Create a Sketch on XY Plane - Nx-open Typing CST Test

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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)Coding works best on desktop or with an external keyboard.

Create a Sketch on XY Plane — Nx-open Code

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

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)

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

More Nx-open Typing Exercises

Create a New Part (NXOpen)Draw a Line in Sketch Draw a Circle in Sketch Extrude a Sketch Create a Rectangle Sketch Apply Fillet to Edge Add Material to Part Create Circular Pattern Save Part Document

Practice Other Languages

C React Python C++Rust TypeScript Kotlin PHP Java C#Ruby Mql Cql N1ql Cypher

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)

Coding works best on desktop or with an external keyboard.

Create a Sketch on XY Plane — Nx-open Code

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

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)

Nx-open Language Guide

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.