Interpart References

[lab2010]

If a reference dimension is changed, how do you get the other parts to update to reflect that change? I have created a couple parts that will go together in an assembly. Some of the dimensions are specified using formulas with "interpart references".

For example, part 1 has a length 10 (p5). Parts 2 and 3 both use interpart references to be half the length of part 1 (formula being "Part1" :: p5 /2 ). When I originally create parts 2 and 3, they correctly specify the length as 5. If I change the part 1 length from 10 to 30, I would expect parts 2 and 3 to automatically update to be length 15; however, parts 2 and 3 still stay length 5.

There is an option on the Toolbar of <Tools> - <Update> - <Update Session> . That sounded like what I need to use, but nothing changes after selecting "Update Session". Only way I can get the update is to go into each reference and recreate the interpart reference. Defeats the purpose of using references if you have to go in and re-define all your constraints when a change is made...

 

[JohnRBaker]

Did you do this all in one session or are you editing the first part and then opening athe Assembly where these parts are Components?

If so, check to see if your 'Assembly Load Options' have set to 'Load Interpart Data' and then set it 'All Levels' before opening your Assembly.

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.

 

[lab2010]

This was actually before I even put the parts into the assembly. I just had 2 instances of NX open (one for part 1 and one for part 2). When I hit "Update Session" for either part-1 or part-2, I would not get an update. Even if I closed NX and then reopened part-2, it didn't update. I was finally able to get the expected update when I loaded all parts into a single instance of NX and then applied "Update Session" for each part needing the update.

I think I am still missing something though. If I had 100 different part files all referencing some value in part-1, I would have to load all 100 parts to get them updated. It also makes it easy to forget one, since the update didn't occur automatically. I have a hard time believing that is the required way to get interpart reference changes incorporated. Is there an alternate method? Thanks

 

[JohnRBaker]

Are you saying the the parts were open in DIFFERENT sessions of NX? Until you saved the modified part, the parts open in the other sessions of NX will have no idea that anything has changed. Only when all the parts are open in the same session are they aware of each other in real time.

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.