New NX Sketch

NX Sketch has a new solver to help you create sketches that are accurate and represent your design intent.

Note: This NEW solver can be turned off or on by using File > Utilities > Feature Toggle > and scroll till you find “use the new solver and UI for sketch” > right click on State ON or OFF, then restart NX. 

Focus on creating curves and dimensions to define your sketch.

Accuracy and interpretation

An indication shows where dimensions are approximate, for example, after you arbitrarily drag a curve.

Shaded areas assure you that your sketch boundaries are connected. Potentially distracting information is displayed only when you need it.

Minimized external relationships

Dimensions do not create “P” expressions minimizes the number of external links to the sketch. When you want to create an external expression, use the command Add/Remove Expression.

Creating fewer external expressions minimizes the clutter in the Expressions dialog box and minimizes the chance of changing a sketch expression by mistake.

Sketch does not create external geometric relationships by default. When you want to us an external curve, edge, or datum in a sketch, use the new Include command, or set the Selection Scope so that you can select objects outside of the sketch.

Interaction

The new intelligent solver works in the background as you sketch. Dimensions and relations capture your design intent. The sketch now uses relations instead of geometric constraints. You can create persistent relations, but you will find that you don’t often need to, because most relations are found “on the fly.” Persistent relations you create and the found relations work together.

To create dimensions, you don’t need to use a command. Just select the curve or curves to dimension and select from the candidate preview dimensions you want to create.

Sketch curves change color to black when they are no longer movable, and you are notified when the sketch is fully defined.

Editing

Edit your sketch by dragging. Select a curve and drag a handle. While editing, click on relations to relax them if they are not what you want. Select a dimension and change the value or drag either arrowhead.

You have freedom to change your design intent, even when the sketch is fully defined, or over-defined. NX sketch guides you to either select specific relations to relax, or you can allow the solver to relax either the needed dimensions or relations to test alternate solutions.

Using existing sketches

When you open an existing sketch, you can either edit parameters to make dimensional changes, or you can renew the sketch to take advantage of the new capabilities. Dimensions are the same as before, and constraints are converted into persistent relations.

For more tutorials like the New NX Sketch Feature, check out our library of articles, or check out our YouTube Page for even more!

Alex Stoermann

I’m the Marketing Manager here at Swoosh Tech and I have over 15+ years in marketing with 6.5 years dedicating my time to the Siemens Design & Manufacturing industry. I possess ample knowledge of the Siemens Design & Manufacturing industry and consistently strive to create and execute effective marketing strategies. I believe that my dedication and skill set are valuable assets in my role, as they allow me to effectively facilitate the digital transformation of Siemens Digital Industries Solutions.