10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for...

- Siemens PLM Community - 379752

 Browse Community
 Sign In Register

Search the community

Navigation

Siemens PLM Community  Tecnomatix  Tecnomatix News

 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for...

Options

Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for use in

Process Simulate Kinematics

AdamDales Siemens Experimenter  10,328 Views
12-11-2016 05:11 AM

This article was authored by Hans Kopp

(please scroll to the bottom of the article for instructions on using the Process Simulate on
Teamcenter Solve NX Kinematics command)
Guidelines and best practices
For this purpose, a kinematic device in Simcenter Motion must follow some rules, because Process
Simulate can handle only a subset of the kinematic devices that you can create in Motion.
Note: “Simcenter Motion” is the motion application name, starting NX11. In older versions, the
name is “NX Motion Simulation”.
Supported types of simulations (Motion dialog box Environment)
When you create a new simulation:

Analysis Type must be Kinematics.

Component-based Simulation check box must be selected.

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 1/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

Process Simulate supports only a single kinematic

definition per component.
Mechanism definition requirements
There are no restrictions on the creation of links.
Because the simulation is component-based, you can
use only assembly components as link geometry.

If an assembly component has its own kinematic definition, you can still use it as a link
geometry of a parent kinematic.
You cannot use the child components of the component in the parent component.
Joints must be Revolute or Slider joints. Both types of joints must have both the Action
Link and the Base Link defined. For Process Simulate, it does not matter which link is action
and which is base.
The names of the joints must be alphanumeric, with the first character only alphabetical.
Other characters are not supported by Process Simulate and will be replaced by the
kinematic solver.
There must be one Fixed type of joint that connects one of the links to ground. This joint
should define only the action link but no base link. The link that is marked this way will
become the root link in Process Simulate – that is, the link that is fixed to ground.

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 2/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

Note: You can also connect a link to

ground using a Revolute or Slider joint,
but this is not the recommended
workflow.
In general, the kinematic graph must
be tree-like. The allowed exceptions to
this – the cranks, are listed in section 4
below.
Exporting kinematic model to Process
Simulate
1. In the Simcenter Motion Navigator, select the Simulation node and select Export/Process
Simulate Kinematics. You must repeat this step for each device that you want to export.
This creates a data set of type kinematics on the item revision of the device in Teamcenter.
2. You must export the JT files for all the sub components of the device.
To load the device in Process Simulate, assign the item revision of the device to a process and open
this process in Process Simulate. For tree-like kinematics, no further steps are needed; the
kinematics will be immediately usable (for example, in the joint jog).
The joint limits of the joints will be transferred.

Exporting
cranks
Process
Simulate supports the import of the most frequently used crank types.
When creating a kinematics with cranks in Simcenter Motion, you must verify that the crank types
are supported by Process Simulate (see Supported types of cranks below). Otherwise, it will not be
possible to move the kinematics in Process Simulate.
In addition, you must define the driving joint for each crank to be exported. The driving joint is the
joint that should be jogged in Process Simulate. The other joints of the crank will be dependent on
the driving joint.
To define the driving joint in Simcenter Motion, create a joint Driver for a single joint of the crank.
The type of driver and the parameters of the driver are not used by Process Simulate.

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 3/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

Note: The export of the driver is available only since NX11. If the kinematic should be created with
NX 9 or NX 10 then Process Simulate will use that joint as driving joint the joint name of which
comes first in the alphabet. Upper case letters are considered to be before lower case letters here.
Thus if there are e.g. the joints with names ‘a1’, ‘C1’, ‘b1’, ‘D1’ in a crank then the joint C1 will be
used as driving joint. If a wrong driving joint is selected the crank might not be solvable as the
crank type is not supported.
Apart from the information listed above, the creation and the export in Simcenter Motion is the
same as for tree-like kinematics.
Importing cranks in Process Simulate
The import of a kinematics with cranks requires an additional manual step in the import to Process
Simulate. After loading the kinematic device to Process Simulate, you must run a solve for the
cranks.
To do this, customize the command Solve NX Kinematics in a ribbon, select the imported device,
and run the command. The command (described in detail below) will analyze the kinematic and
solve all cranks of the kinematic. If the kinematic cannot be solved, an error message is displayed.
When solving the kinematic, the kinematic graph is transformed into a tree. You cannot export
this transformed tree back to Simcenter Motion.
Supported types of cranks
The following crank types are supported by the kinematic solver in Process Simulate. Both the
driving joint and the fixed link must correspond to one of the pictures below. In each picture, the
arrow indicates the driving joint and the dashed link represents the fixed link.
RRRR

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 4/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

This is a crank with four rotational joints, all of which have the
same joint direction. The driving joint is connected to the
fixed link.

