cross sections and linking

[JycoCAD]

Using NX5, i want to cut a cross section of a part and then put in a seperate file. Usually I make a sketch and use the cut/paste technique and it works. However sometimes I cannot use this because it says that it is "linked" to solids (usually doesnt work on the files i need most).

Any suggestions on a better way to do this or how to turn that link off? Im coming from Catia, so usually you can just "isolate" a sketch, does NX have a similiar function.

 

[JohnRBaker]

The Sketch is probably referencing the face of a solid. Try creating you Sketches relative to fixed Datum planes.

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

 

[JycoCAD]

I tried it but it still doesnt work. I actually found out that if i add a "parent" to the part i am able to copy/paste that way.

There has to be a feature turned off on the file or something.

 

[cowski]

Do you want to have the curves linked to the solid (when the solid changes, the curves update), or do you just want to use them as a starting point for your new sketch (not associated to the solid)?

 

[JycoCAD]

I do not want them associated. I want two completely independant files.

 

[cowski]

Create a fixed datum plane (non associative) where you want the cut; now you can use the 'section' or 'intersect' commands (Insert -> curve from bodies menu). Make sure the associative command is turned off, then export your datum plane and curves to a new file. Start a new sketch on the datum plane and use the 'add existng curves' command to bring in the section curves to the sketch.

Not an easy 2 click solution, but it will work and it will not try to link to the original body.

 

[JycoCAD]

Thats what i did in the beginning if you see my original post. I would say most of the time that works, but when i get files from certain automotive companies, it does not. Which leads me to believe that there is some option switch or some checked-checkbox somewhere affecting it.

 

[cowski]

Your original post states that you made the sketch and exported it out, I suggest making the section (not in a sketch) exporting it out then adding those curves to a sketch if need be.

If you start with a sketch, NX will try to link it to the body.

 

[JohnRBaker]

Just as a 'heads-up', starting in NX 7.5 you can Copy & Paste all or part of a Sketch, from one part to another, and you will have the option of adding the Copied 'Sketch elements' to an existing Sketch or to use them to create a new Sketch.

Attached is a copy of the 'What's New' entry for this enhancement.

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