Groundhog Day All Over Again Part 2

The pros and cons of different approaches to duplicate NX11 model shapes.

1. Overview
2. Methodology
   1. Procedural Steps, Total Part File Memory of Each Method
3. Statistical Report
   1. Total Memory of Completed Panel & Panel Thickness Edit Time
   2. Comprehensive Editability Testing
4. Pros and Cons
5. Summary

We left off in “Part 1” of “Groundhog Day All Over Again .2” discussing the need to increase productivity by eliminating the non-productive and making the inefficient efficient. CAD users now have the ability literally drag and drop into today’s task what was created just hours or years before. But when it comes to duplicate shapes in NX, there are many methods, each having their own options and nuances. In Part 1 we looked at comprehensive lists of the considerations of the various methods of duplicating shapes in NX models as well as when to use them and tips for using them.

This “Part 2” installment will provide the specific steps and statistical test data of the various methods of duplicating shapes in NX models. At the end, we will compare those methods with pros and cons and summarize the report with observations that will hopefully help you to not only decide which approach is best for the various challenges you have but also develop a confidence that you’re not “leaving any money on the table” when modeling these NX parts.

A Molex eletrical connector with 90 identical terminal ports.

Review the NX11 Modeling Methods Considerations:

1. Move/Copy Object
2. Sketch – Pattern Curve
3. Pattern Feature
4. Pattern Face
5. Pattern Geometry – bodies, faces
6. Copy/Paste Face
7. Copy/Paste Feature
8. UDF

SUMMARY

So those are the more rational options to duplicate existing geometry in NX11. There are still other possibilities but none that we would suggest using without some additional enhancement such as contained within a script, NX Open routine, or other programming option and certainly not without specific standard procedures in place.

We hope this study helped to clarify the various options at your disposal for duplicating shapes in NX models. Some methods aren’t very good for some tasks and other methods may improve your models tremendously. Thanks for your attention (and patience!) and good luck!