Simulation tools verify clients’ machinery and help increase production

Industrial machinery producer Kotchergenko realized a 50% increase in productivity, 20% faster model generation and improved product quality with Femap. It also made a 25 percent improvement in information flow/sharing.

Learn how here.

Start your free trial of Femap here.

Material handling equipment maker Action Construction boosts competitive advantage

Action Construction Equipment designs better with Solid Edge. The company implemented Solid Edge and successfully boosted its return on investment through the high value of maintenance, enhancement and support. Success after the CAD purchase included quick answers to questions, internal issues quickly resolved, latest technology easily deployed, building a more productive workforce, greater efficiency across operations and an increased competitive advantage.

Learn how here.

Try Solid Edge free for 45 days here.

How to Install Java to Enable NX Documentation

NX Documentation requires Java script to run in order to search and complete other tasks. Java is no longer included in the NX installation and must be installed separately using a browser to download from the Java website. The following reviews a Siemens Software Field Bulletin (SFB) that defines the process of installing Java for NX7.5 through NX9.

Even if the NX help documentation has been installed on a computer that has NX installed and running, the NX Help search function will not work without Java. An error reports that the Java plugin does not exist.

You may also receive one of the following errors:

The key on these alerts is “security settings”, indicating that the Windows Firewall settings have blocked the running of the Search Applet. Turn the firewall settings off to eliminate this situation.

There are also some browser options that may need to be adjusted. In Firefox, for example, a setting allows Firefox to always run the Java plugin. On the Firefox browser menu bar, select Tools->Add-ons.

Select “Plugins” from the list on the left.

On the right side, there are drop down options. Select the option of “Always Activate” for the Java™ Platform SE 7 U51 10.51.2.13 plugin entry in the list.

 Additionally, there are some issues with using certain browsers to download Java. Internet Explorer 11, for example, will sometimes fail to copy all of the download data onto the computer.

Regardless, not only does Java need to be installed but there is a recommended procedure to ensure the most successful results. Siemens has published a procedure that should resolve this issue.

The following content is an excerpt from the Siemens Software Field Bulletin SFB-NX-7743:

Java 7 update 45 breaks NX Documentation search function  
 
Affected Software:  NX9.0 UGDOC, NX8.5 UGDOC, NX8.0 UGDOC and NX 7.5 UGDOC Associated PR Number(s): 1958533
   Scope: Java 7 Update 45
   Revision: N/A
   ------------------------------------------------------------------

   PROBLEM:
  
   Java 7 update breaks NX9.0, NX8.5, NX8.0 and NX7.5 NX Documentation search function

   REMEDY:
  
   The provided UGDOC fix has been developed for Java 7 Update 45 and NX9.0 UGDOC, NX8.5 UGDOC, NX8.0 UGDOC, or NX 7.5 UGDOC.
  
   To verify the installed Java version:
 
      Open Control Panel
      Set 'View By:' to either 'Small Icon' or 'Large Icon'
      Select .Programs and Features-

   In the list of installed products, look for Java entries:

      Java 7 Update 45
      Java 7 Update 45 (64-bit)

   If the Java installation is different than what is listed above, please remove the older Java versions and install Java 7 Update 45 from the following link:

      http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
================================================================
   1. Log on to the GTAC Web site at:
 
      http://support.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/gtac.shtml
        
   2. Select .Download and Upload files-.

   3. Select -Download files-.

   4. Login with your WebKey account.
    
   5. On the 'Product Update' row, select the pull down menu and
      use 'NX Unigraphics/NX/'
    
   6. Select 'ugdoc'.
==================================================================
NOTE: There are different sections for NX9.0, NX8.5, NX8.0 and NX7.5. Please read the appropriate section.
==================================================================
===============================
For NX9.0 and Java 7 Update 45
===============================

1. Select 'nx9'

2. Select 'qagent'

3. Download nx85_nx9_java7_u45.zip.

4. Close all browser windows.

5. Extract the content of nx85_nx9_java7_u45.zip to a temporary location.
      
   Copy the content to the following locations:

• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 9.0\UGDOC\html_files\nx_help\
• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 9.0\REL_INFO\release_notes\english
• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 9.0\REL_INFO\whatsnew\english

6. If the NX API Manuals are installed, complete the following:
  
   Copy the extracted content to the following locations:

• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 9.0\UGDOC\html_files\nx_api\

