COMPONENT POSITION COMMANDS Move Component overview

Use the Move Component command to move and optionally copy a component in an assembly. You can select and move multiple components if they have the same parent. You can move components dynamically or you can create constraints to move the components into position. You can move components in your work part by default. If you want to move components anywhere in your assembly, regardless of what your work part is; for example, if your work part is often a subassembly, you can change the Move Component Scope assembly positioning customer default from Work Part to Anywhere in Assembly and restart NX. Tip: To find a customer default, choose FileUtilitiesCustomer Defaults, and click Find Default .

Where do I find it?

Application Assemblies Toolbar Menu AssembliesMove Component AssembliesComponent PositionMove Component

Move a component dynamically

This example shows how to move a component dynamically using handles and without collision detection. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2. 3. 4.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Dynamic In the Components to Move group, ensure that Select Components Select one or more components to move.

. is active.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

In the Copy group, from the Mode list, ensure that No Copy is selected. In the Settings group, use or modify the defaults. In the Collision Detection group, from the Collision Action list, select None. In the Position group, ensure Specify Orientation is active. Drag the handle to move the components to a new location.

10. Click OK or Apply.

Move components dynamically with collision detection

This example shows how to move components dynamically with collision detection. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2. 3. 4.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Dynamic In the Components to Move group, ensure that Select Components Select one or more components to move.

. is active.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

In the Copy group, from the Mode list, ensure that No Copy is selected. In the Settings group, use or modify the defaults. In the Collision Detection group, from the Collision Action list, select Stop Before Collision. In the Position group, ensure Specify Orientation is active. For this move, ensure the Move Handles Only check box is cleared. You can specify values in the on-screen input boxes, or move the handles.

10. Select the YC translation handle. 11. Drag the translation handle along the YC axis until NX alerts you of a collision. The components that collide highlight.

12. (Optional) Click Acknowledge Collisions 13. Click OK or Apply.

to continue to move components.

Move components from point to point without collision detection

This example shows how to move a component from a point to a destination point without collision detection. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Point to Point In the Components to Move group, with Select Components Select one or more components to move. In the Settings group, select the Move Selected Components Only check box. active.

In the Collision Detection group, from the Collision Action list, ensure None is selected. In the From Point group, click Specify Point. In the graphics window, select the point from where you want to move the components. In the Destination Point group, click Specify Point.

10. Select a destination point. The components move to the location. 11. Click OK or Apply.

Translate and copy two components

This example shows how to copy and translate two components along the XC axis of the WCS. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component Position Move Component. or choose Assemblies -Component

2.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Translate

3.

In the Components to Move group, ensure that Select Components the components to move.

is active, and select

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

In the Copy group, from the Mode list, ensure Copy is selected, and use the remaining defaults. In the Settings group, use the default settings. In the Translation group, click WCS or Absolute to indicate that the translation parameters are in regard to the WCS or absolute coordinate system. In the Delta X box, type a distance value and press Enter. Click OK or Apply.

Move a component along a vector

This example shows how to move only a single component along the X vector for a distance of .325 inches, without enabling collision detection. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2. 3.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Along Vector In the Components to Move group, click Select Components move.

and select a component to

4.

In the Vector group, select the X axis

5.

In the Settings group, select the Move Selected Components Only check box.

6. 7. 8. 9.

(Optional) From the Arrangements list, select how you want arrangements to be handled. (Optional) Change the value in the Animation Steps box. (Optional) Select or clear the Dynamic Positioning check box. (Optional) Select or clear the Move Curves and Routing Objects check box.

10. (Optional) Select or clear the Dynamic Update of Routing Solids check box. 11. In the Collision Detection group, from the Collision Action list, select None. 12. In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select No Copy. 13. In the Distance Along Vector group, in the Distance box, type 0.325 and press Enter. 14. Click OK.

Rotate a component about an axis

This example shows how to rotate one component about the YC axis, without copying the component and without performing collision detection. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2. 3. 4.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Rotate about Axis In the Components to Move group, ensure that Select Components Select the component to rotate. is active.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select No Copy. In the Settings group, use or modify the default settings. In the Collision Detection group, from the Collision Action list, select None. In the Rotation Axis group, ensure Specify Vector is active. From the Vector the rotation axis. list, select a rotation axis, or click Vector Constructor list, and specify

10. Click Specify Point and from the Point and specify the point of rotation.

list, select the point of rotation, or click Point Dialog

11. In the Angle about Axis group, in the Angle box, specify a parameter and press Enter.

12. Click OK or Apply.

Rotate components between two axes

This example shows how to rotate three components between the X and Y axes at an origin of the arc center of the hole in the lever support. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositoinMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Between Two Axes

3. 4.

In the Components to Move group, ensure Select Components is active. Select the components to move.

5. 6. 7. 8.

In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select No Copy. In the Settings group, use or modify the default settings. In the Collision Detection group, use or modify the default settings. In the From Vector group, from the Vector Constructor list, select a rotation axis, or click Vector

list, and specify the rotation axis. to reverse the vector direction. list, select a rotation axis, or click Vector

9.

(Optional) Click Reverse Direction

10. In the Destination Vector group, from the Vector Constructor list, and specify the rotation axis.

11. (Optional) Click Reverse Direction

to reverse the vector direction.

12. From the Origin group, from the Inferred Point Point Dialog and specify the point of rotation.

list, select the point of rotation, or click

13. Click OK or Apply.

Reposition a component
1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2. 3.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Reposition In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select No Copy.

4. 5.

In the Components to Move group, ensure Select Components Select one or more components to move.

is active.

6. 7. 8.

In the Settings group, use or modify the default settings. In the Collision Detection group, use or modify the default settings. In the From CSYS group, click Specify CSYS, and define the starting CSYS.

9.

In the Destination CSYS group, click Specify CSYS, and define the final CSYS.

Tip: See the Gateway to NX Help for more information about coordinate systems and the CSYS dialog box. 10. Click OK or Apply.

Move a component by constraints

1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select By Constraints In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select No Copy. In the Settings group, use or modify the default settings. In the Collision Detection group, use or modify the default settings. In the Constraints group, select the type of constraint from the list.

7.

Create new constraints to move the components.

Tip: Refer to the Assembly Constraints Help topics for details about how to create constraints.

8. 9.

Click Select Components if you want to move any components other than the ones affected by your new constraints, and select the components. Click OK or Apply.

Manually move and copy a bolt

This example shows you how to manually copy and move a bolt to fill a regular pattern of holes. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Dynamic

3. 4.

In the Components to Move group, ensure that Select Components the component you want to move. In the Position group, ensure Specify Orientation is active. Handles appear on the bolt, so you can move the bolt into position.

is active and select

5. 6. 7.

Hide the bolt. Select the Move Handles Only check box. In the Position group. click Point Dialog , select the arc center of the hole, and click OK.

8. 9.

Clear the Move Handles Only check box. Show the bolt.

10. In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select Manual Copy. 11. Right-click the handles of the bolt and choose Create Copy. 12. Select the arc center of another hole.

The component is copied to the second hole.

13. Repeat the procedure until the holes are filled. 14. Click OK or Apply.

Copy a bolt with the automatic copy method

This example shows you how to copy and move a component to fill an irregular pattern of holes. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Dynamic Note: Another Type method can be used, but this example uses Dynamic.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

In the Components to Move group, ensure that Select Components Select the component to copy and move. In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select Copy.

is active.

In the Selection After Copy group, click Change Selection to Copied Components. In the Intermediate Copies group, in the Total Number of Copies box, type 1. In the Position group, ensure Specify Point is active. Select the Move Handles Only check box.

10. Select the arc center of the base of the head of the component. (Optional) Use the Point dialog box to select the arc center of the base of the head.

11. Clear the Move Handles Only check box. 12. Select the arc center of another hole.

The bolt is copied and located at the selected point.

13. Repeat the process to create other components.

14. Continue until all holes are filled.

15. Click OK or Apply.

Copy a component using Copy and Repeat

This example shows you how to repeat the copy and move of a component to fill a regular pattern of holes. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Dynamic

3.

In the Components to Move group, ensure that Select Components the component you want to move.

is active and select

4. 5.

In the Position group, ensure Specify Orientation is active. Click Point Dialog and select the arc center of the hole.

6.

Click OK. The component is moved into the initial location.

7. 8. 9.

In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select Manual Copy. In the graphics window, right-click the handles of the bolt and choose Create Copy. Select the arc center of another hole.

The component is copied to the second hole.

You can Copy and Repeat the remaining components. 10. In the Repeat Transformation group, in the Repeat Times box, type 3. 11. In the Repeat Transformation group, click Copy and Repeat .

The remaining components are created and positioned in the assembly.

12. Click OK.

Manually copy and move multiple components

This example shows you how to use manually copy and move multiple components to fill a regular pattern of holes. 1. 2. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. Select the first row of components. or choose AssembliesComponent

3. 4. 5. 6.

In the Move Component dialog box, in the Copy group, from the Mode list, select Manual Copy. Click Create Copy . .

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Point to Point Click the arc center of the first hole in the first row.

7.

Click the arc center of the first hole in the second row.

The copy is complete.

8.

Click OK or Apply.

Create a motion envelope with component copies

This example shows how to copy and rotate a component multiple times to create a motion envelope. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2. 3.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Dynamic Select the component you want to copy and rotate.

4.

(Optional) Reposition the WCS. o o o o In the Position group, ensure Specify Orientation is active. Select the Move Handles Only check box. Locate the WCS for the center of rotation. Clear the Move Handles Only check box.

5. 6. 7.

In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select Manual Copy. Click Create Copy .

Select the manipulator to rotate the copy.

8.

In the Angle box, type a value and press Enter.

9.

In the Move Component dialog box, in the Copy group, in the Repeat Times box, type 5. .

10. Click Copy and Repeat

11. Click Create Copy

12. In the Angle on-screen input box, type a smaller value and press Enter.

13. In the Move Component dialog box, in the Repeat Times box, type 1. 14. Click Copy and Repeat until the wrench handle almost collides with the pin.

Tip: You now have a motion envelope that you can analyze. 15. Click OK.

Create a connecting rod motion envelope

Motion envelopes are useful for analyzing complex motions, such as when the motion of one component moves another. In this example, the red connecting rod moves the blue disc. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Move Component PositionMove Component. or choose AssembliesComponent

2. 3.

In the Move Component dialog box, from the Type list, select Dynamic In the Components to Move group, ensure that Select Components the component you want to move.

. is active and select

4.

In the Position group, ensure Specify Orientation is active, and select a rotation handle.

An on-screen input box includes an Angle box. 5. 6. 7. In the Copy group, from the Mode list, select Manual Copy. Click Create Copy .

In the graphics window, in the Angle on-screen input box, type a value and press Enter. The copy is repositioned.

8. 9.

Click Create Copy. In the Angle on-screen input box, type a value to create another repositioned copy for a motion envelope.

10. Click OK.

Move Component dialog box

Note: See Common dialog box options for common options not discussed here.

Type group
Type Specifies how the selected components move. Dynamic Lets you reposition the components by dragging, by using the on-screen input boxes in the graphics window, or with the Point dialog box. By Constraints Lets you move the components by creating constraints that move the components. Point to Point Lets you move components from a selected point to a destination point. Type Translate Lets you define the distance by which to move the selected components. Along Vector Lets you move components along a selected vector. Rotate About Axis Lets you rotate components around an axis. Between Two Axes Lets you rotate components between selected axes. Reposition Lets you define how to position the selected components by moving the CSYS. Rotate Using Points Lets you rotate components between selected points.

Components to Move group

Components to Move Lets you select one or more components to move. Select Components Lets you select additional components, besides components affected by new constraints, when Type is set to By Constraints.

Position group
Position Available when Type is set to Dynamic. Lets you position selected components by typing X, Y, and Z values into the on-screen input box. Specify Orientation Move Handles Only Lets you drag components using the handles. Select the check box to drag the handles without moving the components. Clear the check box to drag selected components.

Constraints group
Constraints Available when Type is set to By Constraints. Specifies the type of constraint you want to create in order to move the components: Touch Align Concentric Distance Type of constraint Fix Parallel Perpendicular Angle Center Bond Fit

Lets you select the objects or components for the constraints. Select Geometry Appears for Center, Fit, Touch Align, or Distance constraints. Point Constructor Opens the Point dialog box to let you define a point.

