NX Basic Design: Student Guide October 2008 MT10053 - S - NX 6

NX Basic Design
Student Guide
October 2008
MT10053_S NX 6
Publication Number
mt10053_s NX 6
Proprietary and restricted rights notice
This software and related documentation are proprietary to Siemens Product

Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
2008 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. All Rights
Reserved.
All trademarks belong to their respective holders.
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Contents
Course overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Course objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to use this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesson format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activity format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Learning tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NX 6 Help Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Template parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Teamcenter Integration for NX vs. native NX terminology
Layer standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Implementing a layer standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Student responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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11
12
12
12
12
13
13
14
15
16
16
17
NX part files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

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

Customize and display toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display toolbars using the shortcut menu
Add or remove toolbar buttons . . . . . . . . .
Access options on undocked toolbars . . . .
Command Finder overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Search for a command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dialog boxes and the Dialog Rail . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dialog Rail buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selection bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save toolbar configuration between sessions . . . .
Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Choose a role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: User interface Toolbars and Roles .
Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
View shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radial menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics window view manipulation . . . .
Selecting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preview selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: User Interface Views . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary: User interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. 2-2
. 2-2
. 2-3
. 2-4
. 2-5
. 2-6
. 2-7
. 2-8
. 2-9
2-10
2-10
2-11
2-11
2-11
2-12
2-13
2-14
2-16
2-17
2-19
2-21
2-22
2-23
2-24
Sketch Task Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Establishing design intent and a modeling strategy . . . . . . . . . .
Sketcher overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketch command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketches and layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketch types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ways to use sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General process for using sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a sketch On Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a sketch on an existing planar face or datum plane
Sketch reference direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference direction tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name sketches in Sketcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name sketches in the Modeling application . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Sketch creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internal and external sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internal and external sketch status change . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketch curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Help lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
NX Basic Design
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. 3-2
. 3-3
. 3-4
. 3-5
. 3-6
. 3-7
. 3-8
. 3-9
. 3-9
3-10
3-11
3-12
3-13
3-14
3-15
3-16
3-17
3-18
mt10053_s NX 6
Contents
Short list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inferred Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inferred Constraint and Snap Point options . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Snap Angle option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketch Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Profile options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Profile sketch curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create lines parallel or perpendicular to other lines . . . . . . .
Create lines tangent to curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create lines at angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create points in Sketcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selection bar Snap Point options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Sketch Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketch curve functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quick Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketcher constraints and Quick Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Quick Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quick Extend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketcher constraints and Quick Extend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Quick Extend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Make Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fillet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Fillet, Quick Trim, Quick Extend, Make Corner (optional)
Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Degree of Freedom Arrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geometric Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create geometric Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geometric constraint types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Show All and Show No Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Show and Remove Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Show and Remove Constraint options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Geometric constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensional constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketch dimension types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inferred Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Inferred Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edit sketch dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sketch Dimensions dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Add dimensional constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convert To and From Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convert curves and dimensions to reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deleting or suppressing sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Inferred Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Dimensional constraints (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary: Sketch Task Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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NX Basic Design
3-19
3-20
3-21
3-21
3-22
3-23
3-24
3-25
3-25
3-25
3-26
3-27
3-28
3-29
3-30
3-31
3-31
3-32
3-33
3-33
3-34
3-35
3-36
3-37
3-38
3-39
3-40
3-41
3-43
3-44
3-45
3-46
3-47
3-48
3-49
3-50
3-51
3-52
3-53
3-54
3-55
3-56
3-57
3-58
3-59
Contents
Datum features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Datum Plane overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Datum plane types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Datum plane options . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applications for datum planes . . . . . . .
Create a datum plane offset at a distance . . . .
Create a datum plane at an angle . . . . . . . . .
Create a bisector datum plane . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a tangent datum plane . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a datum plane through three points . . .
Activities: Datum features Relative . . . . . .
Datum Axis overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Datum axis types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Datum axis options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applications for datum axes . . . . . . . .
Create a datum axis through two points . . . . .
Create datum axis at an intersection . . . . . . .
Create a datum axis on a curve or face axis . . .
Datum CSYS overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Datum features cylindrical faces
Summary: Datum features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. 4-2
. 4-3
. 4-3
. 4-4
. 4-5
. 4-6
. 4-7
. 4-8
. 4-9
4-10
4-11
4-12
4-12
4-13
4-14
4-15
4-16
4-17
4-18
4-19
Swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Types of swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extrude overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extrude start and end distances . . . . . . . . . .
Create a simple extruded feature . . . . . . . . . .
Boolean operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Body type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolve overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolve start and end angles . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifying vectors using the OrientXpress tool
Create a simple revolved feature . . . . . . . . . .
Sweep along Guide overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a simple sweep along guide feature . . .
Activities: Swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary: Swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. 5-2
. 5-3
. 5-4
. 5-5
. 5-6
. 5-7
. 5-8
. 5-9
. 5-9
5-10
5-11
5-12
5-13
5-14
Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Hole overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hole dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hole position and direction options
Hole form and dimension options . .
Create a general hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
NX Basic Design
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6-2
6-3
6-4
6-5
6-6
6-7
mt10053_s NX 6
Contents
Summary: Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Edge operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Edge Blend overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edge Blend dialog box . . . . . . . .
Edge Blend preview . . . . . . . . . .
Add New Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Edge operations blends . .
Chamfer overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Chamfer . . . . . . . . . . .
Chamfer options . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Edge operations chamfers
Summary: Edge operations . . . . . . . . .
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. 7-2
. 7-3
. 7-4
. 7-5
. 7-6
. 7-7
. 7-8
. 7-9
7-10
7-11
Introduction to Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Component objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Component parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction to assembly load options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part Versions group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scope group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saved Load Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Assemblies load options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assemblies application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Node display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Icons and check boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Assembly Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Select components in the Assembly Navigator . . . . . . . . .
Identify components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Select components using QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Design in context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Displayed Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Window dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The work part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Associativity between components and assemblies
Assembly Navigator shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pack and Unpack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Make Work Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Make Displayed Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Parent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. 8-2
. 8-2
. 8-3
. 8-3
. 8-4
. 8-4
. 8-5
. 8-6
. 8-7
. 8-7
. 8-8
. 8-9
8-10
8-11
8-11
8-12
8-13
8-14
8-14
8-15
8-16
8-16
8-17
8-18
8-18
8-19
8-19
8-19
8-19
8-19
NX Basic Design
Contents
Activities: Assemblies more navigator options

Save the work part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save Work Part Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary: Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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8-20
8-21
8-21
8-21
8-22
Adding and constraining components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

General assembly concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assemblies toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use the bottom-up construction method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add Component overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add components to an assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Adding and constraining components create assembly
Move Component overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly Constraints overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly Constraint types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Touch Align constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Concentric constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Distance constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Fix constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Parallel constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Perpendicular constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create an Angle constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Center constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Bond constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Fit constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Adding and constraining components constrain . . . . .
Summary: Adding and constraining components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. 9-2
. 9-2
. 9-3
. 9-4
. 9-5
. 9-7
. 9-8
. 9-9
9-10
9-11
9-12
9-13
9-14
9-15
9-16
9-17
9-18
9-19
9-20
9-21
9-22
Introduction to Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Sheet overview . . . . . . . . .
Create a new drawing sheet . . . .
Open a drawing sheet . . . . . . . .
Edit a drawing sheet . . . . . . . . .
Delete a drawing sheet . . . . . . .
Activities: Drafting Create drawings
Change drawing display to monochrome
View Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hidden Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Smooth Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Base View overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Base View options . . . . . . . . . . .
Projected View overview . . . . . . . . . . .
Projection lines . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
NX Basic Design
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. 10-2
. 10-3
. 10-3
. 10-3
. 10-4
. 10-4
. 10-5
. 10-6
. 10-7
. 10-7
. 10-7
. 10-8
. 10-9
10-10
10-11
mt10053_s NX 6
Contents
Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Projected View options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edit the style of an existing view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drag views on a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delete views on a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Drafting add views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annotation Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimension preferences and placement . . . . . . . . .
Annotation placement options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snap Point options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Placement cues for dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Append text to a dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change text orientation and text arrow placement
Move a dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing an existing dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change the precision of a dimension . . . . . . . . . .
Inherit preferences from an existing dimension . .
Activities: Drafting dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating notes and labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Helper lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edit an existing note or label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activities: Drafting Notes and labels . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Master Model Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary: Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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10-11
10-12
10-13
10-13
10-13
10-14
10-15
10-15
10-16
10-17
10-17
10-17
10-18
10-18
10-18
10-19
10-19
10-19
10-20
10-21
10-21
10-22
10-22
10-23
10-24
10-25
10-26
Primitive solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Primitive solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Features with predefined shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rectangular slot . . .
Other slot types . . . .
Thru slot . . . . . . . . .
Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rectangular pocket .
Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rectangular pad . . .
Groove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning a Groove
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NX Basic Design
B-2
B-3
B-3
B-4
B-4
B-5
B-5
B-6
B-6
B-7
B-7
9
Contents
Positioning methods . . . . . . .
Horizontal . . . . . . . .
Vertical . . . . . . . . . .
Perpendicular . . . . . .
Point onto Line . . . . .
Parallel . . . . . . . . . .
Point onto Point . . . .
Parallel at a distance
Line onto line . . . . . .
Angular . . . . . . . . . .
Edit positioning . . . . . . . . . .
Add dimension . . . . .
Edit dimension value .
Delete dimension . . . .
Display dimensions . .
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. B-8
. B-8
. B-9
B-10
B-10
B-11
B-11
B-12
B-13
B-14
B-15
B-16
B-16
B-17
B-17
Legacy mating conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Mating Constraint types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mate constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Align constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Angle constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parallel constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perpendicular constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Center constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distance constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tangent constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mating Conditions dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define mating constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Degree of freedom indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vary Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
List Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tree listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suppress/Unsuppress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mating constraint shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . .
Mating condition shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . .
Reposition Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transform types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transform options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Collision options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repositioning components using drag handles
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C-2
C-2
C-3
C-4
C-5
C-6
C-7
C-8
C-9
C-10
C-10
C-11
C-13
C-13
C-14
C-15
C-16
C-16
C-17
C-18
C-19
C-20
C-21
C-22
C-23
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-1
10
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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.
NX Basic Design
11
Course overview
How to use this manual

The following guidelines describe how you can get the most benefit from your
use of the course guide and the accompanying HTML activities.
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
Activity format
Activities have the following format:
1. This is an example of a step. Numbered steps specify the actions you
will perform.
Action bullets detail how to complete the step.
Always read the Cue and Status information while working through
activities and as you perform your regular duties.
As you gain skills you may need only to read the step text to complete
the step.
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.
12
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Course overview
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 6 Help Library
The NX 6 Help Library is available online any time you need more
information about a function. To access the NX 6 Help Library; from the NX
menu choose HelpDocumentation.
Throughout this course, specific online help paths may be displayed to help
you locate additional information.
The path names will be displayed in the following manner.
See Also:
NX EssentialsIntroduction to NXUsing NX
NX Basic Design
13
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.
14
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Course overview
Teamcenter Integration for NX vs. native NX terminology

Teamcenter Integration for NX Term
Item
Item revision
Dataset
Item ID
UGMASTER dataset
UGPART dataset
(specification or manifestation)
Native NX Term
Part
Part revision
Part file
Part number
Master part file
Non-master part file
(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.
NX Basic Design
15
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
110
1120
2140
4160
6180
81255
Category
Solids
Sheets
Sketches
Curves
Datums
No category assigned
Description
Solid bodies
Sheet bodies
All external sketches
Non-sketch curves
Planes, axes, coordinate systems
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: ToolsMacroPlayback.
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.
16
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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!
NX Basic Design
17
Lesson
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.
NX Basic Design
1-1
NX part files
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.
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NX part files
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.
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NX part files
The NX window
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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NX Basic Design
Work and displayed part names

Main menu
Cue line
Status line
Resource bar
View rotation triad
Rail
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NX part files
Cue and Status lines

The Cue and Status lines appear at the top of the main application window.
The Cue line provides specific information on what to select for the
highlighted item in the dialog box.
The Status gives you feedback and confirmation on what you selected.
Move the Cue and Status lines below the graphics window
1. Choose ToolsCustomize.
2. Click the Layout tab.
3. In Cue/Status Position, select Bottom.
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NX part files
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 ToolsCustomize.
2. Click the Options tab.
3. Clear the check box for Always Show Full Menus.
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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
Menu
StandardNew
FileNew
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NX part files
Benefits of using templates
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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.
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NX part files
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. (Optional) Type the name and path information (3).
You can also type this information when you save the file.
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NX part files
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 FileSave 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
folder.
to help to define the name and/or
5. Click OK.
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NX part files
Layers
Use layers to organize geometry.
Use layer categories to organize and name layers.
To access the Layer Settings dialog box, choose FormatLayer Settings.
There are 256 layers in NX, one of which is always the work layer.
You can assign any of the layers to one of four classifications of status:
Work
Selectable
Visible Only
Invisible
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
110
1120
2140
4160
6180
91255
Categories
Solids
Sheets
Sketches
Curves
Datums
No category assigned
Description
Solid bodies
Sheet bodies
All external sketches
Non-sketch curves
Planes, axes, coordinate systems
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NX part files
Activities: NX part files Create new

In the NX part files section, do the activity:
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Create new part files
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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
Menu
StandardOpen
FileOpen
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NX part files
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.
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.
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NX part files
Save As
FileSave 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.
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NX part files
Close selected parts

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

In the NX part files section, do the activity:
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Open, save, and close existing part files
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NX part files
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.
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Lesson
The NX user interface
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.
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Customize and display toolbars
Each application has its own set of toolbars. You can hide or display
available toolbars for each application.
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 ToolsCustomize 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.
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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
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.
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Add or remove toolbar buttons

Toolbar options are an efficient way to turn on and off the display of buttons
within a toolbar.
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.
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Access options on undocked toolbars

Access toolbar options on undocked toolbars as shown below.
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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.
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?
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Application
Gateway
Toolbar
Menu
StandardCommand Finder
HelpCommand Finder
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Search for a command

1. On the Standard toolbar, click Command Finder
HelpCommand Finder.
, or choose
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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
Move Right
Moves the dialog box along the Dialog Rail to

predefined positions.
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.
Reset
Hide Collapsed
Groups
Show Collapsed
Groups
Close
When it is unclipped, the dialog box floats, and

you can position it anywhere on the screen by
dragging its title bar.
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.
Shows or hides all dialog box groups that are
currently collapsed.
This simplifies the display of the dialog box.
Closes the dialog box.
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Selection bar
The Selection bar consolidates various selection options in a convenient
location.
2
The Selection bar provides the following types of options:
Selection options to specify types of objects to select, for example, features

only, instead of faces, edges, bodies.
Selection Intent options to determine how surfaces or curve segments

are chained together.
Snap Point options to control the locations the cursor snaps to.
Annotation placement options, available in the Drafting application.

