands, you can automatically copy selected geometryinto your work part as WAVE-linked associative geometry, or as nonassociativegeometry, depending on your Selection bar settings.

Objects you can copy with the WAVE Geometry Linker include:

•

•

•

•

•

Edges

Points

Faces

Bodies

Datums

Page 132



Sketching in context

Some Sketch commands allow you to select geometry from any component inthe assembly, but do not create associative interpart links. Examples of suchcommands are:

•••••

ProfileLineArcCircleDerived Lines

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Design in context selection scope

The Selection Scope option on the Selection bar helps you design in the contextof an assembly.

Use the Selection Scope option to indicate the selection range you want.

You can select objects from the:

•

•

•

Entire assembly

Current work part only

Work part and its components

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Activities: Top-down assembly modeling

In the Top-down assembly modeling section, do the activity:

• Top-down assembly modeling

Page 135



Review: Top-down assembly modeling

1. True/False — The Top Down method of assembly modeling is accomplishedby adding a new component to the assembly through Assemblies→Components→Add Component.

• False

2. True/False — Geometry can be referenced from one part to another whendesigning in context of the assembly.

• True

Page 136



Summary: Top-down assembly modeling

Top-down assembly modeling allows you to build new components in relation toother components within the same assembly.

In this lesson you:

•

•

Created new components using the top-down assembly modeling method.

Designed a part in the context of an assembly.

Page 137



Lesson 9Interpart geometry

Page 138



Interpart geometry

Purpose

Creating associative links to data in the context of an assembly is a commonpractice and typically referred to as Interpart modeling.

Objectives

In this lesson you will learn how to:

•

•

•

•

Build associativity across component parts in an assembly using GeometryLinker.

Edit the timestamp for a link.

Edit linked geometry.

Mirror an assembly.

Page 139



WAVE

Use the WAVE commands to:

•

•

Link geometry between any two part files.

Get information about the linked geometry and parts.

Links are typically associative; however, there are options to createnon-associative links.

Page 140



Localized interpart modeling

Localized interpart modeling is the ability to relate the geometry of interactingparts in an assembly. This has two distinct advantages in assembly modeling:

•

•

Reduces the cost of design changes.

Maintains design integrity.

Page 141



Localized interpart modeling

A gasket (1) is derived from a parent face (2) in a housing. If the size orshape of the parent face changes in the housing, the gasket will changeaccordingly (3) in the assembly (4).

Page 142



Mold/die applications

Interpart modeling can be applied to create an associative mold or die froma finished piece part.

A solid body (1) can be linked from one part into another (2) where featurescan be applied to define the cavity in the mold or die (3).

Page 143



WAVE Geometry Linker

Use the WAVE Geometry Linker to copy geometry from other parts in theassembly into the work part.

Attributes that do not update include display and material property attributes.

You can:

•

•

Link geometry from one component part in an assembly into the sameassembly work part.

Link geometry from one subassembly into another subassembly.

Page 144



WAVE geometry selection

You can create WAVE links with the following types of geometry :

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Composite Curves

Points

Datums

Sketches

Faces

Regions of faces

Bodies

Mirror bodies

Routing objects

Page 145



WAVE Geometry Linker Setting options

The following common options are found in the Settings group of the WAVEGeometry Linker dialog box.

•

•

•

•

•

•

Associative

Hide Original

Fix at Current Timestamp

Delete Holes

Use Display Properties of Parent Part

Copy Threads

Page 146



Activities: Design in context of an assembly

In the Interpart geometry section, do the activity:

• Design in context of an assembly

Page 147



Create Interpart Link

Use the Create Interpart Link command to create WAVE-linked objects whileyou define features.

Some of the feature creation commands that include the Create Interpart Linkoption:

•

•

•

•

Sketch

Extrude

Revolve

Variational Sweep

Page 148



Design in context WAVE selection scope

The Selection Scope (1) and Create Interpart Link (2) options on the Selectionbar help you design in the context of an assembly.

Page 149



Activities: Automatic creation of WAVE links


• Automatic creation of WAVE links

Page 150



Create a WAVE-linked mirror body with timestamp

1. In the Assembly Navigator, right-click the component you want to have ownthe linked geometry and choose Make Work Part.

2. , or chooseOn the Assemblies toolbar, click WAVE Geometry LinkerInsert→Associative Copy→WAVE Geometry Linker.

3. In the WAVE Geometry Linker dialog box, from the Type list, select MirrorBody .

4. In the graphics window, from the parent part, select the body to be mirrored.

5. Click Select Mirror Plane .

6.

7.

In the graphics window, from the parent part, select the datum plane.

In the Settings group, ensure that the Fix at Current Timestamp checkbox is selected.

Page 151



Edit WAVE geometry links

When you edit most features, the feature creation dialog box appears.

Additional options are available when you edit a WAVE-linked feature:

•

•

•

•

•

Add, remove, or replace linked geometry.