Appears for Touch Align constraints. Lets you influence solutions for a Touch Align constraint as follows. Prefer Touch Presents a touch constraint when touch and align solutions are both possible. Orientation Touch Constrains objects so that their surface normals are in opposite directions. Align Constrains objects so that their surface normals are in the same direction. Infer Center/Axis Constraints objects so that their center axis is used for the constraint. Note: When more than one solution is possible, you can cycle through the solutions. Appears for Angle or Center constraints. Angle Specifies the angle constraint is one of the following. Subtype 3D Angle Measures between two objects without requiring an axis of rotation. Orient Angle Measures between two objects, using a selected axis of rotation. Center Specifies the center constraint is one of the following. 1 to 2 Centers one object between a pair of objects. 2 to 1 Centers a pair of objects along another object. 2 to 2 Centers two objects between a pair of objects. Appears for Center constraints when Subtype is set to 1 to 2 or 2 to 1. Specifies the center constraint that is used when you select a cylindrical, conical, or spherical face, or a circular edge: Axial Geometry Use Geometry Uses the cylindrical, conical or spherical ace or edge for the constraint. Infer Center/Axis Uses the center or axis of the object. Appears for Angle constraints. Angle Sets the angle between the selected objects. Appears for Distance constraints after you select objects. Distance Sets the distance between the selected objects. Appears when there are two solutions to a constraint. Shows you the other solution to the constraint. Reverse Last Constraint This option also appears when you right-click the handles for a selected component in the graphics windows. Appears for Distance constraints when there are more than two solutions. Cycle Last Constraint Cycles through each possible solution.

Frequently used options:

Specify Point Specify Vector Specify CSYS

Lets you specify a point. Lets you specify a vector. Lets you specify the origin or destination CSYS when Type is set to Reposition.

Translation group
Translation Available when Type is set to Translate. WCS Sets whether the WCS or Absolute coordinate system is used. Absolute Delta X Delta Y Delta Z Sets the distance to move the components in the X direction. Sets the distance to move the components in the Y direction. Sets the distance to move the components in the Z direction.

Copy group
Copy Specifies whether copies are made, and, if so, whether they are created manually or automatically. Mode No Copy No components are copied during a move. Copy Automatically copies components during the move. Manual Copy Copies components during the move, and lets you control when the copies are created. Appears when Mode is set to Manual Copy. Create Copy Components to Copy Available when Mode is set to Copy or Manual Copy. Lets you specify whether to copy the components you select to move, or copy other components such as those connected to the selected components. Infer Copies the selected components when a move occurs, or lets you move components that are connected to other components that move when the selected components move, such as a selected connecting rod attached to a wheel that turns. Select Copies selected components during the move. You can also use this to select other components to copy. Select Components the move. Selection After Copy Available when the Mode list is set to Copy and Components is set to Infer. Maintain Component Moves the original selected components. Lets you select additional components to copy during Immediately copies selected components.

Components to Copy

Selection Change Selection to Copied Components Intermediate Copies Available when the Mode list is set to Copy. Total Number of Copies Sets the number of intermediate copies to be created during the move. Moves the newly copied component.

Repeat Transformation Available when the Mode list is set to Manual Copy. Repeat Times Sets the number of times you want the transformation to occur.

Copies and repeats the transformation based on the number of repeat times that you specify. Copy and Repeat

Settings group
Settings Lets you move the components you select. Other components that are constrained to the selected components, but not selected themselves, do not move. Selected components may not move, if moving them would cause a non-selected component to move. Specifies how the constraints affect component positioning in other arrangements. Arrangements Use Component Properties The setting of Arrangements on the Parameters tab of the Component Properties dialog box determines the positions. Apply to Used The constraint is applied to each arrangement as the arrangement is used. Sets the number of steps for the component movement in the graphics window. For example, a value of 1 moves the components to their new position in one step, but a value 8 creates 8 movements. Select the check box to solve constraints and move components as you create each constraint. Select the check box if you want routing objects and non-associative curves to move when they are used in a constraint. Select the check box to dynamically update routing object positions when you move objects.

Move Selected Components Only

Animation Steps

Dynamic Positioning Move Curves and Routing Objects Dynamic Update of Routing Solids Collision Detection

Available when in the Copy group, the Mode list is set to No Copy. Specifies how to handle collisions when you move components. Collision Action None Ignores all collisions when you move components.

Highlight Collision Highlights the component where the collision occurred but does not stop the movement. Stop Before Collision Stops the movement at a collision. Appears when Collision Action list is set to Highlight Collision or Stop Before Collision. Checking Mode Specifies the type of objects to be checked for clearance. Facet/Solid Quick Facet Available when a collision occurs. Lets you acknowledge a collision. Acknowledge Collisions Continue to move components after you click Acknowledge Collisions.

Dragging components
Handles appear when you enter a mode that allows dragging.

1. Drag the origin handle to any location. 2. Drag a translation handle in the linear direction of the axis to which the handle is attached. 3. Drag a rotation handle around the axis that is perpendicular to the arc on which the handle is located. Tip: Handles are used in other NX applications. You can drag the handles and the selected components in the following ways: Drag them after selecting one handle. Translate them by selecting the origin handle and then selecting a point. Transform them so that the handles are aligned to a coordinate system. Align them by selecting a translation handle and then a vector. Note: You can also use a 3-D display control device to drag components by holding down the <Shift> key while the dialog box is displayed. These motions are applied in the normal movements of the device with no relationship to the handles.

ASSEMBLY CONSTRAINT
Use the Assembly Constraints command to define positions of components in the assembly. NX uses directionless positioning constraints, which means that either component can move to solve the constraint. You can use assembly constraints to: Constrain components so they touch each other or align with each other. The Touch Align constraint is the most commonly-used constraint. Specify that a component is fixed in place. This is useful when you want to control which component moves when the software solves a constraint. Bond two or more components together, so they move together. Define a minimum distance between selected objects in components. See Assembly constraint types for more information about the different types of constraints and their uses. You can convert mating conditions to assembly constraints. Assembly constraints are usually faster to create and easier to use than mating conditions. You can delay the updating of assembly constraints until a convenient time. When you are ready, you can activate the update. You can temporarily display the degrees of freedom for a selected component.

Where do I find it?

Application Assemblies Prerequisite Set PreferencesAssembliesInteraction to Assembly Constraints. Toolbar Menu AssembliesAssembly Constraints AssembliesComponent PositionAssembly Constraints

Assembly constraint types

Assembly constraint type Description Defines an angle dimension between two objects. Angle Welds components together so they move a s a rigid body. Bond Note: Bond constraints can only be applied to components, or to components and assembly-level geometry. Other objects are not selectable. Centers one or two objects between a pair of objects, or centers a pair of objects along another object.

Center Constrains circular or elliptical edges of two components so the centers are coincident and the planes of the edges are coplanar. Specifies the minimum 3D distance between two objects. Distance Brings together two cylindrical faces with equal radii. This constraint is useful for locating pins or bolts in holes. If the radii later become non-equal, the constraint is invalid. Fixes a component at its current position. Fix Note: A fix constraint is useful when you need an implied stationary object. With no fixed node, the entire assembly has freedom to move. Defines the direction vectors of two objects as parallel to each other. Parallel Defines the direction vectors of two objects as perpendicular to each other. Perpendicular Constrains two components so they touch or align with each other. Touch Align Note: Touch Align is the most commonly-used constraint.

Concentric

Fit

Create an Angle constraint

An angle constraint defines an angle dimension between two objects. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. 2. 3. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Angle. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement. Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the .

o o o

Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. 4. Specify the angle's Subtype: o o 5. 3D Angle measures the angle constraint between two objects without a defined axis of rotation. Orient Angle measures the angle constraint between two objects, using a selected axis of rotation.

Select the objects for the angle constraint as follows: o If Subtype is 3D Angle, the Select Two Objects for the angle constraint. option appears. Select two objects

If Subtype is Orient Angle, the Select Three Objects option appears. Select an axis as the first object, and then select two objects for the angle constraint. to flip between the possible

6. 7.

If two solutions are possible, click Reverse Last Constraint solutions. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

Create a Bond constraint

A bond constraint welds components together so they move as a rigid body. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. 2. 3. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Bond. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement. Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. (if necessary), and select two or more objects to bond. .

o o o

4.

Click Select Objects Note:

Bond constraints can only be applied to components, or to components and assembly-level geometry. Other objects are not selectable. 5. 6. Click Create Constraint when you are ready to create the constraint. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

Create a Center constraint

A center constraint centers one or two objects between a pair of objects, or centers a pair of objects along another object. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. 2. 3. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Center. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement. Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. .

o o o

4.

Specify the Subtype: o o o 1 to 2 centers the first selected object between the next two selected objects. 2 to 1 centers two selected objects along the third selected object. 2 to 2 centers two selected objects between two other selected objects.

5.

If Subtype is 1 to 2 or 2 to 1, set Axial Geometry to define what happens if you select a cylindrical face or circular edge: o o Use Geometry uses selected cylindrical faces for the constraint. Infer Center/Axis uses the center or axis of the object. (if necessary), and select the appropriate number of objects as defined

6.

Click Select Objects by the Subtype.

You can use the Point Constructor 7. 8.

to help you select objects. to flip between the possible

If two solutions are possible, click Reverse Last Constraint solutions. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

Create a Concentric constraint

A concentric constraint constrains circular or elliptical edges of two components so the centers are coincident and the planes of the edges are coplanar. If the Accept Tolerance Curves assembly preference is selected, objects that are nearly circles (within the distance tolerance) can also be selected. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. 2. 3. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints .

In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Concentric. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement. Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. (if necessary), and select two circular curves for the constraint.

o o o

4.

Click Select Two Objects

If the Accept Tolerant Curves assembly preference check box is selected, you can also select elliptical or near-circular curves that are within the modeling distance tolerance. 5. 6. If two solutions are possible, click Reverse Last Constraint solutions. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints. to flip between the possible

Create a Distance constraint

A distance constraint specifies the minimum 3D distance between two objects. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. 2. 3. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints .

In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Distance. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement.

o o o

Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. (if necessary), and select two objects for the distance constraint. to flip between the

4. 5.

Click Select Two Objects

If two solutions are possible, you can click Reverse Last Constraint possible solutions.

If more than two solutions are possible, you can click Cycle Last Constraint the possible solutions. 6. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

to cycle through

Create a Fit constraint

A fit constraint brings together two cylindrical faces with equal radii. This constraint is useful for locating pins or bolts in holes. If the radii later become non-equal, the constraint is invalid. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. 2. 3. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Fit. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement. Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. (if necessary), and select two pieces of geometry that are the .

o o o

4.

Click Select Two Objects same size. Note:

You cannot apply a Fit constraint to symbolic-threaded geometry, but you can apply other types of constraints. For example, you can constrain a symbolic-threaded bolt to a symbolicthreaded hole by applying a Touch/Align constraint to their centerlines. The objects are fitted together. 5. 6. If two solutions are possible, you can click Reverse Last Constraint possible solutions. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints. to flip between the

Create a Fix constraint

A fix constraint fixes a component at its current position. This constraint is useful when you want to ensure that the component stays in place while other components are constrained to it. Note: A fix constraint is useful because the implied stationary object in the Mate Component from-to relationship does not exist in the directionless assembly constraints. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. 2. 3. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Fix. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement. Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. (if necessary), and select the object you want to fix. .

o o o

4. 5.

Click Select Object

Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

Create a Parallel constraint

A parallel constraint defines the direction vectors of two objects as parallel to each other. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints .

2. 3.

In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Parallel. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement. Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. (if necessary), and select two objects that you want to be parallel. to flip between the

o o o

4. 5. 6.

Click Select Two Objects

If two solutions are possible, you can click Reverse Last Constraint possible solutions. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

Create a Perpendicular constraint

A perpendicular constraint defines the direction vectors of two objects as perpendicular to each other. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. 2. 3. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints .

In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Perpendicular. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement. Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. (if necessary), and select two objects that you want to be

o o o

4.

Click Select Two Objects perpendicular.

5. 6.

If two solutions are possible, you can click Reverse Last Constraint possible solutions. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

to flip between the

Create a Touch Align constraint

A touch align constraint constrains two components so they touch or align with each other. This is the most common constraint. To make the Assembly Constraints dialog box available, first set the Interaction assembly preference to Positioning Constraints. 1. 2. 3. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints .

