UG NX 2.0 WHAT'S NEW

Usability
Improving the usability of Unigraphics NX continues to be our focus as it has been for a number of releases. This release continues to emphasize making Unigraphics NX easier to learn for new users, easier to understand and more consistent.  
  
This release particularly focuses on Drafting, Modeling and Shape Studio improvements.  Drafting has dramatically streamlined creating and editing of dimensions and notes, utilizing a dialog-less interaction that directs the users focus directly to an always up-to-date preview in the graphics window.  Annotation settings can quickly and easily be changed by using on-screen icon boxes or MB3 menu options during preview.  Views are now selectable objects and can easily be edited by using a view-specific MB3 popup menu.
  
Modeling has a brand new Part Navigator that represents a different way of looking at the data in your part file. Use the new Part Navigator to organize, select and control the visibility of your data as well as simply browse to understand it.  Drafting information is now included as well.  Selection Intent has been added to most Modeling features that select multiple curves, edges and faces.  This lets you define your intent at a high level - selection is more efficient and you also increase the robustness of updates during edits.  Many Modeling functions have a new streamlined user interface; for example, Extrude, Dynamic Law Extension, Four Point Surface, and Sketcher.   
  
Shape Studio offers a dramatically improved X-Form and Match Edge functions to adjust curves and surfaces.  New visualization techniques such as Mirror Display, Non-Proportional Zoom and Highlight Line Analysis assist you in analyzing your model quality.  You will find more details on all of these improvements throughout this What抯 New Guide, denoted by the icon shown below.
  
Finding Usability Enhancements
Usability enhancements are spread across the various product lines in this release. Each Usability enhancement is documented in this What's New Guide in the topic for that particular product. For example, you'd find CAM Usability enhancements in the Manufacturing topic. Usability enhancements are denoted by the following icon to the left of the enhancement name, for example:
  
   
  
  Palette Support
  

Palette Enhancements
What is it?
In the first release of Unigraphics NX, we introduced the ability to use palettes to drop objects into a Unigraphics session. In this release, we've extended this functionality by allowing you to:
  
add objects from a Unigraphics NX session to a palette using drag and drop or cut and paste menu commands  
  
display a specific menu by right-clicking in a palette or on a palette entry. Menu options depend upon the palette or entry type.
  
customize palettes with a new Palette Customization dialog  
  
modify palette properties with a new Palette Properties dialog  
  
edit a palette entry with a new Edit Entry dialog  
  
view palette entries using additional view types: Previews, List View, Icons, Tiles, or Thumbnails  
  
insert a specific palette or template type: Open, Bookmark, Inferred, Component, Master Model template, Master Studio template, Non-master Drawing template, (generic) template, or Visualization Template  
  
use an open, XML-based and internet-ready format for third parties and other high level applications  
  
Why should I use it?
Use it to easily add, view, and edit palette objects.
  
Where do I find it?
You can find these new features on the Resource Bar.  
  
Visualization Settings Templates
What is it?
A visualization settings template is an easy way to capture Unigraphics NX visualization settings and propagate the captured settings into other parts. For example, you might have an existing part that has visualization settings that are 90% of what you want for a new part. You can now easily propagate those settings into a new part or modify settings in an existing part.
  
This feature allows you to:
  
Extract visualization settings from existing parts  
  
View visualization settings so you can verify them or perform modifications  
  
Save visualization settings in a template file  
  
Drag and drop a visualization settings template file onto a new or existing part  
  
Choose from a variety of standard template files, as an alternative to creating custom template files  
  
Why should I use it?
You might use visualization settings templates:
  
as a starting point for standard industrial design  
  
to maintain company standards  
  
to retain settings for demonstrations  
  
Where do I find it?
From within any standard palette window, click on MB3 and select Insert->Visualization Template.  
  
This option is not available in "non-standard" palette windows, such as the History palette. Therefore, to create a visualization template, you must open a standard palette window or create one and then perform the MB3->Insert->Visualization Template operation. To open an existing palette, click on a palette tab on the Resource Bar. To create a standard window palette window, from the History palette, click MB3 and select "New" or select Preferences->User Interface and create one using the options on the Resource Bar page.
  