RPRR

This is a crank with a single

prismatic joint and three
rotational joints. The
prismatic joint is the driving joint. The fixed link is not connected to the prismatic joint.
PRRR

This is a crank with a single prismatic joint and three rotational

joints. The prismatic joint is the driving joint. The fixed link is
connected to the prismatic joint.

RRRP

This is a crank with a single prismatic joint and three rotational

joints. A rotational joint is the driving joint. The fixed link is
connected to both the prismatic joint and the driving joint.

Compound cranks
You can combine the crank types above into compound cranks. With compound cranks, you can
create kinematic structures with two or more kinematic cycles that share a single joint and two
links. Only one crank of a compound crank can have a driving joint. For the other cranks, the
shared joint will become the driving joint.
Here an example of a combined RPRR and RRRR crank – a three-point crank.

A kinematics can have multiple cranks that do not share

a common joint, but share only a link or do not share
any elements.

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 5/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

The Solve NX Kinematics command in

Process Simulate on Teamcenter:
You can import the kinematics of an equipment from
NX Motion to Process Simulate on Teamcenter. First it is
necessary to export the assembly's NX Motion
kinematics and JT files to Teamcenter and them import
them with Process Simulate.
After loading to Process Simulate, the application automatically reads this equipment - if the
kinematics did not contain any cranks (kinematic cycles), the device can be used right away.
If it does contain cranks, you can try and solve the device by selecting the node and using the

Solve NX Kinematics command. This is necessary in order to enable using Joint Jog and
other commands for the device. To see if a device contains cranks, you can open the Kinematics
Editor for it – cycles in the graph indicate that you need to solve the kinematics:

Notes:

Make sure that devices are not in modeling mode when using the Solve NX Kinematics
command.
After fixing the device's kinematics in the Kinematics Editor, use the End Modeling
command and then perform Teamcenter Update.
The command supports multi-selection or selecting a compound node to solve all devices
under it. An informative message displays in the event that the command did not solve the
device or If problems occurred.
You can customize the command as needed.

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 6/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

 Share  2 Kudos

Comments

Dave007 Solution Partner Legend 

12-12-2016 01:10 AM

The possibility to use kinematics from Simcenter Motion in the Process Simulate is great.

Where I can find the Solve NX Kinematics command?

Dave

 0 Kudos

AdamDales Siemens Experimenter 

12-13-2016 01:19 AM

B"H
Hi Dave:
The Solve NX Kin command is a new one in the Process Simulate on Teamcenter software. It will
be published in the version 13.1 help which is about to be released.
You can contact me if you need further details.
Adam

 0 Kudos

AdamDales Siemens Experimenter 

12-13-2016 01:19 AM

B"H
Hi Dave:
https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 7/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

The Solve NX Kin command is a new one in the Process Simulate on Teamcenter software. It will
be published in the version 13.1 help which is about to be released.
You can contact me if you need further details.
Adam

 0 Kudos

mzvgyz Siemens Creator 

12-16-2016 11:11 AM

I wonder if MCD defined Kinematics can be imported into Tecnomatix Process Simulate.

I hope MCD / Simcenter Motion / Tecnomatix Process Simulate can interactive together.

 0 Kudos

5ut1f4 Siemens Dreamer 

12-19-2016 04:42 AM

Hi mzvgyz,

The kinematics of MCD cannot be imported to Process Simulate. NX is using different kinematic
data models for NX Motion, MCD and NX CAM. Right now we support only data exchange of NX
Motion with Process Simulate. There are efforts to support the MCD and NX CAM as well but I
cannot tell when we will have a productive version of it.

