From the editor's website: This publication was made possible thanks to the decisive support of the Moscow office of Siemens PLM Software and the kind permission of the authoritative author - editor-in-chief and co-founder of DEVELOP3D magazine, in which the original article was published.
Despite its 30-year development history, the NX system from Siemens continues to introduce more and more innovations. Al Dean looks at what's new in NX11, talks about topology optimization, the new rendering platform, and discusses the future of the Parasolid core.Where to start talking about a system like NX from Siemens? Its history begins in the 1970s with Unigraphics and its merger with I-DEAS. All last years The solution is being optimized to improve the usability of the system.
NX 11 introduces a new variant of the existing Ray Traced Studio renderer. The module is now built on
LightWork Design Iray's state-of-the-art Iray renderer, which produces high-quality images in accordance with the laws of optics
With NX 11, Siemens PLM Software has cleverly added innovations and improvements to a very advanced system.
New in basic functionality
In recent years, the way the user interacts with the NX system has undergone significant changes. The result is a fresh, clear and user-friendly interface.Although there are no such changes in the version under review, almost every user will notice a number of updates to the system architecture. Therefore, we will talk about them first.
The most significant change that NX users have likely already heard about is the replacement of the previously used photorealistic image creation module (also called the renderer) with new module iRay from LightWorks.
Visualization tools used to be of high quality, but now they have reached a fundamental level new level. IN new version the most modern means of creating photorealistic images based on the laws of optics have appeared.
The iRay module (or the iRay+ variant) uses the computer's central processor to calculate the path of the rays. To achieve outstanding image quality, it is recommended to install the NVIDIA chipset.
Included with iRay+ module recruitment is underway ready-to-use materials in the open MDL format developed by LightWorks. The appearance of the materials is specified layer by layer.
For example, a car's body paint consists of a metal base, a layer of regular paint, a layer of shimmer paint, and a top coat of clear coat. This approach allows you to create realistic materials, rather than their inaccurate and low-quality models.
The standard delivery also includes a set of background images with high dynamic range (HDR), which speed up and facilitate the process of setting up lighting. The system has both a rich library of ready-made HDR images and tools for working with lighting, in particular HDRLightStudio.
Interestingly, in the NX 11 version, Siemens also offers a cloud network visualizer. This is a free solution from Siemens, which however requires an NVIDIA iRay server from NVIDIA.
You will be able to perform distributed visualization on several networked computers at once. There is talk about the emergence of a cloud visualization service, but it is too early to discuss this issue.
One last note on the interface: all of the above visualization tools are built into the existing Ray Trace Studio module and are therefore available to all users (with the exception of the network distributed visualizer). There are no restrictions on the resolution of the created images. For presentations, you can render 4K images around the clock.
Points and facets
One of the main innovations in this version is significantly expanded support for working with point clouds and facets.NX already had tools for working with facets and converting meshes to surfaces ( traditional approach"reverse engineering").
The new NX Topology Optimization module implements the expected workflow. The user specifies the search space for design solutions. At the same time, it is indicated which structural elements should be preserved, which parts of the geometry should be optimized (in the next figure they are marked in transparent pink), and which should not be touched at all (marked in yellow in the same figure). Then enter border conditions: loads, limitations, material properties, etc.
Siemens licensed topology optimization tools from Frudtrum and built them directly into NX
Finally, parameters for the optimization process are set, such as the target weight of the product (so the material properties must be specified, rather than just the required weight reduction as a percentage).
Indication provided symmetrical elements(there is such an element in the previous figure), as well as the speed and step of the optimization process. As a result, we get exactly what a modern topology optimization module should do: a part with the best shape that ideally solves the problem set by the designer.
Interestingly, the second generation of such tools is already appearing.
Together with new unified modeling tools, you get an excellent work environment for the design and production preparation of parts and assemblies manufactured by additive methods and are characterized by exceptionally low weight.
However, these same tools also have great potential in traditional production preparation, although creating a mesh-based model of a cast or machined part is a little more complex.
Construction of sweeps
Recent versions of NX have introduced a number of tools aimed at specific industries, most notably the aerospace industry.In the NX 10 version, special attention was paid to the design of the wing spars and ribs. This trend continued in NX 11. In particular, tools have appeared for designing connections between spars and ribs and for constructing flange cutouts in ribs.
In addition, this version introduces tools for constructing developments of double-curvature surfaces, and they do not depend on the manufacturing technology and the material used (fabric, plastic, metal).
For several years now, NX has made it possible to create flat patterns of one or more complex surfaces, thereby obtaining a model of the workpiece. But this was a complex process performed in the CAE module, so the developers at Siemens decided to create a similar tool in the design environment.
New development tools work differently - without involving the CAE approach and the finite element method. They use an algorithm for calculating minimum deformations that does not depend on the properties of the material. It gives almost the same results, but works several times faster. It takes seconds, not hours, to prepare a calculation.
It is enough to select one or several unfolding surfaces, indicate a point in space through which the development will pass, select the main direction of unfolding - and you're done!
Analysis tools are also provided, in particular for constructing surface curvature diagrams showing potential pinch points and places of tears.
