When will NX be able to use convergent models with drafting and manufacturing?

[Tingsryd]

In the Siemens article... Link ...it says:

"Unite the two convergent bodies first, then unite with the B-rep solid body patch we just created in the previous steps. You are left with a new, complete solid body that can be used for other applications, whether it be machining or 3D printing to create a brand new part that can be installed out in the field."

I am still unable to use convergent bodies for manufacturing geometry. Does anyone know when this will go live?

11.0.2

 

[Xwheelguy]

When will what go live, exactly?

I didn't read anything in that article that stated NX could do anything other than perform convergent modeling - only that the model could be using for other applications like machining or 3D printing. It didn't quite state that NX CAM would support a convergent model, in other words.

Tricky, huh?

If you have access to GTAC, look over the NX11 What's New Guide. I didn't see any topics about convergent models in the CAM section. However, in the CAD section under Convergent Modeling there are 2 sentences that probably lead to more questions, if not at least 1 important one relating to "other applications":

[ol 1]
[li]You cannot export convergent bodies to other applications, or to non-NX files. (OK, what can I export them to OTHER than STL files?)[/li]
[li]Convergent objects are ignored in applications that don't support them. (Does NX CAM even support convergent bodies?)<- I feel is the important/appropriate question, and I bet it doesn't today since it wasn't a unique topic under the CAM section.[/li]
[/ol]

Tim Flater
NX Designer
NX 9.0.2.5 Win7 Enterprise x64 SP1
Intel Core i7 2.5GHz 16GB RAM
4GB NVIDIA Quadro K3100M

 

[Tingsryd]

My point exactly. Siemens always talks about support in the same regards whether it is supported or not; hence my question. FYI the majority of NX manufacturing enhancements are now released in maintenance releases. Furthermore PLM World and PLM World RUG events are generally when manufacturing road maps are revealed which I have not been able to attend for some time now. I have been testing adaptive milling as part of a preview project which had not widely publicized so I am hopeful there might be a preview for convergent machining as well.

Is anyone aware of preview projects regarding manufacturing convergent models?

11.0.2

 

[Toost]

I have been whining about the non-existing-support for faceted models on NX Drawings for , let say quite many years... "NX Multi cad marketing using JT files" has been around since...- 1998 ?
I got the response from Paul Bevan that "the next NX version *" will handle convergent models in drawing views. ( * The next version should be NX12, due this autumn.) Note that he responded this spring and features can be skipped until final release.

Note, the quote "You are left with a new, complete solid body that can be used for other applications" is wrong.
The result is that when one unites a solid to a convergent model, NX (Parasolid) will first convert the solid to a convergent body, then unite these. The result is , and will probably always be a convergent body, a facet body.
Another option is that NX can convert between different facet formats. I think (?) that if one imports say a stl file, that can be machined in NX . A convergent model should be able to converted to this older facet format.


Regards,
Tomas

 

[Tingsryd]

It is possible the manufacturing of convergent models will be limited to additive operations and not include milling. I could definitely use milling operations on convergent models but for now I can use facet bodies and skins to trim solid bodies then export the model as STL and machine it directly. That is a lot of extra steps though! I am cautiously optimistic about milling but IMO it is at least likely additive manufacturing will get priority and drafting too.

It would be nice if development could comment on this.

11.0.2