What’s New:

PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Datecode M060
Copyright © 2015 PTC Inc. and/or Its Subsidiary Companies. All Rights Reserved.

User and training guides and related documentation from PTC Inc. and its subsidiary companies (collectively
"PTC") are subject to the copyright laws of the United States and other countries and are provided under a
license agreement that restricts copying, disclosure, and use of such documentation. PTC hereby grants to the
licensed software user the right to make copies in printed form of this documentation if provided on software
media, but only for internal/personal use and in accordance with the license agreement under which the
applicable software is licensed. Any copy made shall include the PTC copyright notice and any other
proprietary notice provided by PTC. Training materials may not be copied without the express written consent
of PTC. This documentation may not be disclosed, transferred, modified, or reduced to any form, including
electronic media, or transmitted or made publicly available by any means without the prior written consent of
PTC and no authorization is granted to make copies for such purposes.

Information described herein is furnished for general information only, is subject to change without notice,
and should not be construed as a warranty or commitment by PTC. PTC assumes no responsibility or liability
for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this document.

The software described in this document is provided under written license agreement, contains valuable trade
secrets and proprietary information, and is protected by the copyright laws of the United States and other
countries. It may not be copied or distributed in any form or medium, disclosed to third parties, or used in any
manner not provided for in the software licenses agreement except with written prior approval from PTC.

UNAUTHORIZED USE OF SOFTWARE OR ITS DOCUMENTATION CAN RESULT IN CIVIL

DAMAGES AND CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. PTC regards software piracy as the crime it is, and we view
offenders accordingly. We do not tolerate the piracy of PTC software products, and we pursue (both civilly
and criminally) those who do so using all legal means available, including public and private surveillance
resources. As part of these efforts, PTC uses data monitoring and scouring technologies to obtain and transmit
data on users of illegal copies of our software. This data collection is not performed on users of legally
licensed software from PTC and its authorized distributors. If you are using an illegal copy of our software
and do not consent to the collection and transmission of such data (including to the United States), cease
using the illegal version, and contact PTC to obtain a legally licensed copy.

Important Copyright, Trademark, Patent, and Licensing Information: See the About Box, or copyright
notice, of your PTC software.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND

This document and the software described herein are Commercial Computer Documentation and Software,
pursuant to FAR 12.212(a)-(b) (OCT’95) or DFARS 227.7202-1(a) and 227.7202-3(a) (JUN’95), and are
provided to the US Government under a limited commercial license only. For procurements predating the
above clauses, use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to the restrictions set forth in
subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software Clause at DFARS 252.227-
7013 (OCT’88) or Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights at FAR 52.227-19(c)(1)-(2) (JUN’87),
as applicable. 01012015

PTC Inc., 140 Kendrick Street, Needham, MA 02494 USA

 Contents

Fundamentals.............................................................................................................7
3D Printing Is Available .........................................................................................8
Engineering Notebook Powered by PTC Mathcad ...................................................9
Improvements in Mass Properties ........................................................................10
View Normal Orientation .....................................................................................10
Reorienting the Model Is Easier ...........................................................................10
The Window Is Automatically Activated ................................................................ 11
Customizing Shortcut Menus ............................................................................... 11
Digital Rights Management.................................................................................. 11
Design Exploration ....................................................................................................13
Design Exploration Is Available............................................................................14
Storing Changes in Design Exploration.................................................................15
Part Modeling (Part, PTC Creo Flexible Modeling) .......................................................17
Untrimming When Copying Surfaces....................................................................18
Enhancements to the Collapse Feature ................................................................18
Chordal Rounds .................................................................................................18
Reorder Is Enhanced ..........................................................................................19
Read Only Features Are Easy to Identify ..............................................................19
Boundary Blend Enhancements...........................................................................20
Flatten Quilt Enhancement ..................................................................................21
Chamfer Support in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling ..................................................22
Enhanced Rounds Support in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling ....................................23
Tangency Propagation and Control in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling.........................24
Pattern Propagation in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling ..............................................24
New Flexible Pattern Tool in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling ......................................25
Entry Point for Insert Mode ..................................................................................25
User Interface for Spinal Bend is Enhanced ..........................................................26
Enhancements to Edit Reference.........................................................................26
Displaying Missing References ............................................................................27
Referencing a Pattern in Part Modeling ................................................................28
Geometry Pattern on Variable Topology................................................................28
New Layout Feature............................................................................................29
Update Control for Layout Feature .......................................................................29
Data Exchange (Interface, PTC Creo Unite) ................................................................31
PTC Creo Unite Technology—Working in a Multi-CAD Environment .......................32
Automatic Conversion Using PTC Creo Unite Technology......................................32
Creating Profiles Using PTC Creo 3.0 Unite Technology ........................................33
Solid Edge Import ...............................................................................................34
Importing Drawings from PTC Creo Elements/Direct .............................................34

3
 Support for Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) When Importing ....................35
Support for JT 9.5 ...............................................................................................36
Planar and Zonal Cross-Section Support for JT.....................................................37
Semantic Exchange of Annotations Support for JT ................................................37
Support for Colors for JT .....................................................................................37
Support for Angle Control in JT ............................................................................38
Detailed Drawings .....................................................................................................39
User Interface for Creating Dimensions Is Improved ..............................................40
User Interface for Creating Notes Is Improved.......................................................40
Geometric Tolerance Enhancements....................................................................41
Security Marking Designation for Annotation.........................................................42
Hyperlinks to Combination States ........................................................................42
Symbols in Notes................................................................................................43
PTC Creo Layout ......................................................................................................45
Import Functionality Is Improved ..........................................................................46
Hatching and Fill are Supported ...........................................................................46
Chamfer is Improved...........................................................................................47
New Sublayouts .................................................................................................47
Sketching Enhancements....................................................................................48
PTC Creo Layout Model Tree ..............................................................................49
Dimension Properties..........................................................................................50
Support for Parameters .......................................................................................50
Selection is Improved..........................................................................................50
Surfacing (Freestyle, Style, Technical Surfacing) .........................................................51
Aligning Freestyle Geometry................................................................................52
Joining Freestyle Geometry.................................................................................52
Dragging in Freestyle ..........................................................................................53
Sweep Geometry in Style ....................................................................................53
Merging Surfaces in Style....................................................................................54
Isoline Curve in Style ..........................................................................................54
Evaluating Connections in Technical Surfacing .....................................................55
Knots Analysis is Improved..................................................................................55
Rendering (Photorealistic Rendering) .........................................................................57
Manipulating HDR Images...................................................................................58
Realistic Bump Mapping......................................................................................58
Realistic Appearances ........................................................................................59
Improvements in Transparent Displays.................................................................60
Ambient Occlusion Is Available ............................................................................60
Assembly Design (Intelligent Fastener, Assembly) .......................................................61
PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener..............................................................................62
PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener (Lite) .....................................................................62
Update Control for Data Sharing Features ............................................................63
Notifications Are Collected and Easily Accessible..................................................65
New Option for Controlling External References....................................................66
Status Reporting Is Improved in Assemblies .........................................................66

4 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 Improvements for Chooser Dialog Boxes..............................................................66
Updating in a Session Is Improved .......................................................................67
Improvements in Family Tables............................................................................67
Identifying Active Components is Easier ...............................................................67
Advanced Framework Design ....................................................................................69
Assembling and Measuring is Improved ...............................................................70
Copying Subassemblies is Easier ........................................................................70
More Options are Available from Shortcut Menus ..................................................71
Electrical Design (Cabling, ECAD, Harness Manufacturing)..........................................73
Import Conductor Information ..............................................................................74
Bundle Transitions in Cabling ..............................................................................74
Improved Support for Cabling in PTC Creo View ...................................................75
ECAD Subtype for Assemblies ............................................................................75
ECAD Flex Rigid Boards .....................................................................................76
Harness Manufacturing .......................................................................................76
Manufacturing (NC Manufacturing) .............................................................................79
New User Interface for Volume Milling ..................................................................80
Linking in Roughing Steps Is Enhanced................................................................80
New User Interface for Trajectory Milling...............................................................81
Tool Axis Control for Cut Line Milling ....................................................................82
Multitask Machining ............................................................................................83
Tapered Thread Milling........................................................................................84
Mold Design and Casting(Mold Design and Casting, PTC Creo Mold Analysis) ..............87
PTC Creo Mold Analysis .....................................................................................88
Creating a Parting Surface Using Extend Curve ....................................................88
Creating a Parting Surface Using Fill Loops ..........................................................88
Draft Analysis Is Improved...................................................................................89
Check for 3–D Thickness ....................................................................................89
Sheetmetal (Sheetmetal Design) ................................................................................91
Flatten Form and Flat Pattern Are Enhanced ........................................................92
Die Form User Interface Is Improved ....................................................................92
Improvements to Bend Reliefs .............................................................................93
Rip Connect and Sketched Rip Tools Are Enhanced..............................................93
Bending Coplanar Surfaces in a Single Feature ....................................................94
PTC Creo Simulate ...................................................................................................95
New User Interface for Results in PTC Creo Simulate............................................96
PTC Creo Unite Technology — Working in a Multi-CAD Environment .....................97
Automatic Conversion Using PTC Creo Unite Technology......................................98
Creating Profiles Using PTC Creo 3.0 Unite Technology ........................................99
Solid Edge Import ...............................................................................................99
Support for Mapkeys ......................................................................................... 100
Support for Unicode in PTC Creo Simulate ......................................................... 101
Performance Improvements in PTC Creo Simulate.............................................. 101
Support for ANSYS 14.5 in PTC Creo Simulate................................................... 102
Support for MSC Nastran 2012 in PTC Creo Simulate ......................................... 102

Contents 5
 Performance Tuning for Solver Engine I/O Is Improved........................................ 102
Icons are Updated ............................................................................................ 103
Changing Entity Colors ..................................................................................... 104
Usability Improvements to Fasteners with Defined Preloads................................. 104
Improvements to FEM Mode.............................................................................. 105
Weighted Links in 2D Analysis ........................................................................... 106
Simple Fracture Mechanics Is Added ................................................................. 107
Improved Process to Determine the Best Analysis............................................... 107
New Workflow for Creating Notes....................................................................... 109
Analysis Studies are Listed in the Model Tree ..................................................... 110
Improved Workflow for Interrogating Results....................................................... 111
Defining Contact Interfaces with Finite Friction .................................................... 112
Mapped Mesh Option for 2D Models .................................................................. 113
Display of Shells, Beams, and Fasteners is Improved .......................................... 114
Analyze Models with Failed Features ................................................................. 115
Updated Process for Creating Linearized Stresses.............................................. 116
Fatigue Analysis with Multiple Load Sets ............................................................ 117

6 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 1
Fundamentals
3D Printing Is Available ................................................................................................8
Engineering Notebook Powered by PTC Mathcad..........................................................9
Improvements in Mass Properties...............................................................................10
View Normal Orientation ............................................................................................10
Reorienting the Model Is Easier ..................................................................................10
The Window Is Automatically Activated ....................................................................... 11
Customizing Shortcut Menus...................................................................................... 11
Digital Rights Management ........................................................................................ 11

7
3D Printing Is Available
Functionality for 3D printing is introduced in PTC Creo Parametric.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Help ▶ 3D Print.

Benefits and Description

PTC Creo is closing the gap between CAD systems and 3D printers.
You can use 3D printing for rapid and functional prototyping, and for end-user
products created with the process of additive manufacturing. Additive
manufacturing is quickly becoming a common manufacturing process on the same
level as mold and casting and can improve efficiency in ways such as those listed
below:
• Produce high-value parts with individual customization requirements.
• Greatly reduce the time it takes to make these parts.
• Reduce cost by avoiding the need to create expensive molds or casts that are
typical in high-volume production.
To speed up the development of Additive Manufacturing functionality, PTC is
partnering with Stratasys, a manufacturer for 3D printing equipment, to streamline
3D printing workflows by using direct interaction between PTC Creo and
supported Stratasys 3D printers. Support for additional printers is planned.
Before the availability of 3D printing in PTC Creo Parametric, intermediary
software to ensure that your designs were printable in 3D was required. With 3D
Print functionality, designers can do all 3D printing work using standard PTC
Creo models when connected to a supported Stratasys printer, and in this case the
intermediary software is not required.
In PTC Creo 3.0 M040 you can perform the following actions with 3D Print using
a generic printer:
• Print parts and assemblies that were created in Creo Parametric using STL
(stereolithography) files as an input to the software of the 3D printer. Most 3D
printers use STL files as input.
• Define a user-defined printer for all other brands of 3D printers or when a
Stratasys printer in not available. With the user-defined printer you can
prepare your model for printing as described in the list below:
○ Define the printer box envelope.
○ Perform scaling.
○ Position the model on the tray, using the dragger.
○ Display a rough estimate of the support material for visualization
purposes, not the actual support structure.

