Add a Custom Command for Header Lines for Post Processing in NX 9 CAM

Follow these simple steps to create a Custom Command in NX CAM to add to a post processor for header lines to be output from a post processor:

Start Postbuilder.

Select the custom command tab.

Select the Create option.

Right mouse button on the new custom command and rename it. To PB_CMD_header line.

Highlight everything in the right window, as displayed below.

Once everything is highlighted, select the delete key.

Select the lines below:

#=============================================================
proc PB_CMD_header_line { } {
#=============================================================
#This Custom Command will output the header information

#this will output information associated with a program

global mom_oper_program
global mom_part_name
global mom_date
global mom_logname

MOM_output_literal "(PROGRAM NUMBER: $mom_oper_program)"
MOM_output_literal "(PART NAME : $mom_part_name)"
MOM_output_literal "(POSTED DATE : $mom_date)"
MOM_output_literal "(PROGRAMMED BY : $mom_logname)"}

Copy the lines selected above and paste them into the right side of the dialog box. It should appear like this:

Select the Program Tab.

Select the Program Start Sequence.

Select the name of the custom command you just created. In this case it should be the  PB_CMD_header line.

Select the Add block option.

Drag the command after the rewind stop code.

This will add the header lines to the beginning of the CNC program.

Want to learn more about customizing your posts? Get training in NX CAM post processing from Swoosh Technologies. Learn more here!

Written by
Brian Brown
Application Engineer
Swoosh Technologies

Using Existing NX CAM Files as Templates

Templates in NX CAM are utilized to save programming time and the possibility of errors. When utilizing templates, the programmed tool, speeds, feeds, non-cutting moves, cutting parameters, and cut patterns should be consistent.

Templates can also be utilized to consistently process your machined parts in very similar sequences.
If applied properly the programmer should only need to re-select the geometry intended to program.

Any NX CAM file can be utilized at any time as a template. The following steps show just how easy using existing files as templates is:

When creating an operation select the browse option:

Locate to the file you wish to utilize as your template file. Select the file and select the OK button.

The operations that you have created in your selected file appears as your available operations.

Note: In the example shown, Only 3 operations exist

For best results attach the template to the geometry level in your operation navigator.

Note: Parts can be used as Templates pulling versions forward, but not backwards. (NX7.5 file can be a template in NX9.0, but NX9.0 files cannot be used as a template in NX7.5)

Want to learn more about NX CAM? Attend or request a training course here.

Written by

Brian Brown
Application Engineer
Swoosh Technologies

Creating a Reuse Library in NX 8.5

NX Reuse Libraries aid in assembly with jigs and fixtures by simply dragging the files into the manufacturing setup files. Sample Reuse Library files can be downloaded from Siemens PLM here; however, a webkey is necessary.

Follow these steps to setup a reuse library and create a reuse folder on your computer:

Start NX. This example uses NX 8.5.

Edit your customer defaults by navigating to File > Utilities > Customer Defaults.

A reuse library can be set up at the site level or the users level.

Next, map your new Reuse Library location. In the native NX area dialog box, add the path highlighted below.

NOTE: You may enter any path you wish after the | symbol.

Reuse Examples|$UGII_BASE_DIR/nxparts/Reuse Library/Reuse Examples
Reuse Examples|C:\Users\brian\Desktop\NX85_Reuse\CAM_Reuse_Library_Samples 

Select OK to save your defaults.

Exit NX.

Restart NX.

Your new Reuse Library should be now be displayed.

You are ready to create a model in your Reuse Library!

The model you create must reference the column heading in Excel.

Create a new file. Prior to creating any geometry, set up expressions for the column heading. Then create geometry referencing those expressions.

Save your file.

Enter the Reuse Library to view the model.

Learn more about NX Reuse Library and the Manufacturing Resource Library (MRL) through training with Swoosh Technologies. Register for a class or request a customized class here.

Written by
Brian Brown
Application Engineer
Swoosh Technologies

Creating Macros for Customization in NX

The simplest way to customize NX is through the use of macros

A macro records a series of keystrokes in order to automate them into a simple keystroke or an icon on a custom Toolbar. Any series of keystroke a NX operator does repeatedly should be considered for a macro in order to speed up the process.

 Follow these steps to create a macro:

1. Select the tools drop down menu
2. Select macro
3. Select start record

Note: Macros have to be updated between releases.

Macros can be setup for user interaction also and can be paused to give the user instructions. Macros can be setup with user entry boxes or file selection dialog boxes.

Watch the video below to view a macro I created to change the color to green and my translucency to 75%. The video shows how I created the macro and un-did the macro’s result. The video also shows the playback of the macro created for testing.

Brian Brown
Application Engineer
Swoosh Technologies

NX How To: Set up the Reuse Library for Custom Symbols

Follow these steps to set up the Reuse Library in NX 9 for custom symbols:

Go to the customer defaults dialog box. 

In the Gateway portion, click Reuse Library, and map the location to your symbol files.

NOTE: The files that contain your symbols must be contained in the folder that you map inside the customer defaults.

Below is a screen shot of the location I have mapped in my defaults file (click the image to enlarge). here you can see the file containing my symbol.

To create a symbol, first right click on the Library where you want your new symbol to reside and click Define Custom Symbol.

The Define Custom Symbol dialog box now appears. Follow these steps to upload a new symbol:

1. Change the folder you wish to store the custom symbol inside.
2. Name the Symbol and name the part in the symbol folder.
3. Select the objects of the symbol.
4. Select the Anchor point to the symbol. The anchor point is the point that controls the placement of the symbol.
5. Finally select the image you wish to display of the symbol. It can be a screen shot of the graphics area or it can be a BMP or JPG file with different resolutions.

Note:  If properly executed your symbol should appear as shown below.

Learn more about NX with training from Swoosh Technologies! View the upcoming courses here.

Brian Brown
Application Engineer
Swoosh Technologies