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Appendix

A Additional Projects

This appendix contains Additional Projects for you to work on.

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Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 1

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A d d i t i o n a l Projects

Project 2

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Re s e rve d Modeling NX4 A- 3


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 3

A- 4 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Re s e rve d Modeling NX4 A- 5


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 4

A- 6 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Re s e rve d Modeling NX4 A- 7


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 5

A- 8 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Re s e rve d Modeling NX4 A- 9


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 6

A- 1 0 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corpor ation, All Rights Re s er ve d Modeling NX4 A- 11


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 7

A- 1 2 M o deling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 1 3


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 8

A- 1 4 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 1 5


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 9

A- 1 6 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 1 7


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 10

A- 1 8 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

Project 11

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 1 9


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

A- 2 0 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

Project 12

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 2 1


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

A- 2 2 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

Project 13

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 2 3


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

A- 2 4 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


Addition a l Projects

Project 14

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 2 5


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

A- 2 6 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

Project 15

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 2 7


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 16

A- 2 8 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 2 9


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 17

A- 3 0 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 3 1


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 18

A- 3 2 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 3 3


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 19

A- 3 4 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 3 5


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 20

A- 3 6 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 3 7


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 21

A- 3 8 Mode ling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 3 9


Ad di t ion a l P roj e c t s

Project 22

A- 4 0 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


A d d i t i o n a l Projects

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Reserve d Modeling NX4 A- 4 1


A
Appendix

B Expression Operators

Overview
The following information lists the various operators that may be used in
expression s.

B
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Expression Operators

Operators
There are several types of operators that you may use in the expression
language.

Arithmetic Operators Example


+ Addition p2=p5+p3
- Subtraction and Negative Sign p2=p5–p3
* M ultiplication p2=p5*p3
/ Division p2=p5/p3
% Modulus p2=p5%p3
^ Exponential p2=p5^2
= Assignment p2=p5

Relational and Boolean Operators


> Greater Than
< Less Than
>= Greater Than or Equal
<= Less Than or Equal
== Equal
!= Not Equal
! Negate
& or && Logical AND
| or || Logical OR

B
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Expression Operators

Precedence and Associativity


In the table below, operators in the same row have equal precedence while
operators in the following rows have less precedence.

Precedence and Associativity


Operators Associativity
^ Right to Left
– (change sign)
* / % Left to Right
+ –
> < >= <=
== !=
&&
||
= Right to Left

When using operators with the same precedence in an equation without


parameters, use left-to-right or the right-to-left rule from the table. For
example:
X = 90 – 10 + 30 = 110 (not 50)

X = 90 – (10 + 30) = 50

B
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Expression Operators

Legacy Unit Conversion


Although when dimensionality is speci fied and units are assigned the
system handles conversions, legacy parts may have used functions for unit
conversion. For legacy compatibility these functions are supported.

Functions for Unit Conversion


cm cm(x) converts x from centimeters to the default units of the part
ft ft(x) converts x from feet to the default units of the part
grd grd(x) converts x from gradients to degrees
in in(x) converts x from inches to the default units of the part
km km(x) converts x from kilometers to the default units of the part
mc mc(x) converts x from microns to the default units of the part
min min(x) converts x from minutes to degree s.
ml ml(x) converts x from mils to the default units of the part
mm mm(x) converts x from millimeters to the default units of the part
mtr mtr(x) converts x from meters to the default units of the part
sec sec(x) converts x from seconds to degrees
yd yd(x) converts x from yards to the default units of the part

B
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Expression Operators

Built-in Functions
Built-in functions include math, string, and engineering functions.

Scientific Notation
You may optionally enter numbers in scientific notation. The value you enter
must contain a positive or negative sign. For example, you can enter:
2e+5 which is the same as the value 200000

2e-5 which is the same as the value .00002

Built-in Functions
abs Returns the absolute value of a given number
arccos Returns the inverse cosine of a given number in degrees
arcsin Returns the inverse sine of a given number in degrees
arctan Returns the inverse tangent of a given number in degrees
from –90 to +90
arctan2 Returns the inverse tangent of a given delta x divided by a
given delta y in degrees from –180 to +180
ASCII Returns the ASCII code of the first character in a given
string or zero if the string is empty
ceiling Returns the smallest integer that is bigger than a given
number
Char Returns the ASCII character for a given integer in the
range 1 to 255
charReplace Returns a new string from a given source string, character
to replace and the corresponding replacement characters.
compareString Case sensitive compare of two strings
cos Returns the cosine of a given number in degrees
dateTimeString Retur ns the system date and time in the format “Fri Nov
21 09:56:12 2005\n”
floor Returns the largest integer less than or equal to a given
number
format Returns a formatted string, using C-style formatting
specification
getenv Returns the string value of a given environment variable
string
hypcos Returns the hyperbolic cosine of a given number
hypsin Returns the hyperbolic sine of a given number

hyptan Returns the hyperbolic tangent of a given number B


©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Re s e rve d Modeling NX4 B- 5
Expression Operators

Built-in Functions
log Returns the natural logarithm of a given number
log10 Returns the logarithm base 10 of a given number
MakeNumber Returns the number or integer of a given numerical string
max Returns the largest number from a given number and
additional numbers
min Returns the smallest number from a given number and
additional numbers
mod Returns the remainder (modulus) when a given numerator
is divided by a given denominator (by integer division)
NormalizeAngle Normali zes a given angle (degrees) to be between 0 and
360 degrees
pi() Returns pi
Radians Converts an angle in degrees into radians
replaceString Replaces all occurrences of str1 with str2
round Returns the integer nearest to a given number, returns the
even integer if the given number ends in .5
sin Returns the sine of a given number in degrees
sqrt Returns the inverse square root of a given positive number
StringLower Returns a lowercase string from a given string StringUpper
Returns an uppercase string from a given string
StringValue Returns a string containing a textual representation of a
given value
subString Returns a new string containing a subset of the elements
from the original list
tan Returns the sine of a given number
ug_ functions see the documentation for descriptions of dozens more
specialized math and engineering functions

B
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C
Appendix

C Point Constructor Options

Overview
This appendix describes the various Point Constructor methods that may
be used.
The Point Constructor dialog provides a standard way to specify points. It
allows the creation of point objects as well as the determination of locations
in three-dimensional space.

Points may be specified in one of two ways: either choose one of the provided,
icons at the top of the dialog, or directly enter the X-Y-Z coordinates in the
fields provided.

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Point C o n s t r u c t o r Options

C
Methods to Specify a Point
The top of the Point Constructor dialog displays icons representing various
methods for specifying a point. As the cursor is passed over these icons, the
icon block displays the name of the method.
The icon methods are described below.

Inferred Point

Depending on where you select when using this option, one of the following
single selection options will be used: cursor location, existing point, end
point, mid point or arc center. This option does not require a selection of the
particular point type for each selection.

Cursor Location

Use this option to construct points anywhere on the screen by positioning the
cross hairs and indicating a location. The location defined lies on the W C S
Work plane.
To locate points quickly and precisely, use a grid (see Preferences→Work
Plane →Show Grid). When Snap to Grid is on, points snap to the nearest
grid position. The grid spacing may be set as desired. The spacing in the
X-direction does not need to be the same as the spacing in the Y-direction.
For example, if the sma llest increment on the part is in eighths of an inch
(.125), then the grid spacing would be set to .125. A point at exactly one inch
in X and two inches in Y could be created by counting over eight grid points in
X and up sixteen in Y and indicating a screen position.

Existing Point

Use this option to specify a location by selecting an existing point.


Remember that the point constructor allows locations in model space to be
specified. In the instance where an existing point is being selected it is
generally a case of using that point to aid in the construction of another object
such as a the endpoint of a line, or the location of an object, such as placement
of a drawing border.

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P oint Co n s t ru c t or Opt io n s

C
End Point

Use this option to specify locations at the end points of existing lines (1),
arcs (2), conics (3), and splines (4).

When selecting geometry, place the selection ball near the end point (1) you
wish to select. The point is located at the end of the curve nearest to where it
was selected (see below). Closed curve s, such as complete circles, have only
one endpoint because the two ends are at the same coordinate location.

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Point C o n s t r u c t o r Options

C
Control Point

Use this option to locate points at the control points of geometric objects. The
control points, which vary for each object type, include: Existing points, End
points of conics, End points and Mid points of open arcs, Center points of
circles or arcs, Mid points and End points of lines, and End points or Knot
points of splines.
Use the cursor to select objects. Since some objects have more than one
control point, place the cross hairs near the control point desired. The system
locates the control point nearest the position where the curve is selected.
The illustration below shows the various locations of control points on
existing lines (1), arcs (2), conics (3), and splines (4).

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P oint Co n s t ru c t or Opt io n s

C
Intersection Point

Use this option to locate a position at the intersection of two curves or at the
intersection of a curve and a surface or plane. If the curves intersect more
than once, the system creates the point nearest to where the second curve
was selected.

When two selected curves are not coplanar with the XC-YC plane the system
creates the point on the first curve (1) selected. By projecting the second
curve (2) parallel to the ZC axis an apparent intersection is calculated and
the point (3) is defined on the first object selected (see below). Projections are
always done along the ZC-axis.

ZC

YC

XC

Positions may be indicated at the intersection of any two non-parallel curves.


Implied intersections may be located even if the objects do not actually touch
(see below).

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Point C o n s t r u c t o r Options

C
Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Center

Use this option to specify a position at the center of an arc or ellipse by


selecting the arc along its circumference.

In the example below, selecting with the circumference (1) of the large circle
within the selection ball defines the center point (2) of the large circle.

Selecting near the center of the large circle (1) will not select the center of
the large circle since the selection ball touches the circumference of the
small circle.

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P oint Co n s t ru c t or Opt io n s

C
Angle on Arc/Ellipse

Use this option to locate a position (1) at an angular location on an arc or


an ellipse.

The angle value is entered in degrees. The angle is referenced from the
positive XC axis and is measured counterclockwise in the WC S. The angular
position on the arc or ellipse may also be defined on the unconstructed portion
(2) of an arc or ellipse.

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Point C o n s t r u c t o r Options

C
Quadrant Point

Use this option to locate positions at the quarter points of an arc or an ellipse.

Points may be located at the starting point of the arc or ellipse and then
at quarte r-distance intervals along the object. The point located (1) is the
quadrant point nearest to the position selected (2). The quadrant position
may also be defined on the unconstructed portion (3) of an arc.

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P oint Co n s t ru c t or Opt io n s

C
Point on Curve/Edge

Use this option to locate positions on a curve or edge by specifying a U


Parameter.
After choosing this option and selecting a curve or edge, the Point Constructor
dialog will display an entry field for a U Paramete r.

The U Parameter can be a value between 0 and 1 where a value of 0 would be


the start and a value of 1 would be the end of the curve or edge.

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Point C o n s t r u c t o r Options

C
Point on Surface

Use this option to locate positions on a surface (face) by specifying a U


Paremeter and a V Paramete r.
After choosing this option and selecting a face, the Point Constructor dialog
will display entry fields for the U and V Parameters.

The U and V Parameters can have values between 0 and 1 to define the
location on the face.

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P oint Co n s t ru c t or Opt io n s

C
WCS and Absolute Coordinates
Choose WCS or Absolute to specify the coordinate system to reference when
entering values in the Base Point fields. The W C S (Work Coordinate System)
is the default. The WCS may be moved to any loca tion and placed in any
orientation. The absolute coordinate system is a fixed coordinate system.

Reset

The Reset button sets the values X, Y, and Z coordinates of the Base Point to
0 and sets the Offset method to None.

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Point C o n s t r u c t o r Options

C
Offset

This option allows you to specify a position in model space offset from a
reference position. The offset may be specified in several different methods.

Once an offset method has been speci fied, it remains in effect until another
one is chosen. The default is None (no offset).

Rectangular Offset
This option allows a position to be offset by keying in values that represent
the X, Y, and Z directions relative to the coordinate system specified from a
reference point (see below).
The location of the offset point (1) relative to the reference point (2) is
determined by the coordinate system (3) selected and the orientation of that
coordinate system.
The origin of the coordinate system has no effect on the offset.