8 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 ○ Perform printability validation for thin walls and narrow gaps. When you
find an issue with the model, you can fix the issue in part or assembly
mode.
○ Show a clipped view of the model, using the dragger.
○ Save the CAD data together with the model translation and rotation on the
tray as an STL file. The quality of the printed model is set by the STL file
resolution.
In PTC Creo 3.0 M040 you can perform the following actions with 3D Print when
using a supported Stratasys printer:
• Assign materials and colors to the model, define the finish as glossy or matte,
and get an estimation of the maximal required support material.
• Position automatically.
• Control the speed of the printing by either printing each individual layer or
printing two layers at a time. The speed of printing does not affect the amount
of the required build and support materials.
• Calculate the required amount of build and support materials.

Engineering Notebook Powered by PTC

Mathcad
PTC Mathcad Prime 3.1 is integrated with PTC Creo Parametric. You can embed
a PTC Mathcad Prime 3.1 worksheet directly within a PTC Creo Parametric
model at the part or assembly level, to document design intent and share
parameters between the worksheet and the model.

Benefits and Description

You can embed a single worksheet for each PTC Creo Parametric object and then
open, edit, and save the worksheet within the model. Embedding worksheets with
the model is more efficient than saving them separately and saves time. You can
use the embedded worksheet as a scratch pad to record design notes, to solve
simple to complex calculations, and as the mathematical source for parameters in
the model. This makes it easier and faster to document engineering knowledge
and design intent inside the model and is a powerful way to link the two together.
You can also share data between PTC Mathcad and PTC Creo Parametric using
the PTC Creo Parametric parameter table. The parameters in the embedded PTC
Mathcad worksheet can be tagged as inputs or outputs. These parameters then
become available in PTC Creo Parametric model in which the worksheet is
embedded and can be used in the same way as native PTC Creo Parametric
parameters. You can use the embedded PTC Mathcad worksheet to derive design
parameters to use in PTC Creo Parametric or to analyze dimensions from your
model using the extensive array of mathematical tools in PTC Mathcad.

Fundamentals 9
Improvements in Mass Properties
The reporting and calculating of Mass Properties are simplified and improved.

Benefits and Description

Improvements to Mass Properties are described in the list below:
• Added an extended set of Mass Properties parameters to indicate the
Coordinate system and transform that are used as a base for alternative
parameters and used in calculations.
• Added a parameter to define the origin for inertia calculations.
• Created a better workflow in the Mass Properties report to avoid extra prompts
and added information about the source of the Mass Property.
• Improved the treatment of a dependency on Mass Properties on a selected
CSYS. When the CSYS is missing, Mass Properties are calculated correctly
using the previous transform.
• Added the ability to set a default source for Mass Properties calculations in an
analysis.
• Extended PTC Creo Parametric TOOLKIT support. Identifying Mass
Properties that need updating is improved.

View Normal Orientation

You can orient planar entities normal to the view direction.
User Interface Location: Click View ▶ Saved Orientations ▶ View Normal.

Benefits and Description

You can orient the model so that the selected planar reference, such as a surface,
sketch, datum plane, or cross section, is normal to the view direction. If a second
reference is selected, the model is oriented towards the top of the graphics area, as
if the reference was selected as Reference 2 in the Orientation dialog box.

Reorienting the Model Is Easier

You can orient your model to be normal to a plane, planar surface, cylinder, linear
edge, or three vertices.
User Interface Location: Click View ▶ Named Views ▶ View Normal.

Benefits and Description

10 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the
enhancement described below.
There are new capabilities for orienting your model based on the geometry. You
can select a planar face, a cylindrical face, or a conical face and choose to orient
the model normal to that reference. The model is then oriented appropriately. In
addition you can select three vertices and a plane is applied through those three
vertices. The view is then oriented normal to that defined plane.

The Window Is Automatically Activated

The window you switch to is automatically activated.

Benefits and Description

When working with multiple windows, the window you switch to is automatically
activated. You do not need to manually activate the window.

Customizing Shortcut Menus

You can customize a shortcut menu.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Options and then click Shortcut Menu.

Benefits and Description

You can remove and reorder commands in shortcut menus. This increases
productivity by having easy access to the commands you use most frequently and
by removing the commands you do not use. Shortcut menus are also modernized
to improve usability.

Digital Rights Management

PTC Creo Digital Rights Management is discontinued and not available in PTC
Creo 3.0. Digital Rights Management is supported in PTC Creo 2.0 and earlier.

Fundamentals 11
 2
Design Exploration
Design Exploration Is Available ..................................................................................14
Storing Changes in Design Exploration .......................................................................15

13
Design Exploration Is Available
You can use Design Exploration to explore changes to a design without
committing to the change.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Manage Session ▶ Design Exploration
session and then click Start or Open.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Changing a product design and exploring new ideas is a technical challenge,
especially when developing complex systems with many interdependent
components. Typically, this process involves manual backup of models to folders,
repeatedly closing and cleaning the PTC Creo Parametric session, and manually
revisiting and reviewing massive iterations until making a decision. Design
Exploration helps to streamline the process of evaluating new designs and
deciding on changes to the design. In PTC Creo Parametric, open a model. To start
exploring new ideas click File ▶ Manage Session ▶ Design Exploration session ▶
Start to open a Design Exploration session and then in the Name box, type a name
for the session. This is where all your exploration ideas are stored. A snapshot of
your PTC Creo Parametric session content is saved to the checkpoint Pre-
modified. You can now start to experiment with your design without risking the
original models. As you make changes, you can add checkpoints. Each checkpoint
stores only the incremental model changes since the last checkpoint. For your
additional clarification, you can provide a checkpoint name, comments, and also
define keywords to use, for example, in a search for the checkpoint at a later time.
You can switch between checkpoints without losing information. In your Design
Exploration session, multiple model iterations are replaced as they are captured in
the active checkpoint. That eliminates the need to manually backup models to
different locations or clean up your session each time you want to switch between
different design iterations.
When manipulating models in an active checkpoint that already has successors,
you can create new checkpoint sequences and form different branches. With
branching, you can develop and evaluate multiple ideas, simultaneously. Every
branch represents a different direction of the design. If some checkpoints along the
branch are no longer needed you can delete them without losing information in a
later iteration. If you shorten the branch, iterations from a deleted checkpoint are
merged into its successor. You can also delete a complete branch. You can
navigate the Checkpoint Tree in Tree view, or in Timeline view. Checkpoints along
the active path appear in a darker font making it easier to locate earlier
checkpoints in same sequence. You can browse different branches that appear in a
lighter grey font. When you are ready to make a decision, you can accept the

14 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

checkpoint with the chosen design and then return to the PTC Creo Parametric
session. You can keep entire session data in the specified .TMZ file. All model
iterations along the path to this checkpoint will be applied to the models from
which you started the Design Exploration session.

Storing Changes in Design Exploration

Others can review your proposed changes.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
If you want your design reviewed by others, you can distribute the .TMZ file
containing your design. Others can then explore your ideas or add their own. By
default, Design Exploration stores only incremental changes. The first Pre-
modified checkpoint stores only the paths to the locations of the starting models. If
you plan to send session data to a user that does not have access to same the file
system or to the locations of the original models, you can have all the start models
added into the .TMZ file. The content of the .TMZ file is encrypted and
compressed to avoid confusing the experimental design with the actual design.

Design Exploration 15
 3
Part Modeling (Part, PTC Creo
Flexible Modeling)
Untrimming When Copying Surfaces ..........................................................................18
Enhancements to the Collapse Feature.......................................................................18
Chordal Rounds ........................................................................................................18
Reorder Is Enhanced.................................................................................................19
Read Only Features Are Easy to Identify .....................................................................19
Boundary Blend Enhancements .................................................................................20
Flatten Quilt Enhancement.........................................................................................21
Chamfer Support in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling .........................................................22
Enhanced Rounds Support in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling...........................................23
Tangency Propagation and Control in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling ...............................24
Pattern Propagation in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling .....................................................24
New Flexible Pattern Tool in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling .............................................25
Entry Point for Insert Mode.........................................................................................25
User Interface for Spinal Bend is Enhanced.................................................................26
Enhancements to Edit Reference ...............................................................................26
Displaying Missing References...................................................................................27
Referencing a Pattern in Part Modeling .......................................................................28
Geometry Pattern on Variable Topology ......................................................................28
New Layout Feature ..................................................................................................29
Update Control for Layout Feature ..............................................................................29

17
Untrimming When Copying Surfaces
You can untrim surfaces for native or imported geometry.
User Interface Location: Select a surface to copy and then click Model ▶ Copy.
Click Model ▶ Paste and then right-click to select Untrim to envelope or Untrim to
domain of definition.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
When copying a surface or quilt you can use new options to untrim the geometry
to its original definition or to the envelope of its definition. Surfaces can be
untrimmed from both imported and native geometry. To untrim a surface, copy
and paste the surface and then under Options in SURFACE: Copy either untrim to
an envelope of the selected surface or untrim to the original domain of the surface.
This creates an untrimmed dependent copy of the surface. In addition to
untrimming a single surface, you can also untrim an entire quilt into individual
surfaces. You can untrim the quilt to an envelope or to the original domain and
create untrimmed surfaces for each patch in the surface.

Enhancements to the Collapse Feature

You can collapse any set of consecutive or geometrically-related features from
PTC Creo Parametric or PTC Creo Direct.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Editing ▶ Collapse.

Benefits and Description

You can use the Collapse command for a set of consecutive features or for all
geometrically-related features, regardless of the first feature type, and regardless
of whether the features are created in PTC Creo Parametric or PTC Creo Direct. If
all geometrically-related features are selected, the resulting feature is an
Independent Geometry feature. If a set of consecutive features is selected, the
resulting feature is an Incremental Geometry feature. If the first feature is an
import feature, the other features are collapsed into that import feature. Intent
references are maintained and you have the option to keep Analysis, Annotation,
Publish Geometry, and Cosmetic features.

Chordal Rounds
You can create a chordal or constant-width round.

18 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Round. In the Round tab, click Sets ▶
Chordal.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
There is support for Chordal or constant-width rounds. For example, if you apply a
round to the edge of the rear bumper in a model, you can see the transitions of the
ends of the rounds blend towards triangular patches. Inside the round user
interface click Chordal. Then, when changing the value of the round, you can see
that the round maintains its constant width. You can add another round. The
transition blends to a three–sided patch or point. Clicking Chordal results in a
constant-width round. If you like, you can also select C2 Continuous to change
this round to be curvature continuous. Changing the shape factor alters the cross-
sectional shape of the round. If you click Analysis ▶ Reflection to apply a
reflection analysis onto the geometry, you can see how cleanly the reflection lines
transition across the patch structure. When you click Shading With Reflections,
you can see clean reflections and highlights on the model.

Reorder Is Enhanced
Reorder functionality supports more flexible workflows.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Operations ▶ Reorder.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Use the Feature Reorder dialog box for more flexible workflows when reordering
features. You can still drag and drop features in the Model Tree, however, the
Feature Reorder dialog box gives you more visibility into how reordering will
impact other features. For example, if you move Extrude 2 after Round 4 you can
see that the features depending on Extrude 2 are moved along with it. You can also
reorder to and from groups and move nonsequential features.

Read Only Features Are Easy to Identify

Features set to Read Only are easy to identify in the Model Tree.

Part Modeling (Part, PTC Creo Flexible Modeling) 19

User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Operations ▶ Read Only.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Click Model ▶ Operations ▶ Read Only ▶ Set all as read only and all the features are
grouped together in the Model Tree. A lock icon appears next to Read Only
Features. You can expand the Read Only Features but cannot modify the feature or
references. In the Graphics window, you can see the dimensions for the feature,
but cannot edit the dimensions. If you select Set as last read only, features from
the beginning of the Model tree to the feature you select are set to Read Only
Features.

Boundary Blend Enhancements

Resulting surface and connection quality is improved for Boundary Blend.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Boundary Blend.

Benefits and Description

Boundary Blend is significantly improved, resulting in smoother surfaces and
connections. Resulting surfaces are degree 5. A new Optimize option is added to
further improve the quality of a single surface with 4 boundaries. This optimizes
the connection influence throughout the surface and produces a smoother surface,
especially in the corners.

20 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Flatten Quilt Enhancement
You can flatten complex, freeform geometry.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Surfaces ▶ Flatten Quilt.