===============================
For NX8.5 and Java 7 Update 45
===============================

1. Select 'nx85'.

2. Select 'qagent'
  
3. Download nx85_nx9_java7_u45.zip.

4. Close all browser windows.

5. Extract the content of nx85_nx9_java7_u45.zip to a temporary location.
      
   Copy the content to the following locations:

• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 8.5\UGDOC\html_files\nx_help\
• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 8.5\REL_INFO\release_notes\english
• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 8.5\REL_INFO\whatsnew\english

6. If the NX API Manuals are installed, complete the following:
  
  Copy the extracted content to the following locations:

• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 8.5\UGDOC\html_files\nx_api\

===============================
For NX8.0 and Java 7 Update 45
===============================

1. Select 'nx8'

2. Select 'qagent'

3. Download nx8_java7_u45.zip.

4. Close all browser windows.

5. Extract the content of nx8_java7_u45.zip to a temporary location.
      
   Copy the content to the following locations:
      
C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 8.0\UGDOC\html_files\nx_help\ C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 8.0\REL_INFO\release_notes\english C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 8.0\REL_INFO\whatsnew\english

===============================
For NX7.5 and Java 7 Update 45
===============================
** NOTE: 1/13/14 o Patch zip file has been updated to support IE 11.

1. Select 'nx75'.

2. Select 'qagent'

3. Download nx75_java7_u45.zip.

4. Close all browser windows.

5. Extract the content of nx75_java7_u45.zip to a temporary location.
      
    Copy the content to the following locations:

• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 7.5\UGDOC\html_files\
• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 7.5\REL_INFO\release_notes\english
• C:\Program Files\Siemens\NX 7.5\REL_INFO\whatsnew\english

To test, start NX and select Help->NX Help. Your default browser should open up and a tab window added with the main page of the NX Documentation.

Go back to NX, select an NX command or option that opens an NX dialog, and select Help->On Context. Another tab should be added to your browser window with the content pertaining to the command or option that you started in NX.

If the responses match those above, Java and the appropriate plugins for NX are functioning successfully.

Garrett Koch
Application Engineer
Swoosh Technologies

Get Solid Edge Certified

Siemens PLM now offers a certification exam for Solid Edge ST6, which is designed to enable experienced users to receive special recognition for their knowledge and proficiency with Solid Edge software.

The certification costs $99.00 and users must score an 80 or above to receive this recognition. Currently, the certification is offered for free to those attending Solid Edge University 2014 this May in Atlanta, GA. Click here to learn more.

Power generation equipment maker enhances CAD data sharing and increases productivity

Pomit Co. designs better with Solid Edge. Results also included the creation of new, easy-to-understand animations of assembly and disassembly processes and enhanced information sharing by all employees and departments.

Learn how here!

Try Solid Edge for free here.

3 Steps to Getting Started with Solid Edge

Getting started using Solid Edge is as easy as 1,2,3. Follow these steps laid out below and you will be enjoying 3D modeling in no time.

Once the order for Solid Edge is placed it will take a couple days before you’ll be entered into the Siemens PLM database. The person who placed the order, is the person who will typically be receiving an email from Siemens PLM with the Floating or Node locked license file which will come named Selicense.dat

1. The first and most important thing to do is visit the Siemens GTAC web site to create a WebKey account. This WebKey account allows you to download Maintenance packs, current license files, and other important things.

Once you click the Webkey Management link you will select the prompt to create a new account. Once you start the process of creating an account your Sold To ID and you Web access code will be needed. To get this you can simply need to open your Selicense.dat file with a text editor and you will see (Image Below) your respective Sold To / WebKey numbers.

NOTE: the underlined text below will say (This Host) for those that requested Floating Licenses. In this space you will type the computer name you will run the FLexLM license manager on. For more information on installing license files click here.

Once your Webkey is created you will now be able to now log in and download license files and most importantly Maintenance packs as seen below. Download the newest maintenance pack for your version since they are cumulative.

2. Now that you have everything in place including your Solid Edge program disk (or a downloaded version), your license file, and the current Maintenance pack it’s time to start installing!

Once the install process starts take note of an often-missed step:  be sure to set your appropriate template format (See above). It’s easy to change after the install but even easier to change during install. Once the license portion comes up just skip this step; we can take care of this after the install.