In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, set Type to Touch Align. Check the Settings and modify them if you do not want to use their defaults: o Arrangements specifies whether you want the constraint to be applied to other assembly arrangements. Use Component Properties obeys the Arrangements setting on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box. Apply to Used applies the constraint in the current used arrangement. Dynamic Positioning specifies that you want NX to solve the constraints and move the components as you create each constraint. Associative specifies that constraints are persistent after you exit the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Move Curves and Routing Objects specifies whether you want routing objects and related nonassociative assembly-owned curves (that is, curves that are created when the Associative check box is not selected in the Assembly Constraints dialog box) to move when they are used in a constraint. This is an exception to the usual behavior, where assembly-level geometry is fixed when used in a constraint and only components move. Prefer Touch Presents a touch constraint when touch and align solutions are both possible. (Touch constraints are more common than align constraints in most models.) Prefer Touch presents an align constraint when a touch constraint would over-constrain the assembly. o o o Touch Constrains objects so their surface normals are in opposite directions. Align Constrains objects so their surface normals are in the same direction. Infer Center/Axis Specifies that when you select a cylindrical or conical face, NX uses the face's center or axis instead of the face itself for the constraint. (if necessary), and select two objects for the constraint. to help you select objects. to flip between the

o o o

4.

Set Orientation to one of the following: o

5.

Click Select Two Objects

You can use the Point Constructor 6. 7.

If two solutions are possible, you can click Reverse Last Constraint possible solutions. Click OK or Apply when you finish adding constraints.

Assembly Constraints options

Type These options also appear in the Constraints section of the Move Component dialog box. Lets you specify the type of assembly constraint. The most commonly-used constraints have a button for quick access: Touch Align Concentric Distance Type Fix Parallel Perpendicular Angle Center Bond Fit Geometry to Constrain These options also appear in the Constraints section of the Move Component dialog box. Appears only when Type is Touch Align. Lets you influence possible solutions for a Touch Align constraint as follows: Prefer Touch Presents a touch constraint when touch and align solutions are both possible. (Touch constraints are more common than align constraints in most models.) Prefer Touch presents an align constraint when a touch constraint would overconstrain the assembly. Orientation Touch Constrains objects so their surface normals are in opposite directions. Align Constrains objects so their surface normals are in the same direction. Infer Center/Axis Specifies that when you select a cylindrical, conical, or spherical face, or a circular edge, NX uses the object's center or axis itself for the constraint. Note: When more than one solution is possible, you can flip through the solutions. Appears only when Type is Angle or Center. (Angle only) Specifies whether the angle constraint is: Subtype 3D Angle Measured between two objects without requiring a defined axis of rotation.

Orient Angle Measures the angle constraint between two objects, using a selected axis of rotation. (Center only) Specifies whether the center constraint is: 1 to 2 Centers one object between a pair of objects. 2 to 1 Centers a pair of objects along another object. 2 to 2 Centers two objects between a pair of objects. Appears only when Type is Center and Subtype is 1 to 2 or 2 to 1. Specifies what NX uses for the center constraint when you select a face (cylindrical, conical, or spherical), or a circular edge: Axial Geometry Use Geometry Uses the face (cylindrical, conical, or spherical) or edge for the constraint. Infer Center/Axis Uses the center or axis of the object. Lets you select the objects for the constraint. This option's name may vary slightly to tell you how many objects to select. For example, this option is sometimes named Select Two Objects, depending on the settings of other options in the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Appears only when Type is Center, Fit, Touch Align, or Distance. Point Constructor Create Constraint Bonds selected objects together so they must move as a rigid body. Available only when there are two solutions to a constraint. Reverse Last Constraint Shows you the other solution to the constraint. Opens the Point Constructor to let you define a point for the constraint. Appears only when Type is Bond.

Select Object

Appears only for distance constraints when there are more than two solutions. Cycle Last Constraint Angle Appears only after you select objects when Type is set to Angle. Angle Distance Appears only after you select objects when Type is set to Distance. Distance Settings Arrangements Specifies how the constraints affect component positioning in other arrangements: Specifies the distance between the selected objects. Specifies the angle between the selected objects. Lets you cycle through the possible solutions for the distance constraint.

Use Component Properties Specifies that the setting of Arrangements on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box determines the positions. The Arrangements setting can be either Individually Positioned or Same Position in All. Apply to Used Specifies that the constraint is applied to currently used arrangement. Specifies that NX solves constraints and moves components as you create the constraints. Dynamic Positioning If the Dynamic Positioning check box is not selected, NX does not solve constraints or move objects until you click OK or Apply in the Assembly Constraints dialog box. Specifies that constraints are added to the assembly when you close the Assembly Constraints dialog box. (The constraints are saved when you save the component.) Associative If the Associative check box is cleared, the constraints are transient. They are deleted when you click OK to exit the dialog box or when you click Apply. Move Curves and Routing Objects Moves routing objects and related curves when they are used in a constraint.

Assembly Navigator constraint node options

Upper-level Constraints node
Right-click the upper-level Constraints node to see these options. Option Display Constraints in Graphics Window Display Suppressed Constraints in Graphics Window Description Controls whether constraints are displayed. Controls whether suppressed constraints are displayed. Note: Suppressed constraints are displayed only when the Display Constraints in Graphics Window check box is also selected. Appears only when the Constraints folder contains out-of-date constraints. Updates all out-of-date constraints in your assembly, but does not deactivate the Delay Assembly Constraints command. If you make additional changes that affect constraints, the constraints are delayed again.

Update Delayed Constraints

Loads referenced geometry for all unsuppressed constraints in your assembly. Load Related Geometry Note: Constraints that were hidden with the NX 5 Constraints node options, Hide All Constraints and Hide All Suppressed Constraints, are not hidden when you open the assembly in a later version of NX. The reverse is also true; constraints that are hidden by deselecting the check boxes above are not hidden if you open the assembly in NX 5. This occurs because the NX 5 and the NX 6-and-later options do not work the same way. The NX 5 options set a value in your user registry. Beginning with NX 6, the constraint state is saved with the part file.

Individual constraint nodes

Right-click a constraint node to see these options. Option Edit Redefine Reverse Description Opens the Assembly Constraints dialog box to let you edit the constraint. Opens the Assembly Constraints dialog box to let you redefine the constraint. Appears when there are two solutions to a constraint. Displays the other solution to the constraint. Cycle Appears for distance constraints when there are more than two solutions. Lets you cycle through the possible solutions for the distance constraint. Convert to Appears when the constraint can be converted to another constraint type. Lets you convert the constraint to a type you select from the list. Suppress Rename Hide Update Delayed Constraints in Part Suppresses the constraint. Lets you rename the constraint. Hides the constraint. Appears only on out-of-date delayed constraint nodes. Updates all out-of-date constraints in the part file that contains the node you rightclicked. Deletes the constraint. Loads all geometry that is needed to solve the constraint. Specifies that any changes you make to the state and expression value of the constraint applies only in the current arrangement. Lets you edit the state and expression value of the constraint in all available arrangements. Provides a report about the constraint.

Delete Load Related Geometry Arrangement Specific Edit in Arrangements Information

Delayed update of assembly constraints overview

Use the Delay Assembly Constraints command to delay the updating of assembly constraints until you activate the update. This command is useful when: You want to make multiple changes to the constraints of a large, heavily-constrained assembly. You can greatly improve the performance of your assembly by updating the constraints only once, instead of after each change. You want to prevent unwanted updates to frozen or released assemblies. When you delay the updating of assembly constraints: New constraints are not solved until you update them. Constraints do not update when the assembly or components change. Constraints are ignored, as if they are suppressed. In the Assembly Navigator, the Constraints folder is marked with a icon when it contains outof-date constraints. Each out-of-date constraint node is marked with a icon. To update delayed constraints, you can use any of the following commands.

Update Assembly Constraints Update Delayed Constraints Update All Update Delayed Constraints in Part Delay Assembly Constraints

Updates all out-of-date constraints in your NX session. If you make additional changes that affect constraints, those constraints are delayed. Updates all out-of-date constraints in your assembly. If you make additional changes that affect constraints, those constraints are delayed. Updates all out-of-date constraints, interpart geometry, and interpart expressions. Updates all out-of-date constraints in the part file that contains the selected outof-date Assembly Navigator constraint node. Updates all out-of-date constraints when you deselect this command. Additional changes do not delay constraints.

Note: When you activate an update, constraints in frozen assemblies update only after you unfreeze the assemblies.

Where do I find it?

Delay Assembly Constraints Application Assemblies Menu ToolsUpdateInterpart UpdateDelay Assembly Constraints

Update Assembly Constraints Application Assemblies Menu ToolsUpdateInterpart UpdateUpdate Assembly Constraints

Update Delayed Constraints Application Assembly Navigator Update All Application Menu Assemblies ToolsUpdateInterpart UpdateUpdate All Assemblies Right-click a Constraints folder containing delayed out-of-date constraintsUpdate Delayed Constraints

Assembly Navigator Right-click a Constraints folder containing delayed out-of-date constraintsUpdate All Update Delayed Constraints in Part Application Assemblies

Assembly Navigator Right-click an out-of-date constraint nodeUpdate Delayed Constraints in Part Graphics window Right-click an out-of-date constraintUpdate Delayed Constraints in Part

Delay and update assembly constraints

This example shows how to delay and update assembly constraints.

1. 2.

Choose ToolsUpdateInterpart UpdateDelay Assembly Constraints. Add parallel constraints between the screws and the jaw plate as follows: a. b. c. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Assembly Constraints In the graphics window, select an inside face of one screw. .

In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, from the Type list, choose Parallel.

d.

Select the side of the jaw plate.

A parallel constraint icon appears, but it cannot be solved yet because it is delayed. In the figure below, up-to-date constraint icons are blue, and the new out-of-date constraint icon is yellow.

e.

Create a similar parallel constraint for the second screw.

f.

In the Assembly Constraints dialog box, click OK.

3.

Choose ToolsUpdateInterpart UpdateUpdate Assembly Constraints. If you want to limit the update, you can choose other update commands that let you update only the constraints in your current assembly or a selected component. The parallel constraints are updated. The screws move so their faces are parallel to the side of the jaw plate.

Note: The Delay Assembly Constraints command is still active. If you make additional changes that affect constraints, the updating of those constraints is delayed. 4. Choose ToolsUpdateInterpart UpdateDelay Assembly Constraints to deselect the command.

Assembly constraint notes

Tips for selecting geometry objects
5. While creating constraints, you can select geometry in a component and drag the component to another location. If you hold down the Alt key while dragging, the component rotates. This is a fast way to reposition components, for example, to help you select the geometry you want for the constraint. 6. When you constrain to cylinders, cones, or tori, you can select either the axis or face of the object for the constraint. 7. You cannot select faceted geometry for assembly constraints.

8. Variable positioning behavior with assembly constraints

9. You can override a component position so it has a different position in higher-level assemblies than in its parent subassembly. 10. Note: 11. When you use variable positioning on a component that includes Fix assembly constraints, the inherited version of each Fix constraint is a Bond constraint. The software converts inherited Fix constraints to Bond constraints because higher-level Fix constraints could cause undesirable behavior, such as preventing movement of the parents of the fixed component in higher-level assemblies. Inheriting to a Bond constraint allows the parent and fixed component to move together, but restricts independent movement of the fixed component. 12. Bond constraints that are converted from inherited Fix constraints are identified in the Info column of the Assembly Navigator and in reports run from the Information menu.

13. When you open an assembly that includes Fix constraints inherited by variable positioning applied in an earlier release of NX, the higher-level inherited Fix constraints are converted to Bond constraints.

14. Import a part file with assembly constraints

15. When you import a part file that has assembly constraints, the constraints are included. 16. However, when you import a part file that has a constraint with arrangement-specific suppression states, the imported part uses the suppression state of that constraint in its active arrangement. Arrangements are not imported with part files, because the assembly that contains the original component may have different arrangements than the assembly to where the component is imported.

17.