Part Modeling (Part, PTC Creo Flexible Modeling) 21

Benefits and Description
The Flatten Quilt feature is enhanced to handle more complicated geometric
scenarios where the quilt to flatten is not rectangular in shape. There is also
support for symmetry.

Chamfer Support in PTC Creo Flexible

Modeling
Chamfers are supported in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling with the tools to
recognize chamfers and edit chamfers and with functionality to remove and
recreate chamfers during Flexible Modeling operations.
User Interface Location: Click Flexible Modeling ▶ Rounds/Chamfers ▶ Recognize
Chamfers or click Flexible Modeling ▶ Edit Chamfer.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Chamfers are supported in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling with the tools to
recognize chamfers and edit chamfers and with functionality to remove and
recreate chambers during Flexible Modeling operations. If the chamfer geometry is
created with a PTC Creo Parametric 3.0 or later Chamfer feature, it is
automatically handled as a chamfer. If the chamfer geometry was created in an

22 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

earlier release or is imported, the chamfer-like geometry is extended and
intersected to complete the Flexible Modeling operation. You can use the
Recognize Chamfers tool to select chamfer-like geometry and have it handled as a
chamfer, and not like regular geometry. As is the case with rounds, to maintain the
engineering intent of the chamfer, the chamfer is removed before the Flexible
Modeling operation and then recreated after the operation.
Click Edit Chamfer to edit chamfers and chamfer-like geometry. As with rounds,
you can remove a chamfer or change its size and dimension scheme.

Enhanced Rounds Support in PTC Creo

Flexible Modeling
Conic and curvature continuous rounds are supported in PTC Creo Flexible
Modeling, and you can choose not to treat round-like geometry as an engineering
round.
User Interface Location: Click Flexible Modeling ▶ Edit Round or click Flexible
Modeling ▶ Rounds/Chamfers.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Conic and curvature continuous rounds are recognized and treated as round
geometry, and can also be edited with Edit Round.
When you click Edit Round the current characteristics of a round surface appear
and you can remove the round, or change the type to Circular, Conic, C2
Continuous, D1 x D2 Conic, or D1 x D2 C2.
As with circular rounds, conic and curvature continuous rounds are automatically
recognized as round geometry. To preserve the engineering intent of the round
geometry in your design, they are removed before a Flexible Modeling operation,
and recreated after the operation.
If you do not want the round geometry to be treated as an engineering round, click
Not Rounds and select the surface. The round geometry is now treated as a general
surface. It is not removed and recreated, and, in the case of a circular round,
changes can be propagated through the round if you choose the option to maintain
tangency.

Part Modeling (Part, PTC Creo Flexible Modeling) 23

Tangency Propagation and Control in
PTC Creo Flexible Modeling
There is support for maintaining tangent connections to adjacent geometry in PTC
Creo Flexible Modeling.
User Interface Location: Click Flexible Modeling and then in the Move, Offset, or
Modify Analytic tool, click .

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can maintain tangent connections to adjacent geometry when you make
geometric modifications to selected geometry. Geometry that is selected for
modification with a tool on the Flexible Modeling tab such as Move, Offset, or
Modify Analytic may be connected with tangency to neighboring surfaces. If that is
the case, you may want the neighboring surfaces to be adjusted along with the
primary surface to maintain that tangent connection. On the tab for the tool click
. Default conditions are applied automatically to the neighboring geometry and
you can also apply user-defined conditions to control how it should be adjusted to
accommodate the changes to the primary geometry. You can fix surfaces, edges,
or axes, specify that tangency should be maintained or lost, and maintain constant
radii. The ability to control the propagation of geometric edits to tangentially
attached surfaces provides you with additional power and flexibility.

Pattern Propagation in PTC Creo Flexible

Modeling
You can easily propagate changes to pattern members from any other pattern
member.
User Interface Location: Click Flexible Modeling and then in the tab for the Move,
Offset, Modify Analytic, Edit Round, or Edit Chamfer tool, click Options.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

24 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Propagating changes from one pattern member to all other pattern members is
more flexible. Geometric changes made to any pattern member with tools on the
Flexible Modeling tab such as Move, Offset, Modify Analytic, Edit Round, and Edit
Chamfer, can be propagated out to all other members of the pattern. Make your
geometric edits where they make the most sense to you and then easily propagate
the changes to other pattern members.

New Flexible Pattern Tool in PTC Creo

Flexible Modeling
You can use the Flexible Pattern tool to leverage the round and chamfer handling
capabilities of PTC Creo Flexible Modeling while creating a pattern of geometry.
User Interface Location: Click Flexible Modeling ▶ Flexible Pattern.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can use the Flexible Pattern tool to leverage the round and chamfer handling
capabilities of PTC Creo Flexible Modeling while creating a pattern of geometry.
By default Flexible Pattern removes any round or chamfer attachment geometry,
extends the one-sided edges of the patterned geometry until it intersects solid
geometry, and then recreates the round or chamfer attachment geometry. With the
Attachment options, you can control whether or not round and chamfer attachment
geometry is recreated after it is removed, and whether or not the one-sided edges
are extended.
On the References tab you can click the Transform selected attachment rounds/
chamfers check box to treat attachment round and chamfer geometry the same as
the rest of the patterned geometry. They will not be removed and recreated, and, if
the Attach pattern members check box is selected, their one-sided surface edges
are extended.

Entry Point for Insert Mode

The entry point for the Insert Mode functionality is simplified.
User Interface Location: In the Model Tree right-click a feature and select Insert
Here or drag and then insert a feature.

Part Modeling (Part, PTC Creo Flexible Modeling) 25

Benefits and Description
The Insert Mode user interface is modernized to eliminate confusion.

User Interface for Spinal Bend is

Enhanced
The user interface for Spinal Bend is modernized and an option to maintain the
length of the original geometry is added.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Engineering ▶ Spinal Bend.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Spinal Bend has a modernized user interface and enhanced functionality.
By default, the Spinal Bend tool bends all of the selected geometry along the spine
to match the length of the spine. If the spine is longer than the geometry, the
geometry is stretched along the spine. If the spine is shorter than the geometry, the
geometry is compressed along the spine.
By default the tool bends all of the selected geometry, but you have the option to
bend only a portion of it by either a specified depth or up to a reference.
You also have the option to keep the original length of the geometry that is bent,
instead of adjusting it to the length of the spine. You can also choose to remove
the unbent portion of the geometry, or keep it.

Enhancements to Edit Reference

The Edit References user interface and functionality is enhanced.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Operations ▶ Edit References or Model ▶
Operations ▶ Replace References.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

26 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Whether you are editing references used for feature creation, or replacing
references for all downstream children, the workflows are more intuitive, flexible,
and powerful. With Edit References you can change the references that are used to
create one or more features. In the new user interface you can see the list of
original references used by the feature or features, and make changes to them. You
can roll the model to just before the earliest affected feature, and preview the
results of your change.
Missing references appear in red in their last regenerated location to help you
select an appropriate replacement reference.
From the Child handling section you can control all of the features that were
children of the existing references. As you assign new references to the features,
you can flip the direction of the feature creation. You also have the option to apply
that same new reference to other children of the original reference.
With Replace References you can replace a reference for all children that use it.
Again, you can roll the model to the earliest affected feature, and you can preview
the results of your change. If you do not want to replace the reference for all
children, you can deselect some children.

Displaying Missing References

The last successfully regenerated location of a missing reference is highlighted.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
References are occasionally lost as you make changes to iterate on your design.
For example, several dependent features may fail as a result of changing the
profile of a particular feature.
Missing references can be highlighted and displayed in several different ways,
including while investigating the failure with the Reference Viewer.
You can choose to edit the references of the failed feature directly from the
Reference Viewer. The Edit References dialog box opens, from which you can see
the missing reference, select an appropriate replacement reference, and preview
the result.
You can also choose to edit the definition of a failed feature, and the missing
references are displayed to help you select appropriate replacement references.
This is also true for missing references in Sketcher. You can see the previous
location of the missing reference, and replace it with a new reference.

Part Modeling (Part, PTC Creo Flexible Modeling) 27

Referencing a Pattern in Part Modeling
Create features that reference any pattern member and use a Reference pattern to
propagate them to all other pattern members.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Duplicating a feature from one pattern member to all other pattern members with
a Reference pattern is more powerful and flexible. Features that reference any
member of a pattern can be duplicated so that they reference all other members of
the pattern. Previously, the features to be patterned had to reference the first
member of the pattern.
You no longer need to know which pattern member is the lead member. Create
your features where they make the most sense to you. The changes are then
automatically duplicated to the other pattern members.

Geometry Pattern on Variable Topology

You can pattern geometry over variable topology with Geometry Pattern.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Pattern ▶ Geometry Pattern.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
On the Geometry Pattern tab there are options to help you create patterns of
geometry over variable topology:

• — Copies the geometry without trying to attach those copies to the solid. It
creates a quilt at each of the pattern instance locations. These quilts are not
merged to the existing solid geometry.
• —Extends the edges of the one-sided surfaces of the geometry to be
copied, so that it can be merged and solidified with the existing solid
geometry. This is similar to the Attach tool in PTC Creo Flexible Modeling.

28 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

New Layout Feature
There is a new data sharing feature specifically designed for working with PTC
Creo Layout files.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Get Data ▶ Layout Feature.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
There is a new data sharing feature specifically designed for using PTC Creo
Layout files in 3D models. The new Layout Feature combines component-style
placement of the layout model with the ability to copy specific layout content into
the 3D model.
When you create a Layout Feature, you start by selecting the layout that you want
to use. You then need to place the layout inside the 3D model using the same tools
that are used to assemble any other 3D model. You can reference any of the
geometry in the layout model for placement or use a coordinate system.
After the layout file is placed, you can then select the geometry that you want to
copy. The layout model in the Model Tree can expand to show the sublayouts,
structure nodes, and tags contained in the layout. This enables you to leverage the
organization scheme that was added to the layout in the 2D environment. You can
select any of these sublayouts, nodes, or tags from the Model Tree, or from the
Graphics window. You can also select any individual entities or datums to be
copied. When you expand the Layout Feature in the Model Tree you can see that
the Layout Feature contains the entire layout model as well as some copied
content. The layout model is not copied into the part, it is only referenced like a
component of an assembly. To hide the layout model, right-click and select Hide
layout items.
When you expand the copied content you will see only the items that were copied.
These items are also visible in the graphics area.
If you have copied a simple profile with no intersecting loops, you can directly
create an extrude or revolve feature using this geometry. You can select the Layout
Feature and then select Extrude or Revolve and then specify the depth. For more
complex profiles you can enter Sketcher and choose which parts of the profile you
want to reference with your sketch.

Update Control for Layout Feature

Update Control, which is part of Design Exploration, includes some additional
capabilities when it is used with the new Layout data sharing feature.

Part Modeling (Part, PTC Creo Flexible Modeling) 29

User Interface Location: Right-click the Layout Feature and select Update Control.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
This assembly contains some parts that use Layout features to drive their
geometry. The Update Control setting for the Layout Feature is currently set to
Manual Update with Notification. This means that the Layout Feature maintains
associativity to the layout file, but does not automatically propagate changes.
Instead, you are notified that the layout has been modified and you have the
opportunity to investigate those changes before updating the feature.
Now you can make some changes to the layout in the 2D environment. You can
make some changes to the geometry by moving some entities and adding some
new entities. You can also add a new node and create some geometry in that node.
When you return to the 3D model, notice the yellow notification icon in the Model
Tree next to the Layout Feature.
When you right-click the Layout Feature and select Update Control you have the
options to show the differences, remove the notification, or directly proceed with
the update.
The Show Differences environment for a Layout Feature contains additional
options beyond what is available for regular 3D geometry. Click Isolate to remove
all unrelated geometry from the display so you can focus only on the Layout
Feature. Use geometry display filters to see on an entity-by-entity basis what
geometry is changed, added, or deleted and any geometry that is outdated or
unchanged. In the Model Tree you can see what sublayouts, nodes, or tags are
changed, added, or deleted.
If you select Update, the Layout Feature is updated and changes are propagated to
its children.