Studio Showroom Environment
  
What is it?
In this release, enhancements have been made that improve the usability of the Studio Showroom environment. You use the Studio Showroom Environment to set up an environment that allows you to see how your model will look in various settings and at different angles. Enhancements include:
  
Supports the environment cube in Studio Display mode. It was previously only supported in High Quality Shading.
  
Provides dynamic cube editing. You can dynamically edit cube size, location, and orientation. It also allows you to try out different environment images and see the reflection of the environment on the model. Furthermore, it allows you to easily view and navigate the model within the environment.  
  
Provides default environments. Unigraphics NX provides several default environments (showroom, outdoor scene, etc.). This allows you to select a predefined environment. The default environments are easily accessible from the Default Environment palette in the Resource Bar.
  
Allows you to assemble user-defined environments. Showrooms provides an easy user interface allowing you to create and edit your own environment. You can assign a different TIFF file to each wall and dynamically view the result, such as the reflection of each wall on the model. The system stores the environment files that you create in a directory specified by the UGII_USER_SHOWROOM_DATA_DIR environment variable. We recommend that you define this environment variable and use its associated directory as a central storage for all User Showroom Environment files. The directory must have full write permission. Unigraphics NX searches in this directory to resolve all part references to environment files. If not defined, the system uses the UGII_TMP_DIR/user_showroom_data_dir directory to store all user showroom environment files.
  
Turntable feature. Provides an easy interface to create turntable viewing within the environment cube. Provides two turntable modes: Part Rotate and Walk Around. Part Rotate allows you to define the speed and axis of rotation. In this mode, the background remains fixed. You can view the reflection of environment on all parts of the model as it rotates. Using Walk Around, you can set the "eye point." In this mode, the model remains fixed; the background changes as the "eye" moves around the model. Same as the current animation turntable.  
  
You can easily turn the display of the environment cube on and off by clicking the Show Environment Cube icon on the Visualize Shape Toolbar.  
  
Why should I use it?
Use it when designing home, office, or any industrial product that requires aesthetic engineering.
  
Where do I find it?
To open the Environment dialog, click on the new Studio Showroom Environment toolbar icon on the Visualize Shape toolbar or select View->Visualization->Showroom Environment.
  
Materials and Textures UI Enhancement
What is it?
The user interface for High End Visualization has been partially redesigned for improved ease of use. We have enhanced our Materials UI by moving much of it to the Unigraphics NX Resource Bar and providing immediate access to a wider range of materials. The Resource Bar now provides access to:
  
a pre-defined palette of materials  
  
a user's working palette of materials  
  
Lightworks and third-party supplier archive libraries of materials  
  
This redesign also incorporates new functionality, providing access to more materials and improved access and control over archive libraries. The additional functionality:
  
improves the material editor  
  
generates thumbnails for all material entries on palettes  
  
improves material previewing  
  
provides drag and drop support from palettes to the model  
  
Also, to follow suit with Lightworks direction of providing a material with texture attributes, we have combined Materials and Textures. This simplifies the user interface, and, as suggested, aligns us with all archive library entries provided by Lightworks and their affiliated third-party library suppliers.  
  
Why should I use it?
These improvements make it easier to create more realistic models, both in Studio Display Mode and in Photo-Realistic Rendering. You have access to a wider range of materials. You can also edit archive material attributes, view better previews of materials, and place materials on surfaces more easily than before, both from within the materials context or while in global selection.
  
Where do I find it?
Selecting the Materials toolbar item or selecting View->Visualization->Materials displays the palette items for the pre-defined palette and your working palette, as well as the navigator for the Lightworks Archive Libraries.
  
Snap View
What is it?
Snap View orients the current view to any of the standard orthographic views. The Home and End keys orient the current view to TFR-TRI and TFR-ISO.
  
Press the Snap View function key, F8, to orient the current view to the closest orthographic view. Press Home to align the current view to TFR-TRI. Press End to align the current view to TFR-ISO.  
  
Why should I use it?
To orient the view to any of the standard view orientations. This allows you to manipulate views quickly.  
  
Where do I find it?
The F8, Home, and End keys.  
  