Edit source geometry from the parent part.

Map a linked feature to new source geometry.

Change the timestamp of a linked feature to control the appearance.

Select a new parent part.

Page 152



WAVE Geometry Linker edit options

The following is an overview of common WAVE editing options.

•

•

•

•

Part

Mapping

WAVE Information

Settings

Fix at Current Timestamp

Page 153



WAVE broken links

After you associatively copy geometry across parts, you can reference thelinked data with modeling operations even when the part containing the defininggeometry is not loaded.

Occasionally links are broken, usually for one of the following reasons:

•

•

•

The link is deliberately broken.

The source geometry is deleted.

The location of the parent part has been moved or broken.

Page 154



Replace with Independent Sketch

Use the Replace with Independent Sketch command to replace a linked curvefeature with an independent sketch.

This command will replace a WAVE linked sketch or a two-dimensional linkedcomposite curve with an identical sketch that is completely independent of theparent.

Use this command when you no longer want a design to be controlled by itsmaster layout.

Page 155



Activities: Edit links

In the Interpart geometry section, do the activities:

•

•

•

Edit a linked composite curve

Edit the timestamp of a link

Replace a WAVE sketch with an independent sketch

Page 156



Mirror Assemblies

Use the Mirror Assemblies command to:

•••

Create associative or nonassociative mirrored components in an assembly.Position new instances of the same parts at mirror locations.Create new parts that contain linked mirror geometry.

Page 157



Activities: Mirror Assembly


• Mirror Assembly

Page 158



Review: Interpart geometry

1. For any linked geometry to update when the parent geometry is edited, whatloaded condition must the component part be in?

• Fully loaded

2. When linking geometry, what option allows you to limit the features from theparent part that are carried over to the linked body?

• Fix at Current Timestamp

3. True/False — Wave Geometry Linking adds a level of complexity to anassembly.

• True

Page 159



Summary: Interpart geometry

Interpart modeling can be utilized to create associative links to data in the contextof an assembly.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

•

Built associativity across component parts in an assembly using GeometryLinker.

Edited the timestamp for a link.

Edited linked geometry.

Mirrored an assembly.

Page 160



Lesson 10Assembly level modeling

Page 161



Assembly level modeling

Purpose

Assembly level interpart modeling methods allow you to relate geometry in anassembly with or without associativity.

Objectives

•

•

•

Create and edit linked holes in an assembly

Promote solid bodies to allow assembly level boolean operations

Cut assembly components

Page 162



Hole Series

Use the Hole Series type to create a set of related holes.

You can create holes through:

•

•

Multiple bodies in the work part.

Multiple bodies in an assembly.

Page 163



Editing a Hole Series feature

You can edit a Hole Series feature from the assembly or one of the components.

•

•

When you edit from the assembly, all links are associative.

When you edit from the component you can choose between these options:

o

o

Break Link from Hole Series

Edit Hole Series

Page 164



Activities: Create and edit a hole series

In the Assembly level modeling section, do the activity:

• Create and edit a hole series

Page 165



Promote Body overview

Use the Promote Body command to promote a body from a loaded assemblycomponent to the level of the assembly.

After you promote a body:

•

•

•

You can perform operations on it, such as adding features, performingBoolean operations between it and other bodies, and so on.

You cannot access the features that make up the base body at the assemblylevel.

Any subsequent changes to the base body are reflected in the promoted bodyas the promoted body is associative to the base body.

Page 166



Promotions should be used for changes that are to be viewed only atthe assembly level. The weldment shown below is an example of wherepromotions would be used.

Page 167



Activities: Promotions


• Promotions

Page 168



Assembly Cut

Use the Assembly Cut command to associatively subtract one or more tools fromone or more bodies at any assembly level part.

Page 169



Activities: Assembly Cut


• Assembly Cut

Page 170



Review: Assembly level modeling

1. What command lets you modify a component body at the level of theassembly without changing the Master Model?

• Promote Body

2. What command automatically promotes and subtracts a component bodies atthe level of the assembly without changing the Master Model?

• Assembly Cut

Page 171



Summary: Assembly level modeling

Assembly level interpart modeling methods allow you to relate geometry in anassembly.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

Created and edited linked holes in an assembly.

Promoted component bodies to allow assembly level boolean operations.

Used Assembly Cut to remove interferences between components.

Page 172



Lesson 11Interpart references

Page 173



Interpart references

Purpose

Interpart References enable components to share parameters.

Objectives


•

•

•

Create and apply referencing interpart references.

Delay and update interpart references.

Understand and recognize overriding interpart references.

Page 174



Interpart expressions overview

Interpart expressions create non-geometric interpart references so you can linkexpressions from one part to another.