30 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 4
Data Exchange (Interface, PTC
Creo Unite)
PTC Creo Unite Technology—Working in a Multi-CAD Environment..............................32
Automatic Conversion Using PTC Creo Unite Technology ............................................32
Creating Profiles Using PTC Creo 3.0 Unite Technology...............................................33
Solid Edge Import......................................................................................................34
Importing Drawings from PTC Creo Elements/Direct ....................................................34
Support for Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) When Importing...........................35
Support for JT 9.5......................................................................................................36
Planar and Zonal Cross-Section Support for JT ...........................................................37
Semantic Exchange of Annotations Support for JT.......................................................37
Support for Colors for JT ............................................................................................37
Support for Angle Control in JT...................................................................................38

31
PTC Creo Unite Technology—Working in
a Multi-CAD Environment
There are multiple enhancements in the area of multi-CAD design.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
With PTC Creo Unite technology it is no longer necessary to install additional
third-party software or licenses to work with non-PTC Creo data. CAD
consolidation is easier than ever. CATIA, SolidWorks, and NX files can simply be
opened and referenced in PTC Creo. Format-specific profiles and templates help
to load non-PTC Creo data as easy as native PTC Creo data. Once defined, these
profiles automatically control what information gets into session without
additional dialog boxes or user interaction. You can start to work with non-PTC
Creo assemblies immediately. PTC Creo automatically tracks changes made to the
non-PTC Creo data in their native systems and keeps the data up to date. It is also
easy to distinguish the different formats in the Model Tree by their individual
icons and file extensions.
In addition to new capabilities of updating and exporting SolidWorks data, PTC
Creo 3.0 provides the ability to import Solid Edge parts and assemblies. During
the import process of Solid Edge data, you can decide what information you want
to import or can use the standard template for non-PTC Creo data. Imported
geometry can easily be referenced using all available assembly constraints. PTC
Creo 3.0 provides support for all major CAD formats to integrate, develop, and
validate complete product designs. See article CS188975 for information about
the current limitations of PTC Creo Unite technology working with PTC Creo
View and PTC Windchill PDMLink 10.2.
Whether your goal is to improve collaboration between multiple formats or
consolidate to a single CAD tools, with PTC Creo Unite technology it is easier
than ever to work in a multi-CAD design environment.

Automatic Conversion Using PTC Creo

Unite Technology
With PTC Creo Unite technology it is no longer necessary to install additional
third-party software or licenses to work with non-PTC Creo data. CAD
consolidation is easier than ever.

32 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
CATIA, SolidWorks, and NX files can simply be opened and referenced in PTC
Creo. It is easy to distinguish the different formats in the Model Tree by their
individual icons and native file extensions.
PTC Creo 3.0 has enhanced functionality to modify designs in context. If you try
to modify non-PTC Creo data in the context of a multi-CAD assembly, a message
appears confirming that these changes will not be reflected in the native model.
You can then select Convert or Do not convert. If you select Convert you can
choose to automatically convert the non-PTC Creo data to PTC Creo data or to
use advanced conversion tools. When you choose an automatic conversion, only
the components that are required for the modification are converted into PTC Creo
components. This ensures maximum reuse of existing non-PTC Creo files and
prevents the overhead of managing multiple file formats and business objects for
each component.
After converting the necessary components, PTC Creo can still maintain a link to
the original non-PTC Creo files to retrieve updates based on changes made outside
of PTC Creo. You also have the option to keep the newly created PTC Creo
components separate from the original source files.
PTC Creo 3.0 provides support for all major CAD formats to integrate, develop
and validate complete product designs. Whether your goal is to improve
collaboration between multiple formats or consolidate to a single CAD tool, with
PTC Creo Unite technology it is easier than ever to work in a multi-CAD design
environment.

Creating Profiles Using PTC Creo 3.0

Unite Technology
There are multiple enhancements in the area of multi-CAD design. With PTC
Creo Unite it is no longer necessary to install third-party software or licenses to
work with non-PTC Creo data.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Options to open the options dialog box for
your application and then click Data Exchange.

Benefits and Description

Data Exchange (Interface, PTC Creo Unite) 33

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the
enhancement described below.
CATIA, SolidWorks, and NX files can simply be opened and referenced in PTC
Creo. Format-specific profiles and templates help to load non-PTC Creo data as
easy as native PTC Creo data.
Opening and importing options and format-specific profiles are controlled by
selecting Data Exchange in the options dialog box for your PTC Creo application.
With the help of the Import Profile Editor, you can create and modify profiles.
Once defined, these profiles automatically control what information gets into
session without additional dialog boxes or user interaction. You can start to work
with non-PTC Creo assemblies immediately.
PTC Creo 3.0 provides support for all major CAD formats to integrate, develop,
and validate complete product designs. Whether your goal is to improve
collaboration between multiple formats or consolidate to a single CAD tool, with
PTC Creo Unite technology it is easier than ever to work in a multi-CAD design
environment.

Solid Edge Import

You can import and then work with Solid Edge data in PTC Creo Parametric.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Open and then set the Type filter to Solid
Edge. Click Import.

Benefits and Description

With the Solid Edge converter, you can import Solid Edge parts and assemblies.
There is no need to install Solid Edge software to work with Solid Edge data.

Importing Drawings from PTC Creo

Elements/Direct
You can import 2–D drawings created in PTC Creo Elements/Direct Modeling or
PTC Creo Elements/Direct Drafting.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Open and then in the Type box, select Creo
Elements Direct (.bdl, .pkg, .sdp, .sda, .sdac, .sdpc) or Creo
Elements/Direct Drawing (.mi, .bi, .bdl).

Benefits and Description

34 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the
enhancement described below.
You can directly import a 2–D drawing, such as a drawing with two sheets, from
PTC Creo Elements/Direct Modeling or PTC Creo Elements/Direct Drafting.
Click File ▶ Open and in the Type box you can select to open a PTC Creo
Elements/Direct drawing file such as an .mi or .bdl file. If you are opening an
.mi file, the Import MI dialog box opens where you can find additional options to
control the import. Under Sheets, you can see the two sheets. You can for
example, click the Import Associative Dimensions check box to import these
dimensions and measure the actual length of the imported 2–D geometry. From
the Properties tab you can map Colors, Layers, Line Fonts, Hatch Line Fonts, and
Text Fonts and save these changes by clicking Save Mapping. You can modify all
2-D geometry and annotations that are imported. If a sheet is added to the
imported drawing, then the 2-D geometry and annotations can be modified for that
sheet also. With this new functionality, you can leverage and reuse drawings
created with PTC Creo Elements/Direct.

Support for Product Manufacturing

Information (PMI) When Importing
Associative PMI and sections are supported when importing 3–D models created
in PTC Creo Elements/Direct Modeling.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Open and then in the Type box, select Creo
Elements Direct (.bdl, .pkg, .sdp, .sda, .sdac, .sdpc).

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Semantic PMI and cross sections are supported when you import a 3–D model
from PTC Creo Elements/Direct Modeling. In this example, an assembly you
create in PTC Creo Elements/Direct Modeling contains documentation planes
with dimensions that reference different parts of the assembly and documentation
planes with annotations for a single part. The assembly also contains two cross

Data Exchange (Interface, PTC Creo Unite) 35

sections. When the PTC Creo Elements/Direct Modeling assembly is imported,
PTC Creo Parametric supports the direct access of PTC Creo Elements/Direct
Modeling 3–D model data as described below:
• The imported model with PMI appears in the Graphics window, including the
view sets of the documentation planes.
• The part opens with the corresponding PMI information.
• When modifying the part with a tool such as Move, the dimension is
automatically updated.
In the assembly, the PMI is also in sync with the geometry changes and all cross
sections are recognized, making it easier to work with the imported assembly.

Support for JT 9.5

You can export to JT 9.5 and import JT 9.5 files.

Benefits and Description

You can open JT 9.5 files and import them into PTC Creo Parametric. You can
also export from PTC Creo Parametric to JT 9.5 compliant files.

36 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Planar and Zonal Cross-Section Support
for JT
When importing JT or exporting to JT, there is support for the import and export
of planar and zonal cross sections.

Benefits and Description

In parts and assemblies there is support for the import and export of planar and
zonal cross sections. Cross-section definitions are included as part of exported
combined views. In addition, the locations of cross sections are preserved.

Semantic Exchange of Annotations

Support for JT
When importing from JT or exporting to JT, there is support for the semantic
exchange of annotations.

Benefits and Description

This enhancement includes support for the items described in the list below:
• Import from and export to JT with dimensions as semantic
• Import from and export to JT with 3D notes as semantic
• Support for linear, angular, or radial dimensions
• Support for the semantic representation of annotations that preserve the datum
and geometric references of the Product Manufacturing Information (PMI)
data
Export to JT must be either to a jt_brep data structure or to a XT_brep data
structure, in order to preserve PMI data. In both cases, the graphical content is
exported. You can import and export single or multiple notes with PMI data
attached to the reference geometry, such as edges and surfaces. Annotation
references are available after export. You can use the reference in the PMI for
additional modification.

Support for Colors for JT

There is support for colors when exporting to JT and importing from JT.

Data Exchange (Interface, PTC Creo Unite) 37

Benefits and Description
When exporting to JT and importing from JT, there is support for color as
described in the list below:
• For Parts
○ Part color and quilt color are supported.
○ There is no overriding face color.
• For Assemblies
○ Direct component color such as colors assigned to top-level part or
subassembly components are supported.
○ Indirect component color, such as colors assigned to sublevel components
in a subassembly branch of the assembly, are supported.
○ Sublevel parts and subassembly colors are supported.
○ Assembly direct or indirect quilt color is not supported.
○ Direct and indirect face color of assembly or part-level quilts and solids is
not supported.
• Color support is the same for facet and brep.

Support for Angle Control in JT

There is support for angle control when exporting to JT.

Benefits and Description

When exporting to JT, support for angle control includes the items described
below:
• Control the absolute maximum angle between two adjacent line segments in
curve approximation.
• Control the angle in a range of zero to ninety degrees.
• Export the model with three Levels of Detail (LODs) in a single export to JT.
The angle control is specified in the jt.config configuration file.
Support for angle control works best when used in conjunction with the correct
chordal height. By default 30, 60, and 90 degree angle values are used for three
LODs. As a result of this enhancement, you can control the LODs, get a finer or
coarser mesh, and control the angle along the curved edge.

38 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 5
Detailed Drawings
User Interface for Creating Dimensions Is Improved.....................................................40
User Interface for Creating Notes Is Improved .............................................................40
Geometric Tolerance Enhancements ..........................................................................41
Security Marking Designation for Annotation ...............................................................42
Hyperlinks to Combination States ...............................................................................42
Symbols in Notes ......................................................................................................43

39
User Interface for Creating Dimensions Is
Improved
You can preview the dimension.
User Interface Location: Click Annotate ▶ Dimension.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
When you select Dimension and then choose your first reference, a preview of the
dimension is attached to the pointer. You can then place the dimension where you
want. If you press CTRL to select additional references, the preview of the
dimension updates, based on the selected references. You can use the same
approach to quickly create common reference dimensions where you select the
first reference as the baseline and then select additional references. As you select
each reference, you see a preview of each dimension and then you can drag and
place the dimension where you like. Certain dimension types have additional
options to use during the dimension creation. When selecting an arc, for example,
you can choose whether or not you want the arc dimension to be shown as a
Diameter, Radius, Angular, or Arc Length. This is done during dimension creation
so you can select exactly what you want and then place it in the correct location.
Sometimes the orientation of the dimension can vary depending on the types of
references selected. If you select the center of two circles for example, depending
on where you place the pointer, you can orient a particular dimension by dragging
it to a different location with the pointer. Alternatively, you can right-click to open
a shortcut menu and select a Horizontal, Vertical, Slanted, Parallel To, or
Perpendicular orientation.

User Interface for Creating Notes Is

Improved
There are note commands in the ribbon for various placement options.
User Interface Location: Click Annotate ▶ Note.

Benefits and Description.

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

40 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

The ribbon contains various placement options for Note:
• Unattached Note
• Offset Note
• On Item Note
• Tangent Leader Note
• Normal Leader Note
• Leader Note
After you select the Note placement option that you want, a preview of the note
text box is attached to the pointer and moves as you select different references and
then place the note. This gives you the benefit of seeing where you want the note
to go, before you place it. You can add text directly to the note in the Graphics
window. You can also click Format ▶ Note from File to enter text for the note from
a file. You can start the note, for example, retrieve some text from a file, and then
add the text to the note. Formatting changes can be made using the small
formatting toolbar that appears when you select text. Click Format ▶ Insert Field to
insert a parametric field into a note. You can select from a list of common
parameter names that are available in a drawing, instead of having to remember
the exact syntax of the parameter.

