NX Essentials 2022-02-18

Essentials for NX Designers
Student Guide
September 2010
MT10051_S — NX 7.5A
Publication Number
mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Proprietary and restricted rights notice
This software and related documentation are proprietary to Siemens Product

Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
© 2010 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. All Rights
Reserved.
All trademarks belong to their respective holders.
2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Contents
Proprietary and restricted rights notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Course overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Course objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lesson format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Learning tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Common symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
NX 7.5 Help Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Template parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Teamcenter Integration for NX vs. native NX terminology . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Layer standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Implementing a layer standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Student responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
NX part files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Introduction to NX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Gateway application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
The NX Window (standard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Folded menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Display folded menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
New file overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Benefits of using templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Use a template to create a new file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Save an unnamed template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Activities: NX part files — Create new . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Open file overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Useful features on Windows file dialog boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Open multiple parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Change the displayed part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Save As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Close selected parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Exit NX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Activities: NX part files — Open, save, and close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Summary: NX part files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
The NX user interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Customize and display toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Essentials for NX Designers 3

Contents
Display toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Display toolbars using the shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Add or remove toolbar buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Access options on undocked toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Command Finder overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Search for a command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Dialog boxes and the Dialog Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Dialog Rail buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Example roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Choose a role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Save toolbar configuration between sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Activities: User interface — Toolbars and Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
View shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Radial toolbars overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Graphics window view manipulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Selecting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Preview selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Selection bar overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Selection bar Snap Point options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Activities: User Interface — Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Summary: User interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Coordinate systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Coordinate systems overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Absolute coordinate system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
WCS overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
WCS options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
WCS Dynamics overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Position the WCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Reorient the WCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Activities: Coordinate systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Summary: Coordinate systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Sketching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Sketch overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Establishing design intent and a modeling strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Ways to use sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Sketches and Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
General process for using sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Direct Sketch and the Sketch task environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Create Sketch overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Sketch On Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Contents
Create a sketch On Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Create a sketch On Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Direct sketching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Sketch Task Environment overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Sketch reference direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Intermediate Datum CSYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Name sketches in the Modeling application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Name sketches in Sketch Task Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Finish Sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Exit Sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Direct sketch and feature edit preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
Activities: Sketching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
Sketch curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
Sketch help lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22
Short List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Continuous Auto Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
Inferred Constraints and Dimensions overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
Inferred Constraints and Dimensions dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27
Inferred Constraints and Dimensions options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28
The Snap Angle option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
Profile overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Profile dialog bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32
Create Profile sketch curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Create lines parallel or perpendicular to other lines . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Create lines tangent to curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Create lines at angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Sketch Point overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35
Activities: Sketching curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Sketch curve functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
Quick Trim overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
Sketching constraints and Quick Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Use Quick Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Quick Extend overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
Sketcher constraints and Quick Extend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41
Use Quick Extend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41
Make Corner overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42
Fillet overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-43
Chamfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-44
Activities: Chamfer, Fillet, Quick Trim, Quick Extend, Make
Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-45
Types of constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46
Degree-of-freedom arrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-48
Geometric Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-49
Create geometric Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-50
Geometric constraints quick reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-51
Show All Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54

Contents
Show No Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-55

Show / Remove Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-56
Show / Remove Constraints dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57
Activities: Sketch Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58
Dimensional Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-59
Sketch dimension types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-60
Inferred Dimensions overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-61
Create Inferred Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-62
Edit sketch dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-63
Dimensions dialog bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-64
Dimensions dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-65
Show Dimensions overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-66
Convert To/From Reference overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-67
Activities: Create constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-68
Projects: Simple Sketching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-69
Summary: Sketching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-70
Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Expressions overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Expression examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Expressions case sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Expressions dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Creating expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Create a numerical expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Edit an expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Listing expressions associated with features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
List Referencers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Insert Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Parameter entry options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Expression options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Activities: Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Summary: Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Datum features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Datum Plane overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Datum plane types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Datum plane options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Applications for datum planes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Create a datum plane using offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Create a datum plane midway between planar faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Create a datum plane at an angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Create a datum plane through three points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Activities: Datum features — Relative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
Datum Axis overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15
Datum axis types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16
Contents
Datum axis options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16

Applications for datum axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17
Create a datum axis through two points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18
Create datum axis at an intersection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19
Create a datum axis on a curve or face axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20
Datum CSYS overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21
Activities: Datum features — cylindrical faces and other datums . . . . . 6-22
Summary: Datum features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Types of swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Internal and external sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Internal and external sketch status change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Extrude overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Extrude start and end distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Create a simple extruded feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Combining bodies using Boolean commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Extrude – Inferred Boolean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Body type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Revolve overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Revolve start and end angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Specifying vectors using the OrientXpress tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Create a simple revolved feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Sweep along Guide overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
Create a simple sweep along guide feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
Activities: Swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Projects: Simple Sweeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
Summary: Swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Part structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Part Navigator overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Main panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Dependencies panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Details panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Preview panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Timestamp order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Part Navigator shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Feature Replay overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Reorder feature overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Reorder an object in the Part Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Feature and object information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Referenced expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
List referenced expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Measure Distance overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19
Find the minimum distance between two objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20

Contents
Measure Bodies overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21

Assign a material to a solid body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22
Delayed updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23
Activities: Part structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-24
Summary: Part structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-25
Using sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Edit sketches with drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drag to assist sketch constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Copy, move, and edit sketch objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Create Inferred Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Auto Dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Auto Constrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Activity: Auto Dimensioning Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Alternate Solution overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Use Alternate Solution on tangent constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Use Alternate Solution on a dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Activities: Experiment with alternate solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Attach Dimension overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Attach a Dimension to different geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Reattach Sketch overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Reattach a sketch on plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Activities: Reattach sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Mirror Curve overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Mirror sketch curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Make Symmetric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Activities: Mirror and Make Symmetric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Sketch evaluation and update techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Summary: Using sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Trim Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

Trim Body overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Trim a solid body to a face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Activities: Trim Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Projects: Trim Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Summary: Trim Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Swept feature options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Selection Intent - Curve Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Curve Rule options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Active Selection mini toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
Changing selection intent rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5
Curve collection modifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5
Extrude start and end limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6
Extrude with offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
Contents
Two sided offset examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8

Single-sided offset examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Extrude with draft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11
Positive and negative draft angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Draft and the extrude direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Draft offset example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
DesignLogic parameter entry options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14
Reference existing parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15
Activities: Swept feature options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16
Project: Advanced sweeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-17
Summary: Swept feature options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-18
Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Hole overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Hole dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
Hole position and direction options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4
Hole form and dimension options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-5
Activities: Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-6
Project: Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-7
Summary: Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-8
Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
Shell overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-2
Create a shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
Assign alternate thicknesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
Shell options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Selection Intent face rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Activities: Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Summary: Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-9
Associative copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1

Instance Feature overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Instance array methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
Rectangular Array overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Rectangular array parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Create a rectangular array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-7
Rectangular array example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-7
Circular Array overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-8
Circular array parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-8
Create a circular array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-9
Circular array example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-10
Activities: Associative copies — instance arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-11
Feature Group overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-12
Feature Group – embedded features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-13
Activities: Feature Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-14

Contents
Mirror Body overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Create a mirrored body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16
Edit a mirrored body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16
Mirror Body options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17
Activities: Associative copies — mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-18
Summary: Associative copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-19
Edge operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1
Edge Blend overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-2

Edge Blend dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
Edge Blend preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
Add New Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-5
Activities: Edge operations — blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-6
Chamfer overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
Create a Chamfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-8
Chamfer options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-9
Activities: Edge operations — chamfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-10
Projects: Shell, Associative Copies, Blends and Chamfers . . . . . . . . . . 15-11
Summary: Edge operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-12
Introduction to Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-2
Subassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-2
Component objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-3
Component Part Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-4
Assembly Load Options overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-5
Part Versions group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-6
Load states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-6
Scope group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-7
Reference Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-7
Saved Load Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-8
Assembly Navigator overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-9
Assembly Navigator user interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-10
Assembly Navigator hierarchal tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-11
Activities: Assemblies — assembly load options and the Assembly
Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-12
Select components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-13
Select components with QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-13
Identify components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-14
Design in context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-15
Make Displayed Part and Set Displayed Part overview . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-16
Make Work Part and Set Work Part overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Assembly Navigator display commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-19
Activities: Assemblies — more navigator options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-21
Part revisions and saving assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-22
Contents
Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-22
Save Work Part Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-22
Summary: Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-23
Adding and constraining components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1
General assembly concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-2

Bottom-up assembly modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-3
Add Component overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-4
Add Component options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-5
Component Preview window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-7
Activities: Adding components — create assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-8
Move Component overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-9
Move Component options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-10
Assembly Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-12
Assembly constraint types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-13
Assembly constraints and the Assembly Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-14
Create a Touch Align constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-15
Create a Center constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-16
Show Degrees of Freedom overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-17
Activities: Adding and constraining components — constrain . . . . . . . 17-18
Part family members in assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19
Part family terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-20
Activities: Family of parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-21
Projects: Adding and constraining components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-22
Summary: Adding and constraining components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-23
Introduction to Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1
Drafting application overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-2

The 3D drafting process in NX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-3
The Drafting interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-6
Master model concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-7
Create a new master model drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-9
Sheet overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-11
Create a new drawing sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-12
Open a drawing sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-12
Edit a drawing sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-12
Delete a drawing sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-13
Change drawing display to monochrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-14
Activities: Drafting – Edit a master model, Create drawings . . . . . . . . 18-15
Drafting View Style/View Preference overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-17
Hidden Lines overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
Smooth Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-20
Base overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21
Base View options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-22
Create a Base view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-23

Contents
Projected overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-24

Projection lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-25
Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-25
Projected View options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-26
Edit the style of an existing view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-27
Drag views on a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-27
Delete views on a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-27
Activities: Drafting — add views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-28
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-29
Create a dimension — general procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-29
Annotation Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-30
Dimension preferences and placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-31
Annotation placement options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-32
Snap Point options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-32
Placement cues for dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-32
Append text to a dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-33
Change text orientation and text arrow placement . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-34
Move a dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-34
Edit a dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-35
Change the precision of a dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-35
Inherit preferences from an existing dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-36
Activities: Drafting — dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-37
Note overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-38
Helper lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-38
Create a note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-39
Create a label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-40
Edit an existing note or label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-41
Activities: Drafting — Notes and labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-42
Projects: Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-43
Summary: Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-44
Introduction to Synchronous Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1
Synchronous Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-2

Move Face overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-3
Move Face options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-5
Resize Blend overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-6
Resize Blend options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-7
Activities: Introduction to Synchronous Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-8
Summary: Introduction to Synchronous Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-9
Practice projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Practice Project 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Contents

Practice Project 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10
Practice Project 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-18
Expression operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Precedence and associativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Legacy unit conversion . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Built-in functions . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Scientific notation . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Point options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Point dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Point types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
WCS and absolute coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Primitive solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Primitive solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4
Features with predefined shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-3
Rectangular slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-3
Other slot types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4
Thru slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4
Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5
Rectangular pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5
Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6

Contents
Rectangular pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6

Groove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-7
Positioning a Groove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-7
Positioning methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-8
Horizontal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-8
Vertical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-9
Perpendicular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-10
Point onto Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-10
Parallel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-11
Point onto Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-11
Parallel at a distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-12
Line onto line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-13
Angular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-14
Edit positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-15
Add dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-16
Edit dimension value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-16
Delete dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-17
Display dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-17
Assembly Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1

Assembly Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2
Assembly constraint types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3
Create a Touch Align constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4
Create a Concentric constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-5
Create a Distance constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-6
Create a Fix constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-7
Create a Parallel constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-8
Create a Perpendicular constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-9
Create a Fit constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-10
Create a Bond constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-11
Create a Center constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-12
Create an Angle constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-13
Customer Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1

Customer Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-2
Customer Defaults levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-3
Setting Customer Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-5
Customer Defaults environment variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-6
USER, GROUP, and SITE directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-7
Managing your changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-8
Updating to a new release of NX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-9
Custom Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1

User-Defined Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-2
Create a User Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3
Contents
Activity: Create a User Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-5

Edit a User Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-7
Create a Group Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-8
Activity: Create a Role Palette with a Group Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-10
Protected Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-13
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-1

Course overview
Intended audience
This course is suited for designers, engineers, manufacturing engineers,

application programmers, NC programmers, CAD/CAM managers, and
system managers who need to manage and use NX.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this class.
Course objectives
After successfully completing this course, you should be able to:
• Open and examine NX models.
• Create and edit parametric solid models.
• Create and modify basic assembly structures.
• Create and modify simple drawings.
Lesson format
The general format for lesson content is:
• Instructor presentation
• One or more activities
• Project
Projects allow you to test your new skills without detailed instruction.
Consult your instructor for additional information.
• Summary

Course overview
Learning tips
• Ask questions.
• Confirm important facts by restating them in your own words.
It is important to use your Student Guide in the sequence it is written.
Common symbols
The student manual uses special symbols as shown below.
Design Intent – Information about the task and what must be
accomplished.
Tip — Useful information or advice.
Note — Contains useful information that supplements or emphasizes

the main points.
Example — Shows a possible way that the current topic of discussion

could be used.
Caution — Contains important reminders or information about a task.
Warning — Contains information essential to your success.
NX 7.5 Help Library

The NX 7.5 Help Library is available online any time you need more
information about a function. To access the NX 7.5 Help Library; from the
NX menu bar choose Help→Documentation.
Course overview
Template parts
Template parts are an effective tool for establishing customer defaults or any
settings that are part-dependent (saved with the part). This may include
non-geometric data such as:
• A frame of reference, such as a datum coordinate system
• Commonly used expressions
• An initial application such as Modeling, Drafting, or Sheet Metal
• Part attributes, for example, attributes for a parts list
• Drawing formats
• User-defined views
• Layer categories
Choose a template from the New dialog box.

Course overview
Teamcenter Integration for NX vs. native NX terminology

Teamcenter Integration for NX Term Native NX Term
Item Part
Item revision Part revision
Dataset Part file
Item ID Part number
UGMASTER dataset Master part file
UGPART dataset Non-master part file
(specification or manifestation) (for example, a drawing or
manufacturing file)
When you work in NX, you manipulate parts, part revisions and part files.
These correspond to items, item revisions, and datasets in Teamcenter
Integration for NX and Teamcenter.
Course overview
Layer standards
Parts used in this course were created using layer categories the same as or
very similar to those found in the Model template parts.
Layers provide an advanced alternative to display management (Show and
Hide) to organize data.
Layer categories in the Model template parts

Layers Category Description
1–10 Solids Solid bodies
11–20 Sheets Sheet bodies
21–40 Sketches All external sketches
41–60 Curves Non-sketch curves
61–80 Datums Planes, axes, coordinate systems
81–255 No category assigned
Implementing a layer standard

You may implement or enforce layer standards using some of the methods
below:
• Create NX Open programs to create a standard part organization and
verify it upon release.
• Use a macro to create layer categories: Tools→Macro→Playback.
• Your administrator can enforce company standards by providing suitable

templates.
In this course you may use a layer organization method you anticipate
using in your work.

Course overview
Student responsibilities
• Be on time.
• Be considerate of the needs of other students.
• Listen attentively and take notes.
• Ask questions.
• Practice what you learn.
• Have fun!
1
Lesson
1 NX part files
Purpose
This lesson is a fundamental introduction to working with NX part files.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
• Start an NX session.
• Create a new part file.
• Open a part file.
• Copy a part file.
• Close a part file and exit NX.
Essentials for NX Designers 1-1

NX part files
1
Introduction to NX
The first step in working in NX is to log on to a workstation and start an
NX session.
• Your instructor will provide the steps needed to log in and start NX in
the classroom.
After you start NX, you see the No Part interface. You can change defaults
and preferences, open an existing part file, or create a new part file.
1-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
NX part files
1
Gateway application
The tools in NX are grouped into a series of applications that support

different major workflows, including creating geometry, building an assembly,
or producing a drawing.
Gateway is the first application you access when you:
• Create a new blank part file.
• Open a part file that was saved in Gateway after NX 4.
• Open a part file that was last saved in NX 3 or earlier.
Gateway allows you to review existing parts.

To create or edit objects within a part, you must start another application,
such as Modeling.

NX part files
1
The NX Window (standard)
In standard display, the menus and toolbars are positioned at the top of
the window and the Resource bar is to the left of the graphics window. This
is the default display.
# Component Description
Title bar Displays information for the
current part file.
Menu bar Displays menus with lists of
commands.
Toolbar area Displays active toolbars.
Selection bar Sets selection options.
Cue and Status line Prompts you for the next action
that you need to take, and displays
messages on functions and actions.
Resource bar Contains tabs for navigators,
browsers, and palettes.
Lets you switch between standard
Full screen button
and full screen displays.
Dialog Rail Positions dialog boxes.
Lets you create, display, and
Graphics window
modify parts.
NX part files
1
Folded menus
By default, menus display all available commands.

You can display “folded” menus, showing only frequently-used commands.
When you see folded menus, click the Expand button to display the full menu.
Display folded menus
1. Choose Tools→Customize.
2. Click the Options tab.
3. Clear the check box for Always Show Full Menus.

NX part files
1
New file overview
Use the New command to select a template and create a new product file.
• Standard templates are available and grouped by types, such as modeling,
drawing, simulation, and manufacturing.
• Use blank templates to create files with no custom content.
• When you create a new file from a template, it has a copy of all the objects
in the template and inherits all its settings.
• Your system administrator can create customized templates based on the

requirements at your site.
After you create the file, NX starts the appropriate application based on the
template. For example, if you select a modeling template, NX will start
Modeling.
A default name and location for the new file is assigned based on customer
default settings for each template type.
You can change the name and location:
• Before you begin work on the file.
• In native mode only, when you save the file for the first time.
You can specify a master part to reference when you create a new non-master
file.
Where do I find it?
Application Gateway
Toolbar Standard→New
Menu File→New
NX part files
1
Benefits of using templates
• Easy to use and help to enforce company standards.
• Automatically start the appropriate application.
• Simplify using master models by defining a master part reference as you

create a new file.

NX part files
1
Use a template to create a new file
1. On the Standard toolbar, click New .
2. Click the tab for the file type you want (1).
3. Select the template you want (2).
4. Type or assign the number and revision information (3).

(Optional) Type the name and path information (3).
You can also type this information when you save the file.
NX part files
1
Save an unnamed template
1. On the Standard toolbar, click Save .
2. In the Parts to Name group, notice the name of the file for which you
must provide a name.
If you choose File→Save All, all unnamed parts will be listed. You
can provide new names for each one individually.
3. In the Name box, type the new name and press Enter.
4. Optionally, use the browse buttons to help to define the name and/or
folder.
5. Click OK.

NX part files
1
Layers
Use layers to organize geometry.
Use layer categories to organize and name layers.
Choose Format→Layer Settings to access the Layer Settings dialog box.
There are 256 layers available in an NX part file, one of which is always the
work layer.
The display characteristics of layers are controlled by the Name and Visible
Only columns of the Layer Settings dialog box.
Name Visible Only Object Count Categories
1 (Work) 3 Solids
2 1 Solids
21 2 Sketches
62 5 Datums
61 2 Datums
• Name – This column shows the active Work layer (the layer on which
objects are created).
Layers other than the work layer each have a corresponding check box
which controls layer visibility and the ability to select objects on that layer
(a layer is visible and selectable if its check box is checked).
• Visible Only – This column has a check box for each layer other than the
Work layer. If a check box in this column is selected, the objects on that
layer can be seen but not selected.
The work layer is the layer that objects are created on and is always visible
and selectable.
When you create a new part file, layer 1 is the default work layer.
When you change the work layer, the previous work layer automatically
becomes selectable. You can then assign it a different status.
The number of objects on one layer is not limited. You may choose which
layers to create objects on and what the status will be.
Layer categories in the Model template parts

Layers Categories Description
1–10 Solids Solid bodies
11–20 Sheets Sheet bodies
21–40 Sketches All external sketches
41–60 Curves Non-sketch curves
61–80 Datums Planes, axes, coordinate systems
91–255 No category assigned
NX part files
1
Activities: NX part files — Create new
In the NX part files section, do the activity:
• Create new part files

NX part files
1
Open file overview
Use the Open command as an alternative to the Teamcenter Navigator to
open an existing product file.
NX part files have a .prt extension.
When a part file is open:

• The graphics window shows the model in the condition in which it was
last saved.
• The title bar of the graphics window displays the name of the current
work part.
• If the part is read only, the words Read Only appear beside the part name.
This means that changes may not be saved in this file.
• If an Application was not already active, NX starts the application in

which the part was saved.
A loaded part is only a copy of what is stored on disk. Any new work that you
do is not permanent until the part is saved.
Where do I find it?
Application Gateway
Toolbar Standard→Open
Menu File→Open
NX part files
1
Useful features on Windows file dialog boxes
The Look in: list shows the name of the current selected drive or folder.
Up One Level works with the Look in: option menu to traverse back up
through the folder hierarchy.
Create New Folder option allows new sub-folders to be created in the

current folder.
View Menu allows the appearance of the listing in the window to be

modified.
Open multiple parts
You can open or load more than one part at any time and work on several
parts concurrently.
There are two identifiers for loaded parts:
Displayed The part is displayed in the graphics window.
Work The part is accessible for creation and editing operations.

NX part files
1
Change the displayed part
You can have multiple parts open, or loaded, at the same time.
Control which part is displayed in the graphics window by using Window
on the menu bar.
The Window option works in two ways:
• Select a part from the list to display. The list contains up to ten recently
displayed parts.
• Select More to display the Change Window dialog box.

The Change Window dialog box contains a list of all components in an
assembly structure as well as any loaded parts not contained in a loaded
assembly.
NX part files
1
Save As
File→Save As allows you to save the current part under a different name
and/or in a different directory.
When you select Save As, a file selection dialog box displays asking for the
new name and location.
The name/location must be unique within the current directory. If you
specify a name that already exists, an error message displays. The current
part is filed under the new name, and the new part file name displays on
the graphics window.

NX part files
1
Close selected parts
1. Choose File→Close→Selected Parts.
2. In the Close Part dialog box, select parts to close from a list.
3. Click OK.
NX part files
1
Exit NX
End an NX session by choosing File→Exit.
If you modified any parts and did not save them, you get a warning message.

NX part files
1
Activities: NX part files — Open, save, and close
In the NX part files section, do the activity:
• Open, save, and close existing part files
NX part files
1
Summary: NX part files
In this lesson you:
• Started an NX session.
• Created, opened, and saved part files.
• Copied a part file.
• Closed a part file.

1
Lesson
2 The NX user interface

2
Purpose
This lesson introduces the NX user interface.
Objectives
• Customize toolbars.
• Save and restore toolbars by applying a role.
• Select objects in the graphics window.
• Manipulate the orientation of the work view.

The NX user interface
Customize and display toolbars

• Each application has its own set of toolbars. You can hide or display
available toolbars for each application.
2 • You can either display or hide available buttons for each toolbar.
• For each toolbar you can add buttons from other toolbars, or remove them.
• You can save and share toolbar arrangements for all or selected
applications, using Roles.
Docking toolbars
• You can dock toolbars horizontally or vertically in the NX window.
• You can move undocked toolbars on your screen.
Display toolbars
1. Choose Tools→Customize from the main menu bar.
2. On the Toolbars (1) page, select check boxes (2) to display toolbars and
clear to hide them.
Select Text Below Icon (3) to display names on the buttons.
Display toolbars using the shortcut menu
1. Right-click anywhere in the toolbar area (1) to display a shortcut menu of

all toolbars.
2. Select the listed toolbar names to display toolbars or clear the check boxes
2
to hide them (2).
Empty check boxes are not displayed beside menu items that are
not selected.
You can also select Customize (3) to open the Customize dialog box.

Add or remove toolbar buttons
Toolbar options are an efficient way to turn on and off the display of buttons
within a toolbar.
2 1. Click Toolbar Options on a toolbar and select Add or Remove Buttons.
2. Select a toolbar to modify, or select Customize to open the Customize

dialog box.
3. Click an item with no check box to display it. Clear the check box to hide
an item.
Access options on undocked toolbars
Access toolbar options on undocked toolbars as shown below.

Command Finder overview

Use the Command Finder command to find and activate a specific NX
command that is associated with one or more words or phrases that you enter.
2 This includes commands that may not be active in the current application
or task environment.
From the list of commands you can:
• Display the command location, when it is available in the current
environment.
• Launch the command, if it is available.
• Turn on a toggle command, when it is available in the current

environment.
• Access the Help information for the command.
Where do I find it?
Application Gateway
Toolbar Standard→Command Finder

Menu Help→Command Finder
Search for a command
1. On the Standard toolbar, click Command Finder , or choose

Help→Command Finder.
2
2. In the Search box, type one or more words or phrases.
3. Click Find Command or press Enter.
4. Place the cursor over any command presented in the Matches for list.
If the command is available for immediate use, the correct menu path or
toolbar button is highlighted.
5. (Optional) Click any available command in the list to immediately

activate it.
6. (Optional) Right-click a command in the list and choose Help to display

additional information about the command.

Dialog boxes and the Dialog Rail

Dialog boxes that open when you choose an NX command are positioned by
default on a Rail Clip which slides on a Dialog Rail.
2 To position the Rail Clip along the Dialog Rail, either drag the center of the
Rail Clip or click the arrows to move it to default positions.
Dialog boxes are organized into groups that can be collapsed or expanded as
needed. These groups contain different types of information and options
The typical workflow is to interact with the dialog box from the top to the
bottom.
The three buttons along the bottom of the dialog box are, from left to right,
OK, Apply and Cancel.
OK – Accepts all dialog box parameters and settings and closes the
dialog box. Some dialog boxes use <OK> which implies an OK if another
command is selected.
Apply – Applies the all dialog box parameters and settings but leaves the
dialog box open for further input.
Cancel – Closes the dialog box without processing the dialog box
parameters and settings.
If you need to see behind the dialog box, either slide the Rail Clip to either
side or click the center of the Rail Clip to temporarily hide the dialog box.
Click again to show it.
Dialog Rail buttons
Consistent options appear on the Rail Clip or on the dialog box title bar when
the dialog box is not clipped to the Dialog Rail.
2
Rail Clip buttons

Move Left Moves the dialog box along the Dialog Rail to
predefined positions.
Move Right
Clip Clips or unclips the dialog box to the Rail Clip.

Unclip When a dialog box is clipped, you can position
it by sliding the Rail Clip along the Dialog Rail
or by clicking the arrows to move the Rail Clip
to predefined locations.
When it is unclipped, the dialog box floats, and
you can position it anywhere on the screen by
dragging its title bar.
Reset Resets dialog box input values to the default
values. When editing a feature, the default
values are the values used when the feature was
created.
Hide Collapsed Shows or hides all dialog box groups that are
Groups currently collapsed.
Show Collapsed This simplifies the display of the dialog box.
Groups
Close Closes the dialog box.

Roles
As you define your own roles, you or your administrator can add them to a
palette for others to share.
2
Roles let you control the appearance of the user interface in a number of
ways. For example:
• The items displayed on the menu bar
• The buttons displayed on the toolbars
• Whether button names are displayed below the buttons
Example roles
NX comes with a number of example roles. These give you a choice of starting
points as you customize toolbars to meet your needs.
The roles palette includes these groups:
• System Defaults — generic roles for new and advanced users
• Industry Specific — examples of configurations for various industries
• User — exists after you save one or more personal configurations
For those starting to use NX or those who use NX infrequently, one of

the Essentials roles in System Defaults is recommended.
For more information about any role, hold your cursor over its button.
Choose a role
1. In the Resource bar, click the Roles tab to display the palette.
2. Click the role you want or drag it into the graphics window.
3. Click OK to accept the new role.
Save toolbar configuration between sessions

When you exit an NX session, the current state of your toolbars is saved by
default. They will be the same when you start a new session.
You can control how this is saved:
1. Choose Preferences→User Interface.
2. On the Layout page, select Save layout at exit.

Activities: User interface — Toolbars and Roles

In the NX user interface section, do the activities:
• Customize toolbars
2
• Create a new user role
Using the mouse

There are three mouse configurations in common use.
On a two-button mouse, use the left (1) and right (3) buttons together when
you need the middle button.
On a three-button mouse, you can use combinations of mouse buttons.
• Use middle (2) plus right (3) buttons to pan.
• Use middle (2) plus left (1) buttons to zoom.
Mouse Button Action

Select or drag objects.
Click OK while in an operator.

Press and hold down while in the graphics window
to rotate the view.
Hold down Shift and the middle mouse button to
pan.
Hold down Ctrl and the middle mouse button to
zoom in or out.
Display shortcut menu with various functions. Also
display action information for currently selected
objects.
Zoom in and out in graphics window. Scroll in lists,
menus, and the Information window.
Rotating mouse wheel

Here is a summary of things you can do by moving the mouse cursor.
Over buttons on a Display Balloon Help for the button.

toolbar
2 Over buttons in a Display the button name.
dialog box
Over objects, features Pre-highlight objects based on the Selection Type
or components in Filter.
graphics window
View shortcut menu

Right-click in the background of the graphics window to display the View
shortcut menu (1). This menu lists frequently used NX commands.
The Selection MiniBar (2) is a compact version of the Selection bar that 2
displays in the graphics window whenever the View shortcut menu is
in use. This provides convenient access to selection options close to
your cursor location.

Option Description
Refreshes the entire graphics window. Erases temporary
Refresh
display entities.
Fits the entire part to the view. Utilizes the fit percentage
2 Fit found in the Preferences→Visualization→Screen dialog
box.
Zoom Fits the view to a user specified rectangle.
Rotate Activates the rotate mode to rotate the view with the cursor.
Pan Activates pan mode to pan the view with the cursor.
Rendering Specifies the method of shading and hidden edges in which
Style the model is displayed.
Displays the current view in a canned view orientation. The
Orient View original visualization settings and view modifications are
retained. Active only in modeling view.
Set Rotate Defines a point about which the model is rotated.
Point
Clear Rotate Removes a rotate point that was previously set.
Point
Undo Removes the effect of the last single operation performed.
Radial toolbars overview
Radial toolbars are available when you click and hold the right mouse button.
A radial toolbar with view commands appears when you click and hold the
right mouse button in the background of the graphics window. 2
A radial toolbar with context-sensitive commands appears when you click and
hold the right mouse button on an object.
Radial toolbar with view

commands Context-sensitive radial toolbar

Graphics window view manipulation
You can rotate the view by dragging with the middle mouse button. Release
the mouse button to stop rotating.
2 If the cursor is near the boundary of the graphics window, you can use
inferred rotation about a horizontal, vertical, or normal axis.
If the cursor is in the middle of the graphics window, the axis of rotation is
determined by the direction in which you drag the cursor.
Other options to manipulate the view orientation are described below.
Orient View button Modifies the orientation of a specified view to a

predefined view. Changes only the alignment of the
view, not the view name. This option can be invoked
from the View toolbar or from the shortcut menu.
Home key Orients the current view to Trimetric.
End key Orients the current view to Isometric.
Orients the current view to a selected planar face
or datum plane or the planar view (top, front, right,
F8 key
back, bottom, left) that is closest to the current view
orientation.
View triad
The View Triad is a visual indicator that represents the orientation of the
Absolute coordinate system of the model.
• The View Triad is displayed in the lower-left corner of the graphics 2
window.
• Select an axis of the view triad to lock rotation about that axis only.
X-axis locked
Y-axis locked
Z-axis locked
Click the middle mouse button, press Esc, or click the rotation triad origin
handle to return to normal rotation.

Selecting objects
You may either select an object first and then choose a command to perform,
or, choose a command first and then select the required object.
2 The selection Type Filter allows you to control which type of objects you can
select. The content of the list changes with the active NX command.
The General Selection Filters allow you to further restrict what type of
objects you can select.
You can use toolbar options to add many additional buttons to the Selection
bar.
If you right-click an object, a shortcut menu appears with commands for

the object type.
The cursor must be over the object, and the object must be highlighted.
2
The shortcut menu changes depending on the object. The following shortcut
menu is for a typical feature.
Options also vary with the application (Modeling, Drafting,

Manufacturing, etc.)
Deselecting objects
You can deselect and object by holding the Shift key as you click it.
To deselect all objects in the graphics window, press the Esc (Escape) key.
Preview selection
Objects are highlighted in the preview selection color as the selection ball
passes over them.
By default, Preview Selection is enabled. Turn it off by choosing
Preferences→Selection from the menu bar.
The color of preview highlighting is determined by the Preselection setting
found under Preferences→Visualization→Color Settings.
When you hold the Shift key, the preselection color is applied to currently
selected objects that you can deselect.

