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NX6 workflow

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BearFlag

Automotive
Dec 13, 2006
4
I am a new user of NX, my background is in physics but I am primarily an inventor of all manner of strange things. I mostly make small to medium sized assemblies. Most of my experience is with Solidworks, but I also have a strong background in non CAD 3d, like Maya etc. There have been a few really great articles on here in re: "Best Practices" but not really what I am looking for.

My question is:

What is your typical workflow or how would you go about setting up a design project in NX?

or

When you start a new project what steps do you (or should you have) taken to set it up?

Currently I am designing a multi-axis gantry CNC mill and have a smattering of part files in both NX and Solidworks, though i think much of it would be better remodeled.

If you were to start a project like this how would you go about setting up/nesting your files, assemblies, sheet metal etc?
 
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That's a tough question to answer in a concise manner, but a simple way to look at it would be to say that as long as you know when you are designing what will be discrete components then you can work "Top Down" and Master Model. The term master model refers to keeping the component geometry separate from its downstream uses such as drawings, machining and stress analysis. Top down means that you can start with an assembly that is essentially a layout or skeleton file and then export the geometry using the create components function. When doing so you must be mindful however to avoid dependencies with geometry that you do NOT want to move from the assembly into the component at least initially. Once you are progressed in your design you may care to make use of wave linked geometry to have the data shared between component and assembly. You can do so even while moving the component around in the assembly with pretty much complete freedom. Don't go overboard wit wave linking if your really don't need to. Like anything you always should think about how your data will be most simply maintained.

Once you start to create some data it is best to store it in as few folders as practicable on your native operating system. This won't matter if you have Teamcenter.

In setting up assemblies it is helpful to structure modules based on some logical design boundaries that separate parts of your product. The gantry from the base or the X-axis from the Yaxis, and electrical from hydraulic from mechanical depending on what suits you. Making things easy to find and maintain and encouraging disciplined workflow are always good ideas.

This might give you some kind of start in approaching the project. As for modelling don't be afraid of learning new things and using all of the functions of UG-NX. Some users will insist on only using a few tools because to them it seems like keeping things simple is most important. I say getting the job done quickly and efficiently is the name of the game and there is little you can do as a novice that experienced operators won't be able to deal with down the track. Also there is no rule that says he who has the least features wins. He who works simply and cleanly will enable colleagues to follow his files with the least amount of trouble.

Do investigate working in an organised manner and understanding how to structure and work with models, assemblies and drawing files separately. Bad choices made with those things are some of the most frequent reasons for needing to go back and re-organise and clean up older data. Getting the right training and advice to set up and run the system is at least as important as knowing how to use it.

Best Regards

Hudson

www.jamb.com.au

Nil Desperandum illegitimi non carborundum
 
Thanks for the reply, I think you are getting me in the right direction. I installed CAST and have been digging around the internet for tutorials.

Whenever I learn a new software I spend the extra time not to keep old habits, or follow the techniques on what the old timers do (but learn their tricks), but try to figure out the best workflow for the type of work I need to do. Start with good habits and they stay with you. (periodically revisit them)

This article from GAtech is a bit dated, but he lays out a similar process to what you were talking about.

 
 http://tord.dennis.cc/PLMWorld2005_GT.pdf
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