Geometric Tolerance Enhancements

Geometric tolerances are enhanced to better support ISO and ASME standards.
User Interface Location: Click Annotate ▶ Geometric Tolerance.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Geometric tolerances are enhanced to provide better support for ASME and ISO
drawing standards. If you follow the ASME standard, you can add the translation
modifier to any of the datum references by clicking the Translation check box for
that particular datum in the Geometric Tolerance dialog box. Another enhancement
for the ASME standard is the ability to add the All over symbol to the leader elbow
of the geometric tolerance. All over symbol is found on the Symbols tab of the
Geometric Tolerance dialog box. If you follow the ISO standard, you can include
the reciprocity symbol along with the maximum or least material condition
modifier. The reciprocity options are found on the Tol value tab in the Material

Detailed Drawings 41
condition box of the Geometric Tolerance dialog box. The functionality for
specifying additional text around the geometric tolerance symbol is also
improved.
• There are options for adding text above, below, to the right, or to the left of the
GTOL symbol.
• You can set the justification of the text that is added either above or below the
GTOL. You can justify this text to the right or to the left, or center it,
depending on whether you follow ISO or ASME standards.

Security Marking Designation for

Annotation
You can designate a note as a security marking.
User Interface Location: Select a note or symbol that is standalone, flat-to-screen,
and unattached. The Format tab appears. Click Format ▶ Security Marking.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can designate a note annotation placed with a flat-to-screen annotation plane
as a security marking. For example, in this model the note on the lower left is a
proprietary notice, which needs to be permanently displayed in all combination
states. If you toggle through the various combination states, you can see that this
note is currently assigned only to the Notes combination state. If you select the
note, then click the Format tab, you can see the Security Marking command. Click
Security Marking to designate the note as a security marking. The note is identified
in the Detail Tree with a security marking icon and is automatically added to all
existing combination states in the model. As you toggle through these
combination states again, you can see the note in the Graphics window and in the
Detail Tree. If you select the note, the commands Remove from State and Erase
are not active. To erase this note or remove it from any combination state, its
security marking status must first be cleared. Any notes that have been designated
as security marking are permanently visible in PTC Creo View when the model is
published with an appropriate adapter.

Hyperlinks to Combination States

You can designate a note as a hyperlink to a combination state.
User Interface Location: Click Format ▶ Hyperlink.

42 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
A note annotation can contain a hyperlink to a combination state. Select an
annotation and click Format ▶ Hyperlink to open the Edit Hyperlink dialog box. In
the Type the URL or internal link box you can see a list of all of the combination
states in the model. Select the combination state that you want and click OK. Then,
when you click on the note, the view switches to the designated combination state.
This functionality is helpful for setting up a combination state to assist in
navigating all of the combination states in a large or complex model. You can
designate each note as a hyperlink to a specified combination state.

Symbols in Notes
You can embed symbols in a note annotation.

Benefits and Description

You can embed a custom symbol inside a note annotation, in the same way that
you embed a symbol in a note in a 2–D drawing. When editing a note, type the
name of the symbol that you want to embed in the note and the symbol is
embedded. For the name of the symbol follow the syntax &sym(symbol_
name)where you replace symbol_name with the name of your custom symbol.

Detailed Drawings 43
 6
PTC Creo Layout
Import Functionality Is Improved .................................................................................46
Hatching and Fill are Supported..................................................................................46
Chamfer is Improved .................................................................................................47
New Sublayouts ........................................................................................................47
Sketching Enhancements ..........................................................................................48
PTC Creo Layout Model Tree .....................................................................................49
Dimension Properties ................................................................................................50
Support for Parameters..............................................................................................50
Selection is Improved ................................................................................................50

45
Import Functionality Is Improved
There is additional functionality available when importing 3D models.
User Interface Location: Click Design ▶ Import.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
The model appears in the Import dialog box with semitransparent shading. This
makes it easier for you to see the cross section in the model. There are two new
areas in the Import dialog box:
• Color—Select Part if you want the imported entities to take their colors from
the models or Layout to follow the default color of the layout.
• Hatching—Hatching is supported in PTC Creo Layout. Select Import to import
the hatching from the 3D model or select Don’t import.
After a section is imported you can click View and then click or clear the Hatching
& Fill check box to toggle the display of hatching. With the display of hatching
turned off, it is easier to see if the imported entities match the colors of the
original 3D models.

Hatching and Fill are Supported

There is support for hatching and fill.
User Interface Location: Click Design ▶ Hatching & Fill.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
To create hatching, start by selecting a closed loop of entities and then select the
Hatching & Fill tool. The Hatching & Fill tab appears on the ribbon with commands
you can use to change the cosmetic appearance of the hatching. You can select the
hatching pattern from a library of predefined hatching styles that are based on
ANSI and ISO standards. You can select a Color for the hatching and set a value
for the Angle of the hatch pattern. You can also increase or decrease the spacing in
the hatch pattern by clicking Scale Up and Scale Down. To create more hatching
areas, keep the Hatching & Fill tab open and select additional closed loops in which

46 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

you want to apply hatching. This is a quick way to apply hatching to a multiple
areas in the design. Solid fill is also supported and can be added with or without
hatching. Click Fill to select the color for the solid fill. If you want a solid fill
without the hatching, you can select No Hatch from the hatching library.

Chamfer is Improved
There are improvements to the Chamfer tool.
User Interface location: Click Design ▶ Chamfer.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
The Chamfer tool is enhanced to provide more control over the size of the chamfer
during creation. After you select the references, a set of dimensions appears in the
Graphics window to control the size of the chamfer. You can select the type of
dimensioning scheme that you want and then type in the values for the
dimensions. The geometry updates as you type different values for the dimensions
so you can see the results immediately. Middle-click to complete the chamfer. The
most recently used dimension scheme is the default when you create subsequent
chamfers. In addition, a list of the most recently used dimension values are
available in the dimension boxes. These enhancements to the Chamfer tool
improve your efficiency when creating designs.

New Sublayouts
There is support for a structured hierarchy of layout files.
User Interface Location: Click Organize ▶ New Sublayout.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
There is support for the concept of a structured hierarchy of layouts, much like an
assembly of layout files. A layout that is added to another layout is a sublayout.

PTC Creo Layout 47

One way that you can create a sublayout is to convert an existing structure node to
a sublayout. The geometry associated with the node is now part of the sublayout.
One of the main uses for this technology is concurrent design. You can split a
design into multiple sublayouts that can be worked on independently. You can
open the sublayout in its own window and modify it independently of the top-
level layout. In this case, you can make some changes to the geometry while this
sublayout is opened in its own window. When you finish working on the
sublayout and return to the window with the top-level layout, you can see that the
modifications made to the sublayout are reflected in the top-level layout.
Another use for this sublayout technology is to have multiple dependent copies of
the same object. You may, for example add a sublayout to the top-level layout.
The added sublayout comes in at a default location and you can then position it
where you want. It is possible to have more than one occurrence of the same
sublayout in the top level. You can, for example, create another occurrence and
position that occurrence in a different location.
Much like working in an assembly, you can also activate any of the sublayouts
and make changes to them in the context of the top-level layout. Any changes you
make to that sublayout are immediately reflected in all the other occurrences.
Sublayouts can also be embedded in the top-level layout. Embedded sublayouts
are treated exactly the same as regular sublayouts with the exception that there is
no separate file saved. You can also easily convert any sublayout between
embedded and extracted at any time.

Sketching Enhancements
The sketching experience in PTC Creo Layout is improved.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
A number of improvements have been made to the sketching experience inside
PTC Creo Layout.
Snapping to existing geometry is more robust. When using any geometry creation
tool, you do not need to add existing geometry as a reference to be able to snap to
it. Guides and snapping are also improved when dragging geometry. Guides are
available for any references in the geometry that are being dragged, not only to the
entity at the pointer. You can also add references to stationary geometry while you
are dragging.

48 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

When using the Linear or Radial pattern tools, you can reposition the pattern
increment and snap it to any existing geometry. As a result, you can define the
increment of the pattern based on some other geometry in your design.
You can create temporary dimensions to help with precise placement of geometry.
When using any geometry creation tool, place the pointer on the entity that you
want to dimension to and press R. You can create two temporary dimensions to
fully locate the geometry. Press TAB to switch between the two dimensions when
entering values. The temporary dimensions disappear when the geometry is
placed.
Temporary dimensions are also available when dragging existing geometry. You
can place the pointer on a selected entity and press R to add the first dimension
reference and then place the pointer on an unselected entity and press R again to
add the second dimension reference. Next, type in a value and left-click to
complete the operation.
Centerlines are finite in length and the workflow for creating a centerline is the
same as for a regular line. Select the start and end points to place the centerline.

PTC Creo Layout Model Tree

The navigator is updated to a structured Model Tree

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
The navigator is updated to a structured Model Tree. Tags, Property Tags, nodes
and sublayouts are listed together in a single view. Each sublayout lists its own
Tags, Property Tags, and nodes.
All of the tags or property tags from all of the sublayouts are listed in the single
Aggregate Tags location. This makes it easier to control the visibility of any tags
without having to expand all of the sublayouts in the Model Tree and then
selecting those tags individually. When you open the Assign Node dialog box to
add items to a node or sublayout, you can see the exact Model Tree structure. This
makes it easier to find the node of sublayout that you want.
All of the information from the Model Tree in PTC Creo Layout is also visible
when the layout file is used in PTC Creo Parametric making it easier to navigate
the layout in the 3D environment.

PTC Creo Layout 49

Dimension Properties
You can edit some of the properties of a dimension.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can place additional text in a dimension. Select a dimension, right-click and
select Edit Text. You can place the pointer before or after the dimension value and
type the text you need. You can also edit some of the properties of a dimension. If
you right-click a dimension and choose Properties, you can edit the Nominal value
of the dimension, override the nominal value with another value you specify, and
control the number of Decimal places.

Support for Parameters

Parameters are supported.

Benefits and Description

PTC Creo Layout supports parameters. You can add parameters to a layout from
the Tools tab. Parameters in PTC Creo Layout may be called out in notes or
drawing formats. They may not be used in relations or to drive geometry and they
do not propagate to the 3D models.

Selection is Improved
Selection is improved.

Benefits and Description

Selection in PTC Creo Layout is improved. You can add or remove individual
items from the selection set, by pressing and holding CTRL and clicking the
items. You can add multiple items to the selection set using Box, Lasso, or Fence
selection by pressing and holding CTRL and then clicking the items. Notice the
small plus sign next to the pointer indicating that items will be added to selection.
You can remove multiple items from the selection set using Box, Lasso or Fence
selection by pressing and holding CTRL+SHIFT and then clicking the items.
Notice the small minus sign next to the pointer indicating that items will be
removed from selection.

50 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 7
Surfacing (Freestyle, Style,
Technical Surfacing)
Aligning Freestyle Geometry ......................................................................................52
Joining Freestyle Geometry .......................................................................................52
Dragging in Freestyle.................................................................................................53
Sweep Geometry in Style...........................................................................................53
Merging Surfaces in Style ..........................................................................................54
Isoline Curve in Style .................................................................................................54
Evaluating Connections in Technical Surfacing ............................................................55
Knots Analysis is Improved ........................................................................................55

51
Aligning Freestyle Geometry
You can align Freestyle geometry to curves and edges.
User Interface Location: Inside a Freestyle feature, click Align.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
In Freestyle you can align the Freestyle control mesh to external curves and edges.
Therefore, you can parametrically control your freestyle geometry. For example, if
you are working on a bike model, you may want to build the surfaces around the
pedal. These surfaces are defined parametrically by the neighboring geometry.
After the part is activated, you can use Freestyle to build this geometry. Starting
with a sphere, you can build out the geometry to get it close to the neighboring
surfaces. The part in this case is symmetrical so you can mirror it. After the part is
mirrored, you can select the faces you want to delete and leave open. You can then
take the edges of the open loops and align them to the edges of the neighboring
geometry. When aligned, you can specify the continuity between the Freestyle
geometry and the surrounding geometry. In this example, you create a normal
connection. After establishing the connection, continue to refine your shape. You
also need to define the location for the pedals. Again, when the geometry is close,
you can align the external edges of your geometry. After making some final
adjustments, the geometry is complete. You can then return to the top-level
assembly and make changes to the skeleton model that is driving the shape of the
frame. When regenerated, the Freestyle geometry is also updated to remain
connected and tangent to the surrounding geometry.

Joining Freestyle Geometry

You can join edges or faces inside of Freestyle.
User Interface Location: Inside a Freestyle feature, click Connect ▶ Join.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

52 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

You can join faces and edges of the control mesh within Freestyle. Previously you
had to delete two faces, build out the new geometry, and then use Connect to fill
the gap. Now you can use Join to more easily get the same results. Select a face
and pull it out. There is now a space you want to close. Select the surface on the
face that you pulled out first, and then select the surface above it. Click Join to
join the faces and close the gap. The first face selected remains and the second
face selected moves on top of the first face. The second face selected, always
moves over the first face selected. You can also join edges. If you delete the faces
you can achieve the same results by selecting the edges and clicking Join. This
makes it easier to alter the topology and shape of surfaces without having to delete
and recreate faces or edges.