It is also interesting that new approach allowed to implement a number additional features. In particular, a sketch (of a cutout, a stiffener, or an additional layer of composite material) can be constructed on a development, and the new elements will automatically be transferred to the original “folded” model.
There are new tools for projecting a 3D sketch onto a surface (to create a cutout), and the geometry of the cutout will correspond to the shape of the surface (and not the projection onto a plane). This is very convenient, for example, when constructing windows and other openings in the fuselage.
In NX 11, the commands created for rib design are now available when modeling sheet bodies. These include “Cutout with flange” (built on a development) and “Lightweight cutout” (flange with a flange that increases rigidity, bent to specified angle). In addition, it is possible to construct a plane based on the base surfaces, which is used when constructing the external and internal geometry of molds.
It is also necessary to mention certain changes in the configuration of various system options. All aerospace sheet metal tools have now been moved to the advanced sheet metal design module. They are all collected in one place, and you don't have to buy them separately.
NX 11 introduces new, fast tools for creating complex surface developments that do not use the CAE approach
Variable displacement surfaces
We rarely cover just one new feature in a computer-aided design system. But in my opinion this function deserves special mention. It shows how advanced modern intelligent systems, and how much influence users have on the direction of their future development.So let's talk about the Variable Offset Surfaces feature.
Suppose we have a set of surfaces - say, describing the outside of a car door. Now imagine the inside of the door being welded to the outside.
This inner part very different in design. It has reinforcing elements necessary to reduce weight, as well as many other elements that provide access to the inside of the door, installation of various equipment and cladding panels.
Designing the inside of a door is a challenging task. As a rule, when solving it, displacements relative to a single outer surface are used. Introduced in NX 11, the new Variable Offset operation allows you to single element create base geometry and set offsets in specified areas.
Consider the following figure.
New operation "Surface" variable offset» creates complex and lightweight structures based on a single set of surfaces
It shows how, based on one surface, a new surface is created, not only separated from it by equal distance, but also containing all the necessary reinforcing elements.
You have full control over the process, setting offset values and choosing how to build the transition for each offset, all from one sketch and one feature.
Design and technological information and 3D elements on drawings
The last NX 11 innovation we'll look at doesn't involve modeling or drawing separately, but a combination of the two.Design and technological information (PMI) or 3D design elements included in drawings have been actively discussed for several years.
In a number of industries these elements have not received widespread, and were successfully implemented in a number of others.
One difficulty is that in many cases PMI elements are placed directly on the model and then transferred to the 3D drawing. The reverse sequence of actions is used extremely rarely. This makes sense if the design is being done from scratch. But if there are materials accumulated over years and decades, then the process of transferring extremely important dimensional and geometric tolerances from an old drawing to a 3D model turns out to be lengthy and very labor-intensive.
To solve this problem, in NX 11 you can create a product model associated with drawings and basic dimensional and geometric tolerances. Then complex algorithms transfer information from the drawing back to the 3D model.
The capabilities of new tools for designing aerospace structures have expanded, and their distribution among system modules has been simplified
Conclusion
I always find it difficult to write about NX.In the world of 3D design, the system has become legendary. It has been around in its current form for over a decade, with roots going back to the 1970s, during the days of I-DEAS and Unigraphics.
Such a rich past is evident both in the breadth of the system’s capabilities and in its user base. NX has engineered some of the world's most complex products. It is capable of solving problems that other design tools cannot even approach.
Click to enlarge
Despite the already achieved high perfection, new innovations are added in each version. In this version, it is worth noting the emergence of a unified modeling technique built into the Parasolid core, which belongs to Siemens and is developed by its specialists.
Although collaboration with meshes, surface and solid models is not a completely new concept, and in some systems it was implemented years (if not decades) ago, the emergence of such functionality in such a popular environment as NX clearly shows what can be achieved even on early stages development.
Other innovations are topology optimization tools, which are gaining increasing interest. This is due to the increasing use of metal 3D printing technologies, although topology optimization is applicable in many other areas.
Encyclopedic YouTube
1 / 5
✪ NX Introductory lesson. Part 1.
✪ Milling in NX CAM
✪ Slab milling in NX CAM
✪ VERTICAL Technology, demonstration. CAD for development of technological processes.
✪ Siemens NX 8.5 - 03 - Sketch and model creation
Subtitles
History of creation
The system was originally called “Unigraphics” and was developed by the American company United Computing. In 1976, McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) acquired United Computing and subsequently formed the McDonnell Douglas Automation Unigraphics Group. EDS acquired the business in 1991. Following EDS's acquisition of Structural Dynamics Research Corporation in 2001, the Unigraphics product was combined with SDRC's I-DEAS CAD system. The gradual addition of I-DEAS functionality to the core code of the Unigraphics system became the basis of the existing NX product line.
Additional functionality of the Imageware product was integrated into the NX system to develop functionality for processing scanned data (point clouds and STL data) to support reverse engineering processes.
NX Solutions
Design (CAD)
The set of applications included in the NX CAD package allows you to solve the problem of developing a complete electronic layout of the entire product and its components for subsequent use in the processes of technological preparation of production.
The functionality of the applications allows you to automate the stages of product design and the release of design documentation in various forms representation. Both bottom-up and top-down design technologies are supported with the ability to build end-to-end development processes from product requirements to the stage of issuing data for production.
