Offset Point Creation

[plmtech]

My requirement is to create a series of Points or Datum CSYS using the same values each time (i.e. the same X,Y,Z coordinates away from the last Point or CSYS created). I have tried a couple of methods, with varying degrees of success, and I was wondering if anything could ber automated either using Expressions or Journalling? Here are the two methods I've tried so far.....

I have created a Point in space using X,Y,Z coordinates from the Absolute Zero position. I have then created an Expression with a formula of Point(X,Y,Z), the X, Y and Z coordinates being specific values. I would like to be able to continue to create points using the same specific coordinates away from the last point created. Is it possible to use Point by Expression for this operation? Whenever I create a new Point using the By Expression type, the point is always created associated to the Absolute Zero. There is no "Selected Point" option to use when adding Point by Expression, and you only have "Absolute - Work Part", "Absolute - Displayed Part" or "WCS" as Coordinate Reference options.

The closest I have come to acheiving the desired result so far is by using Datum CSYS instead of Points. After creating each Datum CSYS I use Set WCS to Datum CSYS. I then create an Offset Datum CSYS, manually adding the same values in each operation. After each Datum CSYS is created I Set WCS to Datum CSYS and continue adding Offset Datum CSYS... Is there a way to automate or journal this type of operation? I am new to Journalling.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[KhimaniMohiki]

If i understand correctly the offset points would form a straight line, so why not instead just array the point in the direction described by your co-ordinates?

Khimani Mohiki
Studio Engineer - Jaguar Land Rover UK

 

[JohnRBaker]

What version of NX are you using?

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.

 

[plmtech]

We're on NX 7.5.

 

[JohnRBaker]

OK, attached is an example using Expressions and geometric constructs. The four Expressions of interest are 'X', 'Y', 'Z' and 'Number_of_Points', all of which should be self-explanatory.

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]

Sorry, slight correction needed. Discard the previous file and instead, use the one attached below.

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.

 

[plmtech]

Hi John,

Many thanks for the example, it really helped me out!