Part Modeling Tutrorials

Basic Hole Procedures
This section contains basic procedures to use with the Hole function.
Basic Simple Hole Procedure
Basic Counterbore Hole Procedure
Basic Countersink Hole Procedure
Simple Hole
This option lets you create a simple Hole, with a specified Diameter, Depth and Tip Angle for a
pointed tip.
Basic Procedure for Simple Hole

To create a hole using the Simple method, follow these steps:
1. Use the Placement Face selection step to select the planar placement face or datum
plane on which to locate the hole. The system displays a preview in the graphics window
of the hole and its dimensions using the current parameters. If you selected a datum
plane, you can use the Reverse Side button to switch the direction of the vector.
You can enter values for the parameters discussed in the following steps
before you select the planar placement face.
When you change a value in one of the parameter fields discussed below,
pressing the Return or Enter key updates the graphics window preview of the hole
with the new value.
2. (Optional) Use the Thru Face selection step to select a face through which the hole is to
extend and pass through. If you specify a Thru Face, the Depth and Tip Angle options
become unavailable.
3. Enter a value for the Depth, or accept the default.
4. Enter a value for the Tip Angle, or accept the default. You can press the Return or Enter
key to update the graphics window preview of the hole with the new value.
5. Click OK or Apply to create the hole.
6. Use the Positioning dialog to precisely locate the hole.
Counterbore Hole
This option lets you create a counterbore hole, with a specified Hole Diameter, Hole Depth, Tip
Angle, C-Bore Diameter and C-Bore Depth.
Basic Procedure for Counterbore Hole

To create a hole using the Counterbore method, follow these steps:
with the new value.
extend and pass through. If you specify a Thru Face, the Hole Depth and Tip Angle
options become unavailable.
3. Enter a value for the C-Bore Diameter, or accept the default. This value should be greater
than the value for the Hole Diameter.
4. Enter a value for the C-Bore Depth, or accept the default.
5. Enter a value for the Hole Diameter, or accept the default.
6. Enter a value for the Hole Depth, or accept the default. This field is not available if you
specified a Thru Face.
7. Enter a value for the Tip Angle, or accept the default. This field is not available if you
Countersink Hole
This option lets you create a countersink hole, with a specified Hole Diameter, Hole Depth, Tip
Angle, C-Sink Diameter and C-Sink Angle.
Basic Procedure for Countersink Hole
To create a hole using the Countersink method, follow these steps:
with the new value.
extend and pass through. If you specify a Thru Face, the Hole Depth and Tip Angle
options become unavailable.
3. Enter a value for the C-Sink Diameter, or accept the default. This value should be greater
than the value for the Hole Diameter.
4. Enter a value for the C-Sink Angle, or accept the default.
5. Enter a value for the Hole Diameter, or accept the default.
6. Enter a value for the Hole Depth, or accept the default. This field is not available if you
7. Enter a value for the Tip Angle, or accept the default. This field is not available if you
Datum Plane Procedures Dialog Fields Constraints Editing Datum Planes

Overview
Datum Plane - Overview

Use the Datum Plane option to create reference planes that serve as aids when existing planes
are not available. Datum planes can assist you in creating features on cylinders, cones, spheres,
revolved solid bodies, and other objects. Datum planes can also help you in creating features at
angles other than normal to the faces of the target solid.
You can create either relative or fixed datum planes.
Relative Datum Planes

When you create a relative datum, you create it "relative" to other objects in the model. You can
select curves, faces, edges, points, and other datums for the reference objects. By default, the
constraint type is inferred based on the objects you select, and the sequence in which you select
them. You can also specify a constraint explicitly, and then select the object to be associated with
it.
Relative datum planes can be applied across multiple bodies.
Relative Datum Planes Used in Construction
The size of a relative datum plane depends on the size of its parent geometry; it will only be as
large as a hypothetical box drawn around that geometry. If their are multiple geometry elements
used in the creation of a relative datum plane, they are all used to determine its size. For
example, a relative datum plane created coincident with two edges would be as large as a box
that contains both edges.
Fixed Datum Planes

Fixed datum planes do not reference, and are not constrained by, other geometric objects, except
when used in a user defined feature. They are created along the lines of the WCS. For details,
see Fixed Datum Planes.
Constructing Datum Planes

There are two basic methods you can use to construct datum planes:
• Select the edges, planar faces or wireframe geometry needed to specify the datum, and
then choose the Datum Plane option.
The system attempts to infer the best mode to use with the selected objects to successfully
define a datum, and presents a preview of the datum in the graphics window. If a datum
plane cannot be created based on the selected objects, use the Datum Plane icon options
to change the mode, add additional objects or change the constraints.
• Invoke the Datum Plane option and then select the required objects for the datum from
the graphics window. When you have selected enough valid objects to define a datum, a
preview of the datum is displayed in the graphics window. Use the Datum Plane icon
options to help specify objects and constraints. For more complicated datum planes,
open the full Datum Plane dialog.
In either case, a previewed datum is inferred and then presented, based on the selected
geometries and constraints.
Before creating the datum based on the preview, you can specify new constraints and objects.
You can change the parameters of the previewed datum by dragging the handles displayed in the
graphics window. Advanced editing options to change the type of the datum and delete or change
constraints are available with the full dialog (see Datum Plane Dialog for full details).
A dialog displays if you try to create a relative datum plane that is coincident with a pre-existing
relative datum plane that has the same parents. The corresponding coincident datum plane is
highlighted, and you can choose from the following options:
Yes The datum plane is created coincident with the existing datum plane.
Yes Same as with Yes, but the warning is not displayed again during the current session.
Always
No The operation is cancelled and no datum plane is created.
Datum Plane Icon Options

Opening Datum Planes first displays the icon options in the upper left corner of the graphics
window (unless there are no objects in your part file, where you will get the Datum Plane dialog
instead). The icon options use the Inferred method to let you quickly create a datum plane based
on your object and optional constraint selections.
Datum Plane Icon Options
The Datum Plane icon options include the following tools:

Datum Plane Dialog - Use the dialog to create datum planes that are more specific than those
you can create with the Inferred method. See Datum Plane Dialog for details.
Constraints Cascade Menu - Available constraints are Inferred, Coincident, Parallel,
Perpendicular, Center, Tangent, Offset and Angle.
Only constraints appropriate for the currently selected objects appear on the menu. If no objects
are selected, all constraints are available. If you specify a constraint, the objects you can select
are somewhat limited to what is appropriate for that constraint. If the objects you select could not
be used to create a datum with the specified constraint, the system resets the constraint to
Inferred, and the selectable objects change.
See Inferred Constraints for details.
Alternate Solution - Cycles through different solutions when more than one type of datum plane
can be created, based on the object selections and constraints. See Datum Plane Alternate
Solution for details.
OK - Creates the previewed datum plane. Unlike the Apply button on the Datum Plane dialog,
dismisses the Datum Plane option.
Cancel - Discards all datum plane constraints and exits the Datum Plane option.
Display of Datum Planes

Relative datum planes are displayed based on the size of their parents. For instance, if a datum
plane is created through the axis of the cylindrical face of a hole feature, the size of the face is
used to determine the datum plane display. If a datum plane is created through points and/or
linear geometries, the datum plane is displayed such that its parents are contained within the
boundaries of its rectangular box.
The display of fixed datum planes is controlled by the size of the display when they are created,
as long as there are no bodies in the part. Otherwise, their display is controlled by the bodies in
the part. You can adjust the size of fixed datum planes to fit the current size of your model at any
time by choosing Insert-> Datum/Point-> Resize Fixed Datums.