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P oint Co n s t ru c t or Opt io n s

C
Cylindrical Offset
This option allows an offset point (1) to be specified by keying in cylindrical
coordinates.
The offset values for Radius (2), Angle (3), and Delta-ZC (4) are defined
relative to the specified coordinate system and applied as illustrated below.
The radius and the angle always lie in the X-Y plane of the coordinate system
speci fied.
A cylindrical offset may reference either the absolute coordinate system or
the work coordinate system.

ZC
YC

XC

Spherical Offset
This option allows spec ification of an offset position using spherical
coordinates, two angles and a radius (see below).
Angle 1 always lies in the X-Y plane, and Angle 2 defines the elevation of the
offset point from the X-Y plane. The radius defines the distance between the
base point and the offset point. A spherical offset may reference either the
work coordinate system or the absolute coordinate system.

Z
Y

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Point C o n s t r u c t o r Options

C
Vector Offset

This option allows speci fication of an offset point (1) by indicating a direction
and distance (2). A vector (3) is defined by selecting a line (4). The direction of
that vector is determined by which end of the line is selected.

Z
Y

Offset Along Curve


This option allows an offset point (1) to be defined along a curve by a specified
arc length distance or a percentage of the total curve path length.

The direction of the offset is determined by the where the curve is selected
relative to reference point. In the example below, the reference point (1) is
in the middle of the curve. Selecting the curve at position (2) to produce
direction (3) and selecting at position (4) to produ ces direction (5).

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Appendix

D Customer Defaults
D

Overview
There are utilities and customization files which affect the default interface
and behavior of NX. This appendix covers these topics which would normally
be the responsibility of a system administrato r.

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C u s t o m e r Defaults

Customer Defaults
Customer defaults are accessed by choosing
File→Utilities→Customer Defaults.
D When NX is first started (out-of-the -box) the defaults are set to User and a
variable points to a user file which may or may not exist. This is an extract
from the log file for a user named “nxuser” after logging in and starting NX
for the first time:
Processing customer default values file
C:/Documents and Settings/nxuser
/Local Settings/Application Data/Unigraphics Solutions
/NX4/nx4_user.dpv
User customizations file
C:/Documents and Settings/nxuser
/Local Settings/Application Data/Unigraphics Solutions
/NX4/nx4_user.dpv does not exist

The fact that the file does not exist is of no concern because the path is
writable for the person logged in.
NX will create the file nx4_user.dpv when and if the user makes a change to
the defaults.
If the administrator wishes to prevent the user from changing the defaults,
i.e., set them as User (Read Only), there are various ways to accomplish it:
• Create the file and customize it as you wish, and then make it read only.

• Define the file in a path to which the user cannot write. The file and the
path need not exist.

• Lock one or more defaults at a higher level, i.e. group or site level.

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C u s t o m e r Defaults

Customer Defaults Levels

There are three leve ls of defaults that your system administrator can set.
These are site, group, and user. Any of all of these levels may be read-write,
although it is customary to set the site and group levels to read only. D

At the Site and Group levels the dialog displays padlocks beside each default,
enabling the administrator to lock out a particular default for lower levels.
When a lock is active not only is the text de-emphasized but value change
is prohibited. Even if the site (or a lower) DPV file is writable the value of
a locked default can not be changed until the lock icon has been toggled off
for the give n default).

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C u s t o m e r Defaults

For example, to lock out the ability to create promotions, the administrator
clicks the lock beside promotions at the site or group level. The icon changes
color and the text is de-emphasized.

At the user level, that default is de-emphasized an a padlo ck is displayed


beside it.

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C u s t o m e r Defaults

The system administrator can use the Default Lock Status to set the global
locked status for all of the customer defaults on all defaults pages. This
allows strategies like All are locked except..." or All are unlocked except...
instead of requiring the assertion of 5000+ individual locks.
D

Locks at the group level change color and the text is de-emphasized.
The user then sees all options for Site Standards de-emphasized and
padlocked. No Site Standards may now may be changed at the user level.

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C u s t o m e r Defaults

Setting Customer Defaults


Customer defaults have as-shipped default settings that are hard-coded.
When you change defaults at any level (assuming you have write permission
and the levels are defined) a file is crea ted to save the settings. By default the
D file is called nx4_user.dpv, nx4_group.dpv, or nx4_site.dpv.
Only the defaults that are changed from the hard–coded settings are saved,
thus the DPV files can be very small in size.
Customer defaults files are defined by environment settings. These are
typically set in ugii_env.dat on Windows systems or .ugii_env on UNIX;
however, the administrator may prevent a user from spoofing these settings
by creating a file named ugii_env.master in the UGII directory where NX
is installed to define these particular environment settings. When this file
exists any attempt to redefine the environment variables will be ignored.
When you change defaults the changes are NOT effective immediately.
They will be in effect the next time NX is started.

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C u s t o m e r Defaults

There are two possible settings for the user level and one each for the group
and site levels:

Variable Description
Defaults File Heading D
UGII_LOCAL_USER_DEFAULTS This variable is a fully qualified file
MISCELLANEOUS speci fication: it can be any file name
in any location.
The recommended file extension is
.dpv
The file need not exist. The file
will be created when the initial
customizations are saved.
The directory path must exist and be
writeable to create the file.
UGII_USER_DIR This directory pointed to must have
UGALLIANCE Variables the startup directory defined in
structure outlined below. The file
nx4_user.dpv will be created when the
initial customizations are saved (if it
does not already exist) in the startup
folder.

Define this ONLY


if UGII_LOCAL
_USER_DEFAULTS is NOT
defined.
UGII_GROUP_DIR The file nx4_group.dpv will be created
Not defined when the initial customiza tions are
saved (if it does not already exist) in
the startup folder under the directory
pointed to.
UGII_SITE_DIR The file nx4_site.dpv will be created
UGALLIANCE Variables when the initial customizations are
saved (if it does not already exist) in
the startup folder under the directory
pointed to.

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C u s t o m e r Defaults

USE R , GR O U P, an d SITE direct ories

There is a standard structure for customer site installation of menu files and
shared libraries. This directory structure defines three subdirectories. For
D the purpose of this discussion only the startup folder need exist; howeve r, you
might encounter the others if you have site customization.

startup Contains site-specific menu files, defaults files, and shared


libraries of menu actions to be loaded automatically at NX
startup to customize Gateway.
application Contains site -specific files defining menus and shared
libraries of menu actions for customizing NX or third-party
applications, such as NX Open programs. Loading of each
shared library is deferred until you enter the application that
names the library on the LIBRARIES statement in the menu
file definition for the Application Button for the application.
User Tool Definition files, GRIP programs, User Function
programs that are referenced by menu file actions.
udo Contains the shared libraries defining methods for
site-specific User Defined Objects (another NX Open topic.)
C u s t o m e r Defaults

Managing Your Changes

The DPV files contain only the defaults that are changed from the hard–coded
settings.
You may review your changes at any time: D
• Set the Defaults Level to the level you want to examine, Site, Group,
or User.

• Choose Manage Current Settings on the Customer Defaults dialog.

Here is an example of standard classroom defaults at the group level:

Here is an example of defa ults additionally set for Design Applications using
NX.

©UGS Corporatio n, A ll Rights Re s e rve d Modeling NX4 D- 9


C u s t o m e r Defaults

Updating to a New Release of NX

To update to a new release, you need only define the DPV files you want to
use at whatever levels your organization uses.
D When you receive the new software use Import Defaults to validate your

previous settings against the new release.


Importing Customer Defaults values file: <full path specification of DPV
file.>

Total settings and locks imported: 10

Total settings rejected due to values not valid in this release: 0

Total settings rejected due to values being locked at the higher level: 0

Total settings already set to the same value and lock status: 0

Total settings not recognized in this release: 0

D- 1 0 Modeling NX4 ©UGS C or poration , All Rights Reserve d br10050_g NX 4


Appendix

E Translators

Overview
There are some file formats witch are used cor communication with
other softwares . This appendix covers how to create and import
these formats like Iges, Step and DXF/DWG files.

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Translator
Overview

You can start the translators from the Unigraphics NX Menu on UNIX or from
StartèUnigraphics NXèUnigraphics NX ToolsèTranslatorsèIGES/STEP/DXFDWG on
Windows.

Each translator has it's own start-up screen.

For the quick run through we will use the IGES translator. However all of the translators
operate in the same manner.

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Translator

First, you select Import or Export (Import is the default, so we will use it for our Getting
Started example). You will be able to change the direction later if you make a mistake.

Choose Next to move the main dialog.

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Translator

Main Dialog

Import
The main dialog is similar for each translator. Subsequent documentation covers all of the
icons and menu items in detail, but for now lets concentrate on a straightforward mutli-file
IGES translation.

The first thing to do is select the files you want to translate. To do this, use the File Open

icon within the Files to Import section .

This brings up a file selection dialog where you can select multiple IGES files to import. You
can use the Shift and Control keys for multiple selections.

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Translator

The main dialog lists files that you selected in the Files to Import list and the name of the
Unigraphics NX part file to be created is listed in the Files to Create list. Later we will show
how to rename the Unigraphics NX part files is you don’t like the default.

Once you have selected files, the Translate icon becomes active. Note that there are three

ways to start the actual translation. The translate icon on the main dialog and on the
menu bar do the same thing – as the does the Translate item on the File drop down menu!

You can now start the translation process by selecting the Translate icon. You will receive a
notification the translation has started – as a separate process.

This message box will remain until the translation ends. You can dismiss the message box by
selecting Ok. The translator will continue to run whether the message is there or not.

After you start the translation you can continue use the user interface or you can exit. Exiting
the user interface will NOT stop any translations that has started but not completed.
©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 E- 5
Translator
We can continue with more translation activities while the IGES import activity is running.

First, note that the Translate icon has gone inactive. This indicates that a translation for this
file list, with the current settings, using the list of output names, has initiated. We assume
you’d want to change something before re-starting the translation.

Just to show how things work, let’s export the Unigraphics NX parts we just created with the
IGES import function (of course this means you need to wait until the translation is
completed).

To do this, first use the File Menu to change the direction.

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Translator
Selecting Export clears the lists on the main dialog.

Now, use the File Selection button to select the files to export.

After selecting the files, the main dialog updates.

One method to try during this example is to change a setting that controls how the export of
the part files completes.

You use the Settings icon to bring up the IGES Export Settings dialog.

Select the Advanced tab to get the option to change the Coincident Point
Resolution the receiving system should use. Specify a tolerance of 0.009.

Select OK and return to the main dialog.

Since we will be sending files to this supplier on a regular basis, we want to save this setting
change so that we don’t have to remember it each and every time we run.

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Translator
To do this select File->Save As from the menu. This brings up a standard file dialog and
saves all of the current settings to the file name we provide. Note that you do not have to
save the changed settings to have them affect the translation. You can launch the translator
using the icon, and use all of the current settings for that particular translation.

Once we have saved the file, note that the name of the current Settings File (in the lower left
corner of the Main Dialog is updated.

In the future, when we start the IGES user interface, we can use the Open Settings file icon or
Open from the File menu to retrieve these saved settings.

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Translator
Translate
Once you have selected files, the Translate icon becomes active. Note that there are 3 ways

to start the actual translation. The translate icon on the main dialog and on the menu bar
do the same thing - as the does the Translate item on the File drop down menu!

You can now start the translation process by selecting the Translate icon. You will receive a
notification the translation has started - as a separate process.

This message box will remain until the translation ends. You can dismiss the message box by
selecting Ok. The translator will continue to run whether the message is there or not.

After the translation is started you can continue use the user interface or you can exit. Exiting
the user interface will NOT stop any translations that have been initiated but not completed.

For our getting started effort, lets continue with more translation activities while the IGES
import activity is running.

First, note that the Translate icon has gone inactive this indicates that a translation for
this file list, with the current settings, using the list of output names has already been initiated.
We assume you'd want to change something before re-starting the translation.

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Translator

Export
Just to show how things work, lets export the Unigraphics NX parts we just created with the
IGES import function (of course this means you need to wait until the translation is
completed).

To do this, first use the File Menu to change the direction.

Selecting Export clears the lists on the main dialog.

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Translator

Now, just like on Import, use the File Selection button to select the files to Export.

After selecting the files, the main dialog updates.

One file thing to try during this getting started example is to change a setting that controls
how the export of the part files will be done.

