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Learn Nx-open - 10 Code Examples & CST Typing Practice Test

NX Open is the API and programming interface of Siemens NX CAD/CAM/CAE software, allowing automation, customization, and integration through scripting and compiled languages such as Python, C#, and Java.

View all 10 Nx-open code examples →
Create a New Part (NXOpen)Create a Sketch on XY PlaneDraw a Line in SketchDraw a Circle in SketchExtrude a SketchCreate a Rectangle SketchApply Fillet to EdgeAdd Material to PartCreate Circular PatternSave Part Document

Learn NX-OPEN with Real Code Examples

Updated Nov 27, 2025

Explain

NX Open exposes NX functionality programmatically to automate repetitive tasks.

Supports creating and modifying parts, assemblies, sketches, and drawings.

Allows integration with external systems for PLM, PDM, and custom workflows.

Accessible via multiple languages: Python, C++, C#, Java.

Widely used in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and industrial design automation.

Core Features

Part and assembly modeling automation

Sketching and feature creation via API

Drawing generation and editing

Simulation setup and automation

Data query and report generation

Basic Concepts Overview

Session - represents an NX application instance

Part - CAD model or assembly

Feature - individual modeling operation (extrude, hole, etc.)

Attribute - parameter of CAD object

Journal/Script - recorded or custom automation code

Project Structure

Source files (.py, .cs, .java, .cpp)

Reference NX Open libraries

Scripts for batch processing

Configuration files (optional)

Documentation for automation workflow

Building Workflow

Create NX Open project in preferred language

Connect to NX session

Access or create parts and assemblies

Manipulate geometry, features, and parameters

Save, export, or generate reports

Difficulty Use Cases

Beginner: simple geometry creation script

Intermediate: batch drawing generation

Advanced: parametric assembly automation

Expert: simulation setup and results extraction

Architect: full NX-PDM-ERP integration workflow

Comparisons

NX Open vs NX Journal Recording: NX Open is programmatic, journal is recorded macro

NX Open vs SolidWorks API: NX Open more enterprise-grade

NX Open vs Open Cascade: NX Open proprietary but fully integrated

NX Open vs scripting alone: API enables automation, scripting is limited

NX Open vs Siemens Teamcenter automation: complementary, NX Open for modeling, Teamcenter for data

Versioning Timeline

1990s - Unigraphics API introduced

2000s - NX Open formalized with Python and C# support

2010 - Expanded Java API

2015 - Enhanced .NET integration

2018 - NX Open C++ improvements

2020 - Cloud-based NX Server support

2022 - Latest NX Open release with automation templates

2024 - Expanded PLM and simulation automation APIs

2025 - Continued integration with Siemens digital twin solutions

Glossary

NX Open - API for Siemens NX

Session - NX application instance

Part - CAD document

Feature - geometry operation

WorkPart - current active model

Installation Setup

Install Siemens NX with NX Open support

Ensure proper licensing for API usage

Set up programming environment (Python, C#, or Java IDE)

