NX associative spline

[mikedaneh]

NX 7.5-GM version...I could have sworn I have created associative splines before...maybe Im forgetting something.
In 3D not a sketch. Create a series of points, say 5, then create a spline through these points. Now move any of the points. The spline doesn't update to the new point position. I double click on the spline and change it to associative and delete the original. Move a point. Still the spline doesn't update. What am I missing?

 

[JohnRBaker]

What is the exact command that you're using to create the Spline?

John R. Baker, P.E.
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[mikedaneh]

Spline( not studio)/thru points/single segment/OK/existing point

 

[JohnRBaker]

So you're saying that you're using...

Insert -> Curve -> Spline...

...and NOT...

Insert -> Curve -> Studio Spline...

...correct?

If so, WHY?

THAT 'spline' is NOT associative; never has been and never will be. It's a legacy command, which is why it does not show-up on the menu if you used one of the Roles which does NOT include full menus (and starting with NX 8.5, it won't be there even if you DO use a Role with full menus).

If you wish to create an associative Spline (outside the Sketcher) than the proper function to use is 'Studio Spline', period!

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
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To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[Toost]

A little addon to the thread, if you have a non associate spline ( which isn't connected/ associated to the defining points) and you edit+ toggle on associative, it will not be associated to the points until you reselect the points. Drag a spline-point off the point and back, having it highlight the point, then it will be associated.

Regards,
Tomas

 

[mikedaneh]

I was able to create a studio spline that is associative to its creation points and tangency curves. This is great for using expressions for controlling the points and ultimately the spline and subsequent solids.
I wonder why the associativity option is not available on the basic Spline command at creation and what function the edit spline/associativity serves as it does not create the association you would expect.

 

[Toost]

As John says, the Basic spline command is an legacy ( old) command that ( between the lines) is written many years ago in a old code format and it's better and simpler to write a new function for spline creation. To do a comparison with cars, cars designed 20 years ago were not prepared for GPS navigation and head up display.

When editing an Basic spline and turning on the associativity switch,
Since the old spline doesn't have the definition data stored ( which point objects) it cannot push that information into new associative spline. The newer and associative spline has the capability to become associative but it must not be associative. You can for example associate 3 of the splines 5 points to other objects and leave the other 2 free.

But , as you say if you create the spline using Studio Spline from start, it will immediately record what objects it snapped to and keep that associativity.

Regards,
Tomas

 

[JohnRBaker]

And this idea that the 'Spline' function is legacy has been reinforced by the fact that for the last several releases we have downgraded it to a sort of 'second class' status, that is, removing it from the recommend Roles and only making it available if the user forced a display of 'full menus' (and the 'Spline' has NOT been available on the Curve toolbar since NX6.0). And for NX 8.5, we've taken the next step in 'obsolescing' this function by removing it from even the 'full menu' Roles.

Note that is it true that since NX 7.5, if a user really wanted the 'Spline' icon to appear on the Curve toolbar, he could have used Customize to add it back, and while that will still be possible in NX 8.5, we have started to 'toll the bell' on it's eventual demise since if you do go to Customize you will see that the 'Spline' functions is now tagged with a 'to be retired' notation:

This process is how we go about obsolescing legacy functions which will no longer be enhanced and which are slated for eventual removal altogether.

So there, anyone who's still using this legacy 'Spline' function, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

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.