You use the Settings icon to bring up the IGES Export Settings dialog.

Select the Advanced tab to get to the option to change - the Coincident Point
Resolution the receiving system should use. Specify a tolerance of .009.

We then select OK and return to the main dialog.

Since we will be sending files to this supplier on a regular basis, we want to save this setting
change so that we don't have to remember it each and every time we run.

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Translator
To do this select File->Save As from the menu. This brings up a standard file dialog and
saves all of the current settings to the file name we provide. Note that you do not have to
save the changed settings to have them affect the translation. You can launch the translator
using the icon, and all of the current settings are used for that particular translation.

Once we have saved the file, note that the name of the current Settings File (in the lower left
corner of the Main Dialog updates.

In the future, when we start the IGES user interface, we can use the Open Settings file icon

(the on the menu bar) or Open from the File menu to retrieve these saved settings.

We can now launch the export translation process using the Translate icon .

The main dialog is similar for each translator. Here is an overview of the main dialog.

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Translator

Menu Bar

Overview
The menu bar has 3 items - File, Edit, and Help. They are activated using the Alt-F (File), Alt-
E (Edit) and Alt H (Help), or by dropping them down by picking with the mouse. All frequently
used menu items have corresponding toolbar icons.

File Menu
The File Menu allows you to do file operations on Settings files, change the direction of the
translation, initiate the actual translation process, and exit. There are corresponding tool bar
icons for the frequently used items of Settings File Open, Save, and Translate.

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Translator

Open, Save, Save As


These menu items let you Open an existing Settings file, or Save / Save As the current
settings to a file. You can access these functions from the drop down menu or from the tool
bar icons. The Open and Save As menu items will cause the file selection dialog to appear.
Save will save the current settings to the previously opened file. Save will cause the Save As
dialog to appear if you have not opened a settings file, or you do not have write access to the
currently opened settings file.

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Translator

When a settings file opens all of its values validate prior to updating the Settings dialog. The
Setting dialogs (General and Advanced) for both directions (import and export) updates
automatically to reflect the values in the settings file. The Settings dialog displays
automatically under the assumption you will want to (at least) validate the settings just
recalled.

Import / Export
You can change the direction of the translation once you have started. When yo u change the
translation direction, any selected files will clear. All captions and headings update to reflect
the current translation direction.

Translate

Once you have selected files, the Translate menu item and icons becomes active. Note
that there are three ways to start the actual translation. They all do the same thing - we just
want to make it easy for you to start the translation process!

You will receive a notification the translation has started - as a


separate process.

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Translator

This message box will remain until the translation ends. You can dismiss the message box by
selecting Ok. The translator will continue to run whether the message is there or not.

After the translation starts you can continue to use the user interface or you can exit. Exiting
the user interface will NOT stop any translations that has already started but not completed.

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Translator

Exit
If you select Exit, then the user interface application will end - but not any translation
processes that are running. You can also use the window to terminate the application.

You will be reminded to save your changes if you had previously opened a settings file and
not saved your changes.

Cancel - You may want to review the setting


changes before discarding or making them
permanent.

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Translator

Overview
The edit menu provides access to the Settings dialog, and the Rename and Remove
functions. There are corresponding tool bar icons for each of these menu items.

Settings

The Settings menu item (or icon) invokes translator-specific dialogs to control the
translation process.

Remove

The Remove menu item (or icon) allows you to remove (highlighted) files from the Files to
Export / Files to Import list. Right mouse button over the highlighted files also brings ups the
Remove pop up menu. When files are removed from the Files to Import list, the
corresponding entry in the Files to Create list is removed as well.

This button and icon are not active unless you select files in the list.

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Translator
Rename

The Rename menu item (or icon) allows you to rename files in the Files to Create list. Like
the Remove option, the Rename function can be accessed with a right mouse button click
when files have been selected in the Files to Create list. All Unigraphics NX file naming rules
are enforced.

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Translator
Help Menu
The Help menu item brings up the help documentation.
Files to Import/Files to Export List

You select files to import (or export) using the File Open icon within the Files to Import section.

This brings up a File Selection dialog where you can select multiple files to import. You use
the Shift and Control (Ctrl) keys for multiple selections.

You can translate only files from one directory as a group. There is no concatenation of
subsequent file selections, even if they are from the same directory.

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Translator

TIP: You can type the name of the directory where the files to translate
reside directly into the directory name field. When you type Enter
the system will automatically select all of the appropriately named
files in the directory.

Files to Create List

The Files to Create list populates with the list of names selected for translation with the
appropriate file extension.
You use the Browse button to specify the directory/folder where the translated files create.

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Translator
Translators Settings Dialog

When the translators are initiated, they will attempt to read the appropriate Settings file from
the startup directory, and if none exists, the UI will look in the appropriate UGII_BASE_DIR
directory for the one provided on the install. In the rare instances when neither exists, the
following message appears:

All of the settings dialogs allow you to change the current setting of any given option. Any
changes you make on the Settings dialogs retain if you leave the dialog using OK or Apply.
And while you use these settings for any translation initiated, they do not automatically save
to the opened Settings file. You must explicitly save the setting using the Save or Save As
options on the File menu.

Cancel reverts the setting options back to the last OK or Apply. The internal data store do not
update.

Any value you type (rather than select or check) validates when focus is lost on the option. If
you enter an invalid value you will receive an error message that indicates the problem and
the range of acceptable values.

If you select Exit, and you had previously opened a settings file and have made changes but
not saved them, you will be reminded to save your changes.

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Translator

Cancel - You may want to review the setting


changes before discardi ng or making them
permanent.

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Translator
IGES Settings
The IGES user interface will look for the settings file iges.def in the local directory. If the
systems finds the settings file, its contents will be used as the initial settings of the user
interface options. If no local file is found, then the settings file provided with the installation -
UGII_BASE_DIR\iges\iges.def - will be used. We distribute this file user interface options set
to the most appropriate values.

IGES Import General Settings

Object Types
You use the object types to limit the types of
data you import from the IGES file. If you
know the contents of the file, you might be
able to eliminate unwanted or unnecessary
construction geometry or drawing information
during the import by filtering unwanted data
types.

All Object Types select by default.

Map Subfigure

Subfigures are IGES constructs that represent geometry that repeats within a model. Most
systems use the Subfigure construct to pass assembly and component structure within an
IGES file. B y selecting this option, each subfigure creates as an Unigraphics NX component
within an assembly. The system bases the name of the component on the name of subfigure,
although some systems do not name their subfigures. If you don't map subfigures to
components, the geometry creates at each location where the subfigure is located.

Mapping Subfigures to Component is the default.

Layer Default for Level 0


IGES uses the term Level for what are Layers in Unigraphics NX. However IGES levels start
a 0. You can specify any Unigraphics NX layer to hold the Level 0 information.

Mapping Level 1 to Unigraphics NX's layer 1 is the default.

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Translator
Specify Levels to Import
IGES supports up to 99999 levels (layers). You can use this range to limit the Levels to import
into Unigraphics NX. Levels import into the corresponding Unigraphics NX layers. However
for Levels greater than 256 map to Unigraphics NX layer on a cyclic basis - Level 257 is
added to Unigraphics NX Layer 1, Level 258 to Layer 2, and so on until all of the Levels are
accommodated in a Unigraphics NX Layer.

The default range of 0-99999 will ensure all Levels are imported.

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Translator
IGES Import Advanced Settings
Sew Surfaces

IGES files generally contain surface data. If you want to work with solid models, you can use
this option to have the IGES translator sew the surfaces as they are imported. The IGES
translator will make four attempts to sew the surfaces into a solid. After each attempt, the
surfaces that will not sew are removed from the sew operation (but still exist in the model).
The sew operation is then re-attempted. If a solid cannot be fully created, the surfaced that
could be sewn are left sewn, but you will have to us the Unigraphics NX Sew option in
Modeling NX4 to explicitly sew the remaining surface. Most ofte n surfaces do not successfully
sew due to large gaps between the surfaces. The IGES translator is conservative with the
tolerance it uses, since you can always increase the tolerances with the Unigraphics NX Sew
operation.

The default is not to Sew Surfaces.

Surface Trimming Tolerance


Surface Trimming Tolerance is the maximum tolerance applied to surface edges to close
gaps between surfaces. The recommended value is the identical point resolution of the
sending system if you know it. Otherwise you will have to use a value that represents an
acceptable value for your downstream application. This can be quite loose for Modeling NX4
or visualization, but you might want a slightly tighter value for manufacturing operations.

The default Surface Trimming Tolerance is .001mm.

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Translator
Geometry Fix-up Tolerance
The Geometry Fix-up Tolerance is actually just a reference value. When importing data into
Unigraphics NX the IGES will smooth surface and curve data to the extent necessary to make
it acceptable to Unigraphics NX. The system will provide messages in the log file if the
translator has to apply a tolerance greater than the Geometry Fix-up Tolerance messages. If
the tolerances used are less than this value, no messages generate.

The default Geometry Fix-up Tolerance is set fairly conservatively at .0005mm.

Connect Copious Data


Copious data is arbitrary point data within an IGES file. The Linear Spline option creates
straight lines between the copious data points. The Smooth Spline option creates a
continuous spline using the point data as control point. Smooth splines do not necessarily (in
fact rarely) go through the copious data points.

The default is to Connect Copious Data with Linear Splines.

Map View-Dependent /View-Modified to Model Object


Normally the IGES data that is marked as view-dependent or view-modified creates as similar
objects in Unigraphics NX. However there are situations where you may want this data to
appear in all views. If you do, you will need to create model objects within Unigraphics NX for
the data.

The default is to not Map View-Dependent / View-Modified to Model Objects.

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IGES Export General Settings

Object Types
These check boxes let you select the type of Unigraphics NX data to export to IGES.

The default is to export all object types.

Specify Layers to Export


You can limit the data you export by only specifying the layers that contain the appropriate
information. You can enter layer numbers or layers ranges separated by commas. For
example, 1,5,88-109,190-199,201,206-210 is a legal specification.

The default setting for Layers to Export is 1-256.

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Translator
Flatten Assembly
Normally Unigraphics NX components are exported to IGES as nested subfigures to retain
the assembly structure. If you check this option, then the Unigraphics NX components writes
to the IGES file as expanded geometry without any assembly structure.

The default is not to flatten the assembly but to output the components as nested subfigures.

Drawings to Export
You can either select All Drawings or you can Enter Drawings to Export by giving specific
names. Drawing names separate by commas. The drawing name list applies to all files
selected for export.

The default is to export all drawings.

Views to Export
You can chose to export the Standard Views (TOP, FRONT, RIGHT, BACK, BOTTOM, LEFT,
TFR-ISO, TFR-TRI) and / or you can name specific User Views to export. The views names
are comma separated and exported if it exists in the file(s) being exported.

The default is to export all Standard Views and all User Views.

Assembly Options
These options let you decide to use the load_options.def file when Unigraphics NX is run, or
you can specify options that will apply only to the translation. There are times where you may
be exporting information, but not have the same environment used to create the information
originally. Also you may not want to export all of the components and these options let you
control the export operation without having to create special load_options.def files in
Unigraphics NX.

The assembly control options have the same impact as when used with Unigraphics NX to
load assemblies.

The default is to use the Unigraphics NX load_options.def.

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Translator

IGES Export Advanced Settings

Map Tabulated Cylinder to B-Surface


When you turn this toggle ON, Unigraphics NX entities that would normally become IGES
Tabulated Cylinder become IGES B-surface entities instead.

Map Crosshatch To
When exporting Unigraphics NX crosshatch information, you can represent it as IGES
Section Area data (the most common representation) or as Copious Data. You would only
use Copious Data if the receiving system has previously proven unable to handle Section
Area information appropriately (which should be very rare).

The default is to export Crosshatch information as Section Area data.

Revolve Faces To
The IGES translator can export revolved faces such as cones, spheres, tori, etc., as either
IGES Surface of Revolution entities or IGES B-surface entities.
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Translator
Output Solids As
Solids can be output as Surfaces or just as their edge outline (Edges Only). The correct
choice is dependent on what the expected use of the data will be in the receiving system. If
the main purpose is to create drawings in the receiving system, the Edges Only is most
appropriate. If you use the geometry representation, (in addition to drawing information), then
select Surfaces to ensure a proper geometric representation.