Selection bar overview

Use the Selection bar to set and use advanced selection options.
With the Selection bar you can:
2
• Select objects by filtering them for specific attributes.
• Specify how to perform multiple selections.
• Access advanced selection tools, such as Selection Intent and Snap Point.
The Selection bar appears below the toolbars found at the top of the NX
window.
The main components of the Selection bar are:
Selection
Selection Intent
Snap Point
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Selection bar

Menu Edit®Selection
Selection bar Snap Point options
Button Name Description 2

Use this to turn the snap point options
Enable Snap Point
on and off.
Select end points of lines, arcs, conics,
End Point
splines, and all edge types.
Select mid points of lines, open arcs,
Mid Point
and all edge types.
Select a control point of a geometric
Control Point
object.
Select a point at the intersection of two
Intersection Point
curves.
Arc Center Select an arc center point.
Select one of four quadrant points of a
Quadrant Point
circle.
Existing Point Select an existing point.
Point on Curve Select a point on a curve.
Point on Surface Select a point on a surface.

Select a tangent point on circles, conics,
Tangent Point
and solid edges.
Select the intersection point of two
Two-curve
objects that do not fit within the
Intersection
selection ball by selecting two objects.
Point Constructor Open the Point dialog box.

QuickPick
When you select objects, more than one object will often be within the selection
ball. QuickPick provides easy browsing through selection candidates.
2 If there is more than one selectable object at the selection ball location
and the cursor lingers for a short period of time, the cursor changes to a
QuickPick indicator:
This cursor display indicates that there is more than one selectable object at
that position. Click after the cursor changes to display the QuickPick dialog
box.
You can change the amount of time the cursor must be stationary for
the QuickPick indicator to appear.
• Choose Preferences→Selection.
• In the QuickPick group, change the Delay value (in seconds).
Use the middle mouse button to cycle through the items in the list and
then click when the desired object is highlighted.
Use the buttons in the dialog box to filter the list to include object types:
• All Objects
• Construction
• Features
• Body objects
• Components
• Annotations
Activities: User Interface — Views

In the NX user interface section, do the activity:
• Change the view display
2

Summary: User interface

In this lesson you:
• Modified the location and contents of toolbars.
2
• Applied a role to restore saved toolbar settings.
• Manipulated the work view orientation.
Lesson
3 Coordinate systems
Purpose 3
This lesson introduces the coordinate systems that are used in NX.
Objectives
• Describe the differences between the absolute coordinate system (ABS)
and the work coordinate system (WCS).
• Move the WCS.
• Obtain geometry information relative to the WCS.

Coordinate systems
Coordinate systems overview

There are different coordinate systems in NX. A three-axis symbol is used to
identify a coordinate system.
The intersection of the axes is called the origin of the coordinate system.
The coordinate values of the origin are X = 0, Y = 0, and Z = 0. Each axis line
represents the positive direction for that axis.
You can define planes and coordinate systems for constructing geometry.
These planes are completely independent of the viewing direction.
The most frequently used coordinate systems for design and model creation
are:
• Absolute Coordinate System
There is one absolute coordinate system. It is not visible or movable. The

direction of the global coordinate system axes are the same as the View
Triad (shown above), but not its origin.
• Work Coordinate System (WCS)
There is one movable Work Coordinate System.
Coordinate systems
• Datum coordinate system
3
You can create as many datum coordinate systems as you need.
Datum coordinate systems are not addressed in this lesson. They are
addressed in depth in the Datum Features lesson.

Coordinate systems
Absolute coordinate system
The Absolute coordinate system is a conceptual location and orientation in

model space. Think of the Absolute coordinate system as X = 0, Y = 0, Z = 0.
It is invisible and cannot be moved.
The Absolute coordinate system:
• Defines a fixed point and orientation in model space.
3 • Relates the location and orientation between different objects. For

example, an object positioned at the absolute coordinates of X = 1.0, Y =
1.0, and Z = 1.0 in one particular part file, is in exactly the same absolute
position in any other part file.
The View Triad is a visual indicator that represents the orientation of the
Absolute coordinate system of the model. The View Triad is displayed in the
lower-left corner of the graphics window. You can rotate a model around a
specific axis on the View Triad.
Coordinate systems
WCS overview
The Work Coordinate System (WCS) is a right hand Cartesian coordinate

system, made up of the XC, YC, and ZC axes that are 90 degrees apart from
each other.
• The intersection of the axes is called the origin of the coordinate system.
• The origin has coordinate values of X= 0, Y= 0, Z= 0.
• The XC-YC plane of the WCS is called the work plane.

3
You can use the WCS to reference the location and orientation of objects in
model space. For example you can use it to:
• Create primitives.
• Define a sketch plane.
• Create a fixed datum axis or plane.
• Create a rectangular array.
Because the WCS is a mobile coordinate system, you can move it anywhere
in the graphics window to construct geometry in different orientations and
locations.

Coordinate systems
• Although you can save multiple coordinate systems in a part file,

only one of them can be the WCS.
• Most modeling operations in NX do not require manual

manipulation of the WCS because features are added to a model
relative to existing geometry.
Where do I find it?
3 Toolbar All WCS commands are available on the Utility toolbar.

Menu Format→WCS
Coordinate systems
WCS options
You can access WCS options from the Utility toolbar or by choosing
Format→WCS on the menu bar.
Options available to manipulate the WCS include:
Use handles to adjust the origin and

Dynamics
orientation.
Origin
Specify the location without changing the 3
orientation.
Rotate Specify rotations in a dialog box
Use a dialog box with Dynamic, Absolute,

Orient
Current View, and several other methods.
Set WCS to Use to move the WCS to the position and

Absolute orientation of the aht absolute CSYS.
Change YC Use a dialog box with several options to specify

Direction the YC axis.
Display Show or hide the WCS.
Create a CSYS geometry entity at the current

Save
WCS origin and orientation.

Coordinate systems
WCS Dynamics overview

Use WCS Dynamics to manipulate the location and orientation of the WCS.
You can enter WCS Dynamics at any time and it supports the Undo function.
1. Translation
(arrow
heads)
3
2. Rotation
(small
spheres)
3. Origin
(large
sphere)
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Utility→WCS Dynamics

Menu Format→WCS→Dynamics
Shortcut menu Double-click the WCS in the graphics window
Coordinate systems
Position the WCS
Use WCS Dynamics to move the Work Coordinate System (WCS)

dynamically.
Move the WCS

1. Turn on WCS Dynamics in one of these ways:
• Double-click the WCS.
3
• On the Utility toolbar, click WCS Dynamics .
• Choose Format→WCS→Dynamics.
2. Select the Origin handle on the WCS and drag it to the desired location.
3. Turn off WCS Dynamics in one of these ways:

• Press Esc.
• Click the middle mouse button.

Coordinate systems
Move the WCS origin to a point

The example shows how to move the WCS origin to an end point on the
geometry.
1. Turn on WCS Dynamics.
2. Select the Origin handle on the WCS.
3 3. On the Selection bar, turn on End Point .
4. Drag the WCS to an end point on the geometry.
Coordinate systems
Move the WCS origin to a specified location

2. Select the Origin handle on the WCS.
3. On the Selection bar, click Point Constructor .
4. In the Point dialog box, in the Coordinates group, enter XC, YC, and ZC
values. 3
The WCS origin moves to the specified location.
Move the WCS along an axis

2. To select a direction, click an arrowhead on an axis handle .
3. Move the WCS along the selected axis in one of these ways:
• Drag the WCS to the desired location.
• In the on-screen input box, enter a Distance value and press Enter.

Coordinate systems
Reorient the WCS
Use WCS Dynamics to reorient the Work Coordinate System (WCS)

dynamically.
Rotate the WCS

1. Turn on WCS Dynamics in one of these ways:
• Double-click the WCS.
3
2. Rotate the WCS to the desired angle in one of these ways:

a. Place the cursor over any of the three spherical handles on the WCS,
and drag to the desired angle.
b. Enter values in the Angle and Snap boxes in the on-screen input box.
Coordinate systems
The default values in the on-screen input boxes indicate current angle
and snap increment.
3. Turn off WCS Dynamics in one of these ways:

• Press Esc.
• Click the middle mouse button.

Coordinate systems
Reorient the WCS to an object

2. Select one of the WCS axes.
3. Select a object, such as an edge, to which you want to align the WCS.
The WCS re-orients to be parallel with the object, without relocating the
origin.
4. (Optional) Specify a vector.
a. Click Vector Constructor on the WCS dialog bar.
b. Select a option from the Type list, or click on a object in the graphics
window.
Coordinate systems
Reverse the Direction of the WCS

2. Double-click one of the WCS axes.
Before After

Coordinate systems
Activities: Coordinate systems

In the Coordinate Systems section, do the activity:
• Move the working coordinate system (WCS)
Coordinate systems
Summary: Coordinate systems

The absolute coordinate system is a stationary coordinate system that defines
a fixed point in model space while the work coordinate system (WCS) is a
mobile coordinate system that may be moved and reoriented as necessary
to support other commands.
In this lesson you:
• Identified the difference between the absolute coordinate system and
the work coordinate system.
3
• Relocated, rotated, and reoriented the WCS.
• Obtained geometry information relative to the WCS.

3
Lesson
4 Sketching
Purpose
This lesson introduces the methods of creating a sketch.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: 4
• Identify design intent and a modeling strategy.
• Create a sketch.
• Create sketch curves.
• Apply dimensional constraints to sketches.
• Apply geometric constraints to sketches.
• Identify constraints.
• Convert sketch curves and constraints to reference status.

Sketching
Sketch overview
A Sketch is a named set of 2D curves and points located on a specified plane
or path. You can apply rules, in the form of geometric and dimensional
constraints, to establish the criteria your design needs. Features created from
a sketch are associated with it; if the sketch changes so do the features.
You can use sketches to create:
• The profile or typical sections of your design.
• Detailed part features by sweeping, extruding, or revolving a sketch into a

solid or a sheet body.
• Large-scale 2D concept layouts with hundreds, or even thousands, of

sketch curves.
4
• Construction geometry, such as a path of motion, or a clearance arc, that
is not meant to define a part feature.
Sketching
Establishing design intent and a modeling strategy

Before creating a parametric model, you should first establish the design
intent of the part. This is an important step that will determine the modeling
strategy to use and should be a standard practice.
There are two items to consider when establishing design intent:
• Design considerations
– What are the functional requirements of the part?
– What are the relationships between features on the part?
• Potential areas for change

– What portions of the model are subject to change?
4
– What is the scope of the changes? (Do you expect drastic topology
changes?)
– Will the model be copied and modified for other projects?
Design intent can be based on a number of factors:

• Known information
• Form, fit, and function requirements
• Manufacturing requirements
• External equations
The design intent will determine the modeling strategy and the following
types of tasks.
• Selecting feature types (features, feature operations, sketches)
• Establishing feature relationships (size, attachment, position, order)
• Defining sketch constraints
• Creating expressions (equations, conditions)
• Establishing relationships between parts (interpart expressions, linked

geometry)
It is possible to add design intent to a model after the initial
construction. However, the amount of rework will depend on the
modeling techniques originally used.

Sketching
Ways to use sketches
There are many ways that you can use sketches.

Any feature created from a sketch is associative and will update with any
changes made.
• You can revolve a sketch .
• You can extrude a sketch .
• You can create swept features .

Both the guide and the section strings can be created in a sketch.
4
• You can use multiple sketches as generator profiles for sheet bodies.
• You can use a combination of sketch types in variational sweep .

A sketch can also be used as a law curve to govern the shape of a model or
feature.
Sketching
Sketches and Layers
Layers can be used as an organization tool for sketches.

• You can Hide and Show sketches from the Part Navigator. You do not
need to put each sketch on a different layer to control its visibility.
• While working in an external sketch, all the objects you create reside on
the same layer.
Internal sketches reside with the parent feature unless you
manually move the sketch to another layer.
• When you open a sketch, the layer that the sketch resides on becomes
the work layer.
4
• When you add curves to an active sketch, they are automatically moved to
the same layer as the sketch.
• When you exit a sketch, the layer settings depend on the

whether you selected the Maintain Layer Status check box in the
Preferences®Sketch®Session Settings dialog box.
– If you select the check box, the sketch layer and work layer are
returned to the status they had before you activated the sketch.
– If you clear the check box, the sketch layer continues to be the work
layer.

Sketching
General process for using sketches
When you want to use sketches in your model, follow this general process:
• Establish your design intent.
• Check and set the sketch preferences.
• Create the sketch and the sketch geometry.
• Constrain the sketch according to your design intent.
Sketching
Direct Sketch and the Sketch task environment
The Direct Sketch toolbar and the Sketch task environment offer two modes
you can use to create sketches.
Use the Direct Sketch toolbar when you want to:
• Create a new sketch in the current 3D orientation.
• See the effect of sketch changes on the model in real-time.
• Edit a sketch that has a limited number of down-stream features.
Use the Sketch task environment when you want to:

• Create a new sketch in a 2D orientation.
4
• Edit an internal sketch.
• Edit a sketch that has a significant number of down-stream features.
• Access additional commands like Project Curve, Intersection Point,

and Intersection Curve.
• Experiment with sketch changes, but retain the option to discard the
changes.

Sketching
Create Sketch overview
Use the Sketch command when you need to:

• Define the sketch Orientation and Origin, in a manner that is not
available using the quick pick method.
• Create a sketch On Path or associated to the edge of a solid.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
Direct Sketch®Sketch
Feature®Sketch in Task Environment

4 Menu Insert®Sketch
Insert®Sketch in Task Environment
Sketching
Sketch On Plane
Sketch On Plane
Create a Sketch On Plane when you want to associate the sketch feature to
a planar object such as a datum plane or a face.
1. Sketch on the plane of a Datum

CSYS 4
2. Sketch on a face of the
extruded sketch.

Sketching
Create a sketch On Plane
Use this procedure to sketch on a plane.
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Profile .
2. Define the sketch plane by selecting an existing plane.
3. Create sketch curves.
4. Define needed sketch constraints or dimensions.
5. Choose another command or click Finish , on the Direct Sketch toolbar.
Sketching
Create a sketch On Face
Use this procedure to sketch on a face when your design intent requires the
sketch to move when the faces moves.
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Profile .
2. Define the sketch plane by selecting an existing face.

The first pick defines the sketch:
• Plane
• Orientation
• Origin 4
• First point for the profile.
You can hold Alt and click the face to define the plane without
defining the first point.
3. Create sketch curves.
4. Define needed sketch constraints or dimensions.
5. Choose another command or click Finish , on the Direct Sketch toolbar.

Sketching
Direct sketching
A Direct Sketch toolbar is available in Modeling. Use the commands on

this toolbar to create a sketch on a plane without entering the Sketch task
environment.
When you create a point or curve using the commands on this toolbar, a
sketch is created and is active. The new sketch is listed in the model history
in the Part Navigator. The first point you specify defines the sketch plane,
orientation, and origin.
You can define the first point on the following:
• Screen position
• Point
• Curve
4 • Face
• Plane
• Edge
• Specified Plane
• Specified Datum CSYS
Why should I use it?

Direct sketching requires fewer mouse clicks, which makes creating and
editing sketches faster and easier.
Where do I find it?
Application Modeling
Toolbar Direct Sketch
Sketching
Sketch Task Environment overview
The Sketch Task Environment command lets you create or edit a sketch in
NX while allowing full control over the creation and edit process.
The Sketch Task Environment is similar to a separate application, where
the interface changes to focus on the current toolset, but you are still in the
Modeling application. All the toolbars shown support the sketch tool.
For many features where internal sketching is supported, the Sketch Task
Environment is the method used to create or edit the sketch.
Working in the Sketch Task Environment allows the following:
• The ability to control the sketch creation options during sketch creation.
• Access to all the sketch tools.

4
• The option to work in 2D or 3D space. (The default is orient to 2D.)
• The ability to control the update behavior of the model.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature ® Sketch in Task Environment

Menu Insert ® Sketch in Task Environment

Sketching
Sketch reference direction
When you choose a reference direction, vertical or horizontal, you determine

either the positive X or Y direction for your sketch.
NX is a counterclockwise system. Your sketch final Z axis orientation should
point towards you in the graphics window. This ensures that your sketch
will respond according to positive feature creation assumptions and the
right hand rule.
1. Sketch plane
2. Sketch Origin and CSYS.

The final orientation of
the sketch is based on this
4 preview CSYS.
3. Sketch Orientation. The

horizontal reference
direction is used to properly
orient the sketch.
Sketching
Intermediate Datum CSYS
NX can automatically create an Intermediate Datum CSYS when you create

or reattach a sketch. By default, the Intermediate Datum CSYS is internal to
the sketch. It is not visible outside the sketch or in the model history in the
Part Navigator.

Select this option to associate the Intermediate Datum CSYS to the base
feature used to create the sketch. This option also gives the sketch
independence so that if you delete the base feature the sketch remains.
You can make this Datum CSYS:
• External from the sketch when you right-click the sketch in the Part
Navigator and choose Make Datums External. 4
• Internal to the sketch when you right-click the sketch in the Part
Navigator and choose Make Datums Internal.
Where do I find it?
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Sketch

(Sketch task environment) Feature®Sketch in Task
Toolbar Environment
(Modeling) Insert®Sketch
(Sketch task environment) Insert®Sketch in Task
Menu Environment
Sketch Plane group®Inferred
Location in dialog
box Settings group®Create Intermediate Datum CSYS

Sketching
Name sketches in the Modeling application
To name a sketch in the Modeling application use the Sketch Properties

dialog box.
1. In the Part Navigator or in the graphics window, right click the sketch
and choose Properties.
2. Click the General tab.
3. In the Name box, type the new sketch name.
4. Click OK.
Sketching
Name sketches in Sketch Task Environment
Sketches are assigned a default name with a numeric suffix such as Sketch
(1) “SKETCH_000”.
Once you name your sketch the new name displays in the Part Navigator, for
example, Sketch (2) “BASE”.
4
1. On the Sketch toolbar, clear the contents of the Sketch Name box.
2. Type a new name and press Enter.

It is recommended that you name your sketch when no other sketch
commands are active.
If your new sketch name does not appear in the Part Navigator,
make sure Timestamp Order is in effect.

Sketching
Finish Sketch
Use the Finish Sketch command to exit a sketch and return to the application
or command you started sketching from.
Where do I find it?
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Finish Sketch

(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools®Finish
Toolbar Sketch
Menu (Modeling) File®Finish Sketch
4 (Sketch task environment) Task®Finish Sketch
Keyboard Ctrl+Q
Exit Sketch
Use the Exit Sketch command to exit the Sketch task environment without
doing the following:
• Saving the modified sketch.
• Updating the model.
The Exit Sketch command restores the part to the state it was prior to
entering the Sketch task environment while avoiding the unnecessary step of
updating all features downstream of the sketch.
Use this command when you want to do the following:
• Explore and edit sketch curves and constraints without changing sketches
and the model permanently.
• Discard sketch edits made since you entered the Sketch task environment.
Where do I find it?
Task environment Sketch

Menu Task®Exit Sketch
Sketching
Direct sketch and feature edit preferences
Set the following in the Modeling Preferences dialog box for the actions
available when you double-click sketches and features.
Edit tab
Edit Sketch Action Direct Edit
Lets you edit the sketch directly in Modeling.
Direct Edit updates the model immediately.
Select Task Environment if you have sketches
with many dependent features.
Task Environment
Enters the Sketch task environment.
Double-click Action Edit with Rollback
4
(Sketches) Makes the selected sketch the current feature and
enters the Sketch task environment.
Edit
Enters the direct sketch mode without changing the
current feature.
Double-click Action Edit with Rollback
(Features) Makes the selected feature the current feature and
enters the edit mode.
Edit
Enters the feature edit mode without changing the
current feature.
To edit sketches directly in Modeling, you should:

• Set Double-click Action (Sketches) to Edit with Rollback.
• Set Edit Sketch Action to Direct Edit.
• Right click the sketch and choose Edit.
Where do I find it?
Menu Preferences®Modeling
Location in dialog
box Edit tab

Sketching
Activities: Sketching
In the Sketching section, do the activities:

• Rapid sketching and model creation
4
• Sketch on a planar face
• Create a sketch on a persistent Datum CSYS
Sketching
Sketch curves
Sketching commands are available on both the Direct sketching toolbar and
in the Sketch Task Environment.
The following is a chart of the essential sketching commands. Not all
available commands are shown.
Creates a series of connected lines

and/or arcs in string mode; that is
Profile
the end of the last curve becomes
the beginning of the next curve.
Creates lines with constraint
Line
inferences.
Creates and arc through three
Arc points or by specifying its center 4
and end points.
Creates a circle through three
Circle points or by specifying its center
and diameter.
Creates a rectangle using any of
Rectangle
three different methods.
Dynamically creates and edits
splines by dragging defining
Studio Spline points or poles, and assigning
slope or curvature constraints at
defining points.
Point Creates points.
Offsets a chain of curves,

projected curves, or curves/edges
Offset Curve
in the sketch. Symmetric offset
is also available.

Sketching
Sketch help lines
Help lines indicate alignment to control points of curves, including line

endpoints and midpoints, arc endpoints, and arc and circle centerpoints. Two
types of help lines can display during curve creation:
• A dotted help line indicates alignment with other objects.
• A dashed help line indicates an inferred constraint with other objects,

such as horizontal, vertical, perpendicular and tangent.
1. Dotted help line aligned with

4 midpoint.
2. Dashed help line with vertical

constraint.
Sketching
Short List
NX maintains a memory of five objects called the short list to check for
inferred constraints. NX uses the short list to avoid testing against every
curve in the current sketch when inferring constraints. Curves are added to
the list as you create them or when you pass your cursor over a curve.
When NX infers a constraint between an object on the short list and the
curve being created, the short list object highlights and you see a preview
of the constraint.
• The short list is structured from top to bottom. When curves are
created or passed over with the cursor, they are placed on top of the
short list. When the list is full, the curve at the bottom is removed
before adding a new curve at the top.
• NX clears the short list when you leave a curve command.

Sketching
Continuous Auto Dimensioning

Use the Continuous Auto Dimensioning command to automatically
dimension sketch curves after each operation.
This command uses auto dimensioning rules to fully constrain the active
sketch, including positioning dimensions to the parent Datum CSYS.
You can set auto dimensioning rules from the following:
• Inferred Constraints and Dimensions
• File®Utilities®Customer Defaults®Sketch→Inferred Constraints and

Dimensions®Dimensions
4 The Continuous Auto Dimensioning command creates the automatic

dimension type of sketch dimension.
Automatic dimensions fully constrain a sketch. The dimensions are updated
as you drag the sketch curves. They remove degrees of freedom from the
sketch but do not lock the values permanently. If you add a constraint that
conflicts with an automatic dimension, the automatic dimension is deleted.
You can convert automatic dimensions into driving dimensions.

In Modeling, use this command to ensure you are always working with a fully
constrained sketch which will be updated predictably.
In Drafting, use this command to automatically create dimensions for all the
curves that you create in a drawing.
Sketching
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch®Continuous Auto Dimensioning /
Inferred Constraints and Dimensions

(Drafting and Sketch task environment)
Sketch Tools®Continuous Auto Dimensioning /

Menu (Modeling, Drafting, and Sketch task environment)
Tools®Sketch Constraints®Continuous Auto 4
Dimensioning /

Sketching
Inferred Constraints and Dimensions overview
Use the Inferred Constraints and Dimensions command to control

which constraints or dimensions are automatically inferred during curve
construction.
You can set inferred constraints for geometric constraints, dimensional
constraints, and constraints recognized when using snap point options.
1. Perpendicular
4
2. Parallel
3. Coincident
Inferred constraints behave like normally applied geometric constraints

and can be seen and deleted using the Show/Remove Constraints dialog
or when you right-click an object and choose Remove All Constraints.
You can temporarily disable all of the infer constraint settings during
curve construction by pressing and holding the Alt key on Windows or
the Ctrl+Alt keys on non-Windows platforms.
Where do I find it?
Task environment Sketch
Toolbar Sketch Tools→Inferred Constraints

Menu Tools→Constraints→Inferred Constraints
Sketching
Inferred Constraints and Dimensions dialog box
Available constraints
Constraints recognized by Snap Point
Auto Dimensioning rules

Sketching
Inferred Constraints and Dimensions options

Dimensions Inferred while Sketching
Create Dimensions for Typed Values Creates a driving dimension for any
geometry created by typing a value in
an on-screen input box.
Auto Dimensioning Rules
The following are the rules for creating automatic dimensions. You can apply
these rules in any order.
Create Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions on Lines
Create Dimensions to Reference Axes
Sketching
Create Length Dimensions
Create Adjacent Angles

Creates angular dimensions between adjacent objects.

Sketching
Create Symmetric Dimensions

Creates symmetric dimensions if there are any symmetric constraints or
mirrored curves. The dimensions will be created between these objects
across the symmetry line
The Snap Angle option

You can specify the snap angle on the Session Settings page of the Sketch
Preferences dialog box.
The Snap Angle option lets you specify the value of the default snap angle
tolerance for vertical, horizontal, parallel, and perpendicular lines.
The default snap angle is 3 degrees.
The snap angle must be greater then zero and less then 20 degrees.
Hold the Alt key to temporarily disable the snap action.
Sketching
Profile overview
Use the Profile command to create a series of connected lines and/or arcs
in string mode.
In string mode, the end of the last curve becomes the beginning of the next
curve.
For example, you can create this pipe vise profile in one series of mouse clicks:
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Profile
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch
Tools®Profile
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert®Sketch Curve®Profile
(Sketch task environment) Insert®Curve®Profile

Sketching
Profile dialog bar
1) Object Type
Line Creates a line.

This is the default mode when you choose Profile.
Points selected off of the sketch plane are projected
4 onto the sketch plane.
Arc Creates an arc.

While stringing from line to arc, you create a two
point arc. You can create a three point arc if the
first object drawn in string mode is an arc.
By default, Profile switches to line mode after you
create an arc. To create a series of chained arcs,
double-click the Arc option.
2) Input Mode
Coordinate Creates curve points using X and Y coordinate

Mode values.
Parameter Mode Creates curve points using parameters that are

appropriate to a line or arc curve type.
Lines: Length and Angle parameters.
Arcs: Radius and Sweep Angle parameters.
3) Sketch
Define Sketch Lets you define a sketch plane using standard plane
Plane creation methods.
Sketching
Create Profile sketch curves
This is the general process for creating a series of connected lines and/or arcs
in the string mode using the command, Profile .

1. In the graphics window, click once to establish a start point.
2. Move to the end of the desired line, and click once to establish the end
point.
3. To create an arc, click and drag anywhere in the graphics window to

switch from line creation to arc creation.
4. Move the cursor away from the line end through different quadrants of
the circle, without clicking, to establish the direction of the arc. 4
Perpendicular or tangential relationships change depending on the

quadrant through which you move away from the line end.
5. Click once to establish the end of the arc.

Line mode is automatically restored after an arc is created. To
create consecutive arcs, double-click the Arc button any time during
profile mode.
6. To stop the profile string mode, click the middle mouse button.

Sketching
Create lines parallel or perpendicular to other lines
1. In the Inferred Constraints dialog box, make sure the parallel and
perpendicular constraints are on.
2. Define the line’s start point by entering parameters or click a location.
3. Pass your cursor over the target line for the constraint, then move your
cursor until you see the appropriate constraint.
A line can snap tangent to all types of curves or edges, including lines,
arcs, ellipses, conics and splines, if the Tangent constraint is on in Inferred
Constraints.
4
Create lines tangent to curves
1. In the Inferred Constraints dialog box, make sure the tangent constraint
is on.
2. Define the line’s start point by entering parameters or click a location.
3. Pass your cursor over the target curve for the constraint, then move your
cursor until you see the appropriate constraint.
A line can snap tangent to all types of curves or edges, including lines, arcs,
ellipses, conics and splines.
Create lines at angles
1. Lock a parallel, perpendicular, or collinear constraint to the original line.
2. In the on-screen input box, specify a relative angle.

Length 23.855
Relative Angle 45.0
The new direction displays with a second, dashed help line. The angle is
measured with respect to the previewed constraint line.
Positive angles are measured counterclockwise. Negative angles are

measured clockwise.
Sketching
Sketch Point overview
Use the Sketch Point command to create points in a sketch.

If you create a point off of the sketch plane, NX projects the point onto
the sketch plane.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Point
Sketch Tools®Point
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert®Sketch Curve®Point
4
(Sketch task environment) Insert®Datum/Point®Point

Sketching
Activities: Sketching curves

• Create a sketch profile
• Using Continuous Auto Dimensioning

4
Sketching
Sketch curve functions

There are several options you can use to modify sketch curves:
Trims curves to the closest physical or virtual

Quick Trim
intersection.
Quick Extend Extends curves to a physical or virtual intersection.
Creates a corner by extending and/or trimming two
Make Corner
input curves to a common intersection.
Fillet Creates a fillet between two or three curves.
Chamfer Bevels a sharp corner between two sketch lines.

4

Sketching
Quick Trim overview
Use the Quick Trim command to trim a curve to the closest physical or virtual
intersection in either direction. You can:
• Preview the trim by passing the cursor over the curve.
• Select individual curves to trim.
• Hold the left mouse button and drag across multiple curves to trim them
all at the same time.
Trimming a curve that has no intersection deletes the curve.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Quick Trim
Sketch Tools®Quick Trim

Menu (Modeling and Drafting)
Edit®Sketch Curve®Quick Trim
(Sketch task environment) Edit®Curve®Quick Trim
Sketching
Sketching constraints and Quick Trim
When the Create Inferred Constraints command is used, the appropriate

constraints are inferred after a trim operation.
Constraint Trim Operation

Concentric An arc in the middle.
Coincident Intersecting lines to an intersection point.
Point on Curve A curve to a boundary curve.
Collinear A line in the middle
Equal Radius An arc in the middle.
Tangent A curve at the tangent point of a boundary curve.
Use Quick Trim

4
1. On the Direct Sketching toolbar, click Quick Trim .
2. For the Curve to Trim, select either a single curve or use the drag path
method to select multiple curves.
The Curve to Trim will trim to the closest intersecting curve. If you
want to trim to a different curve select the Boundary Curve first.
3. Conditional: In the Settings group, select the Trim to Extension box if

you selected a boundary curve that will produce a theoretical intersection
with the Curve to Trim.

Sketching
Quick Extend overview
Use the Quick Extend command to extend a curve to a physical or virtual

intersection with another curve. You can:
• Preview the extension by passing the cursor over the curve.
• Select individual curves to extend.
4
• Hold the left mouse button and drag across multiple curves to extend
them all at the same time.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Quick Extend
Sketch Tools®Quick Extend

Menu (Modeling and Drafting)
Edit®Sketch Curve®Quick Extend
(Sketch task environment) Edit®Curve®Quick Extend
Sketching
Sketcher constraints and Quick Extend
When the Create Inferred Constraints command is used, the appropriate

constraints after an extend operation are inferred.
Constraint Extend Operation

Coincident A curve to the endpoint of another curve.
Point on Curve A curve to a boundary curve.
Tangent A curve to a tangent point of a boundary curve.
Use Quick Extend
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Quick Extend .

4
2. For the Curve to Extend, select either a single curve or use the drag path
method to select multiple curves.
The Curve to Extend will extend to the closest intersecting curve. If
you want to extend to a different curve select the Boundary Curve
first.
3. Conditional: In the Settings group, select the Extend to Extension box if

you selected a boundary curve that will produce a theoretical intersection
with the Curve to Extend.