The options that appear in the Selection bar will vary depending on the
command you are using.
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 PreferencesUser Interface.
2. On the Layout page, select Save layout at exit.
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Roles
As you define your own roles, you or your administrator can add them to a
palette for others to share.
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.
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Activities: User interface Toolbars and Roles

In the NX user interface section, do the activities:
2-12
Customize toolbars
Create a new user role
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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
Left mouse button (1)

Middle mouse button
(2)
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.
Right mouse button (3) Display shortcut menu with various functions. Also
display action information for currently selected
objects.
Rotating mouse wheel Zoom in and out in graphics window. Scroll in lists,
(2)
menus, and the Information window.
Here is a summary of things you can do by moving the mouse cursor.
Over buttons on a
toolbar
Over buttons in a
dialog box
Over objects, features
or components in
graphics window
Display Balloon Help for the button.

Display the button name.
Pre-highlight objects based on the Selection Type
Filter.
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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
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.
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Option
Refresh
Fit
Zoom
Rotate
Pan
Rendering
Style
Orient View
Set Rotate
Point
Clear Rotate
Point
Undo
Description
Refreshes the entire graphics window. Erases temporary
display entities.
Fits the entire part to the view. Utilizes the fit percentage
found in the PreferencesVisualizationScreen dialog
box.
Fits the view to a user specified rectangle.
Activates the rotate mode to rotate the view with the cursor.
Activates pan mode to pan the view with the cursor.
Specifies the method of shading and hidden edges in which
the model is displayed.
Displays the current view in a canned view orientation. The
original visualization settings and view modifications are
retained. Active only in modeling view.
Defines a point about which the model is rotated. The point
may be defined on a curve, edge, face, or point in space.
Removes a rotate point that was previously set.
Removes the effect of the last single operation performed.
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Radial menus
Radial menus provide quick access to frequently used options and commands.
When you press and hold down the right mouse button, depending on your
cursor location or selection, a radial menu displays up to eight buttons that
surround the cursor location.
These buttons differ depending what is beneath the cursor. As you learn the
position of the buttons, just moving the mouse in the appropriate direction
will choose the option.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Shaded
Shaded with Edges
Studio
Fit
Wireframe with Dim Edges
Face Analysis
You can also use the View toolbar to access the view commands found in
the view shortcut menu.
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Graphics window view manipulation

You can rotate the view by dragging with the middle mouse button. Release
the mouse button to stop rotating.
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.
F8 key
Orients the current view to a selected planar face

or datum plane or the planar view (top, front, right,
back, bottom, left) that is closest to the current view
orientation.
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View triad
Select an axis of the view triad to restrict middle mouse button dragging to
rotation about that axis only.
Click the middle mouse button, press Esc, or click the rotation triad origin
handle to return to normal rotation.
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Selecting objects
Use the Selection bar to identify the types of objects you want to select.
2
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.
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.
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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.)
If you move the cursor over an object, then press the right mouse button and
hold, a radial menu appears.
The radial menu changes depending on the object. The following radial menu
is for a typical feature.
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.
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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

PreferencesSelection from the menu bar.
The color of preview highlighting is determined by the Preselection setting
found under PreferencesVisualizationColor Settings.
When you hold the Shift key, the preselection color is applied to currently
selected objects that you can deselect.
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QuickPick
When you select objects, more than one object will often be within the selection
ball. QuickPick provides easy browsing through selection candidates.
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 PreferencesSelection.
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:
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All
Construction
Features
Body objects
Components
Annotations
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Activities: User Interface Views

In the NX user interface section, do the activity:
Change the view display
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Summary: User interface

In this lesson you:
2-24
Modified the location and contents of toolbars.
Applied a role to restore saved toolbar settings.
Manipulated the work view orientation.
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Lesson
Sketch Task Environment

3
Purpose
This lesson introduces the methods of creating a sketch.
Objectives
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.
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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?
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.
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Sketcher 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 (shape) and dimensional
(size) constraints, to establish the criteria your design needs.
You would use sketches to control the profile or typical sections of your design.
Features created from a sketch are associated with it; if the sketch changes so
do the features.
The following example displays the typical elements of a sketch and the
resultant solid body. Notice there are two sets of sketch curves, the
internal set are reference sketch curves.
1
2
3
Sketch curves
Datum CSYS
Solid body
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3-3
Sketch command
Use the Sketch command to create the planar curve profiles and typical
sections needed to define your part or feature.
Once you decide to utilize Sketch you enter the Sketcher task environment.
This environment contains a robust set of tools designed to give you as much
freedom or as many rules as you want to complete your project.
You can draw your sketch using either a free hand method or a more precise
and constrained method.
In the following example, the image on the left shows the sketch with
the tire grooves included in the sketch, the image on the right shows
the tire without the grooves.
Where do I find it?

Application
Modeling, NX Sheet Metal and Drafting

(Modeling) FeatureSketch
(NX Sheet Metal) NX Sheet MetalSketch
Toolbar
(Drafting) None
(Modeling and NX Sheet Metal) InsertSketch
Menu
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(Drafting) InsertSketch on Sheet
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Sketches and layers

Sketches and layers work together to ensure that you do not accidentally
construct geometry in an active sketch across multiple layers.
Sketches and layers interact in the following ways:
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 edit an external sketch, the work layer is set as the layer in
which the sketch currently resides.
When you add curves to an active sketch, they are automatically moved to
the same layer as the sketch.
When you deactivate a sketch, the status of the work layer is determined
by the Maintain Layer Status option in the Sketch Preferences dialog box.
If Maintain Layer Status is checked, the work layer is returned to the
work layer used before the sketch was activated.
If Maintain Layer Status is cleared, the sketch layer remains the work
layer when you exit Sketcher, regardless of the work layer status before
the sketch was activated.
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3-5
Sketch types
When you create a sketch, you can define its plane and orientation using
one of two methods:
Sketch On Plane
Create a sketch on an existing planar face or datum

plane, or on a new datum plane.
Sketch On Path
Create a sketch profile for a Variational Sweep feature.

You can also use this type for Extrude and Revolve
features by selecting a target path and defining a sketch
plane location on the path.
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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
3
.
Both the guide and the section strings can be created in Sketcher.
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.
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3-7
General process for using sketches

When you want to use sketches in your model, follow this general process:
Establish your design intent.
Use your company standards to set up the layers and categories.

It is usually a good idea to place each sketch on its own layer.
3-8
Check and set the sketch preferences.
Create the sketch and the sketch geometry.
Constrain the sketch according to your design intent.
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Create a sketch On Plane

You can use this sketch creation method to create base features.
1. On the Feature toolbar, click Sketch
2. In the Create Sketch dialog box, make sure Type is set to On Plane.
3. Define the sketch plane.
3
4. Specify a reference direction
5. Click OK.
Create a sketch on an existing planar face or datum plane

You can use this sketch creation method to modify an existing model by
adding features.
1. On the Feature toolbar, click Sketch
2. Select the planar face, datum plane, or datum CSYS plane.

3. Specify a horizontal or vertical reference
4. Click OK.
NX Basic Design
3-9
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.
In the following example the front planar face is the sketch plane (1)
and the linear vertical edge (2) is the vertical (Y) reference direction.
The vertical reference direction was used to properly orient the sketch.
Reversing the direction of the axis in the traditional manner did not
position the sketch according to design intent.
The final orientation of the sketch is based on the preview CSYS (3).
3-10
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Reference direction tips

Use the following tips when defining your horizontal or vertical reference
direction
You must specify a reference object to determine the horizontal and

vertical sketch directions.
The default reference direction is horizontal.
In some cases, such as with a datum CSYS, a direction reference object

is inferred. There must always be a direction reference object with a
timestamp that is earlier than the sketch.
You may want to specify a vertical reference to properly orient your sketch.
To reverse the direction of a sketch axis, double-click the axis.
Use the Sketch Orientation options to define a reference direction for your
sketch, click Select Reference and select a new horizontal reference.
NX Basic Design
3-11
Name sketches in Sketcher

A descriptive name makes it easier for you to organize complex designs. You
can enter a different sketch name before or after creating your sketch.
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) PROFILE.
1. On the Sketcher toolbar, clear the contents of the Sketch Name box.
2. Type a new name and press Enter.

We recommend naming your sketch when no other sketch commands
are active.
If your new sketch name does not appear in the Part Navigator,
exit then reenter the Part Navigator Timestamp Order to refresh
your features. On the Name column heading, right-click and choose
Timestamp Order, repeat the action to refresh the Part Navigator.
3-12
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Name sketches in the Modeling application

To name a sketch in the Modeling application use the Sketch Properties
dialog box.
1. Choose EditProperties.
2. Select the sketch feature you wish to rename.
3. Click OK.
4. Click the General tab.

5. In the Name box, type the new sketch feature name.
6. Click OK.
You can also access the Sketch Properties dialog box in the following
ways:
In the Part Navigator, right-click a sketch node and choose

Properties.
In the graphics window, right-click over a sketch and choose

Properties.
NX Basic Design
3-13
Activities: Sketch creation

In the Sketch Task Environment section, do the activity:
Create a sketch on a datum CSYS
3-14
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mt10053_s NX 6
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.
In the following example, 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.
Differences between internal and external sketches
Internal sketches are visible in the graphics window only when you edit
the owning feature.
You cannot open an internal sketch directly from the Sketcher 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.
NX Basic Design
3-15
Internal and external sketch status change

Use this procedure to change the status of a sketch from internal to external
and vise versa.
To make an internal sketch external.
1. In the Part Navigator, select the owning feature of the sketch.
2. Right-click and choose Make Sketch External.
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.
3-16
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Sketch curves
Sketch Tools toolbar

Profile
Creates a series of connected lines and/or arcs in

string mode.
Creates a single line.
Line
Arc
Circle
Derived Curves
Quick Trim
Quick Extend
Make Corner
Fillet
Rectangle
Studio Spline
Fit Spline
Point
Ellipse
Conic
Creates an arc through three points or by specifying

its center and endpoints.
Creates a circle through three points or by specifying
its center and diameter.
Creates a line parallel to an existing line, midway
between two parallel lines, or a bisector line between
two non parallel lines.
Trims curves to the closest physical or virtual
intersection in either direction.
Extends curves to a physical or virtual intersection
with another curve.
Creates a corner by extending and/or trimming two
input curves to a common intersection.
Creates arcs that are tangent to other geometry, with
or without trimming the theoretical intersection.
Creates a rectangle using one of these three
available methods, By 2 Points, By 3 Points or From
Center.
Dynamically creates and edit splines using either
the Through Points method or By Poles. You can also
assign slope or curvature constraints at defining
points. Detailed information is available in the
Curves course.
Creates a spline by "fitting" it to construction points
with a specified tolerance. Detailed information is
available in the Curves course.
Will access the Point dialog box, which provides a
standard way to specify points throughout NX.
Creates an ellipse based on a center point and major
and minor radii.
Creates conic sections through point specification
and Rho values.
NX Basic Design
3-17
Help lines
During sketch curve creation, help lines indicate alignment to the control
points of curves, including line end points and mid points, arc end points, and
arc and circle center points.
Two types of help lines can display when you create curves.
3-18
A dotted help line shows alignment with other objects.
A dashed help line is part of the preview for an inferred constraint. After
you create a constraint, a help line displays in the sketch color for certain
types of constraints (such as perpendicular and tangent).
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mt10053_s NX 6
Short list
The short list lets you continuously create sketch geometry using the objects
in the short list as an additional resource.
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.
Sketcher maintains a memory of five objects called the short list to check for:
Inferred constraints.
When Sketcher infers a constraint between an object on the short

list and the curve currently being created, the short list object is
highlighted and you see a preview of the constraint.
To lock an inferred constraint type click the middle mouse button,

click again to unlock.
If you want the system to ignore inferred constraints, hold down the
Alt key during curve creation.
Help lines.
During curve creation you can pass your cursor over an existing curve
to add it to the short list. Once that line has been added you can create
your new curves based on the parameters of the short listed curve.
NX Basic Design
3-19
Inferred Constraints
The Inferred Constraints command controls which constraint settings are
automatically inferred during the construction of curves when you set one or
more of the options.
You can set inferred constraints for geometric constraints, dimensional
constraints and constraints recognized when using snap point options.
In the following example, the default settings for inferred constraints
was used. This created perpendicular (1), coincident (2) and parallel (3)
constraints during curve creation.
Where do I find it?

Task environment Sketcher
3-20
Toolbar
Sketch ToolsInferred Constraints
Menu
ToolsConstraintsInferred Constraints
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Inferred Constraint and Snap Point options

Geometric constraints
Horizontal
Collinear
Vertical
Concentric
Tangent
Parallel
Equal Length (Derived

line only)
Equal Radius
Perpendicular
Dimensional Constraint
The following Inferred Constraints are recognized by snap point options.