Industrial Design
Engineering Analysis (CAE)
The NX engineering analysis suite is an application of pre- and post-processing (Pre/Post) and computational solvers connected to the interface. The solvers can be either the NX Nastran package or software packages from other developers. The engineering analysis environment can work either independently or in integration with the Teamcenter PLM system. IN the latter case all calculated data is stored in the PLM system and is managed in terms of access rights, auditing, release and approval processes, etc.
The pre/post processing application is built on the basis common platform NX CAD applications and takes full advantage of the Parasolid geometric kernel. Computational models are associated with the original 3D models, and if it is necessary to make any changes or simplifications, the user has the opportunity to edit the associated geometry without affecting the original model, but tracking all changes.
The functionality of the tools included in the NX engineering analysis package allows you to analyze static loading of a structure, search for natural frequencies (dynamics), aerodynamic and thermal analysis, as well as solve a number of applied specialized problems.
Tooling design
In addition to applications responsible for the design of the product itself, the NX CAD system offers a number of solutions responsible for the design of technological equipment:
- Mold Wizard is a package for designing mold elements for cast products.
- Progressive Die Wizard is a progressive die design package.
- Die Engineering and Die Design - modules for designing dies and die structures.
- One Step Formability - a one-step formability analysis to evaluate the feasibility of producing a sheet part using cold stamping.
- Electrode Design - tool design module for electrical discharge machining.
Applications are created taking into account the principle of the master model and provide an associative connection with both the product (CAD) and the CAM tooling design.
CNC Machine Programming (CAM)
Supports various types of processing: turning, milling on 3-5-axis CNC machines, turning-milling, wire EDM. The NX CAM system supports advanced machining types and equipment: high-speed milling, feature-based machining, turn-mill multifunctional machines. Contains a built-in machine tool simulation module running in control program codes (G-codes), which is used for NC analysis and provides collision monitoring.
The associative relationship between the source model and the generated tool path ensures that the data is automatically updated when changes are made.
Coordinate Measuring Machine Programming and Measurement Data Analysis
The module for programming coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) provides preparation of control programs for CMMs and analysis of measurement data, including comparison of measurement data with a 3D model. A measurement program can be created using PMI objects - information about dimensional tolerances and deviations of shapes and surfaces. In this case, the amount of manual data entry is reduced, and the control program can be associated with the source model and, accordingly, track changes. Simulation of the measurement process on a CMM based on a NC code (usually DMIS) is supported.
Tools for expanding system functionality
The NX system provides a set of mechanisms that allow you to expand standard functionality and develop own funds automation based on the NX platform. Major programming languages such as .NET, C++, Python, Java can be used for development. The system also provides the ability to use the internal KBE (knowledge based engineering) programming language.
Synchronous technology
Synchronous simulation technology developed by Siemens was first implemented in NX 6, released on June 30, 2008. This technology allows you to work with a topological description of the model geometry without taking into account parametric dependencies or their absence. Traditional remedies parametric modeling have a number of known limitations when working with non-parameterized geometry or in the presence of complex parametric dependencies. Synchronous technology makes it possible to work with such models and edit them, automatically recognizing geometric elements and connections between them.
Application
NX is widely used in mechanical engineering, especially in industries that produce products with high packaging density and a large number of parts (power engineering, gas turbine engines, transport engineering, etc.) and/or manufacturing products with complex shapes (aviation, automotive, etc. .). In particular, the system is used by such large companies as Daimler, Chrysler, Boeing, Bosch, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Land Rover BAR, Red Bull Racing, MMPP Salyut, OKB im. Sukhoi", "MVZ im. Mil", PJSC KAMAZ, GKNPTs im. Khrunichev, OJSC Aviadvigatel, OJSC Metrovagonmash, OKB Aerospace Systems, NPO Saturn, PKO Heat Exchanger, LLC All-Union Scientific Research Center for Transport Technologies (VNICTT), etc. NX is widely used by companies producing goods consumer consumption, medical equipment, electronics.
Notes
- (unspecified title) - 2019.
- Review: Siemens PLM NX 11 // Develop3D. - May 9, 2016.
- Al Dean. Review: Siemens PLM NX 11 // isicad.ru. - November 10, 2016.
- Siemens NX became available for Mac OS X // CADpoint.ru: Press release. - June 14, 2009.
- Benefits of integration with NX // Digital Process LTD..
- Siemens PLM Software's new machine design solution to improve development time and quality // Design World Online. - September 14, 2010.
- Goncharov P. S., Artamonov I. A., Khalitov T. F., Denisikhin S. V., Sotnik D. E. NX Advanced Simulation. Engineering analysis. - M.: DMK Press.. - 2012. - ISBN 978-5-94074-841-0.
- R. Bush. Fundamentals of ensuring the durability of structures using NX // CAD/CAM/CAE Observer. - 2008. - No. 1 (37). - pp. 30-33.
- The Siemens company presents the Simcenter solution for predicting the technical characteristics and necessary behavior of a product during its development // isicad.ru. - June 17, 2016.
- Vynce Paradise. What processing simulation system do you use? // CAD/CAM/CAE Observer. - 2008. - No. 3 (39). - pp. 51-54.