You can create two types of interpart expression references:

••

Overriding interpart expressionsReferencing expressions

Page 175



Interpart expressions overview

Syntax

The syntax for an overriding interpart expression is as follows:

Name Formulaplate::hole_dia diameter

The syntax for a referencing expression is as follows:

Namehole_dia

Formulabracket::diameter+tolerance

Page 176



General concepts

Interpart references (IPRs) allow the user to establish relationships betweenexpressions of separate part files. A change to an expression in one part file maychange an expression in a different part file, thus altering the geometry of that part.

IPRs may be created between any two part files, not necessarily betweencomponents of an assembly.

Page 177



Overriding expressions

Overriding expressions are interpart references that are created in an assembly tooverride the value of an expression in one of its components.

In the example below, the hole_dia expression in the block part is being overriddenby the expression in the assembly which sets it equal to the pin diameter.

Page 178



Interpart reference options

Interpart references are best created and edited in the Expressions dialog box.

Page 179



Edit Interpart References options

In the Expressions dialog box, click Edit Interpart References and select thepart containing the referenced expression.

Page 180



Activities: Create Interpart References

In the Interpart References section, do the activity:

• Create referencing expressions

Page 181



Interpart Update

Use the Interpart Update commands to help you control whether the interpartrelations in your model are up-to-date. Interpart relations include linked geometry,assembly constraints, interpart expressions, and associative measurements.The Interpart Update menu includes:

•

•

•

Commands that let you enter a mode where you can delay updating interpartrelations until a time that you choose.

Commands that let you bring interpart relations up-to-date without exitingthe delay mode.

Commands that let you enter a mode where data is automatically loaded asneeded from currently-loaded parts in order to ensure that interpart relationsare up-to-date.

Page 182



Interpart Update

The Interpart Update commands are:

Delay Assembly ConstraintsUpdate Assembly Constraints

Delay Geometry, Expressions, and PMIUpdate Geometry, Expressions, and PMIUpdate All

Page 183



Partial loading issues

Partially loading components in an assembly conserves system memory by notloading all data associated with the file.

Resolving interpart expression references

When a part containing an IPR is loaded, the system looks for the name of theexpression in the referenced part. If the correct name is found, the system hasresolved the link.

dia=ipr_block_assm::ipr_dia

Attempting to delete the expression "ipr_dia" within the assembly part filewould result in an error message.

Page 184



Load Parts

When you load a component of a referenced assembly you can list and then open

Open Referencedreferenced parts from the Expressions dialog box withParts.

Page 185



Activities: Interpart Update

In the Interpart References section, do the activity:

• Apply interpart update options

Page 186



Tips and recommended practices

•

•

•

•

•

•

Before using interpart references, you should evaluate their downstreamimpacts.

Do not use IPRs just because you can.

IPRs should be used when the parts have a physical constraint and are usedin the same assembly.

Set up company-wide standards on how and when IPR’s are to be used.

Do not use overriding expression references on the same component fromdifferent assemblies.

In general, it is a good practice to edit IPR’s only when all of the referencedparts are fully loaded.

Page 187



Review: Interpart References

1. What are the two types of interpart references?

•

•

Referencing interpart expressions

Overriding interpart expressions

2. If an expression link cannot be resolved, what value does the expressionrevert to?

• The last known value

Page 188



Summary: Interpart references

Interpart references allow you to link the expressions between parts. Whenevera change occurs to an expression in one part file, the related expression in theother part file(s) will change accordingly.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

Created and applied interpart references.

Delayed and updated interpart references.

Reviewed tips and recommended practices for using interpart references.

Page 189



Lesson 12Face operations

Page 190



Face operations

Purpose

This lesson describes various face options you may use to modify existing solidbodies and features.

Objectives


•

•

•

•

Offset a face to make a unique instance

Use Offset Region to add clearance

Apply Synchronous Modeling Move and Replace face operations

Create Draft features

Page 191



Offset Face overview

Use the Offset Face command to offset one or more faces along the face normals.

Face selected to offset

Offset direction

Resulting offset face feature

Page 192



Activities: Offset a face

In the Face operations section, do the activity:

• Offset a face

Page 193



Synchronous modeling

You can use Synchronous Modeling commands to modify a model regardless ofits origins, associativity, or feature history.

You could apply Synchronous Modeling to:

•

•

Edit a model that was imported from another CAD system and has no featurehistory or parameters.

Edit a model due to a change in design intent that was not anticipated when itwas created. Incorporating the change into the existing construction historywould require a lot of rework and loss of associativity.

Page 194



Offset Region

Use the Offset Region command to offset a set of faces from the current locationand adjust adjacent faces.

You can:

•

•

Offset a set of faces or a whole body in a single step.

Regenerate adjacent blends.

Page 195



Activities: Offset Region


• Offset region

Page 196



Replace Face

Use the Replace Face command to replace a set of faces with another set offaces.

You can:

•

•

•

•

•

Replace a set of faces with one or more faces.

Replace solid faces or sheet faces.

Automatically reblend adjacent blends when the replacement face is a singleface.

