Details panel of the part navigator in NX

In NX 11.0.1, it is now simpler to navigate dependencies in the component navigator. As a result, I thought it would be a good idea to go through some frequently misunderstood features of this portion of the part navigator.

The dependency browser displays the relationships for the currently chosen item. This item might be geometry, a feature, or an assembly restriction. Please keep in mind that choosing a solid body is not the same as choosing an extrude feature. NX may highlight the same item in the graphics window, but it is not the same object. NX has a dual nature in that you may choose between a display item (something you can show and hide or place on a layer) and a feature.

In the navigator, features are represented by a green check (suppress check), whereas objects are represented by a red check (visibility check).

In the past, the part navigator was rigid and required you to choose an item in order to conceal it; features could not be hidden. Fortunately for all of us, those days are over, and you may now conceal an extrusion feature. NX conceals the geometry created by the feature. However, understanding that there are two types of objects in NX is beneficial.

You may make an extrude with two bodies and then "place the extrude feature on layer two." However, you should be aware that this is not entirely correct. You can place one of these bodies on layer three. What layer is the extrude feature presently on?

You can select one of these bodies and put it on layer three. On which layer is the extrude feature now?

Details panel of the part navigator in NX

New folder at the top of the navigator

In NX 11.0.1, a new Non-timestamp Geometry folder in the part navigator makes it easier to find the objects that are not produced by any feature. These non-timestamp objects now also participate in the dependency browsing.

Now that you understand the importance of distinguishing between objects and features, you should find the dependency pane in the navigator easier to use.

When you select a feature, such as the extrude in the picture below, the dependencies of the feature are then shown in the dependency pane. The Children folder contains all features that directly depend on the selected feature. The Parents folder contains the features and objects on which the selected feature directly depends.

A new Non-timestamp Geometry folder in the part navigator in NX 11.0.1 makes it easier to discover objects that are not created by any feature. These non-timestamp items can now be browsed for dependencies as well.

You should find the dependency pane in the browser easier to use now that you understand the significance of differentiating between objects and features.

When you pick a feature, such as the extrude in the image below, the feature's dependencies are displayed in the dependency pane. All features that are directly dependent on the selected feature are stored in the Children folder.

A move face feature moves the face and blends the edge downstream. This additional information may be valuable if you want to replace the feature with another. It indicates how many items will need to be mapped.

The Parent folder demonstrates how the functionality operates. The selection intent criteria that were utilized to define the section are also visible. The extrude direction was also deduced from the sketch object (red check!).

The feature recipe is displayed in the dependencies pane.

When you use Quick Pick to choose the XY datum plane of the datum CSYS in NX 11.0.1, you will notice that the information on the objects of the datum coordinate system feature has been greatly enhanced. You may now see the plane of which feature you have chosen. This is especially useful while viewing dependencies.