One dimension for multiple parts

[Walterke]

I'm currently creating an assembly consisting out of several pieces which all have the same length. Is there a way to set this up so I can change the length of all those items by only changing one number?

NX 7.5
Teamcenter 8

 

[mmauldin]

You can create an expression either in the assembly or in one of the parts and then create an interpart link in the other parts that references that expression. Look for the create interpart link icon in the expressions window.

 

[RUGmechanic]

You can also create a wave link (copy geometry to component)to the several pieces containing an edge or a face that is defining a specific or desired length.

What mmauldin replies is probably better, but this may be worth trying.

Older budweiser

 

[Walterke]

mmauldin's idea seems to be working. Wave linking doesn't seem to be what I'm looking for, but thanks for the suggestion anyway.

NX 7.5
Teamcenter 8

 

[Walterke]

New question:

When you make a triangle with a 90° corner and you dimension 2 of it's sided, I'd want to use the angle of one of the corners as the angle for bending a sheetmetal part.
Since that angle isn't parametrized (right word?), I can't link to it in another part either.

NX 7.5
Teamcenter 8

 

[Walterke]

Nevermind, found it myself.
As a help for others:
go to the part you want to reference
tools-->expressions
then on the bottom row of icons click the dropdown box that gives different ways to measure.
Measure the dimension you need, this will create an expression of this dimension.

Now go the part that needs the reference and make an interpart reference to that measurement.

P.S.: if there is an easier way to make an associative link, please let me know.

NX 7.5
Teamcenter 8

 

[JohnRBaker]

Expressions are shared across part files using the Interpart Expression function. Geometry is shared using the WAVE Linker. Those are the basic tools which you have to work with.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA

http://www.siemens.com/plm

UG/NX Museum:

http://www.plmworld.org/p/cm/ld/fid=209

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[RUGmechanic]

You can create a part family in case you need similar sheet metal parts with different bending angles . Use the spreadsheet to change the dimensions of interest for the different parts.

Also make sure to select "associative" when measuring the angle...

Older budweiser

 

[Walterke]

Thanks for the info, I'll try to check that spreadsheet thing out, although it sounds a bit out of my league (pretty new to NX still).

One more question: When I open the assembly with part A and part B (where part B uses a reference angle from part A), part B doesn't change when I change the angle in part A. Only when I open part B (double click in assembly navigator) will it change.
Is this because I have lightweight enabled?
If so: Is there a way to still make it work? (without having to give up LW)

NX 7.5
Teamcenter 8

 

[RUGmechanic]

Make sure in tools/update/interpart update/ the option "delay geometry, expressions and PMI" is deselected.
(NX8)


Older budweiser

 

[JohnRBaker]

If you wish to see these changes immediately in your assembly as changes are made in other parts, you will need to have toggled ON the 'Load Interpart Data' option in...

File -> Options -> Assembly Load Options...

...prior to opening your assembly.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA

http://www.siemens.com/plm

UG/NX Museum:

http://www.plmworld.org/p/cm/ld/fid=209

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[Walterke]

Thanks John.

NX 7.5
Teamcenter 8