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Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

(OP)
Is this possible?

I started a library of springs and have (1) model for each type. If this is doable it would conveniently show me the diameter and free length of each spring type in the BOM later. These variables are often changed till a design is settled up. The PN# is then added at the end.

TIA

Dave

RE: Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

Do you wish to see the diameter and free length displayed in their own columns in the Parts List or as part of a longer string, such as a description, which would then be displayed in it's column?

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: Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

(OP)
They would be in the same parts list feild 'Dimensions"

1 dia. X 3 lg. (Desired appearance)

Expressions are...
DIA
FREE_LENGTH

RE: Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

OK, here is what you do.  In your spring part file go to...

File -> Properties -> Attributes

...and create an Attribute titled 'DESCRIPTION' (just leave the value blank).

Now go to...

Tools -> Expression...

...and create an expression with some name like 'Description_Attribute' (despite what you may think this expression needs to be of Type 'Number', but the units are meaningless so don't worry about that as anything will work) with the valuA set to:

ug_setPartAttrValue("DESCRIPTION",format("%0.2f dia X ",DIA)+format("%0.2f lg",FREE_LENGTH))

Now this will cause the value of the DESCRIPTION Attribute to be set to ' 1.00 dia X 3.00 lg '.  Now if the DIA and FREE_LENGTH values are always integers, you can change the ' %0.2f ' to ' %0.0f ' in both places in the above expression.

OK, now that you have your proper attribute defined you can include it like any other Attribute in the Assembly's Parts List.

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: Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

(OP)
That worked perfectly John... you are  stellar.

Now that i have it... I see that I need to manually update the attribute contents after any modification the the expression values. It looks like a quick open and apply does the trick.

Any better methods? I was hoping the link would always be "live" and need no imput to keep it updated.

THANKS

Dave

RE: Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

There is a 'weakness' in the update mechanism when it comes to Attributes.  This is being fixed in the next release (NX 8.0) as part of a general re-architecting of attributes which is going to provide us with many more capabilities as well as address some of the longterm issues such as the poor update mechanism.  What you can do now is go to...

Tools -> Update -> Update for External Change

...as this will force a complete update of everything (I've even added an icon to one of my toolbars which executes this function just because of this situation).

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: Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

(OP)
How on earth do you have any time to use any of your Guruish skills while helping the rest of us!?

Thanks again... button already added.

Dave

RE: Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

Ever heard of 'multi-tasking'?  winky smile

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: Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

(OP)
Ok John... i've been building on this and love getting the BOM feed back on what I've designed.

Now... much of the reporting is used as part of a suppier catalog number. Some of these numbers are prefixed with letters.

EX: "DNR -"

I need this to be reported to the same attribute feild with the dimensions.

Here's a expression string I'm using...
ug_setPartAttrValue("BOM_6_CAT_NO",format("D%0.0f, ",DIA)+format("L%0.0f, ",LENGTH)+format("P%0.2f, ",HEIGHT_P)+format("W%0.2f, ",HEIGHT_W)+format("W/FLAT - %0.0fD X ",FLAT_DEPTH)+format("%0.0fL",FLAT_LENGTH)+format("@ %0.0f deg.",FLAT_ANGULAR_POSITION))

Grass Hoppa need help from Masta :)

Dave

RE: Displaying a componets expression value in parts list NX7.5

OK, let's say that you wish to add 'DNR-' to only the 'DIA' and 'LENGTH' values.  This is how your expression string should look:

ug_setPartAttrValue("BOM_6_CAT_NO",format("D DNR-%0.0f, ",DIA)+format("L DNR-%0.0f, ",LENGTH)+format("P%0.2f, ",HEIGHT_P)+format("W%0.2f, ",HEIGHT_W)+format("W/FLAT - %0.0fD X ",FLAT_DEPTH)+format("%0.0fL",FLAT_LENGTH)+format("@ %0.0f deg.",FLAT_ANGULAR_POSITION))

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.
 

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