Constraints Recognized by Snap Point
Point on Curve
Coincident
Midpoint
Point on String
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.
NX Basic Design
3-21
Sketch Profile
After you create a new sketch you are automatically placed into Profile string
mode.
3
The Profile command creates a series of connected lines and/or arcs in string
mode. That is, the end of the last curve becomes the beginning of the next
curve.
The default Profile curve type is line. You can double-click the Arc button to
change the default curve type.
You can access all of the sketch curves from the Sketch Tools toolbar.
Where do I find it?
Task Environment Sketcher
3-22
Toolbar
Sketch ToolsProfile
Menu
InsertCurveProfile
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Profile options
Object Type
Line
You can create a line. This is the default mode when

you initially choose the Profile command.
XY-coordinates are used for the first line you draw.
Arc
Length and angle parameters are used for the second

and subsequent lines.
Creates a two point arc when you string from line
to arc.
Creates a three point arc when the first object you
create in string mode is an arc.
Input Mode
Coordinate
You can specify curve creation using X and Y

coordinate values.
Mode
You can specify a curve objects parameters. Lines
Parameter Mode use length and angle parameters. Arcs use radius
and sweep angle parameters. Circles use a diameter
parameter. Fillets use a radius parameter.
NX Basic Design
3-23
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
In the graphics window, click once to establish a start point.
Move to the end of the desired line, and click once to establish the end
point.
To create an arc, click the Arc button
You can also click and drag anywhere in the graphics window to
switch from line creation to arc creation.
Move the cursor over and away from the line end through different
quadrants of the circle, without clicking, to establish the direction of the
arc.
Perpendicular or tangential relationships change depending on the

quadrant through which you move away from the line end.
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.
3-24
To stop the profile string mode, click the middle mouse button.
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mt10053_s NX 6
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 lines 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.
Create lines tangent to curves

1. In the Inferred Constraints dialog box, make sure the tangent constraint
is on.
2. Define the lines 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
Relative Angle
23.855
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.
NX Basic Design
3-25
Create points in Sketcher

The Sketcher Point command provides you with a standard way to specify
points with the Point dialog box.
You can create points using existing geometry and in three dimensional space.
However, if you create a point off of the sketch plane, the system projects
that point back onto the sketch plane.
You can control point creation in sketcher by using the snap point
options on the Selection bar.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Menu
3-26
NX Basic Design
Sketch ToolsPoint
InsertDatum/PointPoint
mt10053_s NX 6
Selection bar Snap Point options
Button Name
Enable Snap Point
End Point
Mid Point
Control Point
Intersection Point
Description
Use this to turn the snap point options
on and off.
Select end points of lines, arcs, conics,
splines, and all edge types.
Select mid points of lines, open arcs,
and all edge types.
Select a control point of a geometric
object.
Select a point at the intersection of two
curves.
Arc Center
Select an arc center point.
Quadrant Point
Select one of four quadrant points of a

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.
Tangent Point
Two-curve
Intersection
Point Constructor
Select a tangent point on circles, conics,

and solid edges.
Select the intersection point of two
objects that do not fit within the
selection ball by selecting two objects.
Open the Point dialog box.
NX Basic Design
3-27
Activities: Sketch Profile

Create a sketch profile
3-28
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mt10053_s NX 6
Sketch curve functions

There are several options you can use to modify sketch curves:
Quick Trim
Quick Extend
Make Corner
Fillet
NX Basic Design
3-29
Quick Trim
With the Quick Trim command you can trim sketch curves to a Boundary
Curve within your active sketch.
You can trim multiple curves using the click and drag path method.
You can preview which portion of a curve will trim by passing your cursor
over the curve.
Trimming a curve that has no intersection deletes the curve.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Menu
3-30
NX Basic Design
Sketch ToolsQuick Trim

EditCurveQuick Trim
mt10053_s NX 6
Sketcher constraints and Quick Trim

When the Create Inferred Constraints command is used, Sketcher infers the
appropriate constraints after a trim operation.
Constraint
Concentric
Coincident
Point on Curve
Collinear
Equal Radius
Tangent
Trim Operation
An arc in the middle.
Intersecting lines to an intersection point.
A curve to a boundary curve.
A line in the middle
An arc in the middle.
A curve at the tangent point of a boundary curve.
Use Quick Trim

1. On the Sketch Tools 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.
NX Basic Design
3-31
Quick Extend
The Quick Extend command, extends sketch curves to a Boundary Curve
within your active sketch.
You can extend multiple curves using the click and drag path method.
You can preview which portion of a curve will extended by passing your
cursor over the curve.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Menu
3-32
NX Basic Design
Sketch ToolsQuick Extend

EditCurveQuick Extend
mt10053_s NX 6
Sketcher constraints and Quick Extend

When the Create Inferred Constraints command is used, Sketcher infers the
appropriate constraints after an extend operation.
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 Sketch Tools toolbar, click Quick Extend
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.
NX Basic Design
3-33
Make Corner
Use the Make Corner command to extend or trim two curves to make a corner.
If Create Inferred Constraints is active, NX creates a coincident constraint at
the intersection.
You can use Make Corner with the following sketcher curve types:
Lines
Arcs
Open conics
Open splines, trimming operations only.

In the following example the area the spline is selected remains as the
untrimmed section.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Menu
3-34
NX Basic Design
Sketch ToolsMake Corner

EditMake Corner
mt10053_s NX 6
Fillet
With the Fillet command you can create fillets between either a two or three
curve intersection.
Your intersection curves do not have to be coincident, you can also
create fillets between theoretical intersections.
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.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Menu
Sketch ToolsFillet
InsertCurveFillet
NX Basic Design
3-35
Activities: Fillet, Quick Trim, Quick Extend, Make Corner (optional)

In the Sketch Task Environment section, do the activities:
Create sketch fillets (optional)
Quick Trim , Quick Extend, Make Corner (optional)
3-36
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Constraints overview
Sketcher tools let you fully capture your design intent through geometric and
dimensional relationships that we refer to collectively as constraints.
Use constraints to create parameter-driven designs that you can update
easily and predictably.
Sketcher evaluates constraints as you work to update geometry without any
conflicts.
A fully constrained sketch has as many constraints as there are

degrees-of-freedom in the sketch, so that there can be no ambiguity in the
final shape.
While it is not required, we recommend that you fully constrain
sketches that define feature profiles.
Sketcher also offers you the flexibility to create as many, or as few, constraints
as your design requires. That means you can use Sketcher to create wireframe
drawings that can serve a wide variety of up-front design purposes, and are
not meant for downstream processing.
NX Basic Design
3-37
Degree of Freedom Arrows

Degree of Freedom Arrows (DOF) mark the points on your sketch curves
that are free to move.
These arrows can assist you in constraining a sketch by showing you the
directions you need to constrain for each point. When you constrain a
point from moving in a direction, the DOF arrow is removed. When all
degree-of-freedom arrows are removed, the sketch is fully constrained.
In the following example there are three types of positional DOF.
3-38
Point one (1) is free to move in the X direction, horizontal.
Point two (2) is free to move in the Y direction, vertical.
Point three (3) is free to move in both the X and Y directions. In some
cases, the point is free to move in either X or Y directions but is limited by
a constraint. For example, a point with a Point on Curve constraint on a
line is only allowed to move along the direction of the line.
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Geometric Constraints
You can use the Constraints command to create the geometric rules used
to define the shape of your sketch.
Sketcher uses geometric constraints, along with any dimensional constraints,
when analyzing your sketch for feature creation. Design intent determines
the type of constraints used and the relationships created within each sketch.
Examples of geometric constraints:
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.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu
Sketch ToolsConstraints
InsertConstraints
Right-click over a sketch curve and choose Add
Constraints
NX Basic Design
3-39
Create geometric Constraints

1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Constraints
You can create multiple geometric constraints without reentering

the command.
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

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.
3-40
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Geometric constraint types

Trim
Coincident
Collinear
Concentric
Constant Angle
Constant Length
Equal Length
Equal Radius
Fixed
Fully Fixed
Horizontal
Midpoint
Mirror
Offset
Parallel
Perpendicular
Automatically created when the Recipe

Curve command is used.
Constrains two or more points as having the
same location.
Constrains two or more linear objects as lying
on or passing through the same theoretical
straight line.
Constrains two or more circular or elliptical
arcs as having the same center.
Constrains a line at the current angle without
input of an angular value.
Constrains a line at the current length
without input of a length value.
Constrains two or more lines as being the
same length.
Constrains two or more arcs as having the
same radius.
Defines fixed characteristics for geometry,
depending on the type of geometry selected.
These characteristics are unchangeable.
You can apply a fixed constraint to an
individual sketch point or to an entire object.
Creates sufficient fixed constraints to
completely define the position and orientation
of sketch geometry in one step.
Constrains a line parallel to the sketch
X-axis.
Constrains the location of a point as
equidistant to the two end points of a line or
a circular arc
Select the curve anywhere other than
at its end points.
Automatically created when the Sketcher
Mirror Curve command is used.
Automatically created when the Offset Curve
command is used.
Constrains two or more linear objects or
ellipses parallel to each other.
Constrains two linear objects or ellipses
perpendicular to each other.
NX Basic Design
3-41
Point on Curve
Point on String
Non-Uniform
Scale
3
Uniform Scale
Slope of Curve
Tangent
Vertical
3-42
NX Basic Design
Constrains the location of a point as lying on

the path or projection of a curve.
Constrains the location of a point as lying on
an extracted string.
Scales a spline in the horizontal direction
while keeping the original dimensions in the
vertical direction during modification.
You can not apply a Scale constraint to
a spline if any of its interior defining
points are constrained.
Scales a spline proportionally in both the
horizontal and vertical when the horizontal
length changes.
Constrains a spline, selected at a defining
point, and another object as being tangential
to each other at the selected point.
Constrains two objects as being tangent to
each other.
Constrains a line as being parallel to the
sketch Y-axis.
mt10053_s NX 6
Show All and Show No Constraints

The Show All Constraints command displays all geometric constraints
applied to an active sketch.
To hide all the constraint symbols, click Show No Constraints
Unless Show No Constraints is on, you always see these constraint

symbols on an active sketch:
Coincident
Concentric
Point on
Curve
Tangent
Midpoint
If your sketch view is zoomed out, some symbols may not display. Zoom
in to see them, or clear the Dynamic Constraint Display check box on
the Session Settings page of the Sketch Preferences dialog box.
Where do I find it?
Sketch ToolsShow All Constraints
Toolbar
Menu
Show No
Constraints
ToolsConstraintsShow All Constraints/ Show No
Constraints
NX Basic Design
3-43
Show and Remove Constraints

The Show/Remove Constraints command displays geometric constraints
that are associated with selected sketch geometry or an entire sketch feature.
Show and Remove Constraints is often used as a tool to interrogate sketch
objects and resolve issues.
Use Show and Remove Constraints to:
Familiarize yourself with existing constraints.
You can remove existing geometric constraints.
You can list all the geometric constraints associated to your sketch.
Assist with sketch interrogation to resolve over constrained or conflicting

conditions.
You can maintain design intent by checking for existing relationships to

outside features or objects.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Menu
3-44
NX Basic Design
Sketch ToolsShow/Remove Constraints

ToolsConstraintsShow/Remove Constraints
mt10053_s NX 6
Show and Remove Constraint options

Show/Remove Constraints
Controls which constraints are listed in the Show
Constraints list window.
List Constraints for
Constraint Type
Include or Exclude
Selected Object lets you select only one object at

a time, this includes any adjacent curves that are
coincident or tangent to the selected object.
Selected Objects lets you select multiple objects
by selecting them one by one, or at once using the
rectangle selection method.
All in Active Sketch lists all the constraints in the

active sketch.
Filters the type(s) of constraints that are displayed
in the list.
Determines whether the specified constraint type
is the only type displayed in the list. Include is the
default.
You can filter the constraints listed based on the
creation method.
Explicit displays all constraints created explicitly
or implicitly by the user.
Show Constraints
Inferred displays all inferred coincident constraints

that are automatically created 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.
Inferred coincident constraints create during curve
construction are appended with an "I" symbol in
parenthesis.
Remove
Highlighted
Remove Listed
Information
Removes one or more selected constraints.

Removes all of the listed constraints displayed in
the show constraints list window.
Displays information about all geometric
constraints. This option is useful if you want to
save or print the constraint information.
NX Basic Design
3-45
Activities: Geometric constraints

Add geometric constraints
3-46
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Dimensional constraints
Dimensional constraints, also called sketch dimensions, establish the size
of a sketch object. You can establish the size of any sketch curve or the
relationship between two objects, such as the distance between two points.
Sketch dimensions, like drafting dimensions, have dimension text, extension
lines, and arrows. But with sketch dimensions if you change the dimension
constraint value, you also change the shape or size of the sketch objects. This
lets you control a feature derived from a sketch.
Sketch dimensions also create an expression you can edit in the Expressions
dialog box.
NX Basic Design
3-47
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.
3-48
NX Basic Design
Parallel
Creates a distance constraint between two points.
Perpendicular
Creates a perpendicular distance constraint from a

line to a point.
Diameter
Creates a diameter constraint for an arc or circle.
Radius
Creates a radius constraint for an arc or circle.
Angular
Dimensions an angle.
Perimeter
Creates a dimensions for the collected length of

selected curves.
mt10053_s NX 6
Inferred Dimensions
The Inferred Dimensions command creates explicit dimensions, such as
horizontal or vertical, based on where you select sketch objects and how you
place the dimension.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu
Sketch ToolsInferred Dimensions

InsertDimension
Right-click over a sketch curve and choose Add
Dimensions
NX Basic Design
3-49
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
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.
3-50
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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
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.
NX Basic Design
3-51
Sketch Dimensions dialog box

Dimensions dialog box
Expressions List
Lists the dimensions name and value (p0=4.5).
Current Expression Edits the name and value of a selected dimension.
Remove Highlighted Deletes the currently selected dimension.
You can change the value of the selected dimensional
constraint by dragging the slider.
Dimension Placement Specifies where a dimension is placed:
Value
Leader Direction
Auto Placement
Manual Placement, Arrows In
Manual Placement, Arrows Out

Specifies from which direction the leader extends
from the dimension text:
Fixed Text Height
Create Reference
Dimension
Create Alternate
Angle
3-52
NX Basic Design
Leader From Left
Leader From Right

Maintains the text of dimensions at a constant size
when you zoom a sketch in or out.
If you clear the Fixed Text Height check box and zoom
in/out, the dimension text scales with the sketch
geometry.
Use this to create reference (non-driving) dimensions.
Used when you want to calculate the maximum
dimension between sketch curves.
mt10053_s NX 6
Activities: Add dimensional constraints

Add dimensional constraints
NX Basic Design
3-53
Convert To and From Reference

The Convert To/From Reference command converts sketch curves and sketch
dimensions to and from reference status.
NX ignores reference curves in downstream operations like Extrude or
Revolve.
Reference dimensions update with any changes made to the parent features,
but do not control the curves they measure.
In the following example, the reference curves display in phantom line

font (1), the reference dimensions are displayed with no assigned name
(2) and with a different color then active sketch dimensions (3).
Where do I find it?