Sketching
Make Corner overview
Use the Make Corner command to create a corner by extending and/or

trimming two input curves to a common intersection. If the Create Inferred
Constraints option is on, a coincident constraint is created at the intersection.
Make Corner works with:

• Lines
• Arcs
• Open conics
• Open splines (trimming only)
You can also hold the left mouse button and drag over curves create a corner.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Make Corner
Tools®Make Corner
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Edit®Sketch Curve®Make
Corner
(Sketch task environment) Edit®Curve®Make Corner
Sketching
Fillet overview
Use the Fillet command to create a fillet between two or three curves. You can:
• Trim all input curves or leave them untrimmed.
• Delete the third curve of a three-curve fillet.
• Specify a value for the fillet radius, or preview the fillet and determine its
size and location by moving the cursor.
• Hold the left mouse button and drag over curves to create a fillet.
Fillet preview and final output
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Fillet
Tools®Fillet
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert®Sketch Curve®Fillet
(Sketch task environment) Insert®Curve®Fillet

Sketching
Chamfer
Use the Chamfer command to bevel a sharp corner between two sketch lines.
You can create the following chamfer types:
• Symmetric
• Asymmetric
• Offset and Angle
You can also hold the left mouse button and drag over curves to create a
chamfer.
4
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Chamfer
Tools®Chamfer
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert®Sketch
Curve®Chamfer
(Sketch task environment) Insert®Curve®Chamfer
Sketching
Activities: Chamfer, Fillet, Quick Trim, Quick Extend, Make Corner

• Create chamfers and fillets
• Trim and extend curves, and make corners

Sketching
Types of constraints
Use constraints to precisely control the objects in a sketch and to express the
design intent for a feature. There are two types of constraints: geometric
constraints and dimensional constraints.
Geometric Constraints
A geometric constraint establishes a relationship between two or more sketch
objects, for example, requiring that two lines be perpendicular or parallel, or
that several arcs have the same radius.
4 1. Tangent
2. Vertical
3. Horizontal
4. Offset
5. Perpendicular
6. Coincident
Sketching
Dimensional Constraints
Dimensional constraints, also called driving dimensions, establish
• The size of a sketch object such as the radius of an arc or length of a curve.
• A relationship between two objects, such as the distance between two

points.
Dimensional constraints display like drafting dimensions in that they

have dimension text, extension lines, and arrows. However, dimensional
constraints dictate the size of sketch objects.

Sketching
Degree-of-freedom arrows
Degree-of-freedom (DOF) arrows mark points on a sketch that are free to

move. There are three types of degree-of-freedom: positional, rotational, and
radial. This example shows positional constraints:
1. This point is free to move in

the X direction only.

4 the Y direction only.

both the X and Y directions.
When you constrain a point from moving in a given direction, NX removes the
DOF arrow. Applying one constraint can remove several DOF arrows. When
all the arrows are gone, the sketch is fully constrained.
Fully constrain a sketch when you need complete control of the design. Note
that constraining a sketch is optional. You can use an under-constrained
sketch to define a feature.
Sketching
Geometric Constraints overview
Use the Constraints command to add geometric constraints to sketch

geometry. These specify and maintain conditions for or between sketch
geometry.
Constraints can:
• Define a line as being horizontal or vertical.
• Ensure that multiple lines remain parallel to each other.
• Require that several arcs have the same radius.
• Position your sketch in space or relative to outside objects.

4
1. Tangent
2. Vertical
3. Horizontal
4. Offset
5. Perpendicular
6. Coincident
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Constraints
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools®Constraints
(Modeling) Insert®Sketch Constraint®Constraints

Menu (Sketch task environment) Insert®Constraints

Sketching
Create geometric Constraints
1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Constraints .

You can create multiple geometric constraints without reentering
the command by holding the Ctrl key while selecting the objects to
be constraints.
2. In the graphics window, select the sketch objects you want to constrain.
You can reverse step one and two and get the same results, use
what works best for you.
3. On the Constraints dialog bar, click one of the constraint options or

4 right-click the selected sketch objects and choose the constraint type from
the list.
4. Click Constraints or the middle mouse button to exit the command.
Sketching
Geometric constraints quick reference
The following table shows the essential geometric constraints. Not all
possible constraints are shown.
Constraint Command Icon in Description

Type icon graphics
window
Fixed Defines fixed characteristics for geometry,
depending on the type of geometry as follows:
Point
Fixes the location.
Line
Fixes the angle.
4
Line, Arc or elliptical arc endpoint
Fixes the location of the endpoint.
Arc center, elliptical arc center, circle center,
or ellipse center
Fixes the location of the center.
Arc or circle
Fixes the radius and the location of the
center.
Elliptical arc or Ellipse
Fixes the radii and the location of the center.
Spline control point
Fixes the location of the control point.
Fully Fixed Creates sufficient fixed constraints to
completely define the position and orientation
of sketch geometry in one step.
Coincident Defines two or more points as having the same
location.
Concentric Defines two or more circular and elliptical arcs

as having the same center
Collinear Defines two or more lines as lying on or passing
through the same straight line.

Sketching
Point On Defines the location of a point as lying on a

Curve curve.
Point on Defines the location of a point as lying on a
String projected curve. You must select the point first,
then select the curve.
This is the only valid constraint that
should be applied to a projected curve.
Midpoint Defines the location of a point as equidistant
from the two end points of a line or a circular
arc.
For the Midpoint constraint, select
the curve anywhere other than at its
4 endpoints.
Horizontal Defines a line as horizontal.
Vertical Defines a line as vertical.
Parallel Defines two or more lines or ellipses as being

parallel to each other.
Perpendicular Defines two lines or ellipses as being
perpendicular to each other.
Tangent Defines two objects as being tangent to each
other.
Equal Length Defines two or more lines as having the same
length.
Equal Radius Defines two or more arcs as having the same
radius.
Constant Defines a line as having a constant length.
Length
Constant Defines a line as having a constant angle.
Angle
Mirror Curve Defines two objects as being mirror images of
each other.
Make Defines two objects as being symmetric with
Symmetric each other.
Sketching
Offset Curve The Offset Curve command offsets a chain of

curves, projected curves, or curves/edges in the
current assembly, and constrains the geometry
using an Offset constraint.

Sketching
Show All Constraints overview
Use the Show All Constraints command to show all geometric constraints
applied to the sketch.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch®Show All Constraints

(Sketch task environment)
Sketch Tools®Show All Constraints

Menu (Modeling)
Tools®Sketch Constraints®Show All Constraints
Tools®Constraints®Show All Constraints
Sketching
Show No Constraints overview
Use the Show No Constraints command to hide all geometric constraints

applied to the sketch.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch®Show No Constraints

Sketch Tools®Show No Constraints

Menu (Modeling)
Tools®Sketch Constraints®Show No Constraints
Tools®Constraints®Show No Constraints

Sketching
Show / Remove Constraints overview
Use the Show / Remove Constraints command to display the geometric

constraints that are associated with sketch geometry. Use Show / Remove
Constraints to:
• Remove specified constraints.
• List information about all geometric constraints.
• Interrogate and resolve over-constrained or conflicting conditions.
• Maintain design intent by checking for existing relationships to outside

features or objects.
4
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch®Show / Remove Constraints

Sketch Tools®Show / Remove Constraints

Menu (Modeling) Tools®Sketch Constraints®Show /
Remove Constraints
Tools®Constraints®Show / Remove Constraints
Sketching
Show / Remove Constraints dialog box

Options
List Constraints for Controls which constraints are listed in the Show Constraints
list window.
Selected Object - Lets you display constraints for the object
selected.
Selected Objects - Lets you display constraints for multiple
objects.
All in Active Sketch - Shows all of the constraints in the active
sketch. This is the default setting.
Constraint Type Lets you filter constraints by type.
Include or Exclude Determines whether the specified Constraint Type is the only 4
type displayed in the list box (Include, which is the default)
or the only type not displayed (Exclude).
Show Constraints Lets you control the display of constraints in the list window.
Options are:
Explicit - Displays all constraints created explicitly or
implicitly by the user, including all non-inferred coincident
constraints, but excluding all inferred coincident constraints
created by the system during curve creation.
Inferred - Displays all inferred coincident constraints that are
automatically created by the system during curve creation.
Both - Displays both Explicit and Inferred types of constraints.
Show Constraints list window - Lists the geometric
constraints of the selected sketch geometry. The list is subject
to the Explicit, Inferred or Both setting.
Remove Highlighted Lets you remove one or more constraints by selecting them in
the constraints list window and then choosing this option.
Remove Listed Removes all of the listed constraints displayed in the Show
Constraints list window.
Information Displays information about all geometric constraints in the
active sketch in the Information window. This option is useful
if you want to save or print out the constraint information.

Sketching
Activities: Sketch Constraints
In the Sketching section, do these activities:

• Add geometric constraints
4
• Solve an over-constrained sketch condition
Sketching
Dimensional Constraints overview

Use dimensional constraints, also called sketch dimensions, to establish the:
• Size of a sketch object.
• Relationship between two objects in a sketch.
• Relationship between two sketches.
• Relationship between a sketch and another feature.
Dimensional constraints display like drafting dimensions in that they

have dimension text, extension lines, and arrows. However, dimensional
constraints differ from drafting dimensions in that you can change the
dimension value. This lets you control a feature derived from a sketch. 4
Sketch dimensions also create an expression you can edit in the Expressions
dialog box.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch®Inferred Dimensions

( Sketch task environment)
Sketch Tools®Inferred Dimensions

Menu (Modeling) Insert®Sketch
Constraint®Dimension®Inferred Dimensions
Insert®Dimensions®Inferred Dimensions

Sketching
Sketch dimension types

Sketch Dimension types
Infers a dimension type, based on the cursor position
Inferred
and the object(s) selected.
Creates a distance constraint parallel to the XC axis
Horizontal
between two points.
Creates a distance constraint parallel to the YC axis
Vertical
between two points.
Parallel Creates a distance constraint between two points.
Creates a perpendicular distance constraint from a
Perpendicular
line to a point.
Diameter Creates a diameter constraint for an arc or circle.
4
Radius Creates a radius constraint for an arc or circle.
Angular Dimensions an angle.

Creates a dimensions for the collected length of
Perimeter
selected curves.
Sketching
Inferred Dimensions overview
Use the Inferred Dimensions command to create a dimensional constraint.

NX infers the dimension type based on the objects you select and the location
of the cursor.
4
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch®Inferred Dimensions

( Sketch task environment)
Sketch Tools®Inferred Dimensions

Menu (Modeling) Insert®Sketch
Constraint®Dimension®Inferred Dimensions
Insert®Dimensions®Inferred Dimensions

Sketching
Create Inferred Dimensions
1. Optional: Set your annotation preferences.
2. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Inferred Dimensions .
3. In the graphics window, select the sketch object(s) you want to dimension.
4. Drag the dimension preview and click to place it on the sketch.
5. Click Inferred Constraints or the middle mouse button to exit the

command.
Inferred Dimensions allow for the creation of many different kinds

4 of dimensions.
You can also create specific dimension types by selecting the dimension
type from the Inferred Dimensions list.
In the following example, you can dynamically edit the expression name
and value in the on-screen input box.
Sketching
Edit sketch dimensions
Use this procedure to edit a sketch dimension using the on-screen input box.
1. In the graphics window, double-click the dimension.
You can also right-click over a dimension and choose Edit Value.
2. Edit the name or value in the on-screen input box.
To edit a formula value, click Launch the formula editor .
3. Press Enter.
To use the Dimensions dialog box options, on the

4
Dimensions dialog bar, click Sketch Dimensions Dialog .
To edit the dimension position, drag the dimension.
In the following example you can edit either the name of the sketch
dimension, a constant value, or a formula.
The name and value of a dimension may also be edited by using the
Expressions dialog box. As dimensions are edited, the constraints are
evaluated and the geometry is modified.

Sketching
Dimensions dialog bar
When you select a dimension command from the Dimensions Drop-down
, the Dimensions dialog bar appears.
Dimensions Opens the Dimensions dialog box.
Create Reference Activate this option to create reference

Direction dimensions. NX remembers the setting during
4 the current session and applies it to subsequent
dimensions you create.
Create Alternate Activate this option when you want NX to
Angle calculate the maximum dimension between
sketch curves. The figure below shows the same
dimension with this option off (left) and on
(right):
Sketching
Dimensions dialog box
When Dimensions is selected from the Dimensions dialog bar, the

Dimensions dialog box opens.
1. Lets you specify commands for

creating inferred or explicit
dimensions.
2. Lists the names and values of all

dimensions in the current sketch.
3. Lets you delete the selected

dimension. 4
4. Lets you edit the name and value
of a selected dimension.
5. Lets you change the value of the

selected dimensional constraint by
dragging the slider.
6. Lets you specify how NX places

dimensions:
7. Maintains the text of dimensions

at a constant size when you zoom
a sketch in or out.

Sketching
Show Dimensions overview
Use the Show Dimensions command to display feature dimensions. To work

with feature dimensions in the graphics window you can:
1. Right-click a feature in the Part Navigator or in the graphics window and
choose Show Dimensions.
2. Double click a dimension to edit.
3. Use Refresh or press F5 to hide dimensions.
Any edits made to feature dimension will update immediately, including

any dimensions or sketch data that has a relationship to the edited
4 dimension.
Sketching
Convert To/From Reference overview

Use the Convert To/From Reference command to convert sketch curves from
active to reference, or dimensions from driving to reference.
Downstream commands do not use reference curves and reference dimensions
do not control sketch geometry.
By default NX displays reference curves in Phantom line font:
1. Active curves
2. Reference curve 4
3. Reference dimension
4. Driving dimensions
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch®Convert To/From Reference

Sketch Tools®Convert To/From Reference

Menu (Modeling) Tools®Sketch Constraints®Convert
To/From Reference
Tools®Constraints®Convert To/From Reference
Shortcut Menu Right-click a dimension ®Convert to Reference or
Convert to Driving
Right-click a curve ®Convert to Reference or Convert
to Active

Sketching
Activities: Create constraints

• Fully constrain a profile
• Constrain a u-shaped profile
Sketching
Projects: Simple Sketching

In the Projects section, there are three sketching projects.
Tier 1
Pulley - part 1
Tier 2
Flywheel - part 1
Tank - part 1
These are the beginning sketches for components that will make up the
compressor project.

Sketching
Summary: Sketching
This lesson introduced the concept of creating a sketch.
Sketches may be used to define a base feature, guide paths, and additional
associative features to the base feature.
A sketch parametrically controls curves.
Constraints are applied to sketch objects in order to capture the design intent.
In this lesson you:
• Created sketches directly in Modeling, on solid faces, and a Datum CSYS.
• Manipulated the visibility of sketches using the Show/Hide commands

from the Part Navigator.
4
• Created and edited curves in a sketch.
• Created inferred and explicit geometric constraints.
• Created and edited dimensional constraints.
Lesson
5 Expressions
Purpose
This lesson introduces expressions which define characteristics of features.
Objectives
• Create expressions.
• Edit expressions.
5

Expressions
Expressions overview
Expressions are arithmetic or conditional formulas that define the
characteristics of features.
Software expressions are automatically created when you:
• Create a feature.
• Dimension a sketch.
• Position a feature.
• Constrain an assembly.
All expressions have a unique name and a formula that can contain a
combination of variables, functions, numbers, operators, and symbols.
Expression names are variables that you can insert in the formula strings
of other expressions. This can be used to break up lengthy formulas and to
define relationships that can be used in place of numbers.
5
Where do I find it?
Menu Tools→Expression
Shortcut menu Right-click an expression in the Part Navigator, either
in the Main panel or Details panel, and choose Edit in
Expression Editor
From supported Modeling dialogs, click parameter
entry options and choose Formula.
Expressions
Expression examples
Here are some examples of expressions, their formulas and their resulting
values:
Expression Name Formula Value

length 5*width 20
p39 (Extrude(6) End Limit) p1+p2*(2+p8*sin(p3)) 18.849555921
p26 (Simple Hole(9) Tip Angle) 118 118
Expressions case sensitivity
Expression names are not case sensitive, with the following exceptions:
• Expression names are case sensitive if their dimensionality is set to
Constant.
• Expression names are case sensitive if they were created before NX 3.
When expression names are case sensitive, the name must be spelled exactly
when used in other expressions. 5

Expressions
Expressions dialog box

(1) Listed Choose from User Defined, Named, Filter by
Expressions Name, Filter by Value, Filter by Formula,
Filter by Type, Unused Expressions, Object
Parameters, Measurements, and All
(2) Expression Columns for Name (followed by usage in the
list part), Formula, Value, Units, Type, Comment,
and Checks
(3) Accept Edit
(4) Reject Edit
(5) Less Options
Expressions
Creating expressions
• Software generated expressions are created for you automatically when

you create features and dimension sketches. They have the format p#,
where # represents a series of whole numbers.
• Enter user defined expressions in an on-screen input box as the name and
formula, separated by the equal symbol, for example Rad=5.00.
• In the Expressions dialog box, enter an expression name in the Name box
and the corresponding formula in the Formula box.
After you type the name of the expression, you may press the Tab, equal
sign, or Enter key to advance the cursor to the Formula box, or just
click in the Formula box.
Create a numerical expression

1. Choose Tools→Expression.
2. In the Name box, type the name of the expression and press Enter. 5
3. (Optional) Change the default values in the Dimensionality and Units
lists.
4. In the Formula box, type the formula for the expression and press Enter.
5. Click Apply or OK to save expression changes.

Expressions
Edit an expression
2. Select an expression to modify from the list.
3. Modify the Name, Formula, Dimensionality, or Units of the expression.

For software generated expressions, Dimensionality and Units are
not available for editing.
4. Press Enter or Accept Edit .
5. Click Apply or OK to save the expression.
When you edit the name of an expression, NX automatically updates

the formula of any expression that references it.
Expressions
Listing expressions associated with features

If Listed Expressions is set to All, all of the expressions in the part are listed.
If Listed Expressions is set to Object Parameters, and a feature is selected,
only the expressions associated with the selected feature are listed.
If an expression defines a feature, the feature name is listed with it. For
example, p8 (Simple Hole(5) Diameter)
You can list all of the expressions associated with a feature in an Information
window:
• Choose Information→Feature and select the feature.
• Over a feature node in the Part Navigator, choose Information from the
shortcut menu.
List Referencers
The List Referencers command shows you if an expression is referenced in

another expression and what feature(s) use the expression.
5
Over a listed expression, from the shortcut menu, choose List Referencers.

Expressions
Insert Name
The Insert Name option places the name of a selected expression into a
formula you are editing.
Over a listed expression, from the shortcut menu, choose Insert Name.
Bold type on an option in the shortcut menu for an object, Insert Name
for an expression name, for example, means that the option in bold type
is preformed when you double-click the object.
When you are editing a formula, you can double-click a listed expression
to insert its name.
5
Parameter entry options
Access the Expressions dialog box as you create features by choosing
Formula from the parameter entry option menu.
You can specify a formula for the expression referenced by a feature
parameter.
Parameter entry options are available with most text input boxes.
Expressions
Expression options
Expression options that might be useful to you include:
Insert a math or engineering function
Functions
into your expression.
Measure the minimum distance between
Measure Distance
any two NX objects.
Remove a selected user-defined
Delete
expression.
You cannot delete an expression that is in use by a feature, sketch, assembly

constraint, etc.
Other options that appear in the Expressions dialog box are described
in the online Help, or in the course Intermediate NX Design and
Assemblies.

Expressions
Activities: Expressions
In the Expressions section, do the activity:
• Create and edit expressions
• User created expressions
Expressions
Summary: Expressions
Expressions are algebraic or arithmetic formulas that define the
characteristics of features.
In this lesson you:
• Created expressions.
• Edited expressions.

5
Lesson
6 Datum features
Purpose
This lesson introduces the datum plane, datum axis, and datum CSYS
reference features.
Objectives
• Create a datum plane.
• Create a datum axis.
• Use datum features to position other features.
• Create a datum CSYS.

6

Datum features
Datum Plane overview

Use the Datum Plane command to create a planar reference feature to help
define other features, such as swept bodies and features at angles to the
faces of target solids.
Datum planes can be relative or fixed.

Relative datum planes
Relative datum planes reference curves, faces, edges, points, and other
datums. You can create relative datum planes across multiple bodies.
6
Fixed datum planes
Fixed datum planes do not reference other geometry. Use any of the
relative datum plane methods to create fixed datum planes by clearing
the Associative box in the Datum Plane dialog box.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature®Datum/Point Drop-down®Datum Plane

Menu Insert®Datum/Point®Datum Plane
Shortcut menu Right-click a planar face®Datum Plane
Datum features
Datum plane types
Select a plane type from the Type option list.

You can right-click the sizing handles, direction arrows, and points to
choose many of the following options.
When you edit a datum plane, you can change its type, defining objects,
and associative status.
Inferred Determine the best plane type to use based on objects

you select.
At Angle Create a datum plane using a specified angle.
At Distance Create a datum plane parallel to a planar face or another
datum plane at a distance you specify.
Bisector Create a datum mid way between two selected planar
faces or datum planes using the bisected angle.
Tangent Create a datum plane tangent to a non-planar surface,
and optionally a second selected object.
Datum plane options
Alternate Cycle through the possible different solutions for the 6

Solution plane, when an alternate solution to the previewed datum
plane is available.
Reverse Reverse the direction of the plane normal.

Plane Normal
Associative Clear this check box to create a fixed datum plane. If you
later edit a non-associative datum plane, it appears in
the Type list as Fixed.

Datum features
Applications for datum planes
• To define a sketch plane.
• To serve as the planar placement face for the creation of features with
predefined shapes.
• As a target edge for positioning features such as holes.
• For the mirror plane when using the Mirror Body and Mirror Featue
commands.
• To define the start or end limits when creating extruded and revolved
features.
• To trim a body.
• To define positioning constraints in assemblies.
• To help define a relative datum axis.
Datum features
Create a datum plane using offset

This example shows how to create a datum plane that is offset from an
inferred plane using two lines.
Step 1
Click Datum Plane
From the Type list, select

Step 2
Inferred .
Select the first linear edge to

Step 3
define the plane.

Datum features
Select the second linear edge

Step 4
to define the plane.
In the Offset group, select the

Offset check box.
Step 5
Verify the direction of the
desired offset.
6
Drag the direction arrow the
desired value of the offset, or
Step 6
enter it in the offset Distance
box.
Datum features
Click OK.
If autocomplete is available,
Step 7 you can choose another
command without clicking
OK.

Datum features
Create a datum plane midway between planar faces

The following example shows how to create a datum plane that bisects the
angle formed by two planar faces.
Step 1
Click Datum Plane

Step 2
Bisector .
Step 3 Select the front planar face.
Click the middle mouse button

Step 4
to advance to the next step.
Step 5 Select the top planar face.
Datum features
(Optional) In the Plane

Orientation group, click
Alternate Solution to get
Step 6 a different solution to the
selections made.
In this example, Alternate
Solution was clicked once.
Click OK.
OK.

Datum features
Create a datum plane at an angle

The following example shows how to create a datum plane at an angle of
115 degrees from a reference plane.
Step 1
Click Datum Plane
From the Type list, select At

Step 2
Angle .
Step 3 Select the front angled face.
6
Select the top right linear edge
Step 4
of the part.
From the Angle Option list,

Step 5
select Value.
Datum features
Drag the angle handle until

Step 6
the value shows 115 degrees.
Click OK.
If auto-complete is available,
OK.

Datum features
Create a datum plane through three points

The following example shows how to create a datum plane that contains
three specified points.
Step 1
Click Datum Plane

Curves and Points.
Step 2 In the Curves and Points

Subtype group, from the
Subtype list, select Three
Points.
This example will use two arc

centers and one end point.
Step 3 Specify the first point.
Select the arc center in the top
face.
Specify the second point.

Step 4 Select the arc center on the
bottom inside face.
Specify the third point.

Step 5 Select an End Point on the
bottom surface.
Datum features
Click OK.
OK.

Datum features
Activities: Datum features — Relative

In the Datum features section, do the activity:
• Create relative datum planes
Datum features
Datum Axis overview

Use the Datum Axis command to define linear reference objects to help you
create other objects, such as datum planes, revolved features, extruded
features, and circular arrays.
Datum axes can be relative or fixed.

Relative datum axes
Relative datum axes reference curves, faces, edges, points, and other
datums. You can create relative datum axes across multiple bodies.
6
Fixed datum axes
Fixed datum axes do not reference other geometry. Use any of the relative
datum axis methods to create fixed datum axes by clearing the Associative
box in the Datum Axis dialog box.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature®Datum/Point Drop-down®Datum Axis

Menu Insert®Datum/Point®Datum Axis
Graphics window Right-click an object and choose Datum Axis

Datum features
Datum axis types

Select an axis type from the Type option list.
When you edit a datum axis, you can change its type, defining objects, and
associative status.
Inferred — Determines the best datum axis type to use based on

objects you select.
XC–Axis — Creates a fixed datum axis on the XC-axis of the Work

Coordinate System (WCS).
YC–Axis — Creates a fixed datum axis on the YC-axis of the WCS.
ZC–Axis — Creates a fixed datum axis on the ZC-axis of the WCS.
Point and Direction — Creates a datum axis from a specified point

in a specified direction.
Two Points — Creates a datum axis by defining two points through

which the axis passes.
6 On Curve Vector — Creates a datum axis tangent, normal, or

binormal to a point on a curve or edge, or perpendicular or parallel to
another object.
Intersection — Creates a datum axis at the intersection of two

planar faces, datum planes, or planes.
Curve/Face Axis — Creates a datum axis on a linear curve or edge,

or the axis of a cylindrical or conical face or torus.
Fixed — Available only when editing a datum axis.

Any datum axis created using the YC-Axis, XC-Axis, or ZC-Axis, or any
of the other relative types used with the Associative check box cleared,
appear as the Fixed type during an edit.
Datum axis options
Reverse Cycle through the possible directions for the axis normal.
Direction
Datum features
Associative Clear this check box to create a fixed datum axis. 1
Applications for datum axes
• Define an axis of rotation for revolved features.
• Define an axis of rotation for circular arrays.
• Define a relative datum plane.
• Provide a directional reference.
• Use as a target for feature positioning dimensions.
1. In the Part Navigator, an associative datum plane has the name Datum Axis, while a non-associative datum plane has the name
Fixed Datum Axis.

Datum features
Create a datum axis through two points
1. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Datum Axis or choose

Insert→Datum/Point→Datum Axis.
2. In the Type group, click Two Points .
3. Set the snap point options as desired.
4. Select two different point locations.
5. Click OK.
Datum features
Create datum axis at an intersection
1. Click Datum Axis .
2. In the Type group, expand the list and select Intersection.
3. Select the planar faces, datum planes, or planes.
4. Click OK.

Datum features
Create a datum axis on a curve or face axis
1. Click Datum Axis .
2. In the Type group, from the option list, select Curve/Face Axis.
3. Select the linear curve or edge, or the axis of a cylindrical or conical face
or torus.
4. Click OK.
Datum features
Datum CSYS overview

Use Datum CSYS to quickly create a coordinate system consisting of a set of
reference objects. You can use the reference objects to associatively define the
position and orientation of other features.
An existing datum CSYS at the absolute coordinate system origin is included
in many of the default part templates.
A datum CSYS consists of the following reference objects:

• A coordinate system
• An origin point
• Three datum planes
• Three datum axes
You can create a datum CSYS:

• At a fixed location relative to the work or absolute coordinate systems.
6
• Associated to existing geometry.
• Offset from an existing datum CSYS.
Uses for reference objects in a datum CSYS

• Define placement faces, constraints, and position of sketches and features.
• Define vector directions for features.
• Define critical product locations in model space and control them with
translation and rotation parameters.
• Define constraints to position parts in an assembly.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar Feature®Datum/Point Drop-down®Datum CSYS

Menu Insert→Datum/Point→Datum CSYS

Datum features
Activities: Datum features — cylindrical faces and other datums

In the Datum features section, do the activities:
• Create datums on cylindrical faces
• Create an offset datum CSYS
Datum features
Summary: Datum features

Datums are reference features that you use to help construct other features
and sketches in locations and orientations where planar placement faces
do not exist.
In this lesson you:
• Created associative datum planes and datum axes.
• Used datum features to help position other features.
• Edited datum planes to see how associative features are affected.
• Created an associative datum CSYS.

6
Lesson
7 Swept features
Purpose
This lesson introduces swept features that use a section string to define
a solid or sheet body.
Objectives
• Create an Extrude feature.
• Create a Revolve feature.
• Create a Sweep Along Guide feature.
• Combine bodies using a Boolean operation.

Swept features
Types of swept features

You create swept features by extruding, revolving, or sweeping a section
string. The section string may be composed of explicit curves, sketch curves,
edges, or faces.
Extrude – Sweep a section string (1) in a linear direction for a specified
distance.
Revolve – Rotate a section string (1) around a specified axis (2).
Sweep Along Guide – Sweep a section string (1) along a guide string (2).
Swept bodies are associative with both the section string and the guide string.
7
Swept features
Internal and external sketches

Sketches that you create from within NX commands like Variational Sweep,
Extrude, or Revolve are internal sketches. The owning feature manages
access to, and the display of, internal sketches. Use internal sketches when
you want to associate the sketch with only one feature.
The sketch is only made visible when the owning feature, in this case
a Revolved feature, is activated.
Sketches that you create independently using the Sketch command are
external sketches, and are visible and accessible from anywhere within a
part. Use an external sketch to keep the sketch visible and to use it in more
than one feature or as reference for other sketches.
Differences between internal and external sketches

• Internal sketches are visible in the graphics window only when you edit
7
the owning feature.
• You cannot open an internal sketch directly from the Sketch task
environment unless you first make the sketch an external feature.
• You can view external sketches in the graphics window and open them for
editing without first opening the owning feature.

Swept features
Internal and external sketch status change
Use this procedure to change the status of a sketch from internal to external
and vise versa.
To change the status of a sketch from the Part Navigator.
• Right-click the owning feature and choose Make Sketch External.
• Right-click the owning feature and choose Make Sketch Internal.
The sketch is placed before its former owner in timestamp order.

In the following navigator view, the external sketch is the fourth
feature in the list, SKETCH_VS, and the owning feature, Variational
Sweep, is fifth.
To reverse this operation, right-click the owning feature and choose Make
Sketch Internal.
When you internalize the sketch, it no longer appears in the Part Navigator.
Note that the Variational Sweep is now the fourth feature.
Swept features
Extrude overview
Use the Extrude command to create a solid or sheet body by selecting a
section of curves, edges, faces, sketches, or curve features and extending
them a linear distance.
The following example shows how Extrude can form a solid body from a
section of curves.
You can:
• Size an extrude feature by dragging distance handles or specifying
distance values.
• Unite, subtract or intersect an extrude feature with existing bodies.
• Produce multiple sheet or solid bodies with a single extrude feature.
• Trim an extrude feature using faces, datum planes or solid bodies. 7

• Add drafts to an extrude feature.
• Add offsets to an extrude feature, measured from its base section.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature®Extrude
Menu Insert®Design Feature®Extrude
Shortcut menu Right-click sketch®Extrude

Swept features
Extrude start and end distances
To specify the start and end distances of an extrude feature:

• Use drag handles (1).
• Specify values in on-screen input boxes (2).
• Specify values in dialog boxes (3).
Swept features
Create a simple extruded feature
1. Click Extrude
2. Select a sketch, curves, or edges for the section.

Selection Intent is available.
The default direction of the extrude is normal to the plane of the section.
3. Specify Start and End limits by using the drag handles in the graphics
window or typing distance values.
4. Select a Boolean type.

To create a new solid body, select None.
To combine the feature with an existing solid body, select one of the other
Boolean types.
5. Click Apply or OK to create the extrude feature.

