External copy geometry allows the designer to include geometry from other prt or assy files to be used as a reference, without the ability to modify the copied geometry. Though, if the source model of the copied geometry changes, it is automatically updated in the models that use it as reference.
i.e. Let's say I'm designing a lifting tool. I would want to show the engineering and how it interfaces with the lifting tool in my model and dwg. So, I would perform an "external copy geom" operation to copy over the engineering's geom from it's independent model or prt/assy file. This prt/assy that is copied is non modifiable and only shows a single feature in the model tree. (See attached jpg of a PRO E model tree for a prt that has been copied via "external copy geom") In addition, the real benefit from this operation is, when the source model from the copied geom is modified, the models/dwgs that used it as a reference is automatically updated as well.
OK, that's what I suspected that it would be. You need to look at what in NX-speak is called WAVE Geometry Linking. In fact, if you go to...
Help -> Command Finder...
...and enter 'external copy' you'll see references to WAVE Geometry Linking. I would start there. Once you've found where the function is and play with it a bit (be sure to look at the help files as well), if you have some questions about how to use it and details like that, I'm sure that there will be lots of people willing to give you their advice and help in understanding how this all works.
John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA Siemens PLM: UG/NX Museum:
To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