3-54
Toolbar
Menu
Sketch ToolsConvert To/From Reference

ToolsConstraintsConvert To/From Reference
Right-click over a sketch curve and choose Convert
Shortcut menu
To/From Reference
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Convert curves and dimensions to reference

1. In the graphics window, select the sketch curves and/or dimensions.
2. From the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Convert To/From Reference
You can also select objects in the graphics window, right-click and
choose Convert To/From Reference
Use the same procedures to convert reference objects to active

objects. Perimeter dimensions cannot be converted to reference
objects.
To create sketch reference dimensions during creation, from the
Dimensions dialog bar, click Create Reference Dimension
NX Basic Design
3-55
Deleting or suppressing sketches

Since sketches are features, you can delete or suppress them.
From the menu bar:
Choose EditDelete.
Choose EditFeatureSuppress.
In the Part Navigator:
Right click over any feature and choose Delete.
To Suppress the feature, clear the feature check box .
In the graphics window, right click over the sketch and choose either Delete
or Suppress.
3-56
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Create Inferred Constraints

The Create Inferred Constraints command will either enable or disable
inferred constraints as you create or edit sketch geometry.
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.
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.
The settings for each sketch in a part file are saved.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Menu
Sketch ToolsCreate Inferred Constraints

ToolsConstraintsCreate Inferred Constraints
NX Basic Design
3-57
Activities: Dimensional constraints (optional)

In the Sketch Task Environment section, do the activities:
Constrain a profile (optional)
Sketch and constrain a gasket (optional)
Constraint conditions (optional)
3-58
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Summary: Sketch Task Environment

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. It is defined on a sketch plane which
is fixed or associative to a datum plane or face of a model.
Constraints are applied to sketch objects in order to capture the design
intent. The number of constraints you choose to apply is determined by your
design intent.
In this lesson you:
Created sketches on datum planes, solid faces, and a Datum CSYS.
Created freehand curves in a sketch.
Created and edited dimensional constraints.
Created inferred and explicit geometric constraints.
Converted sketch curves and dimensions to reference status.
NX Basic Design
3-59
Lesson
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.
NX Basic Design
4-1
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 reference curves, faces, edges, points, and other
datums. You can create relative datum planes across multiple bodies.
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 check box in the Datum Plane dialog box.
You can also create fixed datum planes based on the WCS and absolute
coordinate system, or by using coefficients in an equation.
Where do I find it?

Application
Modeling
FeatureDatum Plane
Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu
4-2
NX Basic Design
Feature OperationGeneral Datums and Points

stackDatum Plane
InsertDatum/PointDatum Plane
Right-click a planar faceDatum Plane
mt10053_s NX 6
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
Solution
Cycle through the possible different solutions for the

plane, when an alternate solution to the previewed datum
plane is available.
Reverse
Plane Normal
Reverse the direction of the 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.
NX Basic Design
4-3
Datum features
Applications for datum planes
4-4
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.
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Datum features
Create a datum plane offset at a distance

1. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Datum Plane
InsertDatum/PointDatum Plane.
2. In the Type group, click the At Distance
, or choose
button.
3. Select a planar face, datum plane, or plane.

4. Do one of the following:
Click OK to accept a default value of 0 (zero).
Type an offset value, press Enter, and click OK.
Select the handle, drag the datum plane to the desired location and
click OK.
Inferred is the most commonly used datum plane type.
NX Basic Design
4-5
Datum features
Create a datum plane at an angle

1. Click Datum Plane
2. In the Type group, expand the list and select At Angle.

3. Select a planar face, datum plane, or plane, to use as a reference for
measuring the angle.
4. Select a linear curve, edge, or datum axis, that defines the angles axis
of rotation.
5. Specify an angle using the on-screen input box or the drag handle.
6. Click OK.
4-6
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Datum features
Create a bisector datum plane

2. In the Type group, expand the list and select Bisector.

3. Select a planar face.
4. Select a second planar face.
The faces do not need to be parallel.
5. Click OK.
NX Basic Design
4-7
Datum features
Create a tangent datum plane

2. In the Type group, expand the list and select Tangent.

3. (Optional) Specify a subtype; for example, Angle to Plane.
4. Select the required geometry for the subtype you chose.
5. (Optional) If it is available, click Alternate Solution
tangent datum plane is previewed.
until the correct
6. Click OK.
4-8
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Datum features
Create a datum plane through three points

2. In the Type group, expand the list and select Curves and Points.
3. In the Curves and Points Subtype group, expand the list and select
Three Points.
4. Set the snap point options as desired.
5. Select three points.
6. Click OK.
NX Basic Design
4-9
Datum features
Activities: Datum features Relative

In the Datum features section, do the following activity:
Create relative datum planes
4-10
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Datum features
Datum Axis overview

Use the datum axis command to define a linear reference to help you create
other objects, such as datum planes, revolved features, and circular arrays.
Datum axes can be either relative or fixed.
A relative datum axis is associative to one or more other objects.
A fixed datum axis is fixed in the position in which it was created. Fixed
datum axes are non-associative.
You can create a fixed datum axis using the XC, YC, and ZC axes of the
WCS, or by clearing the Associative check box when using one of the
relative axis types.
Where do I find it?

Application
Modeling
FeatureDatum Axis
Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu

stackDatum Axis
InsertDatum/PointDatum Axis
Right-click an edge or cylindrical faceDatum Axis
NX Basic Design
4-11
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
Determine the best datum axis type to use based on

objects you select.
Intersection
Create a datum axis at the intersection of two planar

faces, datum planes, or planes.
Curve/Face Axis
Create a datum axis on a linear curve or edge, or the axis

of a cylindrical or conical face or torus.
On Curve Vector
Create a datum axis tangent, normal, or binormal to a

point on a curve or edge, or perpendicular or parallel to
another object.
Point and
Direction
Create a datum axis from a point in a specified direction.
Two Points
Create a datum axis by defining two points through which

the axis passes.
Datum axis options
1. In the
Reverse
Direction
Cycle through the possible directions for the axis normal.
Associative
Clear this check box to create a fixed datum axis.
Part Navigator,
Fixed Datum Axis.
4-12
an associative datum plane has the name
NX Basic Design
Datum Axis,
while a non-associative datum plane has the name
mt10053_s NX 6
Datum features
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.
NX Basic Design
4-13
Datum features
Create a datum axis through two points

1. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Datum Axis
InsertDatum/PointDatum Axis.
2. In the Type group, click Two Points
or choose
3. Set the snap point options as desired.

4. Select two different point locations.
5. Click OK.
4-14
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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.
NX Basic Design
4-15
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.
4-16
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Datum features
Datum CSYS overview

Use the datum CSYS command to create an associative coordinate system
which consists of a set of reference objects. You can use the reference object to
associatively define the position and orientation of downstream features.
A datum CSYS consists of the following reference objects:
A coordinate system
Three datum planes
Three datum axes
An origin point
The datum CSYS appears as a single feature in the Part Navigator but its
objects can be selected individually to support the creation of other features,
to constrain sketches, and to position components in an assembly.
Where do I find it?
Application
Modeling
FeatureDatum CSYS
Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu

stackDatum CSYS
InsertDatum/PointDatum CSYS
Right-click edge or cylindrical faceDatum Plane
NX Basic Design
4-17
Datum features
Activities: Datum features cylindrical faces

In the Datum features section, do the activity:
Create datums on cylindrical faces (optional)
4-18
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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.
NX Basic Design
4-19
Lesson
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.
NX Basic Design
5-1
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.
5-2
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Swept features
Extrude overview
Use the Extrude command to create a body by sweeping a 2D or 3D section of
curves, edges, faces, sketches or curve features a linear distance in a specified
direction.
5
The example shows a section of curves (1) extruded (2) with threads added to
the final solid body (3).
Where do I find it?
Application
Modeling
Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu
FeatureExtrude
InsertDesign FeatureExtrude
Right-click sketchExtrude
NX Basic Design
5-3
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).
5-4
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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.
NX Basic Design
5-5
Swept features
Boolean operations
Boolean operations let you combine previously existing solid and/or sheet
bodies.
Unite
Combine the volume of two or more solid tool bodies into
a single target body.
The target body and tool body must overlap or share faces so that the
result is a valid solid body.
Subtract
target body.
Remove the volume of one or more tool bodies from a
The target body must be a solid body. The tool bodies are normally solid
bodies.
Intersect
Create 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 a sheet with a
solid. You cannot intersect a solid with a sheet.
Target and tool

Each Boolean option prompts you to identify a target solid (the body you
begin with) and one or more tool solids.
The target body is modified by the tools, and the tool bodies become part of
the target body at the end of the operation.
You have the option to save unmodified copies of the target and tool bodies.
Boolean error reporting
If an error occurs during a Boolean operation, the operation is terminated
and an error message displays the cause of the Boolean error.
5-6
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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.
NX Basic Design
5-7
Swept features
Revolve overview
Use the Revolve command to create a feature by revolving section curves
sketches, faces, or edges of a face about a given axis through a nonzero angle.
The Revolve feature requires:
A section (1)
A location and direction for the rotation axis (2)
Start and end angles
If the section crosses the axis of revolution you may get unexpected
results.
Where do I find it?
5-8
Application
Modeling
Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu
FeatureRevolve
InsertDesign FeatureRevolve
Right-click sketchRevolve
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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.
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.
NX Basic Design
5-9
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. Click Apply or OK to create the feature.
5-10
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Swept features
Sweep along Guide overview

Use the Sweep along Guide command to extrude a section (an open or closed
boundary sketch, curves, edge or face) along a guide (path) formed by a
sketch, curves, edges or faces.
The Sweep along Guide feature requires:
A section (1)
A guide (2)
5
You are allowed to select only one section and only one guide.
If you have a 3D smooth guide, or if you want to control the interpolation,
scale, or orientation, use InsertSweepSwept instead.
A unique and useful property of the Sweep along Guide command is that you
can sweep a section along a guide string that contains sharp corners.
Where do I find it?
Application
Modeling
Toolbar
Menu
FeatureSweep along Guide

InsertSweepSweep along Guide
NX Basic Design
5-11
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.
5-12
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Swept features
Activities: Swept features

In the Swept features and Boolean operations section, do the activities:
Extrude a sketch
Revolve a sketch
Sweep along an open guide (optional)
Sweep along a closed guide (optional)
NX Basic Design
5-13
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.
5-14
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Lesson
Hole features
Purpose
This lesson introduces the general hole feature.
Objectives
Create general hole features.
Position hole features.
Edit the parameters and location of hole features.
NX Basic Design
6-1
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:
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 using Sketcher. 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?
6-2
Application
Modeling
Toolbar
Menu
FeatureHole
InsertDesign FeatureHole
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Hole features
Hole dialog box

The Hole dialog box includes four groups that are unique to hole features.
Type
Position
Direction
Form and Dimensions
The options available within the groups will change depending on which type
and form you select.
NX Basic Design
6-3
Hole features
Hole position and direction options

Position
Specifies the position of the Hole
feature.
Select Point
Direction
Hole Direction
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.
Specifies the hole direction. The

default hole direction is along the - ZC
axis. You can define the hole direction
using any 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.
6-4
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Hole features
Hole form and dimension options

Simple
1. Diameter
2. Depth
3. Tip Angle
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
NX Basic Design
6-5
Hole features
Create a general hole

1. Choose InsertDesign FeatureHole or, on the Feature toolbar, click
Hole.
2. From the Type list, select General Hole.
3. Use the Position options to specify the center of the Hole feature.
Click Sketch Section
Click Point
to create points in Sketcher.
to select existing points or feature points.
A preview of the hole appears in the graphics window.

4. In the Direction group, select the required option from the Hole Direction
list.
5. Specify the form and dimensions.
6. Under Dimension, type the required parameter values.
7. (Optional) Specify the type of Boolean.
8. Click OK or Apply.
6-6
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Hole features
Activities: Hole features

In the Hole features section, do the following activities:
Create holes
Edit holes
NX Basic Design
6-7
Hole features
Summary: Hole features

Hole features are one of several features with predefined shapes.
In this lesson you:
Created general hole features.
Positioned a hole using a sketch.
Edited parameters and locations of holes.
6-8
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Lesson
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.
NX Basic Design
7-1
Edge operations
Edge Blend overview

Use the Edge Blend command to smooth selected edges that are shared by at
least two faces.
The Edge Blend 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).
Where do I find it?
7-2
Application
Modeling
Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu
Feature OperationEdge Blend

InsertDetail FeatureEdge Blend
Right-click edgesBlend
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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.
NX Basic Design
7-3
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).
7-4
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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.
NX Basic Design
7-5
Edge operations
Activities: Edge operations blends

In the Edge operations section, do the following activity:
Create edge blends
7-6
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Edge operations
Chamfer overview
Use the Chamfer command to bevel the edges of a solid body using chamfer
dimensions that you define.
Material is added or subtracted depending on the topology of the solid body.
In example (1) material is removed, and in example (2) material is added.
Where do I find it?

Application
Modeling
Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu
Feature OperationChamfer
InsertDetail FeatureChamfer
Right-click edgesChamfer
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7-7
Edge operations
Create a Chamfer
1. On the Feature Operation toolbar, click Chamfer
InsertDetail FeatureChamfer.
, or choose
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.
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.
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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 Edge
Select one or more edges from the same body, using

a Curve Rule.
Offsets
Symmetric Create a simple chamfer, using an
single, positive offset from a selected edge along
both of its faces.
Cross Section
Distance
Distance 1
Distance 2
Angle
Reverse Direction
Asymmetric Create a chamfer using two positive

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.
You can also drag the distance handle to specify the
value.
Type distance values when the Cross Section is
Asymmetric, or drag the handles.
Type an angle value for the angle when the Cross
Section is Offset and Angle.
You can also drag the angle handle to specify the
angle.
Move the offsets or the offset and angle from one
side of the chamfer edge to the other.
Not available when the cross section is symmetric.
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7-9
Edge operations
Activities: Edge operations chamfers

In the Edge operations section, do the following activity:
Create chamfers
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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.
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7-11
Lesson
Introduction to Assemblies
Purpose
This lesson introduces the Assemblies application.
Objectives
Set load options for an assembly.
Work with the Assembly Navigator.
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8-1
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.
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.
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Component objects
A component object links the assembly that contains it to another part file.
A component object can point to a part that is also an assembly; that is, a
subassembly with its own component objects.
1
2
3
4
Top level assembly.

