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Copy Multiple Sketches

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lab2010

Aerospace
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Mar 21, 2014
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Is it possible to copy multiple sketches from different planes into a single sketch?

I'm new to NX (and CAD work for the most part). Currently using NX-6, but should be receiving NX-8 in the coming weeks.

My main goal is to create an object using the "Swept" tool. I have 2 cross-sections drawn for the ends of my object. One end (sketch 1) is in the x-y plane; the other end (sketch 2) is in a parallel plane offset by some value in z. As I understand, I need to create a "guide-curve" going from the center of each cross-section in order to complete the "Swept" object. Because my end-points are offset in the z direction, I am drawing my guide-curve in the x-z plane as sketch-3.

I have already drawn several curves, etc. as references in both sketch-1 and sketch-2 to constrain my part. Rather than draw those curves again in sketch-3, I would like to copy the contents of both sketch-1 and sketch-2 into sketch-3. I can then use the pieces I need to constrain my guide-curve and discard the rest. Using copy in the part navigator and then following the dialog for Paste, I have been able to copy the contents into new sketches; however, sketch-1 becomes sketch-3 and sketch-2 becomes sketch-4. I am not able to get both sketch-1 and sketch-2 contents into a single new sketch-3.

This seems like a simple, commonly used functionality, but I have been unable to get it to work or find examples online. For this application, it is not a big deal to just recreate my references from scratch in sketch-3. As my problems get more complex, however, I foresee wanting to copy contents from multiple sketches and/or parts to save time.

Thanks in advance
 
Can you provide at least a picture of what you're trying to do if not an actual part file?

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.
 
Why would you like to copy sketches?
If I understand correctly, you need first two sketches just to position the third one correctly. When you are in Sketch3, just select Inferred Dimension or Geometric Constraints command and position this sketch with respect to the first two. If you have the reference geometry, as you've mentioned, the task should be easier.
If you can not select the geometry from the first two sketches, when placing the constraints and dimensions, maybe you just need to set Selection Scope differently. Change it from Within Active Sketch Only to Within Work Part Only.
Or, you can select Project Curve command in sketch and project sketch1 and sketch2 geometry into sketch3.
 
I am sorry. In trying to provide detailed info, I was too confusing. I can't provide the part file but let me simplify drastically.

In the x-y plane, draw a circle. That is sketch_000.
In the x-z plane, draw a rectangle. That is sketch_001.
Make a new sketch (sketch_002) in the y-z plane. Is it possible to copy the circle from sketch_000 and the rectangle from sketch_001 into sketch_002? My sketch_002 would then have a circle and a rectangle as if I drew them from scratch.

I know you can copy a single sketch onto a new plane. Is it possible to do 2?

Thanks
 
Unfortunatelly, I don't have NX6 to test this. I have done a test in NX8.5 and it works.
I created two sketches on two perpendicular planes and then copy/paste them on the third plane. When I defined the references for both skethces, they were copied to a new plane.

But still I don't know, how would this help me. Here is the description of what I don't understand:
1. draw a sketch on x-y plane, circle for example. Place it in the absolute csys origin
2. draw a sketch on a plane, parallel to x-y. Let's say, that the offset is 100mm. Create another sketch, it can be circle again. And placed again in the absolute csys origin.
3. now, select both sketches and copy them.
4. Paste those sketches to x-z plane.
5. both sketches will be pasted to the x-z plane. But, both will be placed in the absolute csys origin. Because this is their original reference. I guess, that I would like to have those sketches 100mm apart, since this was the original distance between them.

So, how would this copy/paste help me, if I get both sketches at the same location? I guess that for drawing a guide curve, I would like to have those sketches on little bit different positions. In above example, 100mm apart. So again, for drawing a guide line, I would use Project Curve and project Sketch1 and Sketch2 into Sketch3. And then use those projected curves for creating a guide curve. Or, if possible, I would just constrain the third sketch to the other two.

 
Yes, but still remain two separate sketches. The OP wants to combine them into one, which is not possible. Granted, you could project one of set of sketch curves into another sketch, but the original sketch would still exist.

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.
 
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