Include NX Open libraries and DLLs in project

Configure environment variables if needed

Environment Setup

Install Siemens NX with NX Open libraries

Set up IDE for preferred language

Include NX Open DLLs or jars in project

Configure PATH or environment variables

Ensure valid NX license

Config Files

NXOpen assemblies and DLLs

*.py, *.cs, *.java, *.cpp - scripts

Configuration files for batch operations

NX environment variables

License configuration

Cli Commands

Run NX journal from command line

Start NX session with script

Batch processing via NX Server

Export models using NX Open API

Monitor session logs and errors

Internationalization

Supports multiple languages in UI

Unicode for part names and attributes

Localization for regional units

Date/time and measurement formatting

Compliance with international CAD standards

Accessibility

Accessible via supported programming languages

NX GUI optional for automation

Integrates with IDE debugging tools

Community forums and official documentation

Training courses for NX Open

Ui Styling

Optional: scripts can invoke NX dialogs

Mostly headless automation

Use consistent naming for parts and features

Organize scripts and modules

Document API calls for maintainability

State Management

Session maintains active parts and assemblies

Scripts manage feature creation/modification

Attributes track parameters and metadata

Undo/redo managed by NX kernel

External state can be logged or exported

Data Management

Geometry and assembly data in NX files

Custom attributes for parts/features

Integration with PLM database

Export reports and metadata

Manage versions and revisions

Architecture

NX Open API layer communicates with NX kernel

Object-oriented access to CAD, CAM, and CAE objects

Event-driven programming support for NX sessions

Session management for documents and assemblies

External scripts can manipulate NX models and files

Rendering Model

Scripts interact with NX session objects

Geometry is modified via API calls

WorkPart context defines operations

Events can trigger automated actions

Results can be saved, exported, or reported

Architectural Patterns

Object-oriented access to NX components

Event-driven automation

Session and work part management

Script-based batch processing

Integration with PLM and external systems

Real World Architectures

Automotive body panel CAD automation

Aerospace assembly generation

Industrial machinery design workflow

Mass production drawing automation

Simulation setup for complex assemblies

Design Principles

Programmatic access to NX functionality

Multi-language support

Deep integration with CAD, CAM, CAE modules

Automation of repetitive and batch tasks

Compatibility with PLM/ERP workflows

Scalability Guide

Modularize scripts for large assemblies

Use batch operations for mass processing

Optimize API calls for speed

Cache objects when possible

Leverage NX Server for multiple users

Migration Guide

Update NX Open scripts for new NX release

Validate API compatibility

Refactor code for deprecated methods

Update integration with PLM/ERP

Test scripts on sample parts before deployment

Performance Notes

Minimize repeated API calls inside loops

Batch operations instead of individual edits

Close unused parts to save memory

Use native NX journal recording for template scripts

Optimize feature access using object caching

Security Notes

Ensure scripts do not overwrite critical parts

Validate imported data

Limit script execution to authorized users

Sanitize external input files

Use version control for scripts

Monitoring Analytics

Log executed operations

Measure execution time for scripts

Track feature creation success/failure

Monitor NX session memory usage

Audit changes for PLM compliance

Code Quality

Use object-oriented patterns

Document all API calls

Minimize hard-coded paths

Validate results programmatically

Unit test scripts in isolated environment

Practical Examples

Automate part extrusion and hole features

Batch generate assembly drawings

Extract mass and material properties via API

Run parametric study and update parts

Custom add-in for repeated manufacturing tasks

Troubleshooting

Check NX session connectivity

Ensure correct API library versions

Handle null references for uninitialized objects

Verify part/assembly paths

Debug scripts using IDE breakpoints and NX journal logs

Testing Guide

Run scripts on sample parts

Check geometry and assembly integrity

Validate drawing annotations

Monitor session logs for errors

Compare automated results to manual baseline

Deployment Options

Local NX session execution

Batch scripts via NX journal execution

Integration into PLM workflows

Remote automation via NX Server

Embedded macros for design templates

Tools Ecosystem

Siemens NX CAD/CAM/CAE

NX Open Python, C#, Java libraries

NX Studio for macro recording

Teamcenter PLM integration

Visual Studio or PyCharm IDEs

Integrations

Teamcenter PLM

ERP systems via custom scripts

Other Siemens products (Simcenter, Tecnomatix)

Custom databases for automation

Third-party visualization tools

Productivity Tips

Use template scripts for recurring tasks

Automate drawing generation

Leverage object caching

Maintain a script library

Use batch processing for large assemblies

Challenges

Navigating NX object model

Debugging complex parametric features

Integrating with enterprise systems

Handling version differences between NX releases

Optimizing scripts for large assemblies

Learning Path

Understand NX session and part structure

Learn basic scripting in Python/C#

Automate geometry creation

Access and modify assemblies

Integrate with PLM/ERP systems

Skill Improvement Plan

Week 1: NX Open basics and session handling

Week 2: Part and sketch automation

Week 3: Feature manipulation and attributes

Week 4: Assembly automation and drawing generation

Week 5: PLM integration and complex workflow scripts

Interview Questions

What is NX Open and how is it different from journal recording?

Which languages are supported by NX Open?

How do you automate part and assembly creation?

Explain session and work part concepts in NX Open.

How would you integrate NX Open scripts with PLM systems?

Cheat Sheet

Session -> NX instance

Part -> CAD model

WorkPart -> active part in session

Feature -> modeling operation

Journal/Script -> automation macro

Books

NX Open API: Programming for CAD Automation

Mastering Siemens NX Customization

Automating NX with Python and .NET

Advanced NX Open Techniques

NX Open for Engineers and Developers

Tutorials

Getting started with NX Open Python

Automating part modeling and sketches

Assembly creation and manipulation via API

Batch drawing generation scripts

PLM integration and metadata automation

Official Docs

https://docs.plm.siemens.com/en/NX

NX Open API Reference Guide

Community Links

Siemens NX forums

NX Open API documentation

LinkedIn NX automation groups

Stack Overflow NX Open questions

YouTube NX Open tutorials

Community Support

Siemens NX forums

NX Open API documentation

Stack Overflow (NX tags)

LinkedIn Siemens NX groups

Siemens Learning Gateway

Monetization

Automation solutions for manufacturing

Custom CAD/CAM workflow services

PLM integration consulting

Aerospace and automotive CAD automation

Training and certification in NX Open

Future Roadmap

Deeper integration with cloud NX and Teamcenter

Enhanced Python and .NET APIs

AI-assisted automation templates

Expanded simulation and CAE automation

Improved remote execution via NX Server

When Not To Use

Small-scale CAD without NX license

Non-Siemens CAD software

Simple modeling tasks better done manually

Learning curve is too steep for one-off tasks

High-volume batch automation without NX server

Final Summary

NX Open enables automation and customization in Siemens NX.

Supports multiple languages for scripting and compiled code.

