NX 9 : How to Direct edit value & Stops using "Formula Editor" !

[stephlouv]

Since upgraded to NX9, when we are using a formula for any dimension field, we have to use the "Formula Editor" to modify it.

I can understand it's a good thing if this value is really compute or conditional and used in a "Master Part" so lower level drafters don't mess up.

But, as i'am working in mm, and often from inches drawings, it's really useful to type "2in" as a value and NX take care of the conversion.
But afterward, the field is greyish and if can't change it. I MUST use de Formula editor or pass through the "Make Constant".
This is really really annoying, click & time consuming.

Is there a settings in preferences or Customer default to change this ?

Thank you.

"My english is bad ? That's why i'am french."

 

[JohnRBaker]

You make it sound as if something has changed in NX 9.0. What is it that you think is different and what version of NX did you upgrade from?

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.

 

[stephlouv]

If I remember well, under NX8, we had direct access to the expression even if it was a formula.
Anyway, this is secondary.

My wish is to know if there is a way to direct edit value fields which are locked because they are formula.

A BIG thank you.

"My english is bad ? That's why i'am french."

 

[stephlouv]

See attached video.
Once the field is set to "2in", no way to direct modify it afterward.
Must use the formula editor or change it to "make constant" first.

"My english is bad ? That's why i'am french."

 

[JohnRBaker]

NX has behaved this way since the release of NX 6.0, over six years ago, that is that once an entry has been edited to be a 'formula', you will need to go to the expression editor itself to edit it.

Now when you say 'locked', are you referring the to new (in NX 8.5)) capability to 'Lock a Formula' in the Expression editor? If so, NO, there is no way to override it from a "direct edit value field" since that was the whole purpose of this new capability in the first place, to prevent inadvertent editing of expressions by people who may not understand what's going on. This is an additional tool which can be used by the author of part to control what can and what can not be messed with, at least to some extent.

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.

 

[JohnRBaker]

I just came across a minor change in the way Expression formulas are handled in NX 10.0 (which should be available by the end of the year) which would have an effect on the status of the issue being discussed in this thread.

Starting with NX 10.0 there will be a Customer Default which will set NX so as to allow users to edit expressions using what's called the 'Expert Expression' mode. In this mode, you WILL not only see the expression formulas in the Edit Feature parameter entry widgets, but you'll also be able to edit these formulas right there in the feature dialog without having to go to the Expression dialog. Note that the out-of-the-box default mode will still be as it is now since that is STILL the recommended way to use NX. But if you feel that you're enough of an 'expert' who can be trusted messing with formulas in those small parameter entry widgets, then you can go for it.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

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

 

[stephlouv]

Good to hear ! Perfect ;-)
Thank you.


"My english is bad ? That's why i'am french."