Dragging in Freestyle
The Improve performance during dragging option is added.
User Interface Location: Inside a Freestyle feature, in the Options dialog box,
click the Improve performance during dragging check box.

Benefits and Description

Improve performance during dragging improves performance when you are editing
the control mesh, by reducing the quality of the surfaces and connections during
manipulation. Improve performance during dragging is enabled by default. To
change this default, set the configuration option freestyle_drag_
performance to no.

Sweep Geometry in Style

Sweep geometry in Style inherits the degree of the defining curves. In addition,
connections are possible.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Style ▶ Surface.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

Surfacing (Freestyle, Style, Technical Surfacing) 53

The sweep capability inside the Style feature is enhanced. When creating a sweep,
the resulting swept surface inherits the degree of the defining curves. For example,
if you create a sweep along a degree 5 curve using a profile curve that is degree 3,
the resulting swept surface will be degree 5 x 3. In addition, you can right-click
the glyph and select the type of connection that you want for the Sweep:
• Position
• Tangent
• Curvature
• Draft
This also works for sweeps with multiple trajectories.

Merging Surfaces in Style

You can control whether to merge Style surfaces after completing the Style
feature.
User Interface Location: When inside a Style feature click Operations ▶
Preferences ▶ Merge surfaces on exit.

Benefits and Description

The Merge surfaces on exit option lets you determine if you want to merge
surfaces when you complete your Style feature. By default, surfaces are merged.
To change this default, set the configuration option style_merge_surfaces
to no.

Isoline Curve in Style

You can create an isoline curve in Style.
User Interface Location: When inside a Style feature, click Curve ▶ Curve from
Surface ▶ Create an Isoline.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
When creating a Curve from Surface inside Style, you can choose to create this as
an isoline curve. You have control over the parameterization of this curve. The
curve always regenerates at the defined parameterization and can be fully
redefined.

54 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Evaluating Connections in Technical
Surfacing
You can evaluate the connections of surfaces and curves.
User Interface Location: Click Analysis ▶ Inspect Geometry ▶ Connection.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can analyze curves and surfaces in your model for Position, Tangency, and
Curvature continuity using Connection. You can see where geometric connections
are not met based on the desired input and tolerance.
Click Analysis ▶ Inspect Geometry ▶ Connection to open the Connection Analysis
dialog box. You can analyze the Position, Tangency, or Curvature connections
between surfaces or curves. For example, if you select Tangency (G1), you can
perform a tangency analysis of the entire quilt. To see only areas that fail against
tangency, select the Show only connections that fail check box. Areas that fail
against tangency appear in red. Clear the check box to see areas that fail in red and
areas that pass in green. To see notes that show the maximum value of any given
area, select Maximal in the Notes box. Tolerance values for Position, Tangency,
and Curvature appear in the Tolerance box. If you select Curvature you can see
breaks in curvature in certain areas. Select the Enable tooltips check box, put the
pointer on the area where there are breaks in the curvature and the value of the
curvature appears at that point.
It is also possible to display the results as spikes by selecting Show spikes.

Knots Analysis is Improved

The Knots tool is improved.
User Interface Location: Click Analysis ▶ Inspect Geometry ▶ Knots or click Style
▶ Knots.

Benefits and Description

The Knots tool is enhanced. You can use the options listed below to define the
items to display in the analysis:
• Knots—Shows the curve or surface knots.
• Control Mesh—Shows the curve control points or the surface control mesh.
• Both—Shows both the knots and the control points or control mesh.

Surfacing (Freestyle, Style, Technical Surfacing) 55

 8
Rendering (Photorealistic
Rendering)
Manipulating HDR Images .........................................................................................58
Realistic Bump Mapping ............................................................................................58
Realistic Appearances ...............................................................................................59
Improvements in Transparent Displays .......................................................................60
Ambient Occlusion Is Available...................................................................................60

57
Manipulating HDR Images
You can view and manipulate High Dynamic Range (HDR) images in the
Graphics window.
User Interface Location: Click View ▶ Display Style ▶ Shading With Reflections.
Click Render and then in the Scenes dialog box, click Lights ▶ Environment.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
In Shading With Reflections mode you can visualize and manipulate your HDR
image. The HDR image is used for the background, lighting, and reflections on
your model. This gives you a more realistic and immersive environment and is
closely matched to the results obtained when rendering the image using PTC Creo
Advanced Rendering Extension.
Click View ▶ Shading With Reflections. You can see high quality and realistic
reflections on the model’s appearance. You have full control over the environment
that is used. Click Render ▶ Lights ▶ Environment and choose the HDR image.
You can then choose a different image and the reflections and lighting on your
model are automatically updated. Click Perspective View to see the HDR image as
the background. When you rotate the model, the HDR image moves also. You can
control the settings of the HDR image by using sliders for Rotate, Height, Zoom,
Intensity, and Saturation. As you change settings, the model changes dynamically
so you can visualize your product in a realistic environment.

Realistic Bump Mapping

You can see realistic bump maps in the Graphics window.
User Interface Location: Click Render ▶ Appearance Gallery ▶ Edit Model
Appearances.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
When applying texture maps as a bump map you can see and control the result in
the graphics area. When in Shading With Reflections mode you can visualize the
effect of procedural bump maps such as Rough or Cast.

58 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

You can apply realistic textures and bump maps to the geometry. For example you
may want to assign an appearance of tire tracks to a tire. Open the tire separately
and assign an appearance to it such as rubber. Then, assign a new appearance with
a texture map of a tire tread to selected surfaces of the tire. You can make
adjustments such as changing the scale, changing to cylindrical mapping, and then
changing the height of the bump. The texture map is visible on the model. In the
assembly you see the tire and the tread. If you select View ▶ Shading With
Reflections, you see the tread with the reflections. In addition to bump maps, you
can also for example, alter the body by adding a Rough bump. If you change the
scale and the size of the bump, you can see the effect appearing on the car body.

Realistic Appearances
There is a new library of realistic appearances.
User Interface Location: Click Render ▶ Appearance Gallery.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can interactively represent realistic materials inside the Graphics window.
These appearances closely match the results obtained when rendering using PTC
Creo Advanced Rendering Extension. You can choose between different material
classes.
The appearance of material is more accurately represented when Display Style is
set to Shading With Reflections. When using Shading With Reflections you can see
realistic reflections on your model. Click Render ▶ Appearance Gallery ▶ Library to
see a list of different material types and classifications. You can assign a paint
such as red, to the car body and realistic reflections of the red car body appear.
You can assign glass to objects on the car and get realistic looking glass, including
reflections in the glass. These appearances are closely mapped to the results you
would get when rendering this image using the PTC Creo Advanced Rendering
Extension. If you assign a red glossy plastic material to the wheels, for example,
you can see that it looks like plastic. If you then change the material class to
metal, you can see that wheel appears as a red anodized metal. If you set an
appearance for the taillights to be red clear plastic, the lights appear as a
translucent plastic in the rear-light assembly.

Rendering (Photorealistic Rendering) 59

Improvements in Transparent Displays
Improvements have been made to the display quality and performance of
transparent objects.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Options ▶ Model Display. Click the Enable
transparency check box and then select Order Independent in the Transparency
box.

Benefits and Description

Use Order Independent to improve the overall display quality and performance of
transparent objects and to keep transparency artifacts from appearing.

Ambient Occlusion Is Available

Realism is improved when using ambient occlusion.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Options ▶ Model Display and then click the
Enable ambient occlusion effect check box.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
When Display Style is set to Shading With Reflections, there is support for ambient
occlusion. Ambient occlusion improves the realism of the display by shading or
darkening areas in your model that are occluded by other items in the geometry.
This makes the model look more realistic. You can clearly see the effects of
ambient occlusion in your model.

60 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 9
Assembly Design (Intelligent
Fastener, Assembly)
PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener ....................................................................................62
PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener (Lite) ............................................................................62
Update Control for Data Sharing Features ...................................................................63
Notifications Are Collected and Easily Accessible ........................................................65
New Option for Controlling External References ..........................................................66
Status Reporting Is Improved in Assemblies ................................................................66
Improvements for Chooser Dialog Boxes ....................................................................66
Updating in a Session Is Improved..............................................................................67
Improvements in Family Tables ..................................................................................67
Identifying Active Components is Easier......................................................................67

61
PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener
PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener is a new solution for creating fasteners and it
requires a separate license. The lite version of PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener is
available in PTC Creo Parametric without a separate license.
User Interface Location: Click Tools ▶ Screw.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can perform the actions listed below using functionality available with
Intelligent Fastener:
• Assemble in all instances—In some cases you cannot pattern a screw
connection because multiple parts need to be drilled. To do so, assemble the
desired screw and select the pattern option Assemble fastener on all
instances?. The holes in the required parts are created.
• Define screw connection orientation—If you create a screw connection where
one side of the placement surface is not parallel to the other, you may want to
align the connection. You can do this by defining an orientation in the Select
References dialog box. In this case you can also define the square taper
washer to even out the angle of offset. Click Assemble fastener on all
instances? because the washer needs to be rotated on the right I beam.
• Assemble dowel pins—Select the location and second the surface that divides
the two parts. In the Definition Dowel Pin Fastener dialog box you can select
different standards and hole definitions.
• Check existing screw connections—You can check existing screw connections
from the Check Screw Fasteners dialog box. For example you can change the
thickness of the cover, and then click Tools ▶ Intelligent Fastener ▶ Check
Screw Fastener to open the dialog box. Intelligent Fastener automatically
detects that the assembled screw is too short. Double-click to go to the
definition and correct the screw length.

PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener (Lite)

There is a new solution for assembling standard fixing hardware. The lite version
of PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener is available in PTC Creo Parametric without a
separate license.
User Interface Location: Click Tools ▶ Screw.

62 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
In the lite version of PTC Creo Intelligent Fastener you can assemble screw
connections with ease. To define the position of a screw connection you can
choose between a datum point, an axis, or a hole. After defining the Position
References, you can define the screw connection using one of the methods
described below:
• Select two aligning surfaces to define a screw connection with thread.
• Select two opposing surfaces to define a screw and nut connection.
Next, configure the screw connection from the Screw Fastener Definition dialog
box. In the Screw box, you can select from a variety of standard parts predefined
in the library of intelligent fasteners. There are several ways of completing the
definition:
• Select the diameter or measure the diameter in the model.
• Select the length or set the length automatically. You can also permanently set
the length to be automatically calculated.
• Choose between different hole tolerances.
• Define counterbores for either the screw head or nut or for both.
To verify the connection you can see the current definition in the 2D — Preview.
You can also preview the current state in the 3D model. Click OK to assemble the
screw connection and to create the holes in the required parts. You can also
reassemble, redefine, and delete screws. If you reassemble on a patterned
reference, your connection is patterned also. Delete, deletes all parts and holes
created by the Intelligent Fastener.

Update Control for Data Sharing Features

Update Control functionality helps to make parametric top-down design more
manageable and predictable.
User Interface Location: Right-click a data sharing feature and select one of the
following:
• Update Control ▶ Automatic Update
• Update Control ▶ Manual Update with Notification
• Update Control ▶ Manual Update
• Update Control ▶ No Dependency

Assembly Design (Intelligent Fastener, Assembly) 63

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can use Update Control in PTC Creo Parametric to control design changes
along with using Design Exploration to first experiment with design changes and
then decide if you want to apply them. This process is especially useful when
working with advanced top-down design features such as Copy Geometry or
Layout Feature. In complex or sensitive designs a small change can have a major
impact. You can use Update Control so that you are notified about the changes and
then use Design Exploration to preview and investigate before making an update.
You can also explore the impact of the update by starting Design Exploration.
Your model may, for example, use a skeleton that drives the geometry of some
parts through external Copy Geometry features. To avoid unpredictable changes
and control the update you can right-click on the external Copy Geometry feature,
select Update Control and then select one of the commands described in the list
below:
• Manual Update with Notification—Identifies out-of-date features in the Model
Tree and the Notification Center
• Automatic Update—Automatically updates the feature when the parent
reference objects change
• Manual—Requires that you manually update the feature when the parent
reference objects change
• No dependency—Permanently breaks external dependencies.
You may make changes to the skeleton that results in the feature showing an out-
of-date notification. You have the choice of keeping the feature out of date,
updating it, or investigating the change further to understand the potential impact
of making the update, before doing the update. Click Update Control ▶ Show
Differences to preview changed references in the Graphics window, and to filter
the changed and outdated objects. To proceed with the change you can click
Update on the Show Differences tab and propagate those changes to the child-
referencing object. This eliminates the requirement that existed in previous PTC
Creo Parametric releases to temporarily set the Copy Geometry feature to
Dependent, and then set it back to Independent for subsequent changes. If you are
not sure about the change, then you can try out this update or experiment with
other changes without risking work in progress. From the Show Differences tab,
click Design Exploration. Notice that two checkpoints, described below, are
created in the Checkpoint Tree:

64 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

• Pre-modified—Contains the original models retrieved at beginning of the PTC
Creo Parametric session. You can undo of all iterations, including the last one.
• Entry checkpoint—Contains the iteration that models are in at the time you
open Design Exploration. If you close Design Exploration and do not accept
any checkpoint, you return to the PTC Creo Parametric session at the same
point you were in before opening Design Exploration.
Update Control allows you to better monitor and control design changes and their
impact to referencing models. This makes complex and concurrent design projects
easier and more streamlined.

