Unigraphics NX Associative Parametric Design MT10040 (Student Guide)

Associative Parametric Design
Student Guide May 25, 2007 MT10040 NX 5
Publication Number mt10040_g NX 5
Manual History
Manual Revision
Versions NX 5
Publication Date May 2007
Proprietary and restricted rights notice This software and related documentation are proprietary to UGS Corp. Copyright 2007 UGS Corp. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks belong to their respective holders.
Associative Parametric Design Student Guide
mt10040_g NX 5
Contents
Course Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Course Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . Workbook Overview . . . . . . . . . Help Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Learning Advantage . . . . . Class Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Responsibilities . . . . . Part Naming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Layers and Categories . . . . . . . Classroom System Information Roles and Customizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . 9 10 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 14 15 16
Assembly Cloning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Assembly Cloning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting Parts to Include in the Cloning Operation Cloning Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reports to Information Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Log Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dening Default Clone Action Exceptions . . . . . . . Naming Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Options on the Main Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conict Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teamcenter Integration Unique Options . . . . . . . . Activity: Cloning an Existing Assembly . . . . . . . . . Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 . 1-4 . 1-5 . 1-6 . 1-7 . 1-8 . 1-9 1-10 1-11 1-12 1-13 1-17
Assembly Sequencing and Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 General Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sequencing Task Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standard Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assembly Sequencing and Motion Toolbar Assembly Sequencing Playback . . . . . . . . Sequence Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sequence Navigator Symbols . . . . . . . . . .
UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved
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2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-7 2-8 2-9

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Pop-up Menus, Columns, and Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Creating a Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Sequence Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Editing the Sequencing of the Vise Assembly Assembly Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Record Component Motion Dialog Bar . . . . . . . . . Motion Record Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity Creating a New Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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2-10 2-12 2-15 2-16 2-23 2-24 2-25 2-26 2-41
Documenting Design Intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 Dening Design Intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Documentation Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . Layers and Categories . . . . . . . . . Feature Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expression Names and Comments Spreadsheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Object Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visual Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feature Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Creating Feature Sets . . Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 . 3-3 . 3-4 . 3-5 . 3-6 . 3-7 . 3-8 . 3-9 3-10 3-14 3-18
Part Interrogation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Feature and Object Associativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Object Dependency Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feature Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Managing the Display of the Part Navigator Expression Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Model Interrogation . . . . . . . . . . . Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 . 4-3 . 4-4 . 4-5 . 4-7 4-10 4-11 4-17
Editing Parametric Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 Reordering Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reordering Features with the Part Navigator . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Reordering Features with the Part Navigator The Reorder Feature Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Reorder Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Reordering Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inserting Features in the Feature List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replace Features dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Inserting and Replacing Features . . . . . . . . . . Suppress by Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Associative Parametric Design Student Guide UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved
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. 5-2 . 5-3 . 5-4 . 5-5 . 5-6 . 5-7 5-12 5-13 5-14 5-16 5-21
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Suppress by Expression Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Uses of Suppress by Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Suppressing Features with Expressions . When Model Updates Fail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Out of Date Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part navigator Status column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preventing the Deletion of Child Features . . . . . . Modeling for Editing Flexibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Replacing Dening Strings and Surfaces Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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5-22 5-23 5-24 5-29 5-32 5-33 5-34 5-35 5-36 5-40
Associative Curve Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 Associativity of Curve Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Usage Considerations for the Associate Option . Procedure: Create Project Curves . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Project Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Join Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Usage Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Create Join Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Join Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intersection Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Usage Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Create Intersection Curve . . . . . . . . Activity: Intersection Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wrap/Unwrap Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Usage Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Wrap/Unwrap Curves . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Wrap Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sketch Projected Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Usage Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Creating Projected Curves in Sketch Sketch Offset Projected Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Usage Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Creating Projected Curves in Sketch Activity: Project Curves in a Sketch . . . . . . . . . . Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 . 6-3 . 6-4 . 6-5 . 6-6 . 6-9 6-10 6-11 6-12 6-14 6-15 6-16 6-17 6-21 6-22 6-24 6-25 6-27 6-28 6-29 6-30 6-31 6-32 6-33 6-40
General Pockets and Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 General Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Pocket Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selection Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Creating a Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Creating a Pocket with Multiple Floor Faces
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General Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Pad Dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Creating General Pad and Pocket . Editing General Pads and Pockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Editing General Pad and Pockets Activity: Editing General Pockets and Pads . Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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7-14 7-15 7-16 7-24 7-25 7-26 7-29
Blending Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 Edge Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Rolling Ball Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edge Blend Dialog Box Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Create Constant Radius Edge Blends Activity: Blends on Adjacent Edges . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Blending Multiple Edges . . . . . . . . . . . Overow Resolutions and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roll Over Smooth Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roll On Edges (Smooth or Sharp) . . . . . . . . . . . . Maintain Blend and Move Sharp Edges . . . . . . . Explicit Overow Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Settings Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Blend Overow Options . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Vertices Overow Option . . . . . . . . . . . Face Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When To Use Face Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Face Blend Dialog Box Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Face Blend Attachment Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Face Blending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Face Blending and Tangency Control . . Activity: Redening Blended Edges . . . . . . . . . . Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2 . 8-5 . 8-6 . 8-7 . 8-8 8-12 8-16 8-17 8-18 8-19 8-20 8-21 8-23 8-26 8-29 8-30 8-31 8-33 8-34 8-40 8-43 8-45
Introduction to the NX Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1 NX Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gateway Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edit Expressions Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modeling Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spreadsheet NX Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Extracting Expressions and Updating the NX Part Active Expression Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saving Spreadsheet Data and Returning to NX . . Workow: Using the Modeling Spreadsheet . . . . . Activity: Timing Gear Spreadsheet (Excel) . . . . . . Built-in Spreadsheet Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mass Properties Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Associative Parametric Design Student Guide UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved
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Activity: Mass Properties in a Spreadsheet (Excel) . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24 Design Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1 Goal Seek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goal Seek Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goal Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Optimizing a Part for Volume Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 . 10-3 . 10-8 10-10 10-15
Dening Part and Assembly Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 Creating Variations of a Piece Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Simple Variation Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Creating a Template Part . . . . . . . . Activity: Part Variations in a Spreadsheet . . . . Using Table Lookup Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Variations with Lookup Functions . . . Suppressing Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suppress Components by Expression . . . . . . . . Activity: Suppressing Comp. with Expressions Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2 . 11-3 . 11-4 . 11-5 . 11-8 . 11-9 11-12 11-13 11-14 11-18
Design Intent and Model Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1 Activity: Incorporating Design Intent into a Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2 Deform Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1 Using Flexible Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deformable Parts dialog (NX) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deforming a Component in the Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Making a Part Deformable . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Adding Deformable Parts to an Assembly Activity: Deforming a Part Using a Guide String . Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2 B-3 B-4 B-5 B-8 B-16 B-19
Assembly Part Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1 Managing Assembly Congurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2 Activity: Creating an Assembly Part Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4 Microsoft Excel Add-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1 Operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Precedence and Associativity Built-in Functions . . . . . . . . Scientic Notation . . . . . . . .
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Contents
Spreadsheet Reference Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1 Differences Between Xess and Excel . Migrating Spreadsheet Data . . . . . . . Extended Functionality . . . . . . . . . . Vector-Related Functions . . . . Matrix functions . . . . . . . . . . Point-Related Functions . . . . Expression-Related Functions Object-Related Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2 E-3 E-4 E-5 E-7 E-8 E-9 E-10
Introduction to the NX SpreadsheetXess Activities . . . . . . . . . . F-1 Activity: Timing Gear Spreadsheet (Xess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2 Activity: Mass Properties in a Spreadsheet (Xess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-6 Dening Part and Assembly VariationsXess Activities . . . . . . . G-1 Activity: Part Variations in a Spreadsheet (Xess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-2 Activity: Variations with Lookup Functions (Xess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-5 Activity: Suppressing Comp. with Expressions (Xess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-8 Assembly Part FamiliesXess Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1 Activity: Creating an Assembly Part Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-2 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-1
mt10040_g NX 5
Course Overview
Course Description
The Associative Parametric Design course is targeted at NX users who want to leverage more of the parametric capabilities of NX in their design processes. Topics include the use of modeling functionality and techniques, associative curve operations, spreadsheet, assembly congurations, and assembly cloning.
Objectives
After successfully completing this course, you should be able to perform the following activities in NX: Clone an assembly Document design intent Interrogate the features and expressions in a part Apply associative curve and sketch operations Create feature sets Create face blends Manage expressions with a spreadsheet Optimize a design using a spreadsheet Manage and update assembly congurations with a spreadsheet
Course Description
Intended Audience
Designers, Engineers, and CAD/CAM Managers who wish to apply more parametric modeling capabilities of NX to capture design intent or create "seed" assemblies to dene assembly congurations.
Prerequisites
Essentials for NX Designers course or CAST equivalent (NX) Intermediate Design and Assemblies course or CAST equivalent (NX) or: Sketcher NX (if you took Essentials for NX Designers and Intermediate Design and Assemblies in pre-NX) and: Working knowledge of: Assemblies Sketching Feature-based solid modeling
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Course Overview
How to Use This Manual

It is important that you use the Student Guide in the sequence presented because later lessons assume you have learned concepts and techniques taught in an earlier lesson. If necessary, you can always refer to any previous activity where a method or technique was originally taught. The format of the activities is consistent throughout this manual. Steps are labeled and specify what will be accomplished at any given point in the activity. Below each step are action boxes which emphasize the individual actions that must be taken to accomplish the step. As your knowledge of NX increases, the action boxes will seem redundant as the step text becomes all that is needed to accomplish a given task. Step 1: This is an example of a step. This is an example of an action box. Always read the Cue and Status lines. The general format for lesson content is: presentation activity project summary
We recommend that you: Ask questions. Conrm with restatement. Attend and pay attention to instruction as it is given.
Please be considerate of other students who may have greater or lesser needs for instruction. Instructors cannot possibly meet the exact needs of every student. At the start of each class day you will be expected to log onto your terminal and start NX, be ready to follow the instructors curriculum. At the end of the days class you should always quit NX and log off the terminal.
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How to Use This Manual
Workbook Overview
The workbook is your opportunity to test your new skills in the context of a simulated work environment. The workbook contains projects based on the concepts and practices presented in the Student Guide. The activities allow you to apply the skills taught in this course. Feel free to enlist the help of your instructor.
Help Library
The NX Help Library is available online any time you need more information about a function. To access the NX Help Library; from the NX menu bar choose HelpDocumentation, or HelpOn Line Docuemtation. Throughout this course specic online help paths will be displayed to help you locate additional information. The path names will be displayed in the following manner. See Also: GatewayCustomer Defaults.
The Learning Advantage

UGS Education Services offers a blend of training solutions for all of our product lifecycle management products. Our Online Store, Learning Advantage, was developed to provide our customers with just in time training for the latest in application developments. Here are some of the Learning Advantages: Direct access to the training material Presented in a self-paced learning environment Online assessments to measure your success Just in time training for the latest software releases
For more information about the Learning Advantage visit our web site http://training.ugs.com or E-mail us at training@ugs.com.
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Course Overview
Class Standards
The following standards will be used in this class. Standardization allows users to work with others parts while being able to predict the organization of the part. All work should be performed in accordance with these standards.
Student Responsibilities
Be on time. Participate in class. Stick with the subject matter. Listen attentively and take notes. Practice on the job what you have learned. Have fun.
Part Naming
You will occasionally be asked to enter a new part name for projects that should be saved for later use. Use your initials as a prex to the existing part name and save the part in your home directory
Seed Part
Seed parts are an effective tool for establishing customer defaults or any settings that are part-dependent (saved with the part). This may include non-geometric data such as: Sketch preferences Layer categories User-dened views and layouts Part attributes Once a seed part is established, it should be write-protected to avoid accidental modication of the seed part. Two seed part les are available for use in this course. These les incorporate the standards described above, and include the TFR-TRI view as the default view. apd_seedpart_inch.prt (Inches) apd_seedpart_mm.prt (Millimeters)
UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Associative Parametric Design Student Guide 13
Class Standards
Layers and Categories

The following layer and category standards will be followed in this class.
Model Geometry
Object Type Solid Geometry Inter-part Modeling Sketch Geometry Curve Geometry Reference Geometry Sheet Bodies
Drafting Objects
Layer Assignment 120 1520 2140 4160 6180 81100
Category Name SOLIDS LINKED_OBJECTS SKETCHES CURVES DATUMS SHEETS
Object Type Drawing Borders

Engineering Disciplines
Layer Assignment 101110
Category Name FORMATS
Object Type Mechanism Tools Finite Element Meshes and Engr. Tools Manufacturing Quality Tools
Layer Assignment 121130 131150
Category Name MECH CAE
151180 181190
MFG QA
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Course Overview
Classroom System Information

Your instructor will provide you with the following items for working in the classroom: Student Login: User name:
Password:
Work Directory:
Parts Directory:
Instructor:
Date:
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Class Standards
Roles and Customizing

This course was designed to use the Advanced with Full Menus role. Roles NX has many advanced capabilities, but while learning you may want to use a smaller set of tools.
As you progress you may want to use more functions.
Roles tailor your interface by hiding tools you are unlikely to use in a given role. The role you choose affects the number of icons that appear on toolbars, and the number of pull-down menu items you will see. Choosing a Role To activate a role: Open the Roles palette on the resource bar Click the role you want. Acknowledge the warning message.
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Course Overview
Customize NX provides customization tools to ne tune your interface. You can: Change the size of icons displayed on menus and toolbars optionally display text below icons on toolbars remove tools you never use move tools to a different location by dragging them
To add a command to a menu or toolbar: Click MB3 on any blank toolbar area. Choose Customize (last choice at the bottom of the list) On the Commands page, select a menu or toolbar in the left window. Drag a command from the right window to a toolbar or menu.
Some menu items are hidden by default. We say these items are below the fold. You can set menus to always display all choices on the Options page of the Customize dialog.
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Class Standards
Set the Role for this Course
This role congures the toolbars and menus as they were used in designing this course. Step 1: Set the Advanced with Full Menus role. On the NX resource bar, click Roles .
Expand the System Defaults area of the palette.
Choose Advanced with Full Menus
Click OK to acknowledge the warning message. Step 2: Add the Application toolbar. Choose ToolsCustomize. On the Toolbar page, select the Application check box. Close the Customize dialog. The option you just activated will stay in effect throughout the class unless you change them, change role settings, or switch login identities. From time to time your instructor may suggest other toolbar buttons to activate.
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Lesson
Assembly Cloning
Purpose Assembly cloning allows you to create a new assembly that shares a similar structure with an existing assembly. A new product assembly can be created by cloning an existing seed assembly with component structure, interpart expressions, interpart WAVE links, and spreadsheet data. The new assembly will maintain these interpart associativities and can be further customized to meet requirements. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Clone an existing assembly.
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Assembly Cloning
Assembly Cloning
The Create Clone Assembly function provides a useful top-down means to create, in a single operation, a new assembly that shares similar structure and associativities with an existing assembly, but has some different component references. You could, for example, create several versions of an existing assembly with a core set of common components. Components in the cloned assemblies can be modied and new components can be added to meet design requirements. Cloning requires an Assembly license and will not be available unless the Assemblies application is running. Choose AssembliesCloning to access Cloning options. Create Clone Assembly Edit Existing Assembly
The Edit Existing Assembly option allows you to edit the component references in an existing assembly without creating a new assembly. See Also: DesignAssembliesFunction DetailsAssemblies MenuCloning
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Assembly Cloning
You can dene defaults that determine what happens to the majority of the components and specify exceptions for any components that need to be handled differently.
If you want to check the current mapping between the input and output assemblies before the cloning is performed, you can generate a report, which will appear in an Information window. When you choose Create Clone Assembly, the Clone Assembly dialog box appears. You should then use the Add Assembly or Add Part option to specify one (or more) assemblies to clone.
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Assembly Cloning
Selecting Parts to Include in the Cloning Operation

Add Assembly Lets you select an assembly for the cloning operation. Components of the selected assembly are included in the cloning operation. This option may be selected more than once to include multiple assemblies in the cloning operation. Add Part Similar to Add Assembly, except that components are not included in the cloning operation. This option may also be selected more than once to include multiple parts in the cloning operation. The Add Part option is useful if you are implementing the master model concept and have multiple assemblies referencing the same master model component. If the master model has already been cloned with one assembly, the other assemblies can be cloned at a later time. The Load Options tab lets you dene the load method and search folders to apply when you add an assembly to the cloning operation. There are three options available from the Load Method group of the dialog box: As Saved From Directory Search Directories Individual piece parts that are not part of any assembly may be included in a cloning operation using either the Add Assembly or Add Part options. This allows you to copy and apply a naming rule to multiple parts without having to copy, paste, and rename on the operating system.
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Assembly Cloning
Cloning Defaults
Default Clone Action Species the default action for the components. This may be set to Clone (clone the original component) or Retain (keep the original component). Naming Tab Species the default method for naming cloned components. This may be set to User Name (to manually enter a new name for cloned components) or Name Rule (to apply a naming rule to cloned components). Dene Naming Rule Lets you dene the default naming of the cloned components by using a naming rule. If you are running Teamcenter Integration, you can also choose automatic generation for default naming. Default Output Directory Allows you to specify a location in the directory structure where you want cloned parts to appear. If left blank, the parts will appear in the directory from which you started NX, which would normally be your home directory.
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Assembly Cloning
Reports to Information Window

There are three options for generating a report for the Cloned assembly: Root Parts Only Reports all the top-level assemblies loaded into the operation. Components are not included in the report. Terse Reports only the input and output names of the parts. Full Generates a full report, including what action will be taken with each seed part and what the new part names will be in the cloned assembly. The image below is an example of the Terse report type. Component Part apd_cap_screw apd_center_column apd_column_seed_assm apd_machine_screw apd_gasket apd_machine_bracket apd_roller apd_roller_assm apd_roller_pin apd_toolplate New Part rlr_cap_screw rlr_center_column rlr_column_seed_assm rlr_machine_screw rlr_gasket rlr_machine_bracket rlr_roller rlr_roller_assm rlr_roller_pin rlr_toolplate
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Assembly Cloning
Log Files
After the cloning is performed, a Cloning Log File appears in the Information window and can be optionally saved to a le. The Cloning Log File summarizes the activities performed during the cloning operation, including the mapping from the input to the output assembly. The log le can be saved and used for a later operation. The Dry Run option, located on the Main tab, can be used to generate the log le without actually executing the clone. Dry Run Select this check box to test the cloning operation and generate a log le without actually creating or saving any new parts. Specify Output Log File Lets you specify a log le to record the mapping for the cloning operation. The le will record the same mappings that are written to the Information window. If you are running Teamcenter Integration, the log le will be attached as an associated le to the input and output root assembly (or assemblies). You may use a previously constructed log le to drive a command line ug_clone operation. ug_clone is described in appendix F. Load and Apply Existing Log File Loads a previously saved log le, whose mapping will be repeated in your cloning operation. You may load more than one log le, the mappings that each species are applied to the current cloning operation. You may edit a log le outside of NX, then reload the le to drive a cloning operation.
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Assembly Cloning
Dening Default Clone Action Exceptions

Once you dene the Default Clone Action and select the assembly you wish to Clone, you can also dene Exceptions to the default rule for individual components. There are three options available from the New Action list: Retain will bypass the default action and Retain the original component. Clone will bypass the default action and Clone the selected component. Replace will bypass the default action and allow you to replace the selected component with a different component.
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Assembly Cloning
Naming Exceptions
Similar to the Cloning Exceptions the Naming Exceptions will allow you to bypass the default naming action for the selected component. There are two options available from the New Action list: User Name will bypass the Name Rule default action and allow you to input a user name for the selected component. Name Rule will bypass the User Name default action and refer to the Dene Naming Rule for the selected component.
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Assembly Cloning
Other Options on the Main Tab

Set Defaults Causes the defaults to be applied to all the components that were not assigned exceptions. This option does not perform the cloning, but it evaluates the cloning denition to ensure that all required data has been specied. Reset Defaults Clears all the values applied when you chose Set Defaults. Execute Performs the cloning operation. After the operation is complete the data from the cloning operation is still present, but the output names are reset to empty. This is useful for cloning the same assembly several times to different output assemblies.
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Assembly Cloning
Conict Resolutions
Conicts occur when a component is given an action that has potential problems given the actions applied to its parents or children. The following are possible conicts that can occur. If an assembly part is given an action of Retain, its children must also be retained to maintain the integrity of the original assembly. If a part containing linked geometry (created with WAVE) is retained, the part containing the parent geometry must also be retained to maintain the link.
When a conicting action is assigned, a message will inform you that other parts will automatically be assigned a new action to resolve the problem.
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Assembly Cloning
Teamcenter Integration Unique Options

Several other Clone Assembly options only appear when you run NX with Teamcenter Integration: Owner and Group, in the Clone Defaults section of the dialog Auto-Gen, a third Clone Number choice (Clone Number is the name of the Clone Name option in Teamcenter Integration) in the Clone Defaults section Non-Master/Associated File Clone, which appears below the Log Files section Owner, Part Type, and Show Non-Masters, in the Dene Exceptions section
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Assembly Cloning
Activity: Cloning an Existing Assembly

In this activity, you will clone an existing "seed" assembly to create a new assembly with a similar structure. All of the components will be cloned and renamed except the fasteners. Step 1: Examine the existing assembly. Open the assembly apd_column_seed_assm.
Open the Assembly Navigator and examine the assembly structure .
This assembly also contains linked geometry and interpart expressions.
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Assembly Cloning
Step 2:
Clone the assembly. Choose StartAssemblies. Choose AssembliesCloningCreate Clone Assembly. Click Add Assembly. Select the part apd_column_seed_assm and click OK. Click OK to acknowledge the Modied Part warning. Choose the Naming tab. Click Dene Naming Rule. Choose Replace for the Naming Rule Type. Key in apd for the Base String. Key in your initials for the Add/Replace/Rename string. Click OK in the Naming Rule dialog box. Leave the Default Output Directory blank in the Clone Assembly dialog box so that the cloned parts will appear in your home directory.
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Assembly Cloning
Choose the Main tab. Click Set Defaults. If there are any problems, such as conicting part names, you will get an error message. Select Terse from the middle of the Clone Assembly dialog box. Click Report to Information Window. The Information window shows the old name versus the new name. Component Part apd_cap_screw apd_center_column apd_column_seed_assm apd_machine_screw apd_gasket apd_machine_bracket apd_roller apd_roller_assm apd_roller_pin apd_toolplate Close the Information window. Click Exceptions. Select the apd_cap_screw and apd_machine_screw parts. (You can use the Ctrl key to select multiple non-consecutive parts.) From the New Action list, make sure that Retain is selected. Click Apply and note the change to the actions shown in parentheses. Click Cancel to dismiss the Action Exceptions dialog box. New Part rlr_cap_screw rlr_center_column rlr_column_seed_assm rlr_machine_screw rlr_gasket rlr_machine_bracket rlr_roller rlr_roller_assm rlr_roller_pin rlr_toolplate
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Assembly Cloning
Choose the Naming tab. Click Exceptions. In the Naming Exceptions dialog box, in the New Naming list, make sure User Name is selected. Select apd_column_seed_assm and click Apply. Ensure that you are in your home directory and key in ***_column_assm and click OK. On the Naming Exceptions dialog click Cancel to dismiss it.. Choose the Main tab. From the list in the middle of the dialog box, select Full. Click Report to Information Window. Review the report. Close the Information window. Select the Dry Run check box. Click Execute. If no error messages were generated, close the information window. Make sure to clear the Dry Run check box. Click Execute. Close the Information window. Click Close. Step 3: Open the cloned assembly. Choose FileOptionsAssembly Load Options and change the Load Method to From Search Folders. Open the part ***_column_assm. Verify the assembly structure. Step 4:
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Close all parts without saving.

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved mt10040_g NX 5
Assembly Cloning
Summary
The cloning function allows you to create a new assembly based on an existing assembly with a similar structure while maintaining interpart relationships. In this lesson you: Created a new assembly from an existing assembly by cloning all components while retaining the fasteners. All mating conditions, WAVE geometry links, and interpart expressions were maintained.
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Lesson
Assembly Sequencing and Motion

Purpose Assembly Sequencing and Motion will enable you to view an entire assembly in an installed and functional environment. This can be critical when modular assemblies are used within a larger assembly structure. The ability to view component interaction early in the design process can ensure savings in the production environment Objectives On completion of this lesson you will be able to: Create and edit assembly and disassembly sequences. Use motion in sequences.
See also: DesignAssembliesSequences and Motion
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General Concepts
The Assembly Sequencing functions let you control the order in which an assembly is assembled and disassembled. You can model and play back sequence information. You can assemble or disassemble a component in one step, or you can create motion steps to simulate how the component moves. Sequence actions can only be performed when the part containing the sequence is the displayed part. Steps consist of one or more frames. A frame represents one unit in time, and it is the smallest division of time in sequencing. When you are creating (or playing back) a motion, one frame is generated (or played back) for each movement you see in the graphics window. When you open Assembly Sequencing you enter the sequencing task environment. The NX main menu options and the toolbars become optimized for sequencing (i.e., they contain only options that are useful with sequencing). Once you start the Assembly application you can access Assembly Sequencing by choosing AssembliesSequencing or by choosing the Assembly Sequences icon on the Assemblies toolbar.
To exit the sequencing task environment, click the Finish Sequence icon on the Assembly Sequencing and Motion toolbar, or choose TaskFinish Sequencing.
You can assemble components in several ways: One at a time As a group (for example, if you want to add, at the same time, all the bolts that hold another component in place) Preassembled (i.e., a small group of components that you assembled before starting the sequence that you are recording)
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Sequencing Task Environment

When you enter the Sequencing Task Environment the Sequence Navigator is active on the resource bar in windows (or as a separate window in UNIX). The Standard, Assembly Sequencing and Motion, Assembly Sequencing Playback, and Dynamic Collision Detection toolbars become available.
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Standard Toolbar
Finish Sequence exits the sequencing task environment and returns you to the environment and application you were in when you entered sequencing. Create New Sequence The new sequence appears in the Sequence Navigator and becomes the context sequence. Set Context Sequence the pull-down list in the toolbar lists the sorted names of all the sequences in the displayed part. When you select a name from this list, it becomes the context sequence. Save will save your assembly. Print will print a screen shot of your graphics window. Undo will undo the last full action you performed. Object Information will allow you to access information regarding the selected object.
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Assembly Sequencing and Motion Toolbar

Insert Motion inserts a motion step in your sequence. When you choose this option drag handles and icon options appear. Assemble creates an assemble step in the context sequence for the selected component. If more than one component is selected, a step is created for each component in the order in which they were selected. Assemble Together lets you create a subgroup within a sequence. Disassemble creates a disassembly step for the selected component. Disassemble Together disassembles a selected subgroup or set of components. Record Camera Position creates a camera step. Use this option if you want to reorient the sequence view during playback, for example, for a closer view of small components being disassembled in a larger assembly. Insert Pause creates a pause step in your sequence. Extraction Path creates a collision free path sequence step for selected components, moving them between a start and end position. A clearance value assures that the motion path for the selected components avoids collisions with all other visible components in the view. Delete removes one or more selected steps from the context sequence. Find in Sequence when you choose this option, you can select components from the graphics window or the Assembly Navigator. Show All Sequences if this option is toggled on, the Sequence Navigator shows all existing sequences for your assembly. If Show All Sequences is toggled off, only the context sequence appears in the Sequence Navigator. Capture Arrangement lets you capture the current positions of your assembly components as an arrangement.
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Motion Envelope creates a motion envelope in the displayed part by sweeping selected objects through consecutive sequence motion steps.
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Assembly Sequencing Playback

The Assembly Sequencing Playback toolbar acts like a standard video player control. Additionally it has a window at the left that displays and allows you to manually set the context sequence current frame, and a window at the right that controls the playback speed.
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Sequence Navigator
The Sequence Navigator gives you a graphical display of the current sequence (or all sequences) and its steps in a separate window, and provides access to options for creating and modifying the sequence and steps. It helps you keep track of where you are in the sequence. When you create a sequence, the name of the sequence appears at the top of the Sequence Navigator. Under the sequence name are the current arrangement for the sequence and up to three folders: Unprocessed, Ignored, and Preassembled. When you click on a step, the Details panel shows information about the selected component or subassembly.
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Sequence Navigator Symbols

The following list describes icons that appear in the Sequence Navigator: Sequence Arrangement Folder (Ignored / Preassembled) Component (in a Folder) Assembling or disassembling a subassembly only affects the subassembly itself; the subassemblys child components are not assembled or disassembled with it. Subassembly (in a Folder) Assemble step If a step icon (assemble or disassemble) is blue, either the component referenced by that step is suppressed or the step is invalid (in which case, the step also has an invalid step icon). This step will be ignored during playback. Disassemble step Assemble As Group Disassemble As Group Pause step Motion step Camera step Current step (during playback) Completed step (during playback) Invalid step A step is invalid if it cannot be assembled or disassembled at that point in the sequence.
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Pop-up Menus, Columns, and Details

When you right-click in the Sequence Navigator, a pop-up menu appears. The options on this menu vary, depending on where the cursor is located. The Details panel of the Sequence Navigator has several useful rows of information. Each row is divided into a Property and a corresponding Value. Most (but not all) of the values in Details are active toggles. The list of Properties changes depending whether a Sequence or a Step is selected. When a Sequence Property Name Description is selected: Comments You can edit the default name. You can edit the default description (which is the day and time of creation) to a description that is more useful to you. Sequence scope Sequence type
Value(s) Sequence name Sequence description Assembly Restricted Assemble Disassemble Operational Total number of frames in the sequence The sequence step increment number between steps Visible Hidden Visible Hidden On Off On Off
Scope Type
Total Duration Step Increment
You cannot edit this number in the Details panel. By default, the increment number is 10. (In other words, steps are numbered 10, 20, 30, etc.) You can edit this number. Species whether to show components that are in the Ignored folder. Species whether to show components that are in the Unprocessed folder. Controls whether the sequence view appears in a split screen. Species whether mating constraints should be obeyed. Mating constraints are on by default. You can enable or disable them for a complete sequence, but not for individual steps.
Ignored display Unprocessed Display Display Split Screen Mating Constraints
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When a Step is selected: Property Name Value(s) The name of the selected component or subassembly Assemble Disassemble Camera Motion Pause Valid Invalid Total number of the step in the sequence Optional value, defaults to 0 Optional value, defaults to 0 You cannot edit this value in the Details panel. You can enter a real number, greater than or equal to zero, that represents the "cost" of the step (whatever "cost" means to you). You can enter a real number, greater than or equal to zero, to represent the processing time (whatever "processing time" means to you). You can enter a brief description of the step (or the component/subassembly in the step). You cannot edit this number in the Details panel. You can edit this number. Caution: If you reduce motion duration motion will be truncated. Changing pause duration is a typical use of editing duration. The movements in a motion step. Comments You can edit the name. The new name will only be used in the current sequence. The type of step
Type
Status Step Number Cost
Processing Time
Description
Optional value
Start Frame The frame number when the step starts Total Duration The number of frames used to play the step
Elements
The number of frames in each movement
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Procedure: Creating a Sequence