- ISO 22093:2011 Industrial automation systems and integration - Physical device control - Dimensional Measuring Interface Standard (DMIS) // ISO. - 2011.
- Siemens PLM Software releases CAD NX 6: PC Week. News. - August 11, 2008.
- Siemens PLM brings a fresh twist to CAD: PC Week. News. - May 13, 2008.
- Alexandra Sukhanova.“Our business in Russia is a bright story of the success of Siemens PLM Software” // CAD/CAM/CAE Observer. - 2011. - No. 1 (61). - pp. 10-20.
- “Siemens PLM Software technologies are used by most of the companies that presented new models at the North American Auto Show” // Mechanical Engineering Portal. - January 28, 2012.
- “Chrysler ditches CATIA in favor of NX” // CAD/CAM/CAE Observer. - 2010. - No. 4 (56). - P. 24.
- “Boeing has signed an agreement with Siemens PLM Software for a period of 10 years” // Air Transport Review. - 2012.
- “Winners and losers: industrial giant Bosch standardizes CAD and PLM” // CAD/CAM/CAE Observer. - 2016. - No. 3 (103).
- “Siemens had a hand in the start of the work of the Curiosity scientific laboratory” // i-Mash.ru. - August 15, 2012.
- Mark Clarkson.“On the way to Mars!” // isicad.ru. - August 30, 2012.
- “Siemens solutions for NASA’s Mars rover” // Company Magazine. - August 2012.
Computer-aided design system NX 7.5 from Siemens PLM Software
Al Dean reviewed the latest release of leading product development software from Siemens PLM Software and found NX 7.5 to be thoroughly engineered and delivered to excellence across all areas of design, manufacturing, simulation and beyond.
The fate of NX from Siemens PLM Software after the merger of Unigraphics and Ideas several years ago is interesting. The system has taken on the role of leading 3D product modeling system, inheriting the developments of Unigraphics, one of the world's leading machining manufacturers, and with the introduction of NX Nastran introduced truly “bulletproof” modeling and analysis tools.
IN Lately NX has undergone major changes to its core architecture and user experience. The end result is absolutely modern system, applicable to a variety of industries and platforms - it is one of the few 3D modeling systems compatible with operating systems Mac OS X and Linux. A new version of the NX system, 7.5, was released this month, following version 7.0 released in October 2009. So, let's look at its features.
Lightweight presentation and performance
Before we explore new modeling and product design capabilities, it's worth taking a quick look at what's under the hood. Siemens develops and develops the JT format, which is widely used in automotive industry as a data exchange format. It is also used in NX to display models in a simplified format, allowing large assemblies to be easily loaded on a standard workstation.
In previous versions, each model created a special reference set containing a lightweight representation, which was saved into the model itself in JT format. In the new version, the system does not explicitly create such a reference set, but instead creates a lightweight representation for each reference set that contains solid geometry. By default, the model is loaded in a lightweight form for any current reference set containing geometry.
As with all such technologies, there is always a need to download exact description geometry, but with each version the need for this decreases. With NX 7.5, users can load, view, section, measure, and perform parametric updates—all without having to download an exact representation of the model. While this won't have a significant impact on those working on small assemblies, it will make their work much easier for those dealing with tens of thousands of parts.
Effectiveness of sketches
The sketching user interface has been simplified to make it easier to move from the initial idea to the geometric elements and model. For example, now the user does not have to exit the sketch before constructing a geometric figure - he simply draws sketches, activates the 3D mode - and that's it! The process of working with sketches has become easier than in previous versions, dimensions are determined automatically. This gives the user the opportunity to work directly with key data and, if necessary, formalize the geometry. It is interesting to note that these dimensions are not restrictions. To convert them to control dimensions, you need to add data manually. This means that precise geometric characteristics can be recorded on paper much faster.
NX can now work with areas within sketches, eliminating the need to create fully defined outlines, making work much faster. Another speed boost is the new NX Reuse Library feature, which gives users the ability to save profiles and sketch geometries and then quickly retrieve them from the library and apply them where needed.
Synchronous technology
For those who are not yet familiar with synchronous technology, Siemens announced it two years ago, which gave impetus to the proliferation of history-free design tools. While modeling with structural elements remained a core part of the process, the addition of the ability to work with them without using the model's history was the start of a new movement.
Although great effort efforts were made to introduce synchronous technology into Solid Edge from Siemens PLM Software, the NX system also received a large set of tools. Many industry experts have overlooked the NX system upgrades because these improvements have already found their way into Solid Edge. The NX system supported free geometry modification for some time, and the changes were subtle. Subsequently, synchronous technology in NX provided more freedom in the use of new modeling tools, with the ability to use the method with or without model history. It was integrated into the existing modeling workflow and user experience.
The first few versions used synchronous technology to create and modify prismatic geometry, allowing a combination of dynamically applied geometry filters and direct editing tools. For NX 7.5, the functionality has been expanded to include free-form model creation and modification.
Synchronous technology and surface modeling
For many years, the NX system has been able to high degree precision work directly with surface geometry. Instead of using only a traditional grid of curves to create surface geometry, the system allows you to control their shape by clicking and dragging vectors, lines, etc. This is the type of surface manipulation that traditionally separates solid/solid modeling systems from true surface manipulation systems.
