Component Arrays... Contraints?

[azonic3d]

I'm having a hard time figuring out what the proper way is to go about creating component arrays in assemblies. If you create an array, it places the components as you want, but it doesn't constrain any of the child components, even if the parent component is fully constrained. Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose? If I have to go back and constrain each child component, I might as well put them all in manually.

Can someone shed some light on how to properly add an array so that all the child components are constrained?

 

[fmr110]

Azonic,

I'm using NX 6.0. Two things you need to do to get the constraints to carry over.

1) Make sure you constrain your part to an instance of an array. For example, a peg in a hole... The hole has to be part of an instance feature array.

2) Choose "From Instance Feature" in your array definition dialog box. Hope this helps!

 

[azonic3d]

Well, the components I'm trying to array are part of a weldment, so there are no instanced features such as holes or notches, to constrain the component to.

Is having an instance feature in another component the only way?

 

[hudson888]

Why do you want to constrain them? I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve and the first question that occurs is to ask whether you really need to have them constrained.

Best Regards

Hudson

www.jamb.com.au

Nil Desperandum illegitimi non carborundum

 

[azonic3d]

Well, if I don't constrain them, and I start to try and constrain other components to it, it will move out of place. Even if I go back and try to rebuild the array, it gets stuck, floating in that position, until I add more constraints to lock it in the correct position. My experience with all other CAD programs is if you define an array/pattern, each components position is locked based on how the array is defined. NX is not doing that. You can still move the components and add constraints contrary to what's defined in the array.

 

[hudson888]

If the array isn't based on a hole pattern then what you are best to do is add one component and constrain it to hold its origin. Then you can go into Assemblies>Components>Create Array. You will have to provide directional vectors to define something like a rectangular array. Then when you have your array go into Assemblies>Edit component Arrays and investigate the options that you have there for controlling how arrays are maintained.

Best Regards

Hudson

www.jamb.com.au

Nil Desperandum illegitimi non carborundum

 

[NXPERSON]

Azonic,

If you are using NX5 or NX6, use the Bond constraint in the Assembly Constraints to lock the arrayed components together. As long as the source component has the proper intial constraints, the source component and the arrayed components are bonded together as a set. If the source component moves the array moves with source part.

NXPerson
NX6.0.2.8

 

[azonic3d]

Don't mean to bring up an old thread, but I've been using the technique outlined by NXPERSON for some time, and it has worked well.

However, as of late I've been working with arrays that are huge; LOTS of bolts/washers/nuts, and I'm starting to wonder if using the BOND constraints is bogging down the assembly.

Does the BOND constraint greatly effect the amount of resources needed to open/modify the assembly?

Also, what about using the MIRROR COMPONENTS function? Is the only option for locking down the components using the BOND constraint, or is there some other setting/option that will do this?