Overview
Datum Plane - Example Procedures Using

Dialog Options
This section includes examples of Datum Plane dialog methods.
Point and Direction
This method lets you create a datum plane by defining a point and a vector direction.
1. Open the full Datum Plane dialog by clicking its icon button on the Datum Plane dynamic
input box.
2. Choose the Point and Direction option.
3. Select a point. Use the Snap Point toolbar if necessary to aid in point selection. You can
also use the Point Constructor from the Point Submenu to define a point.
4. Use the Vector submenu to define a direction, or accept the default. A preview of the
datum plane is displayed.
5. Click OK or Apply to create the datum plane.
In the figure below, a point has been defined (red marker) and the XC direction specified.
Point and Direction Method using the XC Direction
In the case of a point on an edge or line, you can enter a parameter value or expression in the
dynamic input box to adjust the point location, with 0 through 1 representing the percentage
distance along the edge or line. If you enter a value greater than or lesser than this, the datum
plane is located off the edge or line. During edit, you can drag the point along the edge or line. If
you specify a point on a planar face, the direction is the surface normal.
Three Points
This method lets you create a datum plane by defining three points through which the plane
passes.
input box.
2. Choose the Three Points option.
3. Select three points (use the Snap Point toolbar if necessary to aid in point selection). A
preview of the datum plane is displayed.
If you use the Point on Curve option (under Snap Point) to specify a point, you can drag
the point handle and alter its position, dynamically changing the datum plane.
In the figure below, the three points have been defined (red handle markers), and a preview of
the datum plane has been displayed.
Three Points Method
You can enter a parameter value or expression in the dynamic input box for each point to adjust
the point location, with 0 through 1 representing the percentage distance along the edge or line. If
you enter a value greater than or lesser than this, the point is located off the edge or line. Points
you specify that are not related to curves can not be dragged, and do not appear with dynamic
input boxes.
Point on Curve
This method lets you create a datum plane tangent to, normal or binormal to a point on a curve.
input box.
2. Choose the Point on Curve option.
3. Select a point on a curve or edge. A preview of the datum plane is displayed, with the
point on curve marked with a handle.
You can alter the datum plane by dragging the handle of the point to change its position
along the curve.
Point on Curve Method
You can also adjust the point location by entering a parameter value or expression in the
dynamic input box, with the arc length value representing the distance along the curve.
To optionally switch the mode between Arclength and % Arclength, position the cursor
over the point on curve handle, click MB3 and select Arclength or % Arclength.
5. Use the Alternate Solution option to get other possible datum planes that can be created
with the selected point.
6. If, in addition to the curve, you select another face or linear edge, the direction of the
datum plane is defined based on this second object as follows:
• for a planar face or linear edge, the datum plane is made parallel to the object.
• for a non-planar face, the datum plane is made parallel to the tangent plane at
the closest point on the surface.
Fixed Datum Planes
Fixed datum planes do not reference, and are not constrained by other geometric objects, except
when used in a user defined feature. They are created along the lines of the WCS.
The following options are available to create a fixed datum:
3 Planes of WCS Creates XY, YZ and XZ planes in the current WCS
XC-YC Creates an XY plane in the current WCS
YC-ZC Creates a YZ plane in the current WCS
XC-ZC Creates an XZ plane in the current WCS
• If you open the Datum Plane function in a part that contains no geometry,
the datum plane method is automatically set to Fixed.
Following is an example of this method:
1. Open the full Datum Plane dialog by clicking its button on the Datum Plane icon options.
2. Choose the Fixed Datum option. A preview of the datum plane is displayed.
3. Use the Fixed Datum option menu to specify XC-YC, YC-ZC, or XC-ZC. The previewed
fixed datum plane changes to the current setting.
4. Click OK or Apply to create the fixed datum plane.
The Three Types of Fixed Datum Planes: XC-YC, YC-ZC and XC-ZC
Converting Relative Datum Planes to Fixed

In addition to creating fixed datum planes that are coincident with the coordinate planes (as
shown above), you can also create or convert a fixed datum plane from relative datum planes.
At creation time after the datum plane is previewed, or during edit, you can convert a relative
datum plane to a fixed datum plane by changing the datum method to fixed and not selecting any
of the options available from the fixed datum pull-down menu.
The constraints that define the datum plane are then removed and the fixed datum is defined by
the datum plane 뭩 current point and direction.

Overview
Datum Plane - Example Procedures Using

Constraints
This section shows simple examples for each of the datum plane constraints.
Coincident
Constrains the datum plane to be coincident to a point, or the center of a sphere, linear geometry
(a linear edge, line, datum axis or the axis of a cylinder, cone, or torus), and planar geometry (a
planar face, datum plane or a NX plane).
1. Select a point, linear edge, line, or axis. In the example, a linear edge on the forward,
lower portion of a solid is selected (highlighted in red).
2. Select a second linear edge, line, or axis. In the following figure, an edge on the backside
of the solid is highlighted before it is selected.
On selecting the edge on the backside of the solid, a preview of the datum plane is
displayed.
3. Click OK or Apply to create the datum plane using coincident constraints.
Parallel
Constrains the datum so it is parallel to another planar geometry.
1. Set the constraint type to Parallel.
2. Select a planar face (highlighted in red in the following figure).
3. Select a second planar face (pre-highlighted in magenta in the following figure).
A datum plane is previewed that is parallel with and centered to the selected faces.
4. Click OK or Apply to get a datum plane that uses the Parallel and Center constraints.
Perpendicular
Constrains the datum to be perpendicular to a datum plane or linear geometry.
1. Select a linear edge (highlighted in red in the following figure).
2. Set the constraint type to Perpendicular.

3. Select a second linear edge. A preview of a datum plane displays.
4. Click OK or Apply to create the datum plane that uses the Perpendicular and Coincident
constraints.
Center
Constrains the datum so it is centered between planar geometries.
1. Select a planar face. A preview of an offset datum plane displays.
2. Highlight a second planar face.
Selecting the second face causes a datum plane using the Center constraint to be
previewed. (The constraints used for this example are Parallel and Center.)
Tangent
Constrains the datum so it is tangent to a cylindrical, spherical, conical, or toroidal face.
1. Select an edge (highlighted in red in the following figure).
2. Select a cylindrical, spherical, or conical face. A preview of the datum plane displays.
3. Use Alternate Solution to cycle through the different datum planes that can be
constructed using these objects.
Offset
Constrains the datum so it is at a specified distance from planar geometries.
1. Select a planar face. A preview of the datum plane displays, with an offset handle.
2. Drag the offset handle so the datum plane is at the desired distance (offset) from the
face, or you can enter an offset value or expression in the data field.

Angle
Angle constrains the datum so it is at an angle to planar geometries, and its axis of rotation is
through a line, linear edge, datum axis, or the axis of a cylindrical, conical, or toroidal face.
1. Select an edge (highlighted in red in the following figure).
2. Select a coincident face. A preview of a datum displays at 90 degrees to the face.
3. Drag the angle handle to the desired value, or enter a value in the data field. Click OK or
Apply to create the datum plane at the specified angle. (The constraints used for this
example are Angle and Coincident.)
Below is one method you can use to create a datum plane at an angle to a second datum plane.
1. Select a datum plane. A new offset datum plane is previewed.
2. Select a line, linear edge, datum axis, or the axis of a cylindrical, conical, or toroidal face
to serve as an axis of rotation. In this case, the axis of a cylinder is pre-highlighted for
selection.
On selecting the axis, the angle constraint is used to preview a datum plane.
3. Drag the round angle handle to change the angle parameter, or enter a value in the text
box. Click OK or Apply to create the datum plane at the specified angle.
Point on Curve Constraints

The Point on Curve method uses a constraint of the same name to create a datum plane.
1. Select a curve or an edge. A preview of the datum plane displays. The point on the curve
or edge closest to where you selected the geometry determines its position and direction.
2. You can edit the parameter of the point on the curve or edge by dragging the curve
parameter handle, or by entering a value or expression in the data field. You can also
enter the parameter in the Arclength data field in the dialog. By default, the curve
parameter is defined by the curve arc length. The % Arclength toggle in the dialog allows
you to change the parameter from arc length to percentage of arc length. This affects
both the point and the normal vector.
3. You can cycle three possible directions for the plane normal using the Alternate Solution
option. If you do not specify a direction, the default normal vector tangent to the curve at
the point is used. Additionally, if you select another planar face or linear edge, the datum
plane is made parallel to the selected object. If you select any non-planar face, the datum
plane is made parallel to the plane tangent to the surface at the closest point. If you
select a second object for this purpose, on deselecting it, the previous solution based
solely on the point on curve is restored.
Edit Feature Parameters
This option lets you edit a feature based on the method and parameter values used when it was
created. The user interaction depends on the type of feature you select.
The parameters of most features can be edited with the Edit Parameters options.
You can edit the expressions and references of more than one feature at a time by using multiple-
selection in the Edit Parameters list box followed by OK, or by using the Part Navigator-> MB3->
Edit Parameters option on multiply-selected features. An expression/reference dialog displays to
let you change the values of feature expressions and resolve feature references. This dialog is
similar to the create and edit dialogs used in User Defined Feature.
To edit parameters for single features, follow these steps:
• Select the feature to be edited, either from the graphics area or from the Feature
Selection dialog. The values of the feature's parameters are displayed in the graphics
area. A dialog with the appropriate Edit Parameters options also appears.
• Select a dimension in the graphics area, then enter a new value in the Enter New
Expression dialog.
or,
• Choose an option from the dialog with the Edit Parameters options, enter new values,
and choose OK.
When you choose Edit Parameters and select a feature to be edited, the options on the dialog
that appears may vary, depending on which feature you select:
Feature Dialog Lists the names and values of the parameters of the selected feature, and
lets you enter new values. This option appears for all features.
Reattach Lets you change the location or orientation of a feature by redefining its
feature references. This option appears only for features that can be
reattached.
Change Type Lets you change holes (including sheet metal holes) or slots to other types of
holes or slots, respectively.
Swept Features Lets you edit a swept feature (Extruded Body, Body of Revolution, or Sweep
Along a Guide)
Datum Planes and Lets you edit both datum planes and datum axes.
Datum Axes
Booleans Lets you select a new target body and/or a new tool body when editing a
boolean feature
Patch Bodies Edits that you can make to a Patch Body feature include changing the target
or tool bodies, reversing the direction of the patch, or change the setting of the
Create Hole Patch toggle
Blends Lets you edit pre-V15.0 blend feature.
Instances Lets you edit instances.
Features with Parent Curves