Subassembly. This is a component part that is referenced by a higher
level assembly.
Standalone Parts. These are component parts that are referenced by
an assembly and are not themselves assemblies.
A Component Object.
Component parts
A component part is a part which is referenced by a component object within
an assembly.
Geometry stored in a component part is seen, but not copied, in the assembly.
The term standalone part refers to a part that it not itself an assembly.
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8-3
Introduction to assembly load options

When an assembly part is opened, or loaded, using FileOpen, its component
parts must be found and loaded. Load Options establish how and from where
the component parts are loaded.
Access the Assembly Load Options dialog box by choosing
FileOptionsAssembly Load Options or by clicking Options in the Open
Part File dialog box.
Part Versions group

The Part Versions group contains the Load list, with options to control how to
find component parts.
8-4
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.
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Load states
NX parts can be fully loaded, partially loaded, or unloaded when an assembly
is opened.
Fully loaded All part data is loaded into memory.
Partially loaded Only the data required to display the part is loaded into
memory. The part will not update after certain changes that would affect
it if it was fully loaded, for example, with changes to interpart expression.
Any operations that need to load the feature data from components
will do so automatically, but can only do so if the component part
has not been modified since the first portion of it was loaded.
Unloaded The component part is not loaded into memory with the
assembly.
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8-5
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
the parts would be left unloaded by other rules.
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Load Behavior
The Load Behavior group controls optional actions that NX can take if there
are problems with the requested load configuration:
Allow Replacement Enable the assembly to be loaded with a component

that has the wrong internal identifier (but the correct name), even though
it is a completely different part. You receive a warning if this happens.
Generate Missing Part Family Members When NX determines that a

part family member is missing during the load:
If it is selected, NX checks for newer versions of the current part

family template. If it finds a newer version of the template, the newest
version is used to generate the missing members.
If it is clear, NX uses the current part family template to generate the
missing members.
Cancel Load on Failure NX cancels the entire load operation if it

cannot find one or more component part files.
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.
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8-7
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.
8-8
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Activities: Assemblies load options

In the Introduction to Assemblies section, do the following activity:
Assembly Load Options
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8-9
Assemblies application
Start the Assemblies application like any other application, from the Start
list on the Standard toolbar. The Assemblies application can be active at the
same time as other applications such as Modeling or Drafting.
The Assemblies application name in the Start list has a check box beside
it when it is active. When the Assemblies application is active, you see
additional toolbars, and there are additional options in some menus.
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Assembly Navigator
The Assembly Navigator provides:
A graphical display of the assembly structure of the displayed part.
Methods to manage components.
To display the Assembly Navigator, click the Assembly Navigator

on the Resource bar.
tab
If necessary, you may drag the Resource bar wider to see more information.
Node display
Each component of an assembly is displayed as a node in the assembly tree
structure.
Selecting a node is the same as selecting the corresponding component in
the graphics window.
Each node consists of a check box, an icon, the part name, and additional
columns.
If the part is an assembly or subassembly, an expand/collapse box will also be
present.
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8-11
Icons and check boxes

This assembly or subassembly is the work part, or a component of
the work part.
This assembly or subassembly is not the work part, and not a
component of the work part.
This assembly or subassembly is not loaded.
This standalone part is either the work part, or a component of
the work part.
This standalone part is not the work part, and not a component of
the work part.
This standalone part is not loaded.
This indicates a collapsed subassembly.
Click to expand the display.
This indicates an expanded subassembly.
Click to collapse the display.
The part is closed.
Click to load it.
Components will load according to assembly load options.
The part is hidden, and at least partially loaded.
Click to show it.
The part is visible, and at least partially loaded.
Click to hide it.
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Activities: Assembly Navigator

Assembly Navigator
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8-13
Select components in the Assembly Navigator

In any Assemblies function that requires you to select components, you may
also select the appropriate node in the Assembly Navigator.
To select multiple components in the Assembly Navigator, select the first
component and then:
Hold the Shift key and click to select a range of nodes.
Hold the Ctrl key and click to toggle selection of individual nodes.
You can also hold the Shift-key and click components in the graphics window
to deselect them.
Identify components
If you select a visible non-work part in the Assembly Navigator, the part is
highlighted.
If you hold the cursor over the node of a component that is not visible (e.g.,
hidden, on another layer, or unloaded), the bounding box of that component is
temporarily shown in the graphics window.
Temporary bounding box display is controlled by the Preselect Invisible
Nodes property of the Assembly Navigator.
To access Assembly Navigator properties, right-click in the background
and choose Properties.
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Select components using QuickPick

Once a component has been selected, you can use the shortcut menu over it in
the graphics window to select an available action.
The options in the component shortcut menu vary depending on the
active applications.
Selectable components appear in the QuickPick window.
Use the Components filter in the QuickPick dialog box to show only
components.
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8-15
Design in context
You design in context when you edit component geometry while a higher
level assembly is displayed.
The advantage is that you can see and, when necessary, select objects from
other components.
The Displayed Part

NX allows multiple parts to be open at the same time. These parts may have
been loaded:
Explicitly Loaded using the Open options on the Assembly Navigator,

or the FileOpen command.
Implicitly Loaded as a result of being used by some other loaded

assembly.
The part currently displayed in the graphics window is called the displayed
part. You can make edits in parallel to several parts by switching the
displayed part back and forth among those parts.
Loaded parts do not have to belong to the same assembly.
There are several ways to change the displayed part:
8-16
Select a component from the graphics window and use the shortcut menu.
On the Assemblies toolbar, click Make Displayed Part
From the main menu, choose WindowMore to open the Change Window
dialog box.
Choose Window and select a part from the list.
In the Assembly Navigator, open the shortcut menu over the node for a
part, and select Make Displayed Part.
From the main menu, choose AssembliesContext ControlSet

Displayed Part.
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mt10053_s NX 6
Change Window dialog box

The Change Window dialog box lists all partially and fully loaded parts
except the displayed part.
Select a part by:
Selecting from the list of loaded parts.
Selecting geometry in the graphics window.
Selecting the node in the Assembly Navigator.
Enter a portion of the part name in the Search Text box to help find the
part in the list.
Click the Options button to specify search methods.
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8-17
The work part

The part in which you create and edit geometry, and to which components
are added, is called the work part. The work part and the displayed part
need not be the same.
When the displayed part is an assembly, you can change the work part to any
of the components within that assembly, except for unloaded parts and parts
of different units. You can add or edit geometry, features, and components
within the work part.
You can reference geometry outside of the work part in many modeling
operations. For example, you can use control points on geometry outside of
the work part to position a feature within the work part.
When you open a part with FileOpen it is both the displayed and the work
part.
If the displayed part is not the work part, the work part is, by default,
emphasized by retaining its normal colors while other components are
de-emphasized using a blend color. The blend color is specified on the Color
Settings page of the Visualization Preferences dialog box.
There are several ways to change the work part:
In the graphics window, double-click the component.
In the graphics window, select the component and use the shortcut menu.
In the Assembly Navigator, double-click the node.
In the Assembly Navigator, use the shortcut menu.
On the Assemblies toolbar, click Make Work Part
Choose AssembliesContext ControlSet Work Part.
Associativity between components and assemblies

Geometric changes made at any level within an assembly result in the update
of associated data at all other levels of affected assemblies.
An edit to an individual component part causes all assembly drawings that
use that part to be updated appropriately.
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Assembly Navigator shortcut menu

If you right-click a node in the Assembly Navigator that represents a
component, the shortcut menu shows component related options.
The options in the Assembly Navigator shortcut menu vary depending
on the status of the component and whether the Assemblies and
Modeling applications are active.
Pack and Unpack

The Pack option replaces multiple occurrences in the Assembly Navigator
display with a single node.
Multiple occurrences are components representing the same part, and
having the same parent.
Use the Unpack option to reverse the Pack option and show all occurrences.
Make Work Part

The Make Work Part command sets the part in which to create new geometry
or edit existing geometry.
When a component is the work part, the reference set is by default
changed to Entire Part.
This can result in the display of additional geometry.
Make Displayed Part

The Make Displayed Part command switches the display between currently
loaded parts.
The displayed part is always the top node in the Assembly Navigator.
Display Parent
The Display Parent command switches the displayed part from a component
or an assembly to a loaded parent assembly.
The Maintain option in the Assembly Preferences dialog box
determines the behavior when you make a parent the displayed part.
If Maintain is selected, the component remains the work part.
If Maintain is clear, the parent becomes both the displayed part and
work part.
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8-19
Activities: Assemblies more navigator options

Additional work with the Assembly Navigator
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Save the work part

After you edit it, save the work part to keep the modifications.
Use FileSave or FileSave 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.
FileSave does not save higher level parts and assemblies if they are
modified.
FileSave 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.
Save Work Part Only

Use FileSave Work Part Only saves only the work part, even if it is an
assembly or subassembly with modified components.
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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.
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Lesson
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.
NX Basic Design
9-1
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.
Assemblies toolbar
Assembly
Constraints
Description
Insert an existing component into your
assembly.
Create a new component and insert it into
your assembly.
Move selected components within their
degrees-of-freedom in an assembly.
Define component positions using positioning
constraints.
Make Work Part
Change the work part to the selected part.
Make Displayed
Part
Change the displayed part to the selected part.
Button
Add Component
Create New
Component
Move Component
9-2
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Use the bottom-up construction method

1. Create new part files using FileNew.
2. Create the desired geometry.
3. Change the work part to the assembly file.
4. Position the new part in the assembly:
From the main menu choose Assemblies Components Add
Component.
or
On the Assemblies toolbar, click Add Component
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9-3
Add Component overview

Use the Add Component command to create an assembly using a bottom-up
design method by adding one or more parts to the work part as components.
If the part to be added as a component has not already been loaded, it is
loaded when you use this option.
Where do I find it?
9-4
Application
Assemblies
Toolbar
Menu
AssembliesAdd Component
AssembliesComponentsAdd Component
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mt10053_s NX 6
Add components to an assembly

1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Add Component
2. If you want to see a preview of the component, do both of the following:
Choose PreferencesAssemblies and select the Preview Component

on Add check box.
In the Add Component dialog box, select the Preview check box.
3. In the Add Component dialog box, while Select Part

is active, select
one or more parts that you want to add. You can select a part from several
places, including:
The graphics window.

The Loaded Parts or Recent Parts lists in the Add Component dialog
box.
The Assembly Navigator.
The Part Name dialog box Click Open
, and browse to the
directory that has the part that you want to add.
4. (Optional) Under Duplicates, in the Count box, type a number of

instances to create. The default is 1.
5. Specify the Positioning method that is to be applied after you choose OK
or Apply in step 11:
Absolute Origin Place the added components at absolute 0,0,0.

Select Origin Place the added components at a selected point.
By Constraints Place the added components after you define their
assembly constraints with other components.
Move Place the added components after you define how they should
be positioned.
6. (Optional) Select the Scatter check box if you want to ensure that multiple
added components are initially positioned apart from each other.
7. (Optional) Under Replication, specify Multiple Add to define what NX
should do after you add the selected components. The Multiple Add options
provide shortcuts for common operations with newly-added components:
None
Repeat after Add Immediately add another instance of each
newly-added component.
Array after Add Create an array of your newly-added components.
NX Basic Design
9-5
8. (Optional) Under Settings, specify a Name if you want your added part
to have a different component name than the original part name. (Not
available if you select multiple parts.)
9. (Optional) Specify the Reference Set for your added components.
10. (Optional) Choose a Layer Option to define the layer where the
components should be located.
If your Layer Option is As Specified, type the layer number in the Layer
box.
11. Choose OK or Apply to add the selected components.
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Activities: Adding and constraining components create assembly

In the Adding and constraining components section, do the following activity:
Create an assembly
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9-7
Move Component overview

Use the Move Component command to move components in an assembly.
You can select components to move dynamically (such as with drag

handles), or you can create constraints to move the components into
position.
You can move components on different assembly levels at the same time.
Where do I find it?

Application
Assemblies
Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu
AssembliesMove Component
AssembliesComponentsMove Component
Right-click componentsMove
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Assembly Constraints overview

Use the Assembly Constraints command to associatively define positions of
components in the assembly.
You specify constraint relationships between two components in the assembly.
For example, you can specify that a cylindrical face on one component is to be
coaxial with a conical face on another component.
Use combinations of constraints to completely specify a components position
in the assembly.
NX calculates a position for the components which satisfies the constraints
you specify.
Where do I find it?

Application
Assemblies
Toolbar
Menu
Shortcut menu
AssembliesAssembly Constraints
AssembliesComponentsAssembly Constraints
Right-click componentAssembly Constraints
NX Basic Design
9-9
Assembly Constraint types

Type
Touch Align
Concentric
Distance
Fix
Parallel
Perpendicular
Angle
Center
Bond
Fit
Description
Constrain two components so they touch or align with
each other.
Touch Align is the most common constraint.
Constrain circular or elliptical edges of two components
so the centers are coincident and the planes of the edges
are coplanar.
Specify the minimum 3D distance between two objects.
Fix a component at its current position.
Define the direction vectors of two objects as parallel to
each other.
Define the direction vectors of two objects as perpendicular
to each other.
Define an angle dimension between two objects.
Center one or two objects between a pair of objects, or
center a pair of objects along another object.
Weld components together so they move as a rigid body.
Bring 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.
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Create a Touch Align 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 as you require:
Arrangements Specify whether to apply the constraint to other

assembly arrangements.
Dynamic Positioning Specify that you want NX to solve the

constraints and move the components as you create each constraint.
Associative Specify that constraints are retained after you close

the Assembly Constraints dialog box. If the check box is cleared,
constraints are temporary; they remain in effect only while the dialog
box is open.
4. Set Orientation to one of the following:
Prefer Touch Use a touch constraint when touch and align solutions
are both possible. (Touch constraints are more common than align
constraints in most models.)
The Prefer Touch option uses an align constraint if a touch constraint
would over-constrain the assembly.
Touch Constrain objects so their surface normals are in opposite

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

direction.
Infer Center/Axis Specify that, when you select a cylindrical or

conical face, NX uses the faces center or axis instead of the face itself
for the constraint.
5. Click Select Two Objects

the constraint.
(if necessary), and select two objects for
You can use the Point Constructor
to help you select objects.
6. If two solutions are possible, you can click Reverse Last Constraint
flip between the possible solutions.
to
7. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

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Create a Concentric constraint

2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Concentric.

3. Check the Settings and modify them as you require:
Arrangements Specify whether you want the constraint to be

applied to other assembly arrangements.