Swept features
Combining bodies using Boolean commands

Use Boolean commands to combine solid bodies or sheet bodies.
• Unite – Combines the volume of two or more solid bodies into a

single body.
The target and tools must overlap or share faces so that the result is a
valid solid body.
• Subtract – Removes the volume or area of one or more tool bodies

from a target body.
The target and tools can be solid bodies or sheet bodies.
• Intersect – Creates a body containing the shared volume or area

between a target body and one or more tool bodies.
You can intersect solids with solids, sheets with sheets, and sheets with
solids. If you intersect a sheet and a solid, the sheet body must be the
target.
Target and tool

When you use a Boolean command, you identify a target body and one or
more tool bodies.
• The target body is modified by the tool bodies.
• You can save unmodified copies of the target and tool bodies.
7
Where do I find it?
Feature®Combine Drop-down list®Unite
Toolbar /Subtract /Intersect

Menu Insert®Combine®Unite/Subtract/Intersect
Location in dialog Boolean group in some dialog boxes to combine features
box with an existing body as you create them.
Swept features
Extrude – Inferred Boolean
The Extrude command automatically infers the Boolean operation that you
may want to apply. Inferred is the default Boolean option.
• The inferred Boolean operation is based on the extrude direction and
section normal. The tool body must touch or intersect the target body
for a Boolean to be inferred.
Case 1
Direction is away from target; most
logical inferred Boolean is Unite.
Inferred Boolean = Unite
Status Line: Boolean will be a
Unite
Case 2
Direction is into target; most logical
inferred Boolean is Subtract.
Inferred Boolean = Subtract
Status Line: Boolean will be a
Subtract
Case 3
7
No possible Boolean; none inferred.
Inferred Boolean = none
Status Line: No Boolean will be
performed

Swept features
• The Inferred option is available in the Boolean group of the Extrude

dialog box and is the default.
– If the inferred Boolean operation is not suitable, you must directly
select a feasible Boolean operation.
– After you specify a Boolean type, that type becomes the default
Boolean operation the next time you use Extrude.
– When an Extrude feature is edited, the actual Boolean used (even if

inferred) will appear in the Extrude dialog box instead of Inferred.
• When possible, the Extrude command will also infer a target body. You
can change this inferred target by selecting a different target.
Swept features
Body type
You can use the Extrude and Revolve commands to create a solid body (1) or
a sheet body (2).
You create a solid body when you specify:

• a closed section with the Body Type option set to Solid.
• an open section with an offset.
• an open section and revolve a total angle of 360°.
You create a sheet body when you specify:

• a closed section with the Body Type option set to Sheet.
• an open section with no offset. For revolve, the total angle must be less
than 360°.

Swept features
Revolve overview
Use this command to create a round or partially round feature by rotating
section curves around an axis.
The following graphic shows a section rotated around an axis from
0 to 180 degrees.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature®Revolve
Menu Insert®Design Feature®Revolve
Shortcut menu Right-click sketch®Revolve
7
Swept features
Revolve start and end angles
To specify the start and end angles of an revolve feature:

• Use drag handles (1).
• Specify values in on-screen input boxes (2).
• Specify values in dialog boxes (3).
Specifying vectors using the OrientXpress tool
Use the OrientXpress tool to quickly identify a principle axis. 7
The tool works in conjunction with NX commands that require an orientation

input. It will appear when you specify a vector for a revolve axis or an extrude
direction. You can select an axis on the tool to specify a vector.
You can move the tool by clicking one of the arrowheads and dragging it
to a new location.

Swept features
Create a simple revolved feature
1. Click Revolve .
2. Select a sketch, curves, or edges for the section.

3. Click the middle mouse button or click Specify Vector in the Axis group
in the dialog box.
4. Specify a rotation axis through one of the following:

• In the graphics window, select a curve, edge, relative datum axis or
plane about which to rotate the section.
• Define a rotation axis using vector methods or the Vector Constructor

in the Axis group in the dialog box. If the vector you specify does not
have an implied point, you may need to define one using Specify Point
or the Point Constructor.
5. Specify Start and End limits by using the drag handles in the graphics
window or typing angle values.

Boolean types.
7 7. Click Apply or OK to create the feature.
Swept features
Sweep along Guide overview

Use the Sweep along Guide command to create a body by sweeping one
section along one guide. You can:
• Select a section and a guide consisting of connected sketches, curves,
or edges.
• Select a guide that contains sharp corners.
• Create a solid body or a sheet body.
If you want to select multiple sections, multiple guides, or control the

interpolation, scale, and orientation of the sweep, use the Swept command.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Surface®Sweep Drop-down®Sweep along Guide 7

Menu Insert®Sweep®Sweep along Guide

Swept features
Create a simple sweep along guide feature
1. Click Sweep along Guide .
2. Select section curves or edges.

3. Click the middle mouse button or click Select Curve in the Guide group in
the dialog box.
4. Select guide curves or edges.


Boolean types.
6. Click Apply or OK to create the feature.
Swept features
Activities: Swept features

In the Swept features and Boolean operations section, do the activities:
• Make sketches internal and external to features
• Extrude a sketch
• Revolve a sketch
7
• Sweep along an open guide

Swept features
• Sweep along a closed guide
Swept features
Projects: Simple Sweeps

In the Projects section, there are five swept feature projects.
Tier 1
Pulley - part 2
Belt
Tier 2
Handle - part 1
Flywheel - part 2

Swept features
Tank - part 2
These are the beginning model features for components of the compressor.
Swept features
Summary: Swept features

Use swept features to define solid or sheet bodies using a section. A section
can be a sketch, or a collection of curves and face edges.
In this lesson you:
• Extruded a sketch.
• Revolved a sketch.
• Combined bodies using a Boolean operation.
• Swept sections along open and closed guide strings.

7
Lesson
8 Part structure
Purpose
This lesson introduces tools to examine features, model construction, and
physical properties.
Objectives
• Use the Part Navigator as a tool to understand a model’s structure.
• Replay model construction.
• Create groups of features.
• Suppress and unsuppress features.
• Measure the distance between objects.
• Assign a material and calculate mass properties.

Part structure
Part Navigator overview

The Part Navigator displays various aspects of your part in a detailed,
graphical tree.
You can use the Part Navigator to:
• Update and understand the part’s basic structure.
• Select and edit the parameters of items in the tree.
• Arrange how the part is organized.
• Display features, model views, drawings, user expressions, reference sets,

and unused items in the tree.
Where do I find it?
Resource bar Part Navigator tab

Menu Tools®Part Navigator
Part structure
Main panel
Use the main panel to see an overall graphical representation of your part’s
structure, to edit the parameters of items, or to rearrange the feature history.
• Double-click nodes to edit the corresponding feature.
• Select features by their nodes during dialog box interactions.
• Right-click nodes for shortcut options.
• Select or clear green check boxes to control the suppression status of

features.
• Select or clear red check boxes to control the visibility of bodies.

Part structure
Check boxes in the Part Navigator
Red check box

• Indicates the current Show/Hide status.
– Select the red check box of an item to show it.
– Clear the red check box to hide an item and its children.
• Not available when Timestamp Order is active.
Part structure
Green check box

• Only features have a green check box.
• The green check box enables, or disables suppression.

– Select the green check box to unsuppress the feature.
– Clear the green check box to suppress the feature.
Color coding and parent/child relationships in Part Navigator
The different text colors for objects displayed in the Part Navigator indicate
both their parent/child relationships and their Show/Hide status.
Color Object relationship
Red Parent
Blue Child
Gray Hidden 8

Part structure
Dependencies panel
Use the Dependencies panel to view the parent-child relationships of the

feature geometry selected in the main panel.
Details panel
Use the Details panel to view, and in some cases edit, the parameters
belonging to the feature selected in the main panel.
Part structure
Preview panel
Use the Preview panel to see preview images of selected items in the main
panel.
The selected item must be one that has an available preview object,
such as a saved model view or drawing view.

Part structure
Timestamp order
You can view the features in your work part in a timestamp order or by
dependencies. The timestamp order is turned on by default.
When the timestamp order is turned on:
• All features in the work part appear in a history list of nodes in the order
of their creation timestamp.
• You cannot expand or collapse feature nodes.
• You cannot view all node types.

Part Navigator
Name
Model History
Datum Coordinate System (0)
Sketch (1) “PROFILE” (1)
Extrude (2)
Extrude (3)
Unite (4)
Revolve (5)
Datum Plane (6)
The timestamp order view is not available in the History-free mode.
Part structure
When the timestamp order is turned off:

• All bodies in the work part, along with their features and operations, are
shown in the main panel.
• You can expand or collapse feature nodes.

Part Navigator
Name
Unused Items
Datum Plane (6)
Reference Sets
Model
Sheet Body “Revolve (5)”
Revolve (5)
Solid Body “Extrude (2)”
Unite (4)
Solid Body “Extrude (3)”
Extrude (2)
Sketch (1) “PROFILE”

Part structure
Switch between timestamp order view and design view
You can switch between the timestamp order view and the design view of the
main panel of the Part Navigator .
To enable the timestamp order view, do one of the following:
• Choose Tools®Part Navigator®Timestamp Order.
• Right-click in the background of the Part Navigator or in the title bar, and
select the Timestamp Order check box.
Part structure
To enable the design view, do one of the following:

• Choose Tools®Part Navigator and turn off Timestamp Order.
• Right-click in the background of the Part Navigator or in the title bar and
clear theTimestamp Order check box.

Part structure
Part Navigator shortcut menu

Right-click a feature node in the Part Navigator to display a feature specific
shortcut menu.
The options available depend on the type of feature you select.
Many options require the Modeling application to be active.
• Display Dimensions — Display the feature’s parameter values until you

refresh the display.
• Show Parents and Hide Parents — Display or hide parent curves,

sketches, or datums.
• Make Current Feature — Insert new features immediately after the

current feature.
• Select Whole Branch — Select the feature and all nodes with earlier
timestamps.
• Filter — Simplify the display tree by hiding features by type or timestamp

order.
To turn off a filter, place the cursor in the Part Navigator away from
a feature node, right-click and choose Apply Filter from the shortcut
menu to make it inactive.
• Edit Parameters — Edit the feature’s parameters, the same as

Edit→Feature→Edit Parameters.
• Edit with Rollback — Roll the model back to its state just before the
feature was created, and then open the feature’s creation dialog box.
Edit with Rollback is shown in bold type in the shortcut menu.
In any shortcut menu, the option in bold type is the default
double-click action.
8
• Suppress and Unsuppress — Temporarily remove and restore a feature
display from the part history.
A suppressed feature still affects some editing operations.
• Reorder Before and Reorder After — Change the timestamp of features.

Creation order is important to permit use of a feature as a parent, and
in the Replace Feature command.
You can also drag nodes to valid locations.
Part structure
• Group — Group features into a special collection called a Feature Set.
• Replace — Replace a feature’s definition by another feature.
• Make Sketch Internal and Make Sketch External — Internalize or

externalize a sketch that is a parent of the selected feature.
• Edit Sketch — Edit the parent sketch of the selected feature. This option
appears only when the feature has a parent sketch.
• Copy — Place a copy of a feature on a clipboard.
• Delete — Delete the selected feature, the same as Edit→Delete.
• Hide Body and Show — Hide or show the body containing the selected
feature.
• Rename — Append a user-defined name to the feature.
• Object Dependency Browser — Explore the parent and child

relationships of features.
• Information — Display information about the selected feature in the

Information window.
• Properties — Open the properties dialog box for the selected feature.
General properties include the feature name.
Attributes you assign appear in a column of the Part Navigator. See the
online Help for details.

Part structure
Feature Replay overview

Use Feature Replay to review how features were used to construct a model.
You can:
• Manually step through the features of a model using the commands on
the Feature Replay toolbar or Tools®Update menu.
• Play, pause, and select a starting feature for an uninterrupted replay of

the model using the Automatic Feature Replay command.
• Set a time-interval for each step in an automatic replay.
• Review features for problems during a feature replay, and fix them if
necessary. The feature on which you stop the replay automatically
becomes the current feature.
Feature Replay is not a feature validation tool. Use the Playback

command on the Edit®Feature menu for feature validation and
correction.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature Replay

A feature must appear in the Part Navigator in order to
Prerequisite step to it with Feature Replay.
Tools®Update®
Make First Feature Current

Make Previous Feature Current
Make Next Feature Current
Make Last Feature Current
Make Next Boolean Current
Menu Automatic Feature Replay
8
Part structure
Reorder feature overview

Use the Reorder Feature command to change the order in which a feature
is applied to a body. The desired feature can be reordered before or after
a selected reference feature.
As you create features, a time stamp is assigned to each one. When you
modify a body, the update follows the order of the feature time stamps.
In this example, the interior topology of a part is modified by moving the
shell feature up in the history tree.
Where do I find it?
8
Toolbar Edit Feature→Reorder Feature
Menu Edit→Feature→Reorder
Right-click a feature node in the Part
Navigator®Reorder.
Shortcut menu In the Part Navigator, drag and drop feature nodes.

Part structure
Reorder an object in the Part Navigator
To change an objects timestamp order, use this procedure to reorder an object

in the Part Navigator
1. In the Part Navigator, right-click the column heading and select
Timestamp Order.
2. Drag the object to reorder it to the timestamp you require.
If you attempt to create a circular relationship or position an object at

an invalid timestamp, your edit will be rejected.
Part structure
Feature and object information

The Information menu offers a number of options to obtain information
about the model.
Information→Feature
• Opens the Feature Browser dialog box where you can identify parent/child
relationships between a selected feature and the other features in the
model.
• When the Display Dimensions check box is selected, expressions that

control the feature are displayed in the graphics window.
• Click OK or Apply to display the Information window with the geometric

data and associated expressions.
Feature information may also be accessed by selecting the feature
in the Part Navigator and choosing Information from the shortcut
menu, or by selecting the feature in the graphics window and
choosing Properties from the shortcut menu.
Information→Object
• Displays information about selected objects such as name, layer, color,

object type, and geometric properties (length, diameter, start and end
coordinates, etc.) in an Information window.
• Any type of geometric object may be selected including curves, edges,

faces, and bodies.
Information→Expression→List All
• Lists all expressions in the part in the Information window.

8
• From the Information window, you can print the listing or save it as a
text file.
Information→Expression→List All by Reference
• Identifies expressions that reference other expressions and the features

that they define.
• You can use the Edit→Find option on the Information window menu bar
to search for a specific expression.

Part structure
Referenced expressions
If an expression defines a feature directly, the feature name is listed with it in
the Expressions dialog box.
Any expression can be referenced by the formula of other expressions.
You can identify all referencing expressions by using List References in the
shortcut menu.
List referenced expressions
2. If necessary, change the Listed Expressions filter to list the expression.
3. Right-click the expression and choose List References.

8 An Information window lists the features and other expressions that
reference the selected expression.
Part structure
Measure Distance overview

Use the Measure Distance command to obtain the distance between any two
objects such as points, curves, planes, bodies, edges, faces, or components.
To specify units for distance measurements, choose Analysis→Units.
Where do I find it?
Application Gateway
Toolbar Utility→Measure Distance

Menu Analysis→Measure Distance

Part structure
Find the minimum distance between two objects
1. On the Utility toolbar, click Measure Distance or choose

Analysis→Measure Distance.
2. In the Measure Distance dialog box, from the Type list, select Distance.
3. In the Measurement group, from the Distance list, select Minimum.
4. Select the first point or object.
5. Select the second point or object.

A temporary ruler and measurement result are displayed in the graphics
window.
In the Results Display group, select the Show Information Window
check box to display result details in the Information window.
Part structure
Measure Bodies overview

Use the Measure Bodies command to calculate the volume, mass, surface
area, radius of gyration, weight, and centroid of selected bodies.
To specify units for body measurements, choose Analysis→Units.
There are two ways to assign a density to a solid body.

• Choose Tools→Material Properties and assign a material.
• Choose Edit→Feature→Solid Density.

The default density is specified in Modeling Preferences.
Where do I find it?
Application Gateway
Active Mockup®Analysis Drop-down list®Measure
Toolbar Bodies
Menu Analysis→Measure Bodies
8

Part structure
Assign a material to a solid body
1. Choose Tools→Material Properties.

The materials in the NX Material Library are listed by default. You may
create additional custom materials.
2. In the graphics window, select the solid body.
3. If the material is not listed in the Assign Material dialog box, expand the
Filters list and search for the material by name, category, or type.
4. In the Materials dialog box, select a material from the Materials list.
5. Click OK.
Part structure
Delayed updates
As you add features to your model, it may take noticeably longer to update.
You can delay updates until after edits are made.
From the main menu, choose Tools→Update→Delayed after Edit, or, on the
Edit Feature toolbar, click .

• If Delayed Update after Edit is inactive, the part is updated after the
completion of each edit operation. This is the default setting.
• If Delayed Update after Edit is active, feature updates are delayed while
edits are made.
When Delayed Update after Edit is active and edits are made, Update Model
is available.
Choose Tools→Update→Update Model, or, on the Edit Feature toolbar, click
.
The model is updated automatically when the part is saved.

Part structure
Activities: Part structure

In the Part structure section, do the activity:
• Reorder Features
• Examine part structure
Part structure
Summary: Part structure

In this lesson, you examined features, expressions, design intent, and
properties of a model. These skills are important to review models created by
other users.
In this lesson you:
• Accessed the Part Navigator.
• Identified expressions.
• Reviewed the model construction using Feature Replay, Suppress, and

Unsuppress.
• Measured a distance.
• Calculated mass properties.

8
Lesson
9 Using sketches
Purpose
This lesson explains additional sketch editing methods.
Objectives
• Edit sketches directly in Modeling and in the Sketch task environment.
• Determine an alternate solution
• Attach and Reattach a sketch
• Mirror sketch curves
• Make sketch curves symmetric.

Using sketches
Edit sketches with drag

You can use drag to edit the location and shape of your sketch. You can drag
unconstrained sketch curves or points in unconstrained directions.
You can also use the Dimensions dialog box to edit a dimension by using
the value slider.
Techniques for editing sketch curves with drag.
• There is no dialog box for this command. You can just drag selected
objects in the graphics window.
• You can drag sketch curves that are partially constrained or

unconstrained.
• You can drag fully constrained sketches if they have not yet been
positioned.
When you drag constrained curves they are scaled as necessary to
preserve the constraints.
• You can apply Inferred constraints if you drag the free end of a line.
In the following example, L5 (1) is being dragged while L4 and L6

(2) stretch. L5 is constrained so it maintains its angular and length
relationship.
Using sketches
Drag to assist sketch constraints
You can drag curves to approximate the correct location before you constrain
them.
This is useful when constraining curves at their original location distorts the
sketch, making it difficult to continue.
The following example shows the distortion that can be caused when
you attempt to drag objects with too many applied constraints.
The following example shows the result of dragging an entire

unconstrained profile from one quadrant to another.

Using sketches
Copy, move, and edit sketch objects
To Do This
Drag the curves, points, or
Move curves, points, or dimensions
dimensions
Move curves or points vertically or Press Shift and drag the curves or
horizontally points
Press Ctrl and drag the curves or
Copy curves or points
points
Copy curves or points vertically or Press Ctrl+Shift and drag the curves
horizontally or points
Edit objects Double–click the objects
Choose a command Right–click the objects
If you are in another command that requires a selection, you must exit
the command before you perform these actions. To exit a command,
press Esc.
Using sketches
Create Inferred Constraints

Use the Create Inferred Constraints command to enable inferred constraints
during curve construction.
By default this option is turned on and creates the constraints defined in
the Inferred Constraints dialog box.
If you disable Inferred Constraints, you can take advantage of the constraints
as you work, but the actual constraints are not stored in your file.
In the following example, the Create Inferred Constraints button is turned off.
The tangent and horizontal constraints are available during curve creation (1
and 2). But the constraints are deleted when the profile is completed.
When you preview a constraint, click the middle mouse button to lock the
constraint and prevent the sketch curve from moving in any other direction.
To temporarily disable , hold the Create Inferred Constraints Alt key.
The settings for each sketch is saved in the part file.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch®Create Inferred Constraints

Sketch Tools®Create Inferred Constraints

Menu (Modeling)
Tools®Sketch Constraints®Create Inferred
Constraints 9
Tools®Constraints®Create Inferred Constraints

Using sketches
Auto Dimension
Use the Auto Dimension command to create dimensions on selected curves
and points according to a set of rules.
You can apply the following rules in any order.
• Create Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions on Lines
• Create Dimensions to Reference Axes
• Create Symmetric Dimensions
• Create Length Dimensions
• Create Adjacent Angles
Driving and Automatic Dimensions

You can create two types of dimensions.
Driving
Creates a dimension based on an expression. You can convert driving
dimensions to reference dimensions.
Automatic
This type of dimensional constraint can only be created by auto
dimensioning. Automatic dimensions remove degrees of freedom from the
sketch, and act like a constant length or angle constraint with a value.
• When you drag sketch curves, automatic dimensions are relaxed,
allowing you to shape the sketch. After the drag, the new shape will
be constrained by the automatic dimensions again.
• If you add a constraint that conflicts with an automatic dimension, the

automatic dimension is deleted.
• You can convert automatic dimensions into driving or reference

dimensions.
All dimensions are displayed in the Part Navigator when Timestamp

Order is turned off in the Unused Items®Sketch®Curves and
Dimensions®Dimensions folder.
9 Why should I use it?

In Modeling, use this command to assist in creating a fully constrained sketch
by removing all degrees of freedom from the selected curves.
In Drafting, use this command to fully dimension selected sketch curves
in a drawing.
Using sketches
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Auto Dimension
Tools®Auto Dimension
Menu (Modeling) Tools®Sketch Constraints®Auto
Dimension
Tools®Constraints®Auto Dimension

Using sketches
Auto Constrain
The Auto Constrain command creates specific multiple geometric constraint
types to selected sketch objects. The selected geometry is analyzed based on
the command settings and the constraints are applied to your sketch.
This can be especially useful when you add geometry to the active sketch,
particularly if that geometry was imported from a different CAD system.
You can also use this to apply a single constraint type to multiple sketch
objects, for example apply a tangent constraint to multiple fillets and their
adjacent curves.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling) Direct Sketch®Auto Constrain

(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools®Auto
Constrain
Menu (Modeling and Sketch task environment)
Tools®Constraints®Auto Constrain
Using sketches
Activity: Auto Dimensioning Rules

In the Sketching section, do the activity:
Auto Dimensioning Rules

Using sketches
Alternate Solution overview

Use the Alternate Solution command to display alternate solutions for both
dimensional and geometric constraints, and select a result. The example
below shows how the geometry changes when you choose Alternate Solution
and select a dimension.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Alternate Solution
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools®Alternate
Solution
Menu (Modeling) Tools®Sketch Constraints®Alternate
Solution
Tools®Constraints®Alternate Solution
Using sketches
Use Alternate Solution on tangent constraints
1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Alternate Solution .
2. For Object 1, Select Linear Dimension or Geometry , select either the

line or arc.
If either curve does not have a tangency constraint you will not
be able to select the object. But you can select the geometry in
any order.
3. For Object 2, Select Tangent Geometry, select the corresponding line or

arc.
If the range of movement is limited to a single direction this step
may not be necessary.
4. Click Close.
In the following example, Alternate Solution was used to properly

create the fillet by modifying the tangent constraint.

Using sketches
Use Alternate Solution on a dimension
1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Alternate Solution .
2. For Object 1, Select Linear Dimension or Geometry, select a sketch

dimension.
The change is immediate. Simply select the dimension again to
restore the previous solution.
In the following example, the sketch dimension p19 (1) was selected
and an alternate solution found. In this case the alternate solution was
to reverse the direction of the sketch curves (2).
Using sketches
Activities: Experiment with alternate solutions
In the Using sketches section, do the activity:

Experiment with alternate solutions

Using sketches
Attach Dimension overview

Use the Attach Dimension command to attach an existing dimension to
different objects. When you attach a dimension you can:
• Retain the expression value and resize the target geometry to match it.
• Change the expression value to match the target geometry.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch®Attach Dimension

Sketch Tools®Attach Dimension

Menu (Modeling)
Tools®Sketch Constraints®Attach Dimension
Tools®Constraints®Attach Dimension
Shortcut Menu Right-click a dimension and choose Attach Dimension
Using sketches
Attach a Dimension to different geometry

This example shows you how to attach a dimension to a different curve.
Note that you can optionally measure the target geometry and assign its
geometric value to the dimension variable.
Right–click the dimension

leader line you want to
1.
attach and choose Attach
Dimension.
In the Settings group,

set the Expression Mode
2.
to Remove Expression,
Measure Geometry.
3. Left–click the new curve.

Using sketches
Using sketches
Reattach Sketch overview

Use the Reattach command to:
• Move a sketch to a different plane, face, or path.
• Switch a Sketch in Place to a Sketch on Path and vice versa.
• Change the location of a sketch on path along the path to which it is

attached.
• Specify a new horizontal or vertical reference.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Reattach
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools®Reattach
Menu (Modeling and Sketch task environment)
Tools®Reattach

Using sketches
Reattach a sketch on plane
Use this procedure to reattach a sketch to a planar surface.

1. Open the target sketch for editing.
2. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Reattach .
3. Select the new target planar surface.

The preview sketch CSYS moves from the original face to the new
face.
4. Optional: Expand the Sketch Orientation group, from the Reference list,
choose either Horizontal or Vertical.
5. Optional: Click Select Reference and define the new reference direction
6. Click OK.
Using sketches
Activities: Reattach sketches

• Reattach a sketch to a new face

Using sketches
Mirror Curve overview

Use the Mirror Curve command to make a mirrored copy of sketch geometry
through a specified sketch line. NX applies mirror geometric constraints
to all the geometry.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Mirror Curve
Tools®Mirror Curve
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert®Sketch Curve®Mirror
Curve
(Sketch task environment) Insert®Curve from
Curves®Mirror Curve
Mirror sketch curves
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Mirror Curve .
2. Select the curves you need to mirror.

9 3. For the Centerline, select an existing sketch curve.
4. Click OK.
Using sketches
Make Symmetric
Use the Make Symmetric command to constrain two points or curves to be

symmetric about a centerline in a sketch.
You can apply the symmetry constraint between two objects of the same type:
• Lines
• Arcs
• Circles
You can also make different point types symmetric. For example, you make
the end of a line and the center of an arc symmetric about a line.

Use this command when you create or edit a sketch and you want to control
the position of existing sketch geometry to be symmetric to a centerline.
Where do I find it?
(Modeling) Direct Sketch®Make Symmetric

Toolbar Tools®Make Symmetric

(Modeling and Drafting) Insert®Sketch
Constraint®Make Symmetric
9
Menu (Sketch task environment) Insert®Make Symmetric

Using sketches
Activities: Mirror and Make Symmetric

Create Symmetric Constraints
Using sketches
Sketch evaluation and update techniques

You would use this process to control when the system evaluates a sketch
for updating.
• Click Delay Evaluation .
• Create or edit sketch constraints or curves.
• Click Evaluate Sketch .
• Optional: To update the model while still in the sketch, on the Sketch
Tools toolbar, click Update Model .

Update Model is not available when you use Edit with Rollback
to open your sketch for editing. However, all models are updated
as soon as you exit the sketch.

Using sketches
Summary: Using sketches

Sketching can used to plan, edit, and manipulate your design through every
phase of the design cycle.
In this lesson you:
• Edited sketches directly in Modeling and in the Sketch task environment.
• Created sketches using the Auto Dimensioning command.
• Applied alternate solutions to obtain appropriate profiles.
• Reattached sketches
• Mirrored curves.
• Made curves symmetric.
Lesson
10 Trim Body
Purpose
This lesson introduces the Trim Body command to define the topology of
a solid body.
Objectives
• Trim a solid body to a plane or sheet body.
10
Trim Body
Trim Body overview

Use Trim Body to trim one or more target bodies using a face or plane. You
can specify the portion of the body to retain and the portion to discard. The
target bodies take the shape of the trimming geometry.
• You must select at least one target body.
• You can select a single face, multiple faces from the same body, or a datum
plane to trim the target bodies.
• You can define a new plane to trim the target bodies.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature®Trim Body

Menu Insert®Trim®Trim Body
10
Trim Body
Trim a solid body to a face

This example shows how to trim a single, solid target body to the face of
a sheet body.
1. On the Feature toolbar, click Trim Body or choose Insert®Trim®Trim

Body.
2. Select the target body to trim.
3. In the Tool Option list, make sure Face or Plane is selected.
4. In the Tool group, make sure that Select Face or Plane is active.
5. Select the face of the sheet body.
10
Trim Body
A vector points toward the portion of the target body to be removed.
6. (Optional) If the vector is not pointing toward the portion of the target
body you want to remove, click Reverse Direction .
7. Click OK or Apply to create the Trim Body feature.
10
Trim Body
Activities: Trim Body

In the Trim Body section, do the activity:
• Trim a solid body
10
Trim Body
Projects: Trim Body

In the Projects section, there is one trimming project.
Tier 1
Cylinder head -
part 1
In the project you create and constrain a sketch curve to create a revolved
trimming sheet. The trimming sheet is used to trim the cylinder head body.
10
Trim Body
Summary: Trim Body

Use the Trim Body command to define the topology of a body.
In this lesson you:
• Trimmed a solid body to a plane and a sheet body.
10
10
11
Lesson
11 Swept feature options
Purpose
This lesson introduces draft, offsets, and selection intent to define profiles and
swept features.
Objectives
• Apply selection intent to define sections from intersecting curves and
multiple loops.
• Create an extruded feature with offsets.
• Create an extruded feature with draft.

Swept feature options
11
Selection Intent - Curve Rule
The Selection bar has rules you can set up when selecting curves for sweep
operations.
1. Curve Rule options
2. Curve Rule modifiers
Use these rules to help you to select curves or edges:

• In fewer steps than selecting them individually.
• When only part of some curves is needed.
• When a rule can determine which branch to take at multi-curve

intersections.
• When future model development or edits may change the number of

curves in the profile.
11
Curve Rule options
Single Curve Individually select one or more curves or edges with

no rule.
Connected Select a chain of curves or edges that share endpoints.

Curves
This rule does not grow or shrink the chain if curves
are added or no longer form a single chain after an
edit to the model.
Tangent Curves Select a tangent chain of curves or edges.

No rule is applied if the chained curves are
non-associative.
Non-associative curves that are no longer tangent
after an edit are not discarded.
Feature Curves Collect all output curves from curve features, such as
sketches or any other curve features.
Face Edges Collect all edges of the face containing the edge you
select.
When you select an edge, the cursor location
determines which face is selected.
Sheet Edges Collect all edges of the sheet body you select.
Region Select a profile that encloses an area with a single

Boundary mouse click.
Curves
Curves in Group Selects all curves that are members of a selected

group.
Infer Curves Use the default intent method for the type of object
you select.
For example, with Extrude the default is Feature
Curves if you select a curve, and Single if you select
an edge.

11
Active Selection mini toolbar
The Active Selection mini toolbar appears above your cursor when you first
select a curve or edge. You can select a different Selection Intent curve rule
with minimal cursor movement, while remaining focused on the geometry.
The Active Selection mini toolbar only appears when you select a curve
or edge when the current Selection Intent rule is one of the following:
• Infer Curves
• Single Curve
Changing the Single Curve Selection Intent rule to Tangent Curves

Options appear on the toolbar with both icons and text, but the above
figure shows only the icons.
You can:
• Change the Selection Intent rule on the mini toolbar and continue to
select or deselect faces or curves.
• Dismiss the mini-toolbar by moving the cursor away from it or by clicking

outside it.
11
Changing selection intent rules
The Active Selection mini toolbar is used to change a selection intent rule
immediately after an object is first selected.
If you want to change the rule in effect after the initial object selection, you
can right-click over the object and select a different rule from the menu.
Curve collection modifiers
Stop at Specify that auto chaining stops on

Intersection intersection points of wireframe.
Follow Fillet Automatically follow and leave fillets or

circular curves during section building.
Chain within Limit the chaining to collect curves only

Feature from the parent feature of the selected
curve.
Path Selection Define a continuous path in a complex

network of curves and edges with a minimal
number of selections.
Path Selection is available for all commands
that are section-based.

11
Extrude start and end limits
Use the limit options to define the overall construction method and the
extents of the extrude feature.
Options
Value Specify numeric values for the start or end of the extrusion.
Until Next Extends the extrude feature to the next body along the
direction path.
Until Extends the extrude feature to a face, datum plane, or

Selected body that you select.
Until Trims the extrude feature (if it is a body) to a face you

Extended select when the section extends beyond its edges.
Symmetric Converts the Start limit distance to the same value as the
Value End limit.
Through All Extends the extrude feature completely through all

selectable bodies along the path of the specified direction.
11
Extrude with offset
The Offset options lets you specify up to two offsets to the profile for extruded
and revolved sections. You can assign unique values for both offsets.
You can:
• Type values for the offsets in the Start and End boxes in the dialog box.
• Type values in on-screen input boxes in the graphics window.
• Drag the offset handles.
Options
None Create no offset.
Single-Sided Add a single end offset to the extrude.
Two-Sided Add an offset with duplicate start and end values,

measured from opposite sides of the section.
The value for both start and end is determined by the last
one you specify.
Symmetric Add an offset with duplicate start and end values.
Start Start the offset at the value you specify, measured from
the section.
End End the offset at the value you specify, measured from the
section.