Position override overview

18. You can use the override commands to make a component have a different position in a higherlevel assembly than in its immediate parent. The new position of the component appears in all parent assemblies of the assembly in which the override is created. 19. The override commands are also known as position override, component position override, variable positioning, or variable component positioning. 20. The Position column in the Assembly Navigator shows you whether the selected component has been overridden, whether the override is implicit (made by NX) or explicit (made by you), and the mating constraint status of the component. 21. You can create or save overrides even without write access to lower-level assemblies to .

22. Where do I find it?

23. For assembly constraints Application Assemblies Set PreferencesAssembliesInteraction to Assembly Constraints. You must select a component that has at least two higher levels of parents. You can select a Prerequisite subassembly instead of a component if you do not select any of the subassembly's children. Shortcut menu Assembly Navigatorright-click a component nodeOverride Position

24. For mating conditions Application Assemblies Set PreferencesAssembliesInteraction to Mating Conditions. Prerequisite Toolbar Menu You must select a component that has at least two higher levels of parents. You can select a subassembly instead of a component if you do not select any of the subassembly's children. AssembliesReposition Component AssembliesComponent PositionReposition Component

Shortcut menu Assembly Navigatorright-click a component nodeOverride Position Location in dialog box Options tabVariable Positioning group

Create a component position override

You can use this procedure for assemblies with either assembly constraints or mating conditions. 1. 2. In the Assembly Navigator, right-click a component node with two or more levels of parents. Choose Override Position. This option is available only when your work part is a parent at least two levels above your selected component. 3. Drag the component to the position you want for the override. The override is created at the level of the work part. The software may create additional overrides if they are necessary to manage the position of the overridden component. To delete a position override, in the Assembly Navigator, right-click the component node and choose Remove Position Override.

Alternate method to create a component position override for assemblies that use mating conditions
1. In the graphics window or the Assembly Navigator, select a component with two or more levels of parents. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Reposition Component , or choose AssembliesComponent PositionReposition Component. In the Reposition Component dialog box, click the Options tab. In the Variable Positioning box, select one of the component's parents to indicate the level at which the override should be created. Specify a new position for the component, or drag it into a new position. You can create an override without dragging by clicking Add Variable Positioning especially helpful if the component is fully mated. 6. Note: Overrides are also created, where necessary, for components that are mated to the component whose position was overridden. , which is

2. 3. 4. 5.

7.

(Optional) Click Mate Override override.

if you want to edit the mating condition that is positioning the

The Mating Conditions dialog box opens, with the override mating condition selected. 8. (Optional) If you want to delete an override, select the parent that contains the override in the parents window, and then click Remove Variable Positioning 9. . .

(Optional) To get information about overrides in your assembly, click Information

The information report may include existing variable positions in your current assembly, the modification to the component position due to the override, and the mating condition of the override.

Delete a component position override

1. 2. In the Assembly Navigator, right-click the component node that contains the position override you want to delete. Choose Remove Position Override.

Alternate method for assemblies that use mating conditions

1. In the Assembly Navigator or the graphics window, select the component that contains the position override you want to delete. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Reposition Component , or choose AssembliesComponent PositionReposition Component. In the Reposition Component dialog box, click the Options tab. In the Variable Positioning list, click the parent where the override occurs. Tip: Parents with overrides have a red ball beside them in the Variable Positioning list.

2. 3. 4.

5. 6.

Click Remove Variable Positioning Click OK or Apply.

Options for component position overrides

You can create and delete position overrides with options on the shortcut menu for a component node in the Assembly Navigator. Note: See the Assembly Navigator topics for information about the other options that appear on the menu. Option Override Position Description Appears when the component has parents at least two levels higher. Creates a position override for the component. Remove Position Override Appears when a position override exists for the component. Deletes the position override.

Alternate options for assemblies that use mating conditions

If your assembly uses mating conditions, you can also create and delete position overrides with the variable positioning options in the Reposition Component dialog box. On the Options page, the Variable Positioning group appears only if both of the following conditions are met: You select a single component, which can be a subassembly if you do not select its children. The selected component cannot be an immediate child of the displayed part. In other words, there must be another parent in which the override can be made. Variable Positioning

parents window

Shows the parent subassemblies and assembly of the selected component. The item that appears below the short dashed line is the immediate parent of the selected component. The red balls indicate the parents in which override conditions have been created. The original parent, which is below the dashed line, also has a red ball, because the position of a component is always controlled in its immediate parent. When you click on any component above the dashed line in the parents window, a ring appears next to that component, indicating that any override you create will be created in this component.

selected component Shows which component you selected. Normal Repositioning Variable Positioning Lets you create an override without dragging. Add Variable Positioning Lets you apply a mating condition to an override, even if the component being overridden is unmated. You can then immediately edit the mating condition. Mate Override You can also use this option to edit an existing mating condition for an override. Lets you delete an existing variable position. In the parents window, select the parent that contains the override, and then click Remove Variable Positioning. Remove Variable Positioning Opens an Information window with information about existing variable positions in your current assembly, the modification to the component position due to the override, and the override's mating condition. Shows whether the positioning is normal or variable. The default is to vary the position of the highest level override, or the component if there is no override.

Information

Uses for position overrides

Overrides are useful whenever you have a component that has a different configuration in its parent assemblies than it has when considered in isolation. Some examples are: A clamp subassembly. When this subassembly is added to an assembly, one of its components must be overridden to a position where the clamp can grip the assembly geometry correctly. A piston engine case. The subassembly containing the piston and conrod is constrained four separate times to a crankshaft component, and each of the four instances requires different positions for the pistons and crankshafts. Any subassembly that is constructed in one configuration, but whose configuration is altered when it is installed in an assembly. Modelling any subassembly that must be articulated or repositioned as part of its normal functioning. For example, a boom subassembly may need to be modelled in both extended and retracted positions.

Component position override notes

Initially, the new position must respect the assembly constraints or mating conditions of the component in its immediate parent. If you are using mating conditions, you can change this by suppressing one or more constraints in the override mating condition. You can also add new constraints to the override mating condition. If the selected component has more than one occurrence in the assembly, you can create overrides that place the different occurrences at different levels. An override cannot be suppressed, but if it fails during an update, you can delete it. An override mating condition can be suppressed during update. You can use InformationObject to find out more information about the overrides on a component. The Component Properties dialog box also includes information about overrides. You can create only one override at a time. (This does not include implicit overrides that NX creates in order to keep existing assembly constraints or mating conditions.) You can delete overrides. This usually causes the affected components to go back to the positions defined by their instances, unless other overrides continue to affect their positions. If a overridden component is substituted, the override and any assembly constraints or mating conditions positioning it are deleted. If you create an override in a component array, you should apply the override to the master element. In an array, an override applies only to the instance on which it was created. The override could be lost if the array was created off an ISET that is later altered in a way that deletes the component on which the override was created. Putting the override on an array's master component element prevents this accidental deletion. When the override is on the master element, implicit overrides are created for the other instances that allow them to maintain their relative positions to the master component when the array is modified. If you create WAVE geometry from a component that has been overridden (or that has a parent which has been overridden), that geometry appears in the same position in the display part as its source geometry does. Note: If the position of more or more components have been overridden in the display part above the part containing the WAVE feature, those overrides cannot be allowed for when positioning the WAVE geometry. The weight management calculations for an assembly containing overrides use the overridden position of the component parts. This affects properties that depend on position, such as center of gravity and moments or products of inertia. Weight management caches will not be invalidated by creating or modifying overrides. If you override a component that has already been overridden in a lower-level parent, and are using mating conditions, the override mating condition inherits its constraints from the lower-level mating condition, instead of directly from the component. When you use variable positioning on a component that includes Fix assembly constraints, the inherited version of each Fix constraint is a Bond constraint. When you open an assembly that includes Fix constraints inherited by variable positioning applied in an earlier NX release, the higher-level inherited Fix constraints are converted to Bond constraints. Note: Inheriting a Fix constraint to a higher-level Fix constraint can cause undesirable behavior, such as preventing movement of the fixed component's parents in higher-level assemblies. Converting the

Fix constraint to a Bond constraint at higher levels preserves some of the behavior of a Fix constraint on the component. The higher-level Bond constraint connects the fixed component to its parent, which lets the component and parent move as a pair, but restricts independent movement of the component.

Show and Hide Constraints overview

Use the Show and Hide Constraints command to control the visibility of: Selected constraints All the constraints associated with selected components Only the constraints between selected components You can also control the visibility of components whose constraints are hidden after a show and hide constraints operation.

Where do I find it?

Application Assemblies Toolbar Menu AssembliesShow and Hide Constraints AssembliesComponent PositionShow and Hide Constraints

Show only selected assembly constraints

1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Show and Hide Constraints , or choose AssembliesComponent PositionShow and Hide Constraints. The Show and Hide Constraints dialog box opens. 2. While Select Component or Constraints the graphics window: o o 3. o o 4. 5. is active, select one or more of the following in

Components whose constraints you want to show or hide Constraints you want to show besides the constraints affected by selected components

In the Settings group, set Visible Constraints to one of the following: Choose Between Components if you want only constraints between your selected component, plus any constraints you select directly in step 2, to be visible. Choose Connected to Components if you want all constraints that belong to your selected components, plus any constraints you select directly in step 2, to be visible.

Select the Change Component Visibility check box if you want the components that are not a part of the results to be hidden. Select the Filter Navigator check box if you want components that are not a part of the results to be placed under a More node in the Assembly Navigator.

6.

Choose OK or Apply.

Show and Hide Constraints options

Note: See Common dialog box options for common options not discussed here. Assembly Object Lets you select one or more of the following for the Show and Hide Constraints operation: Components whose constraints are used in the operation. Select Component or Constraint Settings Lets you specify whether the constraints that are visible after the operation are the constraints only between the selected components, or all constraints connected to any of the selected components. Visible Constraints Note: Explicitly-selected constraints are also visible after the operation. Lets you specify whether only the components involved in the results of the operation are visible. Affected hidden components become visible, and components whose constraints are not included in the results are hidden. Note: Suppressed components remain hidden. Lets you specify whether components that are not involved in the results of the operation are filtered in the Assembly Navigator (that is, whether those components are placed under a More node). Individual constraints

Change Component Visibility

Filter Navigator

Remember Assembly Constraints overview

Use the Remember Assembly Constraints command to save selected Assembly Constraints that affect the position of a component. When you add that component to a different assembly, the remembered constraints are available to help you position the component.

Where do I find it?

Application Assemblies Toolbar Menu AssembliesRemember Assembly Constraints AssembliesComponent PositionRemember Assembly Constraints

Remember assembly constraints

1. On the Assemblies toolbar, click Remember Assembly Constraints The Remembered Constraints dialog box opens. 2. While Select Component want to remember. While Select Constraints to save with the component. Click OK or Apply. The selected constraints are saved when you save the component. They are available to help you position the component when you add it to any assembly. When you add a component with remembered constraints to an assembly, the Redefine Constraints dialog box appears, which lets you complete the constraints by selecting objects in other components. is active, select the component whose positioning constraints you .

3. 4.

is active, select one or more positioning constraints that you want

Remembered Constraints options

Component

Lets you specify a component where you want to save selected positioning constraints. Select Component Constraints to be Remembered Lets you select one or more assembly constraints to be saved when the selected component is saved. Remembered constraints are available when you position the component in other assemblies. Select Constraints You can see a list of the remembered constraints for a selected component on the Part File page of the Component Properties dialog box.

Remove Remembered Constraints Use

Deletes all remembered constraints from the selected component.

Use Remembered Constraints

Copies the remembered constraints of the selected component, which creates incomplete constraints in the assembly referencing the component. You can then redefine the incomplete constraints to make them complete.

Show Degrees of Freedom overview

Use the Show Degrees of Freedom command to temporarily display the degrees of freedom for a selected component. Degrees-of-freedom arrows appear in the graphics window, and the Status line shows the number of rotational and translational degrees of freedom that exist in the component.

You can find degrees of freedom on components that are loaded and unsuppressed. If geometry in other components needs to be loaded to find the degrees of freedom, you receive a message asking if you want to load the geometry.

Where do I find it?

Application Toolbar Menu Graphics window Assemblies AssembliesComponent Position Drop-down listShow Degrees of Freedom AssembliesComponent PositionShow Degrees of Freedom Right-click a componentShow Degrees of Freedom

Assembly Navigator Right-click a component nodeShow Degrees of Freedom

Show the degrees of freedom for a selected component

1. On the Assemblies toolbar, from the Component Position Drop-down list, choose Show Degrees of Freedom Freedom. 2. , or choose AssembliesComponent PositionShow Degrees of

The Class Selection dialog box opens. In the graphics window, select a component.

