NX CAM Customization

The First Step: Creating a Local Environment

Mark Rief
Product Manager

Siemens AG 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Why Customize?
NX CAM is a great system, but everyone wants something different.
NX CAM has broad functionality, but you probably dont need all of it.
Having lots of options is good for functionality, but not usability.
Make the system more understandable to your users.
Set default values.
Optimize the user interface
Reduce errors
Improve your chances of making the right choice.

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Siemens PLM Software

What Can We Customize?

NX UI Customization toolbars, menus, roles.
CAM Setup Templates initial setup assembly
CAM Object Templates - what can be created, default parameters, dialogs,
icons, tool tips
Libraries Tools, holders, machining data

Machining Knowledge Rules for feature based machining

Wizards Step by step UI to guide the user through several steps
Journals record, edit, playback common tasks
API Programs automate interaction, parameter setting, process, provide
complete control.

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Siemens PLM Software

Templates are the place to start

Easy to develop
Easy to share
Reuse anything tool, operation, complete process
By setting up custom templates, you can
Streamline your workflow
Set fewer parameters
Provide consistent defaults like tolerances
Enforce consistent machining practices

Reuse best practices

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Siemens PLM Software

There are many ways to customize NX

Edit the OOTB installation (No!)
Set environment variables in control panel
Use batch files
Use other scripts
Use a folder and shortcut TODAY

Easy for any user to do without system privileges

Easy to make several

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Siemens PLM Software

Why Do You Need a Local Environment?

A safe place to experiment
Try new things without risk
Test your customizations before distributing
Dont mess up the out of the box (OOTB) installation
Dont risk disrupting production
Need something to roll back to
Preserve your customizations during an upgrade

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Siemens PLM Software

Demo: Create a Safe Customization Environment

Create a home folder

Copy the OOTB mach\resource folder to the home folder

Remove read only protection
Create a usertools\bitmaps folder in the home folder
Create a usertools\startup folder in the home folder (toolbars, pax)
Copy the OOTB a ugii_env.dat file in the home folder
Define variables to point to the folders you created
Copy the OOTB shortcut to run NX
Set the Start In folder to your home folder
Run NX and check the syslog

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Siemens PLM Software

Planning your Customization

Create a local environment TODAY
Optimize the common use cases first
Plan for distribution to other users
Make your ideas easy to understand
Dont keep a good idea secret!
Plan for version upgrades

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Siemens AG 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Siemens PLM Software

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Siemens AG 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Siemens PLM Software