11
Two sided offset examples
The start and end offset values may be positive or negative.
The positive direction is shown by the End Offset drag handle.
Start Offset Zero, End Offset Positive
Start Offset Zero, End Offset Negative
Start Offset Negative, End Offset Positive
11
Single-sided offset examples
The single-sided examples are based on offsets to the section shown.
Offset value too large
If the end value becomes so large that a self-intersecting body is created, the
preview disappears.
Smaller positive offset
In this example the offset is small enough to support a preview. The offset
body is valid.

11
Negative offset
In this example the offset is negative, and small enough to support a preview.
The offset body is valid.
11
Extrude with draft
Use the Draft option to add a slope to one or more sides of the extrude feature,
in one or two directions from the section.
You can apply a draft only when the extruded section is planar.
Option Description
None No draft is created.
From Start Limit Maintain the original size of the extruded section at
the start limit.
From Section Maintain the original size of the extruded section
at the section plane.
From Section- Split the side faces into two sides at the section
Asymmetric Angle plane. You can control the draft angle separately on
each side of the section. 1
Front Angle and Back Angle options appear; one
pair with the Single option, and one pair for each set
of tangent curves for the Multipleoption.
From Section- Split side faces at the section plane, and use the
Symmetric Angle same draft angle on both sides. 1
From Section- Maintain the original size of the extruded section,
Matched Ends and split the side faces of the extrude feature at the
section plane.
Match the size of the shape at the end limit to that of
the start limit, and vary the draft angle to maintain
the matched shape at the end limit. 1
Angle Option Single — Specify a single draft angle for all faces of
the extrude feature.
Multiple — Specify unique draft angles to each
tangent chain of faces of the extrude feature.
Angle Specify a value for a draft angle.
List Examine the name and value for each draft angle.
The list appears when the Angle Option is set to
Multiple.
1. Available only when the extrude extends from both sides of the section.

11
Positive and negative draft angles
If you look at the body with your eye positioned with respect to the draft
vector as shown, positive draft angles (1) enable you to see the draft feature
faces, and negative draft angles (2) hide the draft feature faces.
Draft and the extrude direction

Draft is measured with respect to the extrude direction. The extrude direction
does not need to be perpendicular to a planar section.
11
Draft offset example
Draft offset example is based on this

extruded section.
1. Draft option is From Section-Asymmetric

Angle
2. Front Angle value is set to 5°
3. Back Angle value is set to 0°
4. Offset option is Two Sided
5. Start offset is –5
6. End offset is 5

11
DesignLogic parameter entry options
Parameter entry options let you define your model parametrically as you
specify feature values.
To access the options, click next to the text input box.

You may specify a value based on a:
• Measurement.
• Formula.
• Math or knowledge-based function.
• Reference to an existing value.
• Conversion of the above to a constant.
• Recently used value that you want to use again.
11
Reference existing parameters
1. From the parameter entry options list, select Reference.

The Parameter Selection dialog box appears.
Initially, the list is empty.
2. Select an existing feature.

The list is populated with the feature’s parameters and their descriptions.
3. Select a parameter (1).
4. Click OK (2).
The parameter name now appears in the box (3).

11
Activities: Swept feature options
In the Swept feature options section, do the activities:
• Extrude using selection intent
• Extrude with offsets
• Extrude with draft
11
Project: Advanced sweeps
In the Projects section, there are three advanced sweeping projects.
Tier 1
Pulley - part 3
Tier 2
Flywheel - part 3
Tank - part 3
These projects refine your basic compressor model bodies with more advanced
sweeping techniques.

11
Summary: Swept feature options
Use selection intent to quickly specify sections by applying rules to complex
sets of curves.
Extrude or revolve with offsets to thicken simple sections or alter sections.
Incorporate draft in extruded features instead of using separate draft features
to simplify your history tree.
Use DesignLogic to increase productivity when modelling parametrically.
In this lesson you:
• Applied selection intent to define sections.
• Extruded with offsets.
• Extruded with draft.
Lesson
12 Hole features
12
Purpose
This lesson introduces the general hole feature.
Objectives
• Create general hole features.
• Position hole features.
• Edit the parameters and location of hole features.

Hole features
Hole overview
Use the Hole command to add the following types of hole features to one or
more solid bodies in a part or assembly:
12
• General holes (simple, counterbored, countersunk, or tapered form)
• Drill size holes
• Screw clearance holes (simple, counterbored, or countersunk form)
• Threaded holes
• Hole Series (series of multi-form, multi-target body, aligned holes in the

work part or the assembly)
You can:
• Create holes on non-planar surfaces.
• Create multiple holes by specifying multiple placement points.
• Specify the position of holes by sketching. You can use the Snap Point and
Selection Intent options to select existing points or feature points.
• Create holes using formatted data tables for the Screw Clearance Hole,
Drill Size Hole, and Threaded Hole types.
• Use standards like ANSI, ISO, DIN, JIS and so on.
• Use the None and Subtract Boolean commands on the target bodies while
creating a Hole feature.
• Optionally add start, end, or relief chamfers to the hole feature.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature→Hole
Menu Insert→Design Feature→Hole
Hole features
Hole dialog box

The Hole dialog box includes four groups that are unique to hole features.
• Type
12
• Position
• Direction
• Form and Dimensions
The options available within the groups will change depending on which type
and form you select.

Hole features
Hole position and direction options

Position
Specify Point Specifies the position of the Hole
feature.
12
You can use one of the following
methods to specify the center of the
hole:
• Sketch Section — Create a

sketch to define the location of the
center of the hole.
• Point — Specify the center

of the hole using existing points.
Use Snap Point and Selection
Intent options to select existing
points or feature points.
Direction
Hole Direction Specifies the hole direction. The
default hole direction is along the - ZC
axis. You can define the hole direction
using one of the following options:
• Normal to Face — Defines the
direction of the hole along the
direction opposite to the face
normal which is nearest to each of
the specified points.
• Along Vector — Defines the

hole direction along the specified
vector.
Hole features
Hole form and dimension options

Simple 1. Diameter
2. Depth
3. Tip Angle
12
Counterbore 1. C-Bore Diameter

2. C-Bore Depth
3. Depth
Countersink 1. C-Sink Diameter

2. C-Sink Angle
3. Depth
Tapered 1. Diameter
2. Taper Angle
3. Depth

Hole features
Activities: Hole features

In the Hole features section, do the activities:
• Create holes
12
• Edit holes
Hole features
Project: Hole features

In the Projects section, there are four Hole projects.
Tier 1 12
Pulley - part 4
Tier 2
Handle - part 2
Flywheel - part 4
Tank - part 4
In these projects you create fastener holes, shaft holes and keyway holes for
the components of the compressor.

Hole features
Summary: Hole features

Hole features are one of several features with predefined shapes.
In this lesson you:
12 • Created general hole features.
• Positioned a hole using a sketch.
• Edited parameters and locations of holes.
Lesson
13 Shell
Purpose 13
This lesson introduces the Shell command.
Objectives
• Create a shell feature.
• Specify faces to be removed, and apply an alternate thickness to a face.

Shell
Shell overview
Use the Shell command to hollow out a solid body or to create a shell around
it by specifying wall thicknesses. You can also assign individual thicknesses
to faces or remove individual faces.
13
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature®Shell
Menu Insert®Offset/Scale®Shell
Shortcut menu Right-click a solid body®Shell
Shell
Create a shell
1. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Shell .
2. Choose the type of shell you want to create:
• Remove Faces, Then Shell — Click Select Face in the Face to

Pierce group to specify one or more faces to remove from the target
solid.
13
• Shell All Faces — Click Select Body in the Body to Shell group
to select the body to shell.
3. In the Thickness group, type a distance value in the Thickness box.
4. (Optional) In the Thickness group, click Reverse Direction .
5. (Optional) Assign different thicknesses to different faces in the solid.
6. (Optional) Set or change the Approximate Offset Faces, Tangent Edges,

and Tolerance options in the Settings group.
7. Click OK or Apply to create the shell.

Shell
Assign alternate thicknesses
1. Click Select Face in the Alternate Thicknesses group and select the
faces for the first face set.
2. Type a thickness value in the Thickness n box.

You can also drag the thickness handle or type a value in its on-screen
input box.
13 Thickness n refers to Thickness 1, Thickness 2, Thickness 3, and
so on.
If the direction is wrong, click Reverse Direction for the face set.
3. Click Add New Set to complete the current face set and begin a new
set.
You can also complete the set by clicking the middle mouse button.
4. Repeat this sequence for each set of faces that require a unique wall
thickness.
Shell
Shell options
You can right-click the section, preview, axis vector, or handles to
quickly access many of the following options.
Option Description
Remove Faces, Then Remove some faces of the body before shelling
Shell is done.
Shell All Faces Shell all faces of the body.
Select Face Select one or more faces from a body you are 13
going to shell. 1
The first face selected sets the body to shell. 2
Select Body Select the body you want to shell. 3
Thickness Specify a thickness for the shell walls.

(Thickness group) Drag the thickness handle, or type a value in
the on-screen input box or in the dialog box.
Reverse Direction Change the direction of the thickness.
You can also right-click the thickness direction
cone head and choose Reverse Direction, or
double-click the direction cone head.
Select Face Select faces for a thickness set with a unique
thickness value for all faces in the set. 2
Complete the set by clicking Add New Set or by
clicking the middle mouse button.
You can add as many face sets as the model
allows.
Thickness n Specify an independent thickness value for the
currently selected thickness set in the List.
(Alternate Thickness
group) You can drag the face set handle, or type a value
in the on-screen input box or dialog box.
The Thickness n label changes to match
the currently selected Thickness set;
Thickness 1, Thickness 2, etc.
1. Appears only when the Type is Remove Faces, Then Shell.

2. Selection Intent for faces is available.
3. Appears only when the Type is Shell All Faces.

Shell
Option Description
Add New Set Complete the current face set.
You can also complete the current face set by
clicking the middle mouse button.
List Thickness sets appear in the list with their
name, value, and expression information.
To select a thickness set, click its on-screen
input box in the graphics window or click its
13 entry in the List.
Delete a thickness set in the list.

You can also delete a thickness set by
right-clicking it in the list and choosing Delete or
by right-clicking its handle and choosing Delete.
Approximate Offset Faces Require NX to repair self-intersections caused by
offsetting surfaces in the body, by approximating
the face within the specified Tolerance.
Use this option for complicated surfaces that
would fail due to self-intersections during shell
creation.
Tangent Edges Extend Shelf Face at Tangent Edge — Allow the
creation of edge faces along smooth boundary
edges.
Extend Tangent Face — Prevent the creation of
edge faces along smooth boundary edges.
Tolerance Enter a new tolerance value here to override
the modeling distance tolerance for the shell
operation.
Shell
Selection Intent face rules

When a feature requires a collection of faces, Face Rule options are available.
The list displays the face selection rules that are applicable to the feature
you are creating.
Rule Description
Single-select one or more faces as a simple list of

Single Face
objects without intent.
13
Select a single face that acts as the seed of a
Tangent Faces
collection of smoothly connected faces.
Collect all faces that are immediately adjacent to

Adjacent Faces
the single face you select.
Face and Adjacent Collect the selected face and faces that are
Faces immediately adjacent to the single face you select.
Collect all faces produced by the feature

Feature Faces
responsible for the face you select.
Specify a region of faces.

Region Faces Select a single seed face, and then specify the
boundary faces.
Tangent Region Select a seed face and then, optionally, one or

Faces more boundary faces.
Collect all faces of the body containing the single

Body Faces
face you select

Shell
Activities: Shell
In the Shell section, do the activities:
• Create a shell
13
• Create a shell and edit direction
• Create a shell with alternate thickness
Shell
Summary: Shell
Use the Shell command to create a cavity inside, or a shell around an existing
solid body, based on a specified thickness.
In this lesson you:
• Created a shell with a uniform thickness.
• Created a shell and selected multiple faces to remove.
• Created a shell and specified an alternate thickness for a face.

13

13
Lesson
14 Associative copies
Purpose
This lesson introduces the Instance Feature, Mirror Body and Feature Group
commands.
Objectives
14
• Create a rectangular array of features.
• Create a circular array of features.
• Create groups of features.
• Mirror a body.

Associative copies
Instance Feature overview

Use the Instance Feature command to:
• Create patterns such as bolt hole circles.
• Create a number of similar features such as ribs.
• Edit all instanced features in one step.
You can define three Instance Feature types:

• Rectangular Array
• Circular Array
14
• Pattern Face
You can add edge blends, chamfers, and threads to an Instance feature.
If you create:
• An edge blend you can select Blend All Instances.
• A chamfer you can select Chamfer All Instances.
• A thread you can select Include Instances

When you select these options, always add the edge blend, chamfer or
thread to the master feature, and not to one of the instanced features.
This way, if the array parameters are changed, the edge blend, chamfer or
thread will always remain visible in the instance set.
Associative copies
You cannot instance the following objects:

• Shells
• Chamfers
• Blends
• Offset sheets
• Datums
• Trimmed sheet bodies
• Instance sets
14
• Draft features
• Surfaces
• Trimmed features
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature®Instance Feature

Menu Insert®Associative Copy®Instance Feature

Associative copies
Instance array methods
General Create an instance array with full validation of all geometry.

• Instanced geometry can cross an edge of the face.
• Instances can cross over from one face to another.
Simple Create an instance array faster by eliminating excessive

data validation and optimizing operations.
Identical Create an instance array by the fastest method.
• This method does the least amount of validation.
• Each instance is an exact copy of the original.
• Use this method when you have many instances, and you
are sure they are all exactly the same.
14
When you use Simple and Identical, you should make sure that all new
geometry lies on the same face as the original feature.
If the new geometry touches or crosses the edges on the target body
or any other instance, use Analysis→Examine Geometry to validate
the geometry.
1. In the Examine Geometry dialog box, click Set All.
2. Select the geometry.
3. Click Examine Geometry.
If the array geometry fails a geometry check, click Undo and try a
General array.
Associative copies
Rectangular Array overview

Use the Rectangular Array command to create a linear pattern of one or
more selected features.
Rectangular arrays can be:
• One-dimensional in XC or YC, with one row of features.
• Two-dimensional in XC and YC, with several rows of features.
14
Rectangular arrays are parallel to the XC and YC axes based on the number
and offset distance you enter.
Where do I find it?

Location in dialog
box Rectangular Array
Rectangular array parameters
Number Along XC Total number of instances parallel to the XC axis,

including the original feature.
XC Offset Spacing for the instances along the XC axis.
Number Along YC Total number of instances parallel to the YC axis,

including the original feature.
YC Offset Spacing for the instances along the YC axis.

Associative copies
The number of instances for both the XC and YC directions must be a

whole number greater than zero.
The offset values can be either positive or negative.
14
Associative copies
Create a rectangular array
1. In the Instance dialog box, click Rectangular Array.
2. Select the features you want to instance.
3. In the Enter Parameters dialog box, specify the method: General, Simple,
or Identical.
4. Type the Number Along XC, XC Offset, Number Along YC, and the YC
Offset.
5. Click OK to display a preview
6. Click Yes to create the instance array, or No to return to the Enter

Parameters dialog box. 14
Rectangular array example
(1) Hole selected for instance

Number Along XC = 3
XC Offset = 40
Number Along YC = 4
YC Offset = 50

Associative copies
Circular Array overview

Use the Circular Array command to create a circular pattern of one or more
selected features.
Circular arrays require the following:
• An axis of revolution.
• A reference point to revolve about.
14
Where do I find it?

Location in dialog
box Circular Array
Circular array parameters
After you select the desired features to instance, the following options appear:
Number Total number of instances created in the circular array,
including the existing feature you are instancing.
Angle The angle between the instances.

The number of instances must be a whole number greater than zero.
The angle can be either positive or negative.
Associative copies
Create a circular array
1. In the Instance dialog box, click Circular Array.
2. Select the features you want to instance.
3. In the Enter Parameters dialog box, specify the array method: General,
Simple, or Identical.
4. In the Number box, type the total number of instances in the array.
5. In the Angle box, type the angle between instances.
6. Click OK.
7. Choose Point & Direction or Datum Axis to establish the rotation axis.
14
• Point & Direction — Use the Vector dialog box to specify a direction
and the Point dialog box to specify a reference point. The selected
features are rotated about the reference point in a plane normal to
the vector direction.
When you use Point & Direction, the circular array is not
associated to geometry you select.
• Datum Axis — Select an existing datum axis.

The circular array is associated to the datum axis.
The radius of the array is the distance from the rotation axis to the
feature origin of the first feature you select. This radius value appears in
the Edit dialog box.
A highlighted representation of the array is displayed.
8. Click Yes to create the instance array, or No to return to Enter Parameters.

Associative copies
Circular array example
(1) Hole selected for instance.

(2) Rotation Axis (Datum Axis)
Number = 8
Angle = 45
14
Associative copies
Activities: Associative copies — instance arrays

In the Associative copies section, do the activities:
• Create a rectangular instance array
14
• Create a circular instance array

Associative copies
Feature Group overview

Use the Feature Group command to organize features in a named collection
so that it is easier to identify them and use them in downstream operations.
You can suppress, delete, move, and copy a feature group. These actions apply
to all of the members of a feature group.
A feature group appears as an expandable node in the Part Navigator.
Model History
Extrude (1)
Feature Group (5) “lug”
Extrude (2)
14 Simple Hole (3)
Edge Blend (4)
Edge_Blend (6)
You can do the following:

• Simplify the structure of the history tree in the Part Navigator by showing
members only within a Feature Group node.
• Add a feature to more than one feature group.
• Add a feature group to other feature groups.
• Delete a feature group, with or without deleting its members.
Where do I find it?
Application Modeling, Shape Studio, NX Sheet Metal

Menu Format®Group®Feature Group
Part Navigator Right-click features and choose Feature Group
Associative copies
Feature Group – embedded features
When the Embed Feature Group Members check box is selected in the
Feature Group dialog box, the members of the feature group only appear
within the Feature Group node in the Part Navigator and do not appear in
the normal timestamp location.
This simplifies the structure of the history tree, but the embedded feature
members are not available for other groupings.
Embed Feature Group Members
Model History
Extrude (1)
14
Extrude (2) Because these features are
embedded, and reside only
Simple Hole (3)
in the group, they are not
Edge Blend (4) available for other groups.
Edge_Blend (6)
Embed Feature Group Members
Model History
Extrude (1)
Extrude (2) These features are available for
other groups because they are not
Simple Hole (3)
embedded and reside both in the
Edge Blend (4) group and outside of the group.
Extrude (2)
Simple Hole (3)
Edge Blend (4)
Edge_Blend (6)

Associative copies
Activities: Feature Group

In the Associative copies section, do the activity:
• Create a Feature Group
14
Associative copies
Mirror Body overview

Use the Mirror Body command to mirror an entire body across a datum
plane. For example, you can use this command to form the other hand of a
left hand or right hand part.
• When you mirror a body, the mirror feature is associative to the original
body. You cannot edit any parameters in the mirrored body.
• You can specify a timestamp for the mirror feature so that any features
you later add to the original body will not be reflected in the mirrored body.
14
Where do I find it?
Feature®Associative Copy Drop-down®Mirror Body
Toolbar
Menu Insert®Associative Copy®Mirror Body

Associative copies
Create a mirrored body
1. From the menu bar, choose Insert→Associative Copy→Mirror Body.
2. In the Mirror Body dialog box, click Select Body and select a body to
mirror.
3. Click Select Plane and select a datum plane.
4. (Optional) Clear the Fix at Current Timestamp check box if you want the
mirrored body to reflect subsequent features added to the parent body.
5. Click OK or Apply to create the mirrored body.

14
Edit a mirrored body
1. Right-click the mirrored body in the graphics window or in the Part

Navigator.
2. Choose Edit with Rollback from the shortcut menu
3. In the Mirror Body dialog box, edit the parent body, timestamp setting,
or the mirror plane.
Associative copies
Mirror Body options
Parent Part Available only during edit.

Work Part — Select a parent body from the work part.
Other Part — Select a parent body from another part.
The mirrored body then becomes a WAVE linked body.
Select Body
Lets you select a body in a part to mirror.
Reverse Available only during edit.

Direction Available only if you are mirroring a sheet body.
Reverses the surface normal of the mirrored body. 14
Select Plane
Select a datum plane through which to mirror a body.
Replacement Available only during edit and only if you select

Assistant geometry to replace the existing geometry.
Lets you select geometry to replace existing geometry.
WAVE This group is available only during edit and only when
Information the mirrored body is a WAVE linked body.
Parent Part displays the name of the parent part.
Object displays the name of the parent object.
Status displays the status of the WAVE link.
Fix at Current Select this option to fix the feature timestamp of the
Timestamp mirrored body.
When active, only changes made to the original body
prior to the timestamp are reflected in the mirrored
body. Changes made to the original body after the
timestamp are not reflected in the mirrored body.
When not selected, the mirrored body dynamically
changes its location in history. Changes made to the
original body are always reflected in the mirror body.

Associative copies
Activities: Associative copies — mirror

In the Associative copies section, do the activity:
• Mirror a solid body
14
Associative copies
Summary: Associative copies

Use the Instance Feature and Mirror Body commands to duplicate existing
features.
In this lesson you:
• Created a rectangular instance array.
• Created a circular instance array.
• Mirrored a body.
14

14
Lesson
15 Edge operations
Purpose
This lesson introduces the edge operation commands to provide additional
definition to the edges of a model. These commands include Edge Blend
and Chamfer.
Objectives
• Create edge blends.
• Create chamfers.
15

Edge operations
Edge Blend overview

Use the Edge Blend command to round sharp edges between faces.
This command operates like a ball that rolls along an edge, maintaining
contact with the faces that meet the edge.
The blending ball rolls on the inside of faces to round the edges, removing
material (1), and the outside of faces to fillet the edges, adding material (2).
15
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature®Edge Blend

Menu Insert®Detail Feature®Edge Blend
Graphics window Right-click edges®Blend
Edge operations
Edge Blend dialog box
After you click Edge Blend a dialog box is displayed and you are prompted to
select a set of edges. You can type the radius in the Radius n box.
Radius n refers to Radius 1, Radius 2, Radius 3, and so on.
Use a Curve Rule to collect related edges or to speed up selection.
15

Edge operations
Edge Blend preview
As you select edges, the preview is updated. If the preview fails, it means the
blend will probably also fail. You should see a warning window explaining
the problem.
Adjust the radius by dragging one of the radius drag handles (1) or by typing
the value in the dynamic input field (2).
15
Edge operations
Add New Set
A single blend feature may consist of one or more sets of edges. Each set
may have a different radius value.
Click Add New Set in the dialog box (or click the middle mouse button once)
to select another set of edges.
You may continue to define another edge set or complete the blend operation
by clicking OK.
15

Edge operations
Activities: Edge operations — blends

In the Edge operations section, do the activities:
• Create edge blends
• Edit edge blends
15
Edge operations
Chamfer overview
Use the Chamfer command to bevel the edges of one or more bodies.
Depending on the shape of the body, the chamfer bevels edges by subtracting
material (1) or adding material (2).
You can define the cross section of the chamfer by specifying:

• One symmetric offset distance.
15
• Two offset distances.
• An offset distance and an angle.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Feature®Chamfer
Menu Insert®Detail Feature®Chamfer
Graphics window Right-click an edge of a body®Chamfer

Edge operations
Create a Chamfer
1. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Chamfer , or choose

Insert→Detail Feature→Chamfer.
2. Select one or more edges.
3. In the Offsets group, specify an option from the Cross Section list;
Symmetric, Asymmetric, or Offset and Angle.
4. In the dialog box, type offset values that correspond to the cross section
option.
5. (Optional) In the Settings group, specify an option from the Offset Method
list, Offset Edges along Faces, or Offset Faces and Trim.
6. (Optional) In the Settings group, select Chamfer All Instances, if the

chamfered edge is, or may be, instanced.
15 7. (Optional) In the Preview group, select Preview to preview results, or

clear it to show only the drag handles.
8. (Optional) Use drag handles or on-screen input boxes to modify offsets.
9. (Optional) In the Offset group, click Reverse Direction to flip the chamfer.
10. Click OK or click the middle mouse button to create the chamfer.
Edge operations
Chamfer options
You can change the Cross Section option or click Reverse Direction in
the dialog box, or, you can use the shortcut menu over a drag handle.
Edge
Select one or more edges from the same body, using
Select Edge
a Curve Rule.
Offsets
Symmetric — Create a simple chamfer, using an
single, positive offset from a selected edge along
both of its faces.
Asymmetric Create a chamfer using two positive
Cross Section
values for the edge offsets.
Offset and Angle — Create a chamfer whose offsets
are determined by one positive offset value and a
positive angle.
Type a distance value for the offset when the Cross
Section is Offset and Angle or Symmetric.
Distance
You can also drag the distance handle to specify the
15
value.
Distance 1 Type distance values when the Cross Section is
Distance 2 Asymmetric, or drag the handles.
Type an angle value for the angle when the Cross
Section is Offset and Angle.
Angle
You can also drag the angle handle to specify the
angle.
Move the offsets or the offset and angle from one
Reverse Direction side of the chamfer edge to the other.
Not available when the cross section is symmetric.

Edge operations
Activities: Edge operations — chamfers

In the Edge operations section, do the activity:
• Create chamfers
15
Edge operations
Projects: Shell, Associative Copies, Blends and Chamfers

In the Projects section, there are three projects to further detail the
design features by blending and adding chamfers. You will create feature
associations and shell bodies.
Tier 1
Pulley - part 5
Tier 2
15
Flywheel - part 5
Tank - part 5

Edge operations
Summary: Edge operations

Use the Edge Blend and Chamfer commands to alter the edges of a solid body.
All of the blended edges or chamfered edges created in a single operation are
considered to be one feature.
In this lesson you:
• Blended a single edge.
• Blended edges using a Selection Intent rule.
• Chamfered edges using different input options.
15
Lesson
16 Introduction to Assemblies
Purpose
This lesson introduces the Assemblies application.
Objectives
• Set load options for an assembly.
• Work with the Assembly Navigator.
16

Introduction to Assemblies
Assembly
An assembly is a part which contains component objects.
Component objects are pointers to standalone parts or subassemblies.
In this illustration, the toy laser gun is an assembly consisting of many
components.
16 Subassembly
A subassembly is an assembly used as a component within a higher level
assembly.
This illustration shows the subassembly of the integrated circuit board for
the toy laser gun.
Component objects
A component object is a nongeometric pointer to the file that contains the
component geometry. After you define a component, the part file in which
you define it has a new component object. The component object allows the
component to be displayed in the assembly without duplicating any geometry.
Component objects store information about the component part, such as:
• Layer.
• Color.
• Position data for the component relative to the assembly.
• The path to the component part on the file system.
• The reference set to display.
16
1. Top level assembly
2. Subassembly referenced by the top level assembly
3. Piece parts or standalone parts referenced by an assembly
4. Component objects in assembly files

Component Part Files

A component part is a part file which is referenced by a component object in
an assembly. Geometry stored in a component part is seen, but not copied,
in the assembly.
The terms piece part or stand alone part refers to a part file that is not itself
an assembly.
The ability to easily determine where a part file is used as a component
part file is one of the strengths of Teamcenter Integration for NX.
16
Assembly Load Options overview

Use the Assembly Load Options command to configure the way components
of the part you are opening are loaded into memory.
For example, you can specify:
• How to load parts with multiple versions or revisions.
• Where to find components when you work in native NX.
• Whether to load components fully or partially.
• Which default reference sets are loaded.
16
Where do I find it?
Menu File®Options®Assembly Load Options

Toolbar Standard®Open, click Options
Location in Open
dialog box Lower left corner

Part Versions group
The Part Versions group contains the Load list, with options to control how to
find component parts.
• As Saved loads parts from the directory in which they were saved.
• From Folder loads parts from the same directory as the parent assembly.
• From Search Folders loads parts from a list of search directories.
Load states
The load state of a part describes the amount of data that is brought into
computer memory from file storage.
There are three load states:
Fully loaded
All of the data in the file is loaded into memory. Use this load state with
small assemblies, or with a subset of large assembly components to edit
or create links to parametric data.
Partially loaded
Enough data is brought into memory to display the part. Parametric data
is not loaded into memory. Use this load state to open large assemblies
16 faster than when you fully open components, and to conserve computer
memory for those components that you are going to modify. You can
fully open partially loaded components at any time if you want to edit
their data.
Not loaded
The file is not loaded into memory at all. The assembly has information
about the position and the bounding box size of the unloaded parts.
Use this load state to manage very large assemblies, for which you can
manipulate only a relatively small amount of data at any one time. Fully
or partially load only those components of immediate interest, and leave
the rest unloaded.
Scope group
The Scope group in the Assembly Load Options dialog box allows you to
control the assembly configuration and the load state of parts:
• Load — Control which components are opened:
– All Components — Load all components.
– Structure Only — Load your assembly part, but no components.
– As Saved — Load the same components that were open when the
assembly was last saved.
– Re-evaluate Last Component Group — Load your assembly with the
component group used when the assembly was last saved.
Component groups are advanced functionality to let you
conditionally apply actions to all or part of the assembly
structure.
– Specify Component Group — Select from a list of available component

groups.
• Use Partial Loading — When selected, components will be partially

loaded unless the Load Interpart Data setting requires them to be fully
loaded. A partially loaded component will be fully displayed but the
underlying feature data is not loaded into system memory.
• Load Interpart Data — Find and load parents of interpart data, even if 16
the parts would be left unloaded by other rules.
Reference Sets
Use this area to specify a list of reference sets to be looked for, in order, when
an assembly is loaded. The first reference set found from the top of the list
reading downwards is the one that is loaded.
Think of a reference set as a subset of part geometry that you can load
in place of the entire part.
The Model reference set is meant to contain only a body that you wish
to place on a drawing.

Saved Load Options
You may save the current load options settings as your default settings.
Otherwise, any changes you make in the Assembly Load Options dialog box
apply only to your current NX session.
The Saved Load Options group contains options to control saved settings:
• Save as Default — Save the current load options as your defaults in the
load_options.def file in your current directory.
• Restore Default — Reset the load options to the values defined in the
load_options.def file in your current directory, if it exists, or to the system
defaults.
• Save to File — Save the current load options settings to a load option
definition file whose name and location you define in the Save Load
Options File dialog box.
• Open from File — Open the Restore Load Options File dialog box, from
which you can select a custom load option definitions file.
16
Assembly Navigator overview

The Assembly Navigator is a window that displays an assembly structure,
component properties, and constraints between member components, in a
hierarchical tree.
You can use the Assembly Navigator to:
• View the assembly structure of the displayed part.
• Apply commands to specific components.
• Edit the structure by dragging nodes to different parents.
• Identify components.
• Select a component.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Resource bar ®
On non-Windows platforms, the Assembly Navigator appears in a separate

window.
16

Assembly Navigator user interface

Assembly Navigator main panel Identifies a specific component,
columns. and shows the hierarchal tree.
Shows information related to
Component node.
individual components.
Displays the saved part preview
Preview panel
for a selected component.
Displays the parent-child
Dependencies panel dependencies for a selected
assembly or piece part node.
16
Assembly Navigator hierarchal tree
The hierarchal tree always appears in the left-most column in the main panel
of the Assembly Navigator, regardless of which column is assigned to that
position.
Not all available commands or options are shown in the following table.
Icon Meaning
The following symbols precede nodes in the tree structure selected.
Container for view sections and component groups.
Expands an assembly or subassembly node.
Collapses an assembly or subassembly node.
Indicates one or more components have been filtered out of the
Assembly Navigator display. This symbol precedes the word
More.
The following icons indicate that their node represents an assembly or
subassembly.
The assembly is the work part or a component of the work part.
The assembly is loaded, but it is neither the work part nor a
component of the work part.
The assembly is not loaded.
16
Icon Meaning
The following icons indicate that their node represents a piece part.
The component is the work part or a component of the work
part.
The component is neither the work part nor a component of
the work part.
The component is closed.
Check boxes in the tree diagram beside components
The component is not loaded.
The component is at least partially loaded, but not visible.
The component is at least partially loaded and visible.
The part is suppressed.

