String expression won't update

[bumpsteer]

In NX7.5 Modeling, I am using text features to create some part identifications for engraving on my part.

In the Text Feature, I'm using the reference text option to pull text from a string-typed expression. The expression is series=ug_askPartAttrValue("SERIES"), and there is a part attribute that stores the series string. My thinking was that I could change the attribute in several parts, then update them and the features would update.

The problem is that I cannot get the string expression to update after I change the attribute.

I've been able to force it to work by opening the part and editing the string expression (without changing it), then editing the text feature (with no changes) and letting the part update from there. This is just as manual as changing the feature text in every feature of every part.

Is there a way to force the expressions to update?

 

[petulf]

You have to use Tools/->Update->Update for external Exchange to get referenced attributes to update after creation in NX versions earlier than NX 8(could also be NX8.5).

 

[bumpsteer]

Thanks, after I figured out the attribute assignment that worked, although it took forever because it updates everything in the session not just the displayed part.

I'm a little closer now. I didn't realize that I couldn't edit attributes directly from an assembly, after selecting several parts and changing the attribute, I still had to go through each part, make it the work part, open properties->attributes, find the attribute, and select "apply to work part". What a pain! Isn't there an easier way?

 

[JohnRBaker]

Many of these Attribute/Expression update issues were addressed as part of the new re-engineered Attribute project implemented in NX 8.0 and further enhanced in NX 8.5.

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