For a feature that has parent curves that were blanked or were placed on a non-visible layer, the
parent curves become temporarily selectable when you edit the feature with Edit Parameters.
When you exit the edit dialog, the original display status is restored, either to its original non-
visible layer, or to its original blank or suppress status. If you delete such a curve from the
feature, it is restored to its original layer and blank status, but it is not suppressed.
Feature Dialog Option

Lists the names and values of the parameters of the selected feature, and lets you enter new
values.
For example, when you select a block feature, a menu is displayed allowing you to edit the X
Length, Y Length, and/or Z Length by choosing the item from the menu and entering the new
value.
Suppose you have a block with a slot and want to edit the width of the slot.
After you select the slot, its dimensions are displayed in the graphics area. Select the dimension
of the width, then enter a new value in the dialog.
Once you enter a dimension value and choose OK or <Return>, you have changed the
feature, even though the graphics display has not yet updated. If you want to cancel the change,
you must complete the function and then use the Undo function.
Reattach Option
Most of the features discussed in the previous section, besides allowing you to change
parameters with the Feature Dialog option, also have the Reattach option on their Edit
Parameters menu. You can use this option to change the location or orientation of the feature by
redefining feature references.
A feature reference can be an attachment face, a thru face, an edge or a datum axis, and so on.
Features that you can redefine references for include most features (holes, pockets, grooves,
pads, slots, and bosses), linear instance sets of these features, trim faces of extruded and
revolved features, and user defined features (UDFs).
In the figure below, a slot feature was reattached to a new face and a new horizontal reference
was specified.
The Reattach dialog appears when you choose Reattach.
Reattach Dialog Options
Selection Steps
Specify Target Placement Face - Lets you select a new attachment face for the
feature being edited.
Specify Reference Direction - Lets you select the new reference direction for
the feature being edited.
Redefine Positioning Dimensions - Lets you select a positioning dimension and

redefine its location.
Specify First Thru Face - Lets you redefine the first through/trim face of the
Specify Second Thru Face - Lets you redefine the second through/trim face of
Specify Tool Placement Face - Lets you redefine the tool face of a user defined
feature (UDF).
Other Options
Filter Helps you in selecting geometry by allowing you to limit the types of objects that
are selectable. Which options are available is dependent on which selection
step is active.
list window Displays the types of positioning dimensions currently on the selected feature.
Single-clicking MB1 on a dimension in this list highlights its available references
in the graphics window. If you double-click MB1 on a dimension in this list, you
can redefine it.
Direction Let you choose whether you want to define a new horizontal or vertical feature
Reference reference. (The default is always set for the existing reference.)
Horizontal
Vertical
Reverse Lets you reverse the feature's reference direction.

Direction
Reverse Side Lets you reverse the feature's normal direction when reattaching that feature to
a datum plane.
Specify Origin Lets you quickly relocate the reattached feature by moving it to a specified
origin.
Delete Lets you delete a positioning dimension that you select. If a feature does not
Positioning have any positioning dimensions, this option is grayed out.
Dimension
Specify Origin is useful when reattaching features to datum planes. Since features are initially
placed at the center of a plane, the update may fail since the plane's center may not be near the
feature's actual position. You can use this option with all features.
The Reattach dialog only enables the options pertaining to redefining the selected feature. For
example, the model must include a thru feature for either of the Specify Thru Face options to be
enabled, or include a UDF for the Specify Tool Placement Face option to be enabled.
When you choose each option icon, the system highlights the existing references of that type. For
example, if you choose the Specify First Thru Face icon, the current thru face is highlighted for
the selected feature.
Change Type Option

This option lets you edit features as follows:
Holes - the dialog that appears when you choose Change Type and select a hole feature lets you:
• Modify the hole from one type to another: Simple, Counterbore, or Countersink without
losing associativity.
• Use the Thru Hole toggle to change a nonthru hole to a thru hole, or vice versa.
• Use the Sheet Metal hole to change a non-sheet metal hole to a sheet metal hole, or vice
versa.
Slots - the dialog that appears when you choose Change Type and select a slot feature lets you:
• Modify the slot from one type to another: Rectangular, Ball-End, U-Slot, T-Slot, or Dove-
Tail without losing associativity.
• Use the Thru Slot toggle to change a nonthru slot to a thru slot, or vice versa.
• Use the Sheet Metal Slot toggle to change a non-sheet metal slot to a sheet metal slot, or
vice versa.
When you change the type of a hole or slot, the retention of positioning dimensions is
dependent on topological changes caused by the change of type. The positioning dimension
references may be lost.
Procedure
After choosing the Change Type option:
1. Select a hole or slot feature. A dialog with the options available for that feature will
appear.
2. If you want to change the feature's overall shape (e.g., from a simple hole to a
countersink hole, or from a dove-tail slot to a ball-end slot), choose the new type from the
radio buttons.
3. If desired, you can change the position of the Thru Hole or Thru Slot toggle.
4. If you are modifying a hole feature, you can change the position of the Sheet Metal Hole
toggle if you wish.
5. Choose OK (or Back or Cancel if you have changed your mind).
6. Define new thru face(s) if requested. This happens if you are changing a nonthru feature
to a thru one.
7. Modify the parameters as desired in the dialog that appears, and choose OK.
8. Choose OK until the feature is modified.
Reattach Option
Most of the features discussed in the previous section, besides allowing you to change
parameters with the Feature Dialog option, also have the Reattach option on their Edit
Parameters menu. You can use this option to change the location or orientation of the feature by
redefining feature references.
A feature reference can be an attachment face, a thru face, an edge or a datum axis, and so on.
Features that you can redefine references for include most features (holes, pockets, grooves,
pads, slots, and bosses), linear instance sets of these features, trim faces of extruded and
revolved features, and user defined features (UDFs).
In the figure below, a slot feature was reattached to a new face and a new horizontal reference
was specified.
The Reattach dialog appears when you choose Reattach.
Reattach Dialog Options
Selection Steps
Specify Target Placement Face - Lets you select a new attachment face for the
Specify Reference Direction - Lets you select the new reference direction for
Redefine Positioning Dimensions - Lets you select a positioning dimension and

redefine its location.
Specify First Thru Face - Lets you redefine the first through/trim face of the
Specify Second Thru Face - Lets you redefine the second through/trim face of
Specify Tool Placement Face - Lets you redefine the tool face of a user defined
feature (UDF).
Other Options
Filter Helps you in selecting geometry by allowing you to limit the types of objects that
are selectable. Which options are available is dependent on which selection
step is active.
list window Displays the types of positioning dimensions currently on the selected feature.
Single-clicking MB1 on a dimension in this list highlights its available references
in the graphics window. If you double-click MB1 on a dimension in this list, you
can redefine it.
Direction Let you choose whether you want to define a new horizontal or vertical feature
Reference reference. (The default is always set for the existing reference.)
Horizontal
Vertical
Reverse Lets you reverse the feature's reference direction.

