This article was inspired by the topic started at Eng-Tips.com message board. The user asked the community if it is possible to see a real-time mass properties in the NX Graphic Window. By default NX supports associative measurements and PMI’s which show related values in the Graphic Window. Unlike PMI, associative measurements need to be selected in the Part Navigator to show a value on the screen.
PMI updates automatically when associated objects change their positions.
But what should we do if it’s needed to show some properties directly on the screen and they should updating in real time if the model changes? It is possible to use PMI Note to show any Attribute or Expression of the current part.
For the instance: let’s create a part, where the PMI Note would be referenced to the volume measurement.
Go to the Analysis tab and expand the More menu by left-click on it.
Select the Measure Bodies feature and select the target solid body to analyze. Do not forget to check the Associative option on the feature menu.
This will create an associative Body Measurement in the Part Navigator.
Click on it in the Part Navigator and expand the Details panel under the main Part Navigator window. If you check it thoroughly then you will find the parameters which are defines all measurements.
For an instance: I need to show a real-time body mass in the Graphic Window. In that case it’s neccessary to remember the name of the connected parameter – p90.
The next step: click on the PMI tab and launch the Note feature.
Under the Symbols list select the Relationships category and click on the Insert Expression button.
Select the desired expression name and click Ok. Place the Note in the current part. Now the associative PMI Note is linked to the Body Measurement.
Now try to modify the part by using the Move Face feature. It will change nothing, because the Body Measurement feature (that is connected to the Note) has higher position in the Part Navigator tree than the Move Face feature. Now drag and drop the Body Measurement under the Move Face.
The PMI Note will updates since the parameters of the Body Measurement were changed.