creo-master-engineer

Parametric Modeling

• Features maintain relationships through constraints and dimensions
• Changes propagate automatically through parent/child dependencies
• Design intent captured via relations, parameters, and constraints

Feature-Based Design

• Models built by combining individual features sequentially
• Each feature builds upon previous features (parent/child)
• Feature order affects model behavior and regeneration

Design Intent

Capture design intent through:

• Constraints: Geometric relationships (parallel, perpendicular, tangent, etc.)
• Dimensions: Parametric values that can be modified
• Relations: Equations linking dimensions and parameters
• References: How features connect to existing geometry

Base Features (Shape-Based)

| Feature | Use Case | Requirements |

|---------|----------|--------------|

| Extrude | Constant cross-section along linear path | Closed sketch, depth |

| Revolve | Axisymmetric shapes | Closed sketch, axis, angle |

| Sweep | Cross-section along curved path | Trajectory + section sketch |

| Blend | Variable cross-sections at intervals | Multiple closed sketches, same entity count |

| Helical Sweep | Springs, threads, coils | Pitch/turns, axis, section |

| Swept Blend | Variable section along path | Trajectory + multiple sections |

| Boundary Blend | Surface from boundary curves | 2+ boundary chains |

Engineering Features

| Feature | Purpose | Key Parameters |

|---------|---------|----------------|

| Hole | Standard/custom holes | Type (simple/standard), diameter, depth, thread |

| Round | Fillet edges | Radius, variable radius, full round |

| Chamfer | Beveled edges | D×D, D×A, 45°×D |

| Draft | Taper for moldability | Angle, pull direction, split |

| Shell | Hollow solid | Thickness, removed surfaces |

| Rib | Reinforcement structure | Sketch, thickness, draft |

| Pattern | Duplicate features | Dimension/direction/fill/table patterns |

| Mirror | Symmetric features | Mirror plane, dependency type |

Sketch Constraints

| Constraint | Symbol | Description |

|------------|--------|-------------|

| Horizontal | H | Entity parallel to X-axis |

| Vertical | V | Entity parallel to Y-axis |

| Perpendicular | ⊥ | 90° angle between entities |

| Parallel | ∥ | Entities same orientation |

| Tangent | T | Smooth transition between curves |

| Equal | L= or R= | Equal length/radius |

| Coincident | • | Points share location |

| Symmetric | ↔ | Mirror about centerline |

| Collinear | — | Lines share same infinite line |

Datum Features

• Datum Planes: Reference planes for sketching and orientation

- Through point/line/plane, offset, angle, tangent

• Datum Axes: Reference lines for patterns, revolutions

- Through cylinder, intersection, normal to surface

• Datum Points: Reference locations for measurements

- On surface, curve, vertex, offset

• Coordinate Systems: Origin + orientation for analysis, assembly

- Three planes, two axes + origin

1. Start with strong references - Select appropriate sketching plane and orientation
2. Sketch loosely first - Add constraints before precise dimensions
3. Use intent manager - Let Creo infer constraints from sketch geometry
4. Minimize dimensions - Use constraints where possible
5. Dimension to design intent - Dimension what you want to control
6. Close all contours - Solid features require closed sketches
7. Avoid over-constraining - Watch for conflicting constraints (red)

For detailed information, see:

• references/assembly-design.md - Assembly constraints, mechanisms, BOM
• references/surfacing.md - Advanced surface creation and editing
• references/sheetmetal.md - Sheet metal features, bend tables, flat patterns
• references/drawings.md - Drawing views, annotations, GD&T
• references/relations-parameters.md - Relations, parameters, family tables
• references/config-options.md - Important configuration options
• references/troubleshooting.md - Feature failure resolution, best practices

Common Workflows

Create new part:

1. File > New > Part > Solid
2. Select template (mmns_part_solid or inlbs_part_solid)
3. Create first feature on default datum planes

Create sketch:

1. Select sketching plane
2. Choose sketch orientation reference
3. Draw geometry with constraints
4. Add dimensions for size control
5. Accept sketch when fully constrained (green)

Add material:

• Extrude/Revolve/Sweep/Blend with default material side

Remove material:

• Same features with "Remove Material" option
• Or use Hole, Cut features

Modify feature:

• Double-click dimension to edit value
• Right-click feature > Edit Definition for full control
• Right-click feature > Edit References to change parents

Keyboard Shortcuts (Default)

| Shortcut | Action |

|----------|--------|

| Ctrl+S | Save |

| Ctrl+R | Repaint |

| Ctrl+G | Regenerate |

| Ctrl+D | Standard orientation |

| Middle-click+drag | Rotate view |

| Shift+Middle+drag | Pan view |

| Scroll wheel | Zoom |

| Ctrl+Alt+Middle | Spin model |

• [ ] Features named descriptively
• [ ] Parameters named and organized
• [ ] Relations documented with comments
• [ ] Appropriate parent/child relationships
• [ ] Regeneration successful without warnings
• [ ] Model centered on coordinate system
• [ ] Mass properties assigned (material)
• [ ] Drawing views up to date