Course Notes – Computer-Aided Design (Siemens NX) 4472

This page is a collection of progressive assignments as they are covered in my TECH 4472 course at the University of Memphis.

CANVAS Fall 2025

See: CAD – Siemens NX for the broader collection of tutorials and discussion.

Course Notes - Computer-Aided Design (Siemens NX) 4472

Semester Project

Semester Project
Objectives The semester project is designed to allow the student to demonstrate the ability create accurate solid models within a 3D CAD modeling system, as well as to demonstrate the ability to work with other in teams.  Furthermore, this project is designed to give students experience in documenting technical data through both graphical, written, and...

NX Unit 1 – View Controls and Basic Workflow

NX Unit 1 – View Controls and Basic Workflow
Siemens NX is a powerful 3D CAD tool that serves as the backbone of modern design and engineering processes. In this introductory exploration, we will delve into the fundamental concepts that form the core of NX, beginning with an understanding of its basic workflow. We'll explore the "Master Model" approach, which emphasizes the importance of...

NX Unit 2 – Design Intent and Master Model Concept

NX Unit 2 – Design Intent and Master Model Concept
This section builds on the concepts from Unit 1, guiding you through the process of creating a model from a working drawing. You'll learn how design intent influences the structure of a model and gain practical experience with the drafting workflow. Additionally, this section will introduce you to the master model concept, providing a clearer...

NX Unit 3 – Parametric Modeling & Design Features

NX Unit 3 – Parametric Modeling & Design Features
This section introduces the concept of parametric modeling and the use of expressions to drive design parameters. Key Concepts Parametric Modeling Expressions & The Expressions Editor Design Features Holes Threads Edge Blends (fillets & rounds) Chamfers Datum Features Point Axis Plane Datum CSYS Pattern Feature Polar Array Count, Pitch, Span Assignment - Parametric Fuel Tank...

NX Unit 4 – NX Measure Tool

NX Unit 4 – NX Measure Tool
This unit explores measurement of existing models using the NX Measure tool. Key Concepts NX Measure tool Selection Filters Objects Vectors Measurement Methods Result Filter Master Model Concept Assignment - Fuel Line Create a model of the Fuel Line. Create an engineering drawing of the Fuel Line. Use the Master Model concept (separate files for...

NX Unit 5 – Drawing Views and Dimensioning

Drawing Views and Dimensioning Standards Orthographic Projection Auxiliary Views Section Views Dimensioning Fundamental Dimensioning Rules Working Drawings Pictorial Views References Engineering Drawing Standards Manual - Goddard Space Flight Center(NASA Drafting Manual GSFC-X-673-64-1F.pdf)

NX Test 1

The test will be given in two parts: a short answer test covering major topics, and a practical problem to be done in lab. Test will include reading measuring instruments. NX Topics Units handling at model level PRT file type Master Model concept and implications Design Intent (with examples) Sketch Task Environment Sketch Relations Parametric...

NX Unit 6 – Assembly – Bottom Up

Unit 6 introduces the concept of assembly modeling. Assembly models are prt files that contain pointers to one or more other files. It is important to fully understand the structure of assembly models. For both of these assignments it is important to put all files in the same directory (one for each assignment). Assignment -...

NX Unit 7 – Datums, Layers and Law Curves

Key Concepts Layers Layer Standard Numbers Move to Layer Layer settings ABS, WCS Datum CSYS Datum Points, Axes, Planes. Plane creation Inferred selection At angle Bisecting plane Law Curves t-parameter xt yt zt Assignment - Datums and Layers Create a model of the cylinder. Separate the Datums and sketch geometry onto their own layers. Datums...

NX Unit 8 – Part Families and Tabulated Drawings

Key Concepts Part Families Tabulated Drawing Assignment - Washer Part Family Create a part family of the washer data provided below. Turn in a screenshot of an assembly that shows all of the washers. Note: Do not use Excel for the part family. Use the editor in the NX part family dialog box. Data: Washer...

NX Unit 9 – Exploded Views

Key Concepts Exploded Views Assemblies in Drawings Toggle Applications (Drafting/Modeling) Assignment Create an explosion in the Needle Valve Assembly Drawing file. Note: The explosion must be created in the drawing file to receive full credit. Include a parts list and balloons. Balloons must be numbered logically Balloons must be organized in an orderly arrangment Turn...