3.

In the Class Selection dialog box, click OK. The degrees of freedom appear in the graphics window, and the Status line shows the number of translational and rotational degrees of freedom. In the following figure, the selected component has 1 translational degree of freedom, and no rotational degrees of freedom.

Mating conditions conversion overview

You can use the Convert Mating Conditions options to convert existing mating conditions (those that were created with the pre-NX 6 Mating Conditions dialog box) to assembly constraints. Note: The conversion process is one-way. You cannot convert assembly constraints to mating conditions and constraints.

Where do I find it?

Application Assemblies Menu AssembliesComponent PositionConvert Mating Conditions

Convert mating conditions to assembly constraints

1. Choose AssembliesComponent PositionConvert Mating Conditions. The Convert Mating Conditions dialog box appears. 2. 3. Under Parts to Process, specify whether you want to convert mating conditions in the Work Part, Work Part and Loaded Children, or Work Part and All Children. Click Show Results to see the current status of conversion in your assembly. Click Delete Results if you want to delete the report generated by Show Results. 4. Specify the Settings that you want: o o o 5. If you want referenced geometry affected by the conversion to be loaded in order to update it, select Load Referenced Geometry. If you want a report of the results to be shown after the conversion, select Show Results after Conversion. If you want a summary, instead of a full report, to be shown after the conversion, select Only Show Summary of Results.

Click OK or Apply to convert the mating conditions.

Convert Mating Conditions options

Parts to Process Specifies the parts for the conversion process. Select one of the following options: Work Part Converts only the mating conditions in the work part to assembly constraints. Children of the work part are not affected. Parts to Process Work Part and Loaded Children Converts mating conditions in the work part and its fully or partially loaded children to assembly constraints. Mating conditions in unloaded children are not converted. Work Part and All Children Converts mating conditions in the work part and all its children, regardless of whether or not those children are loaded, to assembly constraints. Conversion Results Show Results Delete Results Settings Load Referenced Geometry Show Results after Conversion Only Show Summary of Results Specifies whether referenced geometry affected by the conversion is loaded in order to update it. Specifies that a report of the results should be shown after the conversion. Generates a report of the conversion results. Deletes the report generated by Show Results.

Specifies that a summary, instead of a full report, should be shown after the conversion.

Reposition Component overview

Use the Reposition Component command to move a selected component to a new position within the degrees of freedom allowed by current mating conditions. You can select and reposition multiple components if they have the same parent. Note: You can use the Reposition Component command only when your assembly uses mating conditions. When you use assembly constraints, the Move Component command appears instead. You can reposition components by any of the following methods: By using the options on the Reposition Component dialog box. By using the drag handles. By using Shift+Spaceball. Note: If you do not hold down the Shift key when you move the Spaceball, the entire view move s, instead of just the selected components. To return repositioned components to their previous position, you must undo the operation. Note: When you click Cancel in the Reposition Component dialog box, NX accepts the current state and then cancels the dialog box. In other words, if you have already moved the components (for example, by dragging), the components do not move back to where they were.

Where do I find it?

Application Prerequisite Toolbar Menu Navigator Assemblies The Interaction assemblies preference must be set to Mating Conditions. AssembliesReposition Component AssembliesComponent PositionReposition Component In the Assemblies Navigator, right-click a component nodeReposition

Graphics window Right-click a componentReposition

Reposition Component Transform tab

These options may also appear on other dialog boxes that use motion. Option Reposition methods Description Lets you define how the components will move: Point to Point lets you move the selected components by specifying two points.

Translate lets you define the distance to move the selected components. Note: The translate delta distance is made in the direction of the drag handles, not the WCS.

Rotate About a Point Rotate About a Line lets you rotate the components about a line by moving the drag handle to a specified point and aligning the drag handle to the axis you define. Reposition lets you reposition the selected components by moving the CSYS. See the Gateway Tools Help for more information about the CSYS dialog box. Rotate Between Axes Rotate Between Points Move Objects Move Handles Only Angle or Distance vector Angle is available when a rotation drag handle is selected. Distance is available when a translation drag handle is selected. These boxes set the distance or angle to move the components. Available when a translation drag handle is selected. Lets you define a vector; for example, you can select an edge. The component is repositioned so that the selected drag handle is aligned with the vector. See the Gateway Tools Help for more information about the vector options. Moves the drag handles to the WCS location. This option affects only the handles; no objects move. Snap Handles to WCS Motion Animation (slider) Specifies how finely the motion will be animated during the repositioning. You can undo the motion by choosing Undo from the Standard toolbar or the EditUndo List option. While the dialog box is open, you can undo separate motions made while you are repositioning the components. After the dialog box is closed, an Undo operation deletes all the motions, putting the components back in their original positions. Dynamic Clearance options Collision Action Specifies what NX does if a collision occurs. None -- NX takes no action. Highlight Collision -- you can continue moving the components, and NX highlights the areas that collided. Specifies whether you want the selected components to move when you move the handles.

Snap Increment Causes snapping to multiples of the specified increment when you drag the handles.

Stop Before Collision -- NX stops the motion just before a collision occurs. The distance between the components after the motion stops depends on the setting of the Motion Animation slider; the closer the slider is to Fine, the shorter the distance. Acknowledge Collisions Available when a collision occurs. Specifies, when the motion stops because of a collision, that the motion should continue through the item being collided with. (Or you can release the mouse button, and then start a new drag to move the component away from the object it collided with, without having to acknowledge the collision.) Acknowledge Collisions works only for the current collision. If you move the first component out of a colliding state, and then collide it again with the same component, you must click Acknowledge Collisions again if you want to continue moving the first component through the second component. Specifies what types of objects should be checked for clearance during the repositioning. Collision Checking Mode Facet/Solid Quick Facet Note: Checking Quick Facet objects is less accurate than checking Facet/Solid objects, but Quick Facet objects need less processing time. Note: Although the Reposition Component icons look identical to those that appear on the Vary Constraints dialog box, their behavior can differ. For example, Translate on the Vary Constraints dialog box lets you translate either to a specified point or to a specified delta. On the Reposition Component dialog box, Translate only uses a specified delta. To move to a specified point, you must use other repositioning methods, such as the Point to Point method.

Reposition Component Options tab

The Options page consists of two groups: Variable Positioning and Arrangements. The Variable Positioning group appears only if both of these conditions are met: You select a single component, which can be a subassembly if you do not select its children. The selected component cannot be an immediate child of the displayed part (in other words, there must be another parent in which the override can be made). Variable Positioning parents window Shows the parent subassemblies and assembly of the selected component. The item that appears below the short dashed line is the immediate parent of the selected component. The red balls indicate parents in which override conditions have been created. The original parent, which is below the dashed line, also has a red ball, because the position of a component is always controlled in its immediate parent. When you click on any component above the dashed line in the parents window, a ring appears next to that component, indicating that any override you create will be created in this component. selected component Shows which component you selected.

Normal Repositioning Variable Positioning

Shows whether the positioning is normal or variable. The default is to vary the position of the highest level override, or the component if there is no override.

Lets you create an override without dragging. Add Variable Positioning Lets you apply a mating condition to an override, even if the component being overridden is unmated. You can then immediately edit the mating condition. Mate Override You can also use this option to edit an existing mating condition for an override. Lets you delete an existing variable position. In the parents window, select the parent that contains the override, and then click Remove Variable Positioning. Remove Variable Positioning Opens an Information window with information about existing variable positions in your current assembly, the modification to the component position due to the override, and the override's mating condition.

Information Arrangements Same Position in All

Causes the component to have the same position in all arrangements. Note: You can only clear this option in the Reposition Component dialog box. To reset it, use the Arrangements option on the Parameters page of the Component Properties dialog box.

Dynamic clearance analysis

The dynamic clearance options Collision Action, Acknowledge Collisions, and Collision Checking Mode appear on dialog boxes that use motion, such as the Reposition Component dialog box or when you are playing back a sequence. A dynamic clearance analysis checks clearances as assembly components move Components highlight when a moving component collides with them. You can also specify that the motion stop when a collision occurs by setting Collision Action to Stop before Collision. This allows you more time to study the objects involved. Click Acknowledge Collisions to let the motion continue. The Collision Checking Mode options let you specify the types of objects that you want the dynamic clearance analysis to check: Quick Facet Checks faceted representations of the assembly components.

Facet/Solid Checks faceted representations first, then any solids that are loaded. This method is more accurate than the Quick Facet method, but needs more processing time.

Mating conditions overview

Mating conditions let you position components in an assembly by specifying constraint relationships between two components. For example, you can specify that a cylindrical face on one component is to be coaxial with a conical face on another component. The object or geometry doing the mating must be from a component. The base, however, can be assembly geometry; it does not have to be a component. Note: Mating conditions options appear only if you set the Interaction assembly preference to Mating Conditions. If your part includes assembly constraints, you cannot add or edit mating conditions unless you first delete all the assembly constraints. However, you can delete mating conditions while assembly constraints are present. Note: If you create routing data in an assembly, the software may create assembly constraints, possibly hidden, to support the routing data. If this occurs, you cannot create or edit mating conditions in that assembly. Mating constraints created before Unigraphics V16.0 are shown as PreV16 MATE, PreV16 ALIGN, or Orient. They can be deleted, renamed, or converted to post-V16.0 constraints with options on the constraint node shortcut menu. You can override mating conditions by using Variable Component Positioning, which lets you place a component in different positions in its immediate parent and in higher-level assemblies.

Where do I find it?

Application Prerequisite Toolbar Menu Graphics window Assemblies Set PreferencesAssembliesInteraction to Mating Conditions AssembliesMate Component AssembliesComponent PositionMate Component Right-click a componentMate

Assembly Navigator Right-click a component nodeMate

Definition of terms for Mate Component

Term Mating constraint Description A mating relationship which exists between two geometric objects on two different components in an assembly. Note: A mating constraint differs from a sketch constraint. For more information about sketch constraints, see the Modeling Help. For brevity, whenever the term constraint is used in this topic, it refers to a mating constraint, not a sketch constraint. Mating condition Mated The set of constraints that exists for a single component. Each component in an assembly can have only one mating condition, although that mating condition may consist of relationships to several other components. A component with an imposed mating condition. Mated components are associative; they reflect

component

changes made to the assembly in order to ensure that the mating condition remains satisfied.

Selectable geometry for mating conditions

Geometric objects that can be used in mating constraints are: Lines, including edges Planar surfaces, including datum planes Cylindrical surfaces Spherical surfaces Conic surfaces Toroidal surfaces Points Circles Splines Datum axes CSYS Components B-surfaces (such as parametric or swept surfaces)

Datum Planes and Axes

Datum planes and axes can be used when faces and edges are not available. When creating a mating constraint, a vector is temporarily displayed for each selected object to indicate its direction, if it has one. You can erase the vector display by refreshing the display, or regenerating it by turning off highlighting. Note: You can verify a the direction of a selected object with InformationObject.

Degrees of freedom for mating conditions

To position a component, you can use a combination of constraint types. When you begin to mate the component, there are six ways in which it can move (that is, six degrees of freedom): three for rotation, and three for translation. In other words, an unconstrained component can move in the x, y, and z directions, and rotate about the XC, YC, and ZC axes. Each constraint that you specify removes some of these degrees of freedom. In the example below, the mating component has been partially constrained, so that it now has only three degrees of freedom left.

You may combine constraint types in any order. When no more degree of freedom arrows are displayed, the component is fully constrained. The component does not move until you specify all constraints and click OK or Apply. Note: If the displayed degrees of freedom become difficult to see in a large assembly, you can erase and redraw them by choosing the Remove Degrees of Freedom and Show Degrees of Freedom commands on a constraint node in the Mating Conditions dialog box tree. If you do this quickly, the degrees of freedom blink, showing you where they are.

Mating conditions and constraints

Mating conditions applied to axisymmetric surfaces may be applied to their axes or directly to the surfaces, depending on the constraint type. You can use combinations of different constraints to completely specify a component position in the assembly. NX considers one of the components as fixed in a constant location, then calculates a position for the other component which satisfies the specified constraints. The relationship between the two components is associative. If you move the fixed component, the component that is mated to it also moves when the assembly is updated. For example, if you mate a bolt to a hole and then move the hole, the bolt moves with it.