Most sequences that you create will be disassembly sequences, because you are starting with a completed assembly. 1. click Assembly Sequences or choose AssembliesSequencing.
2. On the Standard toolbar, Click Create New Sequence
If you are assembling an assembly, an Unprocessed folder also appears. In this case, the Unprocessed folder contains all the components in the assembly instead of the Preassembled folder. 3. Move any components that you will not use in this sequence from the Preassembled folder to the Ignored folder by right-clicking and choosing Ignore or by dragging them. 4. Each sequence step can consist of a single component, a subgroup, a camera step (view orientation), or a motion (and the movements that make up that motion): if you want to disassemble the selected Click Disassemble component as the rst step.
Click Disassemble Togeather subgroup as the rst step.
if you want to disassemble a
Click Record Camera Position showing a sequence step.
to modify the view before
Click Insert Motion moving into position.
if you want to show the selected components
A sequence step can also be created by dragging the component or subgroup to the top sequence node or to any position within existing sequence steps.
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5. Disassemble the remaining components or subgroups that you want to disassemble into step nodes. A single component is added as a disassemble step after the highlighted step node (when you release the left mouse button). A subgroup consisting of an existing subassembly is placed in a sequence step named after the subassembly. A subgroup consisting of a set of components is placed in a sequence step named Sequence Group x, where x is an integer representing its order of creation.
6. (Optional) You can set the Dynamic Clearance Checking toolbar options to alert you or stop you if the components that you are moving collide with other components. Choose No Checking checking. Choose Highlight Collision but not stop you. Choose Stop Before Collision if you do not want to use dynamic clearance
if you want the system to alert you,
if you want the system to stop you. to continue.
If a collision occurs, choose Acknowledge Collision
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7. Choose Assemble
during any point of the sequence operation. if you want to assemble a subgroup.
Choose Assemble Together
Be careful when assembling components that you already disassembled. You can make a sequence step invalid if you delete a necessary previous step. For example, if you disassemble and reassemble a component and then delete the disassemble step, the assemble step becomes invalid. 8. You can add information such as Description, Time, or Cost to a step or sequence node in the Details panel below the Sequence Navigator. 9. You can remove components from the sequence by dragging them back to the Unprocessed folder. Dragging a component to the Unprocessed folder is equivalent to deleting the step. Any information, such as a Description that you added to the step, is lost.
10. Choose Show All Sequences Sequence Navigator.
to display all sequences in the
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Procedure: Sequence Playback

During playback, components are added or removed from the sequencing view in the graphics window if Display Split Screen is on in the Details panel. The Sequence Navigator marks the current and completed steps with icons. You can check the validity of the sequence by playing it back: 1. Choose Rewind to Start rst step. if you want to play the sequence from the
if you want to play the assembly Choose Fast Forward to End sequence backwards from its last step. You can also start the playback at a specic step in a sequence by choosing the step that you want in the Sequence Navigator and double-clicking the step (or you can choose Make Current Step from the pop-up menu or toolbar). Suppressed components are ignored during playback. 2. Set the Playback Speed for continuous playback.
or Play Backwards 3. Choose Play Forwards the playback to the beginning. Choose Stop
if you are running
to stop the continuous playback at any point.
or Next Frame if you want to 4. Choose Previous Frame manually move through each frame in the sequence. A step usually consists of more than one frame, so you may have to move through several frames before you see another component assembled or disassembled.
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Activity: Editing the Sequencing of the Vise Assembly

The assembly you will use already contains an assembly sequence. You will complete the annotation of the assembly sequence and create some additional steps. Step 1: Open apd_vise_seq and start the Assembly application. This le will not be used later so a save will not be necessary, But if you would like to save throughout the activity, please do a Save As before going further. The le name will be xxx_vise_seq. If necessary choose StartAssemblies.
Step 2:
Examine the existing arrangements. Pin the Assembly Navigator open .
Right-click apd_vise_seqArranements to view the existing arrangements. Activate and view each arrangement. Select the Assemble with Flat Plates arrangement when nished. Fit the view. Notice that in this arrangement the vise is disassembled. When you create a sequence it is associated to the active arrangement. It is often convenient to create an arrangement to place components in the desired initial positions for the sequence.
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Step 3:
Examine the existing sequence. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Sequences or choose AssembliesSequencing. The components become invisible because the active (and only) sequence begins with no components assembled.
Display the Sequence Navigator Select the
Assemble with Flat Plates sequence node.
If necessary expand the Details section of the Sequence Navigator. Double-click the Display Split Screen property to toggle it on. The model view appears on the left and the empty sequencing view is moved to the right side of the split screen. Select any any Camera step, any Assemble step, and then
Motion step.
Each time you select a different type of sequence step the Details options will change. Step 4: Playback the sequence. Select the Assemble with Flat Plates sequence node and toggle Display Split Screen to off. Your screen should be blank.
Click Play Forwards
Play Forwards also appears on the Tools menu in the sequencing task environment.
Click Rewind to Start
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Step 5:
Edit step names in the sequence. Notice that a couple of steps do not have descriptive names. These are default names assigned automatically as the sequence was created. You will examine these steps to learn what components are involved and assign appropriate names. In the Sequence Navigator, right-click and choose Play To Step. Sequence Group 3
The sequence plays through from the beginning and stops just before Sequence Group 3 begins. step symbols appear to indicate that earlier The steps are completed. Since the Sequence Group 3 step has not actually begun, there is no symbol indicating a current step.
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Click Next Frame
Two screws appear on the screen. They are the screws that attach a jaw plate to the xed jaw. The Sequence Navigator updates to show that the assembly step has completed with the one frame. With Sequence Group 3 still selected, in the Details pane, double-click the Value column for the Name. Key in Fixed Jaw Plate Screws and press Enter.
Click Next Frame
Since the next frame is the rst of several in the Motion 9 step, the navigator displays Motion 9 as the current step. Key in Fixed Jaw Plate Screws for the Name. In the Description Value column, key in Attach at jaw plate to the xed jaw. Review the results of Attach at jaw plate to the xed jaw.
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Step 6:
Edit a step duration. During playback you may have decided that the pause between attaching the xed jaw plate screws and starting the handle assembly was not very long. You decide to double the pause count. Right-click Go To Step. Pause at step number 120, and choose
The screw components on the graphic screen jump immediately into position. When you are not concerned about observing intermediate motion Go To Step is much faster than Play To Step. In the Details pane for Pause step 120, in the Total Duration Value column, key in 20.
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Step 7:
Copy and Paste steps. You have made the determination that additional pauses need to be inserted after the handle stop motion step 170 and the screw nut motion step 260. Right-click Copy Step. Pause at step number 120 and choose
Select Handle Stop step 170. Right-click and choose Paste. Notice that the Pause is pasted after the highlighted step, and all subsequent steps are renumbered. In particular, the screw nut motion step after which you wanted another pause has now become step 270. If you have made notes of places in a sequence where additional steps are needed, it may be better to insert steps working backwards from the end of the sequence. In this way the numbering of earlier steps you had noted will not be affected. Select Screw Nut step 270, right-click it and choose Paste. Select the group Assemble Sequence Group 5 step 240, right-click it and choose Go To Step. Notice that the time it takes the system to calculate the positions is longer than before, but Go To Step is still much faster than Play To Step.
Click Next Frame
It is clear now that Sequence Group 5 is the moving jaw, screw nut, jaw plate, and screws. In the Details pane, in the Name Value eld, key in Moving Jaw Assm..
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Step 8:
Replay the sequence. Click Rewind to Start .
Click Play Forwards
During this play through watch for the appearance of arrow symbols in the Sequence Navigator as the steps play, and notice brief periods while the pauses you added are the current step.
Click Play Backwards
Since a sequence can be played in either direction, from any point and to any point, there is little to be gained from creating multiple sequences that animate the same parts through the same motions and in the same or reverse order.
Click Finish Sequence Step 9: Close all parts.
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Assembly Motion
You can create motion by creating a sequence and inserting motion steps. Each motion step consists of one or more frames. A frame represents one unit in time, and it is the smallest division of time in sequencing. When you are creating (or playing back) a motion, one frame is generated (or played back) for each movement you see in the graphics window. You can check for collisions as components are moved. If you use dynamic clearance checking, you can choose whether to stop the components before they collide or to allow the movement to continue, but to highlight the components that collided. option from Access the Insert Motion the Assembly Sequencing and Motion toolbar.
See Also: DesignAssembliesSequences and Motion
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The Record Component Motion Dialog Bar

When Inserting a Motion the Record Component Motion dialog bar appears.
Below are the actions available when creating a motion step: Select Objects Move objects Move Handles Only Vector options Inferred Vector is the default but all standard vector options are available from the pull-down. Snap Handles to WCS Motion Record Preferences Disassemble Camera OK Cancel
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Motion Record Preferences

When you click Motion Record Preferences from the Record Component Motion dialog bar, a Preferences dialog appears: Step Size Calculation you may let the system determine the step size automatically, or you may specify a maximum step distance and maximum step angle that limits the maximum motion in any one frame. The Step Size slider (automatic mode only) lets you determine how nely motion will be calculated. As the slider moves toward Fine more frames will be generated. The Max. Number of Frames limits the total duration of a step and thus inuences the amount of motion that the frame can display (in as specied mode) or the distance per frame required to show the motion (in automatic mode).
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Activity Creating a New Sequence

You need to create a short disassembly sequence showing how to release a drawbar assembly from a vehicle.
Step 1:
Open apd_trailer_hitch_assm. This le will not be used later so a save will not be necessary, But if you would like to save throughout the activity, please do a Save As before going further. The le name will be xxx_trailer_hitch_assm.
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Step 2:
Initialize a sequence. Click Assembly Sequences AssembliesSequencing. or choose
Pin open the Sequence Navigator
Move the cursor over the word Sequences in the navigator, right-click and choose Create New Sequence. Because no prior organization of arrangements was created the default arrangement of Sequence_1 and Arrangement 1 are used. When there is no existing sequence in the assembly Create New Sequence is available by right-clicking. At any other time: On the Standard toolbar, click Create New Sequence . Choose TaskNew from the menu bar. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N.
Rename Sequence_1 to Release Hitch. Use the Details section of the Sequence Navigator.
Release Hitch Arrangement 1 Ignored Preassembled
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Step 3:
Orient the assembly and record the camera position. Orient the view to Trimetric and Fit your screen.
Click Record Camera Position
It is a good idea to assure that the view is oriented and sized the way you want it as the rst step in a sequence.
Click Finish Sequence
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Step 4:
Prepare to move components. The sequence will rst remove the clevis pin, followed by the hitch pin, and nally slide out the drawbar. You know that the clevis pin will collide with the hitch pin because it must deform as it is withdrawn, so you plan to move it with one rapid motion to avoid the area of interference and then more slowly to simulate the rest of the move. You also want to check to see if the clevis pin is oriented correctly to be withdrawn without other collisions.
Use the Assembly Navigator apd_trailer_hitch_assm.
to Edit arrangements for
In the Assembly Navigator, select apd_trailier_hitch_assm. Right-click apd_trailier_hitch_assm and choose ArrangementsEdit. In the Assembly Arrangements dialog box, select the default arrangement and click Copy .
Rename the new arrangement Release Hitch. It is faster and more intuitive for future users of your assembly to understand which sequences and arrangements belong together if you give each pair the same name.
Edit the Properties of the Release Hitch arrangement by selecting the Ignore All Mating Constraints check box. On the Arrangement Properties dialog box, click OK. On the Assembly Arrangements dialog box, click Close.
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Step 5:
Check for possible interference. Zoom in on the clevis pin.
It certainly looks as though the hitch pin has to be rotated for the clevis pin to be properly removed. As it happens the designer anticipated this and provided some reference curves to make the proper positioning easier. Make the apd_clevis_pin the Work Part. The Work Part is automatically switched to its Entire Part reference set. There are two associative lines in the part that depict a silhouette of the envelope the wire tips of the pin will occupy if it is moved without deformation.
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Rotate the view until the clevis pin is nearly at in the view, press F8 to snap to the nearest orthographic orientation without changing the zoom setting:
From this orientation you can see that the hitch pin and clevis pin need to be rotated a small amount counterclockwise before the clevis pin can be withdrawn. Make apd_trailer_hitch_assm your Work Part. Replace Reference Set for apd_clevis_pin with Entire Part.
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Step 6:
Position the hitch and clevis pins. Click Assembly Sequences .
The view snaps to the initial camera position you recorded.
Display the Sequence Navigator
Over the Arrangement 1 node right-click and choose Select Arrangement. Select Release Hitch. Click OK. The sequence is now associated to an arrangement that will ignore mating constraints.
Click Insert Pause
When you leave a sequence, it is necessary to play it or make sure by other actions that the last step before the point where you want to insert additional steps is completed; for example make sure the Pause step has a completed symbol Navigator. beside it in the Sequence
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Drag the
Pause step and drop it over the
Camera step.
Choose Play Forwards Release Hitch Release Hitch Ignored Preassembled Camera Pause
Orient to a Front view and zoom in.
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Click Insert Motion
Expand the Preassembled folder and select the apd_hitch_pin. Using the Sequence Navigator is a good way to select components during sequence construction when screen selection is awkward or impossible. Hold the control key and also select apd_clevis_pin.
Choose Move Handles Only
Select the origin box of the csys handles. Adjust the Selection Bar options if necessary, and select the arc center of the hitch pin.
Choose Move Objects
Select the X to Y rotation handle. Key in 1.0 for the Snap in the dynamic input box.
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Drag the rotation handle until the reference lines do not intersect the receiver body, as shown below.
The Angle eld updates as you drag, and then resets if you stop. If you were to drag the rotation handle again, or move any other handle before you complete the step, the motion step would have more than one element. If you continuously move the handle without releasing the mouse button the motion will have only one element, even if you drag it back and forth until it is correct.
Choose Cancel Select
Motion 1 and examine the Details area.
If the motion was done in a single drag action the step will have only one element: Rename Motion 1 as Rotate Hitch Pin. Add a brief Description such as: To permit clevis removal. Step 7: Remove the clevis pin.
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Recall that you want to move the clevis pin in one additional step comprised of two elements. The rst element should bring it clear of the region of interference with a quick motion, and the next element will continue the motion more slowly until the clevis pin is safely away from the hitch pin. When you rotated the hitch pin mating constraints worked to your advantage by forcing the clevis pin to move with it. (You also could have selected both components.) Now mating will work against you, preventing the desired motion of any components. Recall that arrangements will permit you to ignore mating constraints and reposition components as necessary. Zoom out slightly to create a space into which you can move the clevis pin.
Choose Record Camera Position Choose Insert Motion
Choose Motion Record Preferences For Max. Number of Frames, key in 3.
This will assure that the rst motion of the pin will use no more than three frames. Click OK.
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Select the apd_clevis_pin component from the graphic window.
Choose Move Objects Select the X handle. Key in 0.1 for the Snap.
Drag until the contour part of the clevis pin is just clear of the hitch pin.
Using Motion Record Preferences set the Max. Number of Frames back to 30. Continue to drag the pin to the upper right corner of your view. Choose Cancel. It is not necessary to accept the movement before exiting the option. Examine the details for Motion 2. Rename Motion 2 as Withdraw Clevis Pin.
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Step 8:
Verify the motion of the clevis pin. In the Sequence Navigator, on Camera Step 50 (before the last motion), right-click and choose Go To Step.
Use Next Frame to step through the pin motion while watching the Sequence Navigator. If necessary, use the Details area to Delete unneeded elements and to Edit Duration of the rst element.
Click Play Forwards to quickly nish the review when the clevis pin begins to move beyond the intermediate position. Right-click the movement elements to Rename them to Intermediate Position and Complete Motion Step 9: Remove the hitch pin. Orient the view to show the motion of the hitch pin.
Use Insert Motion
to withdraw the hitch pin.
Edit the name of the motion to reect its purpose.

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Step 10: Slide the drawbar assembly away from the receiver. Adjust the view and click Record Camera Position .
Using the Sequence Navigator select apd_drawbar_assm.
Use Insert Motion of the receiver.
to move the drawbar assembly clear
Click Finish Sequence
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Step 11: Prepare and then replay the sequence. Replace the Reference Set of the clevis pin with its BODY reference set.
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Click Assembly Sequences . Use the Assembly Sequencing Playback options to Replay the sequence and note needed corrections of camera positions or pause steps. Camera Pause Rotate Hitch Pin Camera Withdraw Clevis Pin Camera Remove Hitch Pin Camera Remove Drawbar Insert disassembly steps to remove the elements that were moved after their respective motion steps. Replay after editing until you are satised with your results. Step 12: Close all parts.
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Summary
In this lesson you: Used Copy and Paste to add elements to the vise assembly sequence. Edited the duration of pauses and step names in the Details area of the Sequence Navigator. Created Camera Positions and Motion Steps in the trailer hitch assembly. Created and edited multiple element motion steps. Inserted disassembly steps in your trailer hitch assembly.
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Lesson
Documenting Design Intent

Purpose Since the design intent determines the modeling strategy used to create a part, documentation should be added to the part to convey the design intent to downstream users. In this lesson, you will identify ways to document the design intent. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Identify methods to document the design intent of a part. Apply Feature Sets in a part model.
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Dening Design Intent

An important rst step in building a parametric model is establishing the design intent of the part. This will determine the modeling strategy to use and should be a standard practice for every part. In establishing the design intent of a part, you must determine two important items to optimally build the part model: Design Considerations: What are the functional requirements of the part? What are the relationships between features on the part? Potential Areas for Change: What portions of the model are subject to change? What is the scope of the changes? (drastic topology changes?) Will the model be copied and modied for other projects? Design intent can be based on a number of factors: Known information Form, t, and function requirements Manufacturing requirements External equations
The design intent will determine the modeling strategy and the techniques used to create a part. The following tasks are inuenced by the design intent that is established. Selecting feature types (features, feature operations, sketches) Establishing feature relationships (size, attachment, position, order) Dening sketch constraints Creating expressions (equations, conditions) Establishing part relationships (interpart expressions, linked geometry)
It is possible to add design intent to a model after the initial construction. However, the amount of rework will depend on the modeling techniques originally used.
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Documentation Methods
One of the primary purposes for creating an associative parametric model is to capture design intent and reduce the amount of time required for editing. Edits may sometimes be performed long after the model is created and possibly by a different person. If the design intent is well documented, it will be easier to identify what to change and the impact of the change. The topics discussed in this Lesson are all methods used to document the design intent of a model and can be applied in varying degrees. These methods are most effective when implemented as company standards so users can easily share data with one another.
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Layers and Categories

Create objects on different layers based on their type and purpose and assign descriptive category names. Layer/Status 1 Work Count 1 15 3 2 2 Categories this Layer is Included in ALL,MODEL, SOLID SKETCHES, TOP_PROFILE MODEL, DATUMS, ABS DATUMS, REFERENCE DATUMS, TRIM
21 Invisible 61 Selectable 62 Selectable 63 Visible Only
There are three methods available for moving objects to other layers: Choose FormatMove to Layer.
On the Utility toolbar click Move to Layer icon
In the Edit Object Display dialog box, you can specify a layer. The selected object(s) will move to that layer. Category names are limited to 30 characters. Detailed descriptions containing up to 80 characters can also be applied to categories. See Also: Discovering NXGetting StartedWorking with PartsManaging a PartFormatFormat MenuAbout Layers
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Feature Names
Adding a user-dened feature name to the system feature name is another way to identify features and maintain Design Intent. There are three methods you can use in the Part Navigator: Right-click on the feature and choose Rename. Right-click on the feature and choose Properties. Select the feature node once to highlight it and then select the feature name and enter the new name in the text eld. Features can also be identied by their corresponding image next to the check mark in the Part Navigator. Model History Datum Coordinate System (0) Sketch (1) SKETCH_000 Extrude (2) Edge Blend (3) Edge Blend (4) Sketch names can be added during the Sketch initial creation. Click Sketch .
Enter the name in the Sketch Name text eld next to the Finish Sketch button. See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsPart NavigatorPart Navigator Shortcut Options
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Expression Names and Comments

Important expressions can be named during creation or in the Expressions dialog to make them easier to identify and reference. Comments can be added to expressions after their initial creation for a more detailed description. (preceded by two forward slashes "//"). Choose ToolsExpression to access the Expressions dialog.
Tips for Naming Expressions During model creation it may be easier to use a short name for an expression if it is referenced often (i.e. "d" for a part diameter). It can be renamed to a longer, more descriptive name after the model is complete ("diameter" or "dia"). Use lters to exclude the automatically generated expressions (beginning with "p") and list only those that were renamed. Add different prexes to identify the types of expressions (interpart, suppress features, mating condition offsets, etc.). See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsExpressions
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Spreadsheets
A spreadsheet can be stored with an NX part and used to document model. Expressions and attributes can be imported into the spreadsheet and edited. Equations and textual information can be created in a spreadsheet and formatted for easy reference. Choose ToolsSpreadsheets to open a spreadsheet in NX. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 A B Pump Design Spreadsheet Key Parameters Values rpc_pistion_dia 3.25 rpc_throw 2.324755 rpc_pulley_dia motor_dia motor_rpm shaft_rpm Performance Rating 6.930801 2.25 1725 560.0002 150.0001 C
Spreadsheet capabilities will be discussed in more detail later in the course. See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsExpressionsExpression Options
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Object Names
Names can be assigned to critical objects so that they can be visually identied. Named objects can also be referenced in the class selection dialog. Choose EditProperties to assign a name to an object. If the object is a separate feature, for example a Sketch, the feature name will also be available for editing.
Choose PreferencesVisualizationNames/Borders and adjust the Object Name Display setting to view the name in the graphics window. Feature Names do not appear in the graphics window. The name assigned to an object will be copied to any objects that are linked from it using the WAVE Geometry Linker. Drafting Annotation A dedicated layer and view can be established to document the design intent with drafting annotation, in the Drafting or PMI applications. The notes may describe the modeling strategy, list key parameters, and document the part behavior during updates (such as a problem with a specic blend). Associative expression and attribute values can be imbedded in the notes. In Drafting, click Text
See Also: GatewayGatewayGateway Menu & Dialog ReferencePreferences In PMI, click one of several Note buttons.
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Visual Editor
A complex part may have hundreds of features and thousands of expressions. The key parameters of the part may be scattered among different sketches and features. The Visual Editor provides a static graphical representation of a model with only its key parameters in one place. The parameters can be modied and the part updated from this dialog. Choose ToolsVisual Editor to access the Visual Parameter Editor dialog.
3
You must be in either the Essentials or Advanced with Full Menus role to access Visual Editor. See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsVisual Editor
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Feature Sets
A Feature Set is a named collection of features that have the same behavior during certain feature-related functions such as Suppress, Delete, Move, Instance, and Copy. The logical grouping of features can be used to help convey design intent as well as simplify the editing of a model. Choose FormatGroup Features to access the Sets of Features dialog. They can also be created by selecting the desired features in the Part Navigator and then using MB3Group.
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Feature Set Name - This is a required eld that lets you assign a name to the Feature Set. The name you assign will appear in the Part Navigator and in dialogs containing feature lists. Filter - Lets you limit the number of entries displayed in the Features in Part listing, which is useful in parts with many features. This eld is case sensitive. Add Dependencies - Species that those features dependent on the features you add also be included in the set. For example, if Add Dependencies is on and you add a sketch to the set, any extruded features produced from the sketch will also be added. This option must be set before a feature is selected. All in Body - Species that all features in the body be included in the set. For example, if a boss feature is added while All in Body is on, all other features that make up the same solid body will also be added. This excludes datums, sketches, and free form features used for trimming. Features in Part - Displays the names of features in the part in a scrollable listing, letting you select those to be added to the Feature Set. Features can be added to the set by highlighting them in the list and choosing the Add button, double-clicking on the feature in the list, or by selecting them in the graphics window. Multiple selection is allowed. Features in Set - Lists the names of all features that you have selected to add to the feature set. Hide Feature Set Members - Lets you prevent the set members from being displayed in any feature dialog or Part Navigator. If this check box is cleared, and the Feature Set is then Suppressed, the individual features that make it up will not be suppressedonly the individual features can be Suppressed and Unsuppressed.
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Procedure 1. Choose FormatGroup Features. 2. Enter the Feature Set Name. 3. Select or clear the Add Dependencies, and All in Body check boxes as desired.
4. Select features (using the Filter as needed) in the Features in Part list and click Add . You can also select the features from the graphics window. 5. Select or clear the Hide Feature Set Members check box as desired. 6. Choose OK. If you use the Part Navigator, the features are selected rst. The rest is as shown above. Usage Considerations A feature set can be edited by choosing EditFeatureParameters (or using the Part Navigator). The Sets of Features dialog appears and allows you to Add features, Remove features, or change the Hide Feature Set Members check box status. A feature set can be reordered but it is restricted by the dependencies of its member features. A feature can be a member of more than one set. However, a feature cannot be added to or removed from a feature set when it is a hidden member of another feature set. To add or remove a feature, rst edit the other feature set and then toggle Hide Feature Set Members off. To delete only the feature set without deleting its members, rst edit the feature set and remove all of its members. Then delete it using the Part Navigator. Deleting a Feature Set also Implies deleting all of its members as well.
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You can determine if a particular feature is a member of a feature set by choosing InformationFeature (or List Information from the Part Navigator pop-up menu). Below is a sample that could appear at the end of the information listing of a blend feature: ## Member of the following groups: all_blends(21) lug(20)
3
A seed part may contain empty feature sets with standard names. Features can be added to the sets after the model is created. See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsGroup Features
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Activity: Creating Feature Sets

In this activity, you will collect a group of features in a Feature Set and use it to create an instance array. Step 1: Open apd_feature_set_1 and enter the Modeling application if it is not already active.
Step 2:
Create a feature set containing only the blends. Choose FormatGroup Features. Enter all_edge_blends for the Feature Set Name. Change the Filter to E*. This is case sensitive make sure to use a capital E. Select the three Edge Blend features from the Features in Part list and click Add Click and Drag to highlight all three and click the Add button or "Double-click" each one individually. Make sure the Hide Feature Set Members check box is selected. Click OK.
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Step 3:
Use the Part Navigator to Suppress and Unsuppress the Feature Set all_edge_blends.
In the Part navigator, double-click the all_edge_blend Feature Set, clear the Hide Feature Set Members check box, and click OK.
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Step 4:
Use the Part Navigator to create a Feature Set for the Lug.
3
Highlight the features listed below in the Part Navigator then choose MB3Group. Extruded (15) Simple Hole (16) Blend (17) Enter lug for the Feature Set Name. Change the Filter back to *. Make sure Hide Feature Set Members check box is selected. Choose OK. Examine the Part Navigator and note the features from the lug Feature Set are no longer visible, where the features from the all_blends feature set are. 1 1 1
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Step 5:
Create a circular array of the lug feature set, using the existing datum axis as the rotation vector. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Instance Feature or choose InsertAssociative CopyInstance. Choose Circular Array. Choose the lug Feature Set. Key in 4 for the Number. Key in 90 for the Angle. Click OK. Choose Datum Axis for the Instance rotation axis. Select the existing Datum Axis. Choose Cancel.
To apply another feature to all instances of the lug (such as a blend), you must reorder the new feature before the lug feature set or use Make Current Feature to create the feature before the lug feature set and then add it to the lug feature set. Step 6: Close all parts.
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Summary
This lesson explored methods to document a part to convey design intent to future users of the part. In this lesson you: Identied methods to document the design intent within a part. Created a collection of features in a Feature Set to document the part and to use in an instance array.
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Lesson
Part Interrogation
Purpose A fully developed parametric model can contain a complex system of relationships between many different types of objects. In this lesson, you will explore tools to determine these dependencies and ensure successful updates. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Identify relationships between features, expressions, and objects. Use the Part Navigator to determine feature dependencies.
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Part Interrogation
Feature and Object Associativity

Identifying features and object relationships is important in predicting and explaining the behavior of a model during updates. The following tools are available to help you identify feature and object dependencies.
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Part Interrogation
Object Dependency Graph