Activities: Assemblies — assembly load options and the Assembly

Navigator
In the Introduction to Assemblies section, do the activities:
• Assembly Load Options
• Assembly Navigator
16
Select components
When you are using commands that require you to select components, you
can select them in the following ways:
• Select the component in the graphics window.
• Select the corresponding node in the Assembly Navigator.
• Select the component name from a list, for certain commands.
• Type the component name in the Class Selection dialog box, in the Other
Selection Methods group, in the Select by Name box.
Select components with QuickPick
Use the Quickpick list to easily select a component or object from a crowded
field of objects.
Once you position your cursor over a group of components the QuickPick
curosr displays . Click once to display the QuickPick dialog box.

You can use the Components filter in the to list only components.
16

Identify components
• Select nodes for loaded and visible components in the Assembly Navigator
hierarchal tree to highlight the corresponding geometry in the graphics
window.
• Move the cursor over invisible components to see a bounding box in the
graphics window.
Bounding boxes are shown only when the assembly preference

Preselect Invisible Nodes is selected.
If the node is packed, one random component is identified.
The following image shows how an invisible component looks when only the
bounding box is displayed. The image on the left is the loaded component and
the image on the right is the bounding box display.
16
Design in context
Design in context is the ability to create or edit component geometry while
the rest of the geometry is available.
• You can change the work part while an assembly is displayed.
• There are a group of modeling and expression commands that you can use
only when an assembly is displayed, to design in context.
When you are editing an assembly, you have control over the number
of components that are loaded and visible. This is sometimes called the
assembly context.
When you modify parts while you are working in the assembly context, we
call it design in context. In other CAD applications this is occasionally called
edit in place.
You can directly edit component geometry while the rest of the assembly is
visible. The part you are editing is always the work part. The work part
can be:
• A component piece part
• A component subassembly
• The displayed part

16
Design in context and reference sets
If you display the work part with a reference set, all geometry that you create
is automatically added to the displayed reference set.
By default, the work part displays the entire part. To display a
reference set for the work part, you must clear the check box for the
Assemblies preference Display as Entire Part.

Make Displayed Part and Set Displayed Part overview

The Make Displayed Part and Set Displayed Part commands switch the
display between currently loaded parts. The displayed part becomes the top
node of the Assembly Navigator display.
If the current displayed part is a component or subassembly in an assembly,
and you are going to change the displayed part to that assembly part, the
current work part is maintained as the work part in the newly displayed
assembly part if both of the following are true:
• You select Preferences®Assemblies®Maintain.
• You are in a mode where design-in-context is available.
The displayed part and the work part must always have the same units. For
example, you cannot have the displayed part in inches and the work part in
millimeters.
Where do I find it?
Application Assemblies
Toolbar Assemblies→Set Displayed Part

Menu Assemblies→Context Control→Set Displayed Part
16
Right-click a component in the graphics window®Make
Displayed Part
Right-click a component in the Assembly
Graphics window Navigator→Make Displayed Part
Make Work Part and Set Work Part overview

Use the Make Work Part or Set Work Part command to specify the part in
which to create objects and geometry. This gives you the ability to design in
the context of an assembly.
Partially loaded parts

The work part is automatically fully loaded.
Work part display

You can choose Preferences®Assemblies and select the Display as Entire
Part check box to show all geometry that is visible by layer settings and not
hidden.
When the work part has the Entire Part reference set display condition you
can see and use all objects in the part — such as datums, wire frame geometry,
and sketches — as you continue your design in the context of the assembly.
Occurrences
When your assembly has multiple occurrences of a component, it may not be
clear which occurrence becomes the work part. If you choose the name from a
list, or choose a packed node in the Assembly Navigator, the work part can
seem to be a random occurrence. If a particular occurrence is preferable to
you as the work part, perhaps because it is in a convenient location, you 16
can select its specific node in the navigator or its specific occurrence in the
graphic window.
Emphasis
You can choose Preferences®Assemblies and select the Emphasize check
box to emphasize the work part by changing the rest of the assembly to a
predetermined color. The work part retains its assigned colors.
When you are working in a large assembly, a color difference helps to visually
differentiate the work part geometry from the rest of the displayed part.
Limitations
The Make Work Part command is unavailable, and the Set Work Part
command will not change the work part, if:
• The selected component has different units than the displayed part.
• The current application does not support design in context, for example,
the Drafting application when a drawing is displayed.
• You have an unrelated dialog box open.

• The component is not currently visible because it is excluded by the

current reference set.
• The component is not loaded.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Assemblies®Make Work Part

Menu Assemblies®Context Control®Set Work Part
Right-click a component in the graphics window®Make
Work Part
Right-click a component in the Assembly
Navigator®Make Work Part
In the Assembly Navigator, double-click a node.
In the graphics window, double-click a component with
Shortcut menu visible geometry.
16
Assembly Navigator display commands
Right-click a node in the Assembly Navigator that represents a component

to display component related display commands.
The shortcut menu commands you see depend on the node you right-click.
Command Description
The following commands are available when you right-click a component
node.
Specifies the part in which to create
Make Work Part
objects and geometry.
Switches the display between
Make Displayed Part
currently loaded parts.
Changes the displayed part to a
Display Parent selected parent of the node you
right-click.
Component
Opens the selected component,
according to the current assembly
load option settings.
Assembly 16
Opens the selected subassembly.
Open Component Fully

Opens the selected component
with full loading regardless of the
Use Partial Loading setting in the
assembly load options.
Child Components
Opens components of the top level
assembly.
Part Closes the
component part
corresponding to
the selected node.
Close
Assembly Closes the entire
subassembly
under the selected
node.
Hide Hides the selected component.

Shows the selected component and

Show Only
hides all other components.
Removes the selected component
Delete object from the assembly, without
deleting the corresponding part file.
Available only for nodes with multiple
occurrences.
Replaces multiple occurrences of the
Pack selected component with a single node.
The number of occurrences
represented by a packed node is
displayed on the node.
Available for packed nodes.
Unpack Expands packed nodes to show all
occurrences.
Command Description
The following commands are available:
• In the Assembly Navigator, when you right-click the background.
• On the Tools®Assembly Navigator menu.
16 • On the Assembly Navigator toolbar.
Expands all collapsed nodes in the
Assembly Navigator so that every
Expand All component has a visible node.
Packs all components that currently
have multiple occurrences in the
Pack All assembly.
Unpacks all components that have

multiple occurrences.
Unpack All
Activities: Assemblies — more navigator options
In the Introduction to Assemblies section, do the activity:

• Additional work with the Assembly Navigator
16

Part revisions and saving assemblies
After you edit it, save the work part to keep the modifications.
Use File→Save or File→Save Work Part Only.
Save
• If the work part is a standalone part, only that part is saved.
• If the work part is an assembly or subassembly, all modified component

parts below it are also saved.
File→Save does not save higher level parts and assemblies if they are
modified.
File→Save All saves all modified parts in the session regardless
of which part is the work part, even parts that do not belong to
the displayed assembly.
Open parts for which you do not have write privileges will not be
saved.
You will get a warning about parts that cannot be saved due to
permissions.
16 Save Work Part Only

Use the Save Work Part Only command to save only the work part, even if it
is an assembly or subassembly with modified components.
Where do I find it?
Menu File®Save Work Part Only
Summary: Assemblies
An assembly is a file which contains component objects. It is a collection of
pointers to piece parts and/or subassemblies.
Assemblies provides the ability to design in context.
In this lesson you:
• Set Assembly Load Options.
• Worked with the Assembly Navigator.
16

16
Lesson
17 Adding and constraining

components
Purpose
This lesson introduces commands to add components to an assembly, move
components, and define associative relationships between components.
Objectives
• Add components to an assembly.
• Move components.
• Create assembly constraints.
17

Adding and constraining components
General assembly concepts

There are two approaches to creating an assembly structure.
• Top-down modeling — Create component parts at the assembly level.
• Bottom-up modeling — Create individual models in isolation, then later

add them to assemblies.
You are not limited to one approach to build an assembly. For example, you
can initially work in a top-down fashion, then switch back and forth between
bottom-up and top-down modeling.
17
Bottom-up assembly modeling

In bottom-up assembly modeling, you create piece parts and then later add
them to an assembly.
Use the Add Component command to create a new component that

references an existing part.
The component is added to the work part. The work part can be:
• The displayed part.
• Any member of a displayed assembly.
17

Add Component overview
Use the Add Component command to add one or more component parts
to the work part.
If you add a part family template part, the Select Family Member dialog
box appears.
You can:
• Add one or more instances of selected components in a single operation.
When you add multiple components at the same time, you may want
to use the Scatter option to prevent the components from being
positioned in the same location.
• Select multiple parts to add in a single operation.
• Repeat the add operation by selecting Repeat after Add from the Multiple
Add list.
• Create component arrays of added components by selecting Array after

Add from the Multiple Add list.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Assemblies®Add Component

Menu Assemblies®Components®Add Component
17
Add Component options
The following options are found on the Add Component dialog box.
• Part group lets you select one or more parts to add to the work park. You
can select parts from the following locations.
– Graphics window or Assembly Navigator.
– Loaded Parts list
– Recent Parts list
• Placement group sets the positioning method for added components along
with location options.
– Absolute Origin places the components at absolute 0,0,0.
– Select Origin places components at the selected location.
– By Constraints opens the Assembly Constraints dialog box.
– Move Component lets you move the component after an initial

location is defined.
– Scatter automatically places components in various locations to avoid

component overlap.
17

• Replication group lets you use Multiple Add options to add more than
one instance.
• Settings group sets component name attributes, desired reference set

and layer options.
17
Component Preview window
In the Assembly Preferences dialog box, when the Preview Component on

Add check box is selected, the Component Preview window appears after you
select components to add to the assembly.
In the Component Preview staging view, you can:

• Preview the component while you position it in the assembly.
• Perform independent view operations in this window, such as zoom or 17

rotate.
• Select geometry to define each assembly constraint.
The preview window closes at different times, depending on your selection

from the Positioning list in the Add Component dialog box.
• By Constraints — The preview window closes after you specify assembly
constraints to position the component.
• Absolute Origin, Select Origin, and Move — The preview window

closes after you select the component to add and click Apply in the Add
Component dialog box.

Activities: Adding components — create assembly

In the Adding and constraining components section, do the activity:
• Create an assembly
17
Move Component overview

Use the Move Component command to move and optionally copy a component
in an assembly. You can select and move multiple components if they have
the same parent.
You can move components dynamically or you can create constraints to move
the components into position.
You can move components in your work part by default.
If you want to move components anywhere in your assembly, regardless of
what your work part is; for example, if your work part is often a subassembly,
you can change the Move Component Scope assembly positioning customer
default from Work Part to Anywhere in Assembly and restart NX.
To find a customer default, choose File®Utilities®Customer Defaults,
and click Find Default .
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Assemblies®Move Component

Menu Assemblies®Component Position®Move Component
17

Move Component options
The following options are found on the Add Component dialog box.
• Tranform group specifies how the selected components move.
Motion provides the following options to move a component.
– Dynamic use drag functions, the on-screen input box or the Point
dialog box.
– By Constraints lets you add assembly constraints.
– Distance moves the component a distance from a defined point in a

specified direction.
– Point to Point moves the component from one point to another.
– Delta XYZ enter a distance based on the displayed parts absolute or

the WCS location.
– Angle moves the component about an axis point and vector direction a
specified angle.
– Rotate By Three Points defines the pivot point, start and end points
in which to move the component.
– CSYS to CSYS move the component from one CSYS to another.
– Axis to Vector move the component between two defined vectors about
a pivot point.
17
• Copy group lets you copy components that are moved.
• Settings group lets you determine how moved components will behave
within arrangements, how many animations steps are used when the
component is moved, options for routing objects, and collision detection.
Collision Detection is only available when Copy is set to No Copy.
17

Assembly Constraints overview

Use the Assembly Constraints command to define positions of components
in the assembly. NX uses directionless positioning constraints, which means
that either component can move to solve the constraint.
You can use assembly constraints to:
• Constrain components so they touch each other or align with each other.
The Touch Align constraint is the most commonly-used constraint.
• Specify that a component is fixed in place. This is useful when you want
to control which component moves when the software solves a constraint.
• Bond two or more components together, so they move together.
• Define a minimum distance between selected objects in components.
See Assembly constraint types for more information about the different types
of constraints and their uses.
You can convert mating conditions to assembly constraints. Assembly
constraints are usually faster to create and easier to use than mating
conditions.
You can delay the updating of assembly constraints until a convenient time.
When you are ready, you can activate the update.
You can temporarily display the degrees of freedom for a selected component.
Where do I find it?
17 Application Assemblies
Set Preferences®Assemblies®Interaction to
Prerequisite Assembly Constraints.
Toolbar Assemblies®Assembly Constraints

Assemblies®Component Position®Assembly
Menu Constraints
Assembly constraint types

Assembly constraint Description
type
Angle Defines an angle dimension between two objects.
Bond “Welds” components together so they move as a
rigid body.
Bond constraints can only be applied
to components, or to components and
assembly-level geometry. Other objects are
not selectable.
Center Centers one or two objects between a pair of
objects, or centers a pair of objects along another
object.
Concentric Constrains circular or elliptical edges of two
components so the centers are coincident and the
planes of the edges are coplanar.
Distance Specifies the minimum 3D distance between two
objects.
Fit Brings together two cylindrical faces with equal
radii. This constraint is useful for locating pins or
bolts in holes.
If the radii later become non-equal, the constraint
is invalid.
Fix Fixes a component at its current position.
A fix constraint is useful when you need
an implied stationary object. With no fixed
node, the entire assembly has freedom to 17
move.
Parallel Defines the direction vectors of two objects as
Perpendicular Defines the direction vectors of two objects as
Constrains two components so they touch or align
Touch Align
with each other.
Touch Align is the most commonly-used
constraint.

Assembly constraints and the Assembly Navigator
The positional constraints of a component are reflected as symbols in the

Position column in the Assembly Navigator.
This list shows examples of the most used icons, not all possible constraint
symbols.
All six degrees of freedom are

Fully constrained constrained.
There are no remaining degrees of
Fixed freedom due to the fixed constraint.
The component has at least one
Partially constrained remaining degree of freedom.
Inconsistently constrained Two or more constraints conflict.
There are constraints that reference
Deferred constraints unloaded data, so the position may be
17 subject to change.
The component has all six degrees of
Unconstrained freedom and no position overrides.
All constraints for the component are
Suppressed suppressed.
For Constraints node, one of the following icons may appear:

All Geometry Loaded
Some Geometry Unloaded
Create a Touch Align constraint
A touch align constraint constrains two components so they touch or align

with each other. This is the most common constraint.
1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints .
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Touch Align.
3. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their
defaults:
4. Set Orientation to one of the following:

• Prefer Touch presents a touch constraint when touch and align
constraints are both possible.
• Touch constrains objects so their surface normals are in opposite

directions.
• Align constrains objects so their surface normals are in the same

direction.
• Infer Center/Axis specifies that when you select a cylindrical or conical

face, the face center or axis is for alignment.
5. Click Select Two Objects (if necessary), and select two objects for
the constraint.
You can use the Point Constructor to help you select objects.
17
6. If two solutions are possible, you can click Reverse Last Constraint to
flip between the possible solutions.
7. Click OK or Apply.

Create a Center constraint
A center constraint centers one or two objects between a pair of objects, or

centers a pair of objects along another object.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Center.
defaults:
4. Specify the Subtype:

• 1 to 2 centers the first selected object between the next two selected
objects.
• 2 to 1 centers two selected objects along the third selected object.
• 2 to 2 centers two selected objects between two other selected objects.
5. If Subtype is 1 to 2 or 2 to 1, set Axial Geometry to define what happens

if you select a cylindrical face or circular edge:
• Use Geometry uses selected cylindrical faces for the constraint.
• Infer Center/Axis uses the center or axis of the object.
6. Click Select Objects (if necessary), and select the appropriate

number of objects as defined by the Subtype.
17
7. If two solutions are possible, click Reverse Last Constraint to flip

between the possible solutions.
Show Degrees of Freedom overview

Use the Show Degrees of Freedom command to temporarily display the
degrees of freedom for a selected component.
Degrees-of-freedom arrows appear in the graphics window, and the Status
line shows the number of rotational and translational degrees of freedom
that exist in the component.
You can find degrees of freedom on components that are loaded and
unsuppressed. If geometry in other components needs to be loaded to find
the degrees of freedom, you receive a message asking if you want to load
the geometry.
Where do I find it?
Application Assemblies 17
Assemblies®Component Position Drop-down
Toolbar list®Show Degrees of Freedom

Assemblies®Component Position®Show Degrees
Menu of Freedom
Graphics window Right-click a component®Show Degrees of Freedom
Assembly Right-click a component node®Show Degrees of
Navigator Freedom

Activities: Adding and constraining components — constrain

In the Adding and constraining components section, do the following activity:
• Constrain and move components
Dynamically move components and check for collisions
17
Part family members in assemblies

Using part members of part families is an efficient way to ensure quality and
standardization of component parts in an assembly.
When you add a part family template part to an assembly as a component,
the Choose Family Member dialog box appears.
You can select the member of the part

family as follows:
1. Select the part name from the

Matching Members list box.
2. Type the name of the part in the

Part Name box.
3. Select attributes and define

Criteria to filter part family
members and determine parts
that meet your requirements.
17
The Matching Members list box lists family members that meet the Criteria.
As the list of matches becomes smaller, you can select a member to add, or
continue to narrow the criteria for candidates.
If the criteria specify a member of the family that does not yet exist, NX
creates a new member and adds it to the assembly.

Part family terminology
Part families use terminology not typically seen in other applications of NX

• A Template part is an NX part file constructed to include all of the options
required for the family of parts. This is the part file that contains the
Part Family Spreadsheet.
• The Family table is defined using the Part Family spreadsheet. It contains
the variables that may be modified in order to define the individual
Family Members.
• A Family member is a read-only part file created from, and associated

with, a template part and it’s family table.
• The Part Family consists of the template part, family table, and family
member parts.
17
Activities: Family of parts

In the Adding and constraining components section, do the activity:
• Add part family members to an assembly
17

Projects: Adding and constraining components

In the Projects section, there are two assembly projects to practice adding and
constraining components to an assembly.
Tier 1
Cylinder Head
subassembly
Tier 2
Compressor
assembly
17
Summary: Adding and constraining components

When you add components to an assembly, you reference other part files
or subassemblies.
You can move components or establish constraints to define the locations of
components.
In this lesson you:
• Added components to an assembly.
• Moved components.
• Defined assembly constraints.
17

17
Lesson
18 Introduction to Drafting
Purpose
This lesson introduces the Drafting application and the master model concept.
Objectives
• Create a non-master file that references a master model.
• Open, create, and delete drawing sheets.
• Add and edit views on drawing sheets.
• Create dimensions.
• Create notes on a drawing sheet.
18

Introduction to Drafting
Drafting application overview

The Drafting application allows you to produce and maintain industry
standard engineering drawings directly from the 3D model or assembly part.
Drawings created in the Drafting application are fully associative to the
model. Any changes made to the model are automatically reflected in the
drawing.
Some of the highlights of the Drafting application include:
• A comprehensive set of view creation tools that support advanced
rendering, placement, associative, and update requirements for all view
types.
• Fully associative drafting annotation that update when the model

updates.
• Controls for drawing updates and large assembly drawings which enhance
user productivity.
• Support for major national and international drafting standards,

including ANSI/ASME, ISO, DIN and JIS.
• Support for both in-part and concurrent drawing creation in 3D drafting

processes.
– Choose to save the 2D drafting details directly within the part itself,
or in a separate part that is fully associated to the master model.
– The support for concurrent engineering practices enables the drafter

to make drawings while the designer concurrently works on the model.
In NX, the term drawing sheet is used to define a collection of views. You
can think of each drawing sheet as a separate page in the drawing file. One
drawing file can contain many drawing sheets.
18
The 3D drafting process in NX

The following illustrates the general process for creating a drawing from an
existing 3D model This overview is not intended to give a detailed description
of specific functions or operations.
Set your drafting standard and drawing preferences

Before creating a drawing, it is recommended that you set the drafting
standard, drafting view preferences, and annotation preferences for the new
drawing. Once set, all views and annotations will be consistently created with
appropriate visual characteristics and symbology.
18

Create a new drawing

The first step in creating a drawing is to make a new drawing sheet either
directly within the current work part, or by creating a non-master drawing
part that contains the model geometry as a component.
Add views
NX enables to you create a single view or multiple views at the same time.
All views are derived directly from your model, and can be used to create
other views, such as section and detail views. The base view determines the
orthographic space and view alignment for all projected views.
18
Add annotation
Once you have placed the views on your drawing, you are ready to add
annotations.
Annotations such as dimensions and symbols are associated with the
geometry in the views. If a view is moved the associated annotations move
with the view. If the model is edited, the dimensions and symbols update
to reflect the change.
You may also choose to add notes, labels, and in the case of assembly
drawings, parts lists to your drawing
A completed drawing can be plotted directly from NX, or the part containing
the drawing can be used directly by manufacturing to fabricate the part.
18

The Drafting interface

In addition to standard tools and selection toolbars, the Drafting user
interface contains the following unique features:
Drawing sheet boundary

View boundary
18
Drafting toolbars
Drawing node on the Part Navigator
Drawing sheet name
Sketch Tools toolbar
Master model concept

You apply the master model concept by creating an assembly, or non-master
part, with exactly one component part. The component part is the master
model. Edits to the master model are updated in the non-master part.
Part is added to the drawing file as a component

The master model concept allows multiple design processes to access the
same geometry during development. Benefits of this include:
• It promotes concurrent engineering. You can begin downstream
applications such as drafting, manufacturing, and analysis during
geometry construction.
• The downstream users need not have write access to the geometry. This
prevents accidental modifications.
Drafting Assembly
Master Model 18
Analysis N/C
Each application uses a separate assembly part. When the master model is
revised, the other applications automatically update with minimal or no
associativity loss.

You can maintain the design intent of the various design applications by
restricting write permission on the master model.
18
Create a new master model drawing

This example shows how to create a non-master drawing from a master part.
1. Open your part and select File→New.
2. Click the Drawing tab.
3. On the Drawing page, select an appropriate drawing template.

When Units is set to millimeters or inches, unit-specific templates
will display. Make sure to select a template that has the same units
as the current part.
4. (Optional) In the Name box, type a name.
5. (Optional) Choose a new folder location by clicking the Browse button

next to the Folder box.
18

6. Click OK to create the new drawing part.

In this example, we created an E sized template and added views.
When you create a drawing this way, by default the template will set
all of your drafting preferences to those contained in the template.
7. Click the Assembly Navigator tab in the Resource bar.

Note that you are now working in an assembly file and the original part
file has been added as a component.
Descriptive Part Name
Sections
block_dwg1
block
Although this is an assembly of the original part, all Drafting commands

and operations perform in the same way as they do in the original part.
18
Sheet overview
Use the Sheet command to:
• Create a new drawing in your work part, if no drawing exists in the part.
Use the File→New command and select a template from the Drawing
tab if you want to create and save the drawing in a separate part.
• Create a new sheet if a drawing already exists in the part.
• Edit an existing sheet.
From the Sheet command you can:

• Create drawing sheets from a template.
• Create custom sized sheets.
• Set the units and projection angle for standard sheet sizes.
• Set the height, width, units, and projection angle for custom sheet sizes.
• Edit the size, scale, projection angle, units, and name of an existing sheet.
You can change the projection angle only if there are no projected
views on the drawing sheet.
Where do I find it?

To create a new sheet
Application Drafting
Toolbar Drawing→New Sheet

Menu Insert→Sheet
Part Navigator Right-click the Drawing node®Insert Sheet 18
To edit an existing sheet
Toolbar Drafting Edit→Edit Sheet

Menu Edit→Sheet
Shortcut menu Right-click the drawing border ® Edit Sheet
Part Navigator Right-click the Sheet node®Edit Sheet

Create a new drawing sheet
1. On the Drawing toolbar, click New Sheet .
2. In the Sheet dialog box, define the drawing sheet size, scale, name, units
of measure and projection angle.
3. Choose OK.
Open a drawing sheet

Do one of the following:
• In the Part Navigator, double click the drawing sheet node.
• In the Part Navigator, right-click the drawing sheet node and choose Open.
• On the Drawing toolbar, click Open Sheet .
Edit a drawing sheet

• In the Part Navigator, right-click the drawing sheet and choose Edit Sheet.
• Right-click the view border of a drawing sheet and choose Edit Sheet.
• On the Drafting Edit toolbar, click Edit Sheet
• From the menu, choose Edit→Sheet.

18 You can change the projection angle only if no projected views exist on
the drawing sheet.
You can edit the drawing sheet to a larger or smaller size. If you
edit the drawing sheet to a size so small that a member view falls
entirely outside the boundary of the drawing sheet, you will get an
error message.
If you need to edit the drawing sheet to a smaller size, but cannot due to
the current position of the views, move the views closer to the drawing
sheet’s origin at the lower left corner of the sheet.
Delete a drawing sheet

• Right-click the border of a drawing sheet and choose Delete.
• In the Part Navigator, right-click the drawing sheet node and choose
Delete.
• Choose Edit ® Delete, then select the current drawing sheet border, then
click OK.
18

Change drawing display to monochrome

The Monochrome Display option displays a drawing sheet in a single color.
1. Choose Preferences®Visualization.
2. Click the Color Settings tab.
3. In the Drawing Part Settings section, select the Monochrome Display

check box.
The default colors are black and gray. You can specify any line or
background color
In the Part Navigator, right-click the drawing node and choose

Monochrome.
Monochrome will be applied to all drawing sheets in the part.
In the Visualization Preferences dialog box, on the Line page, use the
Show Widths option to display of line widths and make the display
closely resemble a plotter output.
18
Activities: Drafting – Edit a master model, Create drawings

In the Introduction to Drafting section, do the activities:
• (Optional) Edit parameters of a master model.
• Create a new non-master drawing
18

• Open and edit drawings
18
Drafting View Style/View Preference overview

The dialog box is used to create or modify the visual appearance of a view, as
well as control the preference setting for the style options associated with all
view types.
• The dialog box is called the View Style dialog box if you are creating or
modifying a specific view’s appearance.
• It is called the View Preference dialog box if you are setting the global
preferences for all view types.
The title of the dialog box, the tabs displayed in the dialog box, and the
options displayed on the different tabs of the dialog box, depend on whether
you are setting the style of a view or setting the preference for all views.
From this dialog box you can:
• Control visual properties of the view such as how hidden lines, visible
lines, virtual intersections, and smooth edges are rendered, and whether
the view is displayed as a shaded or wireframe image.
• Set the perspective, angle, and scale of the view.
• Control the visibility of the view annotation such as the view label, scale
label, and centerline symbols.
• Set the display characteristics for tracelines and thread representations

in the view.
• Control the appearance of a section view, including the display of

foreground, background, and crosshatch elements.
18

Where do I find it?

To open the View Style dialog box
Drafting Edit→ Edit Style , then select one or more

Toolbar views from the drawing sheet
Highlight the view border, press and hold the right
Radial Toolbar mouse button →Style

Edit→Style then select one or more views from the
Menu drawing sheet or Part Navigator
Double–click a view boundary
Graphics window Right–click one or more view boundaries ®Style
Part Navigator Right–click a view node ®Style
To open the View Preferences dialog box
Toolbar Drawing→View Preferences

Menu Preferences→View
18
Hidden Lines overview
The Hidden Line tab in the View Style and View Preferences dialog box
provides options for controlling the way edges and curves, hidden by geometry
based on the view orientation, are displayed.
Any view created from an existing view, known as the parent view, will
automatically inherit the parent view’s hidden line settings, regardless
of how the Hidden Line options in the View Style or View Preferences
dialog boxes are set. Once the view is created, however, you can change
it’s hidden line display using the View Style dialog box.
Hidden edges and curves are

Hidden edges and curves are
displayed with specific color and
invisible
font
All hidden edges and curves are displayed

18

Smooth Edges
Smooth edges are those whose adjacent faces have the same surface tangent
at the edge where they meet.
On the Smooth Edges page, select the Smooth Edges option to use the color,
font, and width settings to specify the appearance of smooth edges.
Use the End Gaps option to vary the edge intersection appearance.
18
Base overview
Use the Base command to add any standard modeling or custom view saved
in a part to a drawing sheet. A single drawing sheet may contain one or more
base views. From base views, you can create associated child views such as
Projected, Section, and Detail views.
The Base command provides options that enable you to:
• Add any view from the current part or another loaded part.
• Specify the position and orientation of a view on the drawing.
• Set the scale and style of the view.
• Control the appearance of components in views on assembly drawings.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Drawing ® Base View

Menu Insert→View→Base
Shortcut Menu Right–click a drawing sheet border®Add Base View
Part Navigator Right–click a sheet node®Add Base View
18

Base View options
(1) Part Add a view from a part that you specify

(2) Model View to Use Select the base view type from a list. Select NX
defined views or custom views.
(3) Orient View Tool Define a custom orientation for a view such as
perpendicular to a model face.
(4) Scale Select from a list of several preset scales, enter a
custom scale, or define the scale by an expression.
(5) View Style Opens the View Style dialog box. Settings you
make apply to the view you are adding.
18
Create a Base view
1. Choose Start→Drafting.
2. On the Drawing toolbar, click Base View , or choose

Insert→View→Base.
3. In the graphics window, move your cursor to the desired location and
right-click.
The shortcut menu is displayed.
4. Select Model View to Use®Right from the list.
5. Right-click again and select View Label.
6. Click in the graphics window to place your view.
7. Click middle mouse button to dismiss the Base View dialog box.
The right model view is displayed with a label below the view.
18

Projected overview
You can project views from an existing base, drawing, orthographic, or
auxiliary view. NX automatically infers orthographic and auxiliary alignment
as you move the cursor in a circular motion about the parent view’s center.
The Automatically Start Projected View Command option on the
General tab of the Preferences→Drafting dialog box controls the
automatic start up of the projected view command.
The system automatically infers:

• A hinge line to use as a reference to rotate the view into orthographic
space.
• A vector direction that is perpendicular to the hinge line. The arrow

indicates the projection direction from the parent view.
You can manually define the hinge line and also reverse the projection
direction before you place the view.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Drawing ® Projected View

Menu Insert→View→Projected
Shortcut Menu Right–click a view border®Add Projected View
Part Navigator Right–click a view node®Add Projected View
18
Projection lines
When you move the cursor while adding a projected view you see projection
lines. You can place the view at any angle from the base view. You can:
• Place the view manually. The angle snaps to 45° increments.
• Define a hinge line.
• Select a planar face and project perpendicular to it.
Preview
As you move the cursor the preview style can be:
• Border
• Wireframe
• Hidden Wireframe
• Shaded Image
To select a preview option, right-click before you place the view and
choose Preview Style.
18

Projected View options

(1) Parent View Select a different base view to use as the parent
view.
(2) Vector Option Infer a hinge line or explicitly define a fixed hinge
line.
(3) Reverse Projected Reverse the direction of the projected view.
Direction
(4) Associative Make the projected view associated to the defined
hinge line.
(5) Placement Align the projected view horizontally, vertically,
perpendicular to the hinge line, or infer the
placement based on the cursor location.
(6) Move View Move an existing view without interrupting the
interaction to place a projected view.
(7) View Style Open the View Style dialog box.
18
Edit the style of an existing view

There are several ways to change the style of an existing view.
• Double-click the view border.
• Right-click the view border and choose Style.
• In the Part Navigator, double-click a drawing view node.
• In the Part Navigator, right-click a drawing view node and choose Style.
• Choose Edit→Style.
Drag views on a drawing

1. (Optional) Select one or more views to move.
2. Hold the cursor over the border of a view (a selected view, if there are more
than one) until it changes to drag mode .
3. Drag the view as required.
As you move a view relative to others, alignment lines appear. When

you place a view with alignment lines visible it automatically snaps to
an aligned position.
Delete views on a drawing

There are several ways to remove a view from a drawing sheet.
• Right-click the view border and choose Delete.