 0 Kudos

JelleSegers Dreamer 
2 weeks ago

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 8/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

I have encounter a problem when using the motion tool in NX 12.0. Everything works fine untill I
want to solve the solution. In the information pop-up screen I get the 'Licence Init Failed' error.
An other error pop-up screen open with the message 'General Simcenter Motion solver model
error. Check the solver information file for more information'. When I close those two windows,
and solve again an other error occurs 'Warning: the Simcenter motion result files are read only:..'
with 3 files. A .mres, .minp and .minf file. I already checked my licence and the motion package
is included. A collegue of mine can use the motion tool perfectly and we have the same licence.
Any ideas on how to solve this problem?

 0 Kudos

AdamDales Siemens Experimenter 

2 weeks ago

B"H
Hi -
Response to Jelle - apparently the problem you're experiencing does not stem from using any of
the Siemens PLM tools. It’s probably an issue with MCD (Mechatronics Concept Designer).

 0 Kudos

JelleSegers Dreamer 
Sunday

Hey,

Thanks for the response. The weird thing is that the exact same simulation on an other computer
works perfectly. But mine gives these errors. And when I google MCD, it does comes back to
siemens PLM software. So any idea how to fix this problem?

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 9/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

 0 Kudos

AdamDales Siemens Experimenter 

Tuesday

Hello again to Jelle, with some, I guess, final responses on this thread:
There's a reply from Hans Kopp, the author of the "Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter
Motion for use in Process Simulate Kinematics" article. An additional perspective from another
expert was: 'Perhaps you've got a problem with one or more of your app licenses running on your
machine, or, perhaps there is a read/write permissions issue with some of the files you're using.'
Hans Kopp replied that the problems are related to NX, and it seems something may be wrong
with the kinematics, e.g., if the axes are not all on the same plane, then it's likely there's no
solution.

 0 Kudos

 Back to Blog  Newer Article Older Article 

You must be a registered user to add a comment. If you've already registered, sign in. Otherwise, register and
sign in.

Comment

Top Kudoed Posts

SUBJECT KUDOS

Top 20 questions that a vendor should ask before s...    10

Introduction to the Digital Enterprise Factory Sho...     6

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 10/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

SUBJECT KUDOS

Digital Twin (Part 2)    5

Demonstrating ROS with Process Simulate    5

How to reduce workplace injuries with Jack human s...    4

View All 

Latest Comments

RenatoLeite on: Interview with Zvi Feuer, Part 3: Pulling, pushing...

Stephanie on: Join the Volkswagen & Siemens Start-up Challenge -...

Charly1 on: Collaboration is key at 1st Plant Simulation Ameri...

MikeRouman on: Sign up for our sessions at PLM Connection America...

ThomasR on: Introduction to the Digital Enterprise Factory Sho...

MikeRouman on: Tecnomatix 14 - What's New?

Stephanie on: How to insert and manipulate a Point Cloud in Proc...

Kevin_JN on: Virtual factories of the future

RyanM on: Commissioning Your Plant Material Flow: Part II – ...

Kevin_JN on: Commissioning Your Plant Material Flow - Part 1 - ...

Latest Articles

Round up of Digital Enterprise Factory Showcase To...

Episode 7 - Enterprise Factory Showcase Tour

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 11/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

Day 1: Plant Simulation Worldwide User Conference

Plant Simulation helps Sansera to reduce manpower ...

Tecnomatix helps students create digital twins of ...

Data Farming Research Project with Audi and VW

Here it comes! edddison for Tecnomatix Plant Simu...

Digital Enterprise Factory - From Machine Design t...

Astrium achieves production efficiency with Tecnom...

Siemens weighs in: Manufacturability starts with c...

Archives

October 2018

September 2018

August 2018

View Complete Archives

Follow Siemens PLM Software

   
siemens.com/plm © 2018 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc Corporate Information
Privacy Policy Terms of Use Digital Id Report Piracy

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 12/13
10/27/2018 Modeling Kinematic Devices in Simcenter Motion for... - Siemens PLM Community - 379752

https://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/t5/Tecnomatix-News/Modeling-Kinematic-Devices-in-Simcenter-Motion-for-use-in/ba-p/379752 13/13