An Object Dependency Graph illustrates the features that dene a selected object and is displayed at the bottom of the Information window. or choose InformationObject . You can also Click Object Information access this by right-clicking on a feature in the Part Navigator and from the Feature Browser. In the example below an edge was selected. The Object Dependency Graph shows that it was formed by the intersection of two faces from the same Extruded Body. The Used by section below the graph indicates the edge is not used by any other feature or object.
The ID numbers are internal tags automatically assigned to objects when they are created. If a name is assigned to an object , it is displayed instead of the ID number. See Also: Getting StartedIntroduction to NXUsing NXBasic OperationsOther OperationsDisplaying Information
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Part Interrogation
Feature Browser
The InformationFeature option opens the Feature Browser dialog, which allows you to display relevant information about features created while generating a 3-D model. You can see all features in your model, including their dimensions and dependencies. The Feature Browser dialog is divided into two list boxes. The top list box shows all of the features in the model. The bottom list box shows dependencies for features selected in the top list box. Features are listed in the order in which they were created, as indicated by the time stampthe number in parentheses at the end of the name. The time stamp also indicates the order in which features will be evaluated when the model is updated.
Choose InformationFeature to access the Feature Browser. See Also: Getting StartedWorking with PartsCommon ToolsCommon ToolsInformationDisplaying InformationDisplay Feature Information Feature Dependencies When a feature is selected from the upper list box or graphics window, the bottom list box shows either its Children or Parent features depending on the setting of the radio button. When a dependent feature is selected from the lower list box, the system will highlight it in the graphics window. The parent and children features may be displayed in an Information window by changing the List option to Dependencies or All and choosing Apply. Object Dependency Browser The Object Dependency Browser lets you obtain information about the specic objects related to the selected feature. You can choose to list either the child or parent objects of the feature and lter the listing by object type. When an object is selected from the list, Display Information allows you to display the object information (including the Object Dependency Graph). The Object Dependency Browser can also be accessed from the Part Navigator by right-clicking on a feature and choosing Object Dependency Browser.
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Part Interrogation
Part Navigator
The Part Navigator provides a visual representation of the parent-child relationships and the status of features in the work part. On the Resource Bar, click Part Navigator .
See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsPart Navigator Feature Dependencies Feature information may be obtained and displayed in an Information window by right-clicking on a feature in the Part Navigator and choosing Information. This will produce the same information obtained by choosing InformationFeature. When a Feature is selected in the Part Navigator, the Parent Features are highlighted in Pink and the Child Features are highlighted in Blue. Feature dependencies can be identied visually in the Part Navigator by choosing the Dependencies button at the bottom of the Part Navigator. The Main Panel Timestamp Order mode lists every feature in the work part in the historical order of its creation timestamp. To show the features in reverse-timestamp order, click on the Name title bar. ToolsPart NavigatorTimestamp Order or right-click in the Choose Part Navigator background and choose Timestamp Order Model History Datum Coordinate System (0) Sketch (1) SKETCH_000 Extrude (2) Edge Blend (3) Edge Blend (4)
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Part Interrogation
Feature Status The Part Navigator comes with a standard set of columns. You can enable or disable the display of column names, except Feature Name, which is always visible, reorder them, and add your own. To add or remove columns in the Part Navigator use MB3 in the Part Navigator background and choose Columns(select the desired column name). The Status column lets you see the status of features without doing an inquiry on the part or feature. Listed below are the available Status options: No Status is the normal state for a feature node that is Current and up to date. Suppressed appears if you suppress a feature by clearing its check box, or by using the Suppress Feature edit option. Suppressed by expression appears if you suppress a feature by using the Suppress by Expression edit option. An equal sign appears over the features check box. Modied appears if a feature has been modied with Delayed Update on Edit enabled. An exclamation icon appears over the features check box. Update failedif a feature fails to update, and you accept the failure from the Edit During Update facility, the status becomes "updated failed." A red and white cross icon appears over the feature check box. Parent failed update if a features parent fails to update, and you accept the failure from the Edit During Update facility, the status becomes "parent failed updated." A red and white cross icon appears over the feature check box. Inactive appears for nodes listed after a feature specied as the current feature and turns the check box into a diamond outline. The current feature is designated using the Make Current Feature option in the Part Navigator pop-up menu.
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Part Interrogation
Managing the Display of the Part Navigator

As models become more complex and the number of features increases, it becomes more difcult to nd specic feature nodes in the Part Navigator. The following options are helpful in managing the display of the Part Navigator so that it can be used more efciently. To access these options in the Part Navigator rightclick in the background and make your selection. Some of options below are also available in the ToolsPart Navigator menu. See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsPart Navigator Finding Features Two options are available to help you nd a feature in the Part Navigator. Show Current Feature will highlight the last active feature in the part (the active feature with the highest timestamp).
Find Object will allow you to enter a search string and then highlight the rst feature name in the list containing the string. Choosing Apply will continue the search and highlight the next feature containing the string.
Filter Settings The features listed in the Part Navigator can be reduced to a manageable number using Filter Settings. Features may be included or excluded from the list by: information category, name, attribute, selected major object, feature category, feature type, state, timestamp and model views.
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Part Interrogation
Procedure: Creating a Filter or right-click in the 1. Choose ToolsPart NavigatorFilter Settings Part Navigator background and choose Filter Settings. 2. In the Add Filter By list, choose dialog, choose the option to specify the category of objects (e.g., Feature Type, Name, or Attribute) that you want to use in the lter denition. 3. Specify the objects with the options that appear in the changeable window below the Add Filter By option. The options vary, depending on the selected Add Filter By option.
or Exclude to specify whether the objects 4. Press Include should be included in or excluded from the Part Navigator. The denition appears in the list box. If the Part Navigator is open, the Apply Filter button is automatically invoked and the navigator updates according to the specied lter. This allows you to immediately see the effects of the lter. 5. Specify additional denitions that you want to include in the lter. The denitions are applied from top to bottom, which means that denitions lower in the list may overrule denitions higher in the list. For example, if a denition says that features with timestamps greater than 30 should be excluded, and the denition below it says that blends should be included, then a blend with a timestamp of 31 would appear in the Part Navigator (but a datum plane with a timestamp of 32 would not). 6. When you have nished dening the lter, you can optionally press the Save button to save it. This creates a copy of the lter for later use. Any modications you make to the Current lter will not affect any saved lters. Activating any saved lter, populates the Current lter list box with the saved lters denitions. Filters are only saved for the duration of the session. They are not saved with the part , but can be used with multiple parts. Restarting NX clears out the saved lters. The Filters dialog switches to the Saved page, which shows all the lters that you created for the part. The new lter appears in the list with a default name. You can optionally rename the saved lter.
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Part Interrogation
Applying a Filter You can apply the lter by: Choosing ToolsPart NavigatorApply Filter. Right-clicking in the Part Navigator any of the column title bars or background area and choosing Apply Filter.
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Part Interrogation
Expression Relationships
There are many tools available to obtain information about expressions used in a part or assembly. A few of the more useful methods to examine expression relationships in a parametric model are described in this section. See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsExpressions List References You can locate referenced expressions within the Expressions dialog box. Rightclick an expression and choose List References for the selected expression and all the expressions in loaded parts that reference that expression will display in an information window, this includes interpart expression. This option is useful if you need to change an expression and you want to know if it will affect any other expressions. Choose ToolsExpression to access the Expressions dialog box. List by Feature Choose InformationFeature to access the Feature Browser dialog box, select the desired feature and from the List, choose Expressions. The Part Navigator pop-up menu can be used to list the expressions for a specic feature along with a description of the parameters they dene. List All by Reference Choose InformationExpressionList All by Reference to list all of the expressions in the work part that are referenced by features. The expressions are listed by feature in an Information window.
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Part Interrogation
Activity: Model Interrogation

In this activity, you will investigate feature and expression relationships in an existing part. Step 1: Open apd_dependent_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
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Part Interrogation
Step 2:
Modify the Part Navigator display. If it is not already done, pin open the Part Navigator .
If it is not already displayed in Timestamp Order, turn it on and locate the feature set ABS_Datums.
Choose ToolsPart NavigatorFilter Settings Set the Add Filter By list to Name. In the changeable window, key in ABS*.
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Choose Exclude . Feature Set (6) has been ltered out of the Part Navigator display. Set the Add Filter By to Feature Type. Choose Datum Plane from the list. Exclude the following Feature Types from the Part Navigator. Sketch Subtract Unite
Current Everything All of type Datum Plane All of type Sketch All of type Subtract All of type Unite Name is ABS* Choose Close.
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Part Interrogation
Step 3:
Playback the model. Choose FormatLayer Settings .
Select the Show Object Count and Show Category Names check boxes, and note the layers that have objects and category names. Make the layers containing the sketches and sheets Selectable. Click OK. Fit your view and set the Rendering Style to Static Wireframe.
Choose EditFeaturePlayback
Note the changes to the Model in the graphics window.
Continually Step was created. Step 4:
through the model to review how it
Turn off the Part Navigator Filter. Choose ToolsPart NavigatorApply Filter to check the current lter off.
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Part Interrogation
Step 5:
Determine the impact of a change to an expression. Choose InformationExpressionList All by Reference. From the Information window menu bar, choose EditFind and search for Wall_thk. If you keep choosing Find Next you will nd that the expression is referenced by offset curves, blends, offset sheets, extruded features, and a sketch. Close the Information window. Choose ToolsExpression.
Right-click on the wall_thk expression and choose List References. Note that Wall_thk is referenced by several other expressions. Close the Information window. Change the value of the expression Wall_thk to .25. Choose Apply.
Choose Cancel.
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Part Interrogation
Step 6:
Identify object dependencies. Make ALL layersSelectable and Fit the view. Note the vertical line in the middle of the display that does not appear to serve any purpose, but it cannot be deleted. If you try using EditDelete the system will ignore the command.
Choose InformationObject, select the line and then click OK (on the Class Selection dialog box). Note the Object Dependency Graph at the end of the listing. Although it does not have a parent object, the line (ID 2118) is used by the feature named MOLDLINE (11) . In the Part Navigator, rightclick RULED (11) "MOLDLINE" feature and choose Object Dependency Browse. Select Parent(s). Note that the line appears in the list (LINE - ID 2118). If you select it from the list it will highlight in the graphics area. Cancel the Object Dependency Browser dialog box.
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Part Interrogation
In the Part Navigator, rightclick RULED (11) "MOLDLINE" and choose Edit Parameters. Choose Display Parameters. The vertical line is a spine string. Spine strings are used in free form features to control the orientation of the rulings on a surface. You can not delete the Spine String until you edit the Ruled Feature, possibly replacing the existing string with a different Spine String. Step 7: Close all parts.
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Summary
In this lesson you: Applied tools to determine the dependencies between features, expressions, and objects in a part. Modied the display of the Part Navigator to show detailed feature dependencies.
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Lesson
Editing Parametric Models

Purpose Everything in a parametric model is subject to change. A model may undergo engineering changes that affect the design intent or changes that are propagated from a spreadsheet in the top level assembly. In this lesson, you will apply methods and techniques that allow editing exibility and minimize rework when these changes occur. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Reorder features. Insert features. Suppress features with expressions. Determine how to retain child features when a parent is deleted. Identify techniques to prepare a model for major changes.
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Reordering Features
When a feature is created, the system assigns it a time stamp. When you modify a body, the update is controlled by the ordering of the time stamps. Reorder Feature lets you edit a model by changing the order in which a feature is applied to a body. Features can be reordered before or after a selected reference feature. When you do this, you are changing the order in which the features are regenerated after the part model is edited. Consider a model consisting of a block, hollow, and pad created in different timestamp order:
Feature order Extrusion Shell Pad
Feature order Extrusion Pad Shell
In the rst illustration, since the pad was created last, it was not included in the shell operation. To include both the extrusion and the pad in the shell operation, you would need to reorder the pad to come before the shell (or the shell to come after the pad). See Also: DesignModelingEditing ObjectsFeatureReorder Feature
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Reordering Features with the Part Navigator

The most intuitive way to reorder features is using "drag and drop" in the Part Navigator. The right-click pop-up menu also allows you to reorder features before or after a reference feature. If you drag a feature up the tree, it will be inserted before the feature that is highlighted when you drop it. If you drag a feature down the tree, it will be inserted after the feature that is highlighted when you drop it. You may want to change your Part Navigator to Timestamp Order before performing a Reorder.
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Procedure: Reordering Features with the Part Navigator

1. Change your Part Navigator to Timestamp Order. 2. Select the feature to be reordered. 3. Drag the feature up or down the Part Navigator. 4. Drop the feature in the new location. You can also use the Reorder Before and Reorder After options on the right-click pop-up menu.
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The Reorder Feature Dialog Box

In a complex model with many features, it may be impractical to use the Part Navigator to reorder features. To access the Reorder Feature dialog. On the Edit Feature toolbar, click Reorder Feature EditFeatureReorder. or choose
The Reference Feature list box lists the features in the part in their timestamp order. You can select a feature from this list to be the Reference feature on which to base the reordering of items you select from the Reposition Features list box. Choose Method lets you choose where to place the Reposition feature in relation to the Reference feature. The Reposition Features list lets you select the features you wish to move in relation to the Reference feature. The features that appear in the Reposition Features list box will have timestamps that follow or precede that of the Reference feature, depending on the setting of the Choose Method option. Choosing the Apply button will only change the order in which the features appear in the list in the dialog. The model will not update until you choose OK. This allows you to dene multiple reorder operations before waiting for the update of a complex model.
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Procedure: Reorder Feature

The general procedure for reordering features using the Reorder Feature dialog is as follows: 1. Click Reorder Feature or choose EditFeatureReorder.
2. Select the Reference Feature. 3. Indicate a method, Before or After. 4. Select the feature(s) you wish to reorder. 5. Choose OK. The system will not allow you to reorder a child feature before its parent.
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Activity: Reordering Features

In this activity, you will reorder features in an existing model to solve an editing problem. Step 1: Open apd_reorder_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
Step 2:
Pin the Part Navigator open, change the display to Timestamp order and examine the features. Select each feature in the Part Navigator and reference the feature in the graphics window. Model History Datum Coordinate System (0) Sketch (1) FRONT_OUTLINE Extrude (2) Sketch (3) RECT_GROOVE Extrude (4) Counterbored Hole (5) Counterbored Hole (6) Rectangular Pad (7) Edge Blend (8) Edge Blend (10)
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Step 3:
Edit the Rectangular Pad feature. Choose ToolsExpression. Change the expression pad_width from 89.0 to 127.0. The pad width changes but notice the Counterbore holes do not pierce through the top of the part. You may need to shape your part for a proper view.
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Step 4: Interrogate the Counterbore Hole features before determining the next step. Select one of the Counterbore Hole features in the Part Navigator. Open the Dependencies window at the bottom of the Part Navigator. Expand the Parents node and select Extrude (2). The Extrude feature highlights because the top face of it was used as the placement face. When the Pad Width was revised the placement face for the Counterbore Holes was overridden. If the design intent requires that the holes stay in the same position, the solution is to reattach the Counterbore Holes to the top face of the pad and then add the height of the pad to the Counterbore depth.
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Step 5:
Reattach the Counterbore Holes to the Rectangular Pad. Right-click one of the Counterbored holes and choose EditParameters. Choose Reattach. Select the top face of the Rectangular Pad (5). Review the error message and exit the operation. Verify the timestamp of the Rectangular Pad feature in the Part Navigator. Model History Datum Coordinate System (0) Sketch (1) FRONT_OUTLINE Extrude (2) Sketch (3) RECT_GROOVE Extrude (4) Counterbored Hole (5) Counterbored Hole (5) Rectangular Pad (7) Edge Blend (8) Edge Blend (10) Because the Rectangular Pad feature has a later timestamp you will not be able to Reattach the Counterbore Holes. Cancel the Reattach dialog box.
Step 6:
Reorder the Rectangular Pad using drag and drop. Select the Rectangular Pad feature in the Part Navigator and drag it above the rst Counterbore Hole feature in the list.
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Step 7:
Reattach the counterbore holes. Double-click on one of the Counterbore Hole features in the Part Navigator. Choose Reattach. Select the top face of the Rectangular Pad and click OK until the model updates. Repeat the process for the remaining Counterbore Hole.
Step 8:
Edit the Counterbore depth to relate it to the expression for the Pad height. Edit the C-BORE Depth from 8.0 to pad_hgt+8.0.
Step 9:
Edit the width of the pad. Change the expression pad_width from 127.0 to 114.0. Now, there is a problem with Blend (7), which is still applied after the holes. The current position of the holes produces two new edges that are not associated with the blend.
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Step 10: Reorder the Counterbore Holes after Edge Blend (9).
Step 11: Close all parts.
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Inserting Features in the Feature List

The Make Current Feature option in the Part Navigator pop-up menu allows you to quickly create new features in the middle of a feature tree without reordering any features. All features after the current feature become inactive, and all new features that are created will be added after the current feature. See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsPart NavigatorPart Navigator shortcut menus Usage Considerations When you have nished inserting features, select the last feature in the Part Navigator, and choose Make Current Feature. When you insert a feature ahead of inactive features, the inactive features are not used in most internal checks. If you make changes that invalidate the model, you will still receive an error when you restore the inactive features. A noteworthy check that is performed is the parent relationship on extruded or revolved strings of curves. Even if the extruded or revolved body is inactive, you are still required to edit the dening string before deleting curves and adding new ones.
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Replacing Features
You can make changes to the basic geometry of a design without having to remodel all dependent features from scratch, by using the Replace Features option. You can replace features that create a single body together with other features applied to it, datum features, and curve features, and reapply dependent features from the rst body onto the second. The original features on the rst body and datums are thus replaced by new features, while maintaining associativity with downstream features. On the Edit Feature tooblar, click Replace Feature EditFeatureReplace. or choose
See Also: DesignModelingEditing ObjectsFeatureReplace This is a very powerful and exible tool that you can use in many ways. For example, you can use it to: Replace older versions of bodies imported from external systems with updated versions of the same bodies, without redoing later modeling. Replace one free form surface with another. Remodel a set of features in a body in a different way. Re-specify the selection intent of the downstream features. Reorient the input direction of a replace feature, so that it can be used by the downstream features.
Replace Features is not meant as a replacement for the Copy Feature, Paste Feature, or any of the other Edit Feature options. It is intended as a way to make edits to a body based on its parent geometry. As such, it maintains associativity between features and bodies.
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Replace Features dialog box

Original Features lets you select the original features that you want to replace. The original features can be a set of features on the same body, datum plane features, datum axis features and curve features. Selected features move from the Eligible Features to Replace list to the Features to Replace section.
Replacement Features lets you select the features you want to use as replacements for those you selected in the Original Features selection step. Replacement Features can be a set of features on another body, datum plane features, datum axis features and curve features in the same part le. You can use the same methods to select the features as shown above for the Original Features selection step Selected features move from the Eligible Features to Replace list to the Replacement Features section.
Parent Map lets you select new parents for the children of the features you are replacing. You can re-specify the Selection Intents of the down stream feature it displays. For those features that do not support Selection Intent, this will show their parents as before. Original features and replacement features must be active features. Inactive features cannot be selected as original or replacement features. If you invoke Replace Feature from the Part Navigator Pop-Up menu the dialog opens in the Original Features selection step, with the source body defaulted to the body of the selected feature. The Body/Datum selection step is unavailable in this case.
The Dependent Feature list box will display a list of dependant features that will be affected by the replace operation. When you select the features to replace in the Original Feature selection step, the dependent features of the selected features are displayed here. The Use Copy of Replacement Features check box lets you copy the Replacement Features and use them for the replacement operation. The Replacement Features are left in place and are not deleted. If you do not select this check box, the Replacement Features are deleted.
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The Retain Original Features check box lets you save the original features instead of deleting them. Clear this check box, so that the software deletes the features that are being replaced
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Activity: Inserting and Replacing Features

In this activity, you will reparent an existing sheet body with a newly imported surface. Step 1: Open apd_replace_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. The part contains a Through Curves surface that is the base feature for the solid model shown below. A change is required that the Through Curve surface needs to be replaced with a new denition. Since a new denition is required instead of editing the existing surface, the new surface will be inserted into the model tree. Then "replace feature" will be used to incorporate the newly inserted surface in order to maintain the associativity to all the child features.
Step 2:
Interrogate the existing part to locate the correct features. Change the Rendering Style to Static Wireframe. Make layer 81 Selectable. In the Part Navigator highlight and conrm that Through Curves(4) is the top dening surface of the model.
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Step 3:
Change the current feature. In the Part Navigator make Through Curves(4) the Current Feature. Model History Fixed Datum Plane (0) Fixed Datum Axis (1) Fixed Datum Axis (2) Sketch (3) PROFILE Through Curves (4) Projected Curve (33) Join curve (34) Sheet Body (35) Offset (36) Face Blend (40) Face Blend (41) Thicken (42)
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Step 4:
Insert the new surface denition. Make layer 53 the Work Layer. Choose FileImportPart. Clear the Create Named Group check box. Set the Layer to Original and choose OK. Select apd_new_replace_surface_1 from the Import Part dialog box and choose OK. In the Point dialog box, Reset the values to XC=0, YC=0, ZC=0 and choose OK. Choose Cancel.
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Step 5:
Replace Through Curves (4). In the Part Navigator right-click Through Curves(4) , choose Replace .
Through Curves(4) is placed in the Features to Replace list in the dialog box.
Choose Replacement Features
Select Through Curves (5) from the Eligible Replacement Features. Click Add Feature Features list. Click Parent Map to add the feature to Replacement
The Replace Feature dialog box will list the features that need to be resolved to maintain the integrity of the part. Also note the graphics screen has split into view one and view two, this will make it easier to select your replacement geometry. Select the new sheet body from TFR-TRI#2 for both required resolutions. Click OK.
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Step 6:
Restore all the inactive features. In the Part Navigator make Thicken Sheet (12) the Current Feature.
Step 7:
Make layer 1 the Work Layer and all other layers invisible.
Step 8:
Close all parts.
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Suppress by Expression
This function lets you show or hide selected features in a target body based on the value of an expression. Click Suppress by Expression Expression. or EditFeatureSuppress by
When you use this function, an expression is automatically created and associated with a selected feature. When the value of the expression is one, the feature is not suppressed. When the expression is zero or any other value than one, the feature is not suppressed. See Also: DesignModelingEditing ObjectsFeatureSuppress by Expression Suppressing Associated Features To control whether the suppression of a feature by an expression will also cause the suppression of its child features, you will want to turn on/off the Suppress by Expression Suppress Child Features. You will nd this in your customer defaults in the General option under Modeling. The default is checkedon.
When Suppress Child Features is turned on (default), the following rules apply: When you suppress a feature that has dependent features, the children are also suppressed, regardless of whether they have their own suppress expressions. Likewise, when you unsuppress a feature, parents of the selected feature are also unsuppressed. However, if a parent has its own expression which is equal to zero (suppress), an error will occur during the update. When you unsuppress a parent feature, the children will not necessarily unsuppress (unless they share an expression).
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Suppress by Expression Dialog

You can create and delete Suppression Expressions in the same dialog. Create for each will create a separate suppress expression for each selected feature. The dialog displays features that currently have no suppress expression. Create shared will create a single suppress expression which is shared by all selected features. The dialog displays features that currently have no suppress expression. Delete for each will delete the selected features suppress expression. The dialog displays all features which currently have a suppress expression. Delete shared will delete the selected features shared suppress expression. The dialog displays all features which contain a shared suppress expression. If you select a feature, the dialog highlights the other features which share that same expression.
The List option will generate a report listing each suppressed feature and the expression that controls it. All features must have the same state when you create a shared expression. If they are currently suppressed, the value of their suppress expression will initially be 0; otherwise it will be 1.
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Uses of Suppress by Expression

Some uses of this function are described below. A features suppression state can be related to other expressions so that it can be removed from the model based on certain size conditions. The suppression state of a feature may be controlled from a modeling or part family spreadsheet to establish part variations. Features can be suppressed from a model under certain conditions to avoid update errors. The suppression state of a group of features (such as blends) can be linked to quickly hide them from the model. (This can also be accomplished by using the Group Feature function.)
Suppress by Expression is really more of a modeling technique than an editing technique since it lets you build intelligence into a model and helps you to control the behavior of a model when the edits occur.
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Activity: Suppressing Features with Expressions

In this activity, you will apply suppress expressions to control the existence of a strengthening web, based on the length of the part. Step 1: Open apd_suppress_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
Step 2:
Create a Suppress Expression for a parent feature. On the Edit Feature toolbar, click Suppress by Expression or choose EditFeatureSuppress by Expression. If it is not already selected, from the Expression Option list, select Create for Each. Clear the Add Dependent Features check box. Select the Instance[0](11)/Extrude(11) feature. Choose Apply. Nothing will change in the graphics area. The system merely generated an expression for the feature. The value of the expression will default to the current state of the feature (1 if unsuppressed). Choose Show Expressions to verify the creation of the expression p56=1.
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Step 3:
Test the new Suppress Expression. Choose ToolsExpression. Change the Listed Expressions to All. Change the value of p56 (Instance[0](11)/Extrude(11) Suppression Status) from 1 to 0. Choose Apply. The Extruded feature is suppressed by the expression. A Unite, two other instances of the web, and two Edge Blend features are suppressed because they depend on the Extruded feature. Sketch (10) WEB Instance Extrude (11) Unite (12) Rectangular Array (13) Instance[0,1] (13) / Extrude (11) Rectangular Array (14) Instance[0,1] (14) / Extrude (11) Edge Blend (15) Edge Blend (16) Edge Blend (17)
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Change the value of the suppress expression back to 1 and choose OK. Note that the extruded feature does not appear in the graphics area. The Part Navigator reveals that its children are still suppressed. The extruded tool body is not suppressed but it is on another layer (21where it was originally created).
Step 4:
Unsuppress all features. Choose EditFeatureUnsuppress and unsuppress all features in the part (or use the Part Navigator).
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Step 5:
Delete the existing expression and create a new shared expression. Choose EditFeatureSuppress by Expression. From the Expression Option list, choose Delete for each. Choose Extruded(7) feature from the list and Apply. From the Expression Option list, choose Create shared. Select the following features: Unite(12) Rectangular Array (13) Instance[0,1] (13) / Extrude 11) Rectangular Array (14) Instance[0,1] (14) / Extrude 11) Edge Blend (15) Edge Blend (16) Choose Apply. Choose Show Expressions. The new expression shared by each feature is p57=1.
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Step 6:
Rename and test the new shared expression. Choose ToolsExpression. Find the expression p57 and rename it to show_gusset. Change the value of show_gusset to 0 and update the part. The suppression of the Extruded feature and its children are now controlled by the expression show_gusset (Extruded(7) Suppression Status). Change the value back to 1 and update the part.
Step 7:
Create a Conditional Expression to suppress the gusset using the existing expression len (Block(0) Size Y). Choose ToolsExpression. Locate the expression len (Block(0) Size Y).
Change the show_gusset expression from =1 to =if(len>125)(1)else(0). Change the value of len to 100 to test the conditional expression. Step 8: Close your part.
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When Model Updates Fail

Parametric Modeling lets you create intentional feature relationships based on design intent. These relationships can facilitate efcient modeling creation and editing practices. However, some model edits naturally fail when associative links between features are lost. This commonly happens with: Boolean Operations (tool body completely inside/outside of target body) Thru Features (associated to faces) Trim Features (associated to faces) Blends (associated to edges) Dening strings (gaps or multiple loops in string, ambiguous string objects) Reattach features (cannot reference a later object)
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If update fails either the Edit During Update dialog box or an Error upon Update message appears. If the editing operations cannot be performed safely, and Error upon Update message appears. If a failure occurs the Edit During Update dialog box appears. The Edit During Update dialog box explains the error and lets you choose how to proceed.
In many cases, you do not need to use Undo to restore the model to its previous condition. With this dialog, you may accept, delete, suppress, or edit the parameters of the feature(s) that caused the update failure.
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There are check boxes in Modeling Preferences that control how NX deals with errors and warnings: If Interrupt Update on Error is selected, the Edit During Update dialog box appears when errors are encountered during playback. If Interrupt Update on Warning is selected, the Edit During Update dialog box appears when warning messages are generated during playback. If Feature Alerts is selected, alerts appear in a message box instead of on the Status Line. Alerts are presented in one of three forms: An ErrorA problem with input geometry or parameters that will not allow you to update the feature successfully. A WarningA serious problem, but the feature can still be created or updated. It is best to investigate these. An Information MessageInformation on a change to the featurethat is generally not problematic. It can be successfully created or updated. If Generate Update Failure Report is selected, a failure report is sent to an Information Window when features fail to update. See Also: DesignModelingModeling PreferencesModeling Preferences General
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Out of Date Features

Accepting features that fail to update will hide them and assign an update failed status while allowing the update to continue. These features will be marked as out of date in the Part Navigator (by the Status and Out of Date columns) and in dialogs containing feature lists by an exclamation point ! . The Update Status option in the Feature Browser allows you to list all features that are currently out of date and their reasons for failure. Editing the failed feature to resolve the problem will automatically remove the update failed status and unsuppress the feature.
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Part navigator Status column

A features status is indicated by a status icon next to its Name and possibly a message that is displayed in the Status column. Symbol Status column No text Normal state Suppressed Display is controlled by an expression Suppressed by expression Modied Inactive Update Failed Failed Inactive an inactive feature failed to update No symbol Displayed the currently displayed view in the Model View node Out of date No symbol Alive the node is active No symbol Missing Parents an unparented datum CSYS See Also: DesignModelingModeling ToolsPart NavigatorPart Navigator Column names and Icons
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Preventing the Deletion of Child Features

Sometimes it may be necessary to delete a feature due to an engineering change or update failure. By default, if the feature is a parent to child features, those child features would also be deleted. If you do not want the deletion of parent features to propagate to their child features, you may change the customer defaults setting in the NX. When this checkbox is checked off and a parent feature is deleted, the Edit during Update dialog will appear for each child and allow you to explicitly accept, delete, blank, or edit (reattach) it. Customer Defaults can be found FileUtilitiesCustomer DefaultsModelingGeneral , choose the Delete and Suppress tab.
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Modeling for Editing Flexibility

Some industries, such as consumer products, may require that models undergo drastic topological changes right before production begins. In these situations, it can neither be assumed that a pocket will always be rectangular in shape nor a face will always be planar. The following techniques may be applied when initially modeling parts that are expected to undergo major changes. While some of these techniques require investment of more time during construction, they will reduce the time required to edit the model throughout its lifecycle. Try to create as many datums early in the modeling process as possible and use them consistently as a reference for placement faces and/or positioning. This minimizes the number of levels of feature dependency. When positioning features, use perpendicular dimensions, instead of horizontal and vertical, if it still satises design intent. Perpendicular dimensions do not require a horizontal reference, which is another dependency that may fail later. Try to reference edges that are stable. Some edges are formed by the intersection of faces belonging to different features and are more likely to be removed or subdivided during future edits. Apply blends to the part as late as possible. If a blend is expected to change, edit the radius and test minimum and maximum values to ensure that failure will not occur during a later edit. If topological changes are expected, consider using sketches and extruded features (or general pads and pockets) instead of form features. This allows more exibility in changing the feature prole or trim faces. When dening extruded and revolved features, consider choosing Create initially, and adding the Boolean operation later. A Boolean can be suppressed independently or edited to replace the target and tool body. (If suppressed the tool body will appear on the layer on which it was created.) Consider using Trim rather than the Subtract operation. A surface can be replaced for a trim feature without losing dependent features such as blends and hollows. The Trim operation also retains the original sheet bodies. Consider using the Retain Tool option when performing Boolean operations, particularly Subtract and Intersect. This will keep the original tool body intact for later editing. Be sure to watch layer assignments, so that the retained tool bodies are kept separate from the main design body.
Associative Parametric Design Student Guide 5-35
Activity: Replacing Dening Strings and Surfaces

