Recommended way to show alternate positions of a component
Recommended way to show alternate positions of a component
(OP)
I'm just wondering what is the recommended method of showing alternate configurations or positions of a component. For example, if I have a seal that has a free state and the installed (compressed) state, how would it be best to have both the free state model available to create the drawing and the compressed state model available to use in the assembly model? I have controlled this with reference sets in the past, but is that still the best approach? Could arrangements be used in this case?
Also interested in the case of a wiring harness that moves depending on the assembly position and if this would be the same situation as the seal example above. In the case of the wiring harness the drawing is not based off the model definition.
Running NX8.0
Also interested in the case of a wiring harness that moves depending on the assembly position and if this would be the same situation as the seal example above. In the case of the wiring harness the drawing is not based off the model definition.
Running NX8.0





RE: Recommended way to show alternate positions of a component
As for Wiring harnesses or other 'routed' systems, like hoses and tubing, you should really look at the specific application products Siemens' offers since they provide specific solutions for these types of designs, including some that provide specialized Drafting and Manufacturing needs such as 'form-boards' for assemblying wire bundles, and BOM/'Cut Lists' for piping and tubing configurations.
For more information about the various NX mechanical routing products, please go to:
http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/produc...
John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:
To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
RE: Recommended way to show alternate positions of a component
If your seal can take on multiple 'assembled' states or you are dealing with a component that can take on a range of values (such as installed length of a compression spring), then a deformable component may be the way to go. They take more TLC in setup and use, but may save you time in the long run.
www.nxjournaling.com
RE: Recommended way to show alternate positions of a component
RE: Recommended way to show alternate positions of a component
RE: Recommended way to show alternate positions of a component
So the rule of thumb is; for piece parts, use Reference Sets to control the content of what what is considered to make-up the Component when placed in an Assembly (if you do nothing, out-of-the-box this is the way Reference Sets will automatically behave). And for Assemblies, which will be used as a Sub-Assembly in a higher level Assembly where some of its components need to be seen in different positions or with different content in the current Assembly, then the use of Arrangements is recommended.
The bottom line is that you will need to be aware of both Reference Sets and Arrangements, but normally you can almost ignore having to worry about Reference Sets since they generally behave exactly the way you expect them to without having to do much work. Arrangements take a bit more effort but are very well behaved once you learn how and when to use them.
John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:
To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.