NX Expressions: Clever Variational Patterning Technique for Text [NX1953]

I was recently asked a question about patterning text and varying the text at each pattern instance. The simplest example of this is a ruler, with number labels incrementing along the length of the ruler. A more complex example is strings arrayed in a circular pattern around a dial. I'll confess that I scratched my head for a while on this one until I got a hot tip from one of our NX developers, Vineet Mokashi. (Gotta give credit where credit is due!) Vineet suggested a really clever technique to make this work, and that's what this video is all about. This is one of my longest videos yet, but if you've ever wondered how to model a ruler, or really interesting dial or knob with radial labels, check this one out!

[@newagemuscle2010ss]

Great video. I've watched many of your videos in the past. I've been on the software for about 28 years. I'm also a former Siemens employee and have been an instructor and developer for the past 25 years. I love this software and I'm always trying to watch other people's stuff to just get examples on different demos. You've definitely been a helping hand along the way. Keep up the good work.

[@arockiarajaro2324]

Please keep upload advanced expression video like this.. I am working in nx model

[@getvineet]

Great demo

[@nikolaypetrov9726]

Well, I don't even have the pattern increment option when I try to create the pattern feature... NX 1926. Some help here would be great! How to enable the pattern increment if possible...

[@nickpunch9661]

Im completely lost with expressions and your video as well. Im trying to do a variational pattern varying the size of an extrude (through a dimensioned check). What do you think I need to do to accomplish this. Do I need to learn expressions?

[@adsplm5805]

Thanks Taylor on the Ruler if the pattern distance change other than 1 for example 2 how do you resolve the text display using the same labels

[@adamdangelo3213]

Does this still work on NX13? I'm trying to do this and I feel like I've copied what you've done correctly and they're all still the same number. The point moves and the expression works if I add +1, but the number is the same. Do patterns no longer use the iterations of values? I also think it would be helpful to see your settings for the text feature...