Setting default export directories for geo flat patterns and dxfs

[crecore]

We do a lot of sheet metal and therefor export geo's and dxf's sometimes a dozen times a day or so and there are a dozen of us.

It is a complete waste of time to think that 144 times a day someone has to browse to a new directory especially with the network latency problems with Windows 7.

Where can we set these default directories? Most programs have a simple interface for this. Our cad administrator has looked everywhere and even several Siemens experts have not been able to tell us.

thanks!

NX 8.0.1.5

 

[jerry1423]

What you want to do in go into your Customer Defaults and do a search (with the binoculars) for Directories,
I don't think you will find exactly what you are looking for, but you may be able to figure something out with what is there.

 

[SiW979]

This can be done by writing a journal (vb) which can then be assigned to a button just like a regular command. I'm no expert on this, but there are people who may be willing to help.

Sorry I can't be of any more assistance, but it's a nudge in the right direction.

Cheers

Si

Best regards

Simon NX7.5.4.4 MP8 - TC 8

http://www.jcb.com

 

[crecore]

Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt on the Customer Defaults. Nothing useful in there regarding directories for default export.

The journal is a ridiculous solution IMO. Thanks for the idea though; it's not your fault. Every other CAD program has a simple drop down list and you save it in your template file, workspace file, etc.

NX 8.0.1.5

 

[jerry1423]

So where does the DXF's go for each user?
What you can do is put a shortcut folder in that location that takes the individual user to the directory that you want.

As far as DXF's go have you tired the external translator for NX ? maybe things will work better there:
START -> ALL PROGRAMS -> UGNX8 -> TRANSLATORS -> DXFDWG -> EXPORT

 

[crecore]

We all have a network drive mapped as "M" so every user has the same mapping. However each users M is actually different because it has virtual partitions based on user profile. One user cannot get into another users drive. It would just save 2 or 3 clicks per GEO. More importanly, it would also save sending the file into the wrong location and then the programmer cannot get to it. We lose a shift sometimes when this happens during R&D. As far as the archaic dos based translators they cannot pick a flat pattern from within a file. thanks

NX 8.0.1.5

 

[frankbe]

We use a Knowledge Fusion program that, amongst other things, automatically puts the GEO in the same directory as where the prt resides.
It can't be too difficult to point it to a fix location.

In case you are looking for a similar thing, try the radial arrow in the top left corner of the dialog box; this will reset your export directory to the directory where the prt is.

2x NX8.0.2.2 Mach Design
NX Beta Tester
1x Solid Edge ST2

 

[crecore]

Interesting but not what we need still. Running Native by the way. TC test database launching as I type.

NX 8.0.1.5

 

[Arkance/PhoeNX]

There is a default to do exactly what you're after (see attached image).

Anthony Galante
Technical Resource Coordinator

NX4.0.4MP10, NX5.0.6, NX6.0.5, NX7.0.1, NX7.5.0-> NX7.5.5 & NX8.0.0 -> NX8.0.2, NX8.5p21

 

[cubalibre000]

The more simple solution for you is register a macro that record your steps.
Your request can be done only with the file open.
NX doesn't have different type of file extensions, so sheetmetal parts are equal as assemblies, drawings and common parts.
If you desire a program that intercepts all sheetmetal parts and export your flat-patterns, you have to write a program.
Remember that in NX you can create sheetmetal part without flat-pattern.
Flat-pattern is an extra feature that you have to add at the end of you project.

Thank you...

Using NX 8 and TC9.1

 

[crecore]

Nam, we have tried exactly that and it only works for the file translators not exporting flat patterns in sheet metal from within a file. We are not translating a file. We are exporting a flat pattern feature. This default has to be built into the export flat pattern feature... period.

Cuba, when we are happy with the parts we export the flat pattern to our M drive for laser/ trubend / etc. programming. I realize they are just prt files and you have to have it open and it be the work file of course... I am just trying to save keystrokes, time and errors on something we do a lot of. Most have been using "other" programs where all of the default inport and export directories were set up once and forgotten.

Hopefully a Siemens employee will chime in and admit this is all ludicrous and they will build it into the command since it is fairly new anyway.

NX 8.0.1.5

 

[cowski]

Hopefully a Siemens employee will chime in...

If you want to get Siemens attention, the best way is to call GTAC and have them open an enhancement request (ER). Members of the forum can also contact GTAC and add their names to the list. The more customers request a feature, the more "weight" the request will have and it will move to the top of the list.

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[cowski]

Report back with your ER number and the rest of us can pile on...

www.nxjournaling.com