Suppressing Mating Conditions and Constraints

You can create suppressed mating conditions, which are useful when you want to postpone the solving of the constraints. You can also suppress and unsuppress mating conditions after creating them. To suppress/unsuppress an existing mating condition, go to the tree in the Mating Conditions dialog and either click the mating condition's check box or open its shortcut menu. You can also suppress and unsuppress a mating constraint by clicking on its check box. If the check box is blank, the constraint is suppressed. A suppressed constraint is not considered during attempts to solve its mating condition. Note:

When you unsuppress a mating constraint, NX solves the mating condition again. If the constraint being unsuppressed conflicts with other constraints, you will receive a message, and the constraint will be suppressed again.

Outside the Work Part

You can create mating constraints between components in the work part and components outside the work part when all the geometry you wish to select appears in the graphics window. For example, if the current work part is a subassembly, and the graphics window shows the superassembly containing the current work part and other subassemblies, you can create mating constraints between the work part and the other subassemblies. In order to create this kind of mating constraint, select geometry within the work part for the From component, and select geometry outside the work part for the To component. When you select the geometry outside the current work part, you will receive a message that a linked feature will be created in the work part, and you will be asked whether you wish to continue. The linked feature remains in the work part even if you delete the mating constraint that led to its creation. If you wish to delete the linked feature, you must delete it explicitly. You can select the following types of geometry in the To component for creation of the linked feature: Datum planes Datum axes Faces Edges Curves (but not smart curves such as offset, intersection, or projection curves)

Interaction with Reference Sets and Features

When one or both of the objects involved in a mating condition is removed by a modeling operation, the affected mating constraints and conditions may become suppressed. The most common example is when an edge is removed by a blend, which causes the mating condition to become under-constrained. When updating, the component may be repositioned. When one or both of the objects involved is not loaded because it does not belong to the currently loaded reference set of its component, the mating condition does not update.

Mating Conditions dialog box

You can create a normal mating condition in two ways: When adding an existing part as a component to your assembly (choose AssembliesComponentsAdd Component, then choose Mate from the Positioning menu on the Add Existing Part dialog). The part being added becomes the mated component. By choosing Mating Conditions (found under AssembliesComponent PositionMate Component), and choosing an existing component from the assembly. There are different rules for creating override mating conditions. When you choose the Mating Conditions option, or when you choose the Mate option while adding a component, the Mating Conditions dialog box appears: Option Overrides filter Description This filter controls which types of override mating conditions appear in the mating condition tree.

List All List No Overrides List No Implicit Overrides List Only Overrides Note: The Overrides filter is only visible if there are override mating conditions in the part. mating condition tree Mating Type Provides a graphical display of the assembly's mating conditions and the components or subassemblies involved. Popup menus provide additional options. Specifies the type of mating constraint. Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendicular Center Distance Tangent Center Objects Angle Options Available when Mating Type is set to Center or Angle. If the Mating Type is Center, this option is the Center Objects menu: 1 to 1 1 to 2 2 to 1 2 to 2 If the Mating Type is Angle, the Angle Options menu appears instead: Planar 3D Orient Lets you flip the solution when another solution for the current constraints exists. Note: Alternate Solution Alternate Solution is not the same as Mating Alternates, which is a type of associative

component substitution. Selection Steps Defines whether geometry you select for a mating constraint belongs to the component being mated or to the base. From To Second From Second To Filter Helps you constrain the component by limiting the type of constraining objects that are selectable. Any Face Edge Datum Plane Datum Axis Point Line Curve CSYS Component CSYS and Component do not appear on the Filter menu unless you choose the Align mating type. Note: Point does not appear for the Align mating type if you are constraining a component array. Distance Available when Mating Type is set to Distance or Angle. Expression Angle Expression Lets you specify a distance or angle expression. The DesignLogic options (see 2 rows below this one) can help you define the expression. If the Mating Type is Distance, this option is Distance Expression. If the Mating Type is Angle, the Angle Expression option appears instead. units Shows the units for a Distance Expression or Angle Expression (that is, in for inches, or deg for degrees) Provides options to help you define the expression. DesignLogic option See the Modeling Help for more information about the DesignLogic options and expressions. menu Preview Lets you see the solution of the new constraint without moving the components.

List Errors Vary Constraints

Available when a new constraint cannot be solved. Lists the errors that prevented the solution. Lets you reposition a component, or dynamically edit a dimensional constraint, as allowed by the current mating constraints. Note: The Vary Constraints options cannot be used on override mating conditions.

Override mating conditions

Mating conditions in a component that has been positioned by variable positioning are override mating conditions. Variable positioning specifies that a component has a different position in a higher-level assembly than in its immediate parent. An implicit override mating condition is automatically created for each component mated to an overridden component at the time the override is created. Implicit override mating conditions allow components that are mated to the overridden component to remain mated to it in its overridden position. An explicit override mating condition is created for any mated component that is overridden. You can add constraints to an explicit override mating condition. Implicit override mating conditions, which are created by the system for information only, cannot be modified. Override mating conditions have the following behavior: The tree in the Mating Conditions dialog marks overridden mating conditions and their constraints as implicit or explicit, as appropriate. An explicit override mating condition or constraint has a blue arrow, and an implicit one has a white arrow. Note: Non-inherited constraints in an override mating condition (i.e., ones that you create in that mating condition) are not marked by arrows. You can use the same popup menu options on this type of constraint as on constraints in normal mating conditions. Constraints on the component are inherited by the override mating conditions. You can modify constraints from explicit overrides (blue arrow), but not from implicit overrides (white arrow). You can edit the numeric value or expression (but not the referenced geometry) of inherited angle or distance constraints in explicit override mating conditions. Use the Copy to Override option from the constraint node's popup menu in the Mating Conditions tree to create a nonassociative copy of the constraint. The original constraint will be suppressed after the copy is made. You can use an expression in the higher level assembly as the numeric value. You can also use Copy to Override on constraints that do not have expressions. You can edit the constraints of an override mating condition with options in the Mating Conditions dialog tree. None of these operations will affect the overridden component or modify its immediate parent. You can suppress and unsuppress the constraints of an explicit override mating condition without affecting the overridden component or its mating condition. You can suppress and unsuppress an override mating condition. Options that do not attempt to modify override mating conditions, such as information options, can also be used. Available options on the tree popup menu are Highlight, Show/Hide Degrees of Freedom, Alternate Solution, Suppress, Unsuppress, and (for explicit override mating conditions) Rename.

You cannot delete an override mating condition, unless the component is unmated (i.e., none of the override mating constraints are inherited). When a component is mated, its override must be mated, too.

Tips
You can bring the Mating Conditions dialog up directly (e.g., by selecting the component and choosing Components Mate Component), or by choosing Mate Override on the Options page of the Reposition Component dialog. Mate Override is the only way to mate an override whose component is unmated. When a constraint is being added to an explicit override mating condition, the To geometry can be anywhere in the assembly of the override. Because geometry in an overridden component can be used as From geometry either to position the override or to position the work part instance above it (which may have a mating condition of its own), any geometry selection could be for either an override mating condition or for a normal mating condition. Therefore, the system only adds a new constraint in an override mating condition if that condition is currently highlighted in the Mating Conditions dialog. (Otherwise, it will add a new constraint to a normal mating condition, or else create a new mating condition and create its first constraint.) Because a constraint created by Copy to Override and its original are not associative, the original constraint can be deleted (in the mating condition that was overridden), but the copy will remain (in the override mating condition).

Overrides Filter
The Overrides filter at the top of the Mating Conditions dialog controls which override mating conditions are visible in the tree. Note: It is visible only if there are existing override mating conditions. The filter's options are: List All List No Overrides List No Implicit Overrides List Only Overrides The tree shows all types of mating conditions, including override mating conditions. This is the default. Only non-override mating conditions are listed. Explicit mating conditions and non-override mating conditions are shown, but not implicit override mating conditions. Only override mating conditions (implicit and explicit) are shown. Other types of mating conditions do not appear.

Mating Conditions tree

The mating conditions tree, at the top of the Mating Conditions dialog box is a graphical display of the mating conditions and constraints within the work part. The tree provides options for creating or modifying mating conditions and constraints by means of node shortcut menus. The tree has the following nodes: Root node Consists of the work part name, usually an assembly or subassembly. Since the work part is a single part, there is only one root node, located at the top of the tree.

Condition node

Shows the mating conditions in the work part. This is the second level of the tree, under the root node.

Constraint node

Shows the constraints that make up the conditions. This is the lowest level, and is located under each condition.

Tree objects
Object Description Lets you show or hide mating constraints that make up a mating condition. expand/collapse box Lets you suppress or unsuppress the mating condition/ constraint. If the check is present, the mating condition/constraint is not suppressed. Appears when the mating condition/constraint has an override. A blue arrow means the override is explicit. Explicit overrides are created by you or another user. override arrow mating condition name A white arrow means the override is implicit. The software creates Implicit mating conditions or constraints, usually because they are required for an explicit override. Shows the objects that the mating condition references. If the mating condition has an override, this line also has "(Implicit override)" or "(Override)" as appropriate. Note: If you rename the mating condition, it no longer indicates the referenced objects and will no longer be labelled as an override mating condition. mating constraint name Shows the objects that the constraint references. Note: If you rename the mating constraint, it no longer indicates the referenced objects.

check box

Root node shortcut menu

Option Create Mating Condition Create Suppressed Mating Condition Description Creates an empty mating condition that you can then modify. This operation is optional, because you can also start the mating condition creation process by selecting an object (or geometry) from the component that is being mated. Creates an empty and suppressed mating condition. Another way to create a suppressed mating condition is to create the first constraint of a new mating condition, right-click the condition node, and choose Suppress. You must do this before you apply the condition. Suppressed mating conditions are useful when you want to postpone the solving of the constraints. When you are ready to solve them, you can unsuppress the mating condition with the Unsuppress option on the condition node shortcut menu.

Condition node shortcut menu

Option Highlight Description Lets you highlight or unhighlight the From and To objects and their direction vectors. The options appear four at a time on the menu.

Show Degrees of Displays or hides the degrees of freedom for the mating condition. Freedom Remove Degrees of Freedom Suppress All Constraints Unsuppress All Constraints Suppress Mating Suppresses or unsuppresses the mating condition. Condition Unsuppress Mating Condition Delete Rename Information Deletes the mating condition. Lets you assign a new name to the mating condition. Lists the component positioning information for the component controlled by the mating condition. This is the same as the positioning information provided when you select the component and choose InformationObject. Saves the mating constraints with the part file whenever the part is saved. This allows "learned" (or automatic) mating when the component is added to an assembly. Note: Only mating constraints which have one piece of geometry each on the To and From objects can be remembered. For example, a Center_1_1 constraint can be remembered, but more complex Center constraints (which have two bits of geometry on one or both sides) will not be remembered. Remembered mating constraints appear on the Part File page of the Properties dialog box. The Part File page also lets you delete all the remembered constraints in your component. Suppresses or unsuppresses all constraints in the mating condition.

Remember Constraints

Constraint node shortcut menu

Option Alternate Solution Convert To Delete Rename Description Displays an alternate solution of the mating constraint. Lets you convert the constraint to a different type. Deletes the constraint. Lets you rename the constraint.

Reset to System Restores the default system name for the constraint. Name Restore Suppression Appears for inherited override constraints that you have suppressed or unsuppressed by clicking their check boxes. Restores an inherited constraint of an explicit override to the suppression state of the constraint that it is based on. Copy to Override Creates a non-inherited copy of the constraint, which is useful when you want to edit the numeric value or expression of an inherited angle or distance constraint. You can then use other options on the Mating Conditions dialog box, such as the Angle box, to edit the values. The original constraint is suppressed when the copy is made, but you can later unsuppress it.

This option only appears for inherited constraints of explicit overrides. Copy to Override can be used on constraints that do not have expressions. Arrangement Specific Lets you define an arrangement-specific suppression state and, if applicable, an arrangementspecific expression value for this constraint in the current arrangement. Note: When you toggle this option off, the constraint resets to the current shared-state values. The check box of an arrangement-specific constraint looks like this:

Edit in Arrangements

Opens the Edit Constraint in Arrangements dialog box, which shows the arrangement-specific states of the constraint.

