NX9 Dimensioning 4

[Martynw]

Hi all

I have been using NX for 15 years, and are heavily involved in training new users, and rolling out new versions.
Up to NX7.5 adding dimensions although not perfect, was at least a simple process, with MB3 allowing access to 95% of all the editing that was ever required by us. Indeed my standard line during dimensioning training is "its all on MB3".

we don't generally change arrow sizes, gaps, fonts, etc, as these are all pre set from the Seed part.

I am now testing NX9 and are really struggling to see how this is a better approach; it's certainly not quicker for those 95% of changes we make, either on button clicks or time.

As someone experienced in delivering support in a Design environment I know that I am going to take a great deal of flack over this, so I could do with a comprehensive explanation of how this will benefit us.

I work in a design environment, not software development world; do the two ever talk!

Sorry for the rant, but I have to sell this.

 

[phillpd]

Welcome to dimensioning in NX9.

We've recently upgraded from NX6 and I've not had one person (600+ users) think it's in any way an improvement over what went before it.

NX 9.0.3.4
NX 10 (Testing)
Windows 7 64 (Windows 8.1 Tablet)

 

[Martynw]

Thanks for the insight, and I am sure that I will be adding another 400 to the list of disgruntled users, which begs the questions how has it got this far.

Even more annoying is that although a few options remain on MB3, the ones we will mostly use have gone.

Can they be put back in?

 

[MASawtell]

Hate to sarcastic, but... "Next Version".

 

[loki3000]

can you please tell what is that approach like to those of us that don't have 9.0?

 

[Martynw]

It is hard to appreciate unless you actually have a go with it, but basically all aspects of the dimension have nodes that can be selected, which then invoke editing dialogs. Even the selecting can be a bit of a fiddle, and no where near as clean as the old MB3 options.


Also annoying is that I am used to using MB2 to progress any command, but in dimensioning it kills the command!

I am still waiting for someone from Siemens to explain how this is better, and how it is going to make the users I support more efficient.

 

[phillpd]

MB2 killing the dimension is so frustrating.

I'm placing the dimension, click Edit on the popup toolbar, click the Dimension Text node, set the decimal places accordingly, press MB2 ... BOOM, dimension is lost, dialog is closed, start over ! Keep forgetting to click Edit again on the popup toolbar ... Catches me every time.

NX 9.0.3.4
NX 10 (Testing)
Windows 7 64 (Windows 8.1 Tablet)

 

[Martynw]

This must be an oversight, as MB2 is universal in NX for progressing commands.

 

[phillpd]

It's "as designed" I'm guessing, seeing as the Close button has focus.

NX 9.0.3.4
NX 10 (Testing)
Windows 7 64 (Windows 8.1 Tablet)

 

[phillpd]

Also, when using the "Select Dimension to Inherit", why doesn't it take along any appended text ?

Why do I have to go to the appended text dialog separately for inheritance ?

NX 9.0.3.4
NX 10 (Testing)
Windows 7 64 (Windows 8.1 Tablet)

 

[frankbe]

MB2 killing the dimension is so frustrating.

I'm placing the dimension, click Edit on the popup toolbar, click the Dimension Text node, set the decimal places accordingly, press MB2 ... BOOM, dimension is lost, dialog is closed, start over ! Keep forgetting to click Edit again on the popup toolbar ... Catches me every time.

I'm used to pressing the (ESC)key for dismissing wrongly picked edges(which happens more often in NX9 than ever before), and BOOM... away goes the dimensioning dialog box. DAILY anger and frustration. And don't get me started on how the appended text should be typed in...clickediclick. Oh, and the dialog doesn't remember the previous settings. but we do get a "clear" button???
So many little things that work less productive than before in drafting.
Enough complaining now, back to work...

Greetings,
Frank

2x NX9.0.3.4 Mach Design
on win7 64bit
NX10 Beta Tester
1x Solid Edge ST2

 

[Martynw]

Would be nice if someone from Siemens came in on this thread to help us understand what the thinking is behind this new set of functions, and if they are going to listen to us.

talking to users from other companies, it's the same set of comments, "much more work to add dimensions", "less intuitive", etc, etc.

 

[capnhook]

No one here except us crickets I guess.....chirp, chirp..

Proud Member of the Reality-Based Community..

[green]To the Toolmaker, your nice little cartoon drawing of your glass looks cool, but your solid model sucks. Do you want me to fix it, or are you going to take all week to get it back to me so I can get some work done?[/green]

 

[HercalloY]

It must be the way "forward". You know.. Ribbon UI and seeling "features" to new users... and all that.

 

[JohnRBaker]

If you'd like to join (or at least read the responses) a forum where the Siemens person responsible for the direction of the NX Drafting and Dimensioning tools has been responding, may I suggest that you consider this one:

http://community.plm.automation.sie...imensioning-a-step-forward/m-p/276939#U276939

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[Crocostimpy]

John, read the referenced thread. The Single-Sided Dimension in the upcoming NX 10 will almost be worth the price of admission by itself!


Mike

 

[JohnRBaker]

And here's a link to a video showing both the Foreshortened and Single-Sided Dimensioning capability that's coming in NX 10.0:

http://community.plm.automation.sie...shortening-Symbols-added-in-NX-10/ba-p/273597

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[Martynw]

Now I like that.
I also like the Dimension break command, just a shame it isn't in NX9, as we now wont upgrade again for another three years.

 

[eGads2]

NX 10? Oh awesome.. Should see that role out at my company in 2020.