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

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