Notifications Are Collected and Easily

Accessible
When doing design work, you can see a collection of notifications.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
With the Notification manager you can quickly identify, locate, and fix common
modeling issues, or events that require your attention. To easily access the
Notification Center click in the bottom-right of the window to see the total
number of issues identified in current model. When you open the Notification
Center you see a summary of the different categories of reported issues. You can
expand a category or the entire list and sort by type or by object. You can also find
the specific node in the Model Tree and immediately address the issue, such as
redefining a failed component placement. The Model Tree is enhanced. Issues in
collapsed nodes are easily tracked all the way up the tree. Nodes in which there
are problems appear in bold font.
From the PTC Creo Parametric Options dialog box, you can customize the
notifications. PDM-related statuses are automatically synced with PTC Windchill
when regenerated.
The Notification Center helps you to find and fix design issues easier and faster
than before.

Assembly Design (Intelligent Fastener, Assembly) 65

New Option for Controlling External
References
It is easier to reference assembly objects ad hoc without keeping unwanted
dependencies.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Options ▶ Update Control ▶ Copied feature
references update ▶ No dependency.

Benefits and Description

You can easily break dependency when setting a newly created copied feature to
No dependency. Reference control is improved and simplified. If you edit parts in
an assembly and want to use assembly references without creating an external
dependency, you can set those dependencies to be automatically broken
immediately after creation. This eliminates the need for manual workflows and
reduces design errors.

Status Reporting Is Improved in

Assemblies
The handling of external children with missing parents during regeneration, is
improved.

Benefits and Description

Status reporting is improved. The status of the feature versus the parent is much
clearer. The statuses of all features, feature parents, feature specific attributes, and
feature states are in separate columns. This lets you see the state of the feature
without having to open an advanced tool. You can reference a component even if
it is in failed status. You can also dismiss this failure by right-clicking the failed
component and selecting Fix location. This action disables all constraints including
the problematic ones that lead to the failure and adds a fixed constraint. Unfix
removes the fixed constraint.

Improvements for Chooser Dialog Boxes

The Chooser dialog boxes for defining simplified representations and for
managing envelopes are improved.

66 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Benefits and Description
It is easier to work in the Chooser dialog boxes with the improvements described
in the list below:
• You can start to make selections on the Model Tree immediately after the
dialog box opens. You no longer need to wait until all the assembly graphics
are loaded.
• The graphic preview does not refresh each time you make a selection in the
Model Tree. This makes overall performance faster and smoother.

Updating in a Session Is Improved

There are improvements in performance and stability for updating in a session.
User Interface Location: Right-click a part in Model Tree that is in a newer
version of PTC Windchill PDM than the part that is in the session, and click
Update.

Benefits and Description

When working in a linked session with PTC Windchill PDM, the performance for
update operations is significantly improved.

Improvements in Family Tables

Family Table functionality is improved.

Benefits and Description

There is improved stability for Family Table instance accelerators and in the
general interaction between family tables and simplified representations.

Identifying Active Components is Easier

It is easier to distinguish active components from inactive components.
User Interface Location: In the Graphics window, right-click a component and
select Activate.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

Assembly Design (Intelligent Fastener, Assembly) 67

The quality of the display when working in an assembly with inactive components
is improved. When you activate a component in the assembly you can see clearly
in the Graphics window what components are active and what components are
inactive. This helps you to more effectively understand the context of the part on
which you are working. If for example, you change the Display Style from
Shading With Edges to Shading With Reflections, the appearance of both the active
and inactive components changes.

68 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 10
Advanced Framework Design
Assembling and Measuring is Improved ......................................................................70
Copying Subassemblies is Easier ...............................................................................70
More Options are Available from Shortcut Menus.........................................................71

69
Assembling and Measuring is Improved
You can more easily assemble connector and equipment elements and take
measurements when defining a connector or equipment element.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
The assembly of connector and equipment elements is easier. You can select all
required references in one action.
Another improvement is the ability to take measurements when defining a
connector or equipment element. There are three methods of measuring:
• Select 2 points or lines to measure the distance. The measurement is inserted
into the active input panel automatically and appears in the message area.
• Select a line to measure the curve length.
• Select one cylinder to measure the diameter.

Copying Subassemblies is Easier

It is easier to copy subassemblies.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
It is easier to copy subassemblies. When you copy a subassembly, the Copy
Component Definition dialog box opens. From this dialog box you can type a new
name for the assembly, select the components that you want to copy, and type a
new name for one or more components. You can also click Automatic Selection to
select only required parts and to exclude standard parts such as screws and nuts.
To select or remove components in the model window, use the plus or minus
buttons. After the definition is complete, the new subassembly can be built in like
any other profile. Simply apply joints to adjust the new subassembly.

70 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

More Options are Available from Shortcut
Menus
You can access many options to perform tasks from shortcut menus.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
There are many actions you can take by right-clicking and using the shortcut
menus. For example, you can modify the section size of a profile or multiple
profiles at one time. You can also modify connector or equipment elements.
Profiles can be located, moved, copied, replaced, reassembled, and deleted by
using options on shortcut menus. This improves efficiency by reducing the
number of times you need to open the Profiles dialog box.

Advanced Framework Design 71

 11
Electrical Design (Cabling, ECAD,
Harness Manufacturing)
Import Conductor Information .....................................................................................74
Bundle Transitions in Cabling .....................................................................................74
Improved Support for Cabling in PTC Creo View..........................................................75
ECAD Subtype for Assemblies ...................................................................................75
ECAD Flex Rigid Boards ............................................................................................76
Harness Manufacturing..............................................................................................76

73
Import Conductor Information
When working in PTC Creo 3.0 M040 and later, you can import conductor
information using an EDA file.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Conductor Information ▶ Conductor
Explorer.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can import conductor information using an EDA file. During the import you
can control which conductors to import and on which layer to import the
conductors. To select the conductors to import use Simple Search, for example. to
import only the ground net, or use Advanced Search or Box Select. With Box
Select, define an area on the board on which to import the conductor information.
You can control how the conductors are imported. For example you can set Pin
Pads set to Surfaces, Via Pads to Entities, Routes to Surfaces, and Planes to
Quilts. After the filtering and configuration are set, you can import the conductor
information. Then, use the Conductor Explorer dialog box to perform actions, such
as those included in the list below:
• Review the conductor information.
• Convert the routes from surfaces to quilts.
• Colorize selected conductors to make them easier to find.
• Control whether to view the conductor information by layers or net name.
• With a net selected, zoom to the selected net.

Bundle Transitions in Cabling

There is support for bundle transitions in Cabling.
User Interface Location: Click Cabling ▶ Create Bundle.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

74 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Bundle transitions are supported in Cabling Design. For example, you may want
to create bundle transitions where there is a main path and then several cables
exiting to the left. The left area is where the bundle transitions would occur. You
can create a bundle with BUNDLE OPTS set to Round and Along Path. Click
Centerline and then select a to and from location. From BUNDLE OPTS, select all
wires except the Network wire and then accept all defaults. When the bundle is
created you can see that where the wires exit, there is now a transition and the
bundles get smaller. Transition bundles are controlled by the configuration options
listed below:
• bundle_transition_create_method—This is set to automatic.
• cable_bundle_transition_length—Transition length is controlled
by the formula larger diameter multiplied by a percentage. The default
percentage is 50.

Improved Support for Cabling in PTC

Creo View
Support for harnesses in PTC Creo View is improved.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
If you save a PTC Creo Parametric assembly as a .pvz file and open it in PTC
Creo View, the harness is broken out into discrete wires. You can select each wire
individually and then press F7 to see the parameters of each individual wire.

ECAD Subtype for Assemblies

There is a new assembly subtype for ECAD designs.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ New ▶ Assembly ▶ ECAD.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

Electrical Design (Cabling, ECAD, Harness Manufacturing) 75

With the new ECAD subtype, PTC Creo Parametric and PTC Windchill can
differentiate between a standard assembly and an ECAD assembly. When you
select the ECAD subtype, a user interface specific to ECAD is provided so you can
efficiently create a board outline. To assemble an electromechanical component,
select either the top or bottom of the board and then select the X and Y reference.
The electromechanical component can then be dragged into a desired position.

ECAD Flex Rigid Boards

There is a new solution for creating Rigid Flex board designs.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ New ▶ Assembly ▶ ECAD.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
The new ECAD rigid flex solution provides a dedicated user interface for creating
rigid flex boards. To create a flexible area click Flat, select an area of the board,
and then edit dimensions to define the shape. After defining the shape click Join to
join the rigid section to the flexible area. Click Flat Pattern Preview to preview the
board and to check for overlapping sections and disjointed board sections. Click
Flat Pattern Preview again to close the preview. You can create other ECAD
features such as mounting holes and ECAD areas. All the design work is done
within the bent state. After defining the board, you can activate the ECAD
assembly. Click Flat Pattern to see the flat state of the board. You can see that the
ECAD area and the hole have moved with the flattened state. Click Flat Pattern
again to return to the bent state. You can access ECAD collaboration and import
the ECAD design changes all within the bent state. Components are assembled to
each rigid section of the board. You can then exit ECAD Collaboration and click
Flat Pattern to preview the flattened state and check the components, the ECAD
area, and the ECAD holes in the flattened state.
.

Harness Manufacturing
There is a new out-of-the box solution for all cabling customers who are on active
maintenance.
User Interface Location: Click Applications ▶ Harness Mfg.

76 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can easily create manufacturing documentation for your 3D cable harnesses.
Select Applications ▶ Harness Mfg to open the Harness Manufacturing Extension
dialog box. You can use the options in this dialog box to perform the actions
described in the list below:
• Harness—Select the harness for which you want to create manufacturing
documentation.
• Subharness—Select the subharness if the selected harness contains
subharnesses.
• Drawing templates—Click and browse to a template or take no action to
accept the default template.
• Bend to fit—Bends the flattened harness to fit onto the page.
• Cosmetics—Select to include cosmetic features or clear the check box so
cosmetic features are not included.
The default parameters used in the Bill of Material (BOM) are index, quantity,
model name, and description. For the Model “Description” parameter, you can map
any appropriate property of the 3D part to populate the BOM. When you are
satisfied with your settings, click Flatten Harness. A fully detailed drawing is
generated containing the items described in the list below:
• From-to list
• Fully dimensioned view and reference designation information for each
component
• Sheet template that was used
• Pin-out view for each connector
• Three dimensional view of the harness in the context of the 3D Assembly

Electrical Design (Cabling, ECAD, Harness Manufacturing) 77

 12
Manufacturing (NC Manufacturing)
New User Interface for Volume Milling.........................................................................80
Linking in Roughing Steps Is Enhanced ......................................................................80
New User Interface for Trajectory Milling .....................................................................81
Tool Axis Control for Cut Line Milling ...........................................................................82
Multitask Machining ...................................................................................................83
Tapered Thread Milling ..............................................................................................84

79
New User Interface for Volume Milling
The new user interface for Volume Milling is modernized and includes the standard
PTC Creo ribbon.
User Interface Location: Click Mill ▶ Roughing ▶ Volume Rough.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
The Volume Milling user interface is modernized. It is in the Roughing group along
with Roughing. Click Mill ▶ Roughing ▶ Volume Rough to see the new Volume
Milling user interface and experience the streamlined workflow. In this example,
you can select the reference, Mill Window, and copy the parameters of an existing
NC sequence to have a toolpath on which you can start working. To get visual
feedback and to preview the toolpath as you are defining it, click . From Tool
Motions you can access a set of commands to accurately define the entry and exit,
or to add a CL command. To edit the cut itself, click Tool Motions, select the cut,
and then click Edit to open the Volume Milling Cut dialog box. From this dialog
box you can perform actions such as changing the order of the machining of the
different regions.
In general when you create a volume milling toolpath, the geometry is scanned,
regions are identified, tool trajectories are defined, and approach and exit are
applied. In the Volume Milling Cut dialog box click Regions ▶ Show Regions and
then click a region number to see the selected region highlighted in the Graphics
window. Click the up and down arrows to change the cutting order of the regions.
Click Preview ▶ CL Data to see the CL Data of the entire toolpath. Click a line in
the CL Data and the corresponding position of the tool appears highlighted in the
Graphics window.