Unigraphics NX IGES does not create the IGES solid entity at this time.

The default is to export solid information as trimmed surfaces.

Approximation Tolerance
This is the tolerance the IGES translator uses when it needs to approximate a Unigraphics
NX surface object when there is no direct IGES entity to represent the information and an
IGES B-surface has to create. At this point, these are mainly Offset surfaces and Variable
Radius Blend surfaces within Unigraphics NX.

The entered value must be between .000001mm and .01mm. The smaller the value the more
accurate the approximation will be but the translation will take longer and a larger IGES file
will result.

It is reasonable to set this to an order of magnitude smaller than the receiving system's
machining tolerance if you know it. However .01 will generally be appropriate for most
systems.

The default value is .01mm.

JAMA Option
If you are required to export IGES data that meets the JAMA (Japanese Automotive
Manufacturers Association) specifications, you should check this option. Visit
http://www.jama.org for details on JAMA.

Note that you must purchase a separate license for this option to actually create the JAMA
specific information.

The default is not to create a JAMA compliant IGES file.

Model Space Maximum


The IGES format allows the sending system to specify the maximum space used by the
model. In many cases this is the bounding box that surrounds the model. If you select System
Defined, these values write to the IGES file.
©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 E- 3 1
Translator
There are systems that use the value in the IGES file to determine the relative accuracy they
will use for Modeling NX4 operations. If you want to decrease the bounding box values you
can check the User Specified option and enter the desired value.

Catia requires all components to have the same MODEL DIMENSION value, which Catia
determines from this value in the IGES file. If the IGES file adds to an existing assembly
structure within Catia, this option lets the sender set the value to ensure the component will
be usable.

The default is to use the Unigraphics NX generated maximum Model Space values.

Coincident Point Resolution


The IGES format allows the sending system (Unigraphics NX) to specify the value it uses to
decide if two points are coincident. Unigraphics NX uses .00001mm for this resolution. This
value is usually acceptable to most systems. However you can enter a different if the
receiving system requires a less accurate resolution.

The default is to use the Unigraphics NX Coincident Point Resolution.

Configuration Information
The Author, Company, ID For Receiver, and Start Section items are general text entry fields.
This data is copied as entered to the appropriate fields within the IGES file. Configuration
information can be used to help manage data that is being exchanged, but it is does not have to
be provided. In most systems - including Unigraphics NX - if the data is in the IGES file, it is
assigned to general text attributes for the created part.

There is no default text entry for Author, Company, ID For Receiver, or Start Section.

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STEP Settings

Overview
STEP AP203 and AP214 are extremely similar in their specification.

The STEP user interfaces will look for the settings file step203ug.def or step214ug.def (as
appropriate) in the local directory. If the system finds a local file, use its contents as the initial
settings of the user interface. If you do not find the local file, then the
UGII_BASE_DIR\step203\step203ug.def or UGII_BASE_DIR \step214\step214ug.def file will
be used. These settings files distribute with the user interface options set to the most
appropriate values.

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STEP AP203 and AP214 General Export Settings

Object Types
These check boxes let you select the type of Unigraphics NX data to export to STEP. Solids,
Surfaces, and Wireframe are self-evident. Generally it is best to export your model data as
solid data.

Product Data is product configuration information that exchanges via STEP. Although
Unigraphics NX does not act on this data, if it exists as Unigraphics NX part attribute
information it will export.

The default is to export only Product Data and Solids.

Layers to Export
You can limit the data you export by only specifying the layers that contain the appropriate
information. You can enter layer numbers or layers ranges separated by commas. For
example, 1, 5, 88-109, 201, 206-210 is a legal specification.

The default is to export layers 1 -256.

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B-Spline Approximation Tolerance
The B-Spline Approximation Tolerance defines the accuracy to use when the export process
has to approximate a Unigraphics NX object in STEP. Unigraphics NX Offset surfaces, Blend
surfaces, degenerate tori, intersection edges, and tolerant edges approximate (as b-surfaces
and b-curves) as there is no direct STEP entity to represent these Unigraphics NX object
types.

It is reasonable to set this to an order of magnitude smaller than the receiving system's
machining tolerance if you know it.

The default B-Spline Approximation Tolerance is .01 mm.

Assembly Options
These options let you decide to use the load_options.def file when Unigraphics NX is run, or
you can specify options that will apply only to the translation. There are times where you may
be exporting information, but not have the same environment used to create the information
originally. Also you may not want to export all of the components and these options let you
control the export operation without having to create special load_options.def files in
Unigraphics NX.

The assembly control options have the same impact as when used with Unigraphics NX to
load assemblies.

The default is to use the Unigraphics NX load_options.def file to control assembly component
processing.

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STEP AP203 and AP214 Advanced Export Settings

Use Long Names


When you first specify the STEP format, abbreviated (or Short) names were defined for
STEP-specific information. Over time the abbreviated representations have been replaced by
the full (or Long) name extension for these items. Most systems currently read the long name
formats.

If the sending system does not support the Long Name extension then uncheck this option.

The default is export Long Names for STEP entity types.

Include Validation Information


You can write additional information to the STEP file that contains information that the
receiving system can use to ensure that the data imported matches the data that exports. The
validation information is mass property information (volume, area, and center of gravity) for
each solid, each component, and the total product structure.

When a STEP file has validation data in it by the sending system, it imports into Unigraphics
NX as attribute information. specifically, DEA_AREA, DEA_VOLUME, DEA_COFGX ,
DEA_COFGY and DEA_COFGZ attributes are created with the validation fo r the part or
component as well as each solid.
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Translator
The default is not export Validation Information.

Include Color and Layers (AP203 Only)

The STEP AP203 format extends to include color and layer


information. However many systems do not yet support this
extension. Color and layers are part of the standard STEP
AP214 format and therefore are not optional.

The default is not to export Color and Layer information.

Schema (AP214 Only)

The STEP AP214 format is currently moving from Committee


Draft (CD1) to Draft International Standard (DIS). Most STEP
translators - including Unigraphics NX - has updated to read
either format. However, you may need to use the CD1 format
for a non-updated system.

The default is to export according to the AP214 DIS schema.

Header Information
The Description, Author, Organization, and Authorization are general text entry fields that
correspond to STEP Header Section items. The STEP definition of these fields appears
below. There is no validation of the data on entry. Whatever information you enter is copied
as entered the STEP file.
Description is an informal description of the contents of the STEP file.
Author is the name and address of the person responsible for creating the STEP file.
Organization is the name of the internal or external organization of the Author.
Authorization is the name and address of the person who authorized sending the STEP file.
These fields are optional and generally not used in practice.
There is no default text for Description, Author, Organization, or Authorization.

©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 E- 3 7


Translator

STEP AP203 and AP214 General Import Settings

Object Types
These check boxes let you select the type of STEP data to
import to Unigraphics NX Solids, Surfaces, and Wireframe
are self-evident.

Product Data is product configuration information that


exchanges via STEP. Although Unigraphics NX does not
act on this data, if it exists in the STEP file it will export.

Best Practice: Although you don't want to always select Surfaces, if after
you import data you appear to be missing data, you may want to
re-import and select the Surfaces (as well as Solids) option. There
are some systems that will exp ort solid data as surface data if they
have problems extracting the solid (as a solid) from their system.
STEP rarely uses Wireframe data.

The default is import Solids and Product Data.

Map Layer 0 to Layer


STEP supports an unlimited number of layers, including layer 0. STEP layers greater than
256 are mapped to Unigraphics NX layer on a cyclic basis - STEP layer 257 is added to
Unigraphics NX layer 1, STEP layer 258 to Unigraphics NX layer 2, and so on, until all of the
STEP layers are accommodated in a Unigraphics NX Layer.

The default is to map STEP layer 0 to Unigraphics NX layer 1 .

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Translator

STEP AP203 and AP214 Advanced Import Settings


There are no Advanced settings for STEP import for either AP203 or AP214 translators.

©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 E- 3 9


Translator

DXF/DWG Settings

The DXF/DWG user interface looks for the settings file dxfdwg.def in the local directory. If you
find the settings file, it will use the contents for the initial settings of the user interface. If you
do not find a local file, then the UGII_BASE_DIR\dxfdwg\dxfdwg.def file is used.

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Translator
Import
Units
DWG files have unit information in
them, as do AutoCAD 2000 DXF
files. If Unit specification is
available the system will use it
regardless of this setting.
However, earlier versions of DXF
did not support a unit designation,
so you use this setting to indicate
the units of the DXF data.

Mapping Specifications
The Color mapping specification
lets you identify a file where you
have set up a mapping between
the NX color numbers and the
AutoCAD color numbers.

The Line Font mapping specification lets you identify a file where you have set up a mapping
between NX line font names and AutoCAD line font names.

The Character Font mapping specifications lets you identify a file where you have set up a
mapping between NX character font names and AutoCAD character font names.

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Translator

General Export Settings

Version
This drop-down list lets you select the DXF or DWG version you want to create. You can
create DXF or DWG R12, R13, R14, and 2000.

The default is to export to AutoCAD 2000.

Flatten Assemb ly
This check box allows you to flatten the NX assembly into a single DWG. Assembly structure
can only be maintained using AutoCAD DWG format. AutoCAD Xref files create for the
components. If you select DXF as the output format, then the assembly will flatten
automatically.

The default is to not flatten the NX assembly.


E -42 Modeling NX4 ©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved
Translator
Object Types
These check boxes let you select the type of NX data to export to DXF/DWG.

The default is to export all object types.

Specify Layers to Export


You can limit the data you export by only specifying the layers that contain the appropriate
information. You can enter layer numbers or layers ranges separated by commas. For
example, 1, 5, 88-109, 190-199, 201, 206-210 is a legal specification.

The default setting for Layers to Export is 1-256.

Drawings to Export
You can either select All Drawings or you can Enter Drawings to Export by giving specific
names. Commas separate drawing names. The drawing name list applies to all files selected
for export.

The system will treat multiple drawings differently depending on what AutoCAD version and
format you are using. If you are exporting to AutoCAD 2000 DWG, then use the Layout
structure to represent the multiple NX drawings. If you are export to AutoCAD R14 (or lower)
DWG the translator will a utomatically create a DXF file as the Layout entity is not available
with these lower versions, and DWG does not support multiple drawings in the same file.

The default is to export all drawings.

Views to Export
You can chose to export the Standard Views (TOP, FRONT, RIGHT, BACK, BOTTOM, LEFT,
TFR-ISO, TFR-TRI) and / or you can name specific User Views to export. The views names
are comma separated and will export if it exists in the exported file(s).

The default is to export all Standard Views and all User Views.

Assembly Options
These options let you decide to use the load_options.def file when NX is run, or you can
specify options that will apply only to the translation. There are times where you may be
exporting information, but not have the same environment used to create the information
originally. Also you may not want to export all of the components and these options let you
control the export operation without having to create special load_options.def files in NX.

©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 E- 4 3


Translator
The assembly control options have the same impact as when used with NX to load
assemblies.

The default is to use the NX load_options.def.

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Translator

Advanced Export Settings

Mapping Specifications
The Color mapping specification lets you identify a file where you have set up a mapping
between the NX color numbers and the AutoCAD color numbers.

The Line Font mapping specification lets you identify a file where you have set up a mapping
between NX line font names and AutoCAD line font names.

The Character Font mapping specifications lets you identify a file where you have set up a
mapping between NX character font names and AutoCAD character font names.

©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 E- 4 5


Translator
Mapping Specifications Overview

DXF/DWG layer names are character strings and could be unlimited in number. Since NX
only supports 256 numeric layers, you can use the following processes to map DXF/DWG
layers to NX. This processing approach ensures maximum retention of DXF/DWG layer
naming when data iterates through multiple DXF/DWG-NX exchanges.

Import Layer Processing


If the DXF/DWG name for any laye r represents a number and is in the range (1-256), then it
maps to the corresponding numbered layer in NX. For example, 1 in DXF gets mapped to NX
layer 1, however DXF/DWG Layer one is NOT (automatically) mapped to NX layer 1. Also, a
NX Category with the DXF/DWG category creates for each DXF/DWG layer. However NX
categories are limited to 30 characters.

