Variable distance mating possible in NX4?
Variable distance mating possible in NX4?
(OP)
I am trying to mate a group of 3 objects in a way that would emulate the action of a gear rack for the purposes of creating a sequence. I would like the distance between object 1 and 2 to be twice the distance between 2 and 3. Is this possible in NX4?





RE: Variable distance mating possible in NX4?
It's been a while since I have been in NX4 so I will do my best here:
Attach the distance mates beween object 1 and 2, and object 3 & 4.
Go into your expressions. Tools > expresions
The last couple expressions will have your distance mates.
it will look something like:
p436=34
p437=68
edit the second of the two expressions:
p437=2*p436
RE: Variable distance mating possible in NX4?
example:
gap1=34 (I would use a more mnumonic name but I don't know your business)
gap2=gap1*2(or 2*gap1)
Then I create the assembly constraints using the expression names. Try to create your expression names so that you can easily sort them using wild cards. for example don't name them "first_gear_gap" and "second_gear_gap", name them "gear_1_gap" and "gear_2_gap" this will get then listed together when sorted by gear*. You can probably already see a better way. It's worth some thought.
RE: Variable distance mating possible in NX4?
However you can do this much more straightforward with Animation. Or even with a simple NX Open (GRIP) program.
I'm working on a series of simple example assemblies which will show the differences in possible approaches. When I get them done I'll post them here.
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: Variable distance mating possible in NX4?
The goal is to create a movie by using screen capture software during the sequencing. If sequencing wont sort out this formula for me then maybe I am heading in the wrong direction. Does the drudge work involve alternating frame by frame of each motion in order to get what looks like a relatively seemless motion of both objects at the same time?
Thanks for all the help I appreciate it.
RE: Variable distance mating possible in NX4?
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: Variable distance mating possible in NX4?
To see how this works, open the assembly and execute the GRIP program 'animate_assy.grx'. When the 1st dialog comes up enter the Expression name "Dist". For the second dialog enter your desired values. I would go from '0.00' to '200' and set the speed to '1'. After it runs you will have a dialog where you can repeat the 'animation' or even reverse it or edit the values and try again.
Anyway, give that a try, OK?
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: Variable distance mating possible in NX4?
View -> Visualization -> Create Animation...
...and select the 'Preview Animation' button and when the 'VCR controls' dialog comes up, hit the 'play' button.
Note that if you had selected the 'Generate Animation' button instead you would have created an MPEG movie based on the options set in the 'Edit Parameters' dialog.
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: Variable distance mating possible in NX4?