In this activity, you will replace the dening strings and surfaces in a part that was modeled for editing exibility. Step 1: Open apd_edit_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. Examine the Part Navigator feature tree. Open the Part Navigator and make sure it is in Timestamp Order.
Step 2:
Since the designer expected signicant changes to the part, sketches, extruded bodies, and trim features were used so that the part surfaces could easily be replaced.
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Step 3:
Change the shape of the pad. Make layer 23 Selectable. Double-click the Extrude (23) "EXTRUDE_PAD" feature in the Part Navigator. In the Section group of the dialog box, with Select Curve (4) active, shift-select the line (1), and select the arc (2).
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You may need to click Allow Selection of Hidden (on the Selection Bar)or change the Wireframe Rendering Style to one of the wireframe methods to be able to select the arc. Click OK. Note the shape of the pad updated while preserving the blends and taper.
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Step 4:
Replace the upper surfaces of the base and pad. Make layer 11 Selectable.
In the Part Navigator, double-click Trim Body (21) "TRIM_BASE" feature. In the Tool group of the dialog box, with Select Face or Plane (1) active, deselect the highlighted Datum Plane.
Select the lower sheet body. The normal vector should be pointing upward Click OK. Edit the Trim Body (25) "TRIM_PAD" feature with the upper sheet body. Click OK. The edits to the trim features also preserved the blends and taper.
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Step 5:
Close all parts.
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Summary
A model may undergo many changes throughout its lifecycle. In this lesson you applied techniques that helped prevent or remedy update failures when these changes were made. In this lesson you: Reordered features to allow the selection of a new placement face. Created a conditional expression that controls the suppression of a feature based on the part length. Identied a setting in the customer defaults le to prevent the deletion of a feature from propagating to its children. Identied modeling techniques that can be applied during construction that will reduce potential problems during major changes.
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Lesson
Associative Curve Operations

Purpose Some features require the use of curves that are derived from existing geometry in the model. Several operations can be used to generate curves associatively and capture design intent. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Offset curves. Project curves. Join curves. Intersect curves. Wrap curves. Projected Curves in a Sketch. Offset Extracted Curves in a Sketch.
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Associativity of Curve Operations

Most of the curve operation dialogs provide an option to generate associative output curves. This capability is made to support a hybrid modeling approach to modeling if associativity and full parametric control are not desired, the associative function can be checked off. If you are incorporating a curve operation into a parametric model, it is important that you utilize the associative output capability to capture design intent. The resulting curves can then be updated by editing their parent geometry or associated expressions. When associative options are used in a curve operation, the resulting curves appear as a feature in the Part Navigator feature tree with the appropriate Timestamp. Editing the parameters of these features will allow you to change the options or select a new parent to dene them.
Sketch (6) PROFILE Instance Extruded (7) Offset Curve (9)
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Project Curves
You can project curves, edges, and points onto sheet bodies, faces, planes and datum planes by using the Project Curve option. You can direct your projection toward, or at an angle to, a specied vector, a point, or along face normals. The projected curves are trimmed at holes or edges of the faces. From the Curve toolbar: or On the Curve toolbar, click Project choose InsertCurve From CurvesProject.
See Also: DesignModelingCreating Objects from the Insert Menu
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Usage Considerations for the Associate Option

Choosing the Associate check box (in the Settings group) leaves the original (dening) curves or points in place, and creates projected curves or points that are associated to the original objects and to the selected faces and planes. If the dening objects or the selected faces/planes are modied, the projected curve features update to match the changes. If an entire sketch is projected, any curves added to the sketch are also added to the projection. If a curve in the sketch is converted to reference, the associated curve in the projection is removed. If the projection direction method is Toward a Point or Toward a Line, the projected curve features update if the specied point, line, or datum axis is moved. A dening curve/point or plane cannot be deleted unless its associated projected curve feature is rst deleted. However, if a dening face is deleted (by deleting or editing the parent body), the projected curve feature is also deleted. If you create a curve projection using the Associative check box, the resulting set of curves/points is a feature and can be edited with either EditCurveParameters or EditFeatureEdit Parameters.
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Procedure: Create Project Curves

To create associative projection curves, follow these steps: 1. On the Curve toolbar, click the Project From CurvesProject. or choose InsertCurve
2. Using the Curve or Point to Project group of the dialog box, select the curves, edges or points you want to project. 3. Using the Objects to Project To group, select the faces or planes on which to project the selected curves or edges. 4. Choose the Projection Direction method, then specify the point, line, datum axis, vector and/or angle, as needed. 5. Select the Associative check box. 6. Choose the Curve Fit Method. 7. Choose the Join Curvs method. 8. If necessary enter a Tolerance. 9. Click OK.
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Activity: Project Curves

In this activity, you will project curves to create an associative seal groove on a non-planar face. Step 1: Open apd_seal_groove, save as ***_seal_groove and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
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Step 2:
Project the offset curves to dene the groove centerline. Use the Part Navigator to become familiar with the existing geometry. Change the Work Layer to 42.
On the Curve toolbar, click Project InsertCurve From CurvesProject.
or choose
In the Settings group of the dialog box, make sure the Associate check box is selected. In the Projection Direction group, from the Direction list, choose Along Vector.
With Specify Vector (0) active, choose ZC Axis
In the Curves or Points to Project group, make Select Curve or Point (0) active. From the Curve Rule list (on the Selection Bar) select Connected Curves. Select one of the Offset Curves (the inner set of curves) and advance to the next selection step. In the Objects to Project To group, make Select Object (0) active, and select the top face of the solid. Click OK.
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Step 3:
Create the seal groove. On the Feature toolbar, click Tube InsertSweepTube. or choose
Create a Multiple Segment Tube with an Outer Diameter of 7.0. Use the projected curves as the path and Subtract it from the solid.
Step 4:
Test the associativity of the model. Change the following Sketch expressions and update the model. Len from 139.7 to 152. Wid from 127.0 to 140.0.
Step 5:
Save the part but do not close it. You will be using it in the next activity.
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Join Curves
This function joins together a chain of curves and/or edges to create a single B-spline curve. The result is either a polynomial spline that approximates the original chain, or a general spline that exactly represents the original chain of curves. The Join option is a convenient way of creating a spline, rather than building one from scratch. From the Curve toolbar: Click Join Curves or choose InsertCurve From CurvesJoin.
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Usage Considerations
In the Settings group of the dialog box, the Angle Tolerance will affect the results of the Join operation. If the angle between adjacent input curves is larger than the angle tolerance, the resulting spline will contain a sharp corner and a message will be displayed to inform you of this fact. The Distance Tolerance will also affect the results of the Join operation. If the gap between the ends of adjacent input curves is larger than the distance tolerance, the join operation cannot be performed. Otherwise, a continuous spline is approximated between the curves. If a closed loop of curves is selected and the starting and ending points of the loop are not tangent continuous, an open spline is created. If the starting and ending points are tangent continuous, a closed spline is created.
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Procedure: Create Join Curves

To associatively join a set of curves, perform the following steps: 1. On the Curve from Curves tooolbar, click Join InsertCurve From CurvesJoin. 2. Select the curves or edges you wish to join. 3. Select the desired Output Curve Type. 4. Select the Associative check box. 5. Choose the desired Input Curves option from the list. For associative curves, Keep or Hide. 6. Click OK. or choose
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Activity: Join Curves

In this activity, you will apply the join curves operation and a geometric expression to determine the total length of a groove centerline. Step 1: Continue using the part ***_seal_groove.
Step 2:
Join the guide string into a single, associative spline. Make layer 43 the Work Layer and layers 1 and 21 Invisible.
On the Curve toolbar, click Join From CurvesJoin.
or choose InsertCurve
Ensure that the Curve Rule (on the Selection Bar) is set to Tangent Curves. In the Join Curves dialog box, make sure Select Curve (0) is active and select one of the projected curves used as the tube guide string. In the Settings group, Set the Output Curve Type to General. Make sure the Associative check box is selected. From the Input Curves list, select Hide. Click OK.
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Step 3:
Create a Length Expression for the newly created Joined curve. Choose AnalysisMeasure Length. In the Associative Measure and Checking group, select the Associative check box (this will create an expression to save the measurement). In the Curve group, make sure Select Curve (0) is active, and select the joined spline. In the Results Display group, select Show Dimension (from the Annotation list). Click OK. Select ToolsExpression Select the length expression that you just created and note the value. It should be similar to p51 (Length Measurement (15)) Rename the expression to groove_len. Click OK.
Step 4:
Test the associativity of the part. Change the following Sketch expressions and update the model. Len from 152.0 to 165.0. Wid from 140.0 to 152.4. Choose Apply. Note the change to the expression groove_len in the graphics window.
Step 5:
Save and close the part.
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Intersection Curves
This option allows you to create intersection curves between two sets of objects. Intersection curves are associative and update according to the changes in their dening objects. You can select multiple objects in the input sets to perform an intersection operation. On the Curve toolbar, click Intersection Curves or choose InsertCurve From BodiesIntersect.
Intersecting two datum planes produces a non-associative line that extends to the view boundaries. If associativity is desired, a datum axis should be created at the intersection of the two planes. See Also: DesignModelingCreating Objects from the Insert Menu
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The type of geometry you select for either Set 1 or Set 2 will determine the number of objects you can choose. You may select more than one face in a set, but all faces in a set must be part of the same sheet or solid body. You may select only one datum plane for each set. You may build a datum plane on the y by choosing the Plane Constructor button in the dialog box. You may select only one sheet or solid body for each set.
If the Keep Selected check box is selected, you can reuse the objects selected as Set 1 or Set 2.
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Procedure: Create Intersection Curve

1. Click Intersection Curves BodiesIntersect. or choose InsertCurve From
2. In the Set 1 group of the dialog box, with Select Face (x) active select the rst set of faces or use Specify Plane to select or specify a datum plane. 3. In the Set 2 group of the dialog box, with Select Face (x) active select the second set of faces or use Specify Plane to select or specify a datum plane. 4. Dene the Curve Fit Method, and check the Tolerance. 5. Select the Associative check box. 6. Click OK.
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Activity: Intersection Curves

In this activity, you will use the intersect curve operation to create an associative curve that can be used to subdivide a face and apply a taper. Step 1: Open apd_intersect_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
Step 2:
Create an associative intersection curve. Make layer 41 the Work Layer.
On the Curve toolbar, click Intersection Curves InsertCurve From BodiesIntersect Make sure the Associative check box is selected. Select the datum plane for Set 1. Select the top planar face of the base for Set 2.
or choose
If not already done, set the Curve Fit Method to Cubic. Click OK.
UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Associative Parametric Design Student Guide 6-17
Step 3:
Subdivide the face with the intersection curve. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Divide Face choose InsertTrimDivide Face. , or
If not already set, from the Projection Direction list, select Normal to Face. In the Settings group, select the Hide Dividing Objects check box. Select the top planar face (the one on which the Intersection curve lies) for the Faces to Divide. Make sure the Curve Rule (in the Selection Bar) is set to Feature Curves, and Select the intersection curve as the Dividing Object. Click OK.
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Step 4:
Apply draft to the top face from the new edge. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Draft InsertDetail FeatureDraft. From the Type list, select From Edges. or choose
In the Draw Direction group, choose Plane Normal
In the Draw Direction group, with Specify Vector (1) active, select the existing Datum Plane. Enter an Angle 1 of 12. In the Stationary Edges group, with Select Edge (0) active, select the new subdividing edge. Click Apply. This applies the draft to the one side of the face.
Choose Plane Normal for the Draw Direction
With Specify Vector (1) active, select the existing Datum Plane. If necessary choose Reverse Direction. Select the new subdividing edge. Click OK.
Although you did not exit out of the Draft dialog you have created two separate Draft features. View the Part Navigator to see the results.
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Step 5:
Test the associativity of the part. Make layer 61 Invisible. Change the formula for the expression named angle from 9 to 20 and update the model. The angle expression changes the orientation of the datum plane which was used to dene the associative intersection curve and taper.
Step 6:
Close all parts.
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Wrap/Unwrap Curves
This option lets you wrap curves from a plane onto a conical or cylindrical face, or unwrap curves from a conical or cylindrical face onto a plane. The output curves are B-splines with a degree of 3, and are associative to their input curves, the dening face, and the dening plane. From the Curve toolbar: or On the Curves toobar, click Wrap/Unwrap choose InsertCurve From CurvesWrap/Unwrap.
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A Wrap Face is the cylindrical or conical face about which curves are wrapped or unwrapped. If you have a cylindrical or conical face that is split by a groove or some other feature, you may choose multiple faces for the Wrap Face. However, these faces, if uninterrupted, must form a single cylindrical or conical face. A Wrap Plane is the plane which is tangent to the Wrap Face. For Wrap, the selected curves that lie on this plane are wrapped onto the Wrap Face. Selected curves that are not on this plane are rst projected onto this plane, normal to the plane, and then wrapped onto the Wrap Face. For Unwrap, the selected curves are unwrapped onto this plane. This may be a datum plane or a planar or trimmed planar face. However, if a face is used, it is treated as a boundless plane and the resulting unwrapped curves will extend as far as necessary, regardless of the face boundaries. You may select curves, edges, or faces. If you select faces, all the face edges will be selected. The Tangent Line is the imaginary line that represents where the Wrap Plane and the Wrap Face touch each other. This line is parallel with the cylinder or cone axis. The Cut Line applies to the Unwrap operation and is an imaginary line that represents the Tangent Line rotated about the Wrap Face axis according to the Cut Line Angle value. The Cut Line Angle value controls where the unwrapped curves will be located relative to the Tangent Line after the feature is created. If a closed curve on the Wrap Face that completely encircles the face axis is being unwrapped, it will be split at the Cut Line.
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The following gure illustrates the various objects associated with the Wrap/Unwrap function. 1 2 3 4 Unwrapped Cut Line Cut Line Wrap Face Wrap Plane 5 6 7 Tangent Line Unwrapped Cone bottom Unwrapped Cone top
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Procedure: Wrap/Unwrap Curves

To Wrap/Unwrap curves from a plane to a face: 1. Click Wrap/Unwrap or InsertCurve From CurvesWrap/Unwrap.
2. Choose either the Wrap or Unwrap option.
3.
Select the cylindrical or conical geometry for the Wrap Face.
4.
Select the plane for the Wrap Plane.
5.
Select the Curves.
6. Enter the Cut Line Angle (for Unwrap only). 7. Click OK.
When using Wrap, if the selected curves do not lie on the wrap plane, they are rst projected to the wrap plane (normal to the plane) and then wrapped onto the selected face. When using Unwrap, if the selected curves do not lie on the wrap face, they are rst projected to the wrap face, normal to the face, and then unwrapped onto the wrap plane.
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Activity: Wrap Curves

In this activity, you will create associative wrapped curves around a cylinder to produce the guide path for a cam follower groove. Step 1: Open apd_wrap_curves_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. Wrap a set of curves around a cylinder. Change the work layer to 41.
Step 2:
On the Curve toolbar, click Wrap/Unwrap Curve choose InsertCurve From CurvesWrap/Unwrap. Select the cylindrical face as the Wrap Face. Select the datum plane as the Wrap Plane. If necessary select the Wrap option. Select all seven of the Curves to wrap. Click OK.
or
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Step 3:
Create the cam follower groove. On the Feature toolbar, click Tube InsertSweepTube. , or choose
With Select Curve (0) (in the Path group) active, use Tangent Curves (on the Selection Bar, in the Curve Rule list) select any of the Wrap Curves you created. In the Cross Section group of the dialog box, for the Outer Diameter enter 10, in the Boolean group, select Subtract, and then click OK.
Step 4:
Close all parts.
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Sketch Projected Curves

Lets you create curves, strings of curves, or points by projecting external objects onto a sketch along the normal of the sketch plane. You can project a curve associatively or non-associatively onto a sketch. From the Sketch Operations toolbar: Click Project Curve .
See Also: DesignSketcherSketch Operations Toolbar
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Usage Notes
You can select, curves, edges, faces, other sketches and points for projection. All objects must have an earlier timestamp than the sketch. Selected objects are projected onto the plane of the sketch along a vector normal to the sketch plane. If a face is selected, its edges are automatically selected for projection. The projected string updates, as necessary, when topological changes are made to the face and its edges. Increases or decreases in the number of edges are reected in the projected string. Projected strings act as xed curves within the sketch. They can be referenced but not altered by dimensional and geometric sketch constraints. A contiguous projected string can be used to apply a Point on String geometric constraint. You cannot apply a Point on String constraint using a non-contiguous projected string created from a face that includes multiple edge boundaries. You can add, remove, or replace curves projected into a sketch with the Edit Curves option in the Sketch Tools dialog. projected points cannot be edited. A sketch cannot contain both positioning dimensions and projected curves. If your sketch contains one, and you try to create the other, you will get an error message.
The Project Curve dialog box allows you to determine the Output Curve Type for projected curves. Original The extracted curves are created with their original geometry types. Spline Segment The extracted curves are represented by individual splines. Single Spline The extracted curves are connected and represented by a single spline. Select the Associative check box to project the curves associatively into the sketch. Associated objects maintain a link to the original geometry. Tolerance will determine whether the string of objects is contiguous when projected onto the sketch plane.
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Procedure: Creating Projected Curves in Sketch

1. Click Project Curve
2. Select the curve string, face, edges or points you want to project onto the sketch plane. 3. 4. 5. Select the Associative check box. From the Output Curve Type list, select the desired setting. Click OK.
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Sketch Offset Projected Curves

This option lets you offset associative and non-associative curves within the context of a Sketch. You can offset associative curves from curves you have projected with the Project option. In this case, NX creates an Offset geometric constraint. Modifying the original curve results in an update of both the projected curve and the offset curve. Curves that have been offset associatively are always single splines. From the Sketch Operations toolbar: On the Sketcdh Operations toolbar, click Offset Curves .
See Also: DesignSketcherSketch Operations Toolbar
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Usage Notes
You can only select curves to offset that have been Projected in the Sketch using the Project option. You cannot offset a curve that has already been offset, but you can trim such a curve. A trimmed curve can only be offset if it is bounded by objects that are not members of the sketch. You can delete an offset constraint using the Show/Remove Constraints option.
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Procedure: Creating Projected Curves in Sketch

1. Click Offset Curves
2. Select the associative projected curves. 3. Specify the Distance. 4. Set the Trim option. 5. Set the Tolerance and Number of Copies. 6. Verify the Direction. 7. Choose OK.
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Activity: Project Curves in a Sketch

In this activity, you will extract curves from solid edges into a sketch and offset them to form a single curve which can be used to constrain other sketch curves. Step 1: Open apd_extract_sketch_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. Create a sketch on the front face of the part. Create a Sketch named OFFSET_HOLES on layer 23.
Step 2:
Select the front face (1) as the placement face and the bottom edge (2) as the horizontal reference . Make sure the sketch plane Z direction is away from the center of the part, and the X direction is to the right.
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Step 3:
Project objects onto the new Sketch. In the Sketcher toolbar, click Orient View to Model .
Click Project Curve
From the Output Type list, select Original. Select the Associative check box. Select the four lower edges of the cutout as the objects to project.
Click OK.
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Step 4:
Create and constrain a circle in the Sketch. Click Orient View to Sketch Create a 12mm diameter circle. Add a Diameter Dimensional Constraint .
Click Constraints
Select the center of the circle as the rst object. Place the cursor over one of the projected curves and wait for the Quick Pick tool to appear. Select the string option.
Click Point on String
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The circle is now constrained to lie along the extracted string of curves.
Click Constraints
to turn off the function.
Place the cursor over the center of the circle and wait for the Quick Pick tool to appear. Select the arc. Place the cursor over the edge of the arc, and drag to the right.
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Step 5:
Offset the projected curves. Click Offset Curve .
Key in 8.0 for the Distance. In the Curve Rule list, select Connected Curves and select any of the projected curves. You want the projected curves to move away from the center of the part, or outboard. If necessary click Reverse Direction. If the Create Dimension check box is selected, you will later be able to edit the offset value directly from the graphics window, without accessing the Offset Curve dialog box. Click OK.
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Step 6:
Create and constrain another circle in the sketch. Create another circle in the Sketch.
Add the Dimensional Constraints
shown below:
Add a Point on Curve geometric constraint so that the circle
lies on the Offset Curve
Notice that Point on String is not available for Offset Curves.
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Turn off Constraints.
Choose Finish Sketch Step 7: Close all parts.
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Summary
Curve operations can be used to create associative curves that are used to dene features and capture design intent. In this lesson you applied the following curve operations: Project Join Intersect Wrap Projected Curves to a Sketch Offset Curves in a Sketch
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Lesson
General Pockets and Pads

Purpose General pockets and pads offer greater exibility than cylindrical and rectangular options, allowing non-planar placement faces and different top and bottom outlines. The placement faces and outlines may later be edited. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Identify the advantages of general pockets and pads. Create a pocket on a non-planar placement face. Create a pocket with different placement and oor outlines. Create and edit a general pad.
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General Pocket
This option lets you dene and edit a Pocket with greater exibility than the Cylindrical and Rectangular Pocket options. See Also: DesignModelingCreating Objects from the Insert MenuDesign Feature There are four potential elements needed to create a General Pocket: A Placement Face (1) A Placement Outline (2) A Floor Face (3) A Floor Outline (4)
In some cases, a single General Pocket feature can be used to dene a shape that would otherwise require the creation of several other features (extruded features, freeform features, offsets, trims, Booleans, blends etc.).
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Advantages Placement (top) and oor (bottom) faces can be non-planar. Placement and oor faces can be offset from each other or offset from other selected faces. Multiple faces can be selected to dene the placement and oor face. Placement and oor outlines do not have to be the same shape. The placement and oor outlines do not have to lie on the placement and oor faces. They can be projected along a specied vector. A placement radius can be dened to create a blend at the intersection of the sides of the pocket and the placement face. If a placement or oor radius is entered, you can specify whether the outline represents the theoretical intersection of the sides and the face or the tangent edges between the blend and the face.
Disadvantages Placement or oor outline curves that are not lines generate B-Surface type faces and intersection type edges which may be difcult to use for positioning features or mating constraints.
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General Pocket Dialog

From the Form Feature toolbar: Click Pocket or choose InsertDesign FeaturePocket.
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Selection Steps
There are ten possible selection steps to dene a general pocket, but only a few of the steps are required for most applications. The only required selections are the Placement Face and either the Placement Outline or Floor Outline. The Floor Face may be offset or translated from the Placement Face.
Placement Face The placement face is one or more selected faces, or a single plane or datum plane. The top of the pocket follows the contours of the placement face.
Placement Outline There are two way to dene the Placement Outline: Select contiguous curves for the outline of the top of the pocket. These curves are projected onto the placement face(s) based on the Placement Outline Projection Vector setting. The From Floor Outline option will let you dene the Placement Outline using a Taper Angle.
Floor Face Lets you dene the oor face(s) for the contour of the bottom of the pocket. If the oor face is not selected explicitly, it may be offset or translated from the placement face or another selected face.
Floor Outline Lets you select the contiguous curves for the outline of the bottom of the pocket. The oor outline may also be dened by tapering the Placement Outline. If Floor Outline curves are selected and a oor radius is entered, an option is available to indicate whether the curves represent the theoretical intersection of the wall faces and oor or the tangent edges on the oor face. Both the Floor Outline and the Placement Outline need to follow the same direction to correctly dene the General Pocket. You can use the Reverse option to modify the direction of either outline.
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Target Body You can select a target body if you want the pocket to be in a different body than the one that the rst selected placement face belongs to. This is an optional selection. If you do not select a target body, it will be dened from the placement face. This step is required if a xed datum plane is selected as the placement face.
Placement Outline Projection Vector The placement outline projection vector species how the placement outline curves are to be projected onto the placement face, if they are not already on the face. The default setting is Normal to Plane of Curves.
Floor Face Translation Vector If you choose to dene the oor face as a translation of the placement face, this selection step becomes available to allow denition of the translation vector.
Floor Outline Projection Vector Lets you dene the vector that will dene the projection of the oor outline onto the oor face. The default setting is Normal to Plane of Curves.
Placement Alignment Points Lets you select points on the placement outline curves for alignment. This step is available if curves have been selected for both outlines and if you have chosen Specify Points for the Outline Alignment Method. Floor Alignment Points Lets you select points on the oor outline curves for alignment. This step is available if curves have been selected for both outlines, and if you have chosen Specify Points for the Outline Alignment Method.
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Other Options
Outline Alignment Method If both placement and oor outlines are selected, an option to dene the alignment method becomes available to control the shape of the walls of the pocket as they transition between the outlines. Align Ends is the default setting and should be used if the outlines are similar in shape and each contain the same number of curves. Specify Points will activate the Placement Alignment Points and Floor Alignment Points steps which allow you specify points on each outline to control the alignment. The same number of points must be specied in each outline. The Parametric option automatically spaces alignment points at equal parameter intervals along the outlines.
Placement Radius Lets you dene the blend radius between the placement face (the top of the pocket) and the sides of the pocket. Floor Radius Lets you dene the blend radius between the oor face (the bottom of the pocket) and the sides of the pocket. Corner Radius Lets you dene the blend radius placed on the corners of the pocket. A corner is located at a joint between two outline curves/edges whose tangent difference varies by more than the angle tolerance. Attach Pocket Lets you sew the pocket to a target sheet body, or subtract the pocket from a target solid body. If this option is not selected, the pocket is created as a separate solid body.
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Activity: Creating a Pocket

In this activity, you will create a general pocket with a given outline on a non-planar placement face. The oor face of the pocket will be offset from the placement face. Step 1: Open apd_general_pocket_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. The part contains an extruded sketch and a sketch dening the placement outline of what will be a pocket.
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Step 2:
Create a general pocket. On the Feature toolbar, click Pocket InsertDesign FeaturePocket. Choose General. , or choose
Select the cylindrical face as the Placement Face
A reference vector will appear indicating a direction for the pocket depth.
Advance to the Placement Outline step Set the Curve Rule list to Feature Curves.
Select one of the four lines as the Placement Outline.
Advance to the Floor Face Selection Step
Set Floor Face to Offset and enter a From Placement offset value of 25.0.
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Advance to the Floor Outline step
Set the Taper Angle to 0.0 and is measured relative to Face Normals. Set the Placement Radius, Floor Radius, and Corner Radius to 0.0. Select the Attach Pocket check box. Click OK twice.
Step 3:
Close all parts.
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Activity: Creating a Pocket with Multiple Floor Faces

In this activity, you will create a general pocket having different shaped placement and oor faces. The oor of the pocket will be offset from the bottom faces of the part. Step 1: Open apd_general_pocket_2 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. The part contains an existing solid and a sketch dening the prole for a new pocket. Note the bottom of the part is made up of multiple faces.
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Step 2:
Create a general pocket. Click Pocket Choose General. .
Select the top face as the Placement Face
Select the Sketch curves for the Placement Outline
Select the three bottom faces as the Floor Face
Set Floor Face to Offset and enter a Of Selected Floor offset value of 6.5.
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Advance to the Floor Outline step
Set the Taper Angle to 0.0 and is measured relative to Face Normals. If necessary set the Placement and Floor Radius to 0.0. Set the Corner Radius to 5.1. Click OK twice.
Step 3:
Close all parts.
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General Pad
This option lets you dene and edit a Pad with greater exibility than the Rectangular Pad options. See Also: DesignModelingCreating Objects from the Insert MenuDesign Feature Advantages Placement (bottom) and top faces can be non-planar. Placement or top faces can be offset from each other or from other faces. Multiple faces can be selected to dene the placement or top. The curves do not have to form a closed string. They can be open. You can also let the string extend beyond the edges of the placement faces. The placement and top outlines do not have to lie on the placement and top faces. They can be projected along a specied vector. A placement radius can be dened to create a blend at the intersection of the sides of the pad and the placement face. If a placement or top radius is entered, you can specify whether the outline represents the theoretical intersection of the sides and the face or the tangent edges between the blend and the face.
Disadvantages Placement or top outline curves that are not lines generate B-Surface type faces and intersection type edges which may be difcult to use for positioning features or mating constraints.
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General Pad Dialog box

The dialog box and procedure for creating a General Pad are similar to the General Pocket except Top faces and proles are dened instead of Floor faces and proles. From the Feature toolbar: Click Pad or choose InsertDesign FeaturePad.
There are four potential elements needed to create a General Pad: A Placement Face (1) A Placement Outline (2) A Top Face (3) A Top Outline (4)
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Activity: Creating General Pad and Pocket

In this activity, you will create an intake port for a small motor consisting of a general pad and a general pocket. The pocket will dene the intake opening and have different placement and oor outlines. Step 1: Open apd_general_pocket_3. Save the part as ***_general_pocket_3 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. Interrogate your part using the Part Navigator. The part contains a sketch dening the opening of the intake where it intersects the internal face of the motor along with its placement face and horizontal reference (datums).
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Step 2:
Review the Sketch Intake 2. This will be used later in the activity. Locate Sketch (86) INTAKE_2 in the Part Navigator. Double-click on the feature to activate the sketch.
Click Show Remove Constraints
In the List Constraints for group, choose All In Active Sketch.. Set Constraint Type to All If it is not already selected, choose Include. Cycle through the list of constraints to become familiar with established relationships.
Choose Finish Sketch
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Step 3:
Create a sketch for the intake pad. Create a Sketch (on Layer 26) named INTAKE_PAD. Use the Datum Plane as the placement face and the Datum Axis (YC) as the horizontal reference. Create a rectangular sketch and constrain to the INTAKE_2 sketch as shown.
Choose Finish Sketch
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Step 4:
Create a general pad for the intake envelope. Hide the solid body.
Click Pad
Choose General. Select the Extracted Face (4) as the Placement Face
For the Placement Outline enter a Taper Angle of 3
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Advance to the Top Face step Change the Filter to Datum Plane.
Select the Datum Plane as the Top Face.
Advance to the Top Ouline step Set Curve Rule to Feature Curves.
Select the INTAKE_PAD sketch as the Top Outline. Enter a Corner Radius of 2.3.
Advance to Target Body
Show and select the solid body as the Target Body. Choose OK twice to create the pad and exit the dialog.
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Step 5:
Prepare your part to create the general pocket for the intake opening. Make layer 1 the work layer, layer 24 Selectable and layers 26 and 81 invisible. Suppress Feature Set (86) FIN_ARRAY feature. FIN_ARRAY is a feature set containing all of the features dening the ns. Suppressing it will make it easier to select faces for the pocket. Not all of the features are shown in the image below for clarity.
Interrogate the two Sketches, INTAKE_1 and INTAKE_2, you will be using these to create the general pocket. Step 6: Create a general pocket for the intake opening. Click Pocket Choose General. Change the Filter to Datum Plane and select the datum plane as the Placement Face . .
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Select the sketch INTAKE_2 as the Placement Outline
Remember which arc you selected rst, you will need this information when you select the Floor Outline.
Select the internal conical face as the Floor Face Use the Quick Pick to select the internal face of Cylindrical Pocket (71).
Set the Offset value Of Selected Floor to 0.0. Select the four arcs of sketch INTAKE_1 for the Floor Outline
. Make sure the rst arc you select corresponds to the rst arc selected for the Placement Outline and the direction vectors are pointing in the same direction. The direction can be changed by clicking Reverse. Set all radius values to 0. Choose OK twice. Choose Cancel. Step 7:
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Unsuppress the FIN_ARRAY feature.