For all other layers with names that do not represent a number in the range 1-256, then one
of two actions are taken.

• Total number of layers in DXF/DWG file are less than 256.

In this case, we can establish a unique mapping for each DXF/DWG layer to
one of the NX numbered layers. All DXF/DWG layers that represent
numbered NX layers map first. Then, for each of the remaining DXF/DWG
layers, the system identifies the lowest numbered unused NX layer and the
DXF/DWG layer maps to that NX layer. A part attribute also adds to the NX
part that stores the NX layer number and the original DXF/DWG layer name.

For example, if the DXF/DWG file had 2 layers, 1 and test; 1 would map to
NX layer 1. DXF layer test would get mapped to the first vacant or
unallocated layer i.e., NX Layer 2. Additionally, a part attribute would get
created that has a title of LAYER_002 and its value would be test.

• Total number of layers e xceeds 256.

In this case, a unique mapping for each layer is not possible. All DXF/DWG
layers that represent numbered NX layers will map first. All the remaining
DXF/DWG layers map to NX layer 256. All objects that reside on these
remaining layers (beyond 256), that are created in NX (on layer 256) have an
object attribute assigned to them that has a title of LAYER. The value of the
attribute is the original DXF/DWG layer name. No part attributes would be
created for these additional layers.

One limitation is that DXF layer names can be 255 characters long, but NX
attributes can only store the first 132 characters, so some DXF layer names
could truncate in rare circumstances.

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Translator
Export Layer Processing
First, NX layers map to their corresponding string equivalents in DXF/DWG. For example, NX
layer 2 maps to DXF/DWG layer 2.

If a part attribute exists that has a name similar to LAYER_nnn, then the system will use the
value of that part attribute for the DXF/DWG layer name, instead of the NX layer (as
described above). For the example given for import example above (less than 256 layers) the
NX part when exported would cause NX layer 2 to map to DXF/DWG layer test (since a part
attribute of title LAYER_002 exists).

If the NX part has objects on layer 256, the above steps carry out to get the layer name.
Further, a check completes to see if the object has any attributes with a title of LAYER. If it
finds one, the system will use the string value of that attribute as the DXF/DWG layer name
for that object.

©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 E- 4 7


Translator

Mapping Specification File Processing

The NX DXF/DWG translator provides the ability to specify how character fonts, line styles,
and colors map when moving data between NX and AutoCAD.

You use the mapping specifications when you know that a particular font will present the data
better in the receiving system. While NX provides a suite of AutoCAD fonts, you may be
using your own NX fonts and/or you and your supplier may have agreed on a font that is not
one of the standard fonts provided by NX.

Mapping files are simple ASCII files (the formats are described below), normally named with
the <.txt> extension. However you can actually name them whatever you want.

The way mapping files are processed minimizes the amount of information you have to
provide in them. Only the particular values you want to change need specification in the
named mapping file. All other values use the standard mappings provided with the product.

Comments can be included in all mapping files by preceding them with an exclamation point
(!). You can add white space to improve readability.

Character Font Mapping


You can specify how the DXF/DWG translator should map one character font definition to
another. The matching is accomplishing by specifying the From and To font names.

The ACAD font file name should have the full file name with extension i.e., simplex.shx and
not simplex, however if no extension is given, .shx will be assumed.

The default fonts (when a specified font cannot be found) for import is 'blockfont' and for
export 'simplex.shx'. You can specify the use of a different default font. The best place to put
this override of the default is in the provided mapping files.

export : DEFAULT = italic.shx

import : DEFAULT = leroy

This would cause all text for which an unspecified mapping, to convert using italic font in the
DXF/DWG file instead of simplex.shx, and leroy instead of blockfont in the NX part.

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Translator
Aspect Ratios
In addition to the font mapping, you can specify an aspect ratio to use a given font. This is
useful when you know that certain fonts will be better represented using the given aspect ratio
(for a given font) rather than one associated with the font.

import: simplex.shx = futura, 1.2

export : blockfont = arial.ttf, 0.8

If you specify the aspect ratio in the mapping file, it will override any aspect ratio specified in
the actual font definition.

If you do not specify the aspect ratio, it will calculate using the NX string length (exact) and
the DXF/DWG string length (approximate)with the mapped font.

If you do not specify an aspect ratio in the mapping file or in the definition file, an aspect ratio
of 1.0 is used.

You can use the specified aspect ratio for all annotation information. Exported NX dimension
information will have the text 'fit' to the correct string length (obtained from NX).

Character Replacement

You can specify text character sequences that he wants to replace with some other
sequence. This works for both import and export. This is especially useful when receiving or
sending files that contain special character (the German A with umlauts can be replace with
AE).

REPLACE : abc = xyz

This replacement can cause text overwrites as string lengths could change.

Character font mapping file format


The format of a character font mapping file is as follows. Both import and export mapping can
be in the same file.

IMPORT:{ug_font_name}={AutoCAD font name}

EXPORT: {AutoCAD font name} = {NX font name} {,optional aspect ratio}

©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 E- 4 9


Translator
Line Font Mapping

You can use the line font mappings to specify a user defined or standard ACAD linefont to
convert to one of the NX standard line fonts. The NX standard line fonts need to be one of
the following (all uppercase):

"UF_OBJ_FONT_SOLID"

"UF_OBJ_FONT_DASHED"
"UF_OBJ_FONT_INVISIBLE"

"UF_OBJ_FONT_PHANTOM"

"UF_OBJ_FONT_CENTERLINE"
"UF_OBJ_FONT_DOTTED"

"UF_OBJ_FONT_LONG_DASHED"

"UF_OBJ_FONT_DOTTED_DASHED"

For export, a similar mapping can be specified for converting to one of the following ACAD
standard line fonts ( all uppercase ) :-

CONTINUOUS
DASHED

HIDDEN

PHANTOM
CENTER
DOT

DASHDOT

The above mapping functionality is basically to help map user defined linefonts in the source
system to a standard linefont in the target system. You cannot specify non-standard linefonts
for the target system.

Color Mapping

Color mapping files have the same format as for line fonts. The mapping section has the color
mappings you can use in place of the standard color mapping (using RGB values).

export : 11 = 2 ! NX Orange maps to ACAD yellow.

E -50 Modeling NX4 ©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved


Translator
The above converts all NX objects with color number 11 to ACAD color 2. This is true for
export only. If the same is required for import too, you need to add an additional line.

export : 11 = 2 ! NX Orange (11) maps to ACAD yellow ( 2 ).

import : 11 = 2" ! ACAD 11 (Variant of Red) maps to NX 2 (Green)

You can find the standard AutoCAD color table definition at the AutoDESK website.

©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 E- 5 1


Translator

GIF, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, and PNG


Use these options to export part or all of the contents of the Graphics Window to a GIF,
JPEG, TIFF, BMP, or PNG file.

Exporting an Entire Image as a GIF File


1. Select File->Export->GIF...
This displays the GIF Image File dialog, displaying the file's default name.
2. You can accept the default filename or enter a custom name.
3. Optionally, select Use White Background to create the image with a white background
instead of the current Graphics Window background color.
4. Click Apply or OK.
The system creates the file and places it in the specified path and filename.
Exporting Part of an Image as a JPEG File
1. Select File->Export->JPEG...
This displays the JPEG Image File dialog, displaying the file's default name.
2. You can accept the default filename or enter a custom name.
3. Optionally, select Use White Background to create the image with a white background
instead of the current Graphics Window background color.
4. In the Graphics Window, using MB1, drag a rectangular area that encloses the image
area you want to export.
Release MB1.
The system creates the file and places it in the specified path and filename.

File Formats

File Format Description

GIF and JPEG Used widely on the World Wide Web. Images in these formats can be added to
HTML documents.

TIFF You can display TIFF image files in Unigraphics NX by selecting View ->
Visualization -> Display Image and selecting the image to view. You can import
TIFF images for use as backgrounds in High Quality Image.

BMP Standard Windows bitmap file. You can import this format into Microsoft
applications.

PNG Increasingly popular, PNG (Portable Network Graphics) format provides


completely portable, lossless, and well-compressed storage of raster images. PNG
can effectively replace many uses of GIF and TIFF. It is unencumbered by license
or patent restrictions. It provides good compression for a lossless format, however
the lossy JPEG format can yield smaller files.

E -52 Modeling NX4 ©UGS Corp., All Rights Reserved


Appendix

F Basic Curves

Purpose
This lesson introduces the Basic Curve Dialog.

Objectives

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:


• Create Lines.

• Create Arcs.

• Create Circles.

• Create Fillets.

• Trim Curves.

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-1


Basic Curves

Explicit Curves
The intent of this appendix is to teach 2D generator and guide geometry for the
purposes of sweeping through space to create solid bodies.

NOTE: In Unigraphics, a curve is considered to be a point, line, arc,


spline or conic.

The Curve creation options are brought up by choosing Insert→Curve.

The Work Coordinate System


When creating curves, the orientation or direction can be based on the WCS.
The term horizontal appearing in any dialog box or Cue line is meant as
parallel to the XCĆaxis, vertical is parallel to the YCĆaxis, and normal is parallel
to the ZCĆaxis, regardless of the work view or perspective on the screen. Any
2D curve, except the 2 curve fillet, will be created on the XC-YC plane or a
plane parallel to it.

F-2 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved


Basic Curves

Basic Curves

When the Basic Curves icon is chosen, the Basic Curves dialog box is displayed.
The icons on this dialog box are displayed below.

Circle
Fillet

Edit Curve
Parameters
Line

Arc Trim

The portion of the Basic Curves dialog box below the icons is different for each
of the options selected.

The Basic Curves dialog box is used to create lines, arcs, circles, and fillets.
While creating these curves, there is also quick access to the Trim Curve and
Edit Curve Parameters functions.

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Basic Curves

The Dialog Bar

The Dialog Bar is a series of text fields that appear at the bottom of the
graphics window when in the Basic Curves function. The text fields in the
Dialog Bar will vary depending on which type of curve is being created and
which options have been selected. For example, the Dialog Bar below is what
will appear when creating lines.

The Dialog Bar

Location Fields Parameter Fields

 Location fields - XC, YC, and ZC. These fields track the location of the
cursor, or they can be used to input a coordinate location in the WCS.
 Parameter fields - These fields control parameters of the curve, such as
length of a line, or radius of an arc.

To give a text field focus, the <Tab> key may be used or click the first mouse
button in the fields desired. Select once in the field to insert text in the existing
string, or select twice for overstrike mode.

 When the XC, YC, or ZC field has focus, and <Enter> is pressed, the
location specified is accepted and an asterisk will appear in the graphics
area indicating that point.
 When a parameter field (such as length, radius, etc. - any field other
than the three mentioned above) has focus and <Enter> is pressed, the
values in all parameter fields are accepted and applied to the curve being
constructed.
 As soon as a line, arc, or circle is finished being created, new values may
be entered in the parameter text fields and the newlyĆcreated object will
be updated accordingly (unless String Mode is turned on.).

In Preferences→User Interface the number of decimal places displayed in the


fields may be controlled as well as whether or not the fields track the current
location of the cursor.

F-4 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved


Basic Curves

PreĆSelection Highlighting

When the Basic Curves dialog box is active, and the Point Method is Infer, an
object on which the Selection Ball is placed will always be preĆhighlighted,
regardless of the setting of the Preselection option in the Selection Preferences
dialog box. This includes all Control points (see below) of the highlighted
objects. The preselection color is determined by the setting in the Selection
Preferences dialog window.

Control Points

Each type of curve has its own unique set of control points (endpoints and
midpoints). This table shows the control points for some common curve types.

Curve Control Points


Line Endpoints,
midpoint

Arc Endpoints,
midpoint

Complete Circle Center of circle,


Endpoint

TIP The endpoints of a circle are at 0Ăand 360 degrees, at the 3 0'clock
position. There are 2 endpoints at the same exact location.

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-5


Basic Curves

Inferred Point Selection

In line and arc creation, the position of the cursor or Selection Ball as geometry
is selected is very important.