Extend the replacement face to form a complete intersection with the body.

Offset the replacement face for the eventual replacement face.

Page 197



Activities: Face and synchronous modeling operations


• Face and Synchronous Modeling operations

Page 198



Draft

Use the Draft command to apply a draft to faces or bodies relative to a specifiedvector.

You can do the following:

•

•

Specify multiple draft angles and assign an angle to a set of faces.

Add a single Draft feature to multiple bodies.

Page 199



Draft

The Draft command is typically used to apply slope to faces for the use in molded,or die cast parts, so that when the mold or die separates, the faces move awayfrom each other rather than sliding next to each other.

Page 200



Draft types

You can create the following four types of draft using the Draft command.

FromPlane

FromEdges

Tangent toFaces

To PartingEdges

Page 201



Draw Direction

Regardless of the draft type selected, you must always specify a draw direction.

The draft angle is positive if the normal of the face to be drafted has a componentvector along the draw direction.

In following image positive draft is shown on the left and negative draft is shownon the right.

Page 202



Activities: Draft

In the Face operations section, do the activities:

•

•

Add draft from faces and edges

Add draft to parting edges

Page 203



Page 204



Activities: Draft

• Create a windshield fluid reservoir

Page 205



Review: Face operations

1. When entering an offset distance value for an Offset Face feature, whatdetermines the positive direction of the offset?

• The face normal

2. What feature allows you to apply taper to faces, bodies, or from edges?

• Draft

3. What step defines the direction in which a draft will be created?

• Draw Direction

Page 206



Summary: Face operations

Offset Face and Offset Region allows the user to move a face, multiple faces,or all faces in a body.

The Draft functionality allows the user to change the orientation of one or morefaces of a solid body.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

•

Offset a face to make a unique instance.

Used Offset Region to add clearance.

Moved and replaced existing faces.

Created Draft features.

Page 207



Lesson 13Variable Radius and Blend Overflow

Page 208



Variable Radius and Blend Overflow

Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce you to the variable radius blendfunctionality and explore the overflow options.

Objectives


•

•

Create and edit a variable radius blend.

Use the overflow options to control blend intersections.

Page 209



Variable radius blends

You can create a variable radius blend by specifying the radius at multiple pointsalong the blend’s edge set.

Page 210



Variable blend tips and techniques

•

•

If you do not give enough information to create the blend, the system infersinformation for you depending on other selected geometry.

If you do not provide a point and radius for a selected edge, the system usesthe default radius to create the blend for that edge.

Page 211



Activities: Create a variable point blend

In the Variable Radius and Blend Overflow section, do the activity:

• Create a variable point blend

Page 212



Resolve blended edge overflow

Blend overflow occurs when tangent edges of a blend encounter other edgeson the solid.

ResolutionRoll Over Smooth EdgesRoll on Edges (Smooth or Sharp)Maintain Blend and Move SharpEdgesSelect Edge to Force Roll onSelect Edge to Prohibit Roll on

Page 213



Allowed Overflow Resolution examples

Roll Over Smooth Edges Roll on Edges (Smooth Maintain Blend Overor Sharp) Sharp Edges

A blend that overflows theedge of an existing blend(1) produces a smooth,shared edge where theblends meet (2).

A blend that encountersan existing edge, foregoestangency and leaves theexisting edge unchanged(1).

A blend that encountersexisting sharp edges,maintains tangency andmoves the existing edges(1).

Page 214



Explicit Overflow Resolutions

For this edge blend, an encountered edge (1) is selected with Select Edge toProhibit Roll on, to not have the Roll On Edges (Smooth or Sharp) optionapplied to it. The edge of the other cylinder is not prohibited and is processed bythe Roll On Edges (Smooth or Sharp) option.

Page 215



Activities: Allowed Blend Overflow Resolutions

In the Variable Radius and Blend Overflow section, do the following activity:

• Allowed Blend Overflow Resolutions

Page 216



Review: Variable Radius and Overflow Resolution

1. To deselect an edge that has already been selected during the blendingprocess, what key can you hold down and select the edge again?

• Shift

2. True/False When creating an Edge Blend, variable radius points can only bespecified at the end points and control points of edges.

• False (variable radius points can be specified anywhere along the edgewhen using Arc Length.

3. What group of blend options control how tangent edges of a blend overflowother edges on the solid?

• Overflow Resolutions

Page 217



Summary: Variable Radius and Blend Overflow

NX Variable radius blend options allow specific design solutions when you need tocreate unique edge shapes. You can create a variable radius blend by specifyingradii at multiple points along selected edges.

The overflow options allow further control of edge blend intersections with otherblends and edges.

In this lesson you:

•

•

Created and edited a Variable Radius blend.

Use the overflow options to control blend intersections.

Page 218



Lesson 14Extract and Delete Face

Page 219



Extract and Delete Face

Purpose

This lesson will show how design intent may be captured by associatively copyinggeometry within a part to help define a solid in an alternative shape.