Step 8:
Save, but do not close the part.
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Editing General Pads and Pockets

There are three ways to access General Pads and Pockets for editing: Choose EditFeatureEdit Parameters. Right-click the feature in the Part Navigator and choose Edit Parameters or Edit with Rollback.. Since Edit with Rollback is the default, Pads and Pockets can also be edited by double-clicking the feature in the Part Navigator. Edit with Rollback works the same as Edit Parameters, except it makes the feature being edited the Current Feature and suppresses all the features that follow it (in Timestamp Order). These options will open the creation dialog and let you edit available parameters. A general pocket or pad cannot be edited using the Edit Positioning or Move Feature options. The locations of these features are determined by the position of the outline curves.
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Procedure: Editing General Pad and Pockets

1. Choose EditFeatureEdit Parameters and select the feature. 2. Choose the appropriate Selection Step. 3. Edit the desired parameter or dening geometry. 4. Click OK. Current dening geometry will be highlighted if the geometry is on a selectable layer. Faces or curves can be replaced by deselecting the original geometry (using the shift key) and selecting the new geometry.
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Activity: Editing General Pockets and Pads

In this activity, you will edit the general pad and replace the top face. Step 1: Continue working with the part ***_general_pocket_3.
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Step 2:
Replace the top face of the general pad. Make layer 82 selectable and layers 24 and 25 Invisible. Layer 62 contains the Datum Plane you used as the Top Face, and the Datum Coordinate System. Layer 82 contains the new surface. Choose EditFeatureEdit Parameters. Select the General Pad feature .
Click the Top Face Selection Step Set the Filter to Datum Plane. Deselect the highlighted Datum Plane.
Set the Filter to Collector and select the surface on layer 82. Click OK twice.
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Note the top face updated but the placement outline (prole on placement face) also changed. The placement outline was dened by a taper angle measured relative to face normals of the top face. The pad taper method and the pocket placement face will have to be edited.
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Step 3:
Change the taper of the general pad. Choose EditFeatureEdit Parameters. Select the General Pad feature.
Click the Placement Outline step
From the Relative To list, choose Change the to Specify New Vector. Use the Vector Constructor dialog to specify a vector in the +XC direction. Choose OK twice. Step 4: Replace the placement face of the general pocket. If necessary select The Placement Face step .
Change the Filter to Datum Plane and deselect the Datum Plane. Change the Filter to Collector and select the surface on layer 82. Click OK twice.
Set layers 62 and 82 to invisible. Step 5: Save and close the part.
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Summary
General pockets and pads offer greater exibility in construction and editing, allowing non-planar placement faces and different placement and oor outlines. In this lesson you: Created a general pocket on a non-planar face. Created a general pocket having different placement and oor topologies. Created a general pocket having different placement and oor outlines. Created and edited a general pad.
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Lesson
Blending Techniques
Purpose In this lesson, you will examine blending techniques that may serve special design circumstances and minimize update failures. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Review the "rolling ball" concept of blending. Create edge blends. Create face blends. Review blending tips and techniques.
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Blending Techniques
Edge Blends
Use Edge Blend to round selected edges that are shared by at least two faces. In practice, edge blending involves a degree of trial and error. The system attempts to create a blend based on the edges you select, the order of blends you create, and the values you enter. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Edge Blend or choose InsertDetail FeatureEdge Blend.
See Also: DesignModelingCreating Objects from the Insert MenuDetail Feature
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Blending Techniques
Below are some tips for Edge Blending: Make sure the radius of the "rolling ball" can t into the area you have chosen to blend. Create blends as late in the feature tree as possible to minimize the impact on other features. Since blends are so dependent on size and orientation of adjacent edges and faces, they tend to fail more often than other features during updates. Creating them last will reduce the chances that a later feature will inadvertently reference their edges. In general, create the largest radius blends rst. Consider design intent and editing exibility when blending sets of unrelated, non-contiguous edges. Blending edges in the same operation results in one feature controlled by the same radius expression. If design intent changes and requires different radii, the edges would have to be removed and a new blend created. If you want to blend a corner which has a mixture of convex and concave edges, and all three cannot be blended simultaneously, blend the one that is different rst, then, blend the others.
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Blending Techniques
If you want to blend one convex and one concave edge at the same time, you must blend the third edge as well. Or, you can create each blend separately. You can blend edges 1 and 3 without blending edge 2. However, you cannot blend edges 1 and 2 unless you blend edge 3. Likewise, you cannot blend edges 2 and 3 without blending edge 1.
Edges 1 & 3 blended, then edge 2.
all three edges blended at once, or edge 2 blended, then edges 1 & 3.
Although "three edge" blends are the most common case, you may have situations where you need to create four, ve, and six edge blends. In those cases, the resulting blend can be created as a single feature whose shape is determined by the order in which you select the edges.
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Blending Techniques
The Rolling Ball Principle

Creating blends may be thought of as the process of rolling a spherical ball along the edge being blended, keeping it in contact with the faces that meet at the edge. The sphere sweeps out the blend shape. There are two types of Blends created using the Rolling Ball Principle: The Fillet blend adds material to the part as it rolls on the inside of two faces.
The Round blend removes material from the part as it rolls on the outside of two faces.
Keeping this physical analogy in mind may assist you in visualizing the needed blend operation.
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Blending Techniques
Edge Blend Dialog Box Groups

The Edge to Blend group is for selection of edges (or sets of edges) to blend, the listing of the selected sets and the desired radii for the blend or set. Add New Set allows you to specify a new set of edges for the blend. The Variable Radius Points group is for selection and location of desired points at which you want to specify a radius. NX will vary the radius of a blend along its length between the specied radius values at their points. You must already have specied at least one constant radius edge set before you can use this option to add variable radius points to it. Variable radius points are associative. The Corner Setback group will let you add setback points to a blend corner, and by adjusting the distance of each setback from the vertex, apply additional shaping to the corner. You can use setbacks to create, for example, what is loosely known as a "ball nose blend." The Stop Short at Corner group lets you stop a blend short of the end of the selected edge(s). Once you select an end point for a stop short point, you can specify where on the edge you want the blend to stop. You can specify that intersecting blends stop at their intersection (At Intersection), or at a point (At Distance) on a single edge. The Trim Options group lets you specify a face to cap the end of the blend. The two choices are Default and Selected Face. The Overfow Resolutions group allows you to specify how overfows are handled. Blend overow occurs when tangent edges of a blend encounter other edges on the object. The Settings group allows you to control several things: How overlapping blends within the feature are handled
Whether or not to Blend All Instances How to handle Convex/Concave interactions Whether or not to Remove Self-intersections Corner Setback options The Tolerance value
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Blending Techniques
Procedure: Create Constant Radius Edge Blends

1. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Edge Blend InsertDetail FeatureEdge Blend.
or choose
2. Specify a value for the radius of the edge blend in the Radius 1 eld. 3. If necessary set the Curve Rule list. 4. Select the appropriate edges. Once you have selected edges to blend 5. Click OK.
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Blending Techniques
Activity: Blends on Adjacent Edges

This activity illustrates the principle of applying blends separately and the signicance of the order in which they are created. Step 1: Open apd_blend_separate and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. Attempt to blend the edges together. Click Edge Blend , or choose InsertDetail FeatureEdge Blend. Set the Radius 1 to 9.50. Set the Curve Rule to Single Curve and select the two edges shown below.
Step 2:
The Alert message informs you that the intersection or Vertex of the two edges is too complex to produce a singe edge blend feature that will provide a smooth transition. It also suggests applying the two blends separately. Clear the Alert message.
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Blending Techniques
Step 3:
Try applying blends separately. Shift deselect the longer edge and choose Apply. Create a second Edge Blend by selecting the longer edge and choosing Apply. This blend is probably not what you want.
Delete the two Edge Blends you just created.
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Blending Techniques
Step 4:
Create the blends in a different order, use the same radius value of 9.50. Click Edge Blend , or choose InsertDetail FeatureEdge Blend. Select the longer edge and choose Apply. When you apply the blend, the adjacent planar face is detected as a trim face and extended. The extended face has two new edges, one elliptical and the other straight. This straight segment represents a transition area between the two straight edges. Blend the straight edge formed by the trim of the rst blend and the original shorter edge.
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Blending Techniques
Choose OK.
Although all the blends are the same size, it is necessary to blend the edge that leaves a large enough intermediate edge rst. The blend on the intermediate edge becomes a transition segment between two adjacent blends. If you attempt the same basic approach starting with the smaller edge, you would discover that the intermediate edge is not long enough to accommodate the second blend. You would get an "Unable to apply Blend" message. Step 5: Close all parts.
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Blending Techniques
Activity: Blending Multiple Edges

In this activity, you will create blends on the model by selecting edges in different orders. Step 1: Open apd_blend_rocker and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
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Blending Techniques
Step 2:
Blend the lower edges on the front arm. Click Edge Blend , or choose InsertDetail FeatureEdge Blend. Enter a Radius 1 value of 4. Set the Curve Rule to Tangent Curves, select the edge shown below, and click Apply.
Step 3:
Create the blends at the base of the arm. Using the same settings, select one of the edges at the base of the right arm and click Apply.
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Blending Techniques
Step 4:
Blend all the upper edges except for those on the machined face. Return to the Trimetric view to select the edges on the upper side of the arm. Using the same radius, select the appropriate edges and apply the blend as shown below.
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Blending Techniques
Step 5:
On the other arm, create the blends in the reverse order. Create blends on the top edges. Next, blend the bottom edges, Lastly, blend the edges around the base of the arm.
As you can see, you obtain two different solutions depending on the order in which you create the blends. Step 6: Close all parts.
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Blending Techniques
Overow Resolutions and Settings

Blend overow occurs when tangent edges of a blend encounter other edges on the solid. Use the following options to control how blend overows are handled. You can try combinations of these options to get different results.
When you use more than one overow resolution option, the system determines which option to use based on the selections and a hierarchy of precedence. There are three check boxes in the Allowed Overow Resolutions group: Roll Over Smooth Edges Roll On Edges (Smooth or Sharp) Maintain Blend and Move Sharp Edges
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Blending Techniques
Roll Over Smooth Edges

Use this option to allow the blend to extend onto a smoothly connected (tangent) face, should it encounter one.
Roll Over Smooth Edges Selected (left) and Deselected (right) 1. New blend overowing the edge of another blend. 2. Roll Over Smooth Edges selected, resulting in a shared edge that is smooth. 3. Roll Over Smooth Edges deselected, resulting in a shared edge that is sharp
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Blending Techniques
Roll On Edges (Smooth or Sharp)

Use this option to allow the blend to forego tangency with one of the dening faces, and roll onto any edge, whether smooth or sharp.
Roll Onto Edges (Smooth or Sharp) selected. 1. Encountered edge maintained, tangency foregone.
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Maintain Blend and Move Sharp Edges

Use this option to allow the blend to maintain tangency with the dening faces, and move any encountered edges to the blend face.
Blend Maintained Over Sharp Edges (Right) 1. Encountered edges 2. Blend tangency maintained
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Blending Techniques
Explicit Overow Resolutions

The two options in this group allow you to select specic edges to either Roll On or prohibit Roll On: Select Edges to Force Roll on (x) Select Edges to Prohibit Roll on (x)
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Blending Techniques
The Settings Group

The Overlapping Blends Within Feature allows several options to help resolve overlapping blends within the feature being created or edited. Resolution offers three choices: Maintain Blend and Intersect If Different Convexivity, Roll Over Regardless of Convexivity, Roll Over Blend Order allows you to control which to create rst Convex or Concave blends. The Blend All Instances check box blends all the instances in an array when you select one instance to blend. When using this option, it is best to add the edge blend to the master feature, and not one of the instanced features. This way, if the array parameters are later changed, the edge blend will always remain visible in the instance set. Due to limitations with how an instanced edge is dened, UGS recommends that you avoid using this option. Instead, rst create the parent feature and the edge blend and add them both to a group feature. You can create as many instances in the group feature as needed. See Group Feature and Instance for details.
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Blending Techniques
You can use the Special Blend at Convex/Concave Y option when two blends on adjacent edges of opposite convexity meet at three or more edge vertices and the default shape of the blend is to roll one blend over the other. A Y-shaped vertex blend offers an alternate blend shape at the vertex.
1. Special Blend at Convex/Concave Y check box selected. 2. Special Blend at Convex/Concave Y check box cleared. In some cases the rolling ball blend may be so rigorous in its precision that it results in a self-intersecting surface that prevents the blend from being created. If this happens, you can use the Remove Surface Self-Intersections option to let the system automatically replace those areas with a patch of blend geometry. The patch area is not a true representation of a blend produced by a rolling ball, but it is tangent to all of the surfaces to which it connects. This solution may allow an otherwise self-intersecting blend to be created, but it also may not be desirable for all manufacturing processes, due to the possibility of greater production costs.
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Blending Techniques
Activity: Blend Overow Options

In this activity, you will create overow blends and examine the affect of the overow options. Step 1: Open apd_blend_rotor and start the Modeling application. Change the Rendering Style to Shaded with Edges.
Step 2:
Apply blends with the default overow settings. Click Edge Blend , or choose InsertDetail FeatureEdge Blend. If necessary expand the Overow Resolutions and Allowed Overow Resolutions groups. Select all three check boxes. Apply a 3.8 blend on the top edge of the circular ange and the upper edge of the tapered midsection.
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Blending Techniques
Apply another 3.8 blend at the edge where the midsection and ring meet at the top of the part. With the default overow settings in effect, this blend will be tangent to the adjacent blend.
Create a19.0 blend to the edge at the bottom of the midsection.
By default, a cliff edge overow was created where the last blend meets the holes. The resulting shape of the blend may not represent what you intended. Choose Cancel.
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Step 3:
Edit the overow condition of the existing blend. With the cursor over the blend, right click and choose Edit Parameters. Clear the Roll On Edges (Smooth or Sharp) check box. Click OK.
Step 4:
Optional: In the Explicit Overfow Resolutions group, make Select Edge to Force Roll on (0), and select some of the hole edges in the ange and notice the effect.
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Step 5: Cancel all dialogs and close all parts.
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Blending Techniques
Activity: Vertices Overow Option

In this activity, you will create blends with and without the Vertices option so that you may observe the different results. Step 1: Open apd_blend_rocker and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. Change the Rendering Style to Shaded with Edges.
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Blending Techniques
Step 2:
Create a blend with the Special Blend at Convex/Concave Y check box cleared. Click Edge Blend , or choose InsertDetail FeatureEdge Blend. Set Radius 1 to 4. If necessary expand the Settings group. Clear the Special Blend at Convex/Concave Y check box. Select the 8 edges shown in the image below.
Click Apply.
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Blending Techniques
Step 3:
Create a blend with Special Blend at Convex/Concave Y selected. Select the Special Blend at Convex/Concave Y check box. Select the 8 edges shown below and click OK.
Rotate the part and observe the 2 different results of the blending techniques.
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Step 4: Close all parts.
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Blending Techniques
Face Blends
The Face Blend function lets you create a blend tangent to specied sets of faces, with optional trimming of the blended faces. From the Feature Operation toolbar: Click Face Blend or choose InsertDetail FeatureFace Blend.
See Also: DesignModelingCreating Objects from the Insert MenuDetail Feature
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Blending Techniques
When To Use Face Blends

A face blend can be created between the faces of solid and/or sheet bodies. The faces can be nonadjacent or on a different body. The wall faces can be trimmed automatically to the new blend edges, and can also be attached to the blend. Since Face Blends are not required to follow edges, they can be successfully applied in situations where Edge Blends fail, such as in cases where entire faces are blended away. You will nd that in many blending situations, you may apply either an Edge Blend or a Face Blend. However, Face Blends offer some unique capabilities that satisfy special modeling conditions. You should use face blends when: Existing faces must be blended away. You have special radius requirements that cannot be achieved with the constant or variable radius edge blend. You want to use curves for tangency control. The faces belong to multiple bodies.
Face Blend lets you control the orientation of the cross-sections using one of two Types: Rolling Ball creates a face blend as if it were subtended by a ball rolling in constant contact with two sets of input faces. The plane of the blend cross section is dened by the two contact points and the center of the ball. Swept Section sweeps a cross section along a spine curve. The plane of the blend cross section is always normal to the spine curve.
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Blending Techniques
Face Blend Dialog Box Groups

Face Chains lets you select the rst and second sets of faces. If applicable, you can pick edges instead of faces, and NX infers the two face sets from those edges. The Curve and Face Rules apply. Blend Cross Section allows you to specify the Cross Section shape: Circular or Conic, and the values for radii or offsets. Constraining and Limiting Geometry allows selection of curves that control the tangency of the blend, or those that will limit the blend. Coincident Edges Lets you pass the blend through an edge instead of remaining tangent to the dening face sets.
Select Tangent Curve lets you control the radius of the sphere or an offset of the conic by maintaining tangency between the blend face and the dening face sets, but at a specied curve or edge that lies within one of the dening face sets. For spherical blends, you can completely dene the radius with a tangent curves string. For conic blends, the offset opposite the wall containing the tangent curve string is computed as the smallest offset dened by the tangent curve string or the constant or variable offset. Curve Rules can be used for the selection.
Select Middle Tangent Object lets you specify a third set of faces, to create a 3 face blend. This is only available for Swept Section Circular blends.
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Trim and Sew Options allows several choices: Blend Faces allows four choices for trimming the new blend faces: Trim to All Input Faces Trim to Short Input Faces Trim to Long Input Faces Do not Trim Blend Faces It also has two check boxes for trimming and sewing the input faces: Trim Input Faces to Blend Faces Sew All Faces. This is only available when Trim Input Faces to Blend Faces is selected. Overriding Trim Objects allows selection of faces or planes to limit and/or cap the blends.
Settings contains ve check boxes: Add Tangent Faces as Encountered lets you select a minimal number of faces for each face chain. Face Blend then automatically selects additional tangent faces as needed to continue the blend on the part. This does not add faces to either Face Chain. Instead it includes the tangent faces while building the blend. Orient Cross Section by Isoparameter Lines is only available when Type is set to Swept Section and is a specialized blend used mostly for turbine blades. Terminate at Sharp Edges will stop and cap the blend when it reaches a sharp edge.
Remove Self Intersections. In cases where the dening face chains cause the blend to exhibit a self-intersection, this will let Face Blend automatically replace those areas with a patch. The patch area is not a true representation of a blend produced by a rolling ball, but it is tangent to all of the surfaces to which it connects. Blend Across Sharp Edges propagates face blends across slightly non-tangent edges. This can be useful when you have slightly sharp edges that a face blend needs to cross, such as parting edges. When selected, an additional eld is enabled for specifying a maximum edge Angle.
Blending Techniques
Face Blend Attachment Methods

Use these options to specify how you want NX to trim and/or sew the blend into the part. There are two basic options Trim Input Faces to Blend Faces and Sew All Faces. The Sew All Faces option is not available unless the Trim Input Faces to Blend Faces is checked on. The additional Blend Faces options will be determined by which basic trim option you have checked on.
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Activity: Face Blending

In this activity, you will create a face blend on a part and use the Examine Geometry options to determine an allowable radius. Step 1: Open apd_face_blend_1 and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
Step 2:
Interrogate the part. Open the Part Navigator and cycle through the features.
Step 3:
Apply a face blend between the boss feature and solid body. Click Face Blend Blend. , or choose InsertDetail FeatureFace
Set Face Rule to Tangent Faces and Curve Rule to Tangent Curves.
If it is not already set, from the Type list, select Rolling Ball. In the Settings group, Select the Add Tangent Faces As Encountered check box. In the Blend Cross Section group, from the Shape list, select Circular. Set the Radius to a Constant 6.35. In the Trim and Sew Options group, from the Blend Faces list, select Trim to All Input Faces.
Blending Techniques
Select the Trim Input Faces to Blend Faces and the Sew All Faces check boxes. For the Face Chain 1 select the conical face of the Boss.
Make sure the direction arrow points away from the Boss. If not, click Flip Direction .
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Advance to the Face Chain 2 selection step. Select the vertical face of the pad adjacent to the boss shown below.
Make sure the direction arrow points away from the body. Click Flip Direction if necessary Click OK. .
Step 4:
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Create an Edge Blend on the Top edge of the boss.

Blending Techniques
Click Edge Blend
Set the Curve Rule to Vertex Tangent Edge. In the Allowed Overow Resolutions group, Clear the Roll On Edges (Smooth or Sharp) and the Special Blend At Convex/Concave Y, check boxes. Key in 4.8 for the Radius 1 value. Select the top edge of the Boss. Notice the Alert message, and the highlighted faces.
Click OK.
Shade the model and examine the completed blend. Although technically there does not appear to be anything wrong with the current blend this is not the desired visual result.
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Blending Techniques
Step 5: Step 6:
Reopen apd_face_blend_1. Apply the edge blend to the top edge of the boss. Click Edge Blend .
Key in 4.8 for the Radius 1 value. Set the Curve Rule to Face Edges. Use the same Overow Options from Step 4. Select the top face of the Boss. Click OK. Step 7: Create the Face Blend again. Click Face Blend .
Use the same parameter inputs used in Step 2. For the Face Chain 1 select the conical face of the Boss. Use Flip Direction if necessary so the direction arrow points away from the boss. Advance to the Face Chain 2 selection step.
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Blending Techniques
Select the vertical face of the pad adjacent to the boss shown below. If necessary use Flip Direction. Note the Alert message and the highlighted faces. Click OK.
Step 8:
Close all parts.
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Blending Techniques
Activity: Face Blending and Tangency Control

In this activity, you will create a face blend using tangency control to avoid the areas around holes. Step 1: Open apd_blend_rotor and start the Modeling application, if it is n ot already active.
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Blending Techniques
Step 2:
Create four associative offset curves from the upper edges of the holes. On the Curve toolbar, click Offset Curve InsertCurve from CurvesOffset. Set the Curve Rule to Single Curve. Choose one of the four top hole edges from Circular Array (6). Make sure the arrow is pointing away from the center of the hole. Key in 6.35 for the Distance. In the Settings group, make sure the Associative check box is selected. Choose Apply. Create Offset Curves at the three other holes. Since the edges of the hole are not contiguous, four separate offset operations must be performed. or choose
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Blending Techniques
Step 3:
Create a face blend using the offset curves for tangency control. Click Face Blend .
Select the top planar face of the ange for Face Chain 1. Make sure the direction arrow is pointing upward. Use Reverse Direction if needed. Advance to the Face Chain 2 selection step. Select the conical face of the boss. If necessary Reverse Direction so the direction arrow points away from the boss. In the Constraining and Limiting Geometry group, make Select Tangent Curve (0) active Select the four Offset curves. In the Trim and Sew group, make sure the Trim Input Faces to Blend Faces and Sew All Faces check boxes are selected. Use a Constant 12.7 Radius with a Circular Cross Section. Click OK. .
Step 4:
Close all parts.
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Blending Techniques
Activity: Redening Blended Edges

In this activity, you will associate a blend with different part edges. Step 1: Open apd_blend_edit and start the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
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Blending Techniques
Step 2:
Redene the edges associated with the blend. Choose EditFeatureEdit Parameters. Highlight Edge Blend(6) in the list, then click OK. Set the Curve Rule to Single Curve. Deselect the three originals edges labeled 1. Select the two new edges labeled 2.
Click OK twice. Step 3: Close all parts.
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Blending Techniques
Summary
In this lesson you: Reviewed the "rolling ball" concept of blending. Created Edge Blends. Created Face Blends. Identied general blending tips and techniques. Applied overow options.
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Lesson
Introduction to the NX Spreadsheet
Purpose The NX Spreadsheet provides an intelligent interface between the Microsoft Excel or Xess applications and NX. The natural, table-driven interface and its built-in functions facilitate associative parametric design. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Identify and distinguish the different spreadsheets available with NX. Extract and organize expressions in a spreadsheet. Update a part with parameter values dened in the spreadsheet. Apply a built-in function to determine the mass properties of a part.
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NX Spreadsheet
There are several variations of spreadsheets provided with NX. Each one provides slightly different capabilities and relationship with the part. Gateway Spreadsheet Edit Expression Spreadsheet Modeling Spreadsheet
The NX Spreadsheet can interface with either the Xess (all platforms) or Microsoft Excel (Windows only) applications. On Windows platforms, the default spreadsheet may be set by choosing PreferencesSpreadsheet from the main menu bar. For Windows platforms you will need to obtain an Exceed license to run Xess.
You can set the Session default Spreadsheet under FileUtilitiesCustomer DefaultsGatewayGeneral. If there is already a spreadsheet saved in a part, then that spreadsheet will be opened with the application that created it, regardless of the default setting. The FileUtilitiesMigrate Spreadsheet Data option can be used to move data from Xess to Excel or vice versa. See Also: GatewayCustomer DefaultsSpreadsheet
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Gateway Spreadsheet
The Gateway Spreadsheet is accessed by choosing ToolsSpreadsheet when a part is loaded and you are in the Gateway application. NX will start a copy of Xess, or Microsoft Excel on Windows, and make connections to it automatically. Messages on the status line inform you of the progress made toward connecting with the spreadsheet. If there is a copy of the spreadsheet already running on your display that can accept connections, then NX uses that copy without invoking another instance of the spreadsheet. This spreadsheet is saved with an NX part and can be used to store relevant non-geometric data. This spreadsheet is associated with a part and contains additional options in the Tools pull-down menu to save the associated part. However, it cannot be used to edit or update a model. See Also: Getting StartedWorking with PartsCommon ToolsSpreadsheet
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Edit Expressions Spreadsheet

Clicking Spreadsheet Edit in the Expressions dialog box will open a spreadsheet associated with expressions. All expressions in the part are automatically extracted into a spreadsheet containing columns for the expression name, formula, and value. Choose ToolsExpressions and click Spreadsheet Edit Name Circular_thk Diametral_pitch Face_width No_of_teeth Formula =(pi()/2)/Diametrial_pitch =No_of_teeth/Pitch_dia 1 28
. Value .0336599 4.666667 1 28
You may need to change the protection properties on the spreadsheet to edit elds other then the Formula eld. Choose ToolsProtectionUnprotect Sheet. In the spreadsheet, you are allowed to modify expressions with simple formulas by changing the contents of the column labeled Formula. With the Edit Expression Spreadsheet, you can: Change values or formulas in the column labeled Formula. Reference interpart expressions already recognized in the current expression list. Use spreadsheet native formulas as a part of the NX expression. Reference spreadsheet cells as part of the NX expression.
With the Edit Expression Spreadsheet you may not: Create or reference new interpart expression names. Change the value of interpart expressions. Add or delete expressions from the list Modify the expression names. Edit formulas with measurements or special functions

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If changes are made to the expressions in the spreadsheet, they may be applied to the model by choosing ToolsUpdate Expr from the spreadsheet menu options. The expression will update, but the Edit Expression dialog will not visibly change until the spreadsheet is either disconnected from or exited. The model can be updated by choosing Apply in the Expression Editor. If there are any interpart expressions, they will be located at the bottom of the list and their cells will be yellow and cannot be changed. If you attempt to change these cells, an error message will inform you that they are protected. To exit the spreadsheet choose FileClose and Return to Expression.
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Modeling Spreadsheet
The Modeling Spreadsheet is the most powerful of the NX spreadsheets. This spreadsheet allows you to extract data from a part, modify the part, and update part geometry without exiting the spreadsheet. Its capabilities include expression editing, goal seek, general documentation, and dening part variations. This spreadsheet offers several additional pull-down menu options that allow you to exchange information with the model. To access the Modeling Spreadsheet choose ToolsSpreadsheet . See Also: Getting StartedWorking with PartsCommon ToolsSpreadsheet Common characteristics of the Modeling Spreadsheet: Accessed from all applications except Gateway. Stored internally with a part but can also be saved externally using Save As. Extracts data from a part and modies part data. Update a model. Optimize a model based on design criteria.
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Spreadsheet NX Preferences
The Modeling Spreadsheet provides several preferences that are specic to NX. These may be accessed by choosing OptionsNX Preferences from the active spreadsheet menu bar. There are four check boxes in the Preferences dialog box. Vertical Orientation (selected by standard default) Auto Refresh on Load (cleared by standard default) Use Fixed Update Range (selected by standard default) Auto Fit on Update (cleared by standard default) Vertical Orientation dictates whether extracted expressions are presented in columns or rows. When selected, expression names are placed in a vertical column with the expression values to the right of the names. When cleared, the expression names are placed horizontally with the expression values below the names. Auto Refresh on Load causes the automatic update of the values for all expression names that are in the Active Expression Range when the spreadsheet is loaded. Use Fixed Update Range is used to enable or disable cursor sensitivity as it relates to updating the part. When selected, the cursor is ignored during update. Auto Fit on Update is used to enable or disable graphics t operations after the update occurs using ToolsUpdate NX Part.
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Extracting Expressions and Updating the NX Part

