Is there a way to control feature dimensions with reference sets?

[AaronH]

All,

I am fairly certain reference sets isn't going to do exactly what I want it to, but I'm hoping that someone here will have some ideas. I have a part that is used in multiple places and it is slightly different in each location. In Solidworks you can have configurations that adjust feature dimensions of a single model (only one solid). You can readily select which configuration you want at the assembly level. In UG/NX you can have reference sets, but to my knowledge you must model each version independently (multiple solids). My UG/NX experience isn't as extensive as my SW. I can't think of any way in NX to have only one solid, but adjust the feature dimensions. As an example, let's say I have a piece of wire that is bought in bulk. I would like to have one part number for the wire, but show it in various lengths at the appropriate locations. I know that I can model each length in one file, create reference sets, and select the proper reference set in the assembly. However, is there a way to have only one solid and adjust it's length?

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[JohnRBaker]

This would be better handled using Deformable Parts, which allows you to define a part file which when placed in an assembly can have one or more parameters or references defined relative to that single assembly, allowing the same Component to be used in multiple places each being a different size or shape. This functionality can be found at...

Tools -> Define Deformable Part...

Now that being said, if what you describe is a true 'wiring' or 'cabling' type of requirement, perhaps you should consider one of the more appropriate Routing modules which are designed specifically to address the sorts of tasks where items such as wires, cables, harnesses, tubing, conduit, piping, etc, are 'routed' through an assembly. These applications have specialized features and capabilities explicitly designed for these sorts of tasks including libraries of predefined components such as fittings, connectors, raw material, etc.

For more information about the NX Routing products, go to...

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/Images/4181_tcm1023-47161.pdf

Anyway, I hope this helps.

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.

 

[AaronH]

John,

Thanks for the info. Deformable parts definately sounds like it would be interesting to explore. I could see it would be very handy at times. The wire scenario was just an example I quickly thought of as I was writing. A couple actual scenarios that come to mind right off hand would be: Energy chain (cat track) shown in mutiple positions per the movements of the machine. In one case we have shrink tubing called out, however it gets cut to different lengths and shrunk to different sizes.

Regards,
Aaron

 

[JohnRBaker]

Now if your issue is with perhaps a Sub-Assembly being used with ITS internal Components in different positions when used in different higher level Assemblies, you may wish to look at Assembly Arrangements which will allow you to define several different 'arrangements' of Components and their positions for a single Sub-Assembly. A simple example might he a valve where in one assembly you wish to show it open where in another you wish to show it closed, or perhaps in the same assembly you need to show TWO valves, one open and one closed, yet you only want the parts list to recognize that it the same valve with a quantity of 2. Or you might have a Sub-Assembly with different options, where in one case a certain Component is included and in another it is not or it has been replaced by an alternative, and yet again you wish to only have a single Sub-Assembly representing this albeit, multi-configurable item.

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.