A method to remove selected features from a solid body for various purposeswill also be discussed.

Objectives


•

•

•

•

Extract an associative copy.

Create a simplified version of a solid body for use in an assembly.

Delete faces of a solid body to remove internal detail.

Define an in process part.

Page 220



Extract Body

Use the Extract Body command to create an associative body by extractingfaces from another body.

You can extract the following:

•

•

•

Faces

Region of faces

The entire body

Original Body Extracted Faces

Page 221



Extract Settings options

Fix at Current TimestampHide OriginalDelete Holes

Use Display Properties of Parent Object

Page 222



Extracted geometry uses

Preservegeometryfor otheruses

Simplifiedsolids

In-processmodeling

Page 223



Activities: Extract

In the Extract and Delete Face section, do the activity:

•

•

Extract a region of faces

Extract a solid body

Page 224



Delete Face

Use the Delete Face command to delete faces.You can:

•

•

Automatically heal the open area left in the model by the deleted faces, byextending adjacent faces.

Preserve adjacent blends.

Page 225



Internal faces deleted External faces deleted

Page 226



Delete Face uses

Assembly PerformanceInternal Volume Solid

Core and Pattern PreparationIn-Process Parts

Remove Proprietary DataFinite Element Analysis

Page 227



Activities: Delete Face

In the Extract and Delete Face section, do the activities:

• Delete faces of a solid

Page 228



Part in process modeling

Interpart modeling can be applied to different areas including tooling andmanufacturing engineering.

Part in process modeling allows you to validate and illustrate a manufacturingprocess plan.

Page 229



Part in process modeling

A cast part (1) is used to derive a machined part (2). A linked solid is created inthe machining part from the casting. Then, features unique to the machiningare added to it.

The finished machined part (1) is designed first and subsequently the cast part isdefined by adding material using Synchronous Modeling techniques (2).

Page 230



Activities: In process interpart geometry

In the Extract and Delete Face section, do the activities:

• Design a casting for a machined part

Page 231



Review: Extract and Delete Face

1. What are some of the possible uses for Extract Geometry?

•

•

•

Maintain internal volumes of parts for analysis.

Test change scenarios.

Preservation of geometry for other uses

2. True/False — You can use Delete Face to remove proprietary data beforebeing exported to a secondary source.

• True

Page 232



Summary: Extract and Delete Face

Associatively copying geometry within the same part is useful to help define newfeatures or show a solid in a different shape.

In this lesson you:

•

•

Extracted an associative copy of a solid body.

Used Delete Face to simplify a solid to remove internal detail.

Page 233



Lesson 15Remember assembly constraints

Page 234



Remember assembly constraints

Purpose

Once a component is constrained in an assembly, assembly constraints canbe saved with the component part. This ability to “remember” the assemblyconstraints reduces the interaction required to establish assembly constraintswhen the component is added again in the future.

Objectives


•

•

Save assembly constraints in a component part

Place a component with “learned” assembly constraints in an assembly

Page 235



Remember Assembly Constraints overview

Use the Remember Assembly Constraints command to save selectedAssembly Constraints that affect the position of a component. When you add thatcomponent to a different assembly, the remembered constraints are availableto help you position the component.

Remembered constraints can be deleted from a component in theComponent Properties dialog box on the Part File page.

Page 236



Activities: Remember constraints

In the Remember Assembly Constraints section, do the activity:

• Remember assembly constraints

Page 237



Review: Remember Assembly Constraints

1. True/False Only assembly constraints which have one piece of geometryeach on the first object and second objects can be remembered.

• False, but the more complex the constraint the more difficult it may beto constrain.

Page 238



Summary: Remember Assembly Constraints

The Remember Assembly Constraints command allows you to save assemblyconstraints with a component part. These constraints are recorded and can beused as the defaults when the same part is added to an assembly as a componentin the future.

In this lesson you:

•

•

Saved constraints with a constrained component in an assembly.

Placed a component in an assembly using the default rememberedconstraints.

Page 239



Lesson 16Component Arrays

Page 240



Component Arrays

Purpose

Time and effort can be saved by applying component arrays and feature basedcomponent arrays. The feature based arrays capitalize on the parametric andassociative characteristics already present in assembly models.

Objectives


•

•

•

Create a Circular Component array

Apply the From Instance Feature function

Edit a circular array

Page 241



Create Component Array

Use the Create Component Array command to create named associative arraysof components in an assembly.

Types of component arrays

Linear array Circular array Array from aninstance feature

Page 242



Create Component Array options

Define the type and name of your array with the Create Component Array dialogbox.

•

•

•

•

From Instance Feature

Linear

Circular

Component Array Name

Page 243



Linear & Circular Arrays

Linear and circular arrays are very similar to feature instancing, except that alinear master component array is not defined by the WCS.

