Interpart expression links
Interpart expression links
(OP)
Hello I'm working on a handful of parts that is assembled in a circular array. The parts are all built using expression files that allows the user to modify a couple parameters to update each part. (part size, number segments, number of fasteners) Now that I have the final assembly complete I'd like to pull all the variables into the final assembly so the user can adjust all the parts at the same time and update the assembly at once. When I pull the required variables it will only allow me to pull them one at a time in the expression screen using "Create Inter-part Reference" button. Is there a quicker or preferred method to pull all the expressions into the final assembly?
Running NX 6.0.5.3 on Windows XP Pro Service pack 3.
Running NX 6.0.5.3 on Windows XP Pro Service pack 3.





RE: Interpart expression links
While it is true that the interface only allows you to make one assignment at a time, there's nothing magical about the Expression which you're creating.
For example, lets say that one of the Components which you wish to drive from the assembly has 4 expressions that you'd like to have control over. I assume that you're creating over-ridding expressions where you enter a value at the Assembly level which updates the Component part. If so, just create one of the interpart expressions giving it a value and accepting it. Now reselect that expression so that's loaded in the entry/edit area of the Exprssion dialog and highlight the Expression's 'name' (which will look like "<Component name>"::<Expression name>), copy & paste this 'name' into a new expression, edit the <Expression name> using the next desired expression in the Component part, enter the Expression value and accept it. Now repeat this for each of the remaining expressions.
Now the above workflow is fine for only a few expressions, but say you have dozens, after creating the first interpart Expression, from within the Expression dialog do an 'Export Expressions to File' operation (3rd of 3 icons to the Right of the 'Listed Expression' section at the top of the dialog page). Now open this text file using your favorite text editor. Do your copy & pasting there making edits the <Expression name> and values until you've got them all accounted for, then save the file and go back to the expression editor and perform an 'Import Expression from File' operation (2nd icon). Now hit 'Accept' and you should be good to go.
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.com/museum/
To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
RE: Interpart expression links
Thanks again.
RE: Interpart expression links
RE: Interpart expression links
As for the Visual Editor, sorry the only image-capture mechanism is what's been provided. Note however that once an image is captured it remains as you see until you replace it with a new image. Now this means that you can make whatever display resolution/scale changes you need to make to get a usable image prior to doing the actual image capture, which can be then set back to normal settings afterwards.
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.com/museum/
To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
RE: Interpart expression links
something similar to:
A= Part_A
B="<A>"::<Expression B from Part_A>
C="<A>"::<Expression C from Part_A>
D="<A>"::<Expression D from Part_A>
E="<A>"::<Expression E from Part_A>
I have several parts that are similar and that have several of the same expressions and if there was a way where I could change one expression and have several expression changed to link to a different part file it would help a great deal.
Christian
_____________
NX 6.0
Window XP 64-bit
RE: Interpart expression links
John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
http://www.siemens.com/plm
UG/NX Museum: http://www.plmworld.org/p/cm/ld/fid=209
To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.