Background Image 1

[kakerukami]

Is there a way to add a user-defined image as the background in an NX part file? I am using NX 5.0.2.2 I have tried using the Basic Scene Editor under Visualization, but the images do not appear even when using NX5's selection of background images which I assume should work. Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnRBaker]

In order to see the background image, you have to be in Studio Display Mode. Normal shaded viewing won't cut it.

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

http://www.siemens.com/plm

http://www.plmworld.org/museum/

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

 

[kakerukami]

Thanks John!!! That was easy.

I had another follow-up question concerning background images. Is there a way to make the aspect ratio of the image locked, so the image is not stretched in the background? Thanks again!!!

 

[JohnRBaker]

There doesn't appear to be any way to control how the 'Background' image is applied.

However, if it's a big deal you could 'fake' the background by creating a planar sheet body with an image applied to it and position it as it were an actual physical 'backdrop' sort of like you see in a photographer's studio.

You access this capability by going to...

View -> Visualization -> Raster Image...

Now this is limited to only .tif images, but you do have control over all aspects of size and aspect ratio of the final image. Again, once it's been placed, you'll need to be in the Studio Display mode to see the image although when in a normal shaded view the surface will look like any other 'Bounded Plane', and can be moved like any other object. Note that the Raster Image feature created is parametric in that you can use expressions to control the length and height of the sheet body and you can also edit the image replacing it with a different .tif file.

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

http://www.siemens.com/plm

http://www.plmworld.org/museum/

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

 

[kakerukami]

Wow!!! Thanks John! That's exactly what I wanted.

I'm sure this is a stupid question, but could you elaborate on how to apply an image to a sheet body/solid body? I've got the image in and would like to be able to move the image around easily in my model using expressions, and I think I could do that easily if I could tie the image to the sheet body. Thanks ahead of time.

 

[JohnRBaker]

For the ultimate in options for assigning an image to a body, be it a sheet body, a solid body or just one face of a body, use the tools found on the Visualize Shape toolbar. Now this can be done in two ways which each has their uses. One is use a 'Decal', which from the name you can sort of figure out that this allows you to 'paste' an image file, which can actually be define so as to follow a cut-out shape if desired. Once defined you can size, orient, move around, etc.

The other approach is similar to the result you got creating a 'Raster Image' except that you have more control and more flexibility but it also requires more prep and set-up and of course the dialogs and workflow is more complex, but it does allow you to use more than just .tif images including .jpg and .png files. What you here is first define a texture where you define what its appearance will be including whether you wish to use an image or one of the programed 'materials' like wood or stone or metal, etc. Once defined (or selected from the list of predefined materials/textures) you then assign it to a body or face and depending on which, you will have certain options as to how it will appear.

To access these options activate the 'Visualize Shape' toolbar. Existing Materials are selected from the 'Materials' tab on the Resource Bar and once 'Copied' they can be 'Pasted' on to the 'Materials in Part' tab where they can be edited or new ones created including the ones using image files.

Anyway, that should get you started.

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

http://www.siemens.com/plm

http://www.plmworld.org/museum/

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