Ideal for repetitive tasks, batch operations, and PLM integration.

Widely used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing.

Reduces manual effort and ensures consistent CAD/CAM/CAE workflows.

Faq

Is NX Open free? -> Requires NX license.

Which languages can I use? -> Python, C#, C++, Java.

Can I automate assemblies? -> Yes, fully.

Does NX Open support Teamcenter? -> Yes, integration APIs available.

Can I run scripts outside NX? -> Only with NX session or NX Server.

Code Sample Descriptions

1

Create a New Part (NXOpen)

Imports NXOpen
Imports NXOpen.UF
Module NXModule
    Sub Main()
        Dim theSession As Session = Session.GetSession()
        Dim part As Part
        part = theSession.Parts.NewDisplay("NewPart", Part.Units.Millimeters)
    End Sub
End Module

Opens a new part document in NX via NXOpen API.

Let’s Try →
2

Create a Sketch on XY Plane

Dim theSession As Session = Session.GetSession()
Dim workPart As Part = theSession.Parts.Work
Dim sketches As Sketches = workPart.Sketches
Dim xyPlane As Plane = workPart.Planes.FindObject("XY Plane")
Dim sketch As Sketch = sketches.CreateSketch(xyPlane)

Creates a new sketch on the XY plane in the active part.

Let’s Try →
3

Draw a Line in Sketch

Dim sketchCurve As SketchLine = sketch.CreateLine(0, 0, 0.1, 0.1)

Adds a line segment to the current sketch.

Let’s Try →
4

Draw a Circle in Sketch

Dim sketchCircle As SketchCircle = sketch.CreateCircleByRadius(0, 0, 0, 0.05)

Creates a circle with a center and radius in a sketch.

Let’s Try →
5

Extrude a Sketch

Dim extrudeBuilder As ExtrudeFeatureBuilder = workPart.Features.CreateExtrudeFeatureBuilder(sketch)
extrudeBuilder.SetDistance(0.1, NXOpen.SmartObject.UpdateOption.AfterModeling)
extrudeBuilder.CommitFeature()
extrudeBuilder.Destroy()

Extrudes the selected sketch to create a 3D solid body.

Let’s Try →
6

Create a Rectangle Sketch

Dim l1 As SketchLine = sketch.CreateLine(0, 0, 0.1, 0)
Dim l2 As SketchLine = sketch.CreateLine(0.1, 0, 0.1, 0.05)
Dim l3 As SketchLine = sketch.CreateLine(0.1, 0.05, 0, 0.05)
Dim l4 As SketchLine = sketch.CreateLine(0, 0.05, 0, 0)

Draws a rectangle in a sketch using four lines.

Let’s Try →
7

Apply Fillet to Edge

Dim edge As Edge = workPart.Bodies.FindObject("Edge1")
Dim filletBuilder As FilletFeatureBuilder = workPart.Features.CreateFilletFeatureBuilder(edge)
filletBuilder.SetRadius(0.01)
filletBuilder.CommitFeature()
filletBuilder.Destroy()

Applies a fillet to a selected edge of a solid body.

Let’s Try →
8

Add Material to Part

Dim material As Material = workPart.Materials.FindObject("Steel")
workPart.SetMaterial(material)

Assigns a material to the active part.

Let’s Try →
9

Create Circular Pattern

Dim feature As Feature = workPart.Features.FindObject("Extrude1")
Dim axis As Axis = workPart.Axes.FindObject("Z_Axis")
Dim patternBuilder As PatternFeatureBuilder = workPart.Features.CreatePatternFeatureBuilder(feature)
patternBuilder.SetCircularPattern(axis, 6, 360)
patternBuilder.CommitFeature()
patternBuilder.Destroy()

Patterns a feature in a circular pattern around an axis.

Let’s Try →
10

Save Part Document

workPart.SaveAs("C:\Users\Public\Documents\NXParts\Part1.prt")

Saves the active part to a specified file path.

Let’s Try →

Frequently Asked Questions about Nx-open

What is Nx-open?

NX Open is the API and programming interface of Siemens NX CAD/CAM/CAE software, allowing automation, customization, and integration through scripting and compiled languages such as Python, C#, and Java.

What are the primary use cases for Nx-open?

Automating repetitive CAD modeling tasks. Creating custom design or simulation workflows. Batch generation of drawings and reports. Integrating NX with PLM/PDM systems. Custom feature development and CAD add-ons

What are the strengths of Nx-open?

Deep integration with NX environment. Supports multiple programming languages. Enables full automation of complex CAD tasks. Accessible to both engineers and programmers. Reduces repetitive work and human error

What are the limitations of Nx-open?

Requires learning NX object model and API. NX license required. Complex workflows may need advanced scripting. Debugging scripts inside NX can be slow. Performance depends on NX and system hardware

How can I practice Nx-open typing speed?

CodeSpeedTest offers 10+ real Nx-open code examples for typing practice. You can measure your WPM, track accuracy, and improve your coding speed with guided exercises.

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