When the Infer point method is being used, the system infers the following:

 Cursor Location (when a control point, arc center, or object is not in the
Selection Ball)
 Control points (when inside the Selection Ball)
 An entire curve (when an object is selected where a control point is not
encircled)

Status Line Feedback

While Basic Curves are being created, valuable feedback will be given in the
Status line. It will tell what kind of point or object is highlighted. It will also
display the type of line or arc being created, as well as other useful information.

F-6 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved


Basic Curves

Inferred Selection Chart

Contents of Selection Ball Selected


Geometry Examples
Nothing A screen
position

An existing point The existing


point

An endpoint or midpoint of a The control


line, arc, or partial ellipse point

A line, arc, conic, or spline, but The line, arc,


not one of its control points conic, or
spline or

A complete circle or ellipse, The circle or


(selection ball not over a ellipse
control point)

An arc center of a circle or The center of


ellipse the circle or
ellipse

A complete circle or ellipse, The control


(selection ball over the control point (end
point) point)

A knot point of a spline The


(splines are covered in the knotĂpoint
Freeform Modeling Course)

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-7


Basic Curves

General Curve Creation Options


This section discusses some of the options in the center of the Basic Curves
dialog box which apply to many different curve creation situations. The options
include Delta, Point Method, and String Mode. We will discuss Point Method
and String Mode in this appendix.

Point Method

The Point Method option menu, shown below, allows points to be specified
relative to existing geometry by specifying a cursor location or by using the
Point Subfunction. The options on this menu (other than Inferred Point and
Select Face) work similarly to those in the Point Constructor dialog box.

Inferred Point

Cursor Location

Existing Point

End Point

Control Point

Intersection Point

Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Center

Quadrant Point

Select Face

Point Constructor
(See page Appendix B for more information)

When using a point method other than Infer, several things change:
 The cursor location is no longer tracked in the Dialog Bar.
 PreĆselection highlighting reverts to the Selection Preferences dialog box
status.
 Control points are no longer highlighted.

NOTE: A Cursor Location, sometimes called Screen Position, is


simply projected onto the XC-YC plane. The ZC value of the point
will be 0.

F-8 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved


Basic Curves

The Select Face option allows the selection of a face for use as the limiting
object for a line. When in any other curve creation mode (arc, circle, spline,
etc.) this option is not available. This option can also be used to create a line
normal to a face.

If the Point Constructor method is chosen, the Point Constructor dialog box is
displayed. When Back is chosen from that dialog box, the Basic Curve dialog
box returns.

Existing Point End Point


Control Point
Cursor Location
Intersection Point

Inferred Point

Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Quadrant Point


Center

Angle on Arc/Ellipse

None
Rectangular
Cylindrical
Restores Base
Point values Spherical
to zero and Vector
Offset to none
Along Curve

String Mode

When this option is ON, the end of one object becomes the beginning of the
next. To stop string mode, turn the button OFF. To stop string mode and start it
again with the next object created, choose Break String or press the middle
mouse button.

NOTE: When String Mode is turned on, the entering of new values
in the parameter text fields as soon as a line or arc is finished being
created will not update the previously created curve.

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-9


Basic Curves

Line Creation Methods

Between Two Points

Simply define the two points (see below). The points may be a combination of
screen positions and control points selected in the graphics area, or values
established by entering numbers in the XC, YC, and ZC fields in the Dialog Bar
and pressing <Enter>.

YC Second point

ZC XC

First point

NOTE: If a screen position is specified as the second point, and the


Angle Increment value is not zero, the line will snap to the
nearest increment of that angle.

Through a Point and Horizontal or Vertical

When the second point of a line is defined using a screen position, and this
selection defines a line that is within the Snap Angle of being vertical or
horizontal from the first point, the line will snap to vertical or horizontal. (The
Snap Angle is controlled in the Sketch Preferences dialog box.) Snap Angle is
only applicable when using the Inferred point method.

YC
Snap angle is set to 3
ZC XC
Second point

3° 3°
First point 3°
 3°
Second point


First point

F-10 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved


Basic Curves

Through a Point and at an Angle to the XC Axis


 Define the start point.
 Enter the desired angle in the Angle text field in the Dialog Bar and press
the <Tab> key. A line at this angle or at this angle plus 180 degrees
(depending on where the cursor is relative to the start point) will
rubberĆband in the graphics area. See the illustration below. The value in
the Angle text field will also update to reflect the start/cursor locations.
 Establish the length by specifying a screen position, selecting geometry, or
entering a length value in the Dialog Bar.

NOTE: Angles are measured counterĆclockwise from the XC axis.

YC

ZC XC

Cursor location

Angle from XC Axis

Start location

Angle from XC Axis


plus 180 degrees

Start location
Cursor location

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Basic Curves

Through a Point and Parallel, Perpendicular, or at an


Angle to an Existing Line
 Define the start point of the new line.
 Select the existing line, being careful not to select one of its control points.

NOTE: The first two steps may be completed in either order.

Move the cursor around. Depending on where the cursor is, the parallel,
perpendicular, or angled line (see below) may be previewed. The Status line
shows which mode is being previewed.

Line at an angle
Parallel line

Defined point

Perpendicular line

Selected line

 If it is desired to create a line at an angle to the selected line, enter the


desired value in the Angle text field in the Dialog Bar and press tab.
 When the line is displayed, establish the length by: specifying a screen
position, selecting geometry, or immediately after the line is created,
entering a new value in the Dialog Bar.

F-12 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved


Basic Curves

Parallel to An Existing Line at a Distance

Parallel at Distance From - This option affects line creation when a series of
parallel lines are being created. When this option is set to Original, each new
line is created at the specified distance from the line that was originally
selected. When it is set to New, each new line is created at the specified
distance from the last line created.

 Make sure String Mode is Toggled to Off.


 Select a line.
 Enter the Offset Distance in the Dialog Bar.
 Choose Apply. The new line is offset from the line selected and equal in
length. The direction of the offset is dependent on how the original line
was selected.

The offset line is


created on the side
where the center of the
selection ball is when
Selected line the original line is
selected.

Offset
distance

New line

If Apply is continually chosen, additional parallel lines will be created. The


Offset Distance value may be changed at any time.

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-13


Basic Curves

Through a Point and Tangent or Perpendicular to a


Curve
 Define the start point of the new line.
 Select the existing curve, being careful not to select one of its control
points.

NOTE: The curve may be selected first, then the point may be
defined, if a tangent line is being created. If a perpendicular line is
being created, the point must be defined first.

The line rubberĆbands tangentially to the selected curve.

There are times that the rubberĆbanding line is on the wrong side of
the curve. Move the cursor inside, then outside the curve until the
line snaps to the other side.

 When the desired line is displayed, select the highlighted geometry.

The example below shows two examples of creating a line through a point and
tangent or perpendicular to an arc or circle. (Notice that the dashed line shows
the line that would be created with the dashed cursor in that position, or by
selecting the object in that position.) The same is true for the solid line and
cursor.

Defined point
(the endpoint of the arc)

Tangent line

Tangent line
Perpendicular line

Defined point

Perpendicular line

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Basic Curves

Tangent to a Curve and Tangent or Perpendicular to


Another Curve
 Select the first curve, being careful not to select one of its control points.

The line rubberĆbands tangentially or perpendicularly to the selected curve,


depending on the cursor position.

 Select the second curve, again being careful not to select one of its control
points.
 When the desired line is displayed, select the highlighted geometry.

The illustration below shows the creation of 2 lines; one is tangent to a circle
and the other is perpendicular to a circle.

Tangent line

Second curve

Perpendicular line

First curve

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Basic Curves

Tangent to a Curve and Parallel, Perpendicular, or at


an Angle to an Existing Line
 Select the curve, being careful not to select one of its control points.
 Select the line, again being careful not to select one of its control points.

The rubberĆbanding line will be shown parallel, perpendicular, or at an angle


to, the selected line.

 When the desired line is displayed, establish the length by specifying a


screen position or selecting geometry. A specific length may also be
established immediately after the line is created by entering the value in
the Dialog Bar.

NOTE: If selecting geometry to specify the length of the line would


result in the line type being changed, press the middle mouse
button to choose Lock Mode, then select the limiting geometry.

Second
object

First object

Select the curve and line as


shown

The parallel, perpendicular, and angled lines will


appear individually as the cursor is moved
around

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Basic Curves

Line Creation Chart

Line between two points Select two points

Line through a point and  Define the first point


Y
horizontal, vertical, or at an  Define second point within
angle to the WCS 1 X the Snap Angle setting or
 Enter the desired angle,
press <Tab>, and define
second point.

Line through a point and  Define a point


1
parallel, perpendicular, or  Select a line
at an angle to a line 2  Select limiting point/object
[Can also select line,
then point]
2
1

Line through a point and 2  Select a point


tangent or normal to a curve 1  Select a curve
 Select limiting point/object
(if necessary)

Line tangent or perpendicular Select two curves


to two curves

2
Line tangent to a curve and  Select two curves
parallel or perpendicular to 1  Select limiting point/object
a line

A bisector line Select two lines

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Basic Curves

Activity 1 - Creating Lines


In this activity lines will be created using the methods previously discussed.
Create the lines as described in the steps only. Additional curves will be created
in subsequent activities to further increase understanding.

Step 1 Open part file pau_curves_1 and start the Modeling


application.

Note the location and orientation of the WCS.

Step 2 Save the part file as ***_curves_1.

Step 3 Choose Insert"Curve"Basic Curves.

Step 4 Create Lines Between Two Cursor Locations.

 Choose the Line icon if not already selected.

The snap angle is set to the default of 3°. Therefore, when cursor locations are
specified within 3° of vertical or horizontal, the line will snap to a truly vertical
or horizontal orientation.

 Toggle String Mode to Off.

 Create a horizontal and vertical line by clicking at two


different screen positions each time as shown:

First selections Second selections


here here

TIP If a start position was erroneously selected, choosing the icon again
will reset the line creation process. There is no need to cancel out of
the Basic Curve dialog box.

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Basic Curves

 Create a diagonal line as illustrated below.

Select here

Select here

Notice that the line remains highlighted.

 Double click in the Length text box on the Dialog Bar in


overstrike mode and enter 4, then press Enter.

The line is edited to that length.

 Tab to the Angle text box on the Dialog Bar, enter 45, and
press Enter.

The line is edited to that angle.

Step 5 Create Lines From Endpoints or Midpoints of One Line


to Another.

 Change the work layer to 2 and make layer 1 invisible.


Turn Fit All before Displaying to On and choose OK.

 Choose Refresh (third mouse button).

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Basic Curves

 Select the two lines at their midpoints as shown. A line will


be created point to point regardless of the snap angle.

Select this
line here

Select this
line here
Before After

 Select the same two lines at their endpoints on the right. A


line will be created point to point regardless of snap angle.

Select this
line here

Select this
line here
Before After

Step 6 Create a Line Through a Point and Parallel to Another


Line.

 Select the bottom diagonal line with the cross hairs on the
endpoint as shown below. The endpoint highlights before
selection.

 Select the base line at the top as shown, avoiding control


points. (The order does not matter - the line could have
been selected before the endpoint.)

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Basic Curves

A line appears rubberĆbanding from the first point at 90° angles from the base
line, relative to the cursor position.

Select this line


as a base line

Select this
endpoint

 Move the cursor to the right so the rubberĆband image is


parallel to the base line and select the middle mouse button
to lock in the construction mode of parallel.

A trim point or object now needs to be selected.

 Choose the line created on the right, avoiding its control


points. This line and the line being created define the
intersection point to which the line being created is trimmed.

Choosing this line causes the new


line to be trimmed to a point that the
two lines have in common
(intersection point).

Step 7 Create a Line Parallel to an Existing Line at a Distance.

 Change the work layer to 3 and make layer 2 invisible.

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Basic Curves

 Select the line as illustrated below (avoid the line's control


points).

 In the Dialog Bar, key in an Offset Distance of 2 and press


Enter.

A line the same length as the existing line is created.

Notice that the line was created on the side of the base line that the selection
ball was on at the time of line selection.

 Select third mouse button→Cancel.

 Choose third mouse button→Undo.

The last line created is removed.

Step 8 Create a Line Through a Point at a Specified Angle.

This line will be started at the WCS origin and its angle defined relative to the
WCS.

 Insert→Curve→Basic Curves.

 Put focus in the XC text box located in the Dialog Bar.