Linear and Circular Array components create:

•

•

•

New components that are offset from the original component.

Expressions that control the number of components and the array offsets.

Associativity to the master component’s position to provide updates frompossible changes.

Page 244



Edit Component Array overview

Use the Edit Component Arrays command to modify a component array inthe work part.

Any modifications to components are lost if the component is deleted.

Page 245



Edit a component array

Use the Edit Component Arrays command to:

•

•

•

Change the number of components.

Change the array offsets.

Redefine the direction reference.

Page 246



Activities: Create a circular component array

In the Component Arrays section, do the activity:

• Create arrays to complete a fixture assembly

Page 247



Feature-based component arrays

In many cases it is necessary to associate an array of components to acorresponding array of features in another component of the assembly, forexample bolts associated to a hole pattern.

Page 248



Component Arrays and Assembly Constraints

When working with the assembly constraints for From Instance Feature arrays,you will:

•

•

•

Apply at least one assembly constraint to an object belonging to an instancedfeature.

Create the assembly constraints to the template component before creatingthe array.

Define the assembly constraints to the original feature that was instancedin the component part, if possible.

Page 249



Feature-based array associativity

If the number of features in an instance set is changed, the components in thearray associated to those features also changes.

A modeling change causes a hole to be removed (3). If the deletedcomponent was the "template" (1), the system assigns a new template (2)from the remaining components in the array.

Page 250



Activities: Create component arrays from feature instances

In the Component Arrays section, do the activity:

• Create component arrays from a feature instance

Page 251



Review: Component Arrays

1. What are the three types of Component Arrays?

•

•

•

From Instance Feature

Linear

Circular

2. True/False — Edit->Feature->Parameters is the method used to edit theparameters of a component array.

• False

3. True/False — When using the From Instance Feature method for creatinga component array, there must be Assembly Constraints assigned to thetemplate component before creating the component array.

• True

Page 252



Summary: Component Arrays

Component arrays take advantage of existing parametric data and can save timein adding component part files to an assembly.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

Created a circular component array.

Applied the From Instance Feature function.

Edited a circular array.

Page 253



Lesson 17Reuse Library and Family of parts

Page 254



Reuse Library and Family of parts

Purpose

Part Families and the Reuse Library provide methods to quickly define similarparts based on a single template part. In this lesson, you will learn how to defineand add a reused sketch and a family of parts.

Objectives


•

•

Create a 2D sketch template for reuse.

Create Family Member parts from a template part.

Page 255



Reuse Library overview

Use the Reuse Library navigator to access reusable objects and componentsand use them in your model or assembly.

Reusable components are added to your assembly as components. Suchcomponents include:

Examples of reusable components are provided in the Reuse Exampleslibrary with the out of the box version of NX.

Reusable objects are added to your model as objects. Such objects include:

Examples of reusable objects are provided in the 2D Section Library,Reusable Object Library, UDF Library, and the Custom Symbol Librarylibraries with the out of the box version of NX.

Page 256



Reuse Library navigator overview

The Reuse Library navigator is an NX resource tool like the Assembly Navigatoror Part Navigator that displays reusable objects in a hierarchal tree structure.

Page 257



Page 258



Display the Reuse Library

To display the library containers in native NX or Teamcenter Integration, you mustset the directory path in the Customer Defaults dialog box.

Page 259



Machinery Library overview

What is it?

The NX Machinery Library includes an extensive set of industry standard parts.

All parts in the NX Machinery Library are Knowledge Enabled parts and integratewith the Add Reusable Part dialog box for smart insertion of parts into assemblies.

Page 260



Define Reusable Object overview

Use the Define Reusable Object command to save a frequently used feature orobject from your model as a reusable object template in the Reuse Library.

Page 261



Define reusable object options

1.

2.

3.

4.

Anchor

Folder View

Descriptive Name and Part File

Preview Image

Page 262



Activities: Define and add a reusable 2D section

In the Reuse Library and Family of parts section, do the activity:

• Define and add a reusable 2D section

Page 263



Part Families overview

Use the Part Families command to generate a family of similar parts.

The most common use for Part Families is the creation of a library of standardparts.

Page 264



Part family terminology

Part families use terminology not typically seen in other applications of NX.

•

•

•

•

Template part

Family table

Family member

Part Family

Page 265



Part Families dialog box

The Part Families dialog box has four main areas:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Available Columns

Chosen Columns

Family Save Directory

Part Family Spreadsheet

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Part family notes

There are some important concepts that need to be remembered when workingwith part families:

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•

•

•

•

•

Each family member part file is saved into its own part file as read only.

Any modifications made to the template part file are reflected in the familymembers.

When editing the family template part file all family members must be closed.

Family members cannot be used to create a new family of parts.

If you need to break the link between the template part and a specific familymember, use File→Save As.

If you want to add a family member to an assembly as a component that isnot currently saved to disk, NX creates the family member automatically.

