"Construction" Lines

[UKIDIOT]

Is there a way to use a type of "construction" line in UG NX2? I have just started using it and I was working on Pro-E Wildfire 2 where you use a sketcher with added commands (extrude, revolve, sweep, etc.). In Wildfire you can use construction lines in your sketches so that you have something that you can constrain to, or dimension to, and you don't delete them. Is this possible in UG NX2?

Thanks,

 

[ewh]

Yes

 

[UKIDIOT]

How do I do it? Also is there anyway that I could get the help files? They aren't installed correctly on this machine, and I have tons of stuff that I would like to look up how to do?

 

[Shadowspawn]

UK...
Off the top of my head you have a couple of different options. First of all, I think it's generally a very good idea to relate all sketching constraints back to your datum csys (versus arbitrary datum planes and axis in space that isn't related to each other). If you need further explanation on this than just give the word.
This being said, you can either make the construction curves (as you call them) in your sketch "reference", in which case they aren't used when extruding, revolving, etc. but still require constraining to remove the 'degree of freedom' marks. The other option is to individually pick your curves when extruding (or whatever) versus just picking your sketch "extrude> type 'line'> pick your curves". I've seen and used both methods regularly...
Hope this helps and let me know if you need further clarification.

SS

 

[ewh]

UK,
I apologize for my short answer earlier, but it is a broad subject and you only asked if it were possible. Welcome to NX.
Shadowspawn's modeling method is a very good one. Associating your geometry back the absolute csys (or datums defined from it) instead of local geometry is called horizontal modeling. It makes it much easier to change later, especially in complex models, since you limit the interdependency between features. I have also used both of the extrusion (or whatever) methods he mentions, extruding entire sketches and extruding only certain sketch geometry. As you gain experience with the system, you will find that there are usually many ways to accomplish the same thing, some better than others. For example, you don't have to use the sketcher, though it is a powerful tool.
So if you come across a problem you can't seem to figure out, it can help to put it aside for a short time, check out the help files, if you can get access to them, and tackle it again from a different direction. While the help files have much information, they sometimes lack in aiding in technique. You can also check out the UGS BBS (you will need a web key account)in addition to this forum for answers . Some mighty smart people both places.

 

[UKIDIOT]

How exactly do I make a line "reference"? Is it a specific type of line? For example, do I need to do some kind of edit properties on the line, or something like that.

Thanks, a lot for the help.

 

[ewh]

There should be an icon (Convert To/From Reference) on your sketch toolbar. It will work with any sketch curve.

 

[rghay]

You can also make a dimension reference. This helps if you would like to see how a resultant dimension changes as you alter other dimensions, but would otherwise have an overconstrained sketch.