 Enter 0 (zero) and press the Tab key.

 In the YC text box, key in 0 (zero) and press the Tab key.

 In the ZC text box, key in 0 (zero) and press Enter.

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Basic Curves

 Double click in the Angle text box of the Dialog Bar, type
200, and press the Tab key to lock in that value.

Moving the cursor around displays the intended


rubberĆbanded line (or a line at 20° if the cursor is in the
upper right area).

 Position the cursor in the lower left to display the 200° line.

 Instead of selecting a trim line as in Step 6, select a screen


position.

A theoretical trim line was projected off of the current


cursor position and perpendicular to the line created,
defining the endpoint of the line.

200°

Theoretical trim line

Step 9 Create a Line Through a Point and Tangent to an


Existing Arc/Circle.

 Change the work layer to 5 and make layer 3 invisible.

 Ensure that Unbounded is Off.

 Select the left endpoint of the horizontal line.

 Select on the right side of the arc, not on a control point.

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Basic Curves

As you do this, the Status line will indicate Tangent.

Step 10 Create a Line at an Angle from a Line and Tangent to a


Curve.

To create a line at a specific angle from a base line and tangent to an existing
curve, both objects must be coplanar.

The angle is measured counterclockwise from the base line.

 Select the last line created avoiding its control points. This
defines the base line.

 In the Dialog Bar, double click in the Angle text box and key
in 20. Press Tab to lock in the angle value.

 Select the circle on the upper left side.

 Move the selection ball around until the status line reads
Angle, then use the middle mouse button to select Lock
Mode.

 Select the horizontal line away from its control points.

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Basic Curves

A line is created tangent to the arc, at an angle of 20° from the base curve and
trimmed to the horizontal line.

20°

Step 11 Save the part.

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Basic Curves

Creating Arcs and Circles

Arcs and circles are created with different icons and minor differences in
functionality. Both provide immediate display feedback and rely on the simple
definition of arc center, size, and start and end points.

As a matter of definition, circle means a complete circle, and an arc is a portion


of a circle.

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Basic Curves

Creating Arcs

When creating arcs, there are several things to keep in mind:

 Arcs have four control points: two endpoints, a midpoint, and the arc
center.
 If an arc is chosen such that one of its four control points lies within the
Selection Ball, its control point will be selected.
 If an arc is chosen with none of its control points within the Selection Ball,
the arc itself will be selected, inferring tangency or a trim location.

Creation Method

There are two methods for creating arcs:

 Start, End, Point on Arc

With this method, an arc may be created that passes through three points,
or which passes through two points and is tangent to a selected object.

 Center, Start, End

With this method, the center point, then the start and endpoints of the
arc are defined, which can be adjusted by entering angle values in the
Dialog Bar.

Dialog Bar Fields

Radius Diameter Start Angle End Angle

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Basic Curves

Creating Circles

Circle creation simply requires the definition of a center location and a size.
That information can be defined by numerical entry or selections from the
screen.

Center Point, Point on Circle


 Define a point. This becomes the center of the circle.
 Define a second point. The circumference of the circle passes through
this point.

A value may be entered in the Dialog Bar to establish an exact radius or


diameter.

Second point First point

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Basic Curves

Activity 2 - Creating Arcs and Circles


In this activity, different methods will be used to create arcs and circles.

Continue working with the ***_curves_1 file.

Step 1 Create an Arc through three points.

Three points will be used to create an arc. The arc will start at the first point,
end at the second, and pass through the third.

 Change the work layer to 7 and make layer 5 invisible.

 Choose Insert→Curve→Basic Curves.

 Choose the Arc icon.

 Turn String Mode Off.

 Choose the Start, End, Point on Arc Creation Method (if


necessary).

 Create an arc by selecting the screen positions in order as


shown:

Third selection First selection


(for arc size) (for start point)

Second selection
(for end point)

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Basic Curves

 Zoom out, if necessary, to see the entire arc.

Step 2 Create an Arc through two points and tangent to another


arc.

 Select the ends of the 45° line, as shown below.

 Select the arc just created. Do not select on a control point.

An arc is created that is tangent to the first arc created.

Third selection
(for arc size)
First selection
(for start point)

Second selection
(for end point)

Step 3 Create an Arc by defining the size and end angles.

 Choose the Center, Start, End method.

 Double click in the XC text box on the Dialog Bar and enter
0, press Tab, in the YC text box enter 0, press Enter

 Select the upper right endpoint of the 45° line again.

An arc displays in preview and the Cue Line prompts for an


end point or object.

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Basic Curves

 Select the right endpoint of the horizontal line as shown:

First selection
(for start point)

Second selection
(for end point)

 Choose Fit.

The arc is created starting at the diagonal line endpoint and ending at a point
that is in line with the arc center and the end of the horizontal line endpoint.

Step 4 Save the part.

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Basic Curves

Arc/Circle Creation Chart

Start point, end point, 2 3  Define first point


point on arc  Define second point
1  Define third point

Start point, end point, 3  Define first point


2
tangent object  Define second point
1  Select tangent object

Start point, tangent object,  Define start point


end point 1
 Select tangent object
3
2
 Define end point

Arc center, start point,  Define first point


end point 2  Define second point
3
 Define third point
1

Circle center, point on circle 2  Define first point


 Define second point
1

Circle center, tangent object  Define point


 Select tangent object
2
1

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Basic Curves

Fillets

Fillets are arcs that have tangent relationships with one or more curves. They
are editable as fillets, meaning the tangent relationships will be maintained as
the fillet radius or arc center is changed.

This section contains a brief explanation of Fillet creation functionality. At the


end of this section, you will find a summary of Fillet creation methods. There
are three Fillet creation methods: Simple, 2 Curve, and
3 Curve, the latter two methods allow manual trimming options.

When the Fillet icon is chosen on the Basic Curves dialog box, the Curve Fillet
dialog box is displayed, as shown below:

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Basic Curves

Procedure
 Choose the type of fillet desired.
 Indicate the desired trim methods for the objects (two and three curve
only).
 Enter the radius of the fillet.
 Select the objects.
 Specify the approximate center of the fillet (two and three curve only).

When creating 2 and 3ĆCurve Fillets, trim options for each of the selected
curves may be specified. If no trimming options are selected, none of the curves
are trimmed. Select from the following trim options:

Trim First Curve


Trim/Delete Second Curve
Trim Third Curve

The Delete Second Curve and Trim Third Curve options are applicable to the
3ĆCurve Fillet only.

When creating 2 and 3ĆCurve Fillets the approximate center must be indicated;
this is accomplished by using the cursor or the Point Constructor. Using the
cursor location method in Point Constructor selects a position in the XĆY plane
of the WCS.

If a fillet is created other than desired, Undo may be selected to delete the fillet
and restore the selected curves.

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Basic Curves

Simple Fillet

Simple Fillet creates a fillet between two coplanar nonĆparallel lines. The size
of the fillet is determined by entering a value for the radius first. The lines are
automatically trimmed to the points of tangency.

NOTE: The trim options and Point Constructor are not available.

The fillet that is created is directly related to where the lines were selected. The
Selection Ball must be positioned in such a manner as to include both lines. If
the Selection Ball contains only one line, an error message displays.

Crosshairs

L1 L1

Selected quadrant

L2 L2

BEFORE AFTER

As both lines are selected, the crosshairs determine which fillet is created; it
indicates the center of the arc. Position the crosshairs in the quadrant formed
by the lines to define the desired fillet center. Each line extends or trims to
theĂarc.

Before

After

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Basic Curves

2 Curve Fillet

The 2 Curve Fillet constructs a fillet between two curves, including points, lines,
circles, conics or splines. A two curve fillet is generated in the counterclockwise
direction from the first curve to the second.

Curve 1 Curve 2

Approximate fillet
center

Curve 2 Curve 1

If the two selected curves are in different planes, the fillet plane is the plane
containing the tangent of the first curve. The plane is normal to the vectors that
are normal to both tangents and is totally independent of the WCS.
(See below.)

Curve 1 Fillet plane

Fillet

Vectors
normal to
both
tangents
Curve 2

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Basic Curves

3 Curve Fillet

This option creates a fillet between three curves, which can be any combination
of points, lines, arcs, conics, and splines. The Radius entry box is not available
because it is determined by the geometry selected.

A three curve fillet is a circular arc generated in a counterclockwise direction


from the first curve to the third curve. The system constructs the fillet in such a
manner that the center of the arc is equidistant to all three curves. The three
curves do not have to lie in the same plane.

Curve 1 Curve 3

Curve 2

Before After

The system trims curves, based on the selected options, to the tangent point of
the fillet.

If any one of the curves selected is an arc, the system prompts for additional
information to create the fillet:

 Tangent Outside
 Fillet Within Circle
 Circle Within Fillet.

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Basic Curves

Curve 1

Curve 1
Before After Fillet

Curve 2
Curve 3
Curve 3

Tangent Outside

Curve 1
Curve 1

Fillet

Curve 2
Curve 3 Curve 3
Before After

Fillet Within Circle

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Basic Curves

Curve 1 Curve 1

Curve 2 Fillet

Curve 3
Curve 3
Before After

Circle Within Fillet

The Point Constructor selections may be used to create a cliff edge fillet, where
the fillet is contiguous with a selected curve, but not tangent to it.

1
 2

1

2

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Basic Curves

Fillet Creation Methods Chart

Note: Numbered steps indicate this is not the


only way the arc/circle can be created.

Simple fillet  Select both lines


(lines only) simultaneously (both must
intersect the selection ball)

2 curve fillet  Select first object


 Select second object
2 If the objects extend beyond
3 their intersection point, you
1
must also specify a quadrant
for the center of the fillet.

3 curve fillet  Select first object


 Select second object
3  Select third object

2
1

To edit a fillet, use the Edit "Curve"Fillet option.

This concludes discussion of the creation functions found on the Basic Curves
dialog box.

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Basic Curves

Activity 3 - Creating Fillets

Step 1 Create a Simple Fillet.

 Open part file pau_fillet_1 and select the Modeling


application.

 Choose Insert"Curve"Basic Curves.

 Choose the Fillet icon.

 Choose the Simple Fillet icon.

Remember, only two lines are used to create a Simple Fillet.

 Enter a radius of .75.

Practice placing fillets in 4 different line configurations.

 In Area #1, select the fillet lines in each of the four corners
as shown below. Keep both lines inside the Selection Ball
when selecting. Cursor placement is critical.

Before After

To restore the lines to their original state, choose Undo (using the third mouse
button).

Step 2 Create a 2 Curve Fillet (Trimming Only One Curve).

For this step create a fillet with two curves, but trim just one of the curves.

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Basic Curves

 Choose the 2 Curve Fillet icon.

Define which object will be trimmed. In this case trim the line but not the arc.
(See below.)

 Ensure that Trim First Curve is turned on.

 Choose the Trim Second Curve button to turn the option off.

 Ensure that the system retained .75 for the radius.

 In area #2, select the yellow line (first object), then select
the arc (second object).

 Indicate the approximate center of the fillet as shown below.

Select second

Indicate here

Select first

Before After

Step 3 Create a 2 Curve Fillet (and Use a Point for One of the
Curves).

Notice that the fillet process is modal, that more fillets may be created without
reselecting any icons.

 Enter 1.5 for the radius.

 In area 2, select the cyan line.

 Choose Point Constructor.

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Basic Curves

 Select the endpoint at the left end of the white line.

Indicate here
Select point
Select first

Before After

 Choose Back to return to the Create Fillet dialog box.

 Indicate the approximate center of the fillet as shown above.

Step 4 Create a 3 Curve Fillet.

Trim the first and third curves and delete the second.

 Choose the 3 Curve Fillet icon.

 Ensure that Trim First Curve is turned on.

 Choose the Delete Second Curve button to turn it on.

 Ensure that Trim Third Curve is turned on.

 Select the 3 curves in a counterclockwise order as shown.

Select first

Select second
Select third

Indicate here

Before After

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Basic Curves

 Indicate the approximate center of the fillet as shown above.

Step 5 Close all part files and do not save.

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Basic Curves

Editing Curves

The options on the Edit Curve option allows the modifications of existing
curves. To display the dialog box, choose Insert→Curve→Basic Curves to
display the Basic Curves dialog box, then choose the Edit Curve Parameters
icon.

