how are family of parts effective?

[aluminum2]

I learned how to create a family of parts. I got my excel table done, I can insert a part into an assembly from a configuration I created, but it seems like thats it. I can't seem to find how to replace to a different model into the configuration without inserting the family part into the assembly again as a new part(mate the part family again).

I would also like to know if it is possible to switch to a different family part inside the master part file.

Are these things possible in nx6, and if not then why would there be an effective use for a part family? If there are possible would there be other ways to use them as well.

I am running NX6

 

[JohnRBaker]

I'm not sure what you mean by "...replace to a different model into the configuration...". Could you explain it a littler clearer and perhaps provide and example or at least some images?

As for the ability to replace a Family Table part in an Assembly, you use the same workflow as you would use to replace a normal component, just that you have the option of selecting the master template file which will once again take you through the instansiation process.

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.

 

[aluminum2]

I think configuration is more of a solidworks term. By configuration I mean that a part is made with the same file, but in some ways different. Like a family of parts. you have one model and change the dimensions, you can probably change other things

now what I am asking is

I create partA-1 in a part file.
I create a design table to have partA-1 and partA-2


I can only see partA-1 in my family of parts file. Is there a way to see partA-2 in that file. I can only seem to see it if I bring it into an assembly and select partA-2.


As another question. If I start off with partA-1 in an assembly and it is mated, what is the quickest way to change it to partA-2.

 

[JohnRBaker]

OK, if you've already defined your Part Family table and you are in...

Tools - > Part Family -> Edit

...mode where you see the Excel spreadsheet and there are multiple rows of entries, each representing a unique Member of the Part Family, just select the row (make sure the entire spreadsheet row is selected and highlighted) representing the family member which you would like to 'see', go to the 'Add-Ins' tab on the Excel menu bar and expand the list labeled 'PartFamily' and select the 'Verify Part' item. What happens is that NX will temporarily generate the desired Part Family member on the screen and will return limited control back to NX where you can graphically review the model rotating it around, changing views, etc. Once you have seen what it that you were looking for you can either return to the spreadsheet (to make changes or to preview other family members) by selecting the 'Resume' button on the Part Family dialog or you could select 'Cancel' and it will close the Spreadsheet and return full control of NX back to you.

As for replacing an existing Part Family member in an Assembly with another, just select the component in the assembly, press MB3 and select 'Replace Component'. When the dialog comes up, navigate to and select the original Part Family master template and when the list of family members is displayed select the desired one and hit OK. The new Part Family member will replace the existing one and all assembly constraints will be reapplied automatically.

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.