18
• In the Part Navigator, right-click the view to be removed and choose
Delete.
• Choose Delete and select the view.
• Choose Edit→Delete and select the view.
Once a view is removed from a drawing sheet, all drafting objects or view
modifications associated to that view are deleted.

Activities: Drafting — add views

In the Introduction to drafting section, do the activity:
• Add views to a drawing
18
Dimensions
The Drafting application supports ANSI, ASME, ISO and JIS standard
dimension types, including Baseline, Chain, and Ordinate dimensions.
• NX uses an intelligent inference algorithm to anticipate and create
dimensions based on the objects you select.
• You can also choose to create specific dimension types using the
Dimension toolbar, or from the Insert→Dimension menu.
• You can set local preferences that control the display of the dimension
type.
Create a dimension — general procedure

A general procedure for creating a dimension is as follows:
1. (Optional) Before creating any dimension, you can set the local preferences
for dimension objects by choosing Preferences ® Annotation, or clicking
Annotation Preferences on the Annotation toolbar.
2. In the Drafting application, choose Insert ® Dimensionand select the

dimension type you want to create, or on the Dimension toolbar, select a
dimensioning option from the Drafting Dimension Drop-down list.
3. Select the object(s) you want to dimension. Use the Line and Snap Point
options (when available) to help with selection.
4. (Optional) While rubber banding the dimension, you can use right-click
options to control the display and placement of the dimension.
5. Indicate a position for the dimension origin by clicking the left mouse
button.
18

Annotation Preferences
Use the Annotation Preferences dialog box (Preferences→Annotation) to

configure global settings that affect dimensions.
The following pages in the Annotation Preferences dialog box apply to
dimensions:
Dimensions Control the display of extension lines and arrows,
orientation of text, precision and tolerance, chamfer
dimensions, and narrow dimensions.
Line/Arrow Control the style and size of leaders, arrows, and extension
lines for both dimensions and other annotations. A
preview area provides a rendition of the symbol with
leaders and dimensions.
Lettering Control the alignment, justification, size, and font of text.
Units Control the desired unit of measure for dimensions
and whether dimensions are created in single or dual
dimension format.
Radial Control the settings that are unique to diameter and
radius dimensions.
18
Dimension preferences and placement
When you select a dimension type, the corresponding dimension dialog bar
appears.
The settings that you set on the dialog bar affect only dimensions you are
currently creating. The settings return to global values when you exit
dimension creation or choose Reset.
1 Tolerance Types Select the tolerance type from a list.

Select the primary nominal precision from 0-6
Primary Nominal decimal places from a list.
2
Precision If the preferences format is fractional, then the
list displays fractional precision values.
Enter a tolerance value, or values, using on-screen
3 Tolerance Values
input boxes.
Set the primary tolerance precision from 0-6
4 Tolerance Precision
decimal places.
Display the full Text Editor dialog box where you
5 Text Editor
can enter symbols and appended text.
Open the Dimension Style dialog box.
Use this option to affect settings as you create one
6 Dimension Style or more dimensions.
The global settings are restored when you exit
from creating dimensions.
Reset local preferences to previous current
7 Reset
settings in the part and clear appended text. 18
Treat as a driving sketch dimension or as a
documentation dimension.
8 Driving Dimension
This option is only available when a sketch is
created on the drawing sheet.

Annotation placement options

When you select a dimension type to create, the annotation placement options
appear on the Selection bar.
Set the leader on the left side, right side, or

1 Leader Orientation
automatically infer the side.
Associate the entity origin so that it is always
2 Associative Origin
aligned with another dimension.
Specify the alignment position on object such as
3 Alignment Position
top-left, mid-center, bottom-right.
4 Origin Tool Open the Origin Tool dialog box.
Snap Point options

Snap point options appear on the Selection bar while you are working with
dimensions.
These options act as a filter for selecting geometric points. You can either
select or deselect any of these in order to limit your selection to specific types
of points.
Use the Two-curve Intersection button (at the right end of the toolbar) to
select any two edges whose intersection you cannot fit inside the select ball.
When you select it, all the other buttons are unavailable.
You can press the Esc key at any time to release all selected objects.
Placement cues for dimensions

As you create dimensions, you can align them with an existing dimension.
Graphical cues appear when the origins of two dimensions are vertically or
18 horizontally aligned.
If you want the new dimension associated with the existing dimension, make
sure the Associative Origin button is active.
Append text to a dimension

You can append text to a dimension while you are creating it.
If you want only one line of appended text, select the object(s) to dimension
and, before you place the dimension, choose one of the appended text options
in the shortcut menu.
You may also press the right (after), left (before), up (above), or down
(below) arrow key on the keyboard to open a window to input a single
line of text.
If the text is complex, use the Text Editor from the dimension dialog bar.
To add appended text to a previously created dimension that does not already
have appended text, do one of the following:
• Use Note to create the text, then drag the text until it’s highlighted
in a dashed box in the correct placement position.
• Double-click the dimension, and open the Text Editor from the dialog bar.
• Double-click the dimension, and use the shortcut menu to choose either
Appended Text (for a single line of text), or Text Editor (for complex text).
• Double-click the dimension, and use the Right (after), Left (before), Up
(above), or Down (below) arrow key on the keyboard to get the appended 18
text location you desire. Type the text and press Enter.
To edit existing appended text, do one of the following:

• Double-click the appended text.
• Double-click the dimension and use the Right (after), Left (before), Up
(above), or Down (below) arrow key on the keyboard to get the appended
text location you desire.
• Select the dimension, and open the shortcut menu over the appended text.

Change text orientation and text arrow placement
• To set the text orientation and text arrow placement as you create a
dimension, open the shortcut menu before you place the text.
• To change the text orientation and text arrow placement of an existing

dimension, edit the dimension style.
Move a dimension
To change the origin of an existing dimension, simply drag it when no

command is active.
The cursor will change to when you are in the move mode.
18
Edit a dimension
1. Use one of the following methods for selecting a dimension.
• Select a dimension. Right-click, choose the appropriate the option,
and execute your edit.
• Double-click a dimension.
This action selects the dimension and activates the relevant dimension
dialog bar for editing.
• Select a dimension. Choose Edit ® Annotation ® Text.
• Choose Edit ® Annotation ® Text, then select a Dimension.

Once you select a dimension for editing, you are in Edit mode, as
indicated by the wrench cursor and the presence of the Edit

Dimension dialog bar.
2. Edit the selected dimension or select another dimension to edit.

To select another dimension, either click or double-click another
dimension, and based on where you selected, an on-screen input box may
also display.
3. Click Esc or middle mouse button to deactivate the dimension icon options
when you are finished editing.
Change the precision of a dimension

18
1. Double-click the dimension.
2. Do one of the following:

• Choose Nominal Precision from the shortcut menu.
• From the Edit Dimension dialog bar, in the Value group, click the
precision list.
• On the keyboard, press the number key that corresponds to the

desired precision.

Inherit preferences from an existing dimension
After you create a dimension, you can edit its preference settings to match
another dimension:
1. Double-click the dimension you want to change.
2. Right-click the dimension and choose Inherit.
3. Select the dimension that has the desired preference settings.
18
Activities: Drafting — dimensions

• Create dimensions
18

Note overview
Use the Note dialog box to create and edit notes and labels. A note consists of
text; a label consists of text with one or more leader lines.
Text can be imported by reference to expressions, part attributes and object
attributes, and can include symbols formed from control character sequences
or user-defined symbols.
While editing or creating notes, labels, or GD&T, NX provides a preview
directly in the graphics window as you enter each character.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Annotation→Note
Menu Insert→Annotation→Note
Helper lines
Helper lines act as a guide to allow you to align notes, labels, dimensions,
symbols, and views with other objects on the drawing sheet. Helper lines
appear as a dashed line.
To use helper lines, move the cursor over the object to which you want to
align as you are placing the new annotation. The note highlights and helper
lines appear.
Click to place the annotation at the desired location.

18
Create a note
On Windows, while in the Drafting application, you can drag a text file
onto a drawing sheet to create a note.
1. Open the Note dialog box in one of these ways:

• Choose Insert→Annotation→Note.
• On the Annotation toolbar, click Note .
2. Type the desired text in the Text Input box.

Text appears in the text box and at your cursor location in the graphics
window.
3. Move the cursor to the desired location and click to place the note.
18

Create a label
1. On the Annotation toolbar, click Note or choose

Insert→Annotation→Note.
2. Type the desired text into the Text Input box.

Text appears in the text box and in the graphics window.
3. Place the cursor over geometry.
4. Click and drag to create a leader.
To create multiple leaders, click and drag on different geometry.
5. Click again to place the label on the drawing (single leader shown below).
18
Tips
• Before placing the note, you can select additional options from the Note
dialog box.
• You can align annotations using helper lines that appear when you move
the cursor near existing annotation.
Edit an existing note or label
1. Right-click the existing note or label.
2. Choose the appropriate option from the shortcut menu.
You can display the Note dialog box and edit text by double-clicking
the note or label.
18

Activities: Drafting — Notes and labels

• Create notes and labels
18
Projects: Drafting
In the Projects section, there are two drafting projects to further practice
creating sheets, views, notes and annotations.
Tier 1
Pulley - part 6
Tier 2
Flywheel - part 6
18

Summary: Drafting
Use the Drafting application to create and edit drawing sheets. Views and
dimensions on a drawing sheet are associative to the solid model and update
when changes are made to the model.
Use the Note command to create notes and labels.
In this lesson you:
• Applied the master model concept to create a drawing.
• Modified a drawing sheet.
• Added views to a drawing sheet.
• Created dimensions.
• Added notes to a drawing sheet.
18
Lesson
19 Introduction to Synchronous
Modeling
Purpose
This lesson introduces editing techniques using Synchronous Modeling.
Objectives
• Edit a model by moving faces.
• Resize blends.
19

Introduction to Synchronous Modeling
Synchronous Modeling
Synchronous Modeling commands are used to modify a model regardless of
its origins, associativity, or feature history.
The model you modify can be:
• Imported from other CAD systems
• Non-associative, with no features
• A native NX model complete with features
By working directly with the model, the geometry is not rebuilt or converted.
With Synchronous Modeling, designers can use parametric features without
the limitations of a feature history.
Synchronous Modeling is primarily suited for use on models composed of
analytic faces types like plane, cylinder, cone, sphere, torus. This does not
necessarily mean “simple” parts, since models with many thousands of faces
are composed of these face types.
19
Move Face overview

Use the Move Face command to move a set of faces and automatically adjust
adjacent blend faces.
You can use linear or angular transform methods to move the selected faces.
Move Face is a useful design tool that facilitates easy design change during
the design process. It is also useful in downstream applications like Tooling,
Manufacturing, and Simulation, where you can directly make changes to the
model, regardless of feature history.
Some scenarios where you can use the Move Face command are:
• To relocate a group of faces to a different position to meet design intent.
• To relocate a series of faces in several components of an assembly. (All

components and assembly must be in History-Free mode.)
• To change the bend angle of a sheet metal part that has no history.
• To rotate a face or set of faces about a given axis and about a point. For
example, to change the angular position of a keyway slot.
• To change the orientation of an entire solid body, irrespective of its history,

to a different orientation.
19

Where do I find it?
Application Modeling and Shape Studio
Toolbar Synchronous Modeling®Move Face

Menu Insert®Synchronous Modeling®Move Face
19
Move Face options
1 Select Face Lets you select a face or faces to move.

2 Face Finder Lets you select faces based on how their geometry
compares with the selected face.
3 Motion Provides linear and angular transform methods for the
faces you select to move.
19

Resize Blend overview

Use the Resize Blend command to change the radii of blend faces regardless
of their feature history.
The Resize Blend command works with translated files and unparameterized
solids.
In this example, the red face in the body on the left is resized using Resize
Blend.
The dependent blue face updates automatically.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Synchronous Modeling®Resize Blend

Menu Insert®Synchronous Modeling®Resize Blend
19
Resize Blend options
1 Select Blend Lets you select blend faces.

Face
Face Rule options are available on the Selection bar.
3 Radius Lets you specify a new blend radius for all the selected
faces.
19

Activities: Introduction to Synchronous Modeling

In the Synchronous Modeling section, do the activities:
• Move faces using synchronous modeling
• Resize blends using synchronous modeling
19
Summary: Introduction to Synchronous Modeling

Synchronous Modeling commands can be used to quickly edit a model that
has no feature history or that requires a change in the design intent which
was not anticipated when it was constructed.
In this lesson, you:
• Edited models using Synchronous Modeling commands.
19

19
Appendix
A Practice projects
This appendix contains additional practice projects.
A
Essentials for NX Designers A-1
Practice projects
Practice Project 1
A
A-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Practice projects
Practice Project 2
A
Practice projects
Practice Project 3
A
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Practice Project 4
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Practice Project 5
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Practice Project 6
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Practice Project 7
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Practice Project 8
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Practice Project 9
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Practice Project 10
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Practice Project 11
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Practice Project 12
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Practice Project 13
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Practice Project 14
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Practice Project 15
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Practice Project 16
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Practice Project 17
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Practice Project 18
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Practice Project 19
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Practice Project 20
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Practice Project 21
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Practice Project 22
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B
Appendix
B Expression operators
This appendix describes the operators and functions that you can use in
expressions.
Essentials for NX Designers B-1

Expression operators
B
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
* Multiplication 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-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
B
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
Legacy unit conversion
Although when dimensionality is specified 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 degrees.
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
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 Returns 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
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 Normalizes 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
Appendix
C Point options
C
This appendix describes the options to create points.
Essentials for NX Designers C-1

Point options
Point dialog box

Use the Point dialog box to create point objects or specify locations in
three-dimensional space.
C You specify a point by choosing a type and selecting geometry or by typing X,
Y, and Z coordinates directly.
C-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Point options
Point types
The Type group of the Point dialog box has buttons representing various
methods for specifying a point. As the cursor is passed over these buttons,
text shows the name of the method.
C
Inferred Point Specifies the point option to use based on your
selection.
Cursor Location Specifies a position at the location of the cursor. The
location lies in the plane of the WCS.
Existing Point Specifies a position by selecting an existing point
object.
End Point Specifies a position at the end points of existing lines,
arcs, conics, and other curves.
Control Point Specifies a position at the control points of geometric
objects.
Intersection Point Specifies a position at the intersection of two curves or
at the intersection of a curve and a surface or plane.
Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Specifies a position at the center of an arc, ellipse,
Center circular or elliptical edge, or sphere.
Angle on Arc/Ellipse Specifies a position at an angular position along an
arc or an ellipse.
Quadrant Point Specifies a position at the quarter points of an arc or
an ellipse. You can also define a point on the extension
of an arc.
Point on Curve/Edge Specifies a position on a curve or edge. The U
parameter can be edited.
Point on Face Specifies a position on a face. The U and V parameters
can be edited.
Between Two Points Specifies a position mid way between two points.
By Expression Specifies a point using an expression of the type Point.
Essentials for NX Designers C-3

Point options
WCS and absolute coordinates

When Associative is inactive in the settings group, you can, in the
Coordinates group, select Relative to WCS or Absolute (the default) to
specify the coordinate system to reference.
C
Enter values in the X, Y, or Z boxes.
C-4 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Appendix
D Primitive solids
This appendix describes the common commands to create primitive solids. D
Essentials for NX Designers D-1

Primitive solids
Primitive solids
A primitive is a solid body that is has an basic mathematical shape.
As an alternative to sketching when the model is quite simple, you could use
a primitive as the base feature of your solid model.
When you create a primitive body, you specify its type, size, location, and
orientation.
The four types of primitives are:
D • Block
• Cylinder
• Cone
• Sphere
Although NX allows the use of multiple primitives, the practice is not

recommended.
D-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Primitive solids
Block
Create a Block by specifying the size and location.
The orientation is inferred from the WCS.
There are three Type options you can use to create a Block:
• Origin and Edge Lengths
• Two Points and Height D

• Two Diagonal Points
Essentials for NX Designers D-3

Primitive solids
Cylinder
Create a Cylinder by specifying the axis vector, location, and size.
There are two Type options you can use to create a Cylinder:
• Axis, Diameter, and Height
• Arc and Height

D
D-4 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Appendix
E Features with predefined shapes
This appendix discusses additional features that can be associatively

positioned. Features formerly called form features include holes, slots, bosses,
pads, pockets and grooves.
Essentials for NX Designers E-1

Features with predefined shapes
Boss
The Boss feature is used to add a cylindrical shape with a specified height to
a model, having either straight or tapered sides.
1 — Diameter
2 — Height
3 — Taper Angle
E
A positive or negative value may be entered depending on which way the wall
is to incline. A zero value results in a vertical cylinder wall.
E-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Slot
This option allows you to create a slot in a solid body as if cut by a milling
machine tool. In each case, the shape of the cutting tool corresponds to the
slot type and dimensions.
The slot feature will be created so that the axis of the cutting tool is normal to
the face or datum plane selected. Initially, the path of the slot will be parallel
to the selected Horizontal Reference.
There are several different slot types available. You will be prompted for the
parameters that apply to the type of slot chosen.
Rectangular slot
The Rectangular slot type uses a tool that has cylindrical end faces and will E
produce sharp edges along the bottom of the slot.
1 — Length
2 — Width
3 — Depth
The Width of the rectangular slot represents the diameter of the cylindrical
cutting tool.
The Depth of the slot is measured in a direction parallel to the tool axis from
the placement face to the bottom of the slot. Depth values must be positive.
The Length is measured parallel to the horizontal reference (X in the feature
coordinate system). Length values must be positive.

Other slot types
The other available slot profiles are shown below.

Ball-End
U-Slot
T-Slot
E Dove-Tail
Thru slot
The Thru Slot option can be applied to all slot types and extends the length of
the slot along the placement face in the direction of the horizontal reference
between two specified faces.
You will be prompted to select starting and ending thru faces instead of a
length parameter. The two thru faces cannot be parallel to the placement face.
The rectangular slot shown below was created with the Thru Slot option
enabled. The selected starting and ending thru faces are shaded.
You should not dimension to the end arcs of the slot when positioning a Thru
Slot. The length of a Thru Slot is determined by the selected thru faces. The
only positioning dimension required is to locate an edge or centerline along
the length of the slot (tool) to a target edge or datum. Parallel at a Distance
can be used to constrain the feature and control the two remaining degrees
of freedom.
Pocket
The pocket feature is used to create a cavity in a solid body.
There are three types of pockets:
• Cylindrical (not covered in this lesson)
• Rectangular
• General (not covered in this lesson)
Rectangular pocket
This option allows a rectangular pocket to be defined to a specified depth, with
or without a floor and/or corner radius, having either straight or tapered walls.
E
The following parameters may be specified:
1 — Length
2 — Width
3 — Depth
4 — Corner Radius
5 — Floor Radius
6 — Taper Angle
The pocket is initially oriented so that the Length is parallel to the

selected Horizontal Reference.
Pocket features may be positioned from a tool edge or from the centerlines
provided for this purpose.

Pad
This option allows a raised pad on a solid body.
There are two types of pads:
• Rectangular
• General (not covered in this lesson)
Rectangular pad
This option allows a rectangular pad to be defined to a specified height, with

or without a corner radius and/or taper.
E The following parameters may be specified:
1 — Length
2 — Width
3 — Height
4 — Corner Radius
5 — Taper Angle
The pad is initially oriented so that the Length is parallel to the

selected Horizontal Reference.
Groove
The groove feature requires a cylindrical or conical placement face. A groove
can be thought of as a feature that would result from a part being cut in a
lathe. After specifying the groove parameters, you will be shown a preview
of the tool solid. The tool solid can be thought of as the path that the lathe
would make as it cuts the solid.
Positioning a Groove
You only have to position a groove along the axis of the cylindrical or conical
placement face. The Positioning dialog box will not appear. Instead, you are
only required to specify a horizontal dimension along the axis by selecting a
target edge followed by a tool edge or centerline.
E
Two grooves are shown in the following example.
1 — Target Edge
2 — Tool Edge (or centerline)

Positioning methods
Positioning is a legacy method used to place the legacy form features relative
to other geometry.
Horizontal
Specifies the horizontal distance between two points, one on the target solid
and the other on the tool solid. Horizontal is measured along the X-axis of the
feature coordinate system (the Horizontal Reference). As edges are selected,
the nearest valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).
1 — Horizontal Reference
2 — Target Edge (End Point)
E
3 — Tool Edge (Tangent Point)
Vertical
Specifies the vertical distance between two points, one on the target solid and
the other on the tool solid. Vertical is measured along the Y-axis of the feature
coordinate system (perpendicular to the Horizontal Reference). As edges are
selected, the nearest valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).
1 — Horizontal Reference
2 — Target Edge (End Point)
3 — Tool Edge (Arc Center)

Perpendicular
Specifies the shortest (normal) distance between a linear edge on the target
solid (also datum planes or axis) and a point on the tool solid. The linear
target edge is always selected first.
1 — Target Edge
Point onto Line
Specifies that the distance between an edge on the target solid (also datum
planes or axis) and a point on the tool solid is zero.
Point onto Line is the same as the Perpendicular positioning dimension
with the value automatically set to zero. You can change it to a non-zero
value when you edit the feature.
1 — Target Edge (Datum Plane)

Parallel
Specifies the shortest distance between two points, one point on the target
solid and the other point on the tool solid. As edges are selected, the nearest
valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).
1 — Target Edge (Arc Center)
Point onto Point
Specifies the distance between a point on the target solid and a point on the
tool solid is zero. This is commonly used to align arc centers (concentric) of
cylindrical or conical features. This method fully constrains their location
since rotation is not a degree of freedom for cylindrical or conical features.
Point onto Point is the same as the Parallel positioning dimension with
the value automatically set to zero. You can change it to a non-zero
value when you edit the feature.
1 — Target Edge (Arc Center)


Parallel at a distance
Specifies that a linear edge on the target solid (also a datum plane or datum
axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid must be parallel and at a given
distance. This is typically used for features with length (slot, pocket or pad).
Using Parallel at a Distance will solve two of the three degrees of freedom
necessary to fully specify a feature having a length (rotation and translation
in one direction). Adding another Parallel at a Distance or Line onto Line
dimension would overspecify the location of the feature.
To fully specify the feature in the example an additional positioning
dimension is required to solve the final degree of freedom (i.e. Horizontal,
Vertical, Perpendicular).
1 — Target Edge
E
2 — Tool Edge (Centerline of Slot)
Line onto line
Specifies that the distance between a linear edge on the target solid (or a
datum plane or datum axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid is zero and
they are constrained parallel to each other. This is typically used for features
with length (slot, pocket, or pad).
Using Line onto Line will solve two of the three degrees of freedom necessary
to fully specify a feature having a length (rotational and translation in one
direction). Adding another Line onto Line or Parallel at a Distance dimension
would overspecify the location of the feature. To fully specify the feature in
the above example an additional positioning dimension is required to solve
the final degree of freedom (i.e. Horizontal, Perpendicular, or Point onto Line).
Line onto Line is the same as the Parallel at a Distance positioning
dimension with the value automatically set to zero. This zero value can E
be changed to a non-zero value when editing the feature.
1 — Target Edge (Datum Plane)

2 — Tool Edge (Centerline of Slot)

Angular
Specifies that a linear edge on the target solid (also a datum plane or datum
axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid must be at a given angle to each
other. The angle is measured in a counter-clockwise direction (with respect to
the feature coordinate system), from the ends of the edges nearest to where
they are selected.
1 — Target Edge
2 — Tool Edge (Edge of Pocket)
Edit positioning
As features are created the parametric data is captured in expressions.
The parametric data consists of the actual feature size definition (i.e.
diameter, height, length) as well as the positional data that is captured in
the positioning dimensions.
This option allows a feature to be moved by editing its positioning dimensions.
In addition, positioning dimensions may be added to features that are either
underspecified or were not given any positioning dimensions at the time
of creation.
Once the feature has been selected, the following options are offered based
upon the positioning status of the selected feature:
• Add Dimension
• Edit Dimension Value E

• Delete Dimension

Add dimension
This option may be used to add a positioning dimension to a feature.

When adding positioning dimensions, any edge (1) resulting from the
intersection of the feature being positioned (2) and a face on the target solid
(3) may not be selected as the tool edge.
Valid target edges for positioning purposes must belong to features existing
E in the feature creation list of the model before the feature being positioned.
Edit dimension value
Features may be moved by changing the values of the feature’s positioning

dimensions.
To use this option:
• Select the dimension to edit (if there is only one positioning dimension, it
is selected automatically).
• Type the new value.
Continue editing as many dimension values as desired. Once all the desired
dimension values have been edited, click OK.
Delete dimension
Use this option to delete a positioning dimension from a feature. The feature
will then remain in its current location as its position is no longer associated
to the model.
If you are replacing a dimension, add the new dimension before deleting
the old one. The Edit Positioning dialog box is maintained when you
add a dimension but is automatically dismissed when you delete a
dimension.
Display dimensions
The Display Dimensions option in the Feature Browser temporarily displays

the parameters of size and location in the graphics window for the feature.
Refreshing the graphics window removes the temporary display of the E
parameters.
Display Dimensions can also be accessed using the Part Navigator.

E
Appendix
F Assembly Constraints
Essentials for NX Designers F-1

Assembly Constraints
Assembly Constraints overview

Use the Assembly Constraints command to define positions of components
in the assembly. NX uses directionless positioning constraints, which means
that either component can move to solve the constraint.
You can use assembly constraints to:
• Constrain components so they touch each other or align with each other.
The Touch Align constraint is the most commonly-used constraint.
• Specify that a component is fixed in place. This is useful when you want
to control which component moves when the software solves a constraint.
• Bond two or more components together, so they move together.
• Define a minimum distance between selected objects in components.
See Assembly constraint types for more information about the different types
of constraints and their uses.
F You can convert mating conditions to assembly constraints. Assembly
constraints are usually faster to create and easier to use than mating
conditions.
You can delay the updating of assembly constraints until a convenient time.
When you are ready, you can activate the update.
You can temporarily display the degrees of freedom for a selected component.
Where do I find it?
Set Preferences®Assemblies®Interaction to
Prerequisite Assembly Constraints.
Toolbar Assemblies®Assembly Constraints

Assemblies®Component Position®Assembly
Menu Constraints
F-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Assembly constraint types

Assembly constraint Description
type
Angle Defines an angle dimension between two objects.
Bond “Welds” components together so they move as a
rigid body.
Bond constraints can only be applied
to components, or to components and
assembly-level geometry. Other objects are
not selectable.
Center Centers one or two objects between a pair of
objects, or centers a pair of objects along another
object.
Concentric Constrains circular or elliptical edges of two
components so the centers are coincident and the
planes of the edges are coplanar.
Distance Specifies the minimum 3D distance between two
objects. F
Fit Brings together two cylindrical faces with equal
radii. This constraint is useful for locating pins or
bolts in holes.
If the radii later become non-equal, the constraint
is invalid.
Fix Fixes a component at its current position.
A fix constraint is useful when you need
an implied stationary object. With no fixed
node, the entire assembly has freedom to
move.
Parallel Defines the direction vectors of two objects as
Perpendicular Defines the direction vectors of two objects as
Constrains two components so they touch or align
Touch Align
with each other.
Touch Align is the most commonly-used
constraint.

Create a Touch Align constraint
A touch align constraint constrains two components so they touch or align

with each other. This is the most common constraint.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Touch Align.
defaults:
4. Set Orientation to one of the following:

• Prefer Touch presents a touch constraint when touch and align
constraints are both possible.
• Touch constrains objects so their surface normals are in opposite

directions.
F • Align constrains objects so their surface normals are in the same

direction.
• Infer Center/Axis specifies that when you select a cylindrical or conical

face, the face center or axis is for alignment.
5. Click Select Two Objects (if necessary), and select two objects for
the constraint.
Create a Concentric constraint
A concentric constraint constrains circular or elliptical edges of two

components so the centers are coincident and the planes of the edges are
coplanar. If the Accept Tolerance Curves assembly preference is selected,
objects that are nearly circles (within the distance tolerance) can also be
selected.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Concentric.
defaults:
• Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied
to other assembly arrangements.
• Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the

constraints and move the components as you create each constraint.
F
• Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the
Assembly Constraints dialog box.
• Move Curves and Routing Objects
4. Click Select Two Objects (if necessary), and select two circular
curves for the constraint.

6. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

Create a Distance constraint
A distance constraint specifies the minimum 3D distance between two objects.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Distance.
defaults:
• Arrangements
• Dynamic Positioning
• Associative
F 4. Click Select Two Objects (if necessary), and select two objects for the
distance constraint.
If more than two solutions are possible, you can click Cycle Last
Constraint to cycle through the possible solutions.
Create a Fix constraint
A fix constraint fixes a component at its current position. This constraint is

useful when you want to ensure that the component stays in place while
other components are constrained to it.
A fix constraint is useful because the implied stationary object in the
Mate Component from-to relationship does not exist in the directionless
assembly constraints.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Fix.
defaults:
• Arrangements
F
• Associative
4. Click Select Object (if necessary), and select the object you want
to fix.

Create a Parallel constraint
A parallel constraint defines the direction vectors of two objects as parallel

to each other.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Parallel.
defaults:
• Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied
to other assembly arrangements.
• Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the

• Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the
Assembly Constraints dialog box.
F
4. Click Select Two Objects (if necessary), and select two objects that
you want to be parallel.
Create a Perpendicular constraint
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Perpendicular.
defaults:
• Arrangements — Specify whether you want the constraint to be
applied to other assembly arrangements.
• Dynamic Positioning — Specify that you want NX to solve the

• Associative — Specify that constraints are persistent after you close

the Assembly Constraints dialog box.
4. Click Select Two Objects (if necessary), and select two objects that
you want to be perpendicular. F

Create a Fit constraint
A fit constraint brings together two cylindrical faces with equal radii. This
constraint is useful for locating pins or bolts in holes. If the radii later become
non-equal, the constraint is invalid.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Fit.
defaults:
• Arrangements
• Associative

F
4. Click Select Two Objects (if necessary), and select two pieces of
geometry that are the same size.
You cannot apply a Fit constraint to symbolic-threaded geometry,
but you can apply other types of constraints. For example, you can
constrain a symbolic-threaded bolt to a symbolic-threaded hole by
applying a Touch/Align constraint to their centerlines.
The objects are fitted together.
Create a Bond constraint
A bond constraint “welds” components together so they move as a rigid body.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Bond.
defaults:
• Arrangements
• Associative
4. Click Select Objects (if necessary), and select two or more objects F
to bond.
Bond constraints can only be applied to components, or to
components and assembly-level geometry. Other objects are not
selectable.
5. Click Create Constraint when you are ready to create the constraint.

Create a Center constraint
A center constraint centers one or two objects between a pair of objects, or

centers a pair of objects along another object.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Center.
defaults:
4. Specify the Subtype:

• 1 to 2 centers the first selected object between the next two selected
objects.
• 2 to 1 centers two selected objects along the third selected object.
• 2 to 2 centers two selected objects between two other selected objects.

F
5. If Subtype is 1 to 2 or 2 to 1, set Axial Geometry to define what happens
if you select a cylindrical face or circular edge:
• Use Geometry uses selected cylindrical faces for the constraint.
• Infer Center/Axis uses the center or axis of the object.
6. Click Select Objects (if necessary), and select the appropriate

number of objects as defined by the Subtype.

Create an Angle constraint
An angle constraint defines an angle dimension between two objects.
2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Angle.
defaults:
• Arrangements
• Associative
4. Specify the angle’s Subtype:

F
• 3D Angle measures the angle constraint between two objects without
a defined axis of rotation.
• Orient Angle measures the angle constraint between two objects,

using a selected axis of rotation.
5. Select the objects for the angle constraint as follows:
• If Subtype is 3D Angle, the Select Two Objects option appears.

Select two objects for the angle constraint.
• If Subtype is Orient Angle, the Select Three Objects option

appears. Select an axis as the first object, and then select two objects
for the angle constraint.


