Apply expressions created in subcomponents using Part Families

[Sillen]

I'm trying to create assemblies using part families but now I'm stuck.

Simple example:

I have an assembly (X) consisting of one extrusion at top level and one component(x) also with one extrusion whose length should be the same as in the top level extrusion. I would like to use part families to create Yy and Zz where the length of y is the same as Y not X.
If I create a spreadsheet adding an expression, that controls the length in X, and also add component(x) and then create the assemblies Yy and Zz using Part Families I can get X and Z to be the length that I want but y and z is still referencing X.

One idea that I got was to add CSYS's at each end of X then in a create x measurement between those datums but it seems like I can only save measurements that uses points that are in the work part.

Can anyone tell me a way to create an interpart reference that references the top level assembly instead of the Master template top level assembly or if it's possible, in Part Families, to add expressions created in a subcomponent.

I'm running TC integrated NX6.
Thanks in advance,

Sillen

 

[JohnRBaker]

May I suggest that you look at Interpart Expressions.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Design Solutions
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA

http://www.siemens.com/plm

http://www.plmworld.com/museum/

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[Sillen]

Yes you may John the problem is that I thought Interpart Expression was the same thing as Inpterpart Reference which I have used when entering the distance in the extrude of x (subcomponent). The formula used is "A"::Total where Total= Distance (100 mm)*Amount (constant).

I realized that my part families doesn't create a new subcomponent for each assembly. The result is Xx, Yx and Zx not Xx, Yy and Zz. Is it possible to generate new subcomponents in only one part family? If not can you please tell me how to create an Interpart Expression so that when opening Zx the value of x references to Z and not the master template X.

Would really appreciate your help,
Sillen