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Dim material As Material = workPart.Materials.FindObject("Steel")
workPart.SetMaterial(material)Coding works best on desktop or with an external keyboard.
Add Material to Part - Nx-open Typing CST Test
Add Material to Part — Nx-open Code
Assigns a material to the active part.
Dim material As Material = workPart.Materials.FindObject("Steel")
workPart.SetMaterial(material)Nx-open Language Guide
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.
Primary Use Cases
- ▸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
Notable Features
- ▸Supports Python, C#, Java, and C++
- ▸Access to modeling, drafting, assembly, and simulation modules
- ▸Event handling and callbacks in NX
- ▸Integration with Teamcenter and other PLM systems
- ▸Batch processing and script execution
Origin & Creator
Developed by Siemens Digital Industries Software as part of the NX suite (formerly Unigraphics), NX Open was introduced to provide a programmable interface for advanced customization.
Industrial Note
Critical for CAD/CAM/CAE environments where automation, batch processing, and integration with enterprise systems are required, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery industries.
Quick 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
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
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
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
Strengths
- ▸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
Limitations
- ▸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
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
Cheat Sheet
- ▸Session -> NX instance
- ▸Part -> CAD model
- ▸WorkPart -> active part in session
- ▸Feature -> modeling operation
- ▸Journal/Script -> automation macro
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.
30-Day Skill 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
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.
Project Structure
- ▸Source files (.py, .cs, .java, .cpp)
- ▸Reference NX Open libraries
- ▸Scripts for batch processing
- ▸Configuration files (optional)
- ▸Documentation for automation workflow
Monetization
- ▸Automation solutions for manufacturing
- ▸Custom CAD/CAM workflow services
- ▸PLM integration consulting
- ▸Aerospace and automotive CAD automation
- ▸Training and certification in NX Open
Productivity Tips
- ▸Use template scripts for recurring tasks
- ▸Automate drawing generation
- ▸Leverage object caching
- ▸Maintain a script library
- ▸Use batch processing for large assemblies
Basic Concepts
- ▸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
Official Docs
- ▸https://docs.plm.siemens.com/en/NX
- ▸NX Open API Reference Guide