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Activities: Family of parts

In the Reuse Library and Family of parts section, do the activity:

• Define part family members

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Review: Family of Parts

1. True/False — The Reuse Library stores objects for later use during productdevelopment, these objects can be save at varying stages of completion.

• True

2. A ______ _______ is a read only part created from and associated to atemplate part and a family table.

• Family Member

3. True/False — If you modify the template part the family members are alsoupdated.

• True

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Summary: Reuse and Family of parts

Part families allow you to quickly generate a family of similar parts based ona single template part.

In this lesson you:

•

•

Created a 2D sketch template for reuse.

Created family member parts from a template part.

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Lesson 18Revise and replace components

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Revise and replace components

Purpose

After creating an assembly, you may have to revise or replace an existingcomponent or change the name of the component part. In this lesson you willinvestigate the different methods to revise components and the assemblies thatuse them.

Objectives


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•

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Revise a component and an assembly using Save As.

Make unique parts from existing components.

Replace components in an existing assembly.

Use various assembly reports.

Close and reopen part files.

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File Versioning/Revisions

Track revisions by part number

The most common method to track revisions to a component after it has beenreleased is to reflect the revision in the part name.

Advantages

Disadvantages

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Revise a component and assembly using Save As

When you perform a File→Save As on a component part in a native operatingsystem:

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•

•

•

A Session Where Used report is immediately displayed, listing any loadedassemblies that reference the component.

A new name for the component is defined.

A new name for each of the listed assemblies is defined, as desired.

An information window is displayed with the new part names.

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Revise a component and assembly using Save As

If you click Cancel at any level of the assembly structure, you will get a messageafter input for the last file has been specified:

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Additional Assembly Reports

There are other reporting tools available to help you understand how a particularassembly has changed over time.

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•

List Components

Update Report

Where Used

Session Where Used

This report is automatically generated when you perform a File→Save As ona component part while the assembly is loaded.

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Activities: Revise component using Save As

In the Revise and replace component section, do the activity:

• Revise components using Save As

ROLLER_ASSMMOUNTING_BRACKET

MOUNTING_BRACKET-A

ROLLER

ROLLER_ASSM-AROLLER-A

ROLLER_PIN

ROLLER_PIN

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Close assembly component parts

The File→Close→Selected Parts option lets you selectively close (unload)components in an assembly.

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Close Part options

1 – List all loadedcomponent parts or toplevel only.

2 – Close only partsselected or wholeassembly tree.

3 – If on, you will not bewarned if a selected parthas been modified.

4 – Close all parts in thesession.

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Unique part files from existing components

Use the Make Unique command to create a new part file for one or more selectedoccurrences of the same part.

For example, the following figure shows four selected occurrences of a partnamed GKballjoint. You can use the Make Unique command to convert the twooccurrences near the tires to use a new unique part file named GKballjoint_tire,which is created by this command as a copy of GKballjoint. The other twooccurrences, which are attached to the steering column subassembly, continueto reference the GKballjoint part file.

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Replace Component

Use the Replace Component command to remove an existing component andreplace it with another component that is a*.prt file type. You have the option torename the new component.

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The Unique Identifier (UID)

There is an internal file identifier, referred to as a UID (Unique IDentifier), thatensures that the component that has been found is the genuine article, or atleast a copy of it.

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Allow Replacement

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Maintain relationships while replacing a component

In the Replace Component dialog box, use the Maintain Relationshipsoption to preserve relationships from the original component to the replacementcomponent, to keep as much of the original behavior as possible.

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Replace components using Reopen

A loaded component can also be replaced with another part by choosingFile→Close→Close and Reopen Selected Parts and selecting the Open Asoption.

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Reopen component parts

The File→Close→Close and Reopen Selected Parts option selectively updatesfully loaded components with their counterparts on disk. It can be utilized in thefollowing situation.

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Reopen component parts

Early in the morning, designer A starts working on an assembly thatreferences comp3.

Later in the morning, while designer A is still working on the assembly,designer B revises comp3 and saves it using File→Save.

At lunchtime, designer A reopens comp3 while the assembly is still openusing File→Close→Reopen Selected Parts.

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Reopen Part options

1 – List of loadedcomponents that canbe reopened.

2 – Specifies whetherreopen should affect partor whole assembly.

3 – If on, you will not bewarned if selected parthas been modified beforeit is loaded from disk.

4 – Reopens all parts insession that have beenchanged on disk.

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Activities: Replace components

In the Revise and replace components section, do the activity:

• Replace components

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Activity: Make Unique

In the Revise and replace components section, do the following activity:

• Make components unique

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Review: Revise and Replace components

1. What load state is being used when the system only pulls into memory thecomponent data required to display it?

• Partially loaded

2. If your revision process entails moving parts to different directories, you willneed to define ______ _________ in the Assembly Load Options so that NXwill know where to find them when you open an assembly.