Associative Specify that constraints are persistent after you close

the Assembly Constraints dialog box.

curves for the constraint.
(if necessary), and select two circular
If the Accept Tolerant Curves assembly preference check box is selected,

you can also select elliptical or near-circular curves that are within the
modeling distance tolerance.
5. If two solutions are possible, click Reverse Last Constraint
between the possible solutions.
to flip
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Create a Distance constraint

2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Distance.

3. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their
defaults:




distance constraint.
(if necessary), and select two objects for the
to
If more than two solutions are possible, you can click Cycle Last
Constraint
to cycle through the possible solutions.
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Create a Fix constraint

2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Fix.

defaults:



4. Click Select Object

to fix.
(if necessary), and select the object you want
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Create a Parallel constraint

2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Parallel.

defaults:




you want to be parallel.
(if necessary), and select two objects that
to
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9-15
Create a Perpendicular constraint

2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Perpendicular.

defaults:




(if necessary), and select two objects that
you want to be perpendicular.
to
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Create an Angle constraint

2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Angle.

defaults:



4. Specify the Subtype:
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

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.
option appears.

to flip
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Create a Center constraint

2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Center.

defaults:



4. Specify the Subtype:
1 to 2 Center the first selected object between the next two selected
objects.
2 to 1 Center two selected objects along the third selected object.
2 to 2 Center 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 Use selected cylindrical faces for the constraint.
Infer Center/Axis Use the center or axis of the object.
(if necessary), and select the appropriate

6. Click Select Objects
number of objects as defined by the Subtype.
You can use the Point Constructor
to help you select objects.

to flip

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Create a Bond constraint

2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Bond.

defaults:



4. Click Select Objects

to bond.
(if necessary), and select two or more objects
5. Click Create Constraint when you are ready to create the constraint.
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Create a Fit constraint

2. In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Fit.

defaults:




(if necessary), and select two pieces of
geometry that are the same size.
The objects are fitted together.
to
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Activities: Adding and constraining components constrain

In the Adding and constraining components section, do the following activity:
Constrain and move components
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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.
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Lesson
10 Introduction to Drafting
Purpose
This lesson introduces the Drafting application.
Objectives
Open, create, and delete drawing sheets.
Add and edit views on drawing sheets.
Create dimensions.
Create notes on a drawing sheet.
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10-1
Introduction to Drafting
Drawings
Use the Drafting application to create drawings of 3D parts.
Some of the benefits of the Drafting application are:
You can add views to a drawing sheet by indicating their location with
the cursor.
When you add projected views, they are automatically aligned with the
parent view.
When you update the model, you can update the views either
automatically or manually.
Drafting annotation is placed directly on the drawing sheet.
Drafting annotation (dimensions, labels, and symbols with leaders) is

associative to the geometry you select.
Associative view boundaries are calculated when the drawing sheet is

updated.
Section views are fully associative to 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.
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New Sheet overview

Use the New Sheet command to create a new drawing sheet with a specific
size, scale, name, unit of measure, and projection.
The new drawing sheet replaces the current display.
When you start the Drafting application, you will see either:
An existing drawing sheet.
The Sheet dialog box if there are no existing drawing sheets.

To control the automatic appearance of the Sheet dialog box:
1. From the Menu Bar, choose PreferencesDrafting.
3. In the Drawing Work Flow group, select the Automatically Start
Insert Sheet Command check box.
Where do I find it?

Application
Drafting
Toolbar
Menu
DrawingNew Sheet
InsertSheet
Right-click Drawing node in Part NavigatorInsert
Sheet
Shortcut menu
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.
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10
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 EditSheet.

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
sheets 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.
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Activities: Drafting Create drawings

In the Introduction to Drafting section, do the following activities:
Create a new non-master drawing
Open and edit drawings (optional)
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Change drawing display to monochrome

The Monochrome Display option displays a drawing sheet in a single color.
1. Choose PreferencesVisualization.
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.
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View Preferences
Control the display of views by choosing PreferencesView.
Define the display of hidden lines, silhouettes, smooth edges, and section view
background lines by using the View Preferences dialog box.
Automatically create linear, cylindrical, and bolt circle centerlines when you
add a view by selecting the Centerlines check box on the General page.
Hidden Lines
If you clear the Hidden Line check box, hidden line processing is not
performed and all hidden lines in the view appear as solid lines.
If you select the Hidden Line check box, the color, font, and width of the hidden
lines are determined by the settings in the three lists below the check box.
The color, font, and width lists are not named or labeled. This
configuration is common in the dialog boxes in Drafting.
The color option is not applicable in monochrome mode.
Widths are displayed only if Show Widths is selected in the
Visualization Preferences dialog box.
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.
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Base View overview

Use the Base View command to add the first view to a drawing sheet.
You can project other views from a base view.
A drawing sheet can have more than one base view.
To control the automatic appearance of the Base View dialog box:
3. In the Drawing Work Flow group, select Automatically Start Base
View Command.
This will automatically open the Base View dialog box when you
start the Drafting application and there are no existing views on
any of the drawing sheets.
Where do I find it?
Application
Drafting
Toolbar
Menu
DrawingBase View
InsertViewBase View
Right-click the sheet borderAdd Base View
Shortcut menu
Right-click drawing sheet node in Part NavigatorAdd

Base View
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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.
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Projected View overview

Use the Projected View command to create a projected view from an existing
parent view.
Immediately after you place a base view on a drawing sheet, create a
projected view by moving the cursor in the direction of the projection you
want, and click to place the view.
To control the automatic appearance of the Projected View dialog box:
3. In the Drawing Work Flow group, select Automatically Start
Projected View Command.
Where do I find it?
Application
Drafting
Toolbar
Menu
DrawingProjected View
InsertViewProjected View
Right-click an existing view borderAdd Projected
View
Shortcut menu
Right-click drawing view node in Part NavigatorAdd

Projected View
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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.
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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

Direction
Reverse the direction of the projected view.
(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.
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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 EditStyle.
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.
In the Part Navigator, right-click the view to be removed and choose

Delete.
Choose Delete
Choose EditDelete and select the view.
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.
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10
Activities: Drafting add views

In the Introduction to drafting section, do the following activity:
Add views to a drawing
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Dimensions
To use the various dimensions types:
Choose InsertDimension and then choose the desired dimension type.
Use the Dimensions toolbar. This toolbar offers a menu of the available
dimension types.
Annotation Preferences
Use the Annotation Preferences dialog box (PreferencesAnnotation) 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.
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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.
Tolerance Types
Primary Nominal
Precision
Tolerance Values
Tolerance Precision
Annotation Editor
Dimension Style
Reset
Driving Dimension
Select the tolerance type from a list.

Select the primary nominal precision from 0-6
decimal places from a list. If the preferences
format is fractional, then the list displays
fractional precision values.
Enter a tolerance value, or values, using
on-screen input boxes.
Set the primary tolerance precision from 0-6
decimal places.
Display the full Text Editor dialog box where
you can enter symbols and appended text.
Open the Dimension Style dialog box. This
dialog box is a subset of the Annotation
Preferences dialog box, containing only the
property pages that apply to dimensions.
Use this option to affect settings as you
create one or more dimensions.
The global settings are restored when
you exit from creating dimensions.
Reset local preferences to previous current
settings in the part and clear appended text.
Treat as a driving sketch dimension or as a
documentation dimension.
This option is only available when a sketch is
created on the drawing sheet.
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Annotation placement options

When you select a dimension type to create, the annotation placement options
appear on the Selection bar.
Leader Orientation
Associative Origin
Alignment Position
Origin Tool
Set the leader on the left side, right side, or

automatically infer the side.
Associate the entity origin so that it is always
aligned with another dimension.
Specify the alignment position on object such
as top-left, mid-center, bottom-right.
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
horizontally aligned.
If you want the new dimension associated with the existing dimension, make
sure the Associative Origin button
is active.
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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.
If the text is complex, use the Text Editor
To add appended text to a previously created dimension that does not already
have appended text, do one of the following:
Double-click the dimension, and open the Text Editor from the dialog bar.
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. Type the text and press Enter.
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).
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.
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The cursor will change to

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when you are in the move mode.

mt10053_s NX 6
Editing an existing dimension

There are two possible shortcut menus that can be displayed over an existing
dimension.
One shortcut menu appears over a dimension, when dimension creation

is inactive.
The other menu appears when you double-click an existing dimension (to
edit it) and then open the shortcut menu.
When you edit a dimension the dimension dialog bar appears.
The cursor changes to indicate that you are in the editing mode.
Change the precision of a dimension

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.
10
3. Select the dimension that has the desired preference settings.

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Activities: Drafting dimensions

Create dimensions
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Creating notes and labels

The Note dialog box provides options for creating notes, labels, and symbols.
You enter text and symbols for your notes and labels in the Text Input box.
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.
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Create a note
1. Click Note
from the Annotation toolbar or choose InsertNote.
2. Enter the desired text into the text box. Text displays in the text box
and on the graphics window.
3. Click the left mouse button at the location where you wish to place the
note.
After you position text, it remains in the edit window for you to use again
or edit for the next annotation.
You can also create a note on a drawing sheet by dragging a text file
(.txt) from an operating system window to the drawing sheet.
Create a label
1. Type the desired text.
2. Locate the cursor on the curve/edge/face where you want to place the
arrowhead (with the cursor displayed as shown below).
3. Drag the cursor away from the selection point.
4. Click the location for the text.
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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.
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Activities: Drafting Notes and labels

Create notes and labels
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Create a Master Model Drawing

1. Open the master model part file. (FileOpen)
2. Start the Assemblies application. (StartAssemblies)
3. Create a new parent part. (AssembliesComponentsCreate New
Parent, xxxxx_dwg)
You can also create a drawing file using by choosing FileNew and
selecting a Drawing template.
4. Start the Drafting application. (StartDrafting)
5. Adjust the sheet; name, units, size, and projection angle. (EditSheet)
6. Add the drawing formats; title block, border, revision block, standard
notes.
7. Set view display preferences; hidden line removal, section backgrounds,
and threads. (PreferencesView)
8. Add the base view, typically the top or front view. (InsertViewBase
View and select the model view to use)
9. Add more views; projected, detail, section, isometric, and exploded.
(InsertView)
10. Adjust the view display; size, orientation, etc. (EditStyle or EditView)
11. Clean up individual views with view dependent edits; erase object, edit
entire object, and edit object segment. (EditViewView Dependent
Edit)
12. Add utility symbols; centerlines, target symbols, and intersection symbols.
(InsertCenterline or InsertSymbol)
13. Add dimensions. (InsertDimension)
14. Add the notes, labels, and GD&T symbols. (InsertNote or
InsertFeature Control Frame)
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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:
Modified a drawing sheet.
Added views to a drawing sheet.
Created dimensions.
Added notes to a drawing sheet.
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Appendix
A Primitive solids
This appendix describes the common commands to create primitive solids.
NX Basic Design
A-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:
Block
Cylinder
Cone
Sphere
Although NX allows the use of multiple primitives, the practice is not
recommended.
A-2
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Primitive solids
A
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
Two Diagonal Points
NX Basic Design
A-3
Primitive solids
A
Cylinder
Create a Cylinder by specifying the axis vector, location, and size.
There are two Type options you can use to create a Cylinder:
A-4
Axis, Diameter, and Height
Arc and Height
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Appendix
B 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.
NX Basic Design
B-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
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.
B-2
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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
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.
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B-3
Other slot types

The other available slot profiles are shown below.
Ball-End
U-Slot
T-Slot
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.
B-4
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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.
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.
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B-5
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.
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.
B-6
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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.
Two grooves are shown in the following example.
1 Target Edge
2 Tool Edge (or centerline)
NX Basic Design
B-7
Positioning methods
Positioning is a legacy method used to place the legacy form features relative
to other geometry.
B
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)
3 Tool Edge (Tangent Point)
B-8
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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)
NX Basic Design
B-9
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)
B-10
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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)
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B-11
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
2 Tool Edge (Centerline of Slot)
B-12
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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
be changed to a non-zero value when editing the feature.
1 Target Edge (Datum Plane)
2 Tool Edge (Centerline of Slot)
NX Basic Design
B-13
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)
B-14
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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
Delete Dimension
NX Basic Design
B-15
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
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 features 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.
B-16
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
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
parameters.
Display Dimensions can also be accessed using the Part Navigator.
NX Basic Design
B-17
Appendix
C Legacy mating conditions
By applying mating conditions to components in an assembly, you establish

parametric, positional relationships between objects in the components.
These relationships are termed mating constraints.
In the example shown, if you align the cylindrical face of a bolt to the
cylindrical face of a hole in a block and then move the hole, the bolt will
automatically move with it.
NX Basic Design
C-1
Legacy mating conditions
Mating Constraint types

A mating condition is made up of one or more mating constraints. There
are eight types of constraints.
C
1 Mate
2 Align
3 Angle
7 Distance
4 Parallel
5 Perpendicular 8 Tangent
6 Center
To make the Mating Conditions dialog box available, choose