For this version of the NX system, these tools have been modified to use synchronous technology and allow users to use them by storing the model history and each change as individual characteristics, or work in a free format. These tools are built into two key operations.
The xForm tool has been around for some time in NX (and Unigraphics before that) and uses a wireframe around a surface to drag and drop it into shape. The iForm tool is a new option that uses control points and contours directly on the surface itself. Both methods are suitable for solving various tasks and are interchangeable. What's really impressive is how these tools can now be used in combination with a wide range of intelligent modeling tools, such as symmetry or the synchronous technology-driven Face Finder and Replace Face tools, to make modifications intelligently related to the surrounding geometry. By working in a "history-free" manner, in which all tools operate using synchronous technology, any subsequent geometric elements (such as fillets, layers, etc.) remain active and a preview during editing shows the effect, distributed over an entire part rather than a single change on a specific surface.
The Replace Face Tool is the ultimate synchronous technology tool.
I rarely focus on separate function modeling systems, but now I want to make an exception. During the direct editing process, draganddrop's smart tools with synchronous technology are impressive, and perhaps the most useful tool for the designer is the Replace Face command. This tool allows users to take existing geometry and quickly adapt it to new requirements and applications. Capture the geometric structure, match the surfaces, move it to a new position - and you're done.
The new version includes the With Offset option. It expands the potential of the tool itself and allows you to work with complex geometric designs and use the Replace Face tool in combination with the filters of the Face Finder tool to adapt them to new complex form. It makes sense to combine all this with the new, easier to use Data Reuse Library.
Reuse Library and Fasteners
Data reuse is a key focus of the new version. Starting with a more efficient 2D profile library and positioning method, the system not only encourages users to reuse data, but also makes it easier to create such assets. The system already has standard profiles and sections, which makes it easy to create your own set of profiles, usually used both for placing geometric elements and for constructing general elements.
To create an object in the Reuse Library, the user simply captures geometric shapes(2D or 3D), copies them to the clipboard (CTRL+C), pastes them into a new dialog box, adds the necessary details (such as a preview image, coordinates for positioning) - and you're done.
Along with this, the semantics of how users work with fasteners has been changed. Instead of creating a hole in the assembly and then adding fasteners to it, the user creates the fasteners in the desired location and this package (bolts, nuts, washers, etc.) makes the corresponding hole for itself. For example, this could be a series of through holes or threaded holes.
HD3D technology
High Definition 3D technology was introduced last year with the release of the NX 7.0 system. It combines Siemens' expertise in lightweight data visualization (JT format) and data management (using Teamcenter) to create an environment in which users can graphically explore the product being developed and analyze all types of data. This could be information about the status of the project, materials about suppliers, or information about the location of various subassemblies in terms of the project schedule.
These visual reports allowed users to display data graphically. Along with visual reporting, the system has been used for Check Mate reporting to identify whether parts and subassemblies meet all types of standard geometric and topological checks (such as geometry quality requirements) or internal requirements, as well as additional special or custom checks, e.g. “This part has been tested by simulation modeling using CAE tools?
With NX 7.5, Siemens has expanded the use of HD3D technology in two key areas. First, it integrates with Teamcenter so that the user can use the full scope of managed metadata as the basis for queries and learn where, when and how changes are made during the product development process. For example, data (such as mass or volume requirements) can now be downloaded from the Teamcenter Requirements section and the system will perform checks automatically for each version of the model. Second, HD3D-based tools are now much more responsive within the NX system environment. Previously, visual reports could only be used with a corresponding dialog box, but now they are implemented using the assembly navigator.
Modeling and Analysis
It is simply impossible to review all the updates in the NX 7.5 system related to modeling in one article, but I can’t help but draw the readers’ attention to a set of tools that solve a huge range of modeling and industrial specialization problems.
Let us note several major innovations. The first is enhanced support for the Multibody Dynamics system. Users can now incorporate adaptive body dynamics into assembly modeling, allowing both rigid and ductile bodies to be combined into a single motion model in the NX Motion tool. Also, for those working on modeling system levels, a dynamic link can be created between NX Motion and MATLAB/Simulink tools, allowing data to be transferred between them for more accurate simulations.
The second important improvement is Durability. Fatigue analysis (of structures, materials) is becoming more common in many simulation tools, but the process of integrating cyclic loading into a model run is a time-consuming task. The Durability Wizard guides users through the installation and reporting processes to ensure the information is correctly formatted where needed.
Based on lightweight JT imaging techniques, NX enables users to quickly and efficiently work with huge amounts of data.
One final area I'd like to highlight is the introduction of improved combining tools digital modeling with the results of physical tests. When using these new tools digital environment can be used to plan test processes (test points, sensor settings, etc.), and the results of physical tests in the format feedback can be placed in a simulation environment and linked to a digital model. This gives the user the ability to correlate digital and physical test results, producing more meaningful experiments, and for those wishing to reduce the number of physical tests, it provides greater confidence and fine-tuning of the simulation process.