Edit Constraint in Arrangements dialog box

The Edit Constraint in Arrangements dialog box shows the arrangement-specific states of the selected constraint. This dialog box appears when you choose the Edit in Arrangements option from a constraint node shortcut menu. Edit Constraint in Arrangements Dialog Options The selected constraint that you are editing. Shows the state of the constraint in each arrangement. Arrangements can have shared or specific states. If an expression is associated with the constraint, the tree will also have an Expression column with the value of the expression for each state. You can use the check box in the tree to set the suppression state of the constraint in either the shared state or a specific arrangement. Lets you edit the expression when you select a single arrangement-specific row for a constraint that is associated with an expression. You can also edit the expression in place by double-clicking it in the tree. Available for arrangements that have specific states. Lets you move one or more specific-state arrangements into the tree's Shared State node, and delete the expressions of the arrangements. Note: If the expressions are referenced somewhere else, they are converted to user expressions instead of being deleted. Use Specific State Available for arrangements that have shared states. Lets you move one or more of the shared-state arrangements out of the tree's Shared State node. Show Arrangements Ignoring Constraints You can edit expression values of individual specific-state arrangements. This option appears only when one or more arrangements have been set to ignore all constraints, which is controlled by the Ignore All Constraints check box on the Arrangement Properties dialog box.

Constraint tree

Edit Offset Expression Edit Angle Expression Use Shared State

When you select the Show Arrangements Ignoring Constraints check box, the arrangements that ignore their mating constraints appear in light blue text.

Background Shortcut Menu

The following options appear when you right-click while your cursor is over a blank place in the tree or over the column names. Option Collapse All Expand All Export to Browser Export to Spreadsheet Description Collapses all the nodes so that only the first level is shown. Expands all collapsed nodes so that all levels are shown. Exports the contents of the tree to a web browser. The tree contents are saved to an html file and then exported. If no web browser is currently running, your default browser is automatically started. Exports the contents of the tree to a spreadsheet. You can use the spreadsheet tools to help you analyze or publish the data. For example, you can use the tools to sort the data in number cells or to color the text in cells that you want to emphasize. See the Gateway Tools Help for more information about the spreadsheets used in NX.

Mating Conditions selection steps

The selection steps help you select the geometry for a mating constraint. Two of them, Second From and Second To, are active only when certain other options are chosen in the Mating Conditions dialog box. Selection step Description When From is active, select the geometry for the mating constraint from the component being mated. From When To is active, select the geometry for the mating constraint from the assembly or the To component. To When Second From is active, select the geometry for the mating constraint from the mated components. This step is grayed out unless you have chosen the Center mating type, plus 2 to 1 or 2 to 2 from the Center Objects option menu.

Second From

When Second To is active, select additional geometry for the mating constraint from the assembly or from the To component. This step is grayed out unless you have made either of the following choices: Second To The Center mating type, plus the 1 to 2 or 2 to 2 Center Objects option. The Angle mating type, plus Planar from the Angle Objects option menu. After you select geometry for a selection step, the next selection step becomes active. You can also activate a selection step directly by pressing its icon. You can select: Lines, including straight edges Planar surfaces, including datum planes

Cylindrical surfaces Spherical surfaces Conic surfaces Toroidal surfaces Points Circles Datum axes CSYS Components You can use the Filter options help select the geometry.

Vary Constraints dialog box

You can use the Vary Constraints option to modify constraints. For example, you can modify the offset and angle expressions of mating constraints, or you can reposition selected components as allowed by the current mating constraints. Option Description Lets you select one or more components. The other options are unavailable while you are selecting the components. Select Components Makes the other options active. Choose this when you have finished selecting components. Finished Selection Mating Constraints Offset Expression Angle Expression Offset Angle slider repositioning methods Lets you change the offset or angle by moving the slider. You can see the effects in the graphics window and in the Offset Expression or Angle Expression value. Lets you reposition the selected components as allowed by the current mating constraints. You can choose one of the following methods: Translate lets you move the selected components either to a selected point, or to a position that you define by specifying the distance that the components should travel in the XC, YC, and ZC directions. Rotate About a Point Shows the current value of the expression. Lists all the mating constraints of the selected components that have an offset or angle expression. Shows the current name and value of the offset or angle expression belonging to the selected constraint. You can change the expression value.

Rotate About a Line Reposition lets you reposition the selected components by repositioning the CSYS. See the Gateway Tools Help for more information about the CSYS dialog box. Rotate Between Axes Note: Although the Vary Constraints buttons look identical to those that appear on the Reposition Component dialog box, their behavior can differ. For example, Translate on the Vary Constraints dialog box lets you translate either to a specified point or to a specified delta. On the Reposition Component dialog box, Translate only uses a specified delta; other options such as the Point to Point method are used to move to a specified point. Note: The Vary Constraints options cannot be used on override mating conditions.

Mating types overview

The mating constraint types are: Positions two objects of the same type so that they are coincident. For planar objects, their normals will point in opposite directions. Mate For planar objects, it positions the two objects so that they are coplanar and adjacent. For axisymmetric objects, it aligns the axes. Align Defines an angle dimension between two objects. Angle Defines the direction vectors of two objects as parallel to each other. Parallel Defines the direction vectors of two objects as perpendicular to each other. Perpendicular Lets you center one object everywhere along the center of the other, or center one or two objects between a pair of objects. Center Specifies the minimum 3D distance between two objects. You can control which side of the surface the solution should be by using positive or negative values. Distance Defines a physical contact between two objects.

Tangent The following table shows the constraints that can be applied to each combination of selected geometric objects (in the From and To objects/components).

Constraint Object Combination Table

Point Point Mate Align Distance Mate Align Distance Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Tangent Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Tangent Mate Align Center Distance Tangent Mate Align Center Distance Mate Align Center Distance Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Tangent Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Tangent Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Tangent Mate Align Center Distance Tangent Mate Align Center Distance Mate Align Center Distance Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Tangent Mate Align Center Distance Tangent Mate Align Center Distance Mate Align Center Distance Mate Align Angle Parallel Perpendic Center Distance Tangent Align Center Mate Distance Align Tangent Center Distance Tangent Align Center Align Distance Center Distance Align Center Align Distance Center Distance Mate Align Center Distance Align Center Distance Mate Align Center Distance Line Circle Plane Cylinder Sphere Cone Torus

Line

Circle Mate Align Center Distance Tangent

Plane

Mate Align Center Distance

Cylinder Mate Align Center Distance Tangent

Sphere Mate Align Center Distance Tangent Cone Mate Align Center Distance

Torus Mate Align Center Distance

Other Features and Limitations

In general, surface features (cylinders, spheres, cones, and toroidals) can only have Mate constraints to planar (datum planes, planar faces, and csys's), linear (straight edges, datum axes, and lines), or point features, with the following exceptions: Cylinders and/or circles can have Mate constraints to each other if their radii match. Spheres can have Mate constraints to other spheres with the same radius. Cones can have Mate constraints to other cones with the same half angle. Toroidals can have Mate constraints to other tori with matching radii (both inner and outer). A CSYS can Align only to another CSYS. Splines can only have Distance constraints to datum axes, lines, and straight edges. B-surfaces can be selected only for Tangent constraints.

Mating condition types Mate

You can use a Mate constraint to position two objects so they are coincident.

Note: Mate constraints created before V16.0 require the objects to be the same type. Beginning with V16.0, the objects can be different types. See the Constraint Object Combination Table for the possible combinations.

Planar Faces
The software mates planar objects (planar faces and datum planes) by locating the faces so that they are coplanar and their normals point in opposite directions.

Mate Constraint Using Planar Faces

Conical Faces
When you mate conical faces, the software checks to see if the conical half angles of the two selected faces are equal. If they are the same, it aligns the axes of the faces and positions the faces so that they are coincident.

Mate Constraint Using Conical Faces

Toroidal Faces
When you mate toroidal faces, the software checks to see if the inner and outer diameters of the two toroidal face are equal. If they are the same, the software aligns the axes of the faces and positions the faces so that they are coincident.

Mate Constraint Using Toroidal Faces

Other Objects
The software mates edges, lines, and cylindrical faces in a manner similar to the Align constraint. Note: When you mate cylindrical faces, the radii of the selected faces must be equal. When you select a circular edge for use in a Mate or Align constraint, the system uses the axis of the circle. If this behavior is not what you want, you can select the face instead of the edge.

Mating condition types Align

You can use an Align constraint to position two objects so that they are coplanar and adjacent. For axisymmetric objects, an Align constraint aligns the axes.

Planar Faces
The software aligns planar objects (planar faces and datum planes) by locating the faces so they are coplanar, and their normals point in same direction.

Aligning Constraint Using Planar Faces

Cylindrical, Conical, and Toroidal Faces

The software aligns axisymmetric faces (cylindrical, conical, and toroidal faces) by positioning the axes of these objects to be coincident. The align constraint lets you mix and match different axisymmetric faces. The radii of the selected faces need not be equal.

Align Constraint Using Axisymmetric Faces

Edges and Lines

The software aligns edges and lines to be collinear.

When you select a circular edge for use in a Mate or Align constraint, the software uses the axis of the circle. If this behavior is not what you want, you can select the face instead of the edge.

Mating condition types Angle

You can use an Angle constraint to position two objects by defining a rotational angle between them.

An Angle constraint is useful when you want to rotate a mated component into the correct position. For example, if you had a round pin placed in a hole, the pin would be free to rotate about its axis. But if the pin and hole had a notch on them, you can define the angle between the notches on the hole and the pin so that the notches line up. You can create an angle constraint between any pair of objects that have direction vectors. The angle is measured between the direction vectors. This constraint allows you to mix and match geometry types such as faces and edges. For example, it is possible to specify the angle between a face and an edge.

Angle Options menu

The Angle Options option menu on the Mating Conditions dialog box has three commands: Planar, 3D, and Orient.

Planar
A planar angle constraint requires From geometry, To geometry, and Second To geometry. The Second To geometry is a directed object on the To component that acts as an angle axis. This axis of rotation should be constrained perpendicular (or implied to be perpendicular) to the From and To geometries. In other words, the direction vectors of the From and To objects must be perpendicular to the angle axis. If the Second To geometry is not perpendicular to the From and To geometries, the solver treats this constraint as a 3D angle constraint.

3D
A 3D angle constraint requires From geometry and To geometry. You do not specify an axis of rotation; the solver simply chooses locations that can satisfy the angle between the specified geometries.

Orient
An orient angle constraint requires From geometry and To geometry, plus a prior constraint that defines the axis of rotation. If you do not have a suitable prior constraint, the creation of the orient angle constraint fails. For this reason, you may wish to create planar and 3D angle constraints wherever possible, instead of orient angle constraints. A simple example is two blocks. If you create an align constraint between two edges (one from each block), you can then use the align constraint to create an orient angle constraint between the faces that contain those edges. Without the align constraint, you cannot create the orient constraint.

Notes on Orient Angle Constraints

Orient allows you to mix and match geometry types such as faces and edges. For example, it is possible to orient a face to an edge. The software orients selectable objects as follows: For planar objects (planar faces and datum planes), the system creates the orientation vector by projecting the normal of the selected planar object onto a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the mating condition. An angular value of zero causes the system to point the orientation vectors in the same direction, lining them up.

For axisymmetric faces (such as cylindrical, toroidal, and conical faces), the software creates the orientation vector by drawing a vector from the rotation axis to the axis of the selected face. For edges, the software creates the orientation vector for the selected edge by drawing a vector from the rotation axis to the selected edge.

Mating condition types Parallel and Perpendicular

Parallel
You can use a Parallel constraint to constrain objects from the From and To components by defining them or their direction vectors as parallel.

Perpendicular
You can use a Perpendicular constraint to constrain objects from the From and To components by defining them or their direction vectors as perpendicular

Mating condition types Center

You can use a Center constraint to center From objects to the To objects.

The mating objects can be a single object or a pair of objects. You can place the objects either along the center of one To object, or between two To objects.

