NX How to create a Surface Area attribute for the Parts List

How to create an associative attribute for the Surface Area of a solid,  that can be used in a Parts List. 

Solution

To create the Surface Area attribute do the following:

1. In the Menu, select 'Analysis-->Measure Bodies'.
2. Turn on the 'Associative' Option. 
3. Select the solid body. OK. 
   - This will generate associative expressions for the body including total Surface Area. 
4. Select 'File-->Properties'.
5. Select the 'Attributes' tab.
6. Create a name for the attribute in the Title/Alias field. 
7. Set the Dimensionality to 'Area'. 
8. Set Data Type to 'Number'. 
9. Pre-NX11 select the 'Link to Expression' icon.
10. In the Expression Editor select the Body Measurement for Surface Area. OK. 

In NX11 onward, to link the attribute to the Expression do the following: 

1. Select 'File--> Properties'.
2. Select the 'Attributes' tab. 
3. On the Attributes tab set the Interaction to 'Traditional'.
4. Create a name for the attribute in the Title/Alias field. 
5. Set Data Type to 'Number'. 
6. Check the radio button for Expression Formula.
7. Set the Drop down to 'Formula'. 
   A new expression is automatically generated.
8. In the Formula column enter the expression for Surface Area. OK.
9. In the assembly drawing add a Parts List and Insert a new column. 
10. Highlight the column and select 'MouseButton3-->Settings'. 
11. In the Settings dialog on the left, highlight 'Column'.
12. On the right select the icon next to the Attribute field and select the attribute generated in the previous steps. 
13. Close the dialog and the new Parts List column will now display the Surface Area and value for the component. 

Do this for each component that needs the Surface Area reported. 
These attributes can then be added to a Part List column.

Notes and References

Hardware/Software Configuration

Platform: all
OS: n/a
OS Version: n/a
Product: NX
Application: GATEWAY
Version: V10.0
Function: ATTRIBUTES

Ref: 001-9087379