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Assy Constraints

Assy Constraints

Assy Constraints

(OP)
I am attempting to add a customers component (NX4.0.4.2) to a tooling assy (NX6.0.2.8) using assembly constraints.  When I try to pick a cylindrical surface on the customer part, the entire component highlights and nothing can be picked.
It is probably just an oversite on my part but it is driving me crazy, as I really don't want to manually position the part (first of several).
Any insite into what I'm overlooking will be greatly appreciated.

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Assy Constraints

(OP)
Upon further investigation, I found that if I export the customer file as a parasolid, then opened the parasolid in NX, I could apply assembly constraints when bringing it into my assembly.  This really isn't the way I want to approach this.

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Assy Constraints

Check that the Reference Set that you're loading actually contains the model.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Design Solutions
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
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: Assy Constraints

Also, make sure the surface is really a cylinder and not some approximation (such as a B-surface) and double check your 'selection intent' filter.

RE: Assy Constraints

(OP)
I think John may have nailed it - I will check in the morning.  I hope it is so simple.
I'm sure that the surface in question is cylindrical, but I'm not sure that the customer included the solid in the reference set that I used.

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Assy Constraints

(OP)
Well, I tried again this morning.  If I add the component without using constraints, a lightweight model is the result.  I can then change the reference set to entire part and then back to the original "model" reference set (used when brought into file), and constraints can now be set.  It doesn't seem to matter which reference set I use when adding the component, I get the same result - no surfaces pickable.  Changing the reference set after the component has been added allows me to use constraints.
Once I get the component properly constrained, I can replace it with another simialr componet with no apparent problems.

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Assy Constraints

(OP)
I posted too soon last time.  When I substitute components, my inability to (re)define constraints remains, regardless of the reference set used.
I'm starting to feel like a noob with this stuff.
Now, within the customer file, I am attempting to create a new reference set with only a few entities.  When I pick the "new" icon, everything visible is selected, and I am unable to unselect anything (shift-select if I remember correctly).  Any insight greatly appreciated.

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Assy Constraints

Ewh,

I just can't quite see how to duplicate your problem. What I might suggest is presuming that your customer's file and your are not something you can share then I can only think that it would probably help you as much as anyone to attempt using simple geometry to duplicate the problem with two other files and post it here. By the time you have done so, and if you haven't already discovered the cause in the process, I would think that others might at least be able to see the problem as opposed to guessing why it might be, which is where I find myself at present after reading of your travails.  

Best Regards

Hudson

www.jamb.com.au

Nil Desperandum illegitimi non carborundum

RE: Assy Constraints

(OP)
I don't think I would be able to reproduce the problem;  everything works as expected with other files, only have problems with this customers files, and only recently.  Customer is a major engine supplier based in the UK, and their models are usually quite robust, if a bit over-complicated.
I have managed a work around, and have to move on.  I would have liked the luxury of investigating this further.

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Assy Constraints

I was editing a reference set this morning and could not select (or deselect) anything. I then noticed that my selection filter had gone blank; I had to enter the drop down menu and select 'no selection filter' to get selection to work again.

This may or may not be related to one of your problems.

RE: Assy Constraints

(OP)
Thanks cowski, but I checked that.

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

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