Direction
Reverse Side Lets you reverse the feature's normal direction when reattaching that feature to
a datum plane.
Specify Origin Lets you quickly relocate the reattached feature by moving it to a specified
origin.
Delete Lets you delete a positioning dimension that you select. If a feature does not
Positioning have any positioning dimensions, this option is grayed out.
Dimension
Specify Origin is useful when reattaching features to datum planes. Since features are initially
placed at the center of a plane, the update may fail since the plane's center may not be near the
feature's actual position. You can use this option with all features.
The Reattach dialog only enables the options pertaining to redefining the selected feature. For
example, the model must include a thru feature for either of the Specify Thru Face options to be
enabled, or include a UDF for the Specify Tool Placement Face option to be enabled.
When you choose each option icon, the system highlights the existing references of that type. For
example, if you choose the Specify First Thru Face icon, the current thru face is highlighted for
the selected feature.
Change Type Option

This option lets you edit features as follows:
Holes - the dialog that appears when you choose Change Type and select a hole feature lets you:
• Modify the hole from one type to another: Simple, Counterbore, or Countersink without
losing associativity.
• Use the Thru Hole toggle to change a nonthru hole to a thru hole, or vice versa.
• Use the Sheet Metal hole to change a non-sheet metal hole to a sheet metal hole, or vice
versa.
Slots - the dialog that appears when you choose Change Type and select a slot feature lets you:
• Modify the slot from one type to another: Rectangular, Ball-End, U-Slot, T-Slot, or Dove-
Tail without losing associativity.
• Use the Thru Slot toggle to change a nonthru slot to a thru slot, or vice versa.
• Use the Sheet Metal Slot toggle to change a non-sheet metal slot to a sheet metal slot, or
vice versa.
When you change the type of a hole or slot, the retention of positioning dimensions is
dependent on topological changes caused by the change of type. The positioning dimension
references may be lost.
Procedure
After choosing the Change Type option:
1. Select a hole or slot feature. A dialog with the options available for that feature will
appear.
2. If you want to change the feature's overall shape (e.g., from a simple hole to a
countersink hole, or from a dove-tail slot to a ball-end slot), choose the new type from the
radio buttons.
3. If desired, you can change the position of the Thru Hole or Thru Slot toggle.
4. If you are modifying a hole feature, you can change the position of the Sheet Metal Hole
toggle if you wish.
5. Choose OK (or Back or Cancel if you have changed your mind).
6. Define new thru face(s) if requested. This happens if you are changing a nonthru feature
to a thru one.
7. Modify the parameters as desired in the dialog that appears, and choose OK.
8. Choose OK until the feature is modified.
Editing Swept Features

You can edit a swept feature (Extruded Body, Revolved Body, or Sweep Along Guide) using Edit
Parameters. Swept features are created with associative geometry (that is, sketches, curves,
faces, and edges of curves). If you change any associative geometry of a swept feature, the
system changes the feature accordingly. You can change swept features using the following
options:
Feature Lets you edit the Start Distance, End Distance, and Taper Angle values.
Parameters
Edit Tolerances Lets you change the Chaining Tolerance and Distance Tolerance values.
Edit Direction Opens the Vector Constructor to let you change the direction of a swept feature,
where applicable. You can use this option to change the direction of any
Extruded Body or Revolved Body feature.
Edit Curve Lets you use the Edit Curve dialog to edit any curves associated with the
selected swept feature, where applicable.
Edit Defining Lets you redefine the content of a sketch used to define a swept feature by
String adding objects to or removing objects from an existing string.
Replace Lets you replace all or part of the defining string of a swept feature with a
Defining String completely new string.
Edit Sketch Lets you edit dimensions on the sketch used to create a swept feature.
Dimension
Reattach Lets you move a sketch, and therefore its associated swept body, to another
face or datum plane.
Edit Defining String

When you choose Edit Defining String, the Edit String dialog is displayed. Select objects with
MB1 to add them to the string; select them with <Shift>MB1 to remove them from the string. You
can use the selection Filter options (All, Curve, Edge, Face and Sketch) to aid selection and
deselection.
The figure below is an example of how you can redefine a sketch by removing and adding curves.
If you want to delete a curve that has been used to define a swept feature, first you must remove
it from the string by selecting it with <Shift>MB1, as described above. After you remove the curve
from the string, you must update the body. You can then delete the curve using Edit-> Delete.
When you are selecting objects to be extruded, the system assigns the "entire" status to a sketch
when it is selected in the graphics window. The system assigns a "partial" status if, prior to
selecting a sketch, you choose the Curve and/or Chain Curves options from the selection dialog.
This concept becomes important when adding or removing curves from a swept sketch. In this
example, during the model update, the hole had to be suppressed, since the face it was attached
to (the removed curve) no longer existed. The Reattach function was then used to define a new
attachment face for the hole.
If you use this option to edit a defining string it is possible that you could break associativity with
dependent objects. This is because identifying face tags that NX uses internally to track face
objects are replaced when using the Edit Defining String option. The Replace Defining String
option does not have this problem because it preserves and attempts to reuse the original
identifying face tags.
Replace Defining String
When you choose this option, the objects in the defining string (curves and/or edges) are
highlighted. Deselect (using <Shift>MB1) a contiguous string of highlighted objects to be
replaced, then select a contiguous string of unhighlighted curves for the new string.
Using this option instead of Edit Defining String should preserve associativity with dependent
objects.
Editing Datum Planes and Datum Axes

If you selected a datum plane or datum axis, Edit Parameters brings up the dialog you used to
create the datum feature (either the Datum Planes or Datum Axes dialog). The feature's creation
method determines which options are active.
You also have the ability to change the feature's direction vector. This can be very useful when
you need to correct a datum feature's direction vector that has inadvertently flipped, as
sometimes happens during updating.
You can replace the geometric objects of a constraint by selecting the constraint from the
Constraints list, and then selecting the new objects.
You can edit both fixed and relative datum features.
Datum Planes
For all datum planes except those created through curves, Cycle Plane Normal Dir flips the
selected plane's direction vector 180 degrees every time this button is pushed. The Status line
tells you whether the vector is pointing in the original or the opposite datum direction.
If the datum plane was created through a curve, Cycle Plane Normal Dir cycles the direction
vector through the six choices that were available when the datum plane was created.
You can also edit the datum plane with the other active options on the Datum Planes dialog.
When you have finished defining the edits that you want to make to a datum plane, choose OK or
Apply to initiate the changes.
The Edit option at the top of the Datum Planes dialog also activates Datum Planes dialog
options that can be used to edit relative datum planes. However, Cycle Plane Normal Dir can only
change the direction vectors of datum planes created through curves.
Datum Axes
Cycle Axis Direction behaves the same way for datum axes as Cycle Plane Normal Dir does for
datum planes. When Cycle Axis Direction is pushed, the direction vector of a datum axis created
through a curve cycles through the six choices that were available during creation. For all other
datum axes, the direction vector alternates between its original and opposite directions.
When you have finished defining the edits that you want to make to a datum axis, choose OK or
Apply to initiate the changes.
Like datum planes, the Edit option on the Datum Axes dialog cannot be used to change the
direction vector of a datum axis unless it was created through a curve.
Editing Booleans
You can select a new target body and/or a new tool body when editing a boolean feature with Edit
Parameters. When you select a SUBTRACT, UNITE, or INTERSECT feature from the Feature
Selection dialog, the Edit Boolean dialog appears.
If you want to modify the Target Body, select the new target when its selection step is
active. If you do not want to change the target body, choose OK or the next selection
step.
If you want to modify the Tool Body, select the new tool when its selection step is
active.
You can set the Filter to All, Sheet Body, or Solid Body to help select the target and tool bodies.
Knitting Lets you change the tolerance used to create a boolean sheet body feature. A
Tolerance tighter (smaller value) tolerance creates a more precise model. A looser (larger
value) tolerance permits objects to be joined more easily, but the model may not
be as precise.
Convert to Lets you convert a boolean to a boolean sheet body feature. Conversion may be
Sew Feature useful, because there are more editing options available for sew features.
Conversion to a sew feature may be necessary when a boolean fails.
In order to change the target body of a subtraction, any children of either the target body or
the tool body must first be ordered before the subtraction feature. You can reorder child features
using Reorder Feature, or by opening the Part Navigator and using either the Reorder Before or
Reorder After option.
When you have finished selecting new objects, choose OK until the modification occurs.
Editing Patch Bodies
Edits that you can make to a Patch Body feature include changing the target or tool bodies,
reversing the direction of the patch, or change the setting of the Create Hole Patch toggle.
When this step is active, you can redefine the Target Body. You must deselect the
original target body before you can select the new one.
You can redefine the Tool Sheet when this step is active. Choose Remove Tool to
deselect the original tool sheet, and then select the new tool sheet.
This step lets you reselect the Tool Face (when you want to use a single face of a tool
sheet with multiple faces). Choose Remove Tool to deselect the original tool face, and
then select the new tool face.
You can change the setting of the Create Hole Patch toggle. When it is toggled ON, you can
create a hole by patching a tool sheet to the target body.
If you want to change the direction in which the patch was applied, choose Reverse Removal
Direction.
When you have finished, choose OK until the modification occurs.
Overview How To Options Related Topics
Editing Pre-V15.0 Edge Blends

When you select a blend feature under Edit Parameters that was created prior to Unigraphics NX
V15.0, a dialog with the following options displays:
Add Point Lets you change a constant radius blend to a variable radius blend by adding at
least two points, and vice versa.
Edit Default Lets you edit the default radius used to create the blend.
Radius
VRB Tolerance Lets you edit the tolerance.