Finally, it is worth noting that updates to the simulation environment are also extremely important to the simulation process itself, and synchronous technology can greatly benefit the simulation-focused user. Instead of relying on traditional modeling methods to abstract models, distort and change parameters, users can make necessary edits without detailed knowledge of the history of the part and subassembly model. This makes the entire process more efficient.
conclusions
Every time I work with NX, I am continually amazed and realize that while many developers claim that their systems support the entire industrial process, NX actually implements this concept, and within a single system.
Siemens continues to expand the functionality of NX and is constantly working to improve the user experience - both in terms of streamlining functionality and adding new tools for simple solution complex tasks. An excellent example is the development of synchronous technology, which helps in the creation and modification of complex surfaces. Independence from the history of model construction using direct editing tools makes it easier to work on complex problems.
In conclusion, improvements in HD3D technology make it easier to work with large amounts of data. This technology not only improves the design process, but also allows every specialist involved in product development to be truly interested in their work. Overall this is another outstanding version of this system.
Beginning of work
NX is an interactive system designed for computer-aided design, manufacturing and calculations of products. NX is a 3D modeling system that allows an engineer to create products of any complexity. To designate systems of this class, the abbreviation CAD/CAM/CAE is used.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) subsystem - design using a computer. Designed for the development of design documentation (modeling of parts and assemblies, drawings, analysis, design optimization, etc.).
CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing) subsystem - manufacturing using a computer. It is designed for automated preparation of control programs for CNC machines based on a mathematical model of a part created in a CAD subsystem.
CAE (Computer-aided engineering) subsystem - engineering analysis. This subsystem allows, using calculation methods (finite element method, finite difference method, finite volume method), to evaluate how the digital model of the product will behave in real conditions operation. It provides process simulation and product performance testing without spending a lot of time and money.
NX belongs to the so-called high-level computer-aided design systems and has a wide range of tools. NX is widely deployed around the world and is used for product development by the world's leading manufacturers in knowledge-intensive industries. The main goal of the system is ultimately to reduce the cost of creating a product, improve its quality and reduce the time to market.
A design engineer thinks in three-dimensional images of parts, assemblies, and finished products. In order to transfer these thoughts to paper, projection (flat) drawing was invented, where, with the help of special geometric methods flat drawings of future products were created. Drawings are, ultimately, conventional images of three-dimensional parts and products. Manufacturers then use these drawings to recreate the part in three dimensions. There is also a method for presenting three-dimensional products - prototyping, i.e. a product layout is created manually and then translated into drawings.
With the development of information technology and personal computers, three-dimensional modeling systems, which include NX, have become widespread. These systems allow you to immediately create three-dimensional objects, and then use them to create flat drawings. Thus, the process of developing a flat drawing is now almost completely automated. In some cases, the drawing development stage is omitted altogether, and with the help of CAM programs, machine codes are generated for the CNC machines on which the final product is manufactured. With this design method, the engineer immediately sees the future product, has the opportunity to evaluate it, etc. By combining the parts into an assembly, the engineer can analyze it for intersections of parts, determine gaps and the performance of the entire mechanism as a whole even before its manufacture.
Design in NX is carried out as follows: first, three-dimensional models of all parts of the product are created, then they are combined into assemblies, and thus a three-dimensional model of any product is obtained - from an airplane or spaceship to a toy. After this, the main parts and assemblies are calculated using the finite element method, the dimensions of the parts and the material from which they should be made are specified, and various parameters of the future product can be optimized. Then a kinematic and dynamic analysis of the entire mechanism and its components is performed in order to check the performance of the machine. After this, working drawings of all parts and assemblies of the mechanism are created from three-dimensional models.
Modern CAD/CAM/CAE design systems, which include NX, take the process of designing, constructing and manufacturing products to a new qualitative level. Today, new product development takes place in next sequence: first, a three-dimensional model of the product is developed, then its comprehensive analysis is carried out, necessary changes, if necessary, design optimization is carried out, design documentation is issued and technological processes manufacturing of parts.
NX has a modular structure that is divided into applications and general functions. Each NX application can be called from a control module called the "Base Module". All data created in NX can be used in any of its applications.
NX uses the concept of associativity to link individual pieces of product information to automate the design and manufacturing process. For example, in NX all drawing objects are associative, i.e. When a model's geometry changes, all drawing views based on that model are updated automatically. Models created in NX are fully parametric, for example, you can control all dimensions of the created part. In addition, with geometric objects You can also link any other information that describes this product. This information is entered into the model attributes.
DESCRIPTION OF MAIN MODULES
All NX tools are grouped into applications (modules) in which you can perform various actions, such as creating part or assembly geometry, drawing, model calculation, etc.
NX base module. This module opens when the system first starts. This module is the main one in the system. It does not produce any geometric constructions or operations on models. His main function is to ensure communication between all NX modules, as well as view existing models. The appearance of the module window is shown in Fig. 1.1. Here you can do the following: create new file, open an existing file, or launch one of the NX applications.
The basic module allows you to view and analyze existing parts (as well as perform live sections, take measurements, etc.).
Simulation. This module is designed to create a three-dimensional model of a part. It has a wide range of tools with which you can build geometry of any complexity. Module
contains such basic functions as creating basic and associative curves, constructing sketches and solid primitives. The module contains basic operations on solid bodies, such as constructing bodies of revolution, extruding swept bodies, Boolean operations, working with sheet metal, modeling surfaces and a number of others. The module window is shown in Fig. 1.2. Assemblies. This module is intended for designing assembly units (assemblies), modeling individual parts in the context of an assembly (Fig. 1.3).