The Tools pull-down menu in the Modeling Spreadsheet contains the following options that apply to exchanging expressions between the spreadsheet and the part. UpdateNX Part - Updates the part with the NX data included in the Active Range. Extract Expr - Imports ALL of the part expressions names and values in the active part into the spreadsheet. The cell cursor denes the beginning cell location according to the orientation (column or row) determined by the Preferences setting. Refresh Expr - Updates the spreadsheet with existing expression data that was edited in the NX part. Save Part - Same as FileSave in NX but you do not have to exit the spreadsheet. Save Part As - Same as FileSave As in NX but you do not have to exit the spreadsheet.
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Active Expression Range

The Active Expression Range is a named range of cells in the spreadsheet that denes the area that contains the active block of NX expression data. It includes both the expression names and the corresponding formulas (or values). The cells in the rst column (vertical orientation) or row (horizontal orientation) contain the expression names. The cells immediately to the right (or below) contain the corresponding values or formulas. When you update the part, the Active Expression Range determines what data is sent back to NX. A 1 2 3 4 5 6 Parameters Circular_thk Diametrial_pitch Face_width No_of_teeth _p1 B 0.36 4.2 1 32 7.9
There are two ways that the Active Expression Range can be dened: If you extract expressions by choosing ToolsExtract Expr, the active range is automatically dened. If you input the expressions manually or modify the list of extracted expressions, you must explicitly set the active range by selecting (highlighting) the cells that contain the expression names and values (or formulas) and choosing EditDene Expr Rng.
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Saving Spreadsheet Data and Returning to NX

When a spreadsheet is invoked, control of the NX session is handed over to the spreadsheet and all other functions are suspended. The NX main menu bar is disabled until the spreadsheet is exited or disconnected. Although the spreadsheet is stored internally with a part, you must save the spreadsheet data to include it with the part. You can save the spreadsheet data before exiting by choosing FileUpdate from the spreadsheet menu bar. This saves the new spreadsheet data within the loaded part. This data is not saved on disk until the part is also saved. Saving the part using ToolsSave Part in the spreadsheet will save the NX part but not any new spreadsheet information. It will save the part with the data that was in the spreadsheet when the spreadsheet was last saved. There are two ways to return control to NX in a session. In Excel, choose FileExit to close the spreadsheet. In Xess, choose FileClose and Return to Modeling.
Once you attempt to exit the spreadsheet you will be asked if you want to Save the spreadsheet (OK), Cancel the request or Discard the spreadsheet and all changes made.
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Workow: Using the Modeling Spreadsheet

The basic steps to use the Modeling Spreadsheet to manage expressions are as follows: Build a parametric model. In the Modeling application, invoke the spreadsheet. Choose ToolsExtract Expr (or manually enter the expressions and values). Organize the expression data by moving cells and clearing the cells that contain expressions that are not needed. Choose EditDene Expr Rng to set the active range. Establish proper spreadsheet protection, choose ToolsProtection. Perform any design optimization and/or analysis to modify the expressions. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part to update the model with the modied expression data. Save both the spreadsheet and the part.
These are general steps to incorporate spreadsheets into a design process. Company specic standards and procedures should be implemented to maximize the benets of spreadsheets and facilitate the exchange of data.
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Activity: Timing Gear Spreadsheet (Excel)

In this activity, you will create a Excel spreadsheet to control the expressions and formulas in an existing model. If you are not running Windows, this activity is also in the Appendix, Introduction to the NX SpreadsheetXess Activities. Step 1: Open apd_timing_gear, and save it as ***_timing_gear.
The design intent for this part dictates that the gear be driven by the following parameters: Number of Teeth Pitch Diameter Face Width The following additional parameters are calculated: Diametral Pitch Tooth Thickness
Outside Diameter Base Diameter
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Step 2:
Examine and modify the part. Start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. Using the Part Navigator review the features used to construct the part. Examine the expressions in the Expressions dialog box. Edit the following expressions and update the part. No_of_teeth = 32 Pitch_dia = 190.5
Step 3:
Activate the Modeling Spreadsheet and extract expressions. Choose PreferencesSpreadsheet and make sure the Default Spreadsheet Application is set to Excel. Choose ToolsSpreadsheet. From the spreadsheet menu bar. choose OptionsNX Preferences If not already set, select the Vertical Orientation and Use Fixed Update Range check boxes, and make sure all others are cleared. Highlight cell A1. Choose ToolsExtract Expr. This will extract all of the expressions from the part and add them to the spreadsheet. The expression names will be placed in column A and titled Parameters and the expression values are placed in column B. Adjust the widths of the two columns for a better view of the contents.
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Step 4:
Clear unwanted expressions. Only the expressions with user-dened names will be evaluated in the spreadsheet. Remove all of the _p# expressions by highlighting the cells that contain them, and choose EditClearAll. Then Cut and Paste the pitch dia and root dia Parameter and values from rows 51 and 52 to rows 10 and 11. Your spreadsheet should resemble the chart below. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 A Parameters array_angle array_no circular_thk diametrial_pitch face_width instance_hole_dia no_of_teeth outside_dia pitch_dia root_dia B 60 6 9.351146883 0.167979003 20 30 32 202.40625 190.5 176.7244688
Step 5:
Add a header for the Expressions column. Select cell B1 and type Expressions. Make the text in cell B1 bold and italicized for easier identication.
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Step 6:
Group the critical Expressions together so you can dene an Expression Range. Use Cut and Paste to rearrange the Expressions in the following order. Also, Clear all cells not shown below. You can also drag entire rows up or down the spreadsheet. A 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Parameters no_of_teeth pitch_dia face_width circular_thk diametrial_pitch outside_dia root_dia B Expressions 32 190.5 20 9.351146883 0.167979003 202.40625 176.7244688
Step 7:
Test the spreadsheet. Change the following values in the Expressions column: No_of_teeth = 28 Pitch_dia = 152.4 Face_width = 30
Step 8:
Dene the Expression Range and update the part. To restrict an update to a specic set of expressions, an Active Expression Range can be dened. Only the expressions in these cells are used to update the part from the spreadsheet. Select cells A2 through B4. Choose EditDene Expr Rng. The message conrming that you have set the range should appear in the lower left portion of the spreadsheet window. From the menu bar, choose ToolsUpdate NX Part. The spreadsheet will send the new expression information to the part and update the model with the new values.
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Step 9:
Exit the spreadsheet and verify the Expression change. From the spreadsheet menu bar, choose FileClose & Return to Modeling. Choose OK when prompted as to whether or not to save the current spreadsheet data. Notice the holes in the web are gone. Their status is controlled by an expression that is based on the Pitch Diameter. If the Pitch Diameter is less than 180, the holes are suppressed. Choose ToolsExpression and verify the changes made from the spreadsheet.
Step 10: Save but do not close your part.
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Built-in Spreadsheet Functions

In addition to being an expression editor, the spreadsheet can also be used to perform functions based on a single or a series of mathematical equations. If the analysis can be dened by equations it can be performed inside the spreadsheet. A typical generic built-in function would be =SUM(c1,c2). This function adds the values of the specied cells, c1 and c2. You would nd this sort of function in virtually any spreadsheet. As more information is added, it is benecial to develop standards for the format and styling so that users of the spreadsheets throughout your company will see a consistent interface. These standards could address cell locations for input areas and formulas, cell colors, and header naming conventions. In addition to the normal built-in functions, the spreadsheet adds functions that integrate the spreadsheet with NX. An example of an NX built-in spreadsheet function would be =UGEXPR("p1"). This function fetches the value of an expression with the specied name. The built-in functions provided by NX in the spreadsheet allow you to relate spreadsheet calculations directly to objects or other part information, as well as perform specialized mathematical functions. Functions in the Excel spreadsheet application do not require an "@" character preceding the name.
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Mass Properties Function

One of the most useful built-in spreadsheet functions extracts the mass properties of a solid from a part, MASS3D. This function can be utilized to determine the weight or volume of a part in order to perform a design optimization. =MASS3D("object_name", type, units) Returns mass properties for a named sheet or body, or all sheets or solids in a part or assembly component. Single returned values are placed in the cell. Multiple values are returned in sets of 3 columns. When all properties (type=0) are returned, each property is placed in consecutive rows of the spreadsheet. Multiple values for a property are placed in adjacent columns. Values for object_name are: object name string component part name PART SOLIDS SHEETS extracts mass properties of a single solid of sheet with the given name extracts mass properties of all solids and sheets in the component part extracts mass properties for all solids and sheets in the part extracts mass properties for all solids in the part extracts mass properties for all sheets in the part
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Values for the type eld are: Type 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 42 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3x3=9 3 3 3 1 1 # of Values Area Volume Mass Center of Mass (CofM), WCS First Moments, WCS Axes and Origin Moments of Inertia with respect to (w.r.t.) WCS Axes and Origin Moments of Inertia w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Spherical Moment of Inertia w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Inertia Products w.r.t. WCS Axes and Origin Inertia Products w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Principal Axes, WCS Principal Moments w.r.t. CofM Origin Radii Of Gyration w.r.t. WCS Axes and Origin Radii Of Gyration w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Spherical Radius of Gyration w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Density Description All properties
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Values for units are: 1 2 3 4 pounds & inches pounds & feet grams & centimeters kilograms & meters
The MASS3D built-in function is only one of many that have been included to facilitate the exchange of information between NX and the spreadsheet. See the appendices for a list of additional built-in functions. For a complete description of the functions, refer to on-line help.
Examples =MASS3D("bracket", 2, 1 ) This will calculate the volume of a solid or sheet object named bracket and return the result in cubic inches. If the work part is an assembly, this will calculate the mass of all objects in the component part named bracket. =MASS3D("solids", 3, 4 ) This will calculate the mass of all solid bodies in the work part and return the result in kilograms. If the work part is an assembly, this will calculate the mass of all loaded solid bodies in the component parts. In Excel, when applying a function in which the output produces multiple elds, you must rst select all of the cells that the function will ll, type in the function, and then hit Ctrl-Shift-Enter.
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Activity: Mass Properties in a Spreadsheet (Excel)

In this activity, you will use the mass properties function in the spreadsheet to obtain the weight of a solid. If you are not running Windows, this activity is also in the Appendix, Introduction to the NX SpreadsheetXess Activities Step 1: Continue using the part ***_timing_gear in the Modeling application.
Step 2:
Assign a name to the gear solid so the spreadsheet will be able to identify the solid to use in the analysis. Choose EditProperties. Select the solid body from the graphics area and click OK. Make sure you select the solid body and not the feature. On the General page, enter gear for the name and click OK.
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Step 3:
Assign a density to the solid. Choose EditFeatureSolid Density. In the Units list, select Grams - Centimeters. Enter a Solid Density of 7.249 and press Enter. Select the solid body and choose OK. A density may also be assigned to a solid by assigning a material to it. Choose ToolsMaterial Properties. At the bottom of the dialog box, click Library. In the Search Criteria dialog, make sure the Category list is set to Metals and choose OK. Select a material from the list of metals and click OK. With the Materials dialog box active, select the solid and click OK. These material properties are also used by the Structures and Motion applications
Step 4:
Add a mass properties function to the spreadsheet. Choose ToolsSpreadsheet. In cell B12 enter the title Timing Gear Mass. In cell B13 enter =mass3d("gear",3,1) and press Enter.
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Step 5:
Change the width of the gear. Change the expression Face_width to 32 in the spreadsheet. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part and note the change to the value of the mass. A 1 2 3 4 12 13 Parameters No_of_teeth Pitch_dia Face_width B Expressions 28 152.4 32 Timing Gear Mass 5.770377309
Step 6: Step 7:
Close and save the spreadsheet and Return to Modeling. Save your part.
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Summary
The NX Spreadsheet offers a natural table driven interface to facilitate design and analysis. In this lesson you: Identied the different spreadsheets available with NX. Extracted and organized expressions in a spreadsheet. Modied expressions and updated a part from a spreadsheet. Applied a built-in function to determine the mass of a part.
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Lesson
10 Design Optimization
Purpose Besides serving as an interface to edit expressions and enter complex formulas, the spreadsheet can be utilized to implement optimization tools into your design process. These tools will automatically vary specied parameters and update the part until a desired result is achieved. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Apply the Goal Analysis tool to help identify an acceptable range of values for the Goal Seek. Apply the Goal Seek tool to optimize a design.
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Design Optimization
Goal Seek
The Goal Seek function is a means by which you can vary the value of one variable in order to achieve a desired result in another variable, using an iterative technique. Performing a Goal Seek requires that you dene a Variable Cell, Target Cell, Target Value, Tolerance, and Max Iterations. With this information, the system will go through the following process: Make a guess for the initial variable value. Perform a spreadsheet recalculation. Update the part with the expressions in the active range. Perform another spreadsheet recalculation. Compare the target cell to the target value. Repeat the process if the target cell and target value are not within the tolerance.
The specic mathematical calculations performed are based on the type of Goal Seek that is being used. The "guesses" for each iteration are made according to that calculation. The Goal Seek dialog contains a toggle to Perform NX Updates that control whether the part is actually updated during each iteration. If the target parameters are calculated strictly from formulas in the spreadsheet, this option can be toggled off to improve performance. If the target parameters are dependent on the part geometry or data in the part (i.e. mass, volume, distance), then this should be toggled on so that new values will be calculated for each iteration. See Also: GatewayGatewayGateway menu & Dialog ReferenceToolsSpreadsheetModeling Spreadsheet
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Design Optimization
Goal Seek Methods

There are several methods that can be used to perform a goal seek. Each method uses a different set of mathematical calculations to obtain the desired result. The method can be set by choosing OptionsSetup Goal Seek from the spreadsheet menu bar. The methods that are available: Regula Falsi Method Newton-Raphson Newton-Raphson 2D Nonlinear Sidel 2D Optimize 1xN Once the method is established, the Goal Seek may be performed by choosing ToolsGoal Seek. The Goal Seek dialogs vary for each method and are described in the following pages. The proper selection of either an initial guess or upper and lower brackets will assist the goal seek process in converging on a solution and reduce the number of iterations required. It is still possible that there will be no convergence to a solution so it is important to identify a maximum number of iterations. Regula-Falsi Regula-Falsi is also known as False Position or Bracket goal seek. It works by nding two limits for the variable value that result in outputs that are above and below the target value (bracketing). The program then tightens the upper and lower limits until the solution is found within the tolerance. Variable Cell must have contents, but cannot contain a formula. Target Cell must contain a formula. Target Value is the desired result of the formula in the Target Cell. Upper Bracket and Lower Bracket values are optional. If you do not enter a value, the program will assign the current value of the Variable Cell as the lower limit and the upper bracket will be that value plus a small offset. Tolerance is the desired accuracy of convergence. Max Iterations limits the number of tries that the system will make in trying to obtain a solution. Perform NX Update tells the system whether or not to update the part. This option should be on if you are changing values that control the model.
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Design Optimization
Newton-Raphson The standard Newton-Raphson method starts with an initial guess for the solution, then calculates the derivative (slope) of the function at that guess. The derivative slope is used to get a new guess for the solution function. Mathematically speaking, the program calculates the derivative by taking a small step away from the given point, and then dividing the difference between the two function values by the step size. derivative = (f(p0)-f(p1))/(p0-p1) where:f() = function p0 = initial guess p1 = initial guess + small delta Variable Cell must have contents, but cannot contain a formula. Start Point tells the system at what value to begin its search. This eld is optional, and if left blank the current value of the Variable Cell will be used. Target Cell must contain a formula. Target Value is the desired result. Tolerance is the desired accuracy of convergence. Max Iterations limits the number of tries that the system will make in trying to obtain a solution. Perform NX Update tells the system whether or not to update the part. This option should be on if you are changing values that control the model. Zero Slope Function allows the system to handle functions that have a zero slope and converge on an accurate solution. An example of a zero slope might be a case where the result of a function is a percentage value, and once the percentage gets to 100% it stops increasing. The slope of the curve when the function is clamped to 100% is zero. For example consider the following function: if (x<10) x*x else 100 This function returns x squared until the value is 10 and then it is 100 regardless of the input. Using normal Newton-Raphson goal seek with a target value of 100, the program may make a guess of 12.4 for x. The function is evaluated, the result is 100, and since the target has been achieved the goal seek stops. Even though a value of 12.4 for x does match the target, it is not really the value we want. By turning on the Zero Slope Function option, the goal seek nds the value of 10 as the value for x.
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The Zero Slope Function does take more computational effort, and additional iterations to achieve the solution but will yield correct results when dealing with a slope of zero.
Associative Parametric Design Student Guide UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved mt10040_g NX 5
Design Optimization
Newton-Raphson 2D Newton-Raphson 2D goal seek is a variation of Newton-Raphson designed to nd solutions to cases with two equations and two unknowns. Variable Cell 1 is the cell location to change. The cell must have contents, but cannot contain a formula. Start Point 1 is an initial guess for Variable Cell 1. This eld is optional, and if left blank the current value of Variable Cell 1 is used. Target Cell 1 must contain a formula. Target Value 1 is the desired result for the formula in Target Cell 1. Variable Cell 2 is the second cell to change. Start Point 2 is the optional initial guess for Variable Cell 2. If left blank, the current value of the Variable Cell 2 is used. Target Cell 2 is the cell location of a second formula. Target Value 2 is for the desired result for the formula in Target Cell 2. Tolerance is the desired accuracy of convergence. Max Iterations limits the number of tries that the system will make in trying to obtain a solution. Perform NX Update tells the system whether or not to update the part. This option should be on if you are changing values that control the model. The initial start points may be left blank. If so, the current values of the variable cells will be used for initial guesses.
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Design Optimization
Non-linear 2D Sidel Iteration Non-linear 2D Sidel Iteration is a more specialized 2D solver. It is designed to handle the following type situations: Given: Solve such that and f(x,y)=p1 and g(x,y)=p2 p1=x (of f(x,y)=x) p2 = y (or g(x,y)=y)
You can think of this function as making the variable cells equal to the corresponding target values. Variable Cell 1 is a cell location to change. The cell must have contents, but cannot contain a formula. Start Point 1 is the initial guess for Variable Cell 1. This eld is optional, and if left blank the current value of Variable Cell 1 is used. Target Cell 1 must contain a formula. Variable Cell 2 is a second cell to change. Start Point 2 is the optional initial guess for Variable Cell 2. If left blank, the current value of Variable Cell 2 is used. Target Cell 2 is the cell that contains a second formula. Tolerance is the desired accuracy of convergence. Max Iterations limits the number of tries that the system will make in trying to obtain a solution. Perform NX Update tells the system whether or not to update the part. This option should be on if you are changing values that control the model. The initial start points may once again be left blank, and as before the current value of the associated variable cell will be used as the initial guess.
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Design Optimization
Optimize 1xN Optimize 1xN lets you solve problems using multiple variables to control one objective or target function as the output. An example might be where several size and thickness parameters are variables, with strength or weight being the output objective function. You can use Optimize 1xN goal seek to determine values for the input parameters that t within your dened constraints in order to maximize the strength, or even minimize the weight. Num. Variables The number of input variable, up to ten. Variable Cell(s)The input variable cells. Input of multiple cells is done by using a comma between each cell identier. Start Point(s) tells the system at what value to begin its search. This eld is optional, and if left blank the current value of the Variable Cell will be used. Optimize 1xN generally requires a decent start point for the function to converge. Min Bound(s) identies the lower limit(s). Max Bound(s) identies the upper limit(s). Target Cell is where the result will be placed. Tolerance is the desired accuracy of convergence. Max Iterations limits the number of tries that the system will make in trying to obtain a solution. Perform NX Update tells the system whether or not to update the part. This option should be on if you are changing values that control the model. Trace Function - On UNIX platforms, if you select the Trace Function checkbox, the system prints additional information to the terminal window. On Windows platforms, selecting the Trace Function checkbox has no effect.
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Design Optimization
Goal Analysis
Before beginning a Goal Seek operation, it may be helpful to perform a Goal Analysis. Goal Analysis will generate a graph and table of the variable cell values versus the target cell values at incremental steps within a specic range. The graph and table can be used to determine an initial guess or bracket values for a goal seek operation. This option can be accessed by choosing ToolsGoal Analysis from the Spreadsheet main menu. The dialog box provides the following elds:
Variable Cell Target Cell Lower Bracket Upper Bracket Number of steps Results Cell
Cell to change Output value to graph Lower range limit for the graph Upper range limit for the graph Resolution of the graph Where to put the results
There is also a check box for Perform NX Update. All of the elds must be completed to perform a Goal Analysis. The variable cell is initialized with the lower bracket value, and then increased (or decreased) to the upper bracket value in the specied number of steps. The results cell should be set to an open area on the spreadsheet so that intermediate values can be saved for graphical output. The intermediate results use two columns and "Number of Steps" rows to save the data. Upon completion, the variable cell is set to its original value.
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Design Optimization
The line graph table results of a sample Goal Analysis are shown below.
From the graph, you can determine appropriate upper and lower brackets and reduce the number of iterations required during the Goal Seek operation.
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Design Optimization
Activity: Optimizing a Part for Volume

In this activity, you will apply the Goal Seek function in a spreadsheet to vary a parameter of a solid until a desired volume is reached. Step 1: Open apd_optimize_1 and save it as ***_optimize_1. The part currently contains an extracted, simplied solid on layer 2 representing the internal volume. (The original solid is on layer 1.) The design intent requires that the volume of the reservoir be at 1 liter. The Length parameter (indicated below) will be modied to attain this desired volume.
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Design Optimization
Step 2:
Name the simplied solid representing the volume. The simplied solid will be used in the spreadsheet analysis and must be named for the spreadsheet to recognize it. Start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. Choose EditProperties. Select the solid body and click OK. You may need to use QuickPick to be able to select the solid body instead of the feature. On the General page of the Solid Body Properties dialog box, key in volume for the Name and click OK.
Step 3:
Set the Spreadsheet preferences. Choose PreferencesSpreadsheet. If necessary set the Default Application to Excel. If you were working on a Unix workstation your preference would be set to Xess. Exit the dialog.
Step 4:
Invoke the Modeling Spreadsheet and extract expressions. Choose ToolsSpreadsheet. Choose OptionsNX Preferences from the spreadsheet menu bar. Make sure the Vertical Orientation and Use Fixed Update Range check boxes are both selected, and all others are cleared, and click OK. Highlight cell A1. Choose ToolsExtract Expr. Clear all of the cells containing expressions, except for Length and Width. A 1 2 3 Parameters Length Width B 144 136
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Design Optimization
Step 5:
Add a mass properties function to calculate volume. In cell B5 enter Volume. In cell B6 enter =mass3d("volume",2,3), for Xess enter @mass3d("volume",2,3). A 1 2 3 5 6 Parameters Length Width Volume 878.8681 If the volume does not appear as a numerical value, edit the Format Cells and change it to General. B
144 136
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Design Optimization
Step 6:
Perform a Goal Analysis to determine approximate range for the Length. Choose ToolsGoal Analysis. To obtain the desired volume of 1.0 liters, it is estimated the Length will probably be between 144 and 160. These values will be used as the bracket values in the Goal Analysis. Enter the following settings: Variable Cell = B2 Target Cell = B6 Lower Bracket = 144 Upper Bracket = 160 Number of Steps = 5 Results Cell = B8 Make sure the Perform NX Update check box is selected. Click OK. The analysis reveals that the required length will be close to 159. A good range to use for the Goal Seek would be between 158 and 160. 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 12 12 Volume 878.8681 Analysis Results 144 147.2 150.4 153.6 156.8 160 878.8681 905.6003 932.3325 959.0647 985.797 1012.529
Dismiss the Chart 1 sheet containing the graph by selecting the Sheet 1 tab at the bottom of the worksheet.
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Design Optimization
Step 7:
Set up the Goal Seek method. From the spreadsheet menu bar, choose OptionsSetup Goal Seek. Make sure the method is set to Regula Falsi Method. Click OK.
Step 8:
Perform the Goal Seek. From the spreadsheet menu bar, choose ToolsGoal Seek. Enter the following settings: Variable Cell = B2 Target Cell = B6 Target Value = 1000 Lower Bracket = 158 Upper Bracket = 160 Tolerance = 1.0e-3 Max Iterations = 20 Perform NX Update on Click OK. Notice cells B2 and B6. The Goal Seek was successful and resulted in a suitable length to obtain the required volume within the tolerance.
Step 9:
Save and Exit the spreadsheet.
Step 10: Save and close the part.
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Design Optimization
Summary
The spreadsheet provides tools that interact with the NX part and allow you to optimize a design by varying parameters until a desired result is achieved. In this lesson you: Used the Goal Analysis tool to determine an approximate range and minimize the iterations for the Goal Seek function. Applied the Goal Seek tool to determine a parameter value that resulted in a desired volume.
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Lesson
11
11 Dening Part and Assembly Variations

Purpose Variations of a part or assembly can be dened and managed with the Modeling spreadsheet, providing exibility in customizing the family members. New variations can be created from a template part containing a spreadsheet table. Objective Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Dene and build variations of a piece part in a spreadsheet. Apply lookup functions in a spreadsheet to extract data from a table. Dene and update a modular assembly that allows the spreadsheet in one part to communicate with the spreadsheet in another part. Control the suppression of a component using an expression. See Also: Getting StartedWorking with PartsCommon ToolsSpreadsheet
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Dening Part and Assembly Variations
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Creating Variations of a Piece Part

One of the powerful capabilities of the spreadsheet is the ability to dene variations of a part which can be updated from a table of possible parameter values. This can be utilized, instead of the Part Family functionality, to generate family member parts with read and write access that can be further modied independent of the template part.
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A Simple Variation Table

One way to generate the variations of a part is to create a simple table in a template part using the Modeling Spreadsheet. The table contains rows dening each variation table and columns for each parameter. A new part is created by selecting a cell in the appropriate row and updating the part.
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Procedure: Creating a Template Part

Once the table is dened in the template part, the following steps can be used to create a new part. 1. Start the Modeling application. 2. Choose ToolsSpreadsheet. 3. Choose EditDene Expr Rng. 4. Dene the Active Expression Range 5. Choose OptionsNX Preferences and check off Fixed Update Range and Vertical Orientation. 6. Select a design variation. 7. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part. 8. Choose ToolsSave Part As and specify the name of the new part.
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Activity: Part Variations in a Spreadsheet

In this activity you will dene and build variations of an in-line skate wheel using the Modeling Spreadsheet. If you are not running Windows, this activity is also included in the Appendix as Part Activity: Variations in a Spreadsheet (Xess) Step 1: Open apd_wheel_template, and save it as ***_wheel_template. The model has already been created. The part is in inches, but the sketch has been created to allow input of the parameters you will be working with in millimeters. Some of the variations require a solid core (no spokes or cutouts). An expression will be created to control the suppression of the core features.
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1. Core 2. Outside_dia 3. Contact_radius Step 2: Create an expression to suppress the features dening the core of the wheel. Start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. On the Edit Feature toolbar, click Suppress by Expression , or choose EditFeatureSuppress by Expression. From the Expression Option list, select Create shared. From the Candidate Features list, select the feature set named CORE(20) and click Apply.
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Click Show Expressions and note the name of the new expression created. CORE (20)p0=1 Step 3: Rename the suppression expression. Rename the expression you just created to Show_core. Step 4: Step 5: Save your part. Dene the part table in the spreadsheet. Choose ToolsSpreadsheet. Create a table dening the wheel variations as shown below. Make row 10 the rst row of the table to allow room for data to be added later in the lesson. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Fitness f01 f02 f03 f04 f05 h01 h02 r01 r02 r03 Contact_radius Outside_dia Show_core 8 8 8 8 8 9.5 9.5 6.4 6.4 6.4 80 78 76 72 70 72 70 82 80 78 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1
Hockey Racing
All of the cells containing values for the Contact_radius, Outside_dia, and Show_core expressions should be the General type. Save the spreadsheet by clicking Save (on the spreadsheet Standard toolbar). Step 6: Check the Preferences. Choose OptionsNX Preferences. Clear the Vertical Orientation and Use Fixed Update Range check boxes.. Click OK.
Step 7:
Dene the expression range. Highlight cells C10 through E20. Choose EditDene Expr Rng.
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Step 8:
Build the new wheel. Click cell C17. The part to build is selected by making one of the cells in its row active. Adjust your NX screen and your spreadsheet to view both and observe the part during update. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part. Choose FileClose & Return to Modeling. Click OK to save the spreadsheet before exiting. Save your NX part as ***_wheel_h02.
Step 9:
Close all parts.
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Using Table Lookup Functions

An alternative method to build a new part is to specify a part number or dash number in a designated spreadsheet cell, and use table lookup commands to select the appropriate parameter values from the table. @VLOOKUP( X, R, N ) X = a search string or number, R = a range of cells, N = a numeric value This function searches the rst column in the range of cells R for the specied string or number X. If a match is found, it returns the value N columns to the right of the cell containing the match. The HLOOKUP function will search data in a horizontal orientation. In the example below, the dash number of the part to build (-13) is specied in cell C8. The values of the parameters of the part are determined by looking for this dash number in the rst column of a table (column A). When the dash number is found, the values in the cells one, two, and three columns to the right are returned. Cells A4..B6 are set as the Active Expression Range for the part.
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Activity: Variations with Lookup Functions

