Cloning and wave links

[db495]

Hi,

I am modelling an assembly using sketch based features and then splitting this into separate components (for drafting purposes) using wave links. When I attempt to clone this assembly in order to create a similar but geometrically different assembly the wave links continue to reference the old assembly, is there a way to get the wave links to update.

Assembly 1 (inlcudes sketch and features)
Part1a (Wave linked to above features)
Part2a (Wave linked to above features)

Assembly 2 (clone, includes ammended sketch and features)
Part1b (Wave link is broken as it still tries to reference assembly 1 features)
Part2b (Wave link is broken as it still tries to reference assembly 1 features)

ie I want parts 1b and 2b to reference the features in assembly 2 without automatically re linking them.

I hope this makes sense.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[cowski]

I've had similar issues when I used partial loading. Fully load the parts involved in the wave link before performing the clone operation and the links should update to the new parts.

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[db495]

Awesome, thanks Cowski, I've got this working now.

I have a few more questions if that's okay, as you seem to know the intricacies of NX.

1) Would you be able to tell me whether its possible to create a model in the following way:

Model:
Driving sketches
- Extrude 1
- Extrude 2
etc

Create component and split all of the features into components whilst still having them driven by the parent sketches. Whenever I try doing this the sketches move into the new component files but do not retain association with the parent sketch. I know wave links would be a good solution for this but I would really like to know if its possible without.

2) Is there a way of using the part family tool with associated components. I know you can turn on and off components using part families however I would like to have a sketch, features, split into components.

ie
Assembly - Chair 1 + Drawings
Sketch
Features
Component - Back
Component - Base
Component - Leg 1
Component - Leg 2
Component - Leg 3
Component - Leg 4

I could then create a new part family with different geometry, go into each new assembly, turn off the features and I have a part family with attached drawings. The problem I have however is that only one version of each component can exist at any one time. Is there a way of creating new components to go along with your part family? ie so when I change the chair height in the sketch new components are made based on the updated features.

3) All of the issues I seem to be having are related to splitting a parametric model into components, is there any way to draft explosions without splitting into components?

4) The goal is a part family with automatically updating drawings, I am exploring a number of methods of doing this. The clone function seems to be the best method so far but I would love to have it controlled by a spreadsheet if possible. Is there a more obvious way that I am missing?

Sorry for the essay. Please let me know if any of this is unclear.

Thanks in advance,
Dan

 

[cowski]

Create component and split all of the features into components whilst still having them driven by the parent sketches. Whenever I try doing this the sketches move into the new component files but do not retain association with the parent sketch. I know wave links would be a good solution for this but I would really like to know if its possible without.

Wave linking is used to associatively copy geometry from one part file to another. I know of no way to create an associative copy between parts without using wave linking.

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[mathisudar2007]

Hello,

Can 'copy > Paste the Sketch with 'Re-link Original Parameters" help here?



regards,
Mathi Krishnan
NX10.0.1.4 D4

 

[db495]

Thanks for the advice! I will have a go with that later Mathi.

Sorry I have just realised that my usage of the term part family may be confusing, I am looking at more of an 'assembly family' in that the whole assembly will be made of the same parts but each part inside will be geometrically different for each member of the assembly.

Cheers,
Dan

 

[3dr]

If you have any other issues you can always fall back on "Interpart" Expressions.
Just connect through the button at the bottom of the expression dialogue.

Dave
Automotive Tooling / Aircraft Tooling / Ground Support Structures

NX9, Win 7 Pro SP1

 

[db495]

Thanks Dave I'll have a look at that now.

Mathi - I have had a look at what you are suggesting and dont really follow what you mean by 'Relink original parameters', is this the same as changing the expressions mapping method to 'link to original'

Thanks,
Dan

 

[db495]

Dave - am I right i saying that interpart expressions wont work upstream ie I cant create link to an expression in top level assembly? I guess this means I could keep my driving sketches in one of the component parts??

Cheers,
Dan

 

[3dr]

Yeah you can. You can link backward, forward and side ways. lol
It doesn't matter.

Dave
Automotive Tooling / Aircraft Tooling / Ground Support Structures

NX9, Win 7 Pro SP1

 

[db495]

Awesome thanks!

 

[IvanNX]

Make sketches first in separate part.
Make elements/parts of assemblies as separate parts with wave links to proper construction features from parts with sketches.
Assembly elements/parts in as amny assemblies you need using absolute coordinate system placement.
when you change sketch all assemblies will update.
This way I "drive" assemblies that has 5000+ parts without problems.

 

[db495]

Hi Ivan,

Thanks, I think I follow, I will try that out tonight.
I guess that using that method you would have to turn the original features off in order to create exploded drawings etc for the draft file? And then if you wanted to amend the model you would have to turn on the features again so that the wave links can update?

I am looking to avoid this process if possible.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[IvanNX]

No. Explosion move parts independently from position where they are loaded in assembly, it is view dependent movement of parts. So if you make explosion in ISO parts will be on normal places if you change view to TRI.
But if you change master-sketch and then update, your explosion will be affected too.