Drawing. This module builds various types drawings of parts and assemblies generated from models created in the Modeling and Assemblies applications. Drawings created in the Drawing module are completely associative to the model on which they are based. An example of a drawing is shown in Fig. 1.4.
Specifications. Specifications are a set of labeling tools that can be used to describe products in 3D environments. This allows you to specify technological information on the model, which can then be processed by various tools, for example, analyze tolerances and dimensional chains, use the information when developing CNC programs, etc. Also, when creating drawings, this information can be inherited from the model to drawing views. All this makes it possible to document the model at the early stages of development and involve other participants in the development process - technologists and calculations, without waiting until the model is completely ready and the drawing is drawn up.
Designer's studio. This application is intended for designers and includes the following basic operations: conceptual design and visualization of a future product, a wide range of functions for working with surfaces. In addition, all the functions of the Modeling module are available in this application.
NX Routing. The NX Routing application is designed to design parts with a section (electrical sections such as wire, cable, shield, or mechanical sections such as pipe, insulation). Connection components (electrical components such as connectors, devices, or mechanical components such as pumps, tanks, valves). The standard NX Routing application includes the NX Electrical Routing and NX Mechanical Routing applications.
Sheet metal NX. Sheet Metal NX provides an environment for designing sheet metal parts and then producing a full or partial flat pattern of the part.
Advanced Simulation. This module is designed for verification calculations of parts and assemblies for dynamics and strength, stability, modal analysis, nonlinear calculations, fatigue/endurance calculations of structures and thermal loads. The solver used here is NX Nastran, MSC Nastran,
Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-Dyna.
Movement simulation. In this application, you can perform kinematic and dynamic analysis of the mechanism.
Figure 1. 1 | Figure 1.2 |
Figure 1.3 | Figure 1.4 |
The Advanced Simulation and Motion Simulation modules are linked together. Dynamic loads arising in the mechanism components can be transferred to calculate individual parts for strength and stability. The solver used here is RecurDyn or Adams.
Treatment. This application consists of several modules. The turning module is designed for roughing and finishing machining of cylindrical parts and thread cutting.
Flat milling is used for parts with vertical walls and flat islands. A toolkit for obtaining toolpaths for 3-axis milling. Electroerosive machining of parts with wire in 2- and 4-axis mode. Observing the tool while it is moving, checking that the workpiece material is being removed correctly. Converting the original machining program into a machine program and using the processor. Simulation of machine operation.
There are also a number of specialized applications in NX, which we will not dwell on. It should be noted that a license is required to use any NX application.
To launch NX in Windows, you need to select Start > Programs > UGS NX6.0 > NX6.0. After this, a window called “No part” will open. Here you can perform only three actions: create a new part file (Fig. 1.5), open an existing file, or select previously opened parts. If there is a shortcut on the desktop, then you need to double-click the left mouse button on it. You can also launch NX by double-clicking on the file with the extension .prt
Figure 1.5
CREATE, OPEN AND SAVE A PART FILE
Selecting templates
Figure 1.6 In order to create a new part file, you must run the command
File > New from the menu bar or click the button. To create a new part file, you can also
use the combination Ctrl+N. After executing this command, a dialog box will open (Fig. 1.6). You can create a new part file in two ways: select one of the existing templates, or select an empty one so that a new file is created without using a standard template.
IN This dialog box contains tabs that combine templates
V depending on their purpose.
IN The Model tab has templates for Part Creation, Assembly, Design Studio, Sheet Metal Part, Aviation Sheet Metal Part, Logic Piping, Mechanical Piping, Electrical Routing. Depending on the template you select, NX will launch the corresponding application.
IN The “Drawing” tab contains templates for creating a drawing of a part or
IN The “Simulation” and “Processing” tabs contain corresponding templates for performing numerical analysis and processing.
Here you can select the units of measurement (millimeters or inches). It should be noted that depending on the units you select, NX displays the available templates. If you select "All", the system will show all templates.
In addition to the templates that come with NX, you can create your own templates to meet your business standards. Each template will refer to a file that stores the color, line type, line thickness, etc.
Then in the “Name” field you must specify the name of the part to be created (the name can consist of Latin letters and numbers), and in the “Folder” field, specify the path to save the part and click OK.
Example 1.1. Creating a new file Launch NX.
Choose File > New. Select the Model tab. Select the Model template. Set the part name to Detail.
Select a folder to save and click OK.
Notice that NX opened the Modeling application because we selected the Model template.
To open an existing part or assembly file, you must select File > Open or click the button. You can also use the combination Ctrl+O to open a file. After executing the command, the “Open” dialog box will open (Fig. 1.7). This is a standard Windows window, so we will not dwell on its description in detail.
Figure 1.7 Example 1.2. Opening an existing file Start NX.
Run File > Open.
Go to the Part\Shtamp folder and select the file 00_00_03_podushka.prt.
Open the file 00_00_00_SB.prt from this folder.
