Synchronous Technology (NX)
NX's hybrid modelling approach — direct face/edge editing on a body without disturbing the parametric history.
Definition
Synchronous Technology (ST) operates on solid geometry through face-level commands: Move Face, Pull Face, Resize Face, Make Coplanar, Make Perpendicular, Modify with Rules. It works on both native parametric geometry (where it adds a Synchronous feature step to the timeline) and imported direct geometry (where there's no parametric history to disturb).
ST infers design intent through rules (e.g., 'this face was perpendicular to that face — preserve that') and applies the edit while respecting inferred constraints.
Why it matters
ST is NX's competitive moat. Mixing parametric and direct in one platform without losing data is uniquely NX. For imported geometry, ST is the only practical way to make significant edits.
Technical Deep Dive & Core Mechanics
In 2D vector engines like Siemens NX, Synchronous Technology (NX) directly influences the system's memory-mapped database structure. Rather than storing arbitrary pixel rasters, the DWG/DXF format describes each entity using grouped DXF codes (such as code 10 for coordinates, code 8 for layers, and code 100 for class markers). The virtual screen index utilizes highly optimized spatial indexing trees (like quad-trees or R-trees) to manage viewport pan and zoom sweeps efficiently.
Cross-Discipline Collaboration & Handoff
In global multi-office projects, Synchronous Technology (NX) is a high-frequency handoff node between diverse software packages. During cross-platform export (for example, exporting Siemens NX drawings to IFC for coordination in Navisworks or Solibri, or converting mechanical STEP files into BIM detail families):
Common pitfalls
- Heavy ST use on parts with long parametric history — history becomes misleading.
- Relying on rule inference for edits that should be explicit dimensional changes.
- Mixing ST and pure parametric features without a discipline for which is which.
This concept is a core structural element of the Siemens NX drafting and engineering environment developed by Siemens Digital Industries Software. Siemens' high-end CAD/CAM/CAE platform — synchronous + parametric hybrid modelling, strong CAM, and Teamcenter PLM integration.
Relevant Siemens NX FAQs
❓ What is Synchronous Technology and why does NX have it?
ST is direct-face editing on a body without disturbing parametric history. NX has it because it solves two pain points: editing imported geometry without history, and editing native parts when parametric edits would be tedious. Mixing ST with parametric is uniquely NX's capability.
❓ What is the difference between NX and Solid Edge?
Both Siemens products. NX is high-end, used by automotive OEMs and tier-1s, with Teamcenter PLM. Solid Edge is mid-market, similar tier to SOLIDWORKS, mainstream machinery and consumer products. Both share Synchronous Technology heritage.
⚡ Concept Self-Test
🎓 Recommended Practice Lessons
Step-by-step practical exercises and certification-aligned paths chosen by our editors to master this concept:
Siemens NX Professional Design & Engineering Specialization
The Complete Siemens NX 2026 Masterclass: From Beginner to Pro
Siemens NX Certified Associate Exam Study Guide & Mock Practice
🌳 Semantic Crossroads & Navigation Pathways
Trunk-Branch-Leaf ModelCore glossary, interactive graph, and domain-wide concept index.
Parent design environments and platforms implementing this method natively.