PreferencesAssemblies, and from the Interaction list, choose Mating
Conditions.
Selecting objects
FROM / TO
When selecting objects to mate, the Cue line will be directing you to
select FROM and TO objects. The FROM object is part of the component that
is going to move to a new position. The TO object is part of the component
that is remaining in its present location.
C-2
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Mate constraint
When applying the Mate constraint to components using planar faces and
datum planes, the objects will be oriented so that their normals are parallel
and point in opposite directions. The components will not necessarily have
physical contact but will be coplanar. By definition, a face normal in a solid
body points away from the solid.
When mating nonplanar faces (i.e. cylindrical to cylindrical, spherical to

spherical) the radii must be the same; for conical to conical faces, the taper
must be the same.
NX Basic Design
C-3
Align constraint
When you apply the Align constraint to components using planar objects
(planar faces and datum planes), the objects will be oriented so that their
normals are parallel and point in the same direction. The components will
not necessarily have physical contact but will be coplanar.
C
When aligning non-planar faces, i.e. cylindrical to cylindrical, spherical to
spherical, or conical to conical, the radii and/or taper do not have to be the
same.
The Align constraint can also be used to position an edge or curve object of
a component with a planar object (planar face or datum plane) of another
component. A vector will be determined from the edge or curve object and
the objects will be oriented so that the vector and the planar object lie on the
same plane (same behavior as with mate constraint).
Using the CSYS filter
The Align constraint allows existing coordinate systems to be used as
FROM/TO selection objects. When using the CSYS option, select the FROM
CSYS and then immediately select the TO CSYS. This constraint will remove
all DOFs between the two components.
C-4
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Angle constraint
Use the Angle constraint when you need to control specific angles between
objects of components.
The example below illustrates an angle constraint that is being applied in
conjunction with two other constraints. The two planar faces of the blocks
must always be coplanar by virtue of the Mate constraint. The pivot for the
Angle constraint is determined by the Align constraint that is applied to
the two edges.
NX Basic Design
C-5
Parallel constraint
Use the Parallel constraint when you need to establish parallelism between
objects of components. Objects that have surface normals associated to them
will be oriented parallel based on those normals.
When applying the Parallel constraint to position a planar object of a
component (planar face or datum plane) with an edge or curve object of
another component; a vector will be determined from the edge or curve object.
The vector and the planar objects normal will then become parallel.
C-6
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Perpendicular constraint
Use the Perpendicular constraint when you need to establish perpendicularity
between objects of components. Objects that have surface normals associated
to them will be oriented perpendicular based on those normals.
When applying the Perpendicular constraint to position a planar object of a
component, (planar faces and datum planes), with an edge or curve object of
another component; a vector will be determined from the edge or curve object,
that vector and the planar objects normal will then become perpendicular.
NX Basic Design
C-7
Center constraint
Use the Center constraint to center 1 or 2 objects of a component to 1 or 2
objects of another component.
Center Objects 1 to 1
C-8
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Create a Center constraint

1. Choose the Center constraint.
2. Set the Object filter.
3. Specify the number of objects to use (Center Objects 1 to 1, 1 to 2, 2
to 1, or 2 to 2).
4. Select the objects as instructed in the Cue line.
NX Basic Design
C-9
Distance constraint
Use the Distance constraint to define a distance between two geometric
objects. The sign (+/-) of the dimension controls which side of the object the
solution is on.
Tangent constraint
Use the Tangent constraint to define a physical contact between two geometric
objects. There can be multiple solutions to a tangent constraint. To specify
which solution is desired, a help point will be computed from the pick position
on the surface and used to find a unique solution to the tangent constraint.
The following are some examples of tangent constraints:
C-10
Point on Surface.
Line tangent to Surface.
Plane tangent to Sphere.
Plane tangent to Cylinder.
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Mating Conditions dialog box

Mating conditions are applied from the Mating Conditions dialog box and can
be accessed by clicking Mate Component on the Assemblies toolbar or by
choosing AssembliesComponentsMate Component from the menu bar.
1 Mating Conditions Tree Listing
2 Mating Constraint Types
3 Selection Steps
4 Expression Value (for Angle and Distance constraints)
NX Basic Design
C-11
Preview
The Preview option becomes active after all the objects have been correctly
selected for a constraint. This option lets you preview the solution by
actually moving the component based on the existing constraints. Additional
constraints may still be applied. After previewing the constraint, click Apply
or OK to accept the constraint or continue creating another constraint. If
the constraint is not correct, click Unpreview and use the Selection Steps to
define different FROM and TO faces.
OK, Apply, and Cancel
C-12
OK This should be selected only after all constraints have been applied.
This will save the mating condition (and its constraints) and dismiss the
Mating Conditions dialog box.
Apply This will apply the constraint and the dialog box will remain
open.
Cancel This will dismiss the dialog box without saving any of the
constraints you added.
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Define mating constraints

1. Select a Mating Type.
2. Select an object type from the Filter list (optional).
3. In the graphics window, select an object FROM component to be mated
(component you are moving).
4. In the graphics window, select an object on the component to mate TO
(component that will remain stationary).
5. Click Preview and then click Apply (the dialog box remains open to let
you add more constraints) or click OK to accept the constraint and dismiss
the dialog box.
Degree of freedom indicators

Temporary arrows are displayed to indicate the remaining degrees of freedom.
The Show Degrees of Freedom/Remove Degrees of Freedom options in the
Mating Condition shortcut menu may be used to turn on and off the display
of these arrows.
A Mate constraint applied to the faces shown below, constrains the small
block in the direction normal to the faces. The small block is still free to
translate and rotate in the plane that the two shaded faces have in common.
NX Basic Design
C-13
Vary Constraints
The Vary Constraints option can be used to reposition the active component in
the Mating Conditions dialog box. Existing mating constraints will limit the
freedom of movement. This dialog box is similar to the Reposition Component
dialog box. A different component can be selected and repositioned by clicking
Select Component.
C-14
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
List Errors
If there are no degree of freedom indicators visible and the Preview option is
unavailable, you may have tried to define an invalid mating constraint. This
will activate the List Errors button. Clicking it will present information about
the error. The constraint must be deleted and recreated.
NX Basic Design
C-15
Tree listing
The Mating Conditions Tree Listing list all of the assemblies mating
conditions and constraints. Several options and viewing preferences may
be controlled from the Listing Tree.
1 Mating Condition expanded to display constraint
2 Mating Constraint suppression toggle
3 Mating Condition
4 Mating Constraints
5 Mating Constraint shortcut menu
Suppress/Unsuppress
Mating Conditions or individual Mating Constraints may be suppressed or
unsuppressed using the check box.
C-16
A suppressed mating constraint is ignored during geometric edits.
If a mating constraint is being unsuppressed, the mating condition must

be solved again.
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Mating constraint shortcut menu

The mating constraints shortcut menu is activated by using the shortcut
menu over a mating constraint.
Alternate Solution Produces any other solution that is applicable to the

selected constraint.
Convert To Allows the constraint to be changed to another applicable

constraint, i.e. Mate to Distance.
Delete Removes the selected mating constraint.
Rename Allows the renaming of a mating constraint.
NX Basic Design
C-17
Mating condition shortcut menu

The mating condition shortcut menu is activated by using the shortcut menu
over a mating condition.
Highlight/Unhighlight will highlight or unhighlight the current condition.
From Highlights the FROM object for all constraints of the selected
condition.
To Highlights the TO object for all constraints of the selected condition.
With/Without Direction Controls the display of the object normal or

direction vectors.
Show/Remove Degrees of Freedom Controls the display of the remaining

Degrees of Freedom (DOF).
Suppress/Unsuppress Controls the suppression status of the selected
condition. Can also be performed by using the suppression toggle in front
of the condition name.
A suppressed mating condition is ignored during geometric edits.
No error messages will be displayed for suppressed mating conditions.
If you modify a component creating a failed constraint, that constraint

must be deleted before the mating condition can be unsuppressed.
Delete Removes the selected mating condition.

Rename Allows the renaming of a mating condition.
Remember Constraints Mating constraints may be saved for a selected
mating condition within the assembly part. This allows learned or
automatic mating when the same component is added to the assembly again.
C-18
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Reposition Component
The Reposition Component option may be used on a component that does not
have any mating conditions, has suppressed mating conditions, or is only
partially constrained. If the component is partially constrained, its mating
constraints will be enforced within the reposition function.
To reposition a component click Reposition Component on the Assemblies
toolbar or choose AssembliesComponentsReposition Component from
the menu bar.
NX Basic Design
C-19
Transform types
The Reposition Component dialog box includes the following transform types:
1 Point to Point
2 Translate
3 Rotate About a Point
4 Rotate About a line
5 Reposition
6 Rotate Between Axes
7 Rotating Between Points
C-20
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Transform options
Move Objects or Move Handles Only
These radio buttons let you specify whether you want to move the component
along with the drag handles or just the drag handles. The drag handles can
be repositioned to a specific orientation and used to drag the component along
a specific vector direction or about a specific axis.
Distance or Angle
The Distance input field (or Angle field if a rotation is being defined) lets you
define a distance (or angle) for movement.
Snap Increment
Snap Increment allows snapping to whole-multiple distances when using
the direction or rotation drag handles.
Vector Method
Provides options to define a vector when moving a component using one of
the direction drag handles.
Snap Handles to WCS
Provides a means for moving the handles to the origin and orientation of
the current WCS.
Motion Animation
This slider lets you specify how finely the motion is animated (from Fine to
Coarse) during the motion that you have defined.
NX Basic Design
C-21
Collision options
Collision Action
Specifies what the system will do if a collision occurs.
None no action is taken.
Highlight Collision you can continue moving the components, and the
areas that collided are highlighted.
Stop Before Collision the motion stops just before a collision occurs.
The distance between the components when the motion stops depends
on the setting of the Motion Animation slider. The closer the slider is
to Fine, the shorter the distance.
Collision Checking Mode

Allows you to specify what types of objects will be checked for clearance while
repositioning.
C-22
NX Basic Design
mt10053_s NX 6
Repositioning components using drag handles

Components can be repositioned quickly and easily using drag handles.
When the Reposition Component dialog box is displayed, the graphics window
displays a set of handles.
There are several ways to reposition a component with the drag handles.
To move the origin of the component to a specific point, select the origin
drag handle (filled square) and then select a destination point. The
destination points that can be selected are determined by the Snap Point
toolbar.
To drag the component to an arbitrary cursor location, select the origin

drag handle (filled square) and drag to a new cursor location.
To translate the component along an axis, select a translation drag handle

(cone head) and drag the component.
To rotate the component about an axis, select a rotation drag handle

(filled circle) and drag the component.
To orient the component to a saved coordinate system, select the origin

drag handle (filled square) and then select the saved coordinate system.
The Move Handles Only option is used to first move the drag handles to
a specific orientation before using them to move the component.
NX Basic Design
C-23
Index
A
Annotation
dimension preferences and
placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
helper lines . . . . . . . . . . . .
preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
preferences and placement
placement cues for
dimensions . . . . . . . . . .
snap point options . . . . . . .
Application
Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applications
Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add Component . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assemblies application . . . . . . .
Assemblies toolbar . . . . . . . . . .
Associativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bottom-up construction method
Component object . . . . . . . . . . .
Component parts . . . . . . . . . . .
constraints
angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
concentric . . . . . . . . . . . . .
distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
parallel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
perpendicular . . . . . . . . . .
touch align . . . . . . . . . . . . .
types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
general concepts . . . . . . . . . . . .
10-16
10-17
10-21
10-15
10-17
10-17
. 8-10
. 10-2
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. 1-3
. 8-2
. 9-5
8-10
. 9-2
8-18
. 9-3
. 8-3
. 8-3
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9-17
9-19
9-18
9-12
9-13
9-20
9-14
9-15
9-16
9-11
9-10
. 9-9
. 9-2
Load options
Reference Sets . . . . . . . .
Saved Load Options . . . .
Load Options . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load Behavior . . . . . . . .
Load states . . . . . . . . . .
Part Versions . . . . . . . . .
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Move Component . . . . . . . . .
Selecting Components in the
navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subassembly . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top down and bottom up
modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly Navigator . . . . . . . . .
Display Parent . . . . . . . . . . .
Icons and check boxes . . . . . .
Identifying components . . . . .
Make Displayed Part . . . . . .
Make Work Part . . . . . . . . . .
Node display . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pack and Unpack . . . . . . . . .
Selecting Components . . . . . .
shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . .
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8-7
8-8
8-4
8-7
8-5
8-4
8-6
9-8
. . . 8-14
. . . . 8-2
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. 9-2
8-11
8-19
8-12
8-14
8-19
8-19
8-11
8-19
8-14
8-19
B
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Boolean operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
C
Chamfer . . . . . . . . . . .
creating . . . . . . . . . .
options . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Displayed Part
Command Finder . . . . .
Cue line . . . . . . . . . . . .
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NX Basic Design
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. 7-7
. 7-8
. 7-9
1-14
. 2-6
. 1-5
Index-1
Index
Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
D
Datum Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Creating
Curve/Face Axis . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Intersection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Two Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Curve/Face Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Intersection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Two Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Datum CSYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Datum Plane
At Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
At Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Bisector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Curves and Points
Three Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Tangent to Face at Point, Line or
Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Datum planes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Creating
At Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
At Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Bisector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Curves and Points, Three
Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Tangent to Face at Point, Line or
Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Deselecting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Design in Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Design intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Dimensions
appended text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
change precision . . . . . . . . 10-19
inherit preferences . . . . . . . 10-19
placement cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
preferences and placement . . . . 10-16
Index-2
NX Basic Design
text orientation and text arrow

placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displayed Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawings
adding a base view . . . . . . . . . .
adding projected views . . . . . . .
project view options . . . . . .
projection lines . . . . . . . . . .
adding views
preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
annotation preferences . . . . . . .
See also Annotation
create new sheet . . . . . . . . . . . .
deleting a sheet . . . . . . . . . . . .
edit notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
edit sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
edit views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
editing views . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
monochrome display . . . . . . . . .
open sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
removing views . . . . . . . . . . . . .
text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
view creation options . . . . . . . .
view preferences . . . . . . . . . . . .
10-18
. 8-16
. 10-8
10-10
10-12
10-11
10-11
10-15
. 10-3
. 10-4
10-23
. 10-4
10-13
10-13
10-13
. 10-6
. 10-3
10-13
10-21
10-22
10-22
. 10-9
. 10-7
E
Edge blend
add new set . . . . . . . .
dialog box . . . . . . . . . .
preview . . . . . . . . . . .
Edge Blend . . . . . . . . . .
Edge operations
Chamfer . . . . . . . . . . .
Edge Blend . . . . . . . . .
Edit
Positioning . . . . . . . . .
Exit NX . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extrude . . . . . . . . . . . . .
start and end distance
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7-5
7-3
7-4
7-2
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B-15
1-17
. 5-3
. 5-4
F
File Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-71-8
mt10053_s NX 6
Index
Rotate . . . . . . .
Set Rotate Point
Undo . . . . . . . .
Zoom . . . . . . . .
Saving unnamed template files . . 1-10