Open the file 00_00_17_xvostovikk.prt from this folder.
Select the window menu item, here you will see a list open files. You can select any of them and it will open in the NX graphics window. Display the file
00_00_00_SB.prt.
Figure 1.8 Select Window > New Window. After this, a window will open (Fig. 1.8), in
which you need to choose one of standard types. Repeat this procedure three times, choosing a new type each time. Run the command Window > Arrange Horizontally. The result of your actions is shown in Fig. 1.8(right).
In order to save your work, you need to command File > Save or press the key combination Ctrl+S. In addition, you can use the command File > Save As or press the key combination Ctrl+Shift+A to select a folder and file name.
To exit NX, use the File > Exit command. A warning will appear (Fig. 1.10). Here are the following options:
No - exit - exits NX without saving changes;
Cancel - Cancel exit from NX and return to the current session.
Figure 1.10
NX allows you to close files during a session in several ways. To use these options, you must select File > Close. The following commands are available here:
selected parts - close the parts selected from the list (Fig. 1.11);
Figure 1.11 all details - close all details open in the session;
exit NX. NX stores a history of previously opened files; in order to open them, you can use the File > Previously Open Parts command and select the required part from the list.
DESCRIPTION OF MAIN OBJECTS AND TERMS
For efficient work In NX, you first need to become familiar with the basic terms and definitions that are used in this system.
Figure 1.12
As noted, NX is a fully 3D design system. The work is carried out in three-dimensional Cartesian space. NX uses a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system; the origin of coordinates is the point of intersection of the coordinate axes (X=0, Y=0, Z=0), the image of which can be seen in the lower left corner of the graphic screen (Fig. 1.12).
The view triad, displayed in the lower left corner of all views, represents the orientation of the model's absolute coordinate system relative to the view or orientation of the model in space. For the view triad and for the coordinate system, the colors of the vectors are the same: the X axis is red, the Y axis is green and the Z axis is blue.
An absolute coordinate system is a coordinate system that is used when creating a new model. This coordinate system defines the model space and is fixed in a given position.
the working coordinate system (pSk) is any number of other coordinate systems to create the geometry. However, only one coordinate system can be used for construction at a time. This coordinate system is called working system coordinates (Fig. 1.13). The absolute coordinate system (which is the default working system, unless otherwise specified in the template) can also be the working coordinate system.
The right-hand rule is used to determine the orientation of the coordinate system.
The units of measurement for length are millimeters or inches.
The units of measurement for angles are degrees or fractions of a degree.
Positive angles are counted from the X or Y axis counterclockwise, negative angles are counted clockwise (Fig. 1.14). Now let's look at the types of objects that can be created in NX. nonparametric models are characterized by the fact that they are created in the History free mode (without history). This method of creating a model uses all the functionality of the modeling module, but with the condition that all construction operations performed are not saved in the chronological tree of the model. parametric models are those models whose geometric parameters are specified during the model construction process; these parameters can be changed when editing. When building such models, you can use only one simple primitive (in NX6 the insertion point of the primitive is associative), and then modify it using various elements construction (hole, boss, pocket, etc.). Here, when constructing a defining contour, sketches are used that are fully parameterized and defined geometrically. This model has significant advantages over the non-parameterized model, because allows an engineer to control the geometric dimensions of a part, obtain a family of parts based on one template part, etc.
Hybrid models - combine the properties of parametric and non-parametric models.
body - a class of objects that consists of solid bodies that have volume and sheet bodies that have area.
solid body - a body consisting of faces and edges that together completely enclose a volume.
sheet body - a body of zero thickness, consisting of faces and edges that together do not close the volume.
A face is a part of the outer surface of a body surrounded by edges. edge - a curve that is formed when the faces of a body intersect.
Element is a general term that refers to all commands for constructing primitives (cone, cylinder), typical elements on a body (holes, grooves, pockets, etc.), additional construction operations (rounding, chamfer, thin-walled body, etc.) and Boolean operations on a rigid body.
curves. Curves are plotted in three-dimensional space. There are two types of curves in NX - non-parametric and parametric. Nonparametric curves include basic curves such as line, arc, circle, spline. Parametric curves include straight line, arc, circle, ellipse, spiral, spline studio.
Figure 1.14 Sketches. A sketch is a named set of plane curves lying in
given plane. You can apply geometric and dimensional constraints in a sketch, which are used to define the shape of curves. The sketch can then be reused for construction operations solid, where curves are used as initial data for construction. The sketch is an NX parametric object.
Reference elements. This type of object includes coordinate planes, axes, and reference coordinate systems that are used for construction aids and for snapping and positioning NX objects.
Design elements. These objects are used to create solid geometry. These include operations of extrusion, rotation, sweeping, simple primitives (block, cylinder, cone, ball), hole, pocket, groove, etc.
Operations with elements. It is an NX modeling tool that allows you to add various details to existing geometry. Using these operations, you can add chamfers, fillets, tilt edges, trim and split the body, etc.
Assembly is a set of parts and subassemblies that make up a digital model of a product.
a component is a part included in an assembly with a given location and orientation. A component can be a subassembly consisting of other lower-level components.
A drawing is a completely associative object with the model. Drawings in NX are built from 3D models of parts or assemblies.