Linking Parts Between NX and Duro

Objective: This document explains how linking works in the add-in, including the processes of linking, unlinking, and auto-linking.

Difficulty: Easy.

In this article:

1. Linking
2. Unlinking
3. Auto Linking
4. Save As

Linking parts between Duro and NX improves file management by ensuring components are consistently updated and easily traceable across both platforms. This integration helps users set the owning application in Duro to NX, embed necessary metadata, and track files efficiently. The result is better collaboration, fewer errors, and a smoother design process.

---

Linking

Manual linking allows users to choose the Duro component to link with an NX file. If the names match, the custom properties are set directly. If not, the local file will be renamed to match the Duro component, ensuring flexibility and precise control over the linking process.

Linking Duro Components to Local Files

When linking a Duro component to a local file, users have two options based on the file names:

1. Matching Names: If the local file name matches the Duro component name, Duro will automatically set the custom properties on the local file, establishing the link.
2. Non-Matching Names: If the local file name does not match the Duro component name, the local file will be renamed to match the Duro component name, and the link will be established.

Follow the steps below to link components between the Duro add-in for NX and Duro PLM.

1. Sign in to the NX Duro add-in with your Duro credentials.
2. Create or open the part you wish to link. You can only link one part at a time.
3. Open the “Manage Parts” window by clicking on the Manage Parts icon.
4. Select the coordinating part by checking the box to the left of the line item.
5. Link on the “Link” icon in the table's header, which opens the “Link to Existing Component” window.
6. Use the search bar to find components in Duro by name.
7. Select it by clicking the radio button.
8. Click the Update button to link the two parts. 
   1. If the names match, this will rename the local file to match and directly link them.
   2. If the names do not match, you will receive a notification that the local file will be renamed to match the Duro component.
   3. Note: The system checks for duplicate names in the current directory. If a duplicate exists, the link will not proceed.
9. Double-check in the “Properties” window that the part data is correct.
   1. Verify that the linkage was valid and that the custom properties were written.

Unlinking

Unlinking removes the Duro-specific metadata and the association between the NX file and the Duro component. This feature is important for managing changes or correcting previous linking errors, ensuring accurate file tracking.

Follow the steps below to unlink components between the Duro add-in for NX and Duro PLM.

1. Launch NX and open the part(s) you wish to unlink.
2. Open the “Manage Parts” window.
3. Select the desired parts by checking the box to the left of the line item.
4. Click the “Unlink” button.

This will remove the metadata and unlink the files, making the components independent. 

Note: Parts can be relinked after unlinking by manually linking. 

Auto Linking

Auto linking automatically matches local filenames with corresponding Duro components, reducing manual effort and errors. This feature ensures that files are correctly linked based on their names, maintaining consistency in metadata and file associations.

Follow the steps below to auto-link components between the Duro add-in for NX and Duro PLM.

1. Launch NX and open the part you wish to auto-link.
2. Open the “Manage Parts” window.
3. Select the desired parts by checking the box to the left of the line item.
4. If the name is an exact match, click the “Auto Link” button to automatically link all components with their respective Duro parts.

Note: Auto-linking may not work if the names do not match, but manual linking options are available.

Save As

The save as feature renames a file within NX while creating a copy if needed. Renaming updates the name in Duro, maintaining the link and metadata. Creating a copy clears the metadata to avoid conflicts, allowing the user to re-link or pull the part as needed, ensuring metadata accuracy.

Follow the steps below to save components between the Duro add-in for NX and Duro PLM.

1. Launch NX and open a file with an associated CPN in Duro PLM.

5. Click “Home.”
6. Select “Save.” 
7. In the menu that populates, choose one of the following saving options:
   1. Save: Saves the work part and any modified components.
   2. Save Work Part Only: Saves only the work part.
   3. Save As: Saves the work part under a different name.
   4. Save All: Saves all modified parts and all top-level assembly parts.
   5. Save Bookmark: Saves the assembly context in a bookmark file, including component visibility, load options, and component details.
   6. Save Options: Defines actions to perform when part files are saved.
8. Write a file name.
9. Click "OK."

Any new files created will only maintain non-Duro custom properties, whereas the original file retains all metadata, including the CPN. You can verify this information by checking in the “Summary Information” window.