Overflow Lets you edit the overflow options.
Options
Edit Edges Lets you add or remove edges from a blend. (See below for details.)
In addition, for a variable radius blend, the radius values are displayed in the graphics area at the
specified points. To edit the radius, select it from the graphics area. You can then enter a new
value or delete the radius value at that point.
If you delete the point radius at the endpoint of an edge, the default radius is applied to the
endpoint.
Result of Increasing Selected Edge Radius (1)
You can change a constant radius blend to a variable radius blend and vice versa. This can
be done by using the Add Point option, as shown in the figure below. You must add at least two
points to successfully convert a constant radius blend to one that is variable.
Using Add Point to Convert Constant Radius Blend to Variable
If you perform an edit on the base solid body containing a blend, and the blend cannot be
reapplied due to the changes in the body, the specified edit is performed and the following error
message is displayed:
Blend Cannot Be Reapplied Due To This Edit
If the terminated edit is needed, try deleting the blend, performing the desired edit on the
base solid body, and recreating the blend to fit the body.
Edit Edges
The Edit Edges option lets you add or remove edges from a blend. If you remove edges, at least
one must remain.
Edges that are added must be selected from the same body, but do not have to be connected to
the original blend. To add an edge, choose the Edit Edges option, select the edges that you want
to add, and choose OK from the dialogs that appear. The editing will occur after you choose OK
or Apply in the Feature Selection dialog.
To remove an edge:
1. Suppress any dependent features of the blend.
2. Suppress the blend.
3. Choose the Edit Edges option
4. Deselect the edges that you want to remove (hold the Shift key down while selecting
them with the cursor), and choose OK or Apply from the dialogs. The editing will occur
after the Feature Selection dialog. See the NX Gateway Help for more information about
selection and deselection.
5. Unsuppress the blend.
6. Unsuppress any child features, and reorder if necessary.
Another way to remove an edge is with the Playback option, which does not require that the
feature be suppressed.
Editing Instances
When you select an instance, you have additional options available:
• You can edit the dimensions of the feature(s) using Feature Dialog or by selecting the
desired dimension from the graphics screen. When you modify a feature in this way, it
modifies all instances of it in the entire array.
• You can edit the parameters of the instance array itself using Instance Array Dialog.
For a circular instance array, you can change:
The array method
The total number of instances
The angle between the instances
The radius of the array
The rotation axis
If the Point & Dir option was used to define the rotation axis, you can change to a datum
axis. However, the reverse is not true.
For a rectangular instance array, you can change:
The array method
The total number of instances in the XC or YC direction
The offset between the instances in the XC or YC direction
In addition, you can use the following options:
• You can return an entire instance array back to its original parameters using Unclock
Instance Set. This is only available when one or more instances other than the one
selected are clocked.
• You can modify the position of a single instance within an instance array by using Clock
Instance. You can position an instance of a rectangular array using a X and Y offset. You
can also position an instance of a circular array using a Radius and Angle value.(See
examples in the figures below.)
• You can return the selected instance back to its original position using Unclock Instance.
This is only available if the selected instance is already clocked.
The system temporarily repositions the work coordinate system to the proper orientation of the
plane of the instance set, to aid you in properly modifying the position of the instance.
If you choose to reposition an instance of a circular instance set of UDFs or swept features, the
Radius option is not available. You can only modify the Angle value.
You cannot clock an instance of a Feature Set.
You cannot clock the original feature of an instance set unless it is also a member of another
instance set. If the parent of an instance set (which is also a child of another set) is clocked, the
children will also reflect the clock. (The "parent" of the instance set is the original feature of a set,
and the other instance features of the set are the "children".) See the figure below.
Expressions Editor Overview

Expressions are arithmetic or conditional formulas that define the characteristics of features. You
can use the Expressions Editor to define the formula strings for the expressions in your part. By
editing the formulas, you can edit your model parameters. You do not have to type complex text
strings to define the formulas.
You can use expressions to parametrically control the relationships between the features of a
part, or between parts in an assembly. For example, you can express the thickness of a bracket
in terms of its length. If the length of the bracket is altered, the thickness is automatically updated.
You can use expressions to define and control many dimensions of a model, such as the
dimensions of a feature or a sketch.
You can easily create many types of intelligent expressions based on measurements and
interpart references.
Understanding Expressions
All expressions have a single, unique name and a string or formula that can contain a
combination of variables, functions, numbers, operators, and symbols.
Expression names are variables that you can insert in the formula strings of other expressions.
This can be helpful in breaking up lengthy formulas as well as defining relationships that can be
used in place of numbers.
Expression formulas are evaluated for values.
Here are some examples of expressions, their formulas and their resulting values:
Expression Name Formula Value

length 5*width 20
p39 (FLANGE(6) Bend Allowance Formula) (p26+(p64*0.44))*rad((-p24)) -18.84955592
p16 (EXTRACT_REGION(7) Angle Toler) 45.0 45
• Expression names are case sensitive and must be referenced exactly

when used in other expressions.
System Expressions
Expressions created automatically by the system are named with a number, preceded with a
lower case "p", as with "p53".
The Expressions Editor displays additional text for system expression names, but it is not part of
the actual name. This additional text follows the name and describes the feature and parameter
option it is associated with. For example, the system expression p5, shown below, is for the
diameter of a simple hole feature with a timestamp of 4:
p5 (SIMPLE_HOLE(4) Diameter)
System expression are automatically created during many Modeling operations. For example:
• Sketch Creation - Two expressions are created defining the XC and YC coordinates of
the sketch datum (that is, p1_YDATUM_V1=0).
• Sketch Dimensioning - An expression is created for each dimension (i.e., p2=3.5436).
• Positioning of a Feature or Sketch - An expression is created for each positioning
dimension.
• Feature Creation - Expressions are created for the creation parameters of many features
(such as extrusion start and end limits, revolution angle, and hole depth).
• Mating Condition Creation.
Here are some examples of system expressions:
Expression Name Formula
p28 (EXTRUDE(14) Start Limit) 15
p3 (BRIDGE_CURVE)(6) Match Point 2) 21
p54 (SKETCH_001:SKETCH(25) Parallel Dimension between Line5 and Line5) 2.55
p6 (STUDIO_SURFACE_2X2(11) Angular Tolerance) 0.5
When viewed in the Information window, all expressions are shown in simple equation format. For
example, the three expressions shown above would appear in the Information window as:
p28=15
p3=21
p54=2.55
p6=0.5
You can rename system expressions.
User-Defined Expressions
User-defined expressions are any expression that you create yourself with the Expressions
Editor.
For example, you could create an expression named "width" with a formula string of "5.0". You
could then use this expression to define the dimensions of a block by entering "width" in the
appropriate parameter entry field.
Here is a sample of some user-defined expressions:
Expression Name Formula
width 22
length 5*width
diameter width/3
position if (width<=2)(0.5*width) else (2)
base_block_height 16
base_block_length 1
base_block_multiple 8
base_block_width base_block_height*block_multiple
block_heighta (base_block_length/2)*a_multiple
block_length a_multiple/2
block_multiple base_block_width*block_multiple
BLOCK(6):Size X block_length
div 3+sqrt(aln)
aln 5.4
railwidth 2*aln // forechain
Where Do I Find It?