3. Okay, now on to step three, licensing. If you ordered a floating license file you should load the License Manager from the install disk (image below). Install the manager on the Computer you will be checking out license files from. This is usually a networked computer, but it can also be loaded on the same computer running Solid Edge.For help with licensing click here.

If you have requested a node locked license you will have to provide Siemens PLM with the CID composite ID number of every computer you will require a license for. You can download a utility from the Siemens GTAC website  under License Management. Download and run the CID number generator to get your 12-digit code for the CID based license. Once your license is acquired, copy it to the location you installed Solid Edge. If you choose the defaults you will place it as shown below in the preferences folder. You will then be prompted that the file exists. Select Copy/Move and Replace.

Congratulations! You have now done everything to get Solid Edge running. If your new to Solid Edge follow this link to go through the Siemens PLM Solid Edge Learning Portal. Here you can download and use the training media to help you learn Solid Edge.

Some other links that you will find helpful are located on the Solid Edge splash Screen when you first start up Solid Edge as shown below.

We also provide Solid Edge training at Swoosh Technologies. Click here to find for a class near you! Our training is customized to your company’s unique needs and skills set.

If you have questions feel free to contact us at here.

Dylan Malek
Application Engineer
Swoosh Technologies

On Machine Probing in NX CAM

On machine probing in NX CAM uses the machine tool to perform measurements during machining. This can deliver both quality and process improvements. View the presentation and demo created by Senior Application Engineer, Matt Beisel from Swoosh Technologies to learn more.

NX CAM On Machine Probing from SwooshTech
 

Accelerated analysis enables engineering solutions for marine and energy-related industries

Naval design and engineering company Icepronav uses Femap to speed development, reduce costs and aid compliance with strict industry regulations. Results also include virtual validation of performance before ship testing and construction.

Learn more here.

Start your free trial of Femap here!

Power protection systems manufacturer cuts design time in half

Liebert Corp. designs better with Solid Edge. Liebert effectively re-uses 80 to 90 percent of its design data and achieves annual productivity savings of more than $250,000 in one department. Liebert also cut design time in half while earning ISO 9000 certification and numerous awards for quality.

Learn more here.

Start your 45 day free trial of Solid Edge here!

Customizing Your Report in InspectionXpert for PDF

Did you know that when using InspectionXpert for PDF to balloon a drawing you can chose what extracted information is exported to your report? This is easily done by adding a common value and using the Table Manager tools to filter the results. This is helpful if you want to use the data for customized or special reports. The following illustrates this process.

Once you have your drawing ballooned turn your focus to the Table Manager. This is where all the extracted data will be displayed.

Using the bottom scroll bar, scroll to the right to view the other available fields. These fields are utilized to add a common value to use as a filter allowing InspectionXpert to only display this data. Select the row(s) you want to edit. The Characteristic window will activate and display the information on the row you selected. Note: If you select multiple rows, the information of the 1st row you selected will appear in the window

In the Characteristic window expand out the Inspection area by clicking on the two down arrows on the right hand side

Here you add your common value. Operation, Classification, and Method each have drop-down menus with a list of options to choose from. If you wish you can use these to assign your common value to the each row

In this example, the Comments and key-in “Filter” is used as the common value. Once information is  added here, it will automatically transfer to the Table Manager in the single or multiple rows that were selected.

When returning to the Table Manager and placing the cursor over the Comments column tile, a small filter icon will appear in the upper right corner. Clicked on this icon and a drop-down will appear with the value comment that was added. Click on this value so that only the balloon numbers with this comment will be displayed in the Table Manager.

With the filter in place, the ballooned number list is shortened and this data will be exported to the report. NOTE: This is just a filter; all of the original data is still there.

Next go to the Publish tab in the menu ribbon and select the Excel icon. The Export to Excel window will appear. Select the report template and click Export. 

A dialog box will caution that data is being published is filtered. Click Continue.

The end result is a report with only the filtered data from InspectionXpert.

This method can be used to create customized or special reports with specific data from your InspectionXpert project while keeping your original data intact.


Sam Estrada
Application Engineer
Swoosh Technologies

NX CAM Quick Tip: Using Solid Tools in NX 8.5

Learn how to use solid tools in NX CAM 8.5 with this presentation by Swoosh Technologies' Application Engineer, Brian Brown.

Using Solid Tools in NX 8.5 from SwooshTech

Discover more about NX CAM here and view our training calendar to enroll in an NX CAM course near you (all courses are also offered online during all specified training courses).