Instance Geometry: boolean unite all instanced bodies?
Instance Geometry: boolean unite all instanced bodies?
(OP)
Is there a way to boolean-unite all instanced bodies in an Instance Geometry feature? This way the resulting combined boolean would be parametric to a change in number of instances.
An example of such a case would be a gear with N teeth, created as an Instanced Geometry of N "wedges". Looks to me like Instance Geometry creates N independent bodies, instead of the desired single gear body.
To get a single body, one can do a boolean unite, setting the target body as the original wedge, and the tool bodies as each of the individual Instanced Geometry wedges.
If N changes to, say, N-2, then the gear seems to update fine. However, if N changes to any larger value, say N+2, then the result is 3 bodies (one body with N teeth, and then 2 extra wedges).
Any idea of a recommended solution?
An example of such a case would be a gear with N teeth, created as an Instanced Geometry of N "wedges". Looks to me like Instance Geometry creates N independent bodies, instead of the desired single gear body.
To get a single body, one can do a boolean unite, setting the target body as the original wedge, and the tool bodies as each of the individual Instanced Geometry wedges.
If N changes to, say, N-2, then the gear seems to update fine. However, if N changes to any larger value, say N+2, then the result is 3 bodies (one body with N teeth, and then 2 extra wedges).
Any idea of a recommended solution?





RE: Instance Geometry: boolean unite all instanced bodies?
I think that would give you what you're after.
Mark Benson
Aerodynamic Model Designer
RE: Instance Geometry: boolean unite all instanced bodies?
Please always state what version of NX that you're using.
Have a look at this post in NX-4 using NX-5 you can use feature instance.
I think the technique of choice was to create a group and then instance it where it may not have been possible to do so otherwise prior to NX-5.
Also have a look at this previous thread as it contains some examples that may be instructive for your needs.
http://www
Best Regards
Hudson
RE: Instance Geometry: boolean unite all instanced bodies?
Sorry, NX5. So when I was saying "Instance Geometry", I really do mean the new "Instance Geometry" function.
Is there an option that combines instanced bodies into a single body after instancing?
Thanks.
BTW, a bit of clarification on my example in the original question: I was trying to create an external gear (not an internal gear), by building it up from a 360 degree array of "pie slices". I ended up created a succesful model by starting from a "blank" disc and then cutting out pockets. Final details (ie: a round) were added to a single tooth and then copied to the rest of the teeth by using the old-style "Circular Array" command, and setting the toggle in the Round command to "apply to all instances". Not the process I originally wanted to do, but it works for now.
RE: Instance Geometry: boolean unite all instanced bodies?
John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
NX Design
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Cypress, CA
http://www.siemens.com/plm
http://www.plmworld.org/museum/
To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
RE: Instance Geometry: boolean unite all instanced bodies?