4.5.1 Working with layers

In this exercise you'll learn about working with layers.

 


NX offers 256 different layers. To manage this amount, different layers are defined for specific types of geometry. This so called layer structure is defined by company specific guidelines or by a customer.

 

The following Structure is defined for working in the Iim:

Layer Type of geometry
1-20 Volumetric bodies
21-40 Sketches
41-60 Curves
61-80 Datums
81-100 Surfaces
101-120 Drafts
121-140 multi-body-simulation
141-160 Finite element objects

Create a new model named layer according to the naming convention.

Open Layer Settings alt via Format -> Layer Settings or by pressing Strg+L.

 

Instead of ,choose . (refer figure "Menu Layer Settings")

 

All available layers are now displayed within Layers. After layer number, the status is displayed:

  • Work: This is the current work layer. Newly created elements are placed here.
  • Selectable: This layer is visible and selectable (Red check in front of number).
  • Visible only: This layer is visible but not selectable.

If no check is placed for a layer, it's invisible.

The buttons below Layer Control allow you to change a layers status accordingly.

 

First, define layer 1 as work layer and create a block with the following dimensions: (refer figure "Block")

 

Dimension  Value [mm]
Length 200
Width 100
Height 50

 

Now choose layer 21 as work layer and create a sketch on one side of the block. (refer figure "Sketch")

 

Now, using Extrude and Substract, a slot should be substracted from the block. Since a volumetric body is created, layer 1 has to be selected as work layer previously.

If you subsequently set Layer 21 to Invisible, the slot stays visible, but not the sketch.

It's also possible to move elements between layers.

Highlight the element that should be moved. Select Format -> Move To Layer.... The window Layer Move pops up. Select the layer you want to move to.

Hint:

When an object is moved to a invisible layer and the object is made visible with the option Show, the whole layer is set to selectable by NX.