Welcome to the March edition of our Ask an Applied Engineer series! Each month, our engineers answer your most pressing questions.
Whether you’re troubleshooting software challenges or seeking industry advice, our team is here to help you succeed.
Submit your questions here and get a response from an Applied CAx engineer.
This month, we’re answering questions about whether Mendix is the right fit for your automation services and how to get started in NX CAD after using SolidWorks.
Question #1
Q: I’m looking for a scalable low-code front-end and back-end automation service. I’m wondering if Mendix could be the right answer.
A: As someone who has worked across many tech stacks, Mendix is a fantastic tool to have in your toolbelt. Mendix’s platform can handle both front-end and back-end code.
It scales well on cloud infrastructure, handles complex workflows, integrations, and business logic visually. If further customization is needed, Java can be used to fill in the gaps. If you want to move fast and while still being flexible, Mendix hits that sweet spot.
Answered by Christopher Ochs, Software Engineer at Applied CAx
Question #2
Q: I’m new to NX but used SolidWorks all through college. The interface feels very different. What’s the first thing I should understand to get comfortable quickly?
A: The most significant mindset shift is understanding that NX is designed for enterprise-scale engineering, not just part modeling. While SolidWorks is excellent for standalone design, NX was built from the ground up for high-performance assemblies, managed data, and automation.
A few key differences to focus on early:
- Datums and coordinate systems: NX uses explicit reference geometry (planes, CSYS, etc.) to make models predictable and reusable in large assemblies.
- Feature tree logic: NX emphasizes design intent and parent-child relationships—this makes it incredibly robust when revisions happen.
- WAVE linking and reusability: NX lets you link geometry between parts (using WAVE) for associative design changes. Once you understand that, you’ll appreciate how powerful NX is for design control.
Spend time mastering datums, constraints, and expressions early, which is the foundation of professional NX modeling.
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