Learn NX-OPEN-MACROS with Real Code Examples

NX Open Macros enable automation of repetitive design, modeling, and drafting tasks.

Macros can control part creation, assembly operations, and drawing updates.

Support interaction with NX objects, features, and user interfaces programmatically.

Facilitate integration with external data, databases, or PDM/PLM systems.

Widely used in design engineering, manufacturing, and simulation workflow automation.

Programmatic part and assembly creation

Feature and body manipulation

Drawing and annotation automation

Access to parameters, attributes, and object properties

Macro execution through NX GUI or command line

NX session, part, and assembly objects

Feature and body manipulation

Macro recording vs scripted automation

Object properties, attributes, and parameters

Event and batch automation

Macro scripts (VB, Python, or C#)

NX parts and assemblies for testing

Parameter and attribute definitions

External integration scripts or connectors

Documentation of macro workflow

Record repetitive task as macro

Edit macro for parameterization and flexibility

Test macro on sample parts or assemblies

Deploy macro for routine automation

Integrate macros into PLM/PDM or batch pipelines

Beginner: simple recorded macro playback

Intermediate: parameterized macro scripts

Advanced: automating assemblies and complex features

Expert: integrating macros with external systems

Architect: enterprise-wide design automation workflows

NX Open Macros vs Manual CAD - faster, consistent, and automated

NX Open Macros vs NX Open API scripting - macros are simpler for beginners

NX Open Macros vs Recorded Journals - macros are reusable and editable

NX Open Macros vs External CAD tools - better integration with NX objects

Parameterized Macros vs Static Macros - flexible and scalable

1990s - Basic macro recording introduced in NX

2000 - Support for VB scripting in macros

2005 - Integration with NX Open API

2010 - Python scripting support added

2015 - Improved macro editing and debugging tools

2020 - Enhanced PLM/PDM integration for automation

2025 - Latest NX Open Macros with advanced API features and cross-language support

NX Open - API framework for NX automation

Macro - recorded or scripted automation sequence

Journal - script file generated from macro recording

Feature - CAD/CAE object in NX

Assembly - collection of parts and sub-assemblies