You can find the Expressions Editor in the following places:
• Tools-> Expressions
• Part Navigator-> Details Panel-> MB3-> Edit in Expression Editor on a selected
expression
• Part Navigator-> Main Panel-> User Expressions-> MB3-> Edit in Expression Editor on a
selected expression
• From supported Modeling dialogs-> Parameter Entry Options-> Formula
Parameter Entry Options Overview

Parameter entry options let you easily define your model parametrically as you specify values
during feature creation.
Parameter entry options are visible as icon buttons with down-arrows located next to many
parameter data entry fields in Modeling dialogs.
Clicking a parameter entry option icon next to a parameter entry field lets you specify a value
based on a formula, a reference to an existing value, or a derived value from a measurement.
You can use parameter entry options to easily lookup functions and use them to construct
relationships for your features. You can use values that already exist in your model, making
downstream changes easier and in agreement with your design intent.
Instead of cutting and pasting values into a parameter entry field, simply click the parameter entry
option icon next to the field. You can insert the following in parameter entry fields:
• Measured values,
• Formulas,
• Recently used values that you want to use again,
• Mathematical and knowledge-based functions.
Where do I find it?

Most modeling features have the parameter entry option pull-down menu wherever parameter
entry fields take expression parameters.
Boolean Overview Unite Subtract Intersect
Dialog Options Basic Procedure Error Messages

Unite
The Unite boolean function let you combine the volume of two or more bodies into a single body.
You have the option to save and retain unmodified copies of the target and tool bodies. This
option creates a UNITE feature.
You can unite solids with solids. You cannot unite a solid body and a sheet body, or a sheet body
and a sheet body. The table below contains an overview of which Unite Boolean operations are
allowed.
Target Tool Allowed?

Solid body Solid body Yes
Solid body Sheet body No
Sheet body Solid body No
Sheet body Sheet body No
• To unite sheet bodies, we recommend that you use the Sew option. You
can also use Sew to unite solid bodies if they have coincident faces. Sewing
gives better performance than Unite.
Dialog Options
Unite Dialog Options
Selection Target Body - Use this step to select a target solid body that you want to
Steps modify (that is, unite) with one or more tool solid bodies. The target body is
united with, and becomes part of the tool bodies.
Tool Body - Lets you select one or more tool solid bodies to use to modify the
selected target body. The tool bodies are untied with, and become part of the target
body.
Retain Tool Saves the specified tool bodies for the unite operation. Use this option if you want
to save a copy of the tool bodies in an unmodified state.
The Retain Tool option is not available when editing a UNITE feature.
Retain Saves the target body for the unite operation. Use this option if you want to save a
Target copy of the target body in an unmodified state. If more than one tool body is
selected, the boolean operation copies the target of the first boolean feature, but
consumes the target bodies for the rest.
The Retain Target option is not available when editing a UNITE feature.
Confirm Opens the Confirm Upon Apply dialog after you choose Apply, letting you preview
Upon Apply the results, and accept, reject or analyze them. This option is common to Selection
Steps dialogs.
Unite Basic Procedure

To use Unite, perform these steps:
1. Select the target body.
Selected Target Body (Red)
2. Select one or more tool bodies.
Selected Tool Bodies (Red)
3. If you wish to save an unmodified copy of the original target body, turn on Retain Target.
4. If you wish to save an unmodified copy of the original tool bodies, turn on Retain Tool.
5. Choose OK. The target body is modified by the creation of four UNITE features, and a
new solid body is created that contains the combined volumes of all the selected bodies.
New Solid Body
Unite Error Messages

When using Unite, the tool body must come in contact with the target body. Otherwise, the
following error message is displayed:
Tool Solid Completely Outside Target Solid
If Copy Target is not used, and one or more features cannot be created, the following message is
displayed:
Only (number) features created for (number) tool bodies selected
If Copy Target is used, and one or more features cannot be created, the following message is
displayed:
Cannot create any feature
If not all features can be created, the following message is displayed:

Subtract
The Subtract option creates SUBTRACT features that let you use tool bodies to remove volume
from a target body. This operation can leave empty space where the subtracted target body
existed. You have the option to save and retain unmodified copies of the target and tool bodies.
If you use Subtract in such a way that the target solid would be split in two, the resulting
bodies are UNPARAMETERIZED_FEATURE(s). This is illustrated in the figure below.
• If you subtract a sheet body from a solid body, the resulting geometry is
unparameterized.
Dialog Options
Subtract Dialog Options
Selection Target Body - Use this step to select a target sheet or solid body from which
Steps you want to subtract one or more tool bodies.
Tool Body - Lets you select one or more tool sheet or solid bodies to subtract from
the selected target body.
If the Copy Tool option is off, the subtraction consumes the selected tool bodies.
Filter Use the Filter to restrict selectable objects. Options are All, Sheet Body and Solid
Body.
Retain Tool Saves the specified tool bodies for the subtract operation. Use this option if you
want to save a copy of the selected tool bodies, which will remain unmodified.
The Retain Tool option is not available when editing a SUBTRACT feature.
Retain Saves the target body for the subtract operation. Use this option if you want to save
Target a copy of the target body, which remains unmodified. If more than one tool body is
selected, the boolean operation copies the target of the first boolean feature, but
consumes the target bodies for the rest.
The Retain Target option is not available when editing a SUBTRACT feature.
Steps dialogs.
Basic Subtract Procedure

To use Subtract, perform these steps:
1. Select the target body.
2. Select one or more tool bodies. In the following example figure, four cylinders are
selected for the tool bodies.
Selected Tool Bodies (Red)
5. Choose OK. The target body is modified, and volume is removed by the creation of four
SUBTRACT features.
Modified Target Body
Subtract Error Messages

When using Subtract, the vertices or edges of the tool body may not touch the vertices or edges
of the target body such that any part of the resulting body would have zero thickness (See the
figure below). If there is a zero thickness, the following error message is issued:
Non-Manifold Solid
When using the Subtract Boolean operation, the tool body must come in contact with the target
body. If it does not, the following error message is displayed:
displayed:
displayed:

Intersect
This option lets you create a body containing the volume shared by two different bodies. You can
intersect solids with solids, sheets with sheets, and a sheet with a solid, but not a solid with a
sheet. An INTERSECT feature is created by this option. Intersect can leave empty space where
the intersected target and tool bodies existed. You have the option to save and retain unmodified
copies of the target and tool bodies.
To intersect a sheet body with a solid body, select the sheet as the target and the solid as the
tool.
You can intersect a sheet with another sheet, as long as they have coincident faces. The result is
that which is common to both sheets (see the figure below).
If the intersection of two sheets would result in a curve, or in the creation of two separate
sheets (see the figure below), the operation is not performed and an error message is displayed.
The table below contains an overview of the Intersect Boolean operations allowed.

Sheet body Solid body Yes
Sheet body Sheet body Yes
Dialog Options
Intersect Dialog Options
Selection Target Body - Use this step to select a target sheet or solid body that you want
Steps to intersect with one or more tool bodies.
Tool Body - Lets you select one or more tool sheet or solid bodies to intersect with
If the target body is a solid body, you can only select solid bodies for the tool body.
If the target body is a sheet body, you can select either sheet or solid bodies for the
tool bodies.
Body.
Retain Tool Saves the specified tool bodies for the intersect operation. Use this option if you
want to save a copy of the selected tool bodies, which remain unmodified. If the
Retain Tool option is off, the intersect operation leaves empty space where the tool
bodies fail to intersect the target bodies.
The Retain Tool option is not available when editing an INTERSECT feature.
Retain Saves the target body for the intersect operation. Use this option if you want to save
Target a copy of the target body, which remain unmodified. If the Retain Target option is
off, the intersect operation leaves empty space where the target body fails to
intersect the tool body. If more than one tool body is selected, the boolean operation
copies the target of the first boolean feature, but consumes the target bodies for the
rest.
The Retain Target option is not available when editing an INTERSECT feature.
Steps dialogs.
Intersect Basic Procedure

To use Intersect, follow these steps:
1. Select the target body. An example is shown below in red.
2. Select the tool body. The example is shown below in red.

Selected Tool Body (Red)
5. Choose OK. The target body is modified, and volume is changed by creation of an
INTERSECT feature. See below.
New Solid Body
Intersect Error Messages

If you try to perform an intersection of a sheet with another sheet where the intersection would
result in a curve, the following error message is displayed:
If you try to perform an intersection of a sheet with another sheet where the result would be two
separate sheets, the following error message is displayed:
Unable To Perform Boolean
When using the Intersect Boolean operation, the tool body must come in contact with the target
displayed:
displayed:

Intersect
tool.

Dialog Options
tool bodies.
Body.
rest.
Steps dialogs.


New Solid Body

displayed:
displayed:

Intersect
tool.

Dialog Options
tool bodies.
Body.
rest.
Steps dialogs.


