Cadalyst - November 2007 - (Page 32)

cadlabsreview Other NX tools operate directly on solid objects created within the Modeling environment without translating the solid body. For example, users can perform drawing creation, engineering analysis, and numerically controlled machining functions by accessing the appropriate application from within the Modeling environment. Finally, as a design evolves, models can be updated either automatically or manually. I’m an industrial designer, so I’m interested in creating curvy, freeform shapes. NX offers surface modeling and analysis tools Figure 3. NX Industrial Design (formerly known as Shape Studio) is well suited for creating some specifically for computer-aided fairly advanced surfaces, as shown in this design (left) for a shower control panel. A final renderindustrial design (CAID). Out of ing (right) of the shower control panel includes a hose in a realistic environment. the box, NX 5 by itself is fairly well suited for industrial design, although the software also features tools specifically intended for industrial/conceptual designers who develop products with complex surfaces for the automotive and aerospace industries. The tools in NX Industrial Design include all of the basic conceptual stage options for creating and visualizing proposed designs, as well as additional tools for producing complex surfaces (figure 3). Although it can produce some outstanding surfaces, getting to the final solution can be somewhat of a challenge. I found that some of the curve-creation tools required trial and error to arrive at the shape and form I wanted. Overall, once I got beyond some nuances, creating sketches and parts was about on par with other MCAD packages — not really any easier, but definitely not as difficult as many have been led to believe. Concurrent Design and Collaboration The core of Teamcenter data management is included in all NX bundles, with capabilities for collaboration being especially important (figure 4). Core data management is included with NX, but more advanced Teamcenter capabilities are available as options at an additional expense. For example, Teamcenter Community is a Web-based collaboration utility. Built on Microsoft SharePoint Services, Teamcenter Community is a conferencing system integrated into Teamcenter in an environment that can be accessed directly from within NX 5. With it, users can package and send models to project participants and perform online design reviews. So, that’s it for Part 1. I could have covered many more topics, but Cadalyst has only so much space. I actually could have written an entire article about each of the top32 November 2007 | cadalyst | www.cadalyst.com Figure 4. Collaboration is an important aspect of NX, including the ability to measure features or entire parts for design review discussions. ics covered in the subsections. NX 5 has many new and interesting features and capabilities waiting to be discovered and used. Next time, I’ll cover assemblies, drawings, and additional modules (including Teamcenter). I’ll also summarize my overall experience with and impression of NX 5. c Jeffrey Rowe is an independent mechanical design and technical communications consultant. With offices in Colorado and Michigan, he can be reached at 719.539.8549 or jrowe@cairowest.com. http://www.cadalyst.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cadalyst - November 2007

Cadalyst - November 2007 Contents Editor's window Cad Central Conceptual Inspiration for Less Than $200 From Any Angle - Publish and Share Your 3D Designs NX 5, Part 1 - CAD/CAM/CAE Software Newforma Project Center Fourth Edition - Software for Project Information Management CAD Manager's Survey 2007 Sharing and Collaborating with Your Team To BIMfinity and Beyond! Solutions for Sending Large Digital Files Cad Cartoon Issue Indexes Cad Fidential

Cadalyst - November 2007

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