Center Objects option menu

When you choose the Center mating type, the Center Objects option menu becomes active. Choose the option that describes how many objects you are mating. Option Description

1 to 1 Lets you place one object in the center of the other object. One of the objects must be a circle or an axisymmetric object, such as a cylinder. 1 to 2 Lets you are place a single object between a pair of To objects. When you choose this option, the Second To selection step becomes active to let you select the second To object when it is time to do so. 2 to 1 Lets you are center a pair of To objects on a single From object. When you choose this option, the Second From selection step becomes active to let you select the second mating object. (The Second To step is still unavailable.) 2 to 2 Lets you are center a pair of From objects between a pair of To objects. When you choose this option, the Second From and Second To selection steps become active.

Mating condition types Distance

You can use a Distance constraint to specify the minimum separation in 3D space between the selected objects. A Distance constraint lets you offset the object being mated from the object that it is being mated to. The offset distance can be either a positive or negative value, which allows you to control which side of the To object the mated object will appear.

Mating condition types Tangent

You can use a Tangent constraint to define a physical contact between the selected objects on the From and To components. The contact can be at a point or along a line. Sometimes there may be multiple solutions for the objects you selected. For example, if you select a plane and a sphere, there are two possible points for the tangent point. When there are multiple solutions, the system chooses a solution based on where you selected the objects. You can see other solutions by clicking Alternate Solution on the Mating Conditions dialog box.

Mating tips and techniques

The first object you select must be from the component to be mated. Select the second object from another component or from the assembly geometry. The mated component is positioned in the specified constrained location with respect to the base component. The base component does not move. You can specify that a component should automatically mate itself whenever you add it to an assembly. You can set up the component to mate itself completely or partially by using the Remember Constraints option to specify the constraints that you want to save with the part file. The Remember Constraints option is on the shortcut menu for the condition node in the Mating Conditions dialog tree. If your components are composed of wireframe geometry, or if the necessary geometry for using the other mating options is not available, you can choose to mate coordinate systems. When you mate coordinate systems, the components are fully constrained, so no degrees of freedom exist. The relationship between the two mated components is associative. However, no offset or orient is allowed. It is important that an assembly exist in the correct coordinate system. To achieve this with mating conditions, choose a component or assembly geometry to be the base, position the component in the coordinate system using absolute positioning, and build the assembly by mating components to this base. You cannot create a circular chain of mating conditions, such as mating component A to component B, component B to component C, and then component C to component A. If you try to do this, you receive a message that you have attempted to specify a chain of circular references. You can assemble components that have not been fully constrained. In some cases, this is not a problem. For instance, failing to lock down the rotation of a bolt in a hole does not cause a problem. In these cases, NX uses rules to decide where to place the component. However, you should realize that during an update the rules are reapplied, and depending on how the involved geometry has changed, the component can be placed in a position that is different than its original location. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you fully constrain all mated components, leaving no degrees of freedom. Even when no degree of freedom arrows remain, you can add constraints. In some cases, additional constraints may be necessary to lock the components in desired positions. At times it may be necessary to add mating conditions to an assembly that has been put together with absolute positioning. In this case, it is often difficult to select the geometry to be mated because the base and mated component are already on top of each other. If selection becomes difficult, move the mated component to a point where it is away from the corresponding base component using the Reposition Component options. When NX cannot solve the mating condition, you receive a message. You can see which errors cause the problem by choosing the List Errors button on the Mating Conditions dialog box.

Display mating conditions

There are several ways to display the current mating conditions:

Open the Mating Conditions dialog box. You can click Mate Component on the Assemblies toolbar, or you can choose AssembliesComponent PositionMate Component. The root node, mating conditions, and mating constraints appear in the tree at the top of the Mating Conditions dialog box. You may have to expand some of the nodes to see all the mating conditions and constraints. Choose InformationAssembliesMating Conditions An abbreviated version of the Mating Conditions dialog box appears. The abbreviated version includes the mating conditions tree that appears on the full Mating Conditions dialog box. Open the Reposition Component dialog box, which includes a list of the mating constraints for the selected components. To open the dialog box, click Reposition Component Assemblies toolbar, or choose AssembliesComponent PositionReposition. on the

Mating alternates overview

You can use the mating alternates commands to define two or more components as mating alternates. When you replace a component with one of its verified mating alternates, the mating conditions and constraints of the original component are preserved in the alternate. This ensures that the replacement component has the same position and behavior as the original component. Note: You do not need to match every condition and constraint between mating alternates. You can choose to match only the mating conditions and constraints that you need. To create mating alternates, you must: Have write access to each alternate and their immediate parents. Use mating conditions, not assembly constraints. In the following figure, the 2-hole plate and the 3-hole plate are mating alternates. Both plates have the same mating conditions between the plate and base, and between the plate and the top two screws. The 3-hole plate has an additional mating condition between the plate and the third screw.

Mating alternate jaw plate with 2 screw holes Mating alternate jaw plate with 3 screw holes When you define a component as a mating alternate, you must change the generic geometry name in each constraint to a unique name. When you define other components as mating alternates of the first component, you assign the same names to their corresponding constraint geometry.

Note: Although you can assign names through the Properties dialog box, it is easier to ensure you select and name the correct geometry for each constraint by using the mating alternates dialog boxes. Part family members cannot be mating alternates.

Where do I find it?

Define a mating alternate Application Assemblies Menu AssembliesComponent PositionDefine Mating Alternates

Verify a mating alternate Application Assemblies Menu AssembliesComponent PositionVerify Mating Alternates

Define a mating alternate

This example shows you how to define two or more components as mating alternates. As shown in the following figure, the assembly can have a 2-hole jaw plate or a 3-hole jaw plate.

Mating alternate jaw plate with 2 screw holes Mating alternate jaw plate with 3 screw holes 1. Choose AssembliesComponent PositionDefine Mating Alternates. Note: This option is available only when your assembly uses mating conditions, not assembly constraints. 2. Select the component you want to define as a mating alternate. Note: You must have write access to the component and its immediate parent. The component cannot be a part family member. In the example, you select the 3-hole jaw plate.

3.

In the Class Selection dialog box, click OK. The Define Names dialog box appears. It has two list boxes that show the mating conditions and constraints whose geometry is not yet named for your selected component. The first mating condition and the first mating constraint are selected in the list boxes.

4.

In the Name in Component box, type a unique name for the constraint geometry that is selected in the lower list box, and press Enter. The constraint disappears from the list box, assuming the List Unlabelled check box is selected. If the constraint is the only one in its mating condition, the mating condition also disappears from its list box.

5.

Repeat step 4 until you name the geometry of all the constraints you want to match in the mating alternates for your selected component. In the example, both components you are defining as mating alternates have mating conditions between the plate and the base, and between each hole and the screw that goes into it. The plates have their top two holes in common, but not the bottom hole in the 3-hole plate. Therefore, you name the constraint geometry for each of the top two holes, but not the bottom hole.

Mating Condition

Mating Constraint Enter this name in the (generic geometry names) Name in Component box A B left_hole right_hole

New Mating Constraint name Center 11 ACircle Align BStraight Edge Mate ConicalLEFT_HOLE Mate ConicalRIGHT_HOLE

JAW_PLATEBASE_VISE Center 11 CircleCircle JAW_PLATEBASE_VISE Align Straight EdgeStraight Edge SCREWJAW_PLATE SCREWJAW_PLATE Mate ConicalConical Mate ConicalConical

Note: The new mating constraint names also appear in the tree of the Mating Conditions dialog box. 6. (Optional) If you want to see all the mating conditions and constraints of your selected component, not just the ones you have not named yet, clear the List Unlabelled check box. Tip:

This lets you check the names you have already assigned, to help keep you from assigning the same name twice. To see the names, click each constraint, and the name appears in the Name in Component box. The name also appears in the constraint list box when you save the part. When you finish checking the names, select the List Unlabelled check box so you can see which constraints are still unnamed. 7. 8. 9. When you finish naming all the constraint geometry you want to match in the mating alternates, click OK. Save the component and its immediate parent, or save the assembly. Repeat this procedure for all components you want to define as mating alternates for your first selected component. Assign the same names to the constraint geometry. In the example, you now repeat the procedure for the 2-hole jaw plate, in order to define it as a mating alternate of the 3-hole jaw plate. If you assign the same names to the constraint geometry in the 2-hole plate, each plate positions itself correctly whenever you replace it with its mating alternate.

Verify a mating alternate

This example shows you how to verify two mating alternates. As shown in the following figure, the assembly can have a 2-hole jaw plate or a 3-hole jaw plate.

Mating alternate jaw plate with 2 screw holes Mating alternate jaw plate with 3 screw holes 1. 2. Choose AssembliesComponent PositionVerify Mating Alternates. Select a component whose mating alternate you want to verify. In the example, select the component named jaw_plate.

3. 4.

In the Class Selection dialog box, click OK. In the Select Part dialog box, select the mating alternate, and click OK. In the example, select the component named jaw_plate_2hole.

5.

Specify a point for temporary placement of the mating alternate in the assembly. Note: This point is not used to position the mating alternate during a replacement operation. You can select any point that lets you easily see the component. In the example, the green cube is the point that is the default choice of the software, but this point positions the mating alternate inside the base and sliding jaw. By selecting a point at the end of the base, you can see the mating alternate more easily.

Select a point 6.

The mating alternate is temporarily added to the assembly

In the Verify Names dialog box, do the following:

a. b.

Check the Status and Solution data for each mating condition and constraint to ensure the constraint matches are found and the mating conditions are solved. If a mating condition is not solved because of an error, click the Show Mating Error button to see more information about the error and hints for resolving it. Note: If you need to resolve any errors or make more matches, you can exit the Verify Names dialog box and choose AssembliesComponentsDefine Mating Alternates to fix the problems.

c.

Click OK. You receive a message telling you whether all the mating conditions were fully mapped (that is, whether the mating alternates were fully verified). The message also asks you if you want to replace the component with the mating alternate.

7.

In the Alternate Fully Defined message, do one of the following: o If you click Yes, the Replace Component dialog box appears. When you click OK, the mating alternate replaces the original component. The mating alternate is positioned according to the verified mating conditions and constraints.

If you click No, the temporary component disappears, and the original component stays.

Define Names dialog box for mating alternates

The Define Mating Alternates command lets you define a selected component as a mating alternate, and provide names for the constraint geometry. You must use the Define Mating Alternates command on each mating alternate. Note: See Common dialog box options for common options not discussed here. Option Description

List Unlabelled Lets you specify the type of mating conditions in the mating conditions list box. If you select this check box, the list displays only mating conditions that are not fully labelled. If this check box is not selected, the list box shows all mating conditions for the selected component. mating conditions list box mating constraints list box Type Displays the mating conditions for the selected component.

Displays the mating constraints for the mating condition that is highlighted in the mating conditions list box. Displays the type of geometry used by the highlighted mating constraint in the selected component. When you define mating alternates, you can only match similar object types. For example, if one component has a datum plane that you want to mate, you cannot reattach the datum plane to a planar face in the alternate component, even if both objects have the same name.

Component Name in Component

Displays the name of the selected component. Lets you name the constraint geometry for the highlighted constraint for the selected component. In order to create verifiable mating alternates, the geometry name must be unique in the component, and must also match the geometry name for the corresponding object in the alternate component.

Verify Names dialog box for mating alternates

Note: See Common dialog box options for common options not discussed here. The Verify Mating Alternates command lets you select a component, load a mating alternate for the component, and verify that the mating conditions will work if you replace the component with the mating alternate. Option List Type Description Specifies the type of mating conditions that appears in the mating conditions list box. You can show all the mating conditions, or only the unlabeled mating conditions.

mating Displays the mating conditions for the original part. conditions list box mating Displays the mating constraints for the mating condition that is highlighted in the first list box. constraints list box Name Displays the following information for the constraint that is highlighted in the mating constraints list

Status Solution

box: Name Shows the unique name you assigned to the constraint geometry when you defined the mating alternate. Provides information about whether the software found a match for the highlighted constraint in both the selected component in the assembly and the mating alternate you are verifying.

Status

Solution Provides information about whether the mating condition for the highlighted constraint is solved. Show Mating Available when a mating condition cannot be solved because of an error. Error Opens a window with a description of any mating errors that prevented a solution. For example, if you assign the same name to multiple constraints in a mating condition, the Information window tells you the constraints are conflicting, and provides suggestions for fixing the constraints. You can still perform the replacement. If you do so, the mating condition is attached to the alternate component, but the component is not successfully updated with the existing constraints.