New Solid Body

displayed:
displayed:

Updating Models
A model can be updated either automatically or manually.
Automatic updates are performed only on those features affected by an appropriate change (an
edit operation or the creation of certain types of features). If you wish, you can delay the
automatic update for edit operations by using the Delayed Update on Edit option.
You can manually trigger an update of the entire model. You might, for example, want to use a
net null update to check whether an existing model will successfully update in a new version of
NX before you put a lot of additional work into modifying the model. (A net null update mechanism
forces a complete update of a model, without changing it.)
The manual methods include:
• The NX Open C and C++ Runtime function, UF_MODL_update_all_features, which logs
all the features in the current work part to the NX update list, and then performs an
update.
See the NX Open C and C++ Runtime Reference Help for more information.
• The Playback option on the Edit Feature dialog, which recreates the model, starting at its
first feature.
You can step through the model as it is created one feature at a time, move forward or
backward to any feature, or trigger an update that continues until a failure occurs or the
model is complete.
The Edit during Update dialog, which appears when you choose Playback, also includes
options for analyzing and editing features of the model as it is recreated (especially useful
for fixing problems that caused update failures).
Methods that users have tried in the past that have led to some problems or are tricky to use:
• One method uses the Edit Feature dialog to change the value of a parameter in each root
feature of a part, and then change it back before leaving the Edit Feature dialog.
This method produces a genuine net null update if used correctly, but you should ensure
that you changed a parameter in every root feature (and that you returned all the
parameters to their original values) before you trigger the update.
• Another method, attempting to suppress all of the features in a part and then unsuppress
them, can cause updates that are not net null and that will fail.
The failures occur because not all features are suppressible; they are left in the model
when you try to suppress all features. As the update advances, when it reaches the point
where most features were suppressed, it will try to update the features that remain (this is
like updating a modified version of the model). Some of the "modifications" may cause the
remaining features to fail.
For these reasons, we highly recommend that you do not attempt to update models by
suppressing all or unsuppressing all features. Use the other options described here, instead.
Playback
This option lets you review how the model is created, feature by feature. You can also edit the
model as it updates. You can move forward or backward to any feature, then edit it. Then you can
move to a different feature. Or, at any time, you can trigger an updating of the model that starts at
the current feature and continues until the model is complete, or until a feature fails to update.
Playback gives you more control over the update process than the other update methods.
Edit During Update Dialog

The Edit During Update (EDU) facility appears if a failure or a warning occurs during an Update of
your model. Your model can be updated during a number of operations, including feature update,
suppression and deletion. If a problem occurs during the update, the EDU displays. Playback also
starts the EDU, beginning an update with the first feature.
Edit During Update Dialog Options
message window Shows any applicable error or warning messages, as well as whether the
current feature updated successfully or failed.
Show Failure Temporarily displays failed geometry. This option is available only if an object
Area involved in the failure, such as a tool body, is available for display.
Show Current Displays the part of the model that has been successfully rebuilt. Some
Model features, such as instances in an array, may not appear in the current model
until the last related feature is rebuilt.
Post Recovery Lets you specify what should happen when the icon option you choose is
Update Status completed .
Continue restarts the automatic update process from where it left off.
Pause lets you choose other Edit during Update options, rather than
automatically resuming update.
Icon Options The review and edit options that are available for your model.
Icon Options
The Edit during Update dialog contains icons for the review and edit options that are available for
your model. The first row of icons (the first six described below) always appear, but are grayed
out if not applicable. The remaining icons may or may not appear, depending on the
circumstances.
The possible options are:
Undo - Undoes the last modification you made to the model before updating began.
Go Back To - Lets you move backward through the model to a selected feature that
you choose from the Update Selection dialog. (The dialog contains a list of the
features created before the current one, in order of creation.)
Step Back - Lets you move backward through the model one feature at a time.
Step - Advances one feature at a time through the model.
Go To - Lets you move forward through the model to a selected feature. In this case,
the Update Selection dialog lists the features that have not yet been rebuilt.
Continue - Triggers the update process, which continues until the model is
completely rebuilt or until a feature fails. If you choose Continue when a failure
occurs, that feature is skipped.
Accept - Marks the current feature that failed and halted the update process as "out
of date," letting you ignore the problem and allowing the system to continue with and
complete the update process. The feature is listed on the Information->Feature
Browser->Update Status Report as "out of date," with either update or dependent
failure reasons. After the update completes you can check the status of the feature on
the Update Status Report and its reason for failure. Editing the feature to correct the
problem automatically removes the "out of date" mark from the Update Status Report.
Accept Remaining - Marks all features that fail to update and their dependents as
"out of date," letting you ignore the problem and allowing the system to continue with
and complete the update process. The failed features are listed on the Information-
>Feature Browser->Update Status Report as "out of date," with either update or
dependent failure reasons. After the update completes you can check the status of
features that failed to update on the Update Status Report. Editing the features to
correct the problems automatically removes the "out of date" marks from the Update
Status Report.
Delete - Lets you delete the feature that failed to update
Delete Dependents - Lets you delete the dependents of a feature that failed to
update.
Note that this function is only available if the Delete Child Features customer default is
not selected.
See the Note under Deleting Features for further details.
Suppress - Suppresses the feature currently being updated.
Suppress Remaining - Suppresses the feature currently being updated and all
subsequent features.
Review the Model - Lets you analyze, but not edit, the rebuilt model with options from
the menu bar or the MB3 popup menu. (The options available are the same as those
in the Gateway application.) Review the Model cannot be used to review features that
failed during update or that have not yet been rebuilt.
Edit Parameters - Lets you change the parameters of the feature currently being
updated. When the update process halts and the EDU appears, with this button
enabled, clicking it opens the original dialog used to create or place the problem
feature, giving you an opportunity to fix it.
Delayed Delete - A special feature known as "Delayed Delete" can let you edit child
features whose parents have been deleted. Normally the children of deleted parents
are automatically deleted during update. To enable Delayed Delete set the following
customer defaults in your ug_english.def or ug_metric.def file:
Interrupt Update on Missing References:on
Delete Child Features:off
When Delayed Delete is enabled, the update process halts when it encounters a child
feature whose parent has been deleted. The EDU displays with the following
message:
Cannot recreate feature because a parent has been deleted.
When you see this message, click the Edit Parameters button. If applicable, a sub-
menu will display with the Edit Parameters, Remove Unused References and Edit
Positioning Dimension options. If none of these options are applicable for the child
feature the sub-menu will not display. Instead, other choices will be presented to let
you reattach the child feature with another parent.
See the Note under Delete Feature for further details.
Depending on the conditions that caused the Edit During Update dialog to appear,
selecting the Edit Parameters option may first display a sub-dialog with Edit, Remove
Unused References and Edit Position icons. Clicking the Edit icon takes you on to the
feature dialog. Appearance of this sub dialog is controlled by a customer default.
Edit Positioning Dimension - Lets you reposition the selected or failed feature.
You must select an editing option before you can do anything outside the Edit during
Update dialog. If a failure occurs, the options that let you advance through the model (such as
Step, Go To, and Continue) are grayed out until the failure is resolved and the feature
successfully updates.
Edits are not permanent until the model is completely rebuilt. If you edit a feature, and then
make a choice that takes you back to the beginning of that feature's rebuilding, or to the
rebuilding of an earlier feature, your edits are lost. This may happen if you choose Undo, Step
Back, Go Back To, Edit Parameters, or Edit Positioning Dimension on the same or an earlier
feature.
Graphics Window Display
When you choose Playback, all of the solids in the model that will be updated disappear from the
graphics window. If you choose Step to re-create the model one feature at a time, the display
updates each time a feature is rebuilt.
The display does not update if you choose other options, such as Go Back To, Step Back, Go To,
or Continue. If you are using these options and want to see what the model looks like at this
stage of its rebuilding, choose Show Current Model.
For performance reasons, the display does not change during update when using one of
the other update methods. After the model update has finished, the display is updated.
Playback
This option lets you review how the model is created, feature by feature. You can also edit the
model as it updates. You can move forward or backward to any feature, then edit it. Then you can
move to a different feature. Or, at any time, you can trigger an updating of the model that starts at
the current feature and continues until the model is complete, or until a feature fails to update.
Playback gives you more control over the update process than the other update methods.
Edit During Update Dialog

