Material Properties Attributes

[HENDIAN]

I want to start adding more automation to the border. Particularly Materials Info.

We use NX4 and noted from an earlier thread that Tools/Materials Properties is a new addition which looks like it should do what we want.

I would like to set up a library of standard materials, treatments and finishes and then prefer to only allow selection from a fixed list.

In the border we would have the following info:
Material: Generic Name ie ST STEEL
Grade ie 15/5PH
Spec ie AMSxyz
Treatment: Heat Treatment etc
Finish: ie Anodise
Paint: Coulour/ spec

A pointer to info on how to use the Materials Properties tool would be appreciated.

Also, if this info is added at component level, is it available at assembly level for export into a part list spreadsheet.

 

[JohnRBaker]

Your items go beyond the scope of the current Material Library function and therefore you will need to implement some level of customization using the NX Open tools. For one thing, even if that information could be included in the current material database, the only user-accessable (without using NX Open or KF) item when you use the Material Library function is the 'MATERIAL' attribute which only provides the name of the material.

The good news is that using something like GRIP, it would not be that difficult to implement something like this, but it would require some programming effort by someone. To get you moving in that direction I've attached a program which I wrote years ago before we had the new Material Library function. Now at the moment it does little more than assign specific density and the appropriate MATERIAL attributes, but it could be enhanced to cover the scope of your workflow needs.

Anyway, take a look and see it 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.

 

[HENDIAN]

Thanks John, I'll start studying up on GRIP programming. I've used Autolisp extensively but haven't got round to GRIP.

For the moment I'll start adding a set of standard Attributes to all models. Populate them manually to start with and try to automate it in future.

Assistance with how to set up seed parts would be appreciated.

Can you confirm that to use the attributes in notes, the format is <W$=@attribute_name>

If we introduce Teamcentre can the attributes be changed there?

 

[JohnRBaker]

No, the format is <W@attribute_name>.

If the NX Part Attributes (these are the only one TeamCenter is aware of) are updated you notes will update, although there may be a delay and you may need to forec the issue by performing a...

Tools -> Update -> Update for an External Change

This is a known weakness when editing Attributes and is being addressed in the NEXT release of NX. Note that I've used Customize to add an icon to one of my toolbars which initiates an 'Update for an External Change' that I use until we get this issue resolved, which will be soon.

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.