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How to list mass in different unit in the Partslist ?

How to list mass in different unit in the Partslist ?

How to list mass in different unit in the Partslist ?

(OP)
In the NX partslist, one can add a column that reports the weight that NX calculates on save,( File - Options- save options - Generate Weight Data)
  Select the Parts list column - Style - Columns - select the button "Attribute Names" ( second line in the dialog) select "$MASS" - OK - OK

But, it lists in grams, which is kind of correct but the desired unit is kg. ( kg is the SI unit) My customer designs very large ( = heavy) assemblies and then it would be desirable to instead list kg ( 10^3 g) or tons (10^6 g)

Is there a way to format the partslist such that it reports in a different unit ?

NX6028

RE: How to list mass in different unit in the Partslist ?

(OP)
Brilliant Cowski!
 the second link contains the trick, Set the column to list $MASS , then edit it into <W$=@$MASS>/1000 AND under the tab : Cells - "Evaluate cell as Formula" ( + maybe change the number of decimals) does it.

I do not think that the method proposed by John Baker seems realistic in practical use, there is too much hands on that needs to be performed on every part, and if we are pushing very large assemblies that is not desired. One forgets to reorder the measurement feature in a few parts and we have a faulty calculation somewhere among a couple of thousand parts...  We need something very simple and very reliable.

The next question, -can we have the summed weight in the partslist ?

Thanks, Tomas

RE: How to list mass in different unit in the Partslist ?

Note that this will become much easier with less hassle using the next version of NX as we will have an option to automatically save the computed weight of each part file, based on the Weight Management tools, as a Part Attribute which will automatically be inherited by the Component in an Assembly thus allowing you to add a weight column to your Parts List referencing this 'Weight' Attribute.  Update will be automatic and there will be no need to create any measurements or to do reordering to keep the data relevant and accurate.

Now that still leaves the issue of the rolled-up weight of the full Assembly which is not as trivial as it may seem.  We still don't have a good solution that will meet your needs, but we are looking at doing something similar to what we've done with detail parts using the new 'Weight' attributes, but that will not be available before the version of NX scheduled after the new one coming out later this year.

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: How to list mass in different unit in the Partslist ?

(OP)
Thanks for your input John,
 But, i thought that what you are saying in the first section above, is what i am doing ?!?
I.e
 We have the option : File - Options- Save options - Generate Weight data = on and the "System attribute" $MASS ( -which seems so difficult to catch other than by the partslist) carries the value. The Partslist column "<W$=@$MASS>" reports the individual weights.
 We also have the Advanced Assemblies license and are using the Weight management, asserting mass properties on purchased components, which reflects in the partslist.

I have not found / searched for a method to catch the total weight from the Weight mgmt and report that on a drawing, - yet.

RE: How to list mass in different unit in the Partslist ?

For the next version of NX we are covering more than just Mass, as we are also including Weight (depending on the type of work that you do or the formulas you are working with, there is a difference between Mass and Weight), Volume, Surface Area, Density, etc.  Also, you will have complete control over the name for each of these new 'system attributes' (no more special control characters).  And they will appear as regular Part and Object Attributes in the normal Attribute dialogs and will be usable like any other Attribute wherever Attributes are accessable.

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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