Snap Point
What is it?
The Snap Point tool, which provides inferencing and graphical feedback while you specify a point, is now available in more places throughout Unigraphics NX. In many functions, you will now see Snap Point graphical feedback and point inferencing as you specify points. You can turn specific inferencing options on and off in the Snap Point toolbar or display the full Point dialog from the toolbar. In the Point dialog, the inferred mode also provides Snap Point feedback and inferencing. To specify a point without inferencing, switch to one of the more specific modes in the dialog. The Snap Point toolbar will not appear in this case.
  
Why should I use it?
Use this tool to quickly indicate a point.  
  
Where do I find it?
Most functions which previously displayed a Point menu now use Snap Point. You will know Snap Point is active when graphical feedback and snapping occur during Point specification. When Snap Point is active, the Snap Point toolbar should display automatically. If it is not displayed, open the MB3 popup menu in the toolbar area or select Tools->Customize and choose Snap Point on the Toolbars page.
  
Geometry Tools Enhancements
What is it?
There are several enhancements to geometry tools in this release. The enhancements:  
  
provide new options for -XC, -YC, and -ZC on the Vector Constructor dialog and the embedded Vector Tool menu.  
  
provide one step to set the WCS to the Absolute CSYS, one step to set the View to the WCS, and one step to specify X, Y, and Z constants in the Plane dialog. Use it when you are specifying a vector, CSYS, or plane.  
  
Why should I use it?
It provides quicker access to functionality.  
  
Where do I find it?
You can find it anywhere you specify a vector, CSYS, or plane.  
  
   
Cut, Copy, and Paste Enhancements
What is it?
This feature extends cut, copy, and paste operations to almost any object. Instead of using an import/export operation, you can now accomplish the same task with a few keystrokes. In general, geometry re-use is much easier and faster.  
  
Select the geometry you want, then click Cut (Ctrl+X) or Copy (Ctrl+C). Move to a different part, location, or drawing, and click Paste (Ctrl+V).
  
The system performs paste operations relative to the WCS. To transform geometry, cut or copy, double-click the WCS and reposition it, and then paste.
  
To paste to a different or absolute coordinate system or to a different layer, use Paste Special.
  
Why should I use it?
Use it to make you more productive.  
  
Where do I find it?
You can find it on the Edit menu or through the standard cut, copy, and paste shortcuts.  
  
Part Attributes
What is it?
You can now create, edit, and view part attributes using a part's Properties pop-up menu on Windows Explorer. You can also cut and copy part attributes from Windows Explorer and paste them to:
  
the Attributes page in an active Unigraphics NX session (File-&gtroperties->Attributes)
  
another Unigraphics NX part
  
a text editor
  
This feature does not require an active Unigraphics NX session and works only for parts created in Unigraphics NX2 and later.
  
You cannot view or edit the cached part attributes that are saved for the component in higher-level assembly parts with this method.
  
Why should I use it?
Use it to create, view, modify, and delete part attributes without fully loading the part.
  
Where do I find it?
Click MB3 on a Unigraphics NX .prt file in Windows Explorer.
  
Directory Selection Tool
What is it?
The Directory Selection tool allows you to browse and select a directory.
  
Why should I use it?
Use it because it’s easier to find and correctly specify a directory by browsing to it rather than typing in the path to the directory in an entry field.  
  
Where do I find it?
Select the Browse button in the following dialogs, directories, and reports:
  
Load Options dialog
(File->Options->Load Options, select the Define Search Directories… button)
  
Save Options dialog
(File->Options->Save Options)
  
Part Families dialog
(Tools-&gtart Families)
  
Clone Assembly dialog
(Assemblies->Cloning->Create Clone Assembly, select the Naming tab)
  
Edit Assembly dialog
(Assemblies->Cloning->Edit Existing Assembly, select the Naming tab)
  
Where Used Report
(Assemblies->Reports->Where Used, select the Enter Directory option)
  
Export Assembly dialog
(Tools->UG/Manager->Export Assembly, select the Non Masters/Associated Files tab and the Naming tab)
  
Save Outside IMAN directory
(Tools->UG/Manager->Save Outside IMAN)
  
Associated Files Directory Exceptions
(Tools->UG/Manager->Export Assembly, select the Non Masters/Associated Files tab and then the Exceptions button)
  
Delete Key Accelerator
  
What is it?
While in Global Selection, the delete key now deletes all selected objects.
  
