NX5 new Hole; possible to create pattern (Instance) from sketched pts?

[potrero]

In NX5.0.5, with the new Hole tool, it's very convenient to create holes by first sketching out the pattern of points representing hole locations, then simply selecting the sketch after launching the Hole tool.

However, the resulting set of holes is NOT recognized by NX as a Pattern. For example, in Drafting, inheriting Feature Parameters for one of the member holes does NOT result in proper annotation (ie: 5X dia 10mm...), rather it creates annotation for only the specific hole.

In contrast, creating simple rectangular or circular Feature Instances results in convenient annotations which can be inherited into drafting.

Does a functionality exist to create a Feature Pattern or Instance, from a sketch of points?

If not, then this would be a useful new function.

Also, such a Pattern could be used to rapidly populate with fasteners, (a-la-Solidworks...)

 

[JohnRBaker]

Not yet, but the requirement has been noted and there is an NX 7 project to re-engineer all of the various so-called pattern/instance/array functions, be they features, objects or components. We expect that as part of that project we will also investigate how other applications will leverage these 'patterns' when performing their operations.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
NX Design
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
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.

 

[potrero]

Hmm, how about doing that in NX6.0.2?
: )

 

[JohnRBaker]

I'd love to, but this is a major project and will require schema changes, which we absolutely can NOT do in a maintenance release, NO matter how compelling a project may be. This is a 'stone tablet' rule.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
NX Design
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
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.

 

[ewh]

You know how it is, John... give us something good, and we'll always ask for more.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. - [small]Thomas Jefferson [/small]

 

[JohnRBaker]

That's what we call 'job security' ;-)

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
NX Design
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
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.