Deformable Part problem 1

[jnikolauk]

I'm testing out the usefulness of Define Deformable Part (NX 7.5)for our organization and one hitch I have encountered is that if the original deformation is deleted from the part file an "orphaned" version of the entire deformed part is added to whatever assembly it was deformed in.

Quite simply is there a way to prevent that from happening?

 

[JohnRBaker]

In reality, Deformable Parts are using what's known as a 'Promotion', an older but still useful scheme for associatively sharing models between part files which was used prior to the introduction of WAVE linking, to accomplish its task. However, 'Promotions' are based on using a 'hidden' component, which becomes 'unhidden' when the Promotion, or in this case, the Deformable Part/feature, is deleted.

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.com/museum/

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

 

[jnikolauk]

Thanks for the reply.

So the short answer is no?

Unfortunate. Due to the inablity to edit a deformation once created (unable to add/remove features to it) the only way to update a deformation is to recreate to it which of course unhides and disassociates the assemled part in effect creating an unneeded duplicte in the assemlby file(s). Such a situatin is problematic to say the least.

Or is there a work around that I'm missing?

 

[eex23]

try using reference sets.
for e.g. springs: create two reference sets: compressed and decompressed. then you can create as much reference sets as you want, according to position of the spring.

deformable parts usually creates mess in assemblys.

 

[jnikolauk]

reference sets are problematic as it creats multiple solids to track in the master part file that all have to be updated every time the part is updated not to mention a part that may be used in multiple applications in a slightly different form.

Up to now we have been using dead adjusted copies in the assembly file leaving the single master pristine, but, opening up the assemblies to show possibly(probably) out of date data.

we're just looking for the holy grail of a single master math file plus a representative and readily updateable assemled part that is sufficiently idiot-proof.

That last caveat is why I'd prefer a warning/crash for the orphaned deformation rather than it updating/adding a copy like nothing happened.

A tall order I know but a man can dream.

 

[MickyV007]

Have you looked at family tables? Could be a possible solution for your problem.
Here's a thread in which the usage/creation is covered :

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=275543

Best regards,

Michaël.

NX7.5.4.4 + TC Unified 8.3

 

[jnikolauk]

I'm not all that familiar with part families I was under the impression that it was for multiple (yet similar) parts. Can it track multiple variations of a single part as well?

What I'm looking to use Deformable Part for (at least in the beginning) are things like Bushings, Springs, and Straps. Parts that once developed aren't likely to change all that much and even less likly to have major revisions which means Deformable Parts issues may not be a show stopper for implementing it, however, they will be an issue if it's role were to be expanded beyond that limited scope.

 

[MickyV007]

This is exactly what family tables are intended for, you can create a template part and vary the length/diameter/etc... by controlling it through the spreadsheet. There are some examples in the thread, if you need some more explanation or examples feel free to do so.

Best regards,

Michaël.

NX7.5.4.4 + TC Unified 8.3

 

[jnikolauk]

Sounds interesting I'll add learning about/monkying with Part Families to my lenghthy to do list (unfortunately my regular workload trumps deveoping new design procedures and processes)

One thing off the top of my head though. Can part families be defined by geometry as well? (used for running a strap around mutiple or irregularly shaped parts)