SolidEdge model associativity with NX CAM 1

[gnvk]

Hello,

We do our modeling in SolidEdge (SE) and then open the .par files in NX for CAM. Sometimes, we have to make changes to the SE model. In that case, we just re-open the file again in NX and we have to start the CAM process from scratch.

Is there any way that the NX file is updated automatically based on the SE file modifications? In other words, is there a way to maintain associativity between SE model file and NX file at all?

Thanks.

 

[Toost]

When you open the SE part in NX, you get a Feature in the Part Navigator. When you have done an update to the SE model, you should be able to edit/ double click the feature in the part navigator( in NX ) and press a "reload from part".
All NX CAM-work is associated to the faces/ edges of the body and if these are the same ( have the same internal id-number) as in the previous SE model, it will update.

Regards
Tomas

 

[gnvk]

Hello,

Thanks you very much for the reply! It's very helpful.

I opened SE part in NX and when I doubleclick the feature, I don't see the option to "reload from part" in the dialog window. I have attached a screenshot in the link below. Am I looking in the wrong place?

Thanks again.

 

[Toost]

Ah, you have to activate an application of NX where the update can be performed. - It cannot be done from "Gateway".
If you run NX1-NX8.5 : Start - Modeling or Manufacturing, If you run NX9/NX10 : File - Modeling or Manufacturing
The screenshot is from NX9. / Manufacturing.

Regards,
Tomas

 

[gnvk]

That is great! Exactly what I wanted to know.

Thank you very much! Have a nice day!

Deepa

 

[gnvk]

I have a related question.

We do a lot of custom parts that are similar to other parts, just differences in certain dimensions (family of parts). I am looking to find a way to make a NX part template with the CAM model set and then just modify the dims in SE and update the CAM model in NX.

I understand that for a particular part, if I modify the SE part, the changes can be reflected in NX part.

[ul]
[li]But what if I would like to make a family of SE parts?[/li]
[li]How can I have a set of CAM programs in NX from them?[/li]
[li]Do I have to create a new NX CAM part for each of them?[/li]
[/ul]

Could someone let me know if this is possible in any way?

Thanks!

 

[Toost]

This is outside my knowledge, I don't know CAM good enough to say anything about templates. - I know they exist but not how to.
I assume that SE does as NX when it comes to families, I.e , a family is a table driven(?) parametric model where the same model is the foundation, and each family member is in practice a "save as" of the master part.
- And that the internal ID numbers on each body/face/edge/vertex is consistent / the same on all members. ( with the deviation that some members might have unique features).
If so, you can do a save as of the NX Cam -file and replace the family member with another, then update (Regenerate) the CAM paths . They should update nicely without re-selection of the geometry.- Except for those unique features.

If you need to have a separate CAM part for each SE family member is a philosophic question,
Is the CLS-file the file to store?, is the Post Processed CLS the file to store or is it the "Generator" ( the NX file) the file to store ?
( I hope that CutterLocationSource file , CLS, is still a valid term, the intermediate format which is later Post processed into machine code)


Regards,
Tomas