NX Unit 10 – Design Fundamentals

Design Fundamentals Slides The Engineering Design ProcessDesign Constraints  Functional Constraints Safety Constraints Quality Constraints Manufacturing Constraints Timing Constraints Economic Constraints Ergonomic Constraints Ecological Constraints Aesthetic Constraints Life-Cycle Constraints Legal and Ethical Constraints Engineering Design Assumptions Design Methodologies  Concurrent Design Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Design for Assembly (DFA) Risk Mitigation through Design  FMEA – Failure Modes...

NX Test 2

Test will be OCT 30 NOTE: All outstanding homework is due at the beginning of the test (11:30 AM) Test is comprehensive & will include measuring instruments. NX Topics Master Model Concept File Types - PRT Sketch Relations Design Intent Sketch Concepts Parametric Modeling Datums Assembly Concepts Master Model Concept File Structure (Parent/Child) File Pointer...

NX Unit 11 – FEM Simulation

FEM Simulation Create a spreadsheet that will do the deflection calculations shown below.  Then model the same setup in NX and use FEM to duplicate the results. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK3d-28KgSY You will need to be familiar with the following terms: FEM/FEA Stresses and Strains Stress Strain Force Young's Modulus Deflection Tetrahedron Area Moment of Inertia You will...

NX Unit 12 – GD&T

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Slides Other Notes: General Dimensioning Rules What is GD&T? Advantages of GD&T Right tool for the job Rule #1 How to go from math to parts Symbology Datums Inspection Types of TolerancesSizeRegular feature of sizeIrregular feature of size Form Orientation Location Runout Profile Material Condition Modifiers MMC LMC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eom0MoZ-kA

NX Unit 13 – CMM Technology & PMI

CMM Technology CMM Technology SlidesVideo NX CMM Programming simple PMI part.PRTDownload https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X75OLQvDkXg Product Manufacturing Information SEE: Semester Project Slides Example PMI Drawing.PDFDownload PMI Blank.PRTDownload Video Notes: PMI is now maintained in the MBD Navigator tab instead of the model views under the Part Navigator Tab.Also, be sure to add multiple features using Associated Objects under...

NX Unit 14 – Rendering and Visualization

NX Unit 14 – Rendering and Visualization
NX Rendering and Visualization Lecture Slides https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4SV-dKKUgs

NX Unit 15 – NX CAM Introduction

Wrench Setup Parasolids.zipDownload Lecture Slides https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coP3Dh5YcBo

NX Test 3

NX Test 3
Test will be Wednesday, Dec. 4 Test is partially comprehensive. Material will come from the entire semester. NX & Drafting Topics [Topics from Previous Tests] FEM Simulation Stresses and Strains Stress - Be able to calculate stress given force and area Strain - Be able to calculate strain given original length and final length Force...
Semester Project

Semester Project

Objectives The semester project is designed to allow the student to demonstrate the ability create...
NX Unit 1 - View Controls and Basic Workflow

NX Unit 1 - View Controls and Basic Workflow

Siemens NX is a powerful 3D CAD tool that serves as the backbone of modern design and engineering processes....
NX Unit 2 - Design Intent and Master Model Concept

NX Unit 2 - Design Intent and Master Model Concept

This section builds on the concepts from Unit 1, guiding you through the process of creating a model...
NX Unit 3 - Parametric Modeling & Design Features

NX Unit 3 - Parametric Modeling & Design Features

This section introduces the concept of parametric modeling and the use of expressions to drive design...
NX Unit 4 - NX Measure Tool

NX Unit 4 - NX Measure Tool

This unit explores measurement of existing models using the NX Measure tool . Key Concepts NX...

NX Unit 5 - Drawing Views and Dimensioning

Drawing Views and Dimensioning Standards Orthographic Projection Auxiliary Views Section...

NX Test 1

The test will be given in two parts: a short answer test covering major topics, and a practical problem...

NX Unit 6 - Assembly - Bottom Up

Unit 6 introduces the concept of assembly modeling. Assembly models are prt files that contain pointers...

NX Unit 7 - Datums, Layers and Law Curves

Key Concepts Layers Layer Standard Numbers Move to Layer Layer settings ABS, WCS...

NX Unit 8 - Part Families and Tabulated Drawings

Key Concepts Part Families Tabulated Drawing Assignment - Washer Part Family Create...