Can't use sheet metal face

[George Packham]

Hi all

When trying to sketch on or contrain componets to a sheet metal facer NX will not select the face. I typically create an extrude body, convert to sheet metal and then add advance tabs. I've had a look online and I can't find anyone else having this issue, does anyone know if there is someting I can do to select the face?

Kind regards,
George Packham

 

[jerry1423]

It could be something as simple as your selection filer.
Make sure Face is the one selectable, or set to No Selection Filter.

Jerry J.
UGV5-NX1884

 

[George Packham]

Thanks Jerry,

My collegue and I havee checked all the selections filters and it doesn't effect it. I have discovered that if one uses SB flanges rather than Advanced flanges then the faces can be used. However the simple flange tool doesn't really work so this isn't a viabale option.

 

[JohnRBaker]

If you're using the Advanced Flange, then that 'faces' of the Flange are probably B-surfaces. A simple flange should give you a Planar Face. You can't attach a Sketch to anything except a Planar Face or a Datum Plane.

John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without

 

[George Packham]

Thanks John,

When using flanges as opposed to advanced flanges the results are not what are desired, for example it does align correctly to the surrounding edges the way advance does when using the same parameters. Is there any way to solve this?

 

[deedub777]

It depends what version of NX you are using. You should be fine selecting 'planar' segments of advanced flange to create sketches (from NX1202).
If you want to create a sketch on a non-planar surface then add a CSYS or Datum Plane and sketch on that.

 

[George Packham]

We are using NX9 , but are planning to upgrade to 12 some point in the the near future. As a work around I am usinng two datum coords to act as the upper and lower surface. It is not ideal still

 

[deedub777]

Just a question... Why would you upgrade to a version that is already out of maintenance?

 

[George Packham]

No idea, that's not my role.