The Edit During Update (EDU) facility appears if a failure or a warning occurs during an Update of
your model. Your model can be updated during a number of operations, including feature update,
suppression and deletion. If a problem occurs during the update, the EDU displays. Playback also
starts the EDU, beginning an update with the first feature.
Edit During Update Dialog Options
message window Shows any applicable error or warning messages, as well as whether the
current feature updated successfully or failed.
Show Failure Temporarily displays failed geometry. This option is available only if an object
Area involved in the failure, such as a tool body, is available for display.
Show Current Displays the part of the model that has been successfully rebuilt. Some
Model features, such as instances in an array, may not appear in the current model
until the last related feature is rebuilt.
Post Recovery Lets you specify what should happen when the icon option you choose is
Update Status completed .
Continue restarts the automatic update process from where it left off.
Pause lets you choose other Edit during Update options, rather than
automatically resuming update.
Icon Options The review and edit options that are available for your model.
Icon Options
The Edit during Update dialog contains icons for the review and edit options that are available for
your model. The first row of icons (the first six described below) always appear, but are grayed
out if not applicable. The remaining icons may or may not appear, depending on the
circumstances.
The possible options are:
Undo - Undoes the last modification you made to the model before updating began.
Go Back To - Lets you move backward through the model to a selected feature that
you choose from the Update Selection dialog. (The dialog contains a list of the
features created before the current one, in order of creation.)
Step Back - Lets you move backward through the model one feature at a time.
Step - Advances one feature at a time through the model.
Go To - Lets you move forward through the model to a selected feature. In this case,
the Update Selection dialog lists the features that have not yet been rebuilt.
Continue - Triggers the update process, which continues until the model is
completely rebuilt or until a feature fails. If you choose Continue when a failure
occurs, that feature is skipped.
Accept - Marks the current feature that failed and halted the update process as "out
of date," letting you ignore the problem and allowing the system to continue with and
complete the update process. The feature is listed on the Information->Feature
Browser->Update Status Report as "out of date," with either update or dependent
failure reasons. After the update completes you can check the status of the feature on
the Update Status Report and its reason for failure. Editing the feature to correct the
problem automatically removes the "out of date" mark from the Update Status Report.
Accept Remaining - Marks all features that fail to update and their dependents as
"out of date," letting you ignore the problem and allowing the system to continue with
and complete the update process. The failed features are listed on the Information-
>Feature Browser->Update Status Report as "out of date," with either update or
dependent failure reasons. After the update completes you can check the status of
features that failed to update on the Update Status Report. Editing the features to
correct the problems automatically removes the "out of date" marks from the Update
Status Report.
Delete - Lets you delete the feature that failed to update
Delete Dependents - Lets you delete the dependents of a feature that failed to
update.
Note that this function is only available if the Delete Child Features customer default is
not selected.
See the Note under Deleting Features for further details.
Suppress - Suppresses the feature currently being updated.
Suppress Remaining - Suppresses the feature currently being updated and all
subsequent features.
Review the Model - Lets you analyze, but not edit, the rebuilt model with options from
the menu bar or the MB3 popup menu. (The options available are the same as those
in the Gateway application.) Review the Model cannot be used to review features that
failed during update or that have not yet been rebuilt.
Edit Parameters - Lets you change the parameters of the feature currently being
updated. When the update process halts and the EDU appears, with this button
enabled, clicking it opens the original dialog used to create or place the problem
feature, giving you an opportunity to fix it.
Delayed Delete - A special feature known as "Delayed Delete" can let you edit child
features whose parents have been deleted. Normally the children of deleted parents
are automatically deleted during update. To enable Delayed Delete set the following
customer defaults in your ug_english.def or ug_metric.def file:
Interrupt Update on Missing References:on
Delete Child Features:off
When Delayed Delete is enabled, the update process halts when it encounters a child
feature whose parent has been deleted. The EDU displays with the following
message:
Cannot recreate feature because a parent has been deleted.
When you see this message, click the Edit Parameters button. If applicable, a sub-
menu will display with the Edit Parameters, Remove Unused References and Edit
Positioning Dimension options. If none of these options are applicable for the child
feature the sub-menu will not display. Instead, other choices will be presented to let
you reattach the child feature with another parent.
See the Note under Delete Feature for further details.
Depending on the conditions that caused the Edit During Update dialog to appear,
selecting the Edit Parameters option may first display a sub-dialog with Edit, Remove
Unused References and Edit Position icons. Clicking the Edit icon takes you on to the
feature dialog. Appearance of this sub dialog is controlled by a customer default.
Edit Positioning Dimension - Lets you reposition the selected or failed feature.
You must select an editing option before you can do anything outside the Edit during
Update dialog. If a failure occurs, the options that let you advance through the model (such as
Step, Go To, and Continue) are grayed out until the failure is resolved and the feature
successfully updates.
Edits are not permanent until the model is completely rebuilt. If you edit a feature, and then
make a choice that takes you back to the beginning of that feature's rebuilding, or to the
rebuilding of an earlier feature, your edits are lost. This may happen if you choose Undo, Step
Back, Go Back To, Edit Parameters, or Edit Positioning Dimension on the same or an earlier
feature.
Graphics Window Display
When you choose Playback, all of the solids in the model that will be updated disappear from the
graphics window. If you choose Step to re-create the model one feature at a time, the display
updates each time a feature is rebuilt.
The display does not update if you choose other options, such as Go Back To, Step Back, Go To,
or Continue. If you are using these options and want to see what the model looks like at this
stage of its rebuilding, choose Show Current Model.
For performance reasons, the display does not change during update when using one of
the other update methods. After the model update has finished, the display is updated.

Part Modeling Tutrorials

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Basic Hole Procedures

Basic Procedure for Simple Hole

Basic Procedure for Counterbore Hole

Datum Plane Procedures Dialog Fields Constraints Editing Datum Planes

Datum Plane - Overview

Relative Datum Planes

Relative Datum Planes Used in Construction

Fixed Datum Planes

Constructing Datum Planes

No The operation is cancelled and no datum plane is created.

Datum Plane Icon Options

Datum Plane Icon Options

The Datum Plane icon options include the following tools:

Display of Datum Planes

Datum Plane Procedures Dialog Fields Constraints Editing Datum Planes

Datum Plane - Example Procedures Using

3 Planes of WCS Creates XY, YZ and XZ planes in the current WCS

XC-YC Creates an XY plane in the current WCS

YC-ZC Creates a YZ plane in the current WCS

XC-ZC Creates an XZ plane in the current WCS

Converting Relative Datum Planes to Fixed

Datum Plane Procedures Dialog Fields Constraints Editing Datum Planes

Datum Plane - Example Procedures Using

3. Select a second planar face (pre-highlighted in magenta in the following figure).

2. Set the constraint type to Perpendicular.

2. Highlight a second planar face.

3. Click OK or Apply to create the datum plane.

Point on Curve Constraints

Instances Lets you edit instances.

Features with Parent Curves

Feature Dialog Option

The Reattach dialog appears when you choose Reattach.

Reattach Dialog Options

Redefine Positioning Dimensions - Lets you select a positioning dimension and

Reverse Lets you reverse the feature's reference direction.

Change Type Option

The Reattach dialog appears when you choose Reattach.

Reattach Dialog Options

Redefine Positioning Dimensions - Lets you select a positioning dimension and

Reverse Lets you reverse the feature's reference direction.

Change Type Option

Editing Swept Features

Edit Defining String

Editing Datum Planes and Datum Axes

Overview How To Options Related Topics

Editing Pre-V15.0 Edge Blends

VRB Tolerance Lets you edit the tolerance.

Result of Increasing Selected Edge Radius (1)

Expressions Editor Overview

Expression Name Formula Value

p39 (FLANGE(6) Bend Allowance Formula) (p26+(p64*0.44))*rad((-p24)) -18.84955592

p16 (EXTRACT_REGION(7) Angle Toler) 45.0 45

• Expression names are case sensitive and must be referenced exactly

Expression Name Formula

p28 (EXTRUDE(14) Start Limit) 15

p3 (BRIDGE_CURVE)(6) Match Point 2) 21

p54 (SKETCH_001:SKETCH(25) Parallel Dimension between Line5 and Line5) 2.55

p6 (STUDIO_SURFACE_2X2(11) Angular Tolerance) 0.5

Expression Name Formula

position if (width<=2)(0.5*width) else (2)

railwidth 2*aln // forechain

Where Do I Find It?

Overview How To Options Related Topics

p39 (FLANGE(6) Bend Allowance Formula) (p26+(p640.44))rad((-p24)) -18.84955592