Welcome to our new Ask an Applied Engineer series! Each month, we sit down with one of our experienced engineers to answer your most pressing questions. Whether you’re troubleshooting a common issue or looking for expert insights, our team is here to help.
Ask a question here and get an answer from an Applied expert.
This month, we spoke with Michael Grant, a Design & Manufacturing Services Manager at Applied CAx with 24+ years of experience in design and manufacturing. Let’s dive into your questions!
Question #1
Video: Watch here
Topic: Siemens NX CAD – Drawing parts list and auto balloon
- This short video tutorial demonstrates how to add parts list and use the auto balloon feature in Siemens NX CAD. It also covers how to modify the parts list display and highlights its ability to auto-update when changes are made.
Q: When I follow the tutorial this way, I only get a single-line table. Is there no such thing as a “part list” table where I can edit the list?
Michael: The parts list is populated based on what you have in your assembly. If you only have one part, it will show one part. It could be that the settings for the parts list aren’t set to include subassemblies.
At minute 1:13 in the video, I am showing how to access and edit the parts list, and I am explaining the different levels of parts that will be shown.
For more NX CAD insights, check out our resource hub.
Question #2
Video: Watch here
Topic: Siemens NX CAM – Automatically set speeds and feeds for finish passes
- This video demonstrates how to use method groups in NX CAM to automate stock amounts, as well as adjust speeds and feeds for different machining passes. It also covers organizing operations for efficient toolpaths and customizing machining data for enhanced control in the manufacturing process.
Q: Is the parameter of Machining Data Libraries automatically generated from NX or do we need to fill in from the tooling catalog?
Michael: The data or parameter for the speeds and feeds needs to be populated by the user for the cutter, cutting conditions, and material type.
For more NX CAM insights, check out our resource hub.
Questions for our customer success team
Q: Can I change my CID/MAC address information myself?
A: No. You need to contact Applied CAx Customer Success or submit a support ticket. We will get you started on the process. You should get your new updated license file in less than two days.
Q: Do you have training for Femap and NX?
A: For Femap, we hold live training about once a quarter. For NX, we have on-demand, self-paced training available on our website.
Q: Is it possible to turn off the “software expiring” notifications on Femap software?
A: Nope! At 30 days to expiration, the countdown starts.
Q: Do you do any work with design for manufacturing (DFM) on your platform?
A: It is CAD but with manufacturing design in mind. We are very strong at supporting that.
Got an engineering question? Ask away!
We’d love to answer your engineering questions in our next Ask an Applied Engineer post. Submit your questions here.