In this activity, you will modify the spreadsheet for the skate wheel and build a variation using table lookup functions. If you are not running in Windows, this activity is also included in the Appendix, as Activity: :Variations with Lookup Functions (Xess). Step 1: Open ***_wheel_template.
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Step 2:
Modify the spreadsheet to use table lookup functions to dene parameters. Invoke the Modeling Spreadsheet. A 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Fitness B f01 f02 f03 f04 f05 h01 h02 r01 r02 r03 C D E Contact_radius Outside_dia Show_core 8.0 80 1 8.0 78 1 8.0 76 1 8.0 72 1 8.0 70 1 9.5 72 0 9.5 70 0 6.4 82 1 6.4 80 1 6.4 78 1
Hockey Racing
Add data shown below to the rst eight rows of the spreadsheet. A 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Build Variation r01 Parameters Contact_radius Outside_dia Show_core B Values 6.4 82 1
In cell B8 key in f02. In cell B3 key in =VLOOKUP(B8,B11:E20,2) In cell B4 key in =VLOOKUP(B8,B11:E20,3) In cell B5 key in =VLOOKUP(B8,B11:E20,4)
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Step 3:
Dene the expression range. Choose OptionsNX Preferences from the spreadsheet menu bar. Toggle both the Vertical Orientation and the Use Fixed Update Range options on. Highlight cells A3 through B5. Choose EditDene Expr Rng. Save the spreadsheet by choosing the Save icon and save the part by choosingToolsSave Part.
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Step 4:
Build and save a wheel. Enter the text r01 in cell B8. Adjust your NX screen and your spreadsheet to view the part during update. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part. Choose FileClose & Return to Modeling. Choose OK to save the spreadsheet before exiting. Save your NX part as ***_wheel_r01.
Step 5:
Close all parts.
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Suppressing Components
Components may be suppressed in an assembly just as features may be suppressed from a solid model in a piece part. Suppressed components will not appear in assembly reports and parts lists. In the Assembly application, there are different ways to suppress and unsuppress components: On the Assemblies toolbar, click Suppress Component AssembliesComponentsSuppress Component. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Unsuppress Component AssembliesComponentsUnsuppress Component. , or choose
, or choose
The Suppression dialog box can also be accessed by right clicking the component(s) in the graphics area and choosing Suppression. Or in the Assembly Navigator right click a node and choose Suppression.
See Also: DesignAssembliesFunction DetailsAssemblies MenuComponents Menu
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Suppress Components by Expression

A useful method to control the suppression of a component is through the use of an expression. This allows you to suppress or unsuppress components in dening assembly congurations with a spreadsheet or based on the result of a condition. An expression may be created to control the suppress state of components by right clicking the component (in the Part navigator) and choosing Suppression.
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The name of the expression to be created may be entered in the Expression text eld. By default, a "p-number" expression name will be created. Once the expression is created, the component(s) may be suppressed or unsuppressed by changing the expression value. A component is suppressed when its associated expression equals zero and unsuppressed when it is non-zero.
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Activity: Suppressing Comp. with Expressions

In this activity, you will suppress the brake component for certain congurations of the in-line skate using an expression in the spreadsheet. If you are not running in Windows, this activity is also included in the Appendix, as Activity: :Suppressing Comp. with Expressions (Xess). Step 1: Open apd_mod_assm_excel. Start the Assemblies application. Step 2: Clone the existing seed assembly. Choose AssembliesCloningCreate Clone Assembly. Choose Add Assembly. Select the part apd_mod_assm_excel and click OK. Choose the Naming tab. Choose Dene Naming Rule. Choose Replace. For the Base String, key in apd For the Add/Replace/Rename String , key in your initials. Click OK. Leave the Default Output Directory blank in the Clone Assembly dialog so the cloned parts will appear in your home directory. Choose the Main tab. Choose Set Defaults. If no error messages is generated, choose Execute. Review then close the Information window. Choose Close.
Step 3:
Open ***_mod_assm_excel.
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Step 4:
Create an expression to control Brake Suppression Choose ToolsExpression. Create an expression with the name show_brake and the value as 1. Click OK.
Step 5:
Create an expression to control the suppression of the brake component. In the Assembly Navigator right click Brake and choose Suppression. Choose Controlled by Expression. Enter show_brake for the expression name. Click OK.
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Step 6:
Modify the assembly spreadsheet to exclude the brake for certain congurations. Invoke the Modeling Spreadsheet. Add a column for the show_brake expression in the assembly conguration table and enter the number 1 or 0 for each assembly conguration as shown below. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 skt401 skt402 skt411 skt412 skt501 skt521 skt522 Frame fr4 fr4 fr4 fr4 fr5 fr5 fr5 Wheel w01 w02 w11 w12 w02 w21 w22 show_brake 1 1 0 0 1 0 1
Enter the name of the expression that suppresses the brake in cell A6 . Enter the lookup function =vlookup(b8,a11:d17,4) in cell B6 Highlight cells A6..B6 and choose EditDene Expr Rng. Choose FileUpdate. Choose ToolsSave Part.
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Step 7:
Build a new conguration. Choose OptionsUpdate Methods and make sure Modular Assembly Update is selected. Change the conguration to skt521 in cell B8. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part. This should update the assembly to a ve-wheel skate without a brake.
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Step 8: Step 9:
Save and exit the spreadsheet. Save and close all parts.
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Summary
Part and assembly congurations can be dened in the Modeling Spreadsheet. A template, or seed part, can be created with variations dened in a spreadsheet table. New congurations can be generated and customized. In this lesson you: Dened variations of a piece part in a spreadsheet table. Applied lookup functions to extract parameters from a spreadsheet table based on a single part identier. Dened and updated assembly congurations using a modular assembly method, allowing the spreadsheet in an assembly to pass data to the spreadsheets of components. Excluded a component from assembly congurations in a spreadsheet using the Suppress by Expression option.
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Appendix
A Design Intent and Model Construction

Purpose This appendix contains an activity to relate the design intent of a part to the construction of the model.
A-1
Design Intent and Model Construction
Activity: Incorporating Design Intent into a Model

In this activity, you will create a parametric model according to a given, well dened design intent. The design intent will be incorporated into the model through the use of the following: Expressions Sketch constraints Datum features Form features and feature operations
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Cam Pocket Counterbored hole: 5.1 cbore diameter 3.8 cbore depth 2.5 hole diameter
A-3
Design Considerations The outside radius of the part is determined by the intersection of the 88.90 vertical dimension and the 50.80 horizontal dimension. The cam roller center (12.7dia circle) is determined by the intersection of the counterbore hole centerline (22 degrees) and the vertical center line of the part. The inside radius of the part is determined by the location of the cam roller (2.5). The cam pocket is tilted at a 6.37 angle from vertical. The upper prole of the pocket is made up of a 69.85 radius arc and a 38.10 radius arc that are both tangent to the cam roller. The centers of the arcs lie along the 6.37 reference line. The width of the pocket is 19.0 and should always be 6.35 larger than the cam roller diameter.
Potential Areas for Change The dimensions below are the most critical parameters of the part. Assume that their values are output by an external analysis program and are likely to change often, based on customer requirements and design optimization.
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When the 88.90 vertical (vdist) or 50.80 horizontal (hdist) dimension changes. The outside diameter should change. The origin of the counterbore hole should change and remain on the outside diameter. The position of the cam roller should change to align with the hole centerline. The 69.85 and 38.1 radius arcs on the pocket should remain tangent to the cam roller with their centers on the 6.37 line. The inside radius should change to remain offset 2.5 from the cam roller.
If the 12.7 cam roller diameter (roller_dia) changes. The 69.85 radius arc and the 38.1 radius arc should be tangent with their centers on the 6.37 reference line. The inside radius should change and be offset 2.5 from the roller. The width of the cam pocket (19.0) should change and be 6.35 millimeter larger than the cam roller diameter.
If the 22 degree angle changes. The orientation of the counterbore hole changes. The position of the cam roller and cam pocket change.
If the 6.37 angle (tilt) changes. The orientation of the cam pocket changes.
A-5
Step 1:
Open apd_camsupport_1 and save it as ***_camsupport_1 (where *** are your initials).
Curves that layout the part are provided on layer 41, along with a category name and description to describe their function and purpose. The following steps are given as an example of a possible modeling strategy that incorporates the given design requirements. If you refer to them, it is essential that you understand the modeling process. Since the outside envelope, cam pocket, and counterbore hole are closely related, the associativity between the features can be dened with sketch constraints. Since the geometry is relatively simple, a single sketch will be used to create multiple features. (Separate sketches could be used for the outside diameter and cam pocket, if desired).
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Step 2:
Create a sketch of the cam prole. Make sure the WCS is set to the absolute orientation. Create a sketch named CAM_PROFILE on Layer 21 on the XC-YC plane. Choose Add Existing Curves to add all of the curves to the sketch (layer 41). Auto Constrain the following geometric constraints: Horizontal Vertical Parallel Perpendicular Tangent On the Sketch Constraints toolbar, click Show/Remove Constraints and verify all of the constraints that were created automatically. Remove redundant constraints that conict with the design intent.
A-7
Add more geometric constraints and convert curves to reference as shown.
1. Point on Curve 2. Arc Center on 6.37 degree line 3. Midpoint and Point on Curve 4. Collinear with vertical datum axis 5. End Point on Horizontal datum axis
Not all constraints are necessarily shown above. Add more constraints as needed to full constrain the sketch. Add and name the dimensional constraints shown below.
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Add more dimensional constraints.
Step 3:
Create the root feature. On Layer 1, create an extruded body using only the outside and inside circles in the sketch. Use start and end distances so that the sketch plane lies in the center of the part.
Step 4:
Create the cam pocket. Create and subtract an extruded feature generaated from the sketch curves dening the cam pocket prole.
A-9
Step 5:
Create the datums to orient the counterbore hole. Change the work layer to 61.
Create a datum plane through the endpoint and perpendicular to the 22 degree sketch line. (Select the line and then drag the arrow to the outer endpoint of the line). In the Datum Plane dialog box, use the Inferred Type, select the 22 degree line and then drag the origin (the cube at the center of the plane) to the endpoint of the line.
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Create a second datum plane offset from the rst a distance of 25.4. The purpose of this offset datum plane is to allow the counterbore hole to have a "clean" entry in the outside of the part.
Step 6:
Create the thru counterbore hole. Create the counterbore hole using the offset datum plane as the placement face. Select the far side planar face of the pocket as the Thru face. This will allow for a complete "break out" in the pocket.
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Use the following creation parameters for the hole. C-Bore Diameter = 5.1
C-Bore Depth = 29.2 Hole Diameter = 2.5
1. Placement Face 2. Thru Face
Position the hole using the Point onto Point constraint and select the 22 degree line as the target object.
Since the offset datum was created 25.4 millimeters from the intersection of the hole centerline and outside surface, the counterbore depth is the offset distance plus the actual required depth (25.4 + 3.8 = 29.2).
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Step 7:
Instance the cam pocket around the part. Make Layer 61 Selectable. Create a circular array of the cam pocket and counterbore hole. Create 12 instances and use the datum as the rotation axis.
Step 8:
Add blends. Create 2.5 millimeter Edge Blends on all instances of the cam pocket as shown. Check your overow options.
Create 2.5 millimeter Edge Blends on the outside circular edges of the part.
Step 9:
Test the model. Edit one of the primary expressions (hdist, vdist, or roller_dia) and update the model.
Step 10: Save the part.

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Associative Parametric Design Student Guide A-13
Appendix
B Deform Parts
Purpose Components may assume more than one shape when they are added to an assembly through the use of Deformable Parts. This functionality is especially useful for parts such as springs or hoses which often take on different shapes and/or sizes. Objectives Dene Deformable Parts. Add Deformable Parts to an Assembly. Edit Deformable Parts in the Assembly.
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Deform Parts
Using Flexible Components

The process of utilizing exible components is to specify which parts are deformable, and dene the ways in which each can be deformed. Then, when the component is being added to an assembly, the shape for that instance is specied. A part is dened as a Deformable part by choosing Tools Dene Deformable Part.
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Deform Parts
Deformable Parts dialog (NX)

The dialog box contains the following options or "pages" in the denition of a deformable part: Denition Features Expressions (optional) References (optional) Summary (optional)
The Back and Next buttons at the bottom of the dialog traverse through the pages in the order stated above. If the part has been fully dened, the Finish button ends the operation. Denition The Denition dialog allows you to specify a name for the part and an optional URL for a document to provide further instructions. Features The Features dialog allows you to specify the features that will be part of the deformable part. Expressions The Expressions dialog allows you to select available expressions to create input parameters in the deformable part. The expressions may be given meaningful names that will be displayed when the user is prompted. References The References page displays and allows the user to add to the reference information for the part. Summary The Summary page displays an overall collection of data for the deformable part.
B-3
Deform Parts
Deforming a Component in the Assembly

Once the deformable component has been dened, it may be deformed in the assembly. To deform the part in the assembly, choose AssembliesComponentsDeform Part. The Deform Component dialog will display. Select the component to dene the deformation and choose Edit.
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Deform Parts
Activity: Making a Part Deformable

This activity will demonstrate how to dene the parameters for deformable components within the component part.
Step 1:
Open apd_shock_spring, save it as ***_shock_spring, and enter the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
B-5
Deform Parts
Step 2:
Dene Features and/or expressions that will deform in the assembly. Choose ToolsDene Deformable Part. This will open up the Dene Deformable Part dialog box, in which all the parameters will be set within the component to create the deformable feature that will be referenced by the assembly.
With Denition (in the upper left corner of the dialog box) selected, enter Spring Length for the Name of the feature that will be created. Press Enter. Click Next. With Features selected, from the Features in Part list, select all the listed features except the Fixed Datum Axis, and then click Add Feature (right arrow button) to add the features to the Features in Deformable Part list. Fixed Datum Axis(1) was left out since it will be used for assembly mating purposes and was not used in actual denition of the Shock Spring. Click Next. With Expressions selected, select the spring_length = 5 expression from the Available Expressions list and click Add Expression (the right arrow button) to add the highlighted values to the Deformable Input Expressions list. Under the Deformable Input Expressions list, type Spring Length and press Enter. In the Expression Rules group, select By Number Range and then enter 4 as the Minimum and 8.5 as the Maximum. Click Next. Click Next again, because there are no references needed. With Summary selected, review the list of what you selected and then click Finish.
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Deform Parts
Step 3:
Open the Part Navigator and verify the new Spring Length feature.
Step 4:
Save your part but do not close it.
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Deform Parts
Activity: Adding Deformable Parts to an Assembly

This activity will demonstrate how to add and dene the parameters for deformable components within an assembly structure. Step 1: Open apd_suspension_assm.
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Deform Parts
Step 2:
Add the shock component parts to the assembly. Add the apd_shock_base part to the assembly.
Apply a Center mating constraint from the bolt hole of the shock base to the bolt hole in the lower control arm.
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Deform Parts
Apply a Mate mating constraint from the at side of the shock base to the at side of the lower control arm.
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Deform Parts
Add the apd_shock_upper part to the assembly.
Apply a Center mating constraint from the bolt hole of the upper shock to the bolt hole of the frame rail.
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Deform Parts
Reposition the upper shock to an orientation similar to the one shown below.
Apply a Center mating constraint from the upper shock to the lower shock as shown below.
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Deform Parts
Add the ***_shock_spring part to the assembly using the settings listed in the image below. Positioning: Select Origin Reference Set: Entire Part Layer Options: Original Select a point out in space near the assembly for the component origin. Click OK to accept the spring length of 5. If you did not want to deform the part when adding it to an assembly, cancel out of this dialog at this time. Make layer 61 Selectable. Apply a Mate mating constraint from the bottom at face of the spring to the top at face of the shock base.
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Deform Parts
Click Apply.
Apply a Center mating constraint from the datum axis of the spring to the cylindrical face of the shock base. Be sure to change the Filter to Any before trying to select the datum axis. Click Apply. Apply a Mate mating constraint from the upper at face of the spring to the bottom at face of the upper shock. In the Update failure list dialog box, click Ignore for each of the listed conicting constraints. Click OK. Make layer 61 Invisible. Change the spring reference set to Model.
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Deform Parts
Step 3:
Change the spring length and observe the results. Make sure the Modeling application is running. In the Part Navigator double-click the ***_shock_spring feature. Type in a new spring_length of 4 and press Enter and then click OK.
Step 4:
Deform the spring using the menu options. Choose AssembliesComponentsDeform Part. Select the spring from the graphics window and click OK. In the Deform Component dialog box, click Edit. For the spring_length, type 7, press Enter, and click OK. Click Cancel.
Step 5:
Close all parts.
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Deform Parts
Activity: Deforming a Part Using a Guide String

This activity will demonstrate how to dene the parameters for deformable components using a guide string. Step 1: Step 2: Open apd_o_ring and save it as ***_o_ring. Dene Features and/or expressions that will deform in the assembly. Start the Modeling application if it is not already active. Choose ToolsDene Deformable Part. With Denition selected, enter O-Ring for the name of the feature that will be created. Press Enter and then click Next. With Features selected, select the Tube feature from graphics screen. If it is not already listed in the Features in Deformable Part list, click the Add Feature button (the right arrow). Click Next. With Expressions selected, click Next because an expression(s) will not be specied as the deformable characteristic in this part. References should now be selected. This will list any external references that will be needed at the assembly level. To change the window prompt that comes up when this component is added to the assembly, the reference geometry will need to be renamed. Rename the prompt by selecting the guide string reference from the large window and then type O-Ring guide string for the New prompt and then press Enter. The line in the larger window should update. Click Next. With Summary selected, click Finish.
B-16 Associative Parametric Design Student Guide UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved mt10040_g NX 5
Deform Parts
Step 3:
Open the Part Navigator and verify the new feature O-Ring(xx) in the Part Navigator. Save your part but do not close it. On the Assembly Load Options dialog box, clear the Use Partial Loading check box. Open apd_pan_assm.
Step 4: Step 5:
Step 6:
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Deform Parts
Step 7:
Add the ***_o_ring component. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Add Component Select ***_o_ring to add and choose OK. Use the Model Reference Set and from the Positioning list, choose Select Origin Click OK. Select a point out in space near the assembly for the component origin. The O-Ring dialog box prompts you to resolve the reference. Select the curve in the center of the groove in the pan lid and click OK. Choose Cancel. .
Step 8:
Change the length of the lid. Make apd_pan_lid the Work Part. Choose ToolsExpression. Select the Overall_Length expression and change it to 15. Notice how the deformed O-Ring updated.
Step 9:
Close all parts.
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Deform Parts
Summary
Components may assume more than one shape when they are added to an assembly through the use of Flexible Components. This functionality is especially useful for parts such as springs or hoses which often take on different shapes and/or sizes. In this lesson you: Dened Deformable Parts. Added Deformable Parts to an Assembly. Edited Deformable Parts in the Assembly.
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Appendix
C Assembly Part Families

Purpose The Part Families functionality allows you to dene a nite number of read-only assemblies based on a similar template assembly. The template assembly may contain piece part components which are also part families.
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Assembly Part Families
Managing Assembly Congurations

The Part Families functionality is commonly used to dene a family of similar piece parts but it can also be used to dene a family of assemblies. When creating a part family for an assembly, components are selected to dene the columns in the part family spreadsheet.
Components can be included in an assembly family member by entering the component part name in the appropriate cell in the column. To exclude a component from a family member, the cell can be left blank. In the example below, an in-line skate part family consists of four family members. Two of the members contain four wheels, two members contain ve wheels, and only one of the congurations contains a brake. The frame and wheels are part families themselves, so their respective columns contain the names of a family member.
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Dening a part family for assembly congurations does require careful planning. The following considerations should be taken into account when developing an assembly part family. All possible components must be present in the template assembly even if they are not used in every family member. In the case of a skate-assm, the brake must be included in the template part even though it is only included in one conguration. All components that are part families themselves must be represented in the assembly by their template part. All components that are part families must have the family members created ahead of time in order to be referenced in the assembly congurations. The family members of a part family are read-only. They can only be modied by editing the family table (spreadsheet) in the template assembly and updating the family members.
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Activity: Creating an Assembly Part Family

In this activity, you will dene a part family for an in-line skate assembly. The assembly will vary in the number of wheels, the type of wheels, and the presence of a brake.
Step 1:
Clone an existing skate assembly. Choose AssembliesCloningCreate Clone Assembly. Choose Add Assembly. Select the part apd_skate_assm_excel. Choose the Naming tab. Click Dene Naming Rule. Click Replace. For the Base String, key in apd_. For the Add/Replace/Rename String, key in your initials followed by an underscore. Click OK. Enter the pathname for your home directory as the Default Output Directory. Consult your instructor if necessary. Choose the Main tab. Click Set Defaults. If no error messages were generated, click Execute to execute the clone operation and then Close the Information window and the Clone Assembly dialog box.
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Step 2:
Open ***_skate_assm_excel. The following preparations have already been completed: All components were added to the assembly and mated except the brake. Since the frame and wheel are part families, the template parts were added. A wheel, a set of spacers, and a set of bearings were mated to a hole in the frame and used to create component arrays with the From Feature ISET option. Since the wheels will vary between congurations, each occurrence of the wheel was given a unique name (WHEEL-1, WHEEL-2, etc.). You may need to add the Components Name column to the Assemblies Navigator to be able to see this.
Step 3:
Create the family members for the frame. Make ***_frame_fam_excel the Work Part. In the Modeling application, choose ToolsPart Families. In the Part Families dialog box, make sure the Importable Part Families Template check box is cleared, and click Edit The template part for the frame contains an expression for the number of wheels which controls the number of holes and length of the frame. The part family table contains rows for two family members; a four-wheel and a ve-wheel frame. Edit the names of the family members in cells A4 and A5 to include your initials instead of "apd". Select the two rows dening the family members (4 and 5). Choose Part FamilyCreate Parts. Note the Information window contents, then dismiss the Information window. In the Part Families dialog box, click Resume. In the part family spreadsheet, choose Part FamilyCancel. In the Part Families dialog box, choose Cancel
C-5
Step 4:
Create the family members for the wheel. Make ***_wheel_fam_excel the work part. Choose ToolsPart Families. In the Part Families dialog box, make sure the Importable Part Families Template check box is cleared, and click Edit The part family table for the wheel also contains rows for two family members; a standard wheel and a performance wheel, with each having a different outside diameter. Edit the names of the family members in cells A4 and A5 to include your initials instead of "apd".
Select the two rows dening the family members (4 and 5). Choose Part FamilyCreate Parts. Note the Information window contents, then dismiss the Information window. In the Part Families dialog box, click Resume. In the part family spreadsheet, choose Part FamilyCancel. In the Part Families dialog box, choose Cancel You will now dene the family members of the assembly. This is similar to dening the family members of a standard part except you will select components as the attribute class. Step 5: Create the family table for the assembly.
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Make ***_skate_assm_excel the work part. Save all parts. Choose ToolsPart Families. In the Part Families dialog box, make sure the Importable Part Families Template check box is cleared. From the Available Columns list, choose Components. Select the ***_FRAME_FAM_EXCEL component from the Available Columns list in the Part Families dialog and click Add Column. You can also double-click the items in this list box to add them to the Chosen Columns list box.
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Double-click ***_SKT_BRAKE_EXCEL component to add it as a column. Double-click on the remaining components in the following order to add them to the Chosen Columns list. WHEEL-1 WHEEL-2 WHEEL-3 WHEEL-4
WHEEL-5 ***_SKT_BEARING_EXCEL ***_SKT_SPACER_EXCEL Click Create. Dene the family members for four skate congurations by entering the data in the spreadsheet cells as shown. Use your initials in place of ***. (Utilize the Copy and Paste options in the spreadsheet.)
As shown above, only the ***_skate_03 should have a brake. Also, the only parts that should get a WHEEL_5 are ***_skate_03 and ***_skate_04.
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Choose Part FamilySave Family from the spreadsheet menu bar. The spreadsheet data is now complete. There are several things that you need to know to understand the current condition of the spreadsheet and why it will work. Row 1 is automatically lled in with the attributes chosen. Cell A2 is empty when the part family is created. The rest of row 2 is lled in with the values represented in the template part. Any row not containing a value in column A is ignored. Empty rows are allowed.
By leaving row two without a part name, it represents the template part. This may be a desired condition if the template part does not represent a real part conguration. In this case, the template includes ve wheels and a brake but this is not actually one of the congurations. You do not have to create a family member part to test a conguration. You can use the Verify option to temporarily generate a family member. Step 6: Verify a conguration. In the Part Families dialog box, click Edit. Highlight one of the family member rows. Choose Part FamilyVerify Part. In the Part Families dialog, click Resume Verify another conguration, if desired, and exit the spreadsheet. Step 7: Save and close all parts.
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Appendix
D Microsoft Excel Add-in

Purpose The following pages list the various operations that may be used in expressions.
D-1
Microsoft Excel Add-in
Operators
There are several types of operators that you may use in the expression language. Arithmetic Operators + * / % ^ = Addition Subtraction and Negative Sign Multiplication Division Modulus Exponential Assignment Other Operators > Example p2 = p5 + p3 p2 = p5 p3 p2 = p5 * p3 p2 = p5 / p3 p2 = p5 % p3 p2 = p5^2 p2 = p5
< >= <= == != ! && ||
Greater Than Less Than Greater Than or Equal Less Than or Equal Equal Not Equal Negate Logical AND Logical OR
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Precedence and Associativity

In the table below, operators in the same row have equal precedence while operators in the following rows have less precedence. Precedence and Associativity Operators Associativity ^ - (change sign) */% + > < >= <= == != && || = Right to Left Left to Right Right to Left
When using operators with the same precedence in an equation without parameters, use left-to-right or right-to-left rule from the table. For example: X = 90 10 + 30 X = 110 (not 50) X = 90 (10 + 30) X = 50
D-3
Built-in Functions
You may also use the built-in functions in expressions. Built-in functions include trigonometric, exponential, and factorial functions. Functions are also provided for unit conversion. Built-in Functions for Unit Conversion Name Description cm ft grd in km cm(x) converts x from centimeters into the default units of the part. ft(x) converts x from feet into the default units of the part. grd(x) converts x from gradients to degrees. in(x) converts x from inches into the default units of the part. km(x) converts x kilometers into the default units of the part . mc(x) converts x from the microns into the default units of the part. min(x) converts x from minutes into degrees. ml(x) converts x from mils into the default units of the part. mm(x) converts x from millimeters into the default units of the part. mtr(x) converts x from meters into the default units of the part. sec(x) converts x from seconds into degrees. yd(x) converts x from yards into the default units of the part.
mc min ml mm mtr sec yd
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Scientic Notation
you can also enter a statement in scientic notation. The value you enter must contain a positive or negative sign. For example, you can enter: 2e+5 which is the same as the value 200000 2e-5 which is the same as the value .00002.
D-5
Appendix
E Spreadsheet Reference Information

Purpose This appendix contains additional information pertaining to the NX Spreadsheet.
E-1
Spreadsheet Reference Information
Differences Between Xess and Excel

Both Xess and Microsoft Excel will function exactly the same in conjunction with NX, except for the following operations: In Xess, a function name is preceded by the "@" character. If a function is entered without the "@" character in Xess, it is added automatically. When specifying a range for a function, Excel uses a colon ( : ) where Xess uses two periods ( .. ). For array functions, or functions that take up more than one cell in the spreadsheet, the input for the spreadsheets differ. In Xess you select the rst cell, type in the function, and press the enter key. In Excel, you must rst select all of the cells that the function will ll, type in the function, and then hit Ctrl-Shift-Enter. Graphs created in Excel are opened as a sheet in a workbook, whereas in Xess it would open as its own window. Different sheets in a workbook can be displayed by selecting the tabs at the bottom of the screen. When you create a new graph, that sheet will automatically be displayed.
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Migrating Spreadsheet Data

