Export All Components of an Assembly
Export All Components of an Assembly
Working in a support role often requires sharing part files and exporting all components of an assemblies with customers and vice versa. This seemingly simple task can present problems at times. End users of Siemens NX likely must share part files between departments, customers, vendors, etc, and can be faced with the same dilemma.
Of course, if all components of an assembly are contained within one folder there is no problem. But, what if common geometry is being used? This may take the form of various hardware that is not assembly specific or common fixturing used for manufacturing processes. These part files are most likely loaded via the reuse library and stored in common file share so all users may access the data. Fortunately we have an easy approach to obtain copies of all part files within an assembly and zip them into one file for easy sharing.
Let’s run through an example:
(First, be sure to download the 7Zip tool for access)
I want to share a script that can be run while you have an assembly open within NX to export all components and zip them in one step. Below you will be able to download NXZIP.vb, a script created for this very purpose. You will want to save the script in a known location to access.
- First, close all parts in your active session. (This is very important as the script will export any parts that are open in your NX session. Not just the ones within your work part.) Navigate to the tools tab on the resource bar and select play from the Journal group. Now browse to the VB script location within the Journal Manager dialogue and Run it. It is that easy!
- The newly created 7-zip file will now be in folder C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp. You can now easily share any assembly you’d like without search for all file locations.
To download a file for this blog and learn about similar tutorials, click on the links below!
(First, be sure to download the 7Zip tool for access)
VB FILE DOWNLOAD > Exporting All Components in an Assembly
YOUTUBE TUTORIALS > Videos
John’s passion for understanding NX CAM has led him to become one of the most well-respected experts in the industry. His vast knowledge in post processing, mill manufacturing, and CNC programming is invaluable to manufacturing engineers and has earned him high praise from trainees looking to craft their knowledge. Did we mention he has his own show? (Tooling Time Season 1, Ep 1, Ep 2, Ep 3)
Post by John Vincent
John's passion for understanding NX CAM has led him to become one of the most well-respected experts in the industry. His vast knowledge in post processing, mill manufacturing, and CNC programming is invaluable to manufacturing engineers and has earned him high praise from trainees looking to craft their knowledge. Did we mention he has his own show? (Tooling Time Season 1, Ep 1, Ep 2, Ep 3)
Hi John,
I have several customers that use NX, but they are unable to send me their assemblies.
With this script, will it save the assembly structure as well or is just the parts?
I would need the assembly as well. Not sure if they have sub-assemblies, but would assume so.
I also need to have it converted to SolidWorks, via parasolid or step, but I could get that done if I have the full assembly and parts.
Exporting parasolid or step from NX creates a file with every assembly instance as a separate part, so if they have 50 screws in the assembly that are the same, I get 50 separate screw files, and all named as volume-1, volume-2, and so on.
Would appreciate any help you can give me, or if you have a service for doing just that, let me know, and I or my customers will be willing to hire you.
Thanks,
—
Guy
Yes, the assembly structure will be saved as well as the components.
It worked!
Thank you very much!
Please email me the vb for Export All Components of an Assembly. there is no download that i see. Need as soon as possible