NX Layers to 2D DXF out

[3dr]

Is there a way to achieve this?
I've got a customer stuck in old school AutoCad.
He's insisting that my ass'y drafting deliverable to him be layered consistent with part numbers.

I make assembly drafting views and dxf them out

So part file names:
XXX-021 = layer 21
XXX-022 = layer 22
and so on...

I'm pretty stuck on this right now. There has to be a way to do this.

TIA


Dave
Automotive Tooling / Aircraft Tooling / Ground Support Structures

NX9, Win 7 Pro SP1

 

[Toost]

Dave, you need to clarify this.
- You need to move "component_xxx-022" to layer 22 in the assembly ?
(It will then be the same in the drawing if the layers are synchronized)

Do you need a Journal to aid , or ?

Regards,
Tomas

 

[3dr]

Yes, that is basically what I'm trying achieve.

My drafting file is:
xxx-Master_dwg1.prt

Model File loaded into the above is:
xxx-Master.prt

I'd like to place each .prt file on the layer number that matches their respective part numbers.
Within the xxx-Master.prt
xxx-021.prt gets placed on layer 21
xxx-022.prt gets palced on layer 22
Etc....
Goals:
1. When stepping out xxx-Master.prt the layers go with the parts to the target system.
(I'll manually place the components on the target layer. OR even the solid within the file if I need too.)
2. When a dwg1 prt file is created, and drafting exported to dxf. The layers go out with the curves to the target system.
(I'm using the modern DXF OUT but forcing the output to be like the old 2d exchange to AutoCad Model Space)

I've played with the layering but I've any had any luck yet.
I read in the help files where creating an attribute within the prt file, "LAYER_XXX" (LAYER_021) would force the dxf translator to place it on that layer. That failed.

But I can't even say I understand how NX respects layers between assemblies and drafting files yet.
This is all new to me. If I place a part on a layer, the next level ass'y up doesn't appear to respect it.
So it makes sense that I can't get the translators to work.

I need to go to school on this!
All that said, journals are great and help eliminate a lot of work, I just don't know what I'm asking for yet.

Whatever insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated Toost.

Thanks

Dave
Automotive Tooling / Aircraft Tooling / Ground Support Structures

NX9, Win 7 Pro SP1

 

[Toost]

Ok, i'll give it a try.

* A NX drawing is in the NX perspective an assembly, it works the same as any NX assembly. ( with respect to layers etc)
* When you add a component to an assembly ( in this case a regular assembly, not the drawing. - The end result is the same but the dialog isn't)
There is an option in the dialog "Settings - layer Option" where you can select "Original/work/selected"
default the option "Original" is selected.

Imagine i add the component "a.prt" to my "assy.prt".
In "a.prt" there is a solid body on layer 15 which i want to show in my assembly.
I use the option "original" when adding the component.
If I then check the layer settings in the "assy.prt", there will be 1 (new) object on Layer 1 and 1 new on Layer 15.

The "component" is the "Wrapper" for the body i added, the "component" will be created on the Work layer which is 1 until i change it. The Solid body was on layer 15 in the "a.prt" and is on layer 15 in the assy.prt.

If you would use one of the other options in the layer options ( add component dialog) work/Selected BOTH the "component" and the Body will be placed on the work layer , or the selected / specified layer.
I.e 2 objects on layer x

( the options "work /Selected" will place everything from "a.prt" on a single layer in the assy.prt)


Now if this would have been a drawing, the "layer option" dialog does never appear due to the template setup.
But, you can Select the "a.prt" in the Assembly navigator - Properties and change the Layer Option there.

IF the "a.prt" is an assembly/subassembly there will be a button "synchronize subassembly Properties" which you might need to push to get an update through.


Hope this helps,
/ Tomas

 

[3dr]

Thanks Toost... that worked!
It's painful to have to go into each part file and move the body to a layer but I'll take it.
That'll be one for a journal effort later.

I'm at the five yard line but can't get the layers to translate to dxf or step.
That's the end game...

Any knowledge on that topic?

TIA


Dave
Automotive Tooling / Aircraft Tooling / Ground Support Structures

NX9, Win 7 Pro SP1

 

[3dr]

Follow up:
1. If I use the method you gave me I can't get the layers to go out to dxf. They all show up on Layer #1 in AutoCad

2. If I change the layer of the component in the drafting part file that has the assembly views in it... they do go out to dxf.

Why?
It would be nice to be able to assign the layer to the body the way you described.
Then have it go out in whatever neutral formats you need.



Dave
Automotive Tooling / Aircraft Tooling / Ground Support Structures

NX9, Win 7 Pro SP1

 

[Toost]

2) - do the views already exist when you change the layer of the body ?
- Did you update the drawing after changing the layers but before exporting to DXF ?
- There is a big risk in that you need to adjust "Visible in View" for each drawing view IF you change the layer WHEN the view already exist.

Each drawing view "records" which layer-s WAS visible when you placed ( created) that specific view.
Imagine you have component "a" on layer 1 in the drawing file. Layer 1 is the work layer and therefore visible and selectable. layer 2-256 are invisible ( in the drawing file)
then you create 3 views on your drawing. These 3 views will then "lock" the setting L1 = visible no other visible.
after this you move the component ( the body) to layer 7 in the drawing file and update the drawing. The views will then become "empty" because L7 is "not Visible in View".
- You have to "edit the visible in view and make Layer 7 visible." ( Use the "reset to global" button after you have made Layer 7 visible.



Regads,
Tomas

 

[3dr]

That makes sense and I'll need to test that later this week after I ship the job.
I've found some work arounds the customer accepted for this one.

I'll post what I find out.



Dave
Automotive Tooling / Aircraft Tooling / Ground Support Structures

NX9, Win 7 Pro SP1