<Ctrl>+<D>, which is synonymous with the Edit->Delete menu option, is still available at all times.
  
Why should I use it?
Use it as a shortcut to delete objects.  
  
Where do I find it?
It is available at all times in Global Selection.
  
Export to Spreadsheet
What is it?
The new Export to Spreadsheet option lets you export the contents of a navigator or a tree-based dialog to the spreadsheet.
  
The Export to Spreadsheet option is similar to the Export to Browser option, which exports dialog or navigator contents to your default browser.
  
Why should I use it?
The spreadsheet tools give you many options for analyzing and publishing the data. Among other actions, you can sort or modify the data, and change the cells' colors and text. See the Gateway Help for more information about the spreadsheet.  
  
Where do I find it?
On the background menus of many navigators (such as the Assembly Navigator) and tree-based dialogs (such as the Mating Conditions dialog)
  
  

MODELING
  
Associative Offset Curve in Face Enhancements
What is it?
Enhancements have been made to the Offset Curve in Face function:
  
Offset Curve in Face now creates an associative feature that appears in the Model Navigator.
  
You can now select multiple sets of curves on multiple sets of faces.
  
You can now use chordal and geodesic methods to offset a curve.
  
Different spanning methods let you fill the gaps between the curves.
  
The previous Offset Curve in Face menus have been replaced with icon options and a standard dialog.
  
Offset Curve in Face now has options to trim or not-to-trim against the selected faces boundaries.
  
Why should I use it?
These enhancements can have many uses. For example, you could use offset curves as the path curves in the creation of associative flanges.
  
Where do I find it?
Modeling-> Insert-> Curve Operation-> Offset in Face
  
Casting Design Tools
What is it?
Parting functions are required for patterns, core boxes and any tooling die work within the casting design process. The new Casting Design tools introduce functions that let you easily create the parting sheets. You can create the following types of parting sheets:
  
Planar Parting Sheets - These are the most common type of parting sheet.
  
Natural Parting Sheets - These are created by using a profile of parting lines, which you select. The following types of natural parting sheet are supported: Extrude Surface, Bounded Plane, Swept Surface, and Enlarge Surface.
  
Stepped Parting Sheets - Creates a stepped parting sheet and joins it with a main parting sheet.
  
There are also the following enhancements:
  
Ramp Surface - Creates a planar transition between two different levels of parting sheets.
  
Minimum Tool Land - Lets you specify a minimum tool land, a minimum dimension measured adjacent to a feature that necessitated the step, such as the width of a flat step parting.
  
To operate:
  
First, select the product body.
  
Define the draw direction.
  
Choose the type of parting sheet and follow the steps.
  
Why should I use it?
Certain manufacturing processes produce parting sheets as input for creating double-sided tapers on the product body. This new tool lets you easily create the parting sheets for the casting body.
  
Where do I find it?
Modeling-> Tools-> Casting Design  
  
Dynamic Extrude
What is it?
Dynamic Extrude improves how you create extrusions, and is more powerful and easier to use than the former method. Improvements include trimming options of Distance, Symmetric Distance, Until Selected, Until Next, Through All and new symmetrical offset and symmetrical taper options.
  
Drag handles let you define limits, taper and offset values, and MB3 functions let you open options for taper, offset and trimming.   
  
Why should I use it?
Dynamic extrude replaces the existing Extrude feature option. Use dynamic extrude to create new extruded bodies, and to subtract or add material to a body.
  
Where do I find it?
Creation: Modeling-> Insert-> Form Feature-> Extrude
  
Edit an Extrude Feature: Edit or Edit Parameters from MB3 on the Extrude feature from either the graphics window or the Part Navigator

Dynamic Law Extension
What is it?
You can now create a law-controlled extension using on-screen dynamic handles. You can also use the standard procedures that were available in Unigraphics NX.  
  
To create a law extension dynamically:
  
Choose a point along a curve.
  
