Automatically assigning objects to layers 2

[walkersea]

I've just joined a new company - so I'm learning NX3 after a few years on Pro/E.

I'm a bit confused about layers. If a part is created with layer standards (as per other threads on this subject) can the object be automatically assigned to the layer or does the user have to change the layer manually first? i.e. if the "sketch" button is used, will the sketch automatically appear on the sketch layer, or just on the layer that is currently set?

Will I have to learn to GRIP to be able to do this type of thing?

 

[Shadowspawn]

Walkersea,
Layering in Unigraphics is not 'automatic', per se. A couple of things to remember...(1) Everything you create will be created on the 'current' layer that you have set. (2)Anything created can be moved to a different layer at anytime, within that partfile (If you assign a component to a different layer, it doesn't affect the layering within that components partfile, only within the assembly context).
I find it easier to change my work (current) layer to what I want the entities to be before I create them. For all those occassions that I need to move something to a different layer, I have a few options to work with. The first is to use the layering icons that can be found on the 'utility' toolbar. Specifically, the 'move to layer' icon.
The second, and the method I tend to use most often, is to utilize the 'edit object display' icon to move the item. This provides a few more options, such as changing it's font, color, layer, object type, etc... and is the ONLY way to easily and effectively move a sketch to a different layer.
If you create a sketch on the wrong layer, make sure you change the object type SKETCH to a different layer; otherwise all your doing is moving the individual curves to a different layer and not the sketch. Additionally, datum planes/axis need to be moved seperately from the sketch...they don't automatically follow them.
You don't have to learn grip to effectively manipulate layering within UG. There are an assortment of grips available to do common layering tasks, but these are more of a convienence than a requirement. They do things like automatically set up layering categories and such. If you want to play with some examples, there's several in the EDS library and/or your system admin or local guru should be able to point you in the right direction for local grips
I hope this helps and if you have any further questions than feel free to post them.

SS

 

[walkersea]

As an additional question then, what is the naming convention for the layers? Do they diaplay as descriptions (for example, I'll set layer 5 to sketches - can I have sketches displayed so that we don't have to remember that sketches go on layer 5?)

What are the advantages of using the layers? Does blanking a layer for example mean that all the objects on that layer are blanked in the model view and also on the detail drawing?

Regards.

 

[ewh]

Layers are a powerful tool in segregating your model. You don't necessarily want to see the entire part when you are working on a small portion of it. They are also useful in filtering what you see on a drawing.
Turning layers off does not affect what is currently displayed on a drawing. Any subsequent views will have those layers invisible. Blanking, on the other hand, will blank items in drawing views and in the model.

 

[wmalan]

"What are the advantages of using the layers?"

Wow. Always name layers. Layers make a complex part file easy to interogate. You can name individual layers. Ex: Lay1 - model, Lay2- Datums, Lay3 - Sketches...

Now it gets more fun. You can also name groups of layers as well. That allows you to display discreet portions of the construction geo. It makes life much easier for the nest fella who has to figure out a part file.

While we're on the subject, I'd also add, get in the habit of renaming modeling operations as well. Ex: rename the 30 hole array pattern of .125" holes to HOLES_.125x30. That's also very cool to the next person. It's easier to go through the tree than to highlight features most times.

It's all part of good modeling habits.

--
Bill

 

[Shadowspawn]

Wmalan,
Oh if only more folks would take a moment or two to document their models, especially when they tie expressions together. In using your example of the holes, the first hole would be the driver for the size of the other 29 holes by using the 'p' expression as values for the hole features.
I've seen various flavors of documenting the models and don't really have a preference myself, but any kind of documenting is better than none. Kudo's and a shiny new star for ya!

SS

 

[abeschneider]

Shadowspawn,
Thanks for your tip about moving sketches using the "Edit Display" button. I didn't know that about moving the whole Sketch + curves.

 

[Aikon]

What do you think about always visible toolbar with Layer numbers or descriptions and with checkbox for toggling visibility?I´ve seen this kind of approach in another CAD and think this would be ergonomical solution.

Henry

 

[ewh]

I would have a problem with that. My screen is already cluttered with small icons, plus the navigator. and adding a 256 layer listing may be too much. I would like to see just what you mean, but I don't want to give up anymore screen space than I have to.
I often feel that I am in the movie "Brazil" in that I need a magnifier in front of my screen.

 

[HellBent]

ahhh...layers. There is a time and a place for them..that's for sure. I personally use them as little as possible....they're "old school" for the most part. I'll have a couple of construction layers and I may have some reference data on a layer...but that's about it. Between the assembly navigator, reference set functionality, and being able to hide/show components in drawing views I'm able to solve most of my issues without having to deal with dozens of layers and trying to figure out layer category names that will be understood by users down the line for every one of my components. I've also found that people who use the "layer" mentality seem to do a lot more view dependant drawing edits which can be a real nightmare down the road.

It's a bit simpler if you work for a large company that can successfully implement standards for everyone to follow (lol..never seen it happen), but if you do work for numerous customers I've found my method much less confusing overall. Sometimes I have to teach people what reference sets are, but for those people it wouldn't have really mattered how I set it up..they would have had problems...lol. Again...there are times when many layers can't be avoided...but there are a lot of times when they can be. But if you're a "sketcher" modeller...well..you're kind of stuck with all the layers...yet another example of how the sketcher can be a huge waste of time. Just my $.02

Take care...