The Gateway, Modeling, or Part Families spreadsheet data stored in a part can be migrated from Excel format to XESS format and vice versa by choosing FileUtilitiesMigrate Spreadsheet Data.
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Extended Functionality
The following pages list information pertaining to the spreadsheet pull-down menu items and functions in the Gateway Spreadsheet. This information can also be found in the Gateway on-line help (HELPDOCUMENTATION) by selecting: CADGatewayGateway Menu & Dialog RefererencesToolsSpreadsheetGateway SpreadsheetSpreadsheet Menu Options and Extended Functionality. While the Gateway spreadsheet is active, you will see the following additional items on spreadsheet pull-down menus. ToolsSave Part ToolsSave Part As... FileSave FileOpen ConnectionsDisconnect ViewRefresh Save work part. Save the work part under a new name. Save the spreadsheet data in the work part. Load the spreadsheet data from the work part. Return control to NX (Xess only). Refresh the graphics window.
In addition to the normal built-in functions, the spreadsheet adds some additional functions that more tightly integrate the spreadsheet with NX. An example of a spreadsheet built-in function is, @SUM(c1,c2). The @SUM function adds the values in the cells specied by c1 and c2, and loads the current cell with the results of that calculation. You would nd this sort of function in virtually any spreadsheet. In the same manner, the spreadsheet supports special built-in functions that work with NX data and parts. An example of an NX built-in function in the spreadsheet environment is @UGEXPR("P1"). This function fetches the value of an expression in NX specied by name, which in this case is the string, P1. The built-in functions provided by NX for the spreadsheet environment allow you to relate spreadsheet calculations directly to objects or other part information, as well as perform specialized mathematical functions. The NX built-in functions are described below.
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Vector-Related Functions
Vector functions take ranges of spreadsheet cells as the components of a vector and return either scalar values in the current cell, or vector values as a horizontal row of cells. A vector, such as vector1, is specied by a range of 3 cells (e.g., B1..B3) in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. A scalar value may be specied by a literal value (0.5), or a cell reference to either a formula or a value. ADDVEC( vector1, vector2 ) Returns the sum of two vectors. vector=vector1+vector2 AFFINEVEC(scalar,vector1,vector2) Returns the afne vector combination. vector=vector1 + (scalar*vector2) ANGLEVEC(vector1,vector2,vector3) Returns the angle between vector1 and vector2 in the plane dened by the normal vector3. The angle ranges from zero to 2*PI. CONVEXVEC(scalar,vector1,vector2) Returns the convex vector combination. vector=( scalar*vector1) + ((1-scalar)*vector2) CROSSVEC( vector1, vector2 ) Returns the cross product of two vectors.
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DOTVEC( vector1,vector2 ) Returns the scalar dot product between two vectors. LINEARVEC( scalar1,scalar2,vector1,vector2) Returns the linear vector combination. vector=( scalar1*vector1) + (scalar2*vector2) NEGVEC( vector1 ) Returns the inverse (negated) vector. SCALEVEC( scalar, vector ) Multiplies a vector by a scalar. SUBVEC( vector1, vector2 ) Subtracts two vectors. UNITVEC( vector1 ) Returns a unit vector. VECMAG( vector1 ) Returns the length (magnitude) of a vector.
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Matrix functions
Matrix functions deal with 3x3 matrices, and take a range of cells for input to a matrix function, and output 3x3 sets of cells as values of a matrix. Vector arguments for matrix functions, such as norm_vec, are specied by a 2-D range of cells (e.g. A1..C3). MTXROT(angle, norm_vec) Returns a matrix from the rotation by angle about a vector.
E-7
Point-Related Functions
Point functions deal with point coordinates and vectors. Point coordinate or vector arguments, such as pt or vector, are specied by a range of 3 cells (e.g., A1..A3). DELTAPT( distance, pt, vector ) Offset a point by a distance along a vector and return the new point. new_pt = pt + (distance*vector) DIRPT( pt1, pt2 ) Returns a unit vector direction from point 1 to point 2. DISTPERP( pt, line_pt, line_vec ) Returns the perpendicular (shortest) distance from the point pt to the line dened by the point line_pt and the vector line_vec. DISTPROJ( pt1, pt2, vector1) Distance between two points in the plane dened by the normal vector1. DISTPT( pt1, pt2 ) Returns the distance between two points.
INTERVEC( pt1, vec1, pt2, vec2 ) Returns the intersection point for two lines dened by a point and a vector. If the lines fail to intersect, a message is returned in the cell. ROTPT( angle, pt, vector ) Rotate a point by an angle around a vector and returns the new point (effectively the combination of MTXROT and XFORMPT). XFORMPT(pt, matrix) Transform a point with a matrix and return the new point.
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Expression-Related Functions
Expression-related functions return information about NX expressions. The left-hand side (LHS) of the equation is the parameter name of the expression. The right-hand side (RHS) of the equation is the expression string. Parameter names, such as parameter_name, are string arguments and may be specied by the string in double quotes, such as "Height", or by a cell reference to that string. UGEXPR( "parameter_name") Returns an expression string given the parameter name of an NX expression. This can be an interpart expression if that part is loaded. If the part is not loaded you will get an error message in the cell. EXPRVAL( "parameter_name" ) Returns the value of an expression given the name of an NX expression. This function also works for interpart expressions that are used in this part.
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Object-Related Functions
Object-related functions generally work on a specic NX object. In order to use an object with one of these spreadsheet functions, you will need to assign an NX name attribute to the object. Object-related functions may take string or numeric arguments. String arguments such as object_name may be specied by the string in double quotes, such as LINE1, or by a cell reference to that string. UGATTR( "object_name", "attribute_title", attribute_type ) Returns an attribute value given an NX object name, a user-dened attribute title and a numeric attribute type. The numeric attribute type may be: 1 = integer attribute 2 = real attribute 3 = string attribute 4 = reference attribute If the object name is the string "PART", then the specied part attribute title and type for the work part will be returned. UGNAMES() Returns the object name, object type and subtype, and layer of all named geometric objects in the work part. One row of information will be returned per object.
ALLATTR("object_name") Returns all the integer, real and string attribute titles and types associated with a given object. If the object name is the string "PART", then all integer, real and string part attribute titles and types will be returned. ARCLEN( "object_name", param1, param2, units ) Returns arc length of a curve between two parameter values param1 and param2. This function will work on any curve type, such as arcs, circles, conics and lines. Parameter values are from 0.0 to 1.0. Units conversion is a number from 1 to 4, where: 1 = INCHES 2 = MILLIMETERS 3 = CENTIMETERS 4 = METERS If the object is not a curve, you will get the message: @ARCLEN: Curve object type required. EVALCRV( "object_name", eval_type, param1, param2, steps ) Returns curve evaluation information for a number of steps along a curve between two parameter values param1 and param2.
E-10 Associative Parametric Design Student Guide UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved mt10040_g NX 5
Parameter values range from 0.0 to 1.0, and the number of steps can be from 1 to 100. Curve evaluation types are: Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 1 1 3 3 3 1 3 # Value Point Curvature Normalized curvature Tangent Binormal Principle Normal Torsion Derivative Description
When multiple steps are used between parameter values the rst column will contain the evaluated parameter value, and the column(s) to the right will contain the data value(s), so that the data is in a form acceptable to the graphing functions in the spreadsheet. As with ARCLEN, this function will work on any curve type and will return an error message if the object is not a curve. EVALSRF( "object_name", eval_type, umin, umax, numu, vmin, vmax, numv ) For EVALSRF, the object must be a face. The function returns surface evaluation information for a number of steps in u and v between two parameter values. Parameter values range from 0.0 to 1.0, number of steps from 1 to 100. Surface evaluation types are: Type 1 2 3 4 1 1 1 1 # Values Description Gaussian curvature Mean curvature Min radius Max radius
When multiple steps are used between parameter values, the output will be in a form compatible with the graphing functions. If just u or v are changing you get output in the same form as @EVALCRV. If both u and v are changing you get output compatible with a surface graph. POINT( object_name" ) Returns the "dening" xyz position for object in the current cell and the next two columns. For circles, arcs and elliptical conics the center of the circle is returned. For planes and coordinate systems the object origin is returned.
UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Associative Parametric Design Student Guide E-11
The function recognizes the following types of NX objects: RM_point_type, RM_gfem_node_type, RM_mdm_analysis_pt_type, RM_conic_type RM_circle_type, RM_coordinate_system_type, RM_plane_type Use of other object types will result in the error message: @POINT: Unable to process object type. MASS3D( object_name", type, units ) Returns mass properties for a solid referenced by the parameter "object." Single return values are returned in the cell. Multiple values are returned in sets of 3 columns. When all properties (type=0) are returned, each property is placed in consecutive rows of the spreadsheet. Multiple values for a property are placed in adjacent columns. object name string component part name PART SOLIDS extracts mass properties of a single solid or sheet with the given name extracts mass properties of all solids and sheets in the component part extracts mass properties for all solids and sheets in the part extracts mass properties for all solids in the part extracts mass properties for all sheets in the part
SHEETS
Units are: 1 2 3 4 pounds & inches pounds & feet grams & centimeters kilograms & meters
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Values for the type eld are shown below. Type 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 42 1 1 1 3 3 3 # Values Description All properties Area Volume Mass Center of Mass (CofM), WCS First Moments, WCS Axes and Origin Moments of Inertia with respect to (w.r.t.) WCS Axes and Origin Moments of Inertia w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Spherical Moment of Inertia w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Inertia Products w.r.t. WCS Axes and Origin Inertia Products w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Principle Axes, WCS Principle Moments w.r.t. CofM Origin Radii of Gyration w.r.t. WCS Axes and Origin Radii of Gyration w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Spherical Radius of Gyration w.r.t. CofM Origin/WCS Axes Density
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
3 3 3x3=9 3 3 3 1
16
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Appendix
F Introduction to the NX SpreadsheetXess Activities

Purpose This section provides the activities for the Introduction to NX Spreadsheets lesson, for those running NX on Unix workstations.
F-1
Introduction to the NX SpreadsheetXess Activities
Activity: Timing Gear Spreadsheet (Xess)

In this activity, you will create an XESS spreadsheet to control the expressions and formulas in an existing model. Step 1: Open apd_timing_gear, and Save it as ***_timing_gear_xess.
The design intent for this part dictates that the gear be driven by the following parameters: Number of Teeth Pitch Diameter
Face Width The following additional parameters are calculated: Diametral Pitch Tooth Thickness Outside Diameter Base Diameter
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Step 2:
Examine and modify the part. Start the Modeling application, if it is not already active. Using the Part Navigator review the features used to construct the part. Examine the expressions in the Expressions dialog. Edit the following expressions and update the part. no_of_teeth = 32 pitch_dia = 190.5
Step 3:
Activate the Modeling Spreadsheet and extract expressions. Choose ToolsSpreadsheet. From the spreadsheet menu bar. choose OptionsNX Preferences If necessary select the Vertical Orientation and Use Fixed Update Range check boxes. Leave the others cleared. Highlight cell A1. Choose ToolsExtract Expr. This will extract all of the expressions from the part and add them to the spreadsheet. The expression names will be placed in column A and titled Parameters and the expression values are placed in column B. Adjust the widths of the two columns for a better view of the contents.
F-3
Step 4:
Clear unwanted expressions. Only the expressions with user-dened names will be evaluated in the spreadsheet. Remove all expressions except the following: no_of_teeth = 32 pitch_dia = 190.5 face_width = 20 Arrange the expressions so they appear in rows two, three, and four in the appropriate columns.
Step 5:
Add headers for the Expression column. Select cell B1 and type Expressions. Make the text in cell B1 bold and italicized for easier identication. A 1 2 3 4 Parameters no_of_teeth pitch_dia face_width B Expressions 32 190.5 20
Step 6:
Test the spreadsheet. Change the following values in the Expressions column: no_of_teeth = 28 pitch_dia = 152.4 Face_width = 30 As you change the expressions the part will not update until you explicitly request it from the spreadsheet. This allows you to go through multiple design iterations and check your equation values before waiting for the solid model to update.
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Step 7:
Dene the Expression Range and update the part. To restrict an update to a specic set of expressions, an Active Expression Range can be dened. Only the expressions in these cells are used to update the part from the spreadsheet. Select cells A2 through B4. From the menu bar, choose EditDene Expr Rng. The message conrming that you have set the range should appear in the lower left portion of the spreadsheet window. From the menu bar, choose ToolsUpdate NX Part. The spreadsheet will send the new expression information to the part and update the model with the new values.
Step 8:
Save the spreadsheet and the part. From the spreadsheet menu bar, choose FileExit. Choose OK when prompted as to whether or not to save the current spreadsheet data. Choose FileSave to save the part.
Step 9:
Do not close the part. It will be used in the next activity.
F-5
Activity: Mass Properties in a Spreadsheet (Xess)

In this activity, you will use the mass properties function in the spreadsheet to obtain the weight of a solid. Step 1: Continue using ***_timing_gear_xess in the Modeling application, if it is not already active.
Step 2:
Assign an attribute name to the gear solid so the spreadsheet will be able to identify the solid to use in the analysis. Choose EditProperties. Select the solid body from the graphics area and choose OK.
Enter gear for the name and choose OK.
F-6
mt10040_g NX 5
Step 3:
Assign a density to the solid. Choose EditFeatureSolid Density. In the Units list, select Grams - Centimeters. Enter a density of 7.249 and press Enter. Select the solid body and choose OK. A density may also be assigned to a solid by assigning a material to it. Choose ToolsMaterial Properties. Choose Library. In the Search Criteria dialog, make sure the category is set to Metals and choose OK. Select a material from the list of metals and OK. In the Materials dialog, select the solid and choose OK. These material properties are also used by the Structures and Motion applications Choose Cancel on the Edit Solid Density dialog.
F-7
Step 4:
Add a mass properties function to the spreadsheet. Choose ToolsSpreadsheet. In cell B12 enter the title Timing Gear Mass. In cell B13 enter @mass3d("gear",3,1). In the Xess application, an "@" symbol will automatically be added to precede the function name. A 1 2 Parameters No_of_teeth B Expressions 28
Pitch_dia
152.4
4 12 13
Face_width
32 Timing Gear Mass 5.770377309
Depending on the settings, the formula in cell B13 may appear as text rather than a numerical value. If so, edit the Cell Format and change it to Default.
Step 5:
Change the width of the gear. Change the expression Face_width to 1.25 in the spreadsheet. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part and note the change to the value of the mass.
Step 6: Step 7:
Exit and save the spreadsheet. Save and Close the part.
F-8
mt10040_g NX 5
Appendix
G Dening Part and Assembly VariationsXess Activities

Purpose This section provides the activities for the Dening Part and Assembly Variations for those running NX on Unix workstations.
G-1
Dening Part and Assembly VariationsXess Activities
Activity: Part Variations in a Spreadsheet (Xess)

In this activity, you will dene and build variations of an in-line skate wheel using the Modeling Spreadsheet. Step 1: Open apd_wheel_template, and save it as ***_wheel_template. The model has already been created. Some of the variations require a solid core (no spokes or cutouts). An expression will be created to control the suppression of the core features.
Step 2:
Create an expression to suppress the features dening the core of the wheel. Enter the Modeling application, if it is not already active. On the Edit Feature toolbar, click Suppress by Expression , or choose EditFeatureSuppress by Expression. From the Expression Option list, select Create shared.
From the Candidate Features list, select the feature set named CORE(20) and click Apply. Click Show Expressions and note the name of the new expression created. CORE (20)p0=1 Cancel the Suppression by Expression dialog box. Step 3: Rename the suppression expression. Rename the expression you just created to Show_core.
G-2 Associative Parametric Design Student Guide UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved mt10040_g NX 5
Step 4: Step 5:
Save the part. Dene the part table in the spreadsheet. Choose ToolsSpreadsheet. Create a table dening the wheel variations as shown below. Make row 10 the rst row of the table to allow room for data to be added later in the lesson. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Fitness f01 f02 f03 f04 f05 h01 h02 r01 r02 r03 Contact_radius Outside_dia Show_core 8.0 80 1 8.0 78 1 8.0 76 1 8.0 72 1 8.0 70 1 9.5 72 0 9.5 70 0 6.4 82 1 6.4 80 1 6.4 78 1
Hockey Racing
All of the cells containing values for the Contact_radius, Outside_dia, and Show_core expressions should be the Default type. Save the spreadsheet (on the spreadsheet toolbar) by clicking Save File. Step 6: Check the Preferences. Choose OptionsNX Preferences. Clear the Vertical Orientation and Use Fixed Update Range check boxes. Click OK. Step 7: Dene the expression range. Highlight cells C10 through E20. Choose EditDene Expr Rng.
UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Associative Parametric Design Student Guide G-3
Step 8:
Build and save a wheel. Click cell C17. (The part to build is selected by making one of the cells in its row active.) On the spreadsheet menu bar, choose ToolsUpdate NX Part. Adjust your NX screen and your spreadsheet to view the part during update. Choose ToolsSave Part As. Save the NX part as ***_wheel_h02.
Step 9:
Exit the spreadsheet. Choose FileExit. Choose OK.
Step 10: Save and close the part.
G-4
mt10040_g NX 5
Activity: Variations with Lookup Functions (Xess)

In this activity, you will modify the spreadsheet for the skate wheel and build a variation using table lookup functions. Step 1: If necessary open ***_wheel_template.
Step 2:
Modify the spreadsheet to use table lookup functions to dene parameters. Invoke the Modeling Spreadsheet. A 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Fitness B f01 f02 f03 f04 f05 h01 h02 r01 r02 r03 D E C Contact_radius Outside_dia Show_core 8.0 80 1 8.0 78 1 8.0 76 1 8.0 72 1 8.0 70 1 9.5 72 0 9.5 70 0 6.4 82 1 6.4 80 1 6.4 78 1
Hockey Racing
G-5
Add data to the rst eight rows of the spreadsheet as shown below. The cells B3 through B5 are the Text cell format. The cells C3 through C5 are set equal to the corresponding cells in column B and are the Default cell format. A 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Step 3: Parameters Outside_dia Show_core Expression @VLOOKUP(B8,B11..E20,2) @VLOOKUP(B8,B11..E20,3) B Values 6.4 78 1
Contact_radius @VLOOKUP(B8,B11..E20,1)
Build Variation
Dene the expression range. Choose OptionsNX Preferences from the spreadsheet menu bar. Select both the Vertical Orientation and the Use Fixed Update Range check boxes. Highlight cells A3 through B5. Choose EditDene Expr Rng. Save the spreadsheet (FileSave) and save the part (ToolsSave Part).
G-6
mt10040_g NX 5
Step 4:
Build and save a wheel. Enter the text r01 in cell B8. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part. Choose ToolsSave Part As. Save the part as ***_wheel_r01.
Step 5:
Exit the spreadsheet and close all parts. Choose FileExit. Choose OK. Choose FileCloseSave and Close.
G-7
Activity: Suppressing Comp. with Expressions (Xess)

In this activity, you will suppress the brake component for certain congurations of the in-line skate using an expression in the spreadsheet. Step 1: Open apd_mod_assm. Start the Assemblies application. Step 2: Clone the existing seed assembly. Choose AssembliesCloningCreate Clone Assembly. Choose Add Assembly. Select the part apd_mod_assm and choose OK. Choose the Naming tab. Choose Dene Naming Rule. Choose Replace. For the Base String, key in apd For the Add/Replace/Rename string, key in your initials. Choose OK. Leave the Default Output Directory blank in the Clone Assembly dialog so the cloned parts will appear in your home directory. Choose the Main tab.
Choose Set Defaults. If no error messages is generated, choose Execute. Choose Close. Review then close the Information window.
G-8
mt10040_g NX 5
Step 3:
Open ***_mod_assm.
Step 4:
Create an expression to control the suppression of the brake component. In the Assembly Navigator right click the Brake node and choose Suppression.
Choose Controlled by Expression. In the Expression Editor, change the supporession control expression name to show_brake. Click OK.
G-9
Step 5:
Modify the assembly spreadsheet to exclude the brake from certain congurations. Invoke the Modeling Spreadsheet. Add a column for the show_brake expression in the assembly conguration table and enter the number 1 or 0 for each assembly conguration as shown below. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 skt401 skt402 skt411 skt412 skt501 skt521 skt522 Frame fr4 fr4 fr4 fr4 fr5 fr5 fr5 Wheel w01 w02 w11 w12 w02 w21 w22 show_brake 1 1 0 0 1 0 1
Enter the name of the expression that suppresses the brake in cell A6 . Enter the lookup function =vlookup(b8,a11..d17,3) in cell B6 Highlight cells A6..B6 and choose EditDene Expr Rng. Choose FileSave. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part.
G-10
mt10040_g NX 5
Step 6:
Build a new conguration. Choose OptionsUpdate Methods and make sure Modular Assembly Update is selected. Change the conguration to skt521 in cell B8. Choose ToolsUpdate NX Part. This should update the assembly to a ve-wheel skate without a brake.
Step 7: Step 8:
Save and exit the spreadsheet. Save and close all parts.
G-11
Appendix
H Assembly Part FamiliesXess Activity

Purpose This section provides the activities for Assembly Part Families for those those running NX on Unix workstations.
H-1
Assembly Part FamiliesXess Activity
Activity: Creating an Assembly Part Family

In this activity, you will dene a part family for an in-line skate assembly. The assembly will vary in the number of wheels, the type of wheels, and the presence of a brake.
Step 1:
Clone an existing skate assembly. Choose AssembliesCloningCreate Clone Assembly. Choose Add Assembly. Select the part apd_skate_assm. Choose the Naming tab. Click Dene Naming Rule. Click Replace. For the Base String, key in apd_. For the Add/Replace/Rename String, key in your initials followed by an underscore. Click OK. Enter the pathname for your home directory as the Default Output Directory. Consult your instructor if necessary.
Choose the Main tab. Click Set Defaults. If no error messages were generated, click Execute to execute the clone operation and then Close the Clone Assembly dialog box. Then review and Close the Information window.
H-2 Associative Parametric Design Student Guide UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved mt10040_g NX 5
Step 2:
Open ***_skate_assm. The following preparations have already been completed: All components were added to the assembly and mated except the brake. Since the frame and wheel are part families, the template parts were added. A wheel, a set of spacers, and a set of bearings were mated to a hole in the frame and used to create component arrays with the From Feature ISET option. Since the wheels will vary between congurations, each occurrence of the wheel was given a unique name (WHEEL-1, WHEEL-2, etc.). You may need to add the Components Name column to the Assemblies Navigator to be able to see this.
Step 3:
Create the family members for the frame. Make ***_frame_fam the Work Part. In the Modeling application, choose ToolsPart Families. In the Part Families dialog box, make sure the Importable Part Families Template check box is cleared, and click Edit The template part for the frame contains an expression for the number of wheels which controls the number of holes and length of the frame. The part family table contains rows for two family members; a four-wheel and a ve-wheel frame. Edit the names of the family members in cells A4 and A5 to include your initials instead of "apd". Select the two rows dening the family members (4 and 5). Choose Part FamilyCreate Parts. Note the Information window contents, then dismiss the Information window. In the Part Families dialog box, click Resume. In the part family spreadsheet, choose Part FamilyCancel. In the Part Families dialog box, choose Cancel
H-3
Step 4:
Create the family members for the wheel. Make ***_wheel_fam the work part. Choose ToolsPart Families. In the Part Families dialog box, make sure the Importable Part Families Template check box is cleared, and click Edit The part family table for the wheel also contains rows for two family members; a standard wheel and a performance wheel, with each having a different outside diameter. Edit the names of the family members in cells A4 and A5 to include your initials instead of "apd". Select the two rows dening the family members (4 and 5). Choose Part FamilyCreate Parts. Note the Information window contents, then dismiss the Information window. In the Part Families dialog box, click Resume. In the part family spreadsheet, choose Part FamilyCancel. In the Part Families dialog box, choose Cancel You will now dene the family members of the assembly. This is similar to dening the family members of a standard part except you will select components as the attribute class.
Step 5:
Create the family table for the assembly. Make ***_skate_assm the work part. Save all parts. Choose ToolsPart Families. In the Part Families dialog box, make sure the Importable Part Families Template check box is cleared.
From the Available Columns list, choose Components. Select the ***_FRAME_FAM component from the Available Columns list in the Part Families dialog and click Add Column. You can also double-click the items in this list box to add them to the Chosen Columns list box.
H-4 mt10040_g NX 5
Double-click ***_SKT_BRAKE component to add it as a column. Double-click on the remaining components in the following order to add them to the Chosen Columns list. WHEEL-1 WHEEL-2 WHEEL-3 WHEEL-4 WHEEL-5 ***_SKT_BEARING ***_SKT_SPACER Click Create. Dene the family members for four skate congurations by entering the data in the spreadsheet cells as shown. Use your initials in place of ***. (Utilize the Copy and Paste options in the spreadsheet.)
As shown above, only the ***_skate_03 should have a brake. Also, the only parts that should get a WHEEL_5 are ***_skate_03 and ***_skate_04.
H-5
Choose Part FamilySave Family from the spreadsheet menu bar. The spreadsheet data is now complete. There are several things that you need to know to understand the current condition of the spreadsheet and why it will work. Row 1 is automatically lled in with the attributes chosen. Cell A2 is empty when the part family is created. The rest of row 2 is lled in with the values represented in the template part. Any row not containing a value in column A is ignored. Empty rows are allowed.
By leaving row two without a part name, it represents the template part. This may be a desired condition if the template part does not represent a real part conguration. In this case, the template includes ve wheels and a brake but this is not actually one of the congurations. You do not have to create a family member part to test a conguration. You can use the Verify option to temporarily generate a family member. Step 6: Verify a conguration. In the Part Families dialog box, click Edit. Highlight one of the family member rows. Choose Part FamilyVerify Part. In the Part Families dialog, click Resume Verify another conguration, if desired, and exit the spreadsheet.
Step 7:
Save and close all parts.
H-6
mt10040_g NX 5
Index
A Activity: Replacing Dening Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assembly Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Creating a New Sequence . . . . . . . . . . Icon Options Bar . . . . . . . Motion Record Preferences Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Editing a Sequence . . . . . . . . . . General Concepts . . . . . . . Procedure: Creating a Sequence . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Sequence Playback . . . . . . . . . . . Sequence Navigator . . . . . Sequence Navigator Popups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sequence Navigator Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . Task Environment . . . . . . Assembly Congurations part families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associative Curve Operations . . . C Class Standards . . . . . . . Layers and Categories Part Naming . . . . . . . Roles and Customizing Setting the Role . . . . . System Information . . Cloning Activity: Cloning . . . . Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 14 13 16 17 15 . . 5-36 . . 2-23 . . . . . . . . 2-26 2-24 2-25 . 2-1
Clone Action Exceptions Conict Resolution . . . . Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . Log Files . . . . . . . . . . . Main Tab . . . . . . . . . . . Naming Exceptions . . . . NX Manager . . . . . . . . . Part Selection . . . . . . . . Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . D
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. 1-8 1-11 . 1-5 . 1-7 1-10 . 1-9 1-12 . 1-4 . 1-6
. . 2-16 . . . 2-2 . . 2-12 . . 2-15 . . . 2-8 . . 2-10 . . . 2-9 . . . 2-3 . . . C-2 . . . 6-2
Deform Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Deform . . . . . . . . Activity: Deform Assembly Activity: Defromable Parts Assembly Components . . . Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flexible Components . . . . Deleting Child Features . . . . Design Intent Activity: Design Intent . . . Documenting Design Intent Dening Design Intent . . . Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expression Names . . . Feature Names . . . . . Feature Sets . . . . . . . Layers and Categories Object Names . . . . . . Spreadsheets . . . . . . . Visual Editor . . . . . . . E
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. B-1 B-16 . B-8 . B-5 . B-4 . B-3 . B-2 5-34
. . . . . . A-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 3-3 3-6 3-5 3-10 . 3-4 . 3-8 . 3-7 . 3-9
. . . . . . . . 1-13 . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Edge Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2 Activity: Blend Overow Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23 Activity: Edge Blends . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Associative Parametric Design Student Guide Index-1
Index
Activity: Multiple Edge Blends Activity: Vertices Overow Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Overow Resolutions and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Constant Radius . . Rolling Ball Principle . . . . . . . Selection Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . Settings Group . . . . . . . . . . . . Edit During Update . . . . . . . . . . Editing Flexibility . . . . . . . . . . . Editing Pads and Pockets . . . . . . Activity: Editing Pads and Pockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure: Editing Pads and Pockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F
. . 8-12 . . 8-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16 . 8-7 . 8-5 . 8-6 8-21 5-29 5-35 7-24
Newton_Raphson 2D Non-linear @d Sidel Iteration . . . . . . . Optimize 1xN . . . . . . Regula-Falsi . . . . . . . H How to Use This Manual . . Online Help . . . . . . . . . . Student Guide . . . . . . . . The Learning Advantage Workbook . . . . . . . . . . . . I
. . . . . . 10-5 . . . . . . 10-6 . . . . . . 10-7 . . . . . . 10-3
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
11 12 11 12 12
. . 7-26 . . 7-25
Face Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-29 Activity: Face Blending . . . . . . . . 8-34 Activity: Face Blending and Tangency Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-40 Activity: Redening Blended Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-43 Attachment Methods . . . . . . . . . 8-33 Dialog box groups . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-31 Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-30 G General Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14 Activity: Creating General Pad and Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16 Dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15 General Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Activity: Creating a Pocket . . . . . . 7-8 Activity: Multiple Face Pockets . . 7-11 Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 Other Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7 Selection Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 Goal Seek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 Activity: Optimizing Part Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10 Goal Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8 Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3 Newton_Raphson . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Index-2 Associative Parametric Design Student Guide
Inserting Features Make Current Feature . . . . . . . Intersection Curves . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Intersection Curves . . Procedure: Create Intersection Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J Join Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Join Curves . . . . . . . Procedure: Create Join Curves Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N NX Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Active Expression Range . . . . . Activity: Mass Properties (Excel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Mass Properties (Xess) Activity: Timing Gear (Excel) . . Activity: Timing Gear (Xess) . . . Built-in Functions . . . . . . . . . . Edit Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . Extracting Expressions . . . . . . . Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mass Properties Function . . . . . Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NX Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 5-12 . 6-14 . 6-17 . 6-16 . 6-15
. . . .
. . . .
. 6-9 6-12 6-11 6-10
. . 9-2 . . 9-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21 . F-6 9-12 . F-2 9-17 . 9-4 . 9-8 . 9-3 9-18 . 9-6 . 9-7 9-10
mt10040_g NX 5
Index
Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Part Variations . Activity: Part Variations_ xess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Variations . . . . . Activity: Variations_xess . Lookup Functions . . . . . . Procedure: Creating a Template . . . . . . . . . . . Workow: General . . . . . . . . . O Out Of Date Features Overview Course Description Intended Audience Objectives . . . . . . . Prerequisites . . . . P Part Families assembly congurations . . . . . Part Interrogation Feature Associativity . . . . . . . Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . Feature Browser . . . . . . . Object Dependency Graph Part Navigator . . . . . . . . . Part Navigator Display . . Part navigator Status column . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Project Curves . . . . . Procedure: Project Curves . . . Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R Reordering Features . . . . . . . . Activity: Reordering Features Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 11-2 . . 11-5 . . . . . . . . . G-2 11-9 . G-5 11-8
Procedure: Reorder Feature . . . . Replacing Features . . . . . . . . . . . . Activity: Inserting and Replacing Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S
. 5-6 5-13 5-16 5-14
. . 11-4 . . 9-11
. . . . . . . . . . . 5-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 . 10 .. 9 . 10
. . . C-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 4-10 . 4-4 . 4-3 . 4-5 . 4-7 5-33 . 6-3 . 6-6 . 6-5 . 6-4
Sketch Offset Curves . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30 Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31 Sketch Project Curves . . . . . . . . . . 6-27 Activity: Project Curves in a Sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33 Procedure: Creating Projected Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29, 6-32 Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28 Spreadsheet differences between XESS and Excel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2 extended functionality . . . . . . . . . E-4 functions expression related . . . . . . . . . E-9 matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-7 object related . . . . . . . . . . . . E-10 point related . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-8 vector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5 migrating spreadsheet data . . . . . E-3 Suppress by Expression . . . . . . . . . 5-21 Activity: Suppress by Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24 Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23 Suppressing components . . . . . . . 11-12 Activity: Suppression . . . . . . . . 11-14 Activity: Suppression_xess . . . . . . G-8 Suppression by Expression . . . . 11-13 W
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
5-2 5-7 5-5 5-3
Wrap/Unwrap Curves . . . . . Activity: Wrap Curves . . . Procedure: Wrap/Unwrap Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 6-21 . . . . . 6-25 . . . . . 6-24 . . . . . 6-22
Index-3

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Associative Parametric Design

Student Guide May 25, 2007 MT10040 NX 5

Publication Number mt10040_g NX 5

Publication Date May 2007

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-7 2-8 2-9

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

2-10 2-12 2-15 2-16 2-23 2-24 2-25 2-26 2-41

. 7-2 . 7-4 . 7-5 . 7-7 . 7-8 7-11

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

7-14 7-15 7-16 7-24 7-25 7-26 7-29

D-2 D-3 D-4 D-5

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

How to Use This Manual

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

How to Use This Manual

The Learning Advantage

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

Layers and Categories

Layer Assignment 120 1520 2140 4160 6180 81100

Category Name SOLIDS LINKED_OBJECTS SKETCHES CURVES DATUMS SHEETS

Object Type Drawing Borders

Layer Assignment 101110

Category Name FORMATS

Layer Assignment 121130 131150

Category Name MECH CAE

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

Classroom System Information

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

Roles and Customizing

As you progress you may want to use more functions.

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

Set the Role for this Course

Expand the System Defaults area of the palette.

Choose Advanced with Full Menus

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

Selecting Parts to Include in the Cloning Operation

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide

Reports to Information Window

Associative Parametric Design Student Guide