NX9 - Dual Dimensions in Appended Text, Relationship, Insert Expression

[randy64]

I've been using Insert Expression to create things like hole depths and counterbore diameter/depths callouts. Now I'm on a drawing that needs dual dimensions. Any way to make that happen?

Thanks

 

[cowski]

So you have existing expressions defined in your current unit of measure?
If so, create another set of expressions in the secondary unit of measure and in the formula, reference the first expression.

For example, let's say you have expression cbore_depth_1 = 0.25 (units = inches). Make a new expression (measure = length, units = mm) cbore_depth_1b = cbore_depth_1. The value of cbore_depth_1b will be equal to cbore_depth_1, but converted to mm. Now you can reference both expressions to create a callout in both measurement systems.

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[randy64]

Thanks cowski. I'm new to using expressions and have only used the ones generated automatically. How does one go about creating new expressions?

Thanks again.

 

[cowski]

Are you aware of dual dimensioning in NX? I'm not sure if/how it will work with hole callouts, but it is worth a shot.

In my previous post, I was assuming that you had created your own expressions and you were generating a hole callout based on them. It may not be directly applicable to what you are trying to do currently.

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[randy64]

Yes, I'm using dual dimensions in NX Drafting. The models are created using only English.

Where are expressions created? In the model? If you could school me on how/where expressions are made and how they can be manipulated, I would really appreciate it.

 

[JohnRBaker]

Setting aside the Dual Dimension issue for a moment, if you're using NX 9.0 why are you NOT using the new Hole Call-out function for annotating holes?

As for 'dual dimensioning', I have to admit that I can't recall ever seeing anything other than linear and circular dimensions as having dual dimensions. In other words, I'm not sure if there is anything like a scheme where dual dimensions are applied to call-outs like hole annotation. At least as far as NX is concerned, annotations are not dimensions and therefore there is not even an option to include them when defining how your dual dimensions are being set-up. Of course, if you're constructing the hole call-out manually you can do whatever you want, but you'll have to provide both sets of numbers, the base and secondary unit dimensions.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[randy64]

John, we've had this dicussion:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=378365

The hole callout function doesn't work for me for some reason. Why the largest company in the world doesn't customize NX to do things more efficiently is beyond me (and I'm referring to our customer, who's NX we are using - not Siemens).

And yes, I'm talking about linear (hole depth) and circular (hole diameter) dimensions.

At this point I'm attempting to use expressions - just trying to figure out how and where to create them as cowski alluded to above.

 

[cowski]

Tools -> Expressions will open up the expression dialog. From there you pick a type and dimensionality, then type in a name and formula then press OK (or apply).

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[JohnRBaker]

Until you contact GTAC and provide them with examples of your models and Drawings there is very little that we can do to help you discover what it is that is different about your models since we have no problems using the Hole Call-Out function as long as the few identified issues have been taken into account.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.