Using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
G
Gateway Application . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
H
Hole . . . .
Creating
Forms . .
options .
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6-26-3
. . . 6-6
. . . 6-5
. . . 6-4
L
Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
M
Master model
drawing guidelines .
Mating Conditions . . .
Align . . . . . . . . . . .
Angle . . . . . . . . . . .
Center . . . . . . . . . .
Distance . . . . . . . . .
Mate . . . . . . . . . . .
Parallel . . . . . . . . .
Perpendicular . . . . .
Tangent . . . . . . . . .
Vary Constraint . . .
Menus overview . . . . .
Modeling strategy . . .
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preview selection . .
QuickPick . . . . . . . .
Radial menus . . . . .
Selecting objects . . .
View manipulation .
View shortcut menu
View triad . . . . . . .
Mouse Buttons . . . . . .
Mouse shortcut menu
Display Mode . . . . .
Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orient View . . . . . .
Pan . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refresh . . . . . . . . .
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10-25
. C-1
. C-4
. C-5
. C-8
C-10
. C-3
. C-6
. C-7
C-10
C-13
. 1-6
. 3-2
2-13
2-21
2-22
2-16
2-19
2-17
2-14
2-18
2-13
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2-15
2-15
2-15
2-15
2-15
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2-15
2-15
2-15
2-15
O
Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Opening Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
OrientXpress tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
P
Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part Files . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Displayed Part
Close Selected . . . . . .
Opening multiple . . . .
Save As . . . . . . . . . . .
Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning
Edit
Add Dimension . .
Delete Dimension .
Edit Dimension . . . . .
Positioning Methods
Angular . . . . . . . . . . .
Horizontal . . . . . . . . .
Line onto Line . . . . . .
Parallel . . . . . . . . . . .
Parallel at a Distance .
Perpendicular . . . . . . .
Point onto Line . . . . . .
Point onto Point . . . . .
Vertical . . . . . . . . . . .
Preferences
view . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preview selection . . . . . .
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. B-6
1-14
1-14
1-16
1-14
1-15
. B-5
. . . . . . . . B-16
. . . . . . . . B-17
. . . . . . . . B-16
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B-14
. B-8
B-13
B-11
B-12
B-10
B-10
B-11
. B-9
. . . . . . . . 10-7
. . . . . . . . 2-21
Q
QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
R
Reference Features
Datum Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Datum CSYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Datum Planes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
NX Basic Design
Index-3
Index
Reposition Component
Revolve . . . . . . . . . . .
start and end angles
Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Choosing . . . . . . . .
Examples . . . . . . . .
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C-19
. 5-8
. 5-9
2-11
2-11
2-11
S
Save Work Part . . . . . . . . . . .
Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save Work Part Only . . . . .
Selection
QuickPick . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selection bar . . . . . . . . . . . . .
filter components . . . . . . . .
Point
Snap Point options . . . .
Selection MiniBar . . . . . . . . .
Sketch
Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constraints
Geometric . . . . . . . . . .
Geometric creation . . . .
Geometric list . . . . . . .
Inferred . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constraints overview . . . . .
Convert To/From
Reference . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Inferred Constraints
Creation method
Existing planar surface
On Plane . . . . . . . . . . .
Curve functions . . . . . . . . .
Fillet . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Degrees of freedom . . . . . . .
Delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensional Constraints . .
Create inferred . . . . . .
Dimensions Dialog box .
Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General process . . . . . . . . .
Geometric Constraints
Show or remove . . . . . .
Index-4
NX Basic Design
. . . . 8-21
. . . . 8-21
. . . . 8-21
. . . . 2-22
2-10, 2-19
. . . . 8-15
. . . . 3-27
. . . . 2-14
. . . . . 3-4
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3-39
3-40
3-41
3-57
3-37
3-543-55
. . . . 3-57
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. . . . 3-9
. . . . 3-9
. . . 3-29
. . . 3-35
. . . 3-17
. . . 3-38
. . . 3-56
3-47, 3-49
. . . . 3-50
. . . . 3-52
. . . . 3-51
. . . . 3-48
. . . . . 3-8
. . . . 3-45
Help Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Inferred Constraints . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Dialog box options . . . . . . . . 3-21
Snap Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Internal and external . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Status change . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Lines at angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Lines parallel or perpendicular . . 3-25
Lines tangent to a curve . . . . . . . 3-25
Make corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Naming
Modeling application . . . . . . 3-13
Sketcher task environment . . 3-12
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-263-27
Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Dialog bar options . . . . . . . . 3-23
Quick Extend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Quick Extend procedure . . . . 3-33
Quick Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Quick Trim procedure . . . . . 3-31
Reference direction . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Reference Direction
Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Right hand rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Short list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Show All/Show No Constraints . . 3-43
Show/Remove Constraints . . . . . 3-44
Sketch orientation . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Sketch types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Suppress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Status line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Sweep Along Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Swept Features
Body types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Boolean operations . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Revolve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Sweep Along Guide . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
mt10053_s NX 6
Index
T
Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The NX window . . . . . . . . . .
Toolbars
Customizing . . . . . . . . . . .
Add or remove buttons
Displaying toolbars . .
Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving configuration . . . . .
Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selection bar . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 1-71-8
. . . . . . 1-4
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2-2
2-4
2-2
2-8
2-10
2-19
2-10
V
vector
OrientXpress tool
View Preferences . .
Hidden Lines . . .
Smooth Edges . . .
View shortcut menu
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. 5-9
10-7
10-7
10-7
2-14
W
Work part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
NX Basic Design
Index-5
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Rev-10/3/08-jab
Rev-10/3/08-jab
PLM Software
www.siemens.com/plm
STUDENT PROFILE
In order to stay in tune with our customers we ask for some background information. This information
will be kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside of Education Services.
Please Print
Your Name
U.S. citizen
Course Title/Dates: NX Basic Design
Yes
No
thru
Hotel/motel(s) while training

Planned departure time after class
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Employer
Location
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(Emergency) Phone
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Industry:
Auto
Aero
Consumer products
Machining
Tooling
Medical
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Types of products/parts/data that you work with

Platform (operating system)
Reason for training
Please verify/add to this list of training for NX, I-deas, Imageware, Teamcenter Mfg., Teamcenter Engineering, Teamcenter Enterprise, Tecnomatix or
Dimensional Mgmt./Visualization. Medium means Instructor-lead (IL), On-line (OL), or Self-paced (SP)
Software
From Whom
Other CAD/CAM/CAE /PDM software you have used

Please check! your ability/knowledge in the following
None
Subject
CAD modeling
o
CAD assemblies
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CAD drafting
o
CAM
o
CAE
o
PDM usage
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PDM system management
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PDM customization
o
When
Novice
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
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Course Name
Intermediate
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Medium
Advanced
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Thank you for your participation. We hope your training experience will be an outstanding one.
Rev-10/3/08-jab
Rev-10/3/08-jab
Course Agenda
NX Basic Design
NX Basic Design
with Teamcenter Integration
Day 1
Morning
Introduction and Course Overview
Lesson 1. NX part files
Lesson 2. The NX user interface
Afternoon
Lesson 3.
Lesson 4.
Lesson 5.
Day 2

Datum Features
Swept Features
Morning
Lesson 6. Hole Features
Lesson 7. Edge Operations
Lesson 8. Introduction to Assemblies
Afternoon
Lesson 9. Adding and constraining components
Lesson 10. Introduction to Drafting
Rev-10/3/08-jab
Rev-10/3/08-jab
Accelerators
The following Accelerators can be listed from within an NX session by choosing
InformationCustom MenubarAccelerators.
Function
FileNew...
FileOpen...
FileSave
FileSave As...
FilePlot...
FileExecuteGrip...
FileExecuteDebug Grip...
FileExecuteNX Open...
EditUndo
EditRedo
EditCut
EditCopy
EditPaste
EditDelete...
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Feature
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Face
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Body
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Edge
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Component
EditSelection-Select All
EditShow and HideShow and Hide... (by type)
EditShow and HideHide...
EditShow and HideInvert Shown and Hidden
EditShow and HideImmediate Hide
EditShow and HideShow...
EditShow and HideShow All
EditTransform...
EditMove Object
EditObject Display...
ViewOperationZoom...
ViewOperationRotate...
ViewOperationSection...
ViewLayoutNew...
ViewLayoutOpen...
ViewLayoutFit All Views (only with multiple views)
ViewLayoutFit
ViewVisualizationHigh Quality Image...
ViewInformation Window
Hide or show the current dialog box
Accelerator
Ctrl+N
Ctrl+O
Ctrl+S
Ctrl+Shift+A
Ctrl+P
Ctrl+G
Ctrl+Shift+G
Ctrl+U
Ctrl+Z
Ctrl+Y
Ctrl+X
Ctrl+C
Ctrl+V
Ctrl+D or Delete
F
G
B
E
C
Ctrl+A
Ctrl+W
Ctrl+B
Ctrl+Shift+B
Ctrl+Shift+I
Ctrl+Shift+K
Ctrl+Shift+U
Ctrl+T
Ctrl+Shift+M
Ctrl+J
Ctrl+Shift+Z
Ctrl+R
Ctrl+H
Ctrl+Shift+N
Ctrl+Shift+O
Ctrl+Shift+F
Ctrl+F
Ctrl+Shift+H
F4
F3
Rev-10/3/08-jab
ViewReset Orientation
InsertSketch...
InsertDesign FeatureExtrude...
InsertDesign FeatureRevolve...
InsertTrimTrimmed Sheet...
InsertSweepVariational Sweep...
FormatLayer Settings...
FormatVisible in View...
FormatWCSDisplay
ToolsExpression...
ToolsUpdateMake First Feature Current
ToolsUpdateMake Previous Feature Current
ToolsUpdateMake Next Feature Current
ToolsUpdateMake Last Feature Current
ToolsJournalPlay...
ToolsJournalEdit
ToolsMacroStart Record...
ToolsMacroPlayback...
ToolsMacroStep...
ToolsMovieRecord
ToolsMovieStop
InformationObject...
AnalysisCurveRefresh Curvature Graphs
PreferencesObject...
PreferencesSelection...
StartModeling...
StartAll ApplicationsShape Studio...
StartDrafting...
StartManufacturing...
StartNX Sheet Metal...
StartAssemblies
HelpOn Context...
Refresh
Fit
Zoom
Rotate
Orient View-Trimetric
Orient View-Isometric
Orient View-Top
Orient View-Front
Orient View-Right
Orient View-Left
Snap View
Ctrl+F8
S
X
R
T
V
Ctrl+L
Ctrl+Shift+V
W
Ctrl+E
Ctrl+Shift+Home
Ctrl+Shift+Left Arrow
Ctrl+Shift+Right Arrow
Ctrl+Shift+End
Alt+F8
Alt+F11
Ctrl+Shift+R
Ctrl+Shift+P
Ctrl+Shift+S
Alt+F5
Alt+F7
Ctrl+I
Ctrl+Shift+C
Ctrl+Shift+J
Ctrl+Shift+T
M or Ctrl+M
Ctrl+Alt+S
Ctrl+Shift+D
Ctrl+Alt+M
Ctrl+Alt+N
A
F1
F5
Ctrl+F
F6
F7
Home
End
Ctrl+Alt+T
Ctrl+Alt+F
Ctrl+Alt+R
Ctrl+Alt+L
F8
Rev-10/3/08-jab
PLM Software
Name:
Evaluation Delivery
_______________________________ Course #:
Start Date: ____________
MT10053
Through: __________
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
STRONGLY
AGREE
AGREE
SOMEWHAT
AGREE
Instructor:
SOMEWHAT
DISAGREE
If there were 2 instructors, please evaluate the 2nd instructor with Xs
DISAGREE
Instructor:
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
Please share your opinion in all of the following sections with a check in the appropriate box:
Clearly explained the course objectives

Was knowledgeable about the subject
Answered my questions appropriately
Encouraged questions in class
Was well spoken and a good communicator
Was well prepared to deliver the course
Made good use of the training time
Conducted themselves professionally
Used examples relevant to the course and audience
Provided enough time to complete the exercises
Used review and summary to emphasize important information
Did all they could to help the class meet the course objectives
Comments on overall impression of instructor(s):

Overall impression of instructor(s)
Poor
Excellent
Suggestions for improvement of course delivery:
What you liked best about the course delivery:
Class Logistics:
1.
The training facilities were comfortable, clean, and provided a good learning
environment
2. The computer equipment was reliable
3. The software performed properly
4. The overhead projection unit was clear and working properly
5. The registration and confirmation process was efficient
Hotels: (We try to leverage this information to better accommodate our customers)
1.
Name of the hotel
Best hotel Ive stayed at
2.
Was this hotel recommended during your registration process?
3.
Problem? (brief description)
YES
NO
SEE BACK
Rev-10/3/08-jab
PLM Software
Evaluation - Courseware
Name: _______________________________ Course #: MT10053
Dates: ____________
Through: __________
The training material supported the course and lesson objectives

The training material contained all topics needed to complete the projects
The training material provided clear and descriptive directions
The training material was easy to read and understand
The course flowed in a logical and meaningful manner
6.
How appropriate was the length of the course relative to the material?
Too short
Too long
STRONGLY
AGREE
AGREE
SOMEWHAT
AGREE
SOMEWHAT
DISAGREE
Material:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
DISAGREE
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
Please share your opinion for all of the following sections with a check in the appropriate box:
Just right
Comments on Course and Material:
Overall impression of course
Poor
Excellent
Student:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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NX Basic Design: Student Guide October 2008 MT10053 - S - NX 6

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NX Basic Design: Student Guide October 2008 MT10053 - S - NX 6

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NX Basic Design

Proprietary and restricted rights notice

This software and related documentation are proprietary to Siemens Product

NX part files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

The NX user interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Sketch Task Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Datum features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Swept features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Summary: Hole features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Introduction to Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Activities: Assemblies more navigator options

Adding and constraining components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Introduction to Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

Primitive solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Legacy mating conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Open and examine NX models.

Create and edit parametric solid models.

Create and modify basic assembly structures.

Create and modify simple drawings.

How to use this manual

One or more activities

Confirm important facts by restating them in your own words.

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

Choose a template from the New dialog box.

Teamcenter Integration for NX vs. native NX terminology

Implementing a layer standard

Create NX Open programs to create a standard part organization and

Use a macro to create layer categories: ToolsMacroPlayback.

Your administrator can enforce company standards by providing suitable

Be considerate of the needs of other students.

Listen attentively and take notes.

Practice what you learn.

Create a new part file.

Open a part file.

Copy a part file.

Close a part file and exit NX.

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.

Work and displayed part names

Cue and Status lines

Display folded menus

Standard templates are available and grouped by types, such as modeling,

Use blank templates to create files with no custom content.

Your system administrator can create customized templates based on the

Before you begin work on the file.

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

Use a template to create a new file

Save an unnamed template

to help to define the name and/or

Activities: NX part files Create new

Create new part files

If an Application was not already active, NX starts the application in

Useful features on Windows file dialog boxes

Open multiple parts