Edit
Curve
Parameters

Trim

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Basic Curves

Edit Curve Parameters

When this icon is active and a curve is selected, the edit mode for that type of
curve appears.

The following types of curve edits are discussed in this section:

 Editing a Line
 Editing an Arc or Circle

Editing a Line

A line may be edited by changing its endpoints or its parameters (length and
angle).

To change a line's endpoint:

 Select the line end to be modified. The line now rubberĆbands from the
fixed end.
 Specify a new position using any of the Point Method options on the
dialog box.

A line may also be Stretched to move its endpoint.

To change a line's parameters:

 Select the line, avoiding its control points.


 Enter new values for the length and/or angle in the Dialog Bar, then press
<Enter>.
 The direction that the line is extended is dependent on which side of the
center control point selected.

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Basic Curves

Editing an Arc or Circle

The two methods used to edit an arc or circle are Parameters and Dragging.
The arc's or circle's parameters may be changed by entering new values in the
Dialog Bar, or changing them by dragging to a new location.

Moving an Arc or Circle to a New Location

An arc or circle may be moved to a new location, regardless of the editing mode
that is active, as follows:

 Select the center of the arc or circle.


 Drag the arc or circle to a new location, or enter a new XC, YC, ZC
location in the Dialog Bar.

Using Parameters Mode

To change an arc or circle using Parameters mode:

 Select the arc or circle, avoiding its control points.


 Enter new values in the radius, diameter, start angle, and/or end angle
fields in the Dialog Bar and press <Enter>.

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Basic Curves

Using Dragging Mode

There are two ways to change an arc or circle using Dragging mode:

 To change the radius of the arc or circle, select it, avoiding its control
points, and drag it. When it is the size desired, press the first mouse
button.

Other geometry may also be selected to control the size of the arc. For example,
a line may be selected to make the arc tangent to it, or the endpoint of another
arc may be selected to make the selected arc pass through it.

 To change the start or end angle of the arc or circle, select it at the
desired endpoint and drag it. When the angle is correct, press the first
mouse button.

Other geometry may also be selected to control the start and/or end angles of
the arc. A line may be selected to stop the arc at its intersection with the line, or
an endpoint of another object may be selected, and that endpoint will be
projected onto the arc to determine its start angle.

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Basic Curves

Trim

When a curve is trimmed, it is trimmed to its intersection with one or two


bounding objects. A bounding object can be a curve, face, point, plane, or view
point.

Caution must be taken when selecting the curve to trim. The portion of the
curve being trimmed determines which end is trimmed. The segment of the
object that is selected is always removed or extended (see below). If there are
multiple intersection points, select near the desired intersection, the system will
prompt for the selection of the desired intersection point to be used as the
bounding point.

Bounding Arc Bounding Arc

Intersection Intersection
Point Point

The left part of the line is trimmed


If the line is selected here

BEFORE TRIM AFTER TRIM

One bounding object must be specified, and not more than two, when trimming
a curve. Once the bounding objects have been specified, multiple curves may be
specified and they will all be trimmed to the bounding objects.

Procedure
 Select the bounding objects.
 Define the type of trim to perform.
 Select the curve to trim.

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Basic Curves

Activity 4 - Trimming Curves

Step 1 Trim Curves to One Bounding Object.

 Open the part file pau_editcurve_1.

 Select the Modeling application.

 Choose Insert"Curve"Basic Curves.

 Choose the Trim icon.

Step 2 Trim the Three lines to an Arc.

 Select the arc as the first bounding object.

LINE1

LINE2
Select the arc as the bounding object

LINE3

 Click MB2. In this case, it is not necessary to have a second


bounding object, so the selection may be skipped by clicking
MB2.

 Select LINE1 as shown below as the curve to trim.

LINE1
Select the first line
to be trimmed
LINE2

LINE3

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Basic Curves

The bounding curves don't change, so continue trimming.

 Select the lower end of the second line.

LINE1

LINE2

LINE3

The second line is trimmed to the defined bounding line.

 Select the lower end of the third line.

LINE1

LINE2

LINE3

The system will trim LINE3 by the combination of the side of the midpoint of
LINE3 and the side of the bounding curve.

Step 3 Close the part.

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Summary
The Basic Curve dialog is used to create several kinds os profiles.

In this lesson you:


• Create Lines.

• Create Arcs.

• Create Circles.

• Create Fillets.

• Trim Curves.

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Appendix

G Transformations

Purpose
This lesson will discuss the fundamentals of transformations.

Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Translate .

• Scale .

• Rotate about a point.

• Mirror through a line .

• Rotate about a line .

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Transformations

Transformations

The Edit→Transform option allows objects to be translated, rotated, and


scaled. Transformations may be used to create multiple copies of selected
objects, make multiple moves, scales, etc..

NOTE: Views, layouts, drawings, or the current WCS are not


translatable objects. There are separate options from the main
menu bar to deal with these items.

Transformation Procedure
 Choose Edit→Transform.
 Select the objects for transformation. The Class Selection Subfunction
dialog box may be used to select the objects.
 Choose a transformation type from the dialog box shown below.

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Transformations

 Complete the additional selections and choices from dialog boxes. Then
complete the choices on the dialog box shown below, and choose OK.

Transformation Options Terminology


Destination Layer allows you to select a layer on which to place the transformed
objects. Choose one of the following options:
 Work Places the transformed objects on the current work layer.
 Orig Keeps the transformed objects on their original layer.
 Specify Moves the transformed objects to the specified layer.
Trace Status on creates connecting curves between the original objects end
points and their transformed copies. When trace status is off, connecting lines
are not created between the original object and the transformed copies.

Original object
Transformed Object
Trace Curves

Before After

Trace Status may be used with Translate, Scale, Rotate, Mirror, or Reposition
to create closed wireframe shapes. Trace Status is not applicable to solid
bodies, surfaces, or boundary objects. Trace curves are independent of the
Destination Layer setting, and are always created on the current Work layer.

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Transformations

Subdivisions allows the transformation distance to be divided into a number of


equal parts. The subdivision factor is equal to the number of these parts.

Use Subdivisions to translate, scale via uniform method, or rotate an object. In


translation, the distance is divided by the subdivision factor. In rotation, the
angle of rotation is divided by the subdivision factor. In scale, the subdivision
distance is the nth root of the transformation, where n is equal to the
subdivision factor.

NOTE: Subdivisions only divides the transformation distance into


equal parts. It does not display selected objects at each subdivided
segment.

After the number of subdivisions has been entered, the Transform Type dialog
box redisplays. Multiple Copies may be selected to enter a desired number of
copies.

Move allows transformation of an object from its original location to a new


location. The selection in this option is object based. A feature of a solid body
may not be selected for this operation.

When a solid body is moved, its positioning features and their associated
dimensions are moved. All associated datum planes and axes are also moved
with their solid body. All sketch features (when sketched on a face or datum
plane) are moved with the solid body as well.

When a solid body containing swept features is moved, the sweep outlines, or
paths, move as well. Other features or solid bodies sharing those sweep outlines
are also moved.

NOTE: A solid body cannot be moved with the transformation type


set to scale. Use the Scale operation to accomplish this.

Copy allows an object to be duplicated at a new location, while keeping the


original intact in its initial position.

Multiple Copies allows duplication of objects a specified number of times


during certain transform operations.

Undo Last cancels any immediately preceding transform operation. Use Undo
Last after a transformation via Move, Copy, or Multiple Copies. Undo Last
remains available until you choose Reselect Objects.

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Transformations

Changes in Transform Type, Destination Layer, Trace Curves, or Subdivisions


made after a transformation, but before it is undone, occur during the next
transformation operation. They will not affect the execution of Undo Last.

Objects originally selected for transformation remain selected at the completion


of the Undo Last, and ready for the next transformation operation.

Move, Copy, or Multiple Copies selected immediately following Undo Last,


regenerates the objects in a state that preceded Undo Last.

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Transformations

Translate

Objects may be Translated (moved) to a point, or by a distance of delta.


Translated objects maintain the original orientation.

To a Point allows the selected objects to be translated by indicating a reference


and a destination point.

Delta allows the selected objects to be translated by specifying a new location in


terms of the work (delta XC, delta YC, and delta ZC) coordinates.

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Transformations

Scale

This option affects the size of an object and the distance between the object
and its reference point. A nonĆuniform scale method may be specified with the
values relative to the WCS..

Scale allows the selected objects to be proportionately resized. Care must be


exercised in choosing a reference point for the scale operation because the
scale factor is applied to the geometry equally relative to the reference point.

The results of different reference point positions are illustrated below.

Reference
Point
Reference
Point

Reference
Point
Reference
Point

Scale Factor=1/2

NOTE: A solid body may not be scaled by copying it without losing


its parametric information.

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Transformations

NonĆUniform Scale allows objects to be resized independently with respect to


the XC, YC, and ZC axes. An example of where this option might be useful is
to incorporate variable shrinkage factors in mold design.

The figure below illustrates an example of NonĆUniform Scale.

ZC ZC

YC YC

XC Scale Factors
XC
Before XC Scale = .75
YC Scale = .5 After
ZC Scale = 1.25

NOTE: NonĆUniform Scale will not allow a Move operation on a


solid body. Use Copy instead. However, analytic face geometry (for
example, a block feature) cannot be nonĆuniform scaled via Copy.

If you wish to nonĆuniform scale a solid body containing analytic surfaces, first
convert those sheet bodies into bĆsurfaces using the Convert function, then sew
them together into a new solid body valid for nonĆuniform scaling.

With the NonĆUniform Scale method, Undo Last is available even if the
rescaled object had been converted to a different kind of object.

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Transformations

NOTE: Once an arc is converted into a spline, it can no longer be


restored to its original object type.(See figure below)

Arc Spline

ÉÉÉÉÉÉ ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉÉÉÉ ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ
YC
ÉÉÉÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉÉÉÉ
YC ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ
ZC XC Scale Factors XC
ZC
Before After
XC Scale = 1.35
YC Scale = 1.02
ZC Scale = 1.00

When an object is transformed into a different type, some or all of the original
object data may be lost (for example, attributes, view modifications, drafting
objects, dimensions, tool paths, and offset sheet bodies). Subdivisions may not
be used in NonĆUniform Scale.

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Transformations

Rotate About a Point

Use this option to move objects around a line parallel to the ZC axis, and
passing through a specified reference point. A positive rotation direction is
counterclockwise. After the reference point for rotation has been selected, a
rotation and angle dialog box displays.

The figure below illustrates Rotation About a Point, with multiple copies.

Original Object Number of Copies: 3


Subdiv Factor: 4
Rotation Angle: 270

Reference Point

ZC

YC

XC
Line Parallel To ZC

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Transformations

Mirror Through a Line

A mirror image of an object may be created on the opposite side of a reference


line. Three options are available for line selection.

The figure below illustrates an example of Mirror Through a Line.

Transformed Object

YC

ZC XC

Original Object Reference Line

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Transformations

Rotate About a Line

This option allows objects to be moved around a reference line which is not
necessarily parallel to the ZC axis. Three options are available for line
selection: Two Points, Existing Line, and Point and Vector.

A positive rotation direction is counterclockwise.

The figure below illustrates an example of Rotate About a Line, multiple copies.

Original Hole

Reference
Point

Y
Number Of Copies: 7
Rotation Angle: 315
Reference Point: Arc Center X

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Transformations

Using Transformations for Symmetrical Geometry

For swept solids using explicit curves that have common geometrical subsets,
the use of Mirror Through a Line and Mirror Through a Plane can save users
considerable creation time.

Consider the example below, which shows a combination of Offset Curves and
curves Mirrored Through a Line:

Associative Offset
Curves

No Associativity

Parent Curves Mirrored Curves

(Not Mirrored)

TIP Careful consideration of the curves used as parents for the Offset
Curves is necessary. Remember, except for the offset distance, editing
of the Offset Curves is accomplished only by editing the parents. The
Offset Curves are handled as a complete set. Also, note that the circle
and arc at the bottom were not mirrored, but the lines at the top
were.

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Transformations

Summary
The Transform dialog is very usefull when you are working with
curves.
This lesson introduced:
• Translating .

• Scaling.

• Rotating.

• Mirroring .

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