F
Appendix
G Customer Defaults
This appendix describes utilities and customization files which affect the
default interface and behavior of NX. These topics would normally be the
responsibility of a system administrator.
Essentials for NX Designers G-1

Customer Defaults
Customer Defaults
Customer defaults are accessed by choosing File→Utilities→Customer
Defaults.
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
/NX75/nx75_user.dpv
User customizations file
C:/Documents and Settings/nxuser
/Local Settings/Application Data/Unigraphics Solutions
/NX75/nx75_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 nx75_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.
G
• 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.
G-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Customer Defaults
Customer Defaults levels
Customer defaults can be controlled at three levels: Site, Group, and User.
Site is the highest level, User is the lowest. Any or all of these levels may be
available to you, based on how the customer default environment variables
are defined at your site. If none of the environment variables are defined, the
level is Shipped (read-only).
System administrators or managers at a higher level can lock the settings of

customer defaults that they do not want anyone at the lower levels to change.
The Group level can lock customer defaults at the User level, and the Site
level can lock defaults at the Group and User levels. You cannot lock defaults
at the User level.
G
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 given default).

Customer Defaults
For example, to lock out the ability to create promoted bodies, the manager
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 padlock is displayed

beside it.
The manager can use the Default Lock State option 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.
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. This prevents Site Standards from being changed at the user level.
Customer 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 created to save the settings. By default the
file is called nx75_user.dpv, nx75_group.dpv, or nx75_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; 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.

Customer Defaults
Customer Defaults environment variables
To set up a User, Group, or Site level, you must define the appropriate
environment variable with a directory. You must first create a directory
named startup where you want to store the customer defaults file for that
level.
Level Variable Defaults File

(in the startup directory)
User UGII_USER_DIR nx75_user.dpv
Group UGII_GROUP_DIR nx75_group.dpv
Site UGII_SITE_DIR nx75_site.dpv
If you are already using the UGII_USER_DIR environment variable for other
purposes, you can use the UGII_LOCAL_USER_DEFAULTS environment
variable. When you define the environment variable, you must point it to the
.dpv file you will use (instead of just the directory, as done with the other
environment variables).
If both of these environment variables are defined, the system uses
the UGII_LOCAL_USER_DEFAULTS environment variable to define
the customer defaults User level. NX is shipped with this variable
defined, so if you want to use a common user directory (i.e., the one
defined by UGII_USER_DIR), you must remove the definition for
UGII_LOCAL_USER_DEFAULTS from your environment variables
G file.
Customer Defaults
USER, GROUP, and SITE directories
There is a standard structure for customer site installation of menu files and
shared libraries. This directory structure defines three subdirectories. For
the purpose of this discussion only the startup folder need exist; however, 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.)

Customer 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:
• Set the Defaults Level to the level you want to examine, Site, Group,
or User.
• On the Customer Defaults dialog box, click Manage Current Settings.
Here is an example of standard classroom defaults at the group level:
Customer 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.
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

G
Appendix
H Custom Roles
Roles provide a method to create a custom user interface based on a user

or departments needs.
In this appendix, you will create user and group roles.
Essentials for NX Designers H-1

Custom Roles
User-Defined Roles
By default, when you begin an NX session you are presented with a core set
of functionality but more specific Roles (sets of tools) can be accessed through
the Resource bar.
These prepackaged roles are a starting point from which you can customize
the NX user interface and save as a personal user role.
As a user, there are two different repositories for user-defined roles:
• The User folder where you can store your individual roles that reflect your
personal user interface layouts with their specific menus, toolbars etc.
Because these are your personal roles, the .mtx files that define them
reside in a user directory. In Windows, these roles reside in /Documents
and Settings/<yourname>/Local Settings/Application Data/Unigraphics
Solutions/NX75/Roles/
H
• A new palette which references roles in a directory.
You can use these palettes to store departmental/group specific roles and
put permission restrictions on their respective directories.
H-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Custom Roles
Create a User Role

It is important to customize the interface (toolbars, menus, etc.) the
way you want it before you create a role.
1. On the Resource bar, click the Roles tab .
2. Right-click in the background of the Roles palette and choose New User
Role.
This displays the Role Properties dialog box.
3. Specify the role properties.
1. Name of the .mtx file as

stored
2. Name of Role as referenced
in your NX interface
3. Graphic for the Role icon;
type in name or Browse
4. Description of the role.
5. Application(s) referenced in
Role
6. Toggles to structure Role;
Current Only is used
to capture a customized
interface
7. If selected, the settings for all
dialog boxes in the selected
H
applications are stored with
the Role.

Custom Roles
4. Click OK to create new ’User’ role.
Custom Roles
Activity: Create a User Role

In this activity you will create a user role.
Step 1: Open roles_1.
The buttons and menu options you see here reflect the base
functionality of Gateway when you start a new part.
Step 2: Select a Role.
Choose the Roles tab on the Resource bar and pin the
Roles pane.
From the System Defaults folder, click the Advanced role.
In the Load Role message box, click OK.
Choose Tools→Customize and change your user interface

(menus, options, toolbars) as desired.
Disregard the Roles tab in the Customize dialog box; you
will learn about its purpose later in the activity.
Step 3: Create a User role to store your customized user interface.

Right-click in the background of the Roles pane and choose
New User Role.
The Role Properties dialog box is displayed.

H
Step 4: Define your User role properties.
In the Name box, type role_1_xxx, where xxx are your initials.
This is the name of your role as it will appear in the Resource bar
Roles pane.
The name of the .mtx file (top of dialog) is system-assigned.
The name of your role must be assigned by you.
Click Browse and navigate to the parts directory; that’s where

the image files are.
Set the Files of type to JPEG Files.
Select a role_image_xx file and click OK.

Custom Roles
In the Description box, type the date <mmddyyyy> – <your

last name, first name> – first user role. (Example: 07042008
– Doe, John – first user role)
Your company may set description standards in place
for this data.
Select the Current Only check box.
Notice the Current Only option captures your current,

customized user interface, by application.
Click OK.
Your user role is created.
H Step 5: Close the part.
Custom Roles
Edit a User Role

After a user role is created, changes can be made by using the Edit
option.
1. Make the toolbar changes that you want to incorporate.
2. On the Resource bar, click the Roles tab .
3. On the Roles palette, in the User group, right-click your role and choose
Edit.
This displays the Role Properties dialog box.
4. From the Toolbar Layout, Menus and Dialog Memory group, select the
Use Current Session radio button.
5. Click OK to update ’User’ role with the changes.

Custom Roles
Create a Group Role

It is important to customize the interface (toolbars, menus, etc.) before
you create a role. If you decide later you want additional customizations
saved with a specified role, you will have to recreate the role.
1. Create a folder to store group roles in a writable directory.
2. Choose Preferences→Palettes.
3. Click Open Directory as Role Palette .
4. Navigate to the directory you want the new Role palette to point to. This
creates a tab on the Resource bar.
5. Choose Tools→Customize and customize your interface however you

wish.
6. In the Customize dialog box, click the Roles tab.
H 7. Click Create.
8. Navigate to your roles directory.
9. Type a File name for your role and click OK.
10. In the Role Properties dialog box, specify the role definition.
Name of role
Image for icon
Description
Application check boxes
11. Click OK to create the role.
Custom Roles
12. On the Resource bar, in your new palette, right-click and choose Refresh
to see the icon of the new role.

Custom Roles
Activity: Create a Role Palette with a Group Role

In this activity, you will create a role palette with a group role that could
be shared with other users.
Step 1: Create a new folder for the group roles.
In a writable directory, create a folder named grp_role_xxx,
where xxx is your initials.
The group-specific roles will be stored here. The group role palette
will point to this directory.
Step 2: Open roles_1.
Step 3: Customize the user interface.

This interface would be based on the design needs of the group.
Choose Tools→Customize and customize the user interface.
Step 4: Create your role.

In the Customize dialog box, select the Roles tab.
On this page, you can Load an existing user role (.mtx file), create a
new role, and define keyboard accelerators associated with the role.
Click Create.
The New Role File dialog is displayed.
Step 5: Define your new role file.

Expand the Save in list and navigate to the writable directory
H you created.
In the File name box, type custom_role_1_xxx, where xxx

are your initials, and click OK.
This will be the name of your custom .mtx file. In the first
(user) role you created, this action was done internally by
NX.
Step 6: Define the properties of the new role.

In the Role Properties dialog box, in the Name box, type
custom_1_xxx, where xxx are your initials.
This is the name of your role as it will appear in the Resource bar
Roles pane.
The Role Properties dialog is displayed.
Custom Roles
Click Browse and navigate to the parts directory where the

image files are located.
Set the Files of type to JPEG Files.
Select a role_image_xx file and click OK.
In the Description box, type in the date <mmddyyyy> – <a

short description of role>. (Example: 11032005 – custom UI
for xyz project)
In the Role Properties dialog box, select the Current Only

check box.
Click OK.
Your custom role is created and is now located in the writable

directory you defined.
Close the Customize dialog box.
Step 7: Define your new Role palette

Choose Preference→Palettes.
Click Open Directory as Role Palette.
Browse to the writable directory where your custom .mtx file

resides.
Select your custom_role_1_xxx.mtx file and click OK. H

If you do not see any entries, make sure Files of type is
set to All Files (*.*)
If your directory is correct, OK the Open Directory as Role

Palette dialog box.

Custom Roles
A new tab is added to the Resource bar and your custom role is
displayed.
1. Directory you created to hold

your custom roles
2. Property name of your

custom role
3. Role palette tab created
Close the Palettes dialog box.
Step 8: Close the part.
Custom Roles
Protected Roles
The power of Roles can be extended throughout your industry enterprise,
on several levels, by having your company’s systems administrator create
’protected’ roles for authorized workflows.
One Possible Scenario: — Adding System Default Roles
• Have the group leaders of various departmental processes/disciples
customize the NX user interface to reflect the design needs of that group;
e.g. assemblies, design review, drafting etc. (Activity procedure)
• The group leaders then create individual Roles for each of the
processes/disciplines.
• The group leaders alert the NX Systems Administrator where these

role (.mtx) files are located and asks for them to be moved into
the /UGII/menus/roles directory within the NX release. This is a
permissions-protected area.
• Once the .mtx files are moved into the /UGII/menus/roles directory, they
will be available as Roles in the System Defaults folder.

H
Appendix
I Glossary
active dimension
Dimensional constraint that controls sketch geometry.
active group
Group in which sketch curves are currently being created.
adaptive shell
Shelled body created in History-free mode. The body consists of a wall
thickness value and a collection of shell relations between its selected shell
faces and its partner faces.
ancestor
File containing the source geometry that is directly or indirectly linked to
the selected object.
anchor point
(Modeling and Sketching) Intersection point of two end tangent vectors in
a general conic.
(Drafting) Reference point for positioning a Drafting symbol or a Drafting
view. The anchor point for a symbol is where a leader line attaches to the
symbol.
area fill
Pattern of lines used to fill a defined boundary in a drawing. An area fill is
used to indicate a specific type of material.
I
array
Series of features typically appearing in a rectangular or radial pattern.
array
Series of features typically appearing in a rectangular or radial pattern.
Essentials for NX Designers I-1

Glossary
associative point
Point that is related to existing geometry. When the existing geometry is
changed, the associative point updates so it still coincides with the existing
geometry.
associativity
Relationships between individual portions of a model. Changes to the parent
are propagated to the children.
auxiliary view
Drawing view projected from an existing view perpendicular to an angular
hinge line.
base view
Modeling view imported into a drawing. The base view can be a stand–alone
view or a parent view for other derived view types, such as a section view.
bend segment
Portion of a section line that connects multiple cut segments in a drawing.
blend
Feature which creates convex or concave rounded transitions between the
faces of a body.
break-out section view

View with a portion of the part interior shown within a boundary of curves
in a drawing.
broken view
I Compressed view that removes a portion of the model between two break
curves in a drawing.
centerline
Drafting symbol consisting of intermittent long and short lines used to bisect
geometry into equal parts.
component
Term used for a part that is a member of an assembly. A component could
be a subassembly consisting of lower-level parts.
I-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Glossary
constraint
(Modeling) Relationship which defines the relative position between objects.
Assembly constraints are used to position components in an assembly.
(Sketching) Geometric and dimensional design rules applied to sketch

geometry.
crosshatch
Pattern of single strokes or lines used to fill between a defined boundary
in a drawing view. Crosshatches are often used to indicate specific types
of material.
CSYS
Abbreviation for coordinate system.
cut segment
Portion of a section line that defines a cutting plane in a drawing view.
cylindrical dimension
Dimension measuring the diametral distance between two objects or point I
positions with an appended diameter symbol.
detail view
Child view with circular, rectangular, or user–defined boundary which
contains an enlarged portion of an already existing drawing view.
drafting view
Also referred to as drawing member view.

Glossary
Standard orthographic view created from a model view, or a view of 2D curves

that represent model geometry. A drafting view contains drawing objects. It
is listed in the Part Navigator under the associated Sheet node.
drawing sheet
View that contains drafting views and drawing border objects. Drawing sheet
views are listed in the Part Navigator under the associated Drawing node.
drawing view
Empty view used to manually create a sketch instead of displaying an
associative base view of a model.
extension line
Line that connects a dimension to the object being dimensioned.
extracted edge
3D representation of a visible edge that is associative to the parent
component. An extracted edge view does not contain the entire model.
Extracted edges are used to improve the view regeneration performance of
the drawings of complex models, such as large assemblies.
faceted representation
Lightweight approximation of the faces that represent the real model. Faceted
representations are used to facilitate quick regeneration of hidden line views.
folded section view

View with a multiple-segment cutting section, displayed as if the cutting
section was unfolded.
Gn continuity
Also called Cn continuity.
Degree of continuity between two segments of a curve or surface. G0 means
the segments are connected at a point. G1 means the segments are tangent.
G2 means the segments have the same curvature at the connecting point.
Glossary
helper line
Temporary dotted line that indicates alignment of objects. In Drafting,
helper lines are used to align notes, labels, dimensions, symbols, and views.
In Modeling, helper lines are used to align the control points of curves. In
sketching, helper lines are used to align curves as you sketch.
hinge line
Line used as a reference to rotate a view in proper orthographic space in a
drawing.
Inferred
Option that allows the software to determine the method to use for a given
operation. Dimensions, planes, vectors, and points can be created by letting
the software infer an appropriate method. The Inferred method is often the
default method.
instance
Shape-linked feature, similar to a copy. All instances of a feature are
associated, and updated parameters for the feature are reflected in every
instance of the feature.
instance
Shape-linked feature, similar to a copy. All instances of a feature are
associated, and updated parameters for the feature are reflected in every
instance of the feature. I
internal sketch
Sketch that is only available for edit from the owning feature, such as an
extrude feature. An internal sketch does not appear as a feature in the
Part Navigator.
knot point
Point where B-spline segments connect.

Glossary
layer
Method to control visibility of objects in a model in order to simplify the
display. Layers can be used to organize objects by their purpose. For example,
sheet bodies or solid bodies used for constructing features can be stored on a
hidden layer. Only one layer can be the work layer at a time.
layout
Collection of views arranged in a user-defined manner in the graphics window.
leader
Lines that connect the annotation to the associated object. A leader line has a
horizontal stub at one end and an optional arrowhead at the other end.
master component
Original component member of a component array that is used to determine
the positions of the other components in the array.
master model
Component file that contains the defining geometry that is referenced by an
assembly, drawing, or manufacturing part. For example, in NX, the master
model is normally kept in one file, and a drawing in another. When the master
model is modified, the drawing views can be updated to reflect the changes.
OrientXpress tool
Tool used to select non-associative vector direction and plane orientation.
This tool is commonly used in synchronous modeling commands. For example,
this tool is used to indicate a direction in which to move or pull a face.
pattern
(Drafting) Drafting objects such as borders, lines, text, or title blocks that
can be saved and recalled.
Glossary
(Modeling) Array of features or geometry.
reference curve
Also called a reference line.
Curve that is used for constraining geometry but is not used in the section
when creating features. Reference curves are displayed as dashed lines.
Curves in a sketch can be converted to and from reference curves.
reference object
Parent object that is associated to a child object. The reference object is
usually the object that is selected when creating new annotations.
Revolved Section view

View with a wedge-shaped cutting section, displayed as if the cutting section
was unfolded.
section cut
2D geometry created by cutting the model geometry with one or more cut
planes to view the planar geometry on the cutting planes.
section line
Arrow segments, bend segments, and cut segments that specify the cut
definition of a section view.
section view
View defined by cutting the model geometry with one or more cut planes to
view the planar geometry on the cutting planes.
I
seed face
(Manufacturing) Basic face that is used to create other faces or other
geometric objects.
(Modeling) Face that specifies the initial face of a region of faces. The region
feature is created from all faces that connect to the seed face. The chain of
connections is limited by the selected boundary geometry and possibly limited
by an angle tolerance between faces that share an edge.
shell
Previously called hollow.

Glossary
Thin walled part created by removing some faces and thickening other faces.
sketch on path
Specialized type of constrained sketch where users select the target path and
define a sketch plane location along that path.
stack
Set of Drafting annotations that maintain a positional relationship with each
other.
stub
Horizontal portion of a leader that connects an angled leader line with the
text or symbol.
tangent continuous curves

Two curves that connect with G1 continuity.
Timestamp Order
Viewing mode in the Part Navigator where features are listed in creation
order.
traceline
Line that shows the path of a component in an exploded view.
view boundary
I Boundary used to limit the geometry displayed in a view.
WAVE-linked body
Body that has been associatively copied from one part to another using one of
the WAVE commands.
work coordinate system (WCS)

Movable coordinate system. The coordinates of the WCS are called work
coordinates and are denoted by XC, YC, ZC axes. The XC-YC plane is called
the work plane.
Glossary
work layer
Layer on which geometry and drawing annotations are constructed. There is
only one work layer at a time.

I
Index
A Reference Sets . . . . . . . . . . . 16-7

Activity Saved Load Options . . . . . . . 16-8
Creating a Role Palette with a Group Load Options
Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-10 Part Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-6
Creating a User Role . . . . . . . . . . H-5 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-7
Analysis Load states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-6
assign material properties . . . . . 8-22 Make Displayed Part . . . . . . . . 16-16
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19 Make Work Part . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Measure Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21 master model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-7
Measure Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19 Move Component . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-9
Annotation Select components . . . . . . . . . . 16-13
dimension preferences and QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-13
placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-31 Subassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-2
placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-32 Top down and bottom up
helper lines . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-38 modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-2
preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-30 Assembly Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-9
preferences and placement Display commands . . . . . . . . . . 16-19
placement cues for hierarchal tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-11
dimensions . . . . . . . . . . 18-32 User interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-10
snap point options . . . . . . . 18-32
Applications B
Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-2 Boolean commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Add Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-4 Inferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Dialog box options . . . 17-5, 17-10 Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
Assembly constraints . . . . . 17-12, F-2
Show degrees of freedom . . 17-17
C
Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-13, F-3
Assembly Load Options . . . . . . . 16-5 Chamfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
Bottom-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-3 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-8
Component objects . . . . . . . . . . . 16-3 options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-9
Component part files . . . . . . . . . 16-4 Change Displayed Part . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Component Preview window . . . . 17-7 Combine bodies
constraints Boolean commands . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
perpendicular . . . . . . . . . . . . F-9 Command Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
General concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-2 Customer Defaults
Identify components . . . . . . . . . 16-14 Directory Structures . . . . . . . . . . . G-7
Load options DPV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-5
Essentials for NX Designers Index-1

Index
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-3, G-5 editing views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-27

Setting Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-3 monochrome display . . . . . . . . . 18-14
Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4 open sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-12
removing views . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-27
D view creation options . . . . . . . . 18-22
Datum Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15
applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17 E
Curve/Face Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20 Edge blend
Intersection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19 add new set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-5
Two Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16 preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
Datum CSYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21 Edge Blend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-2
uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21 Edit
Datum Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-15
Delayed Update after Edit . . . . . . . 8-23 Edit Feature
Delayed Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23 Reorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Deselecting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21 Exit NX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Design in context . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-15 Expressions
Design intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 case sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
DesignLogic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Parameter Entry Options dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8 editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-29 examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
appended text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-33 functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
edit insert name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
change precision . . . . . . . . 18-35 list referencers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
inherit preferences . . . . . . . 18-36 List References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
placement cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-32 listing expressions associated with
preferences and placement . . . . 18-31 features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
text orientation and text arrow operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-34 options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Distance between objects . . . . . . . . 8-19 overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Drawings precedence and associativity . . . . . B-3
adding projected views Extrude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
project view options . . . . . . 18-26 Draft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11
projection lines . . . . . . . . . . 18-25 Inferred Boolean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
adding views limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6
preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-25 Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
annotation preferences . . . . . . . 18-30 start and end distance . . . . . . . . . 7-6
See also Annotation
create new sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-12
F
deleting a sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-13
edit notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-41 Feature
edit sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-12 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
edit views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-27 Feature Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-27 Feature Group . . . . . . . . . . 14-12–14-13
Index-2 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Index
Feature Replay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16

File Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6–1-7 editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16
Saving unnamed template files . . . 1-9 options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17
Using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Modeling strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
G Preview selection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Gateway View manipulation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-2 View shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Gateway Application . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Mouse Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Group Mouse shortcut menu
embedded features . . . . . . . . . . 14-13 Display Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-12 Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Orient View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
H Pan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2–12-3 Refresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-5 Rotate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4 Set Rotate Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Undo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
I
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17 O
Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Instance Feature Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
array methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4 Opening Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
circular array OrientXpress tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-9
example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-10 P
parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-8 Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6
Circular Array . . . . . . . . . . 14-5, 14-8 Parameter Entry Options . . . . . . . 11-14
rectangular array Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-7 Part family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19
example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-7 Part Family
parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5 Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-20
Part Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
L Change Displayed Part . . . . . . . . 1-14
Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 Close Selected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Opening multiple . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Save As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
M
Part Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Make Current Feature . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 color coding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Master model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-7 Dependencies panel . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Material Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22 Details panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Measure Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21 Main panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Menus overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Preview panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Mirror Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12

Index
Timestamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 Save Work Part Only . . . . . . . . . . 16-22

Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5 Selecting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Positioning Selection
Edit QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Add Dimension . . . . . . . . . . E-16 Selection bar
Delete Dimension . . . . . . . . . E-17 Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Edit Dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-16 Point
Positioning Methods Snap Point options . . . . . . . . 2-23
Angular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-14 Selection Intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Horizontal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-8 Curve rule options . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Line onto Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-13 face options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Parallel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-11 Follow Fillet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5
Parallel at a Distance . . . . . . . . . E-12 selecting sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5
Perpendicular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-10 Stop at Intersection . . . . . . . . . . 11-5
Point onto Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-10 Selection MiniBar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Point onto Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-11 Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-2
Vertical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-9 assign alternate thicknesses . . . . 13-4
Preview selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
Procedure options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Creating a Group Role . . . . . . . . . H-8 Sketch
Creating a User Role . . . . . . . . . . H-3 Auto Constrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Edit a User Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-7 Constraints
Geometric creation . . . . . . . . 4-50
Q Inferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Create Inferred Constraints . . . . . 9-5
QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 Creation method
On Plane . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10–4-11
R Curve functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
Referencing Existing Degrees of freedom . . . . . . . . . . . 4-48
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15 Delay Evaluation
Reorder features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15 Evaluate process . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Revolve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 Dimensional Constraints
start and end angles . . . . . . . . . . 7-13 Create inferred . . . . . . . . . . 4-62
Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10, H-2 Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-63
Choosing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11 Retain dimensions . . . . . . . . 4-66
creating group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-8 Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-60
creating user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
editing user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-7 Constraint assistance . . . . . . . 9-3
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10 General process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Protected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-13 Inferred Constraints
User-Defined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-2 Snap Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
Internal and external . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Status change . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
S
Lines at angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Save Work Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-22 Lines parallel or perpendicular . . 4-34
Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-22 Lines tangent to a curve . . . . . . . 4-34
Index-4 Essentials for NX Designers mt10051_s — NX 7.5A — Copyright 2010 Siemens PLM Software
Index
Naming Toolbars
Modeling application . . . . . . 4-16 Customizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Sketch Task Environment . . 4-17 Add or remove buttons . . . . . . 2-4
Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23, 4-35 Displaying toolbars . . . . . . . . 2-2
Profile Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Saving configuration . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Quick Extend Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41 Trim Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Quick Extend procedure . . . . 4-41
Quick Trim U
Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Quick Trim procedure . . . . . 4-39 Update Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23
Reattach
Sketch in place . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18 V
Reference direction . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
vector
Retain dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . 4-66
OrientXpress tool . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Right hand rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
View Preferences
Timestamp and dependencies . . . 8-16
Smooth Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-20
Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
View shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-3
View triad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4
Views
Sweep Along Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
manipulation
Swept Features
View triad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Body types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Extrude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Revolve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 W
Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 WCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
T WCS Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6–1-7

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Course Agenda
Essentials for NX Designers
Essentials for NX Designers with Teamcenter Integration
Monday Morning
• Introduction & Course overview
• Lesson 1. NX part files
• Lesson 2. The NX User Interface
Afternoon
• Lesson 3. Coordinate systems
• Lesson 4. Sketching
• Projects – Simple Sketching
Tuesday Morning
• Lesson 5. Expressions
• Lesson 6. Datum features
• Lesson 7. Swept features
Afternoon
• Projects – Simple Sweeps
• Lesson 8. Part structure
• Lesson 9. Using sketches
Wednesday Morning
• Lesson 10. Trim Body
• Projects – Sketching/Trimming
• Lesson 11. Swept feature options
• Projects – Advanced Sweeps
• Lesson 12. Hole features
Afternoon
• Projects – Hole features
• Lesson 13. Shell
• Lesson 14. Associative copies
Thursday Morning
• Lesson 15. Edge operations
• Projects – Shell, Associative Copies, Blends and Chamfers
• Lesson 16. Introduction to Assemblies
Afternoon
• Lesson 17. Adding and constraining components
• Projects – Adding and constraining components
Friday Morning
• Lesson 18. Introduction to Drafting
• Projects: Drafting
Afternoon
• Lesson 19. Editing models
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Rev-9/28/10-jab
Accelerators
You can list the following keyboard accelerators in NX.
Choose Information→Custom Menubar→Accelerators.
Command Accelerator
File→New... Ctrl+N
File→Open... Ctrl+O
File→Save Ctrl+S
File→Save As... Ctrl+Shift+A
File→Plot... Ctrl+P
File→Execute→Grip... Ctrl+G
File→Execute→Debug Grip... Ctrl+Shift+G
File→Execute→NX Open... Ctrl+U
File→Finish Sketch Ctrl+Q or Q
Edit→Undo Ctrl+Z
Edit→Redo Ctrl+Y
Edit→Cut Ctrl+X
Edit→Copy Ctrl+C
Edit→Paste Ctrl+V
Edit→Delete... Ctrl+D or Delete
Edit→Selection - Select All Ctrl+A
Edit→Object Display... Ctrl+J
Edit→Show and Hide→Show and Hide... (by type) Ctrl+W
Edit→Show and Hide→Immediate Hide… Ctrl+Shift+I
Edit→Show and Hide→Hide... Ctrl+B
Edit→Show and Hide→Show... Ctrl+Shift+K
Edit→Show and Hide→Show All Ctrl+Shift+U
Edit→Show and Hide→Invert Shown and Hidden Ctrl+Shift+B
Edit→Move Object Ctrl+T
Edit→Sketch Curve→Quick Trim... T
Edit→Sketch Curve→Quick Extend... E
View→Operation→Fit Ctrl+F
View→Operation→Zoom... Ctrl+Shift+Z
View→Operation→Rotate... Ctrl+R
View→Section→Edit Work Section... Ctrl+H
View→Visualization→High Quality Image... Ctrl+Shift+H
View→Layout→New... Ctrl+Shift+N
View→Layout→Open... Ctrl+Shift+O
View→Layout→Fit All Views (only with multiple views) Ctrl+Shift+F
View→Information Window F4
Hide or show the current dialog box F3
View→HD3D Tools UI Ctrl+3
View→Move Clip Left Shift+F1
View→Move Clip Right Shift+F2
Rev-9/28/10-jab
View→Full Screen or View→Normal Screen Alt+Enter
View→Orient View to Sketch Shift+F8
View→Reset Orientation Ctrl+F8
Insert→Sketch Curve → Profile... Z
Insert→Sketch Curve → Line... L
Insert→Sketch Curve → Arc... A
Insert→Sketch Curve → Circle... O
Insert→Sketch Curve → Fillet... F
Insert→Sketch Curve → Rectangle... R
Insert→Sketch Curve → Polygon... P
Insert→Sketch Curve → Studio Spline... S
Insert→Sketch Constraint → Dimension → Inferred... D
Insert→Sketch Constraint → Constraints... C
Insert→Design Feature→Extrude... X
Insert→Surface→Four Point Surface... Ctrl+4
Insert→Mesh Surface→Studio Surface... N
Insert→Sweep→Variational Sweep... V
Format→Layer Settings... Ctrl+L
Format→Layer Visible in View... Ctrl+Shift+V
Format→WCS→Display W
Tools→Expression... Ctrl+E
Tools→Update→Make First Feature Current Ctrl+Shift+Home
Tools→Update→Make Previous Feature Current Ctrl+Shift+Left Arrow
Tools→Update→Make Next Feature Current Ctrl+Shift+Right Arrow
Tools→Update→Make Last Feature Current Ctrl+Shift+End
Tools→Journal→Play... Alt+F8
Tools→Journal→Edit Alt+F11
Tools→Macro→Start Record... Ctrl+Shift+R
Tools→Macro→Playback... Ctrl+Shift+P
Tools→Macro→Step... Ctrl+Shift+S
Tools→Movie→Record Alt+F5
Tools→Movie→Pause Alt+F6
Tools→Movie→Stop Alt+F7
Tools→Customize... Ctrl+1
Information→Object... Ctrl+I
Analysis→Curve→Refresh Curvature Graphs Ctrl+Shift+C
Preferences→Object... Ctrl+Shift+J
Preferences→Selection... Ctrl+Shift+T
Application→Modeling... M or Ctrl+M
Application→Shape Studio... Ctrl+Alt+S
Application→Drafting... Ctrl+Shift+D
Application→Manufacturing... Ctrl+Alt+M
Application→NX Sheet Metal... Ctrl+Alt+N
Application→Flexible Printed Circuit Design... Ctrl+Alt+P
Help→On Context... F1
Refresh F5
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Zoom F6
Rotate F7
Orient View-Trimetric Home
Orient View-Isometric End
Orient View-Top Ctrl+Alt+T
Orient View-Front Ctrl+Alt+F
Orient View-Right Ctrl+Alt+R
Orient View-Left Ctrl+Alt+L
Snap View F8
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Rev-9/28/10-jab
PLM Software
Evaluation – Delivery
Name: NX 7.5 ESN___________ Course #: TR10051/TR10051_TC
Start Date: ____________ Through: __________
Please share your opinion in all of the following sections with a “check” in the appropriate box:
Instructor: 5
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STRONGLY
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If there
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Instructor: 7 were 2
instructor
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1. Clearly explained the course objectives

2. Was knowledgeable about the subject
3. Answered my questions appropriately
4. Encouraged questions in class
5. Was well spoken and a good communicator
6. Was well prepared to deliver the course
7. Made good use of the training time
8. Conducted themselves professionally
9. Used examples relevant to the course and audience
10. Provided enough time to complete the exercises
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12. Did all they could to help the class meet the course objectives
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Suggestions for improvement of course delivery:
What you liked best about the course delivery:
Class Logistics:
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3. The software performed properly
4. The overhead projection unit was clear and working properly
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Student:
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Essentials for NX Designers

This software and related documentation are proprietary to Siemens Product

Proprietary and restricted rights notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

NX part files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

The NX user interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Essentials for NX Designers 3

Display toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Coordinate systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Coordinate systems overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Sketch overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Create a sketch On Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Essentials for NX Designers 5

Show No Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-55

Expressions overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Datum features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Datum Plane overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Datum axis options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16

Swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Types of swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Part structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Part Navigator overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Essentials for NX Designers 7

Measure Bodies overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21

Using sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Trim Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

Swept feature options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Two sided offset examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8

Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Associative copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1

Essentials for NX Designers 9

Mirror Body overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Edge operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1

Edge Blend overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-2

Introduction to Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1

Adding and constraining components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1

General assembly concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-2

Introduction to Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1

Drafting application overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-2

Essentials for NX Designers 11

Projected overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-24

Introduction to Synchronous Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1

Synchronous Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-2

Practice projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Practice Project 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Practice Project 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Expression operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Point options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Primitive solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Features with predefined shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Essentials for NX Designers 13

Rectangular pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6

Assembly Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1

Customer Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1

Custom Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1

Activity: Create a User Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-5

Essentials for NX Designers 15