• Search Folders

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Summary: Revise and replace components

After creating an assembly, you may have to revise or replace a componentand change the name of the component part. In this lesson, you used differentmethods to revise components and the assemblies that use them.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

•

•

Revised a component and an assembly using Save Part As.

Created a unique part from an existing component.

Replaced components in an existing assembly.

Used various assembly reports.

Closed and reopened part files.

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Lesson 19Deform Part

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Deform Part

Purpose

You can define a part that is capable of assuming more than one shape when itis added to an assembly. This functionality is especially useful for parts such assprings or hoses which often take on different shapes, sizes, and positions.

Objectives


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•

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Define deformable parts.

Add deformable parts to an assembly.

Edit deformable parts in the assembly.

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Deformable parts

You can define a part as capable of assuming more than one shape when it isadded to an assembly. This is especially useful for parts such as springs or hoses,which often have different shapes in the same assembly.

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Deformable parts

There are three steps to use deformable components:

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Define deformable parts.

Add deformable parts to an assembly.

Edit deformable components in an assembly.

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Define Deformable Part

Use the Define Deformable Part command to designate a part as deformableand define the shapes into which it can be deformed. You can define a part asdeformable either before or after adding it to an assembly.

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Define Deformable Parts dialog box

The Define Deformable Part dialog box is in the wizard format and consistsof the following pages.

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Definition

Features

Expressions

References

Summary

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Expression Rules

Use the Expression Rules options to define what values are allowed for selectedinput expressions when you deform the component in an assembly.

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None

By Whole Number Range

By Number Range

By Options

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Deform Component

Use the Deform Component command to edit the input parameters of adeformable component in an assembly.

A deformable component has the following characteristics:

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The shape is defined by the assembly.

It can have different shapes in different assemblies.

It can be used multiple times with different shapes in the same assembly.

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Deform component notes

Add deformable parts to assemblies

Add a deformable part to an assembly as you would any other component, andposition it in one of the following ways:

•

•

If the deformation does not require outside references, you can position orconstrain it in the assembly as you would any other component.

If the deformation requires outside references, the position is based on thelocation of its reference geometries in the assembly.

Creation

• Deformed parts that result in multiple bodies are allowed.

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Activities: Deform Part

In the Deform Part section, do the activities:

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Create a deformable spring

Make a part deformable using a guide string

Add Deformable Parts to an assembly

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Review: Deform Part

1. True/False — Deformable Parts can only be defined if there is an Expressionthat can be used to control the deformation.

• False

2. True/False — Deformable Parts allow for a component to take on differentshapes in an assembly file.

• True

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Summary

Components may assume more than one shape when they are added to anassembly through the use of Deformable Parts. This functionality is especiallyuseful for parts such as springs or hoses which often take on different shapesand/or sizes.

In this lesson you:

•

•

Defined Deformable Parts.

Added Deformable Parts to an Assembly.

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Lesson 20Assembly Arrangements

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Assembly Arrangements

Purpose

The lesson introduces the concepts of using assembly arrangements to specifyalternative positions for one or more components in your part.

Objectives

On completion of this lesson you will be able to:

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•

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Set the active and default arrangement.

Suppress and unsuppress components within an arrangement.

Use arrangement properties to ignore assembly constraints and properlyreposition a variation of your assembly.

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Assembly Arrangements

Use the Assembly Arrangements command to define alternative positions forone or more components or subassemblies in your part.

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Assembly Arrangement status

Assembly arrangements are assigned to one of the following statuses:

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Active arrangements:

Default arrangements:

Used arrangements:

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Assembly Arrangements dialog box

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Use

Set as Default

New Arrangement

Copy

Delete

Rename

Properties

Information

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Page 315



Position override overview

You can use the override commands to make a component have a differentposition in a higher-level assembly than in its immediate parent. The new positionof the component appears in all parent assemblies of the assembly in which theoverride is created.

Page 316



Activities: Assembly Arrangements

In the Assembly Arrangements section, do the activity:

• Assembly arrangements with positional override

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Arrangement component suppression overview

Components can be suppressed on an arrangement by arrangement basis. Youcan have arrangement specific assembly constraints within an assembly. This letsyou control component positions and visibility in each arrangement.

Page 318



Activities: Assembly Arrangements

In the Assembly Arrangements section, do the activity:

• Assembly arrangements in the vise assembly

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Review: Assembly Arrangements

1. True/False — Assembly Arrangements determine the position and orientationof the immediate child components.

• True

Page 320



Summary

Arrangements provide powerful tools to design and illustrate mechanisms thatmove by repositioning components either with basic positioning or within degreesof freedom.

In this lesson you:

•

•

•

Created and displayed several arrangements.

Used arrangements to vary the structure of the vise assembly.

Used arrangement properties to ignore assembly constraints and properlyreposition a variation of your assembly.

Page 321



Documents

Intermediate NX Design and Assemblies