Cutting 3D Models in NX: A Step-by-Step Guide: 1 Minute to Mastering Your NX Cutting Techniques

Cutting 3D models in Siemens NX is essential for designers and engineers looking to achieve complex geometry modifications, create sectioned views, or prepare parts for detailed analysis and manufacturing. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to cut a 3D model in NX, ensuring accuracy and precision throughout your workflow.

Step 1: Open Your 3D Model in Siemens NX

Launch Siemens NX and open the 3D model you wish to modify. Ensure that the model is fully loaded and accessible in the workspace.

Step 2: Choose the Cutting Tool

Navigate to the “Home” tab and select the appropriate feature for cutting. Typically, you can use the “Trim Body”, “Split Body”, or “Section” functions, depending on your objective. For most cuts, “Trim Body” is the preferred tool.

Step 3: Define the Cutting Plane or Object

Select the plane or surface that will act as the cutting reference. You can choose an existing plane (like XY, YZ, ZX) or create a custom datum plane using the “Datum Plane” tool if you need a specific angle or position.

Step 4: Execute the Cut

Activate the cutting command (such as “Trim Body”). Select the target body (your 3D model) and your cutting plane. NX will show a preview. Specify whether you want to keep both sides, remove one, or segment the model as per your design requirement.

Step 5: Finalize and Inspect

After confirming your selection, NX performs the cut. Review the resulting geometry to ensure the cut aligns with your intended design. Use Section View or the Measure tool for verification.

Implementing these steps in your 3D modeling workflow is a common part of both engineering and interior design projects. As a designer, I often approach cuts and sections with the end-use in mind—whether that’s visualizing a room from a new perspective, preparing data for renders, or ensuring a seamless flow between different zones within a floor plan. If you’re also focused on interior architecture, mastering cut and section techniques in NX or similar software strengthens your ability to translate creative ideas into tangible, buildable plans.

Tips 1:

When cutting complex models, always save a copy of your original file before making irreversible changes. This protects your design from accidental data loss and allows for easy experimentation with different cutting options.

FAQ

Q: What version of Siemens NX supports 3D model cutting?

A: Most recent versions of Siemens NX (from NX 8 onwards) support cutting via Trim Body, Split Body, and related functions.

Q: Can I create multiple cuts or sections in one operation?

A: Yes, you can select and execute multiple cuts using various planes or objects, but it’s often clearer to perform them sequentially for better control.

Q: Is it possible to undo a cut in NX?

A: Yes, use the Undo function or remove the feature from the Feature Tree to revert the cut.

Q: How do I cut a model at an angle in NX?

A: Create a custom datum plane at your desired angle using the Datum Plane tool, then use it as your cutting reference.

Q: What’s the difference between Split Body and Trim Body?

A: Split Body divides your model into two or more separate bodies, while Trim Body removes material from one side of a specified plane or surface.