Associative line between two spheres

[dir_nx]

Is it possible to create a line between two spheres such that as the spheres are moved in space, the line remains at the sphere center? More ideally I'd like the line to remain at the outer extremity of each sphere (essentially determining the maximum distance apart a point on each sphere can be).

 

[cowski]

I think you can get what you want with an associative measurement. In addition to the measured distance from sphere to sphere, it can create a line. In recent versions of NX, this line can be associative, in older versions it was not.

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[dir_nx]

I tried making a distance measurement associative, but it doesn't seem to actually follow the two object if they are moved. I'm not really sure what the associativity is accomplishing in this instance.

 

[cowski]

Are you working with 2 bodies in a single part file or 2 components in an assembly? If you are working with components in an assembly, are you actually moving the components or are you using arrangements? NX doesn't consider arrangements to be actually moving the components, it is more of a display trick.

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[dir_nx]

I can work with it either way. 2 components or 2 bodies.

 

[erik3000]

Use a CSYS to locate the sphere center, then associate the line to the CSYS. You could try projecting a point from the origin to the outer surface of the sphere, then associate the line to the projected point (or make an offset CSYS to that point).

 

[cowski]

The associative measurement method should work for you; what version of NX are you using?

www.nxjournaling.com