A WCS-like tool appears. Rotate the handles to specify the angle law and the length law. Alternatively, you can select the handle and enter a numeric value into the dynamic input box.
  
Dragging an offset cone handle on the major direction changes the extension length from the point along the direction. You can also select the handle and enter a numeric value into the dynamic input box.  
  
Click MB3 or OK/Apply to create feature.
  
Why should I use it?
The Dynamic Law Extension lets you specify the angle or length law interactively while building a law extension surface. Dynamic feedback keeps you updated as you create the feature.
  
Where do I find it?
Insert-> Free Form Feature-> Law Extension or from the Free Form Feature toolbar.
  
   
  
  

Enlarge Moved to Edit Menu
What is it?
The Enlarge function has been moved to Edit-> Free Form Features-> Enlarge (it was formerly found under Insert-> Free Form Feature-> Enlarge).
  
Where do I find it?
Edit-> Free Form Features-> Enlarge
  
  

Extend and Trim
What is it?
The new free form feature Extend and Trim lets you trim or extend a set of faces (the target) by another set of faces (the tool).  
  
To operate:
  
Specify the target by selecting a set of connected edges or faces.
  
Optionally select the tool faces or edges or distance to limit the extensions.
  
Why should I use it?
Extend and Trim can be useful for the Body in White (BIW) process, removing unnecessary fillet types of surfaces from body panels in designing stamping dies, and in creating workarounds for feature modeling problems.
  
Where do I find it?
Modeling-> Insert-> Free Form Feature -> Extend and Trim
  
  

Feature Data Access
What is it?
Feature Data Access lets you migrate an I-DEAS feature model into a Unigraphics NX feature model. The support of semantic data developed in I-DEAS is continued when you switch to Unigraphics NX.
  
To operate:
  
In Unigraphics NX, choose File-> Open.
  
Go to your part file directory and choose the .xpk file type.  
  
Select the .xpk file your want to load.  
  
Use Model Navigator to review the model.
  
Why should I use it?
You would use this functionality whenever you decide to shift your feature-modeling platform from I-DEAS to Unigraphics NX.
  
Where do I find it?
File-> Open.  
  
  

Four Point Surface
What is it?
The new Four Point Surface tool lets you create a degree 1X1 surface by simply specifying four corners of a quadrangle on the screen or on the scan data.
  
To operate simply specify four points on the screen. You can specify the four points using any of the following methods:
  
Pick an existing point on the screen.  
  
Pick another arbitrary point on the screen.
  
Define the coordinate location of the point in the input box.
  
Pick a base point and create a point offset from the base point.
  
Point specifying conditions:
  
No three selected points can be collinear.
  
No two selected points can be the same or at the very same location in space.
  
Any four points specified by any or a combination of the above methods will always create a surface with degree 1X1, with the specified points as the corners of the surface.
  
Why should I use it?
You can use this new capability to create base surfaces that support the surface based (control point edit methodology) Class-A workflow. You can easily modify such a surface by increasing the degree and patch into a more complex surface with the desired shape.
  
Where do I find it?
Freeform Shape toolbar
  
Insert-> Freeform Feature-> Four Point Surface
  
  

Imageware Integration Enhancements
What is it?
Imageware Integration has been enhanced further.  
  
You can now perform digital inspection on Unigraphics NX data using the Imageware Inspection module. This lets you import "Scan Lines" into Unigraphics NX as degree 1 splines from Imageware, which helps you compare and modify the Unigraphics NX data to the evolving design.   
  
Why should I use it?
Use this whenever you need to compare the geometric data with the physical data.
  
Where do I find it?
Tools-> Imageware Integration
  
File-> Import-> Imageware

Model Compare
What is it?
The new Model Compare function lets you compare the geometries of bodies in two unrelated parts. It also lets you compare the features and expressions in two parts.
  
To operate:
  
Click the Body Compare or Part Compare option.
  
Select the first body or part.
  
Select the second body or part.
  
Click Compare.
  
Why should I use it?
Use this function to compare two bodies or parts.
  
Where do I find it?
Model Compare is available in the Model Compare toolbar in the Modeling application.