Linking in Roughing Steps Is Enhanced

There are two new machining parameters for optimizing linking in Roughing
steps.
User Interface Location: Click Mill ▶ Roughing ▶ Volume Rough.

Benefits and Description

80 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Watch video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the
enhancement described below.
Retracts are commonly seen in Roughing steps such as those created with a
constant load scan type in Volume Milling. This is the case in this example, using a
window as the reference. In these instances, the tool goes all the way up to the
retract plane, for example. To keep the tool on the surface at cutting speed instead
of going up the retract, you can set the machining parameter MIN_RETRACT_
DISTANCE. For example, if you type a high value for MIN_RETRACT_DISTANCE in
comparison to the part itself, the tool stays on the surface as much as possible
within in a particular region, instead of going into the retract. The retracts between
regions should continue to be applied. This helps to optimize linking by
eliminating many of the retracts on volume milling, roughing, and re-roughing
sequences.
In other cases, such as when machining hard materials, instead of having the tool
stay on the surface, you may want it to go up slightly. These small lifts are over
areas that were previously defined to have the tool stay on the surface. For this
action set the parameter LIFT_TOOL_CLEARANCE. If you type a small value such
as .3, the tool lifts a small distance by going up using an arc or a helix. The tool
flies just above the material at rapid feed and reengages the material at cutting
speed. These two machining parameters improve efficiency in roughing
sequences.

New User Interface for Trajectory Milling

Trajectory-based toolpaths are accessible from a single entry point. You can easily
define the toolpath and switch from one toolpath to another. You can define the
tool axis on the fly and see the results of the definition in the Graphics window as
you work.
User Interface Location: Click Mill ▶ Trajectory Milling.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can create 3, 4, and 5–axis trajectory toolpaths from a single command.
Click Mill ▶ Trajectory Milling to open the Trajectory tab. In Trajectory tab select
from the box furthest to the left to select 3, 4, or 5–axis machining. The default is
3–axis machining. For example, you may want to select a ball end mill such as
BEM_4 from the tool list and click Tool Motions ▶ Curve Cut to open the Curve
Cut dialog box. Select the curve and then from the Curve Cut dialog box set
options such as Offset Cut and Side to Machine to get the desired toolpath. Then,

Manufacturing (NC Manufacturing) 81

click OK to create the 3–axis trajectory. To change this toolpath from a 3–axis
trajectory to a 4–axis trajectory, select 4–axis machining. Notice that the Axis
Control tab is highlighted in yellow. This means you need to provide a parameter
or a reference and in this case the collector is expecting a plane. Click Axis Control
and then select a plane. The plane you select appears in the Axis Control Plane
box. Open the PLAY PATH dialog box and play the path. You can see the 4–axis
trajectory has been defined using the selected plane. Close the dialog box, click
Axis Control again, and click another plane from the part to see how easy it is to
control the tool axis. Play the path again to see the new 4–axis trajectory using the
plane you selected.
For another example, select 5–axis machining and click Tool Motions ▶ Edit ▶ Axis
Control. In the Control Type box select At a Location. When this option is
selected, you can create as many axes to control the tool inclination as you like, on
the fly. To do so, select points on the curve and then preview the tool and the tool
axis. Using the dragger to define the axis, you can define the tilt and lead angle of
tool. You can also dynamically see the transition from one axis to the other. Click
OK and then play the path again to see the result.
It is easy to define corner conditions using Trajectory Milling. For example, select
3–axis machining and click Tool Motions ▶ Curve Cut. Select a curve, click the
Offset Cut check box and select a Side to Machine. From the Curve Cut dialog box
under Corner Conditions, select one of the corner types listed below:
• Sharp
• Fillet
• Chamfer
• Loop
• Straight
The values you need to provide are based on the type of corner you select. If you
are creating a Loop curve, a positive value for Convex Radius places the loop on
one side and a negative value on the other side.
With these enhancements you can create better toolpaths more efficiently.

Tool Axis Control for Cut Line Milling

You can define the tool axis on the fly and use the dragger to define the entry and
exit points on the outer outline.
User Interface Location: Click Mill ▶ Milling ▶ Cut Line Milling.

Benefits and Description

82 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the
enhancement described below.
On the user interface, Cut Line Milling is separate from Surface Milling. In this
example having previously created a cutline, select the cut line in the Model Tree
and click Mill ▶ Milling ▶ Cut Line Milling. Click Cut Lines and select the Auto
Cutline check box to automatically create the inner and outer definition of the cut

lines. In the Cut Line Milling tab, click to preview the results. If what you see
is not what you expected, you may want to go to Parameters and make some
changes. In the Graphics window, you can preview the results of your changes.
Click Cut Lines again and select Inner Cutline. In the Graphics window, notice the
small dragger that is related to the inner cut line. You can drag the center point
that was automatically created to a new position. If you click Outer Cutline another
control appears in the Graphics window that you can use to control where the tool
engages the material.
When defining a 5–axis cut line, you can control the axis. Click Axis Control. The
default for a cut line is normal to surface but if you select At a Location you can
select different location points with the dragger. In the Graphics window, you
control the Lead Angle and Tilt Angle of the tool. You can define as many tool axes
on the fly as required to control the inclination of the tool.

Multitask Machining
You can define four heads and two spindles. Each head has its own set of tools.
Synchronization is possible between any toolpath.
User Interface Locations:
• Click Manufacturing ▶ Work Center ▶ Mill-Turn.
• Click Turn ▶ Area Turning.
• Click Manufacturing ▶ Operations.
• Click Manufacturing ▶ Synchronization.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

Manufacturing (NC Manufacturing) 83

NC Manufacturing is rearchitected at the Work Center, Operation, and NC
sequence levels as described in the list below:
• Work Center—Click Manufacturing ▶ Work Center ▶ Mill-Turn to open the Mill-
Turn Work Center dialog box. In this dialog box, Number of Heads is expanded
to four, Number of Spindles to two, and there is one set of tools assigned to
each head. Therefore, in the Graphics window you can see the main spindle,
sub spindle, and four heads that are configurable.
• Operations—Click Manufacturing ▶ Operation. In the Operations tab click
Clearance to define a Main spindle retract and a Sub spindle retract which are
independent of each other. Click Home Point to define a home point for each
head. From the Operations tab, you can also define the Main Spindle and Sub
Spindle coordinate systems.
• NC Sequence—As an example because it works with all NC sequences in the
ribbon, click Turn ▶ Area Turning. From the Area Turning tab you can assign
the head in which you want to work, select the tool for the head, assign the
toolpath to the main or sub spindle, and assign the specific coordinate system.
Also, synchronization functionality is improved. On the Model Tree, preselect the
operation that references a machine tool with two or more heads and click
Synchronize. The selected operation remains highlighted. Alternatively, right-click
the operation and select Synchronize from the shortcut menu. The Synchronize
dialog box opens from which you can synchronize steps on different machine tool
heads. Notice there is a column for each of the heads. You can select a toolpath
from each column and then right-click and select Synchronize at start or
Synchronize at a point. If you Synchronize at start, synchronization is ready. If you
instead choose Synchronize at a point, the Edit Synchronization dialog box opens.
Each head is assigned a color in the dialog box that matches the color of the
toolpath that appears in the Graphics window. You can then select points in the
toolpaths to synchronize the toolpaths. Click Apply to add the toolpath
synchronization. From the Synchronize dialog box you can also click Gantt Chart
to see the synchronization details in a chart format.
You can play the path by using the controls at the bottom of the Synchronize
dialog box.

Tapered Thread Milling

You can create tapered thread milling toolpaths such as National Pipe Thread
Taper (NPT) and custom types.
User Interface Location: Click Mill ▶ Milling ▶ Thread Milling.

Benefits and Description

84 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the
enhancement described below.
In a part with a Thread Milling toolpath, right–click the NC sequence in the Model
Tree and select Edit Definition. In the Thread Milling tab, click from the list of
thread types, to cut an NPT thread for a standard pipe taper. In this case no other
parameter is needed because you are using 1.7899 degrees as the TAPER_ANGLE.
In the Graphics window you can see the resulting toolpath.

To cut a thread with a user-defined taper angle, click . The Parameters tab is
highlighted because TAPER_ANGLE is empty. Type a value for TAPER_ANGLE and
you can see the results in the Graphics window.

Manufacturing (NC Manufacturing) 85

 13
Mold Design and Casting(Mold
Design and Casting, PTC Creo
Mold Analysis)
PTC Creo Mold Analysis ............................................................................................88
Creating a Parting Surface Using Extend Curve...........................................................88
Creating a Parting Surface Using Fill Loops.................................................................88
Draft Analysis Is Improved .........................................................................................89
Check for 3–D Thickness ...........................................................................................89

87
PTC Creo Mold Analysis
You can use PTC Creo Mold Analysis to verify the part design for manufacturing,
to avoid molding defects such as an incomplete cavity filling.
User Interface Location: Click Mold Analysis from the Applications tab on the
ribbon.

Benefits and Description

You can perform mold filling analyses directly in PTC Creo Parametric. The
results of the analysis appear in the graphics window. You can use the auto-
meshing function to prepare the model for analysis in less time.

Creating a Parting Surface Using Extend

Curve
You can create a parting surface by extending curve chains.
User Interface Location: Click Mold ▶ Parting Surface ▶ Extend Curve. Click Cast
▶ Extend Curve.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can create a parting surface more efficiently. The most commonly used
extensions are built into this tool. Multiple extension sets are applicable to each
parting surface feature. Automated transitions are also supported. Click the Create
Transitions check box to automatically create transitions.

Creating a Parting Surface Using Fill

Loops
You can create a parting surface with a closed curve chain.
User Interface Location: Click Mold ▶ Parting Surface ▶ Fill Loops; Click Cast ▶
Fill Loops.

Benefits and Description

88 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the
enhancement described below.
You can create parting surface with closed loops. If needed, you can fit the surface
to a plane or a surface.

Draft Analysis Is Improved

Displayed results are more realistic and there is support for three-color plotting.
User Interface Location: Click Analysis ▶ Draft; Click Mold ▶ Draft; Click Cast ▶
Draft.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Results for a draft analysis appear with lighting and surface boundary lines when
Display Style is set to Shading. The minimum number for fringe plotting is
reduced to three.

Check for 3–D Thickness

You can check the wall thickness variant on the model.
User Interface Location: Click Analysis ▶ Thickness; Click Mold ▶ Thickness;
Click Cast ▶ Thickness.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can perform a true 3–D thickness check. For example, you can identify
critical areas on a molded part and make changes to avoid molding problems such
short shot and sink mark.

Mold Design and Casting(Mold Design and Casting, PTC Creo Mold Analysis) 89
 14
Sheetmetal (Sheetmetal Design)
Flatten Form and Flat Pattern Are Enhanced ...............................................................92
Die Form User Interface Is Improved...........................................................................92
Improvements to Bend Reliefs....................................................................................93
Rip Connect and Sketched Rip Tools Are Enhanced ....................................................93
Bending Coplanar Surfaces in a Single Feature ...........................................................94

91
Flatten Form and Flat Pattern Are
Enhanced
The Flatten Form and Flat Pattern tools are enhanced.
User Interface Location: Open a sheetmetal part and click Model ▶ Form ▶ Flatten
Form or Model ▶ Flat Pattern.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Flatten Form and Flat Pattern tools can accommodate wall geometry that is added
to the form geometry. For example, in a model with many form features, a couple
of these forms may have some of the geometry cut away and additional walls may
have been added to the forms. Flatten Form supports these forms with additional
wall geometry. When the forms are flattened, the contours are projected to the flat
plane. If you are looking for a different result, you can first unbend the additional
walls that are attached to the form geometry and then flatten the forms. The Flat
Pattern feature is enhanced to optionally unbend the additional wall geometry first
before flattening the form geometry. This is controlled by clicking the Unbend
form geometry check box in Flat Pattern ▶ Options.

Die Form User Interface Is Improved

The Die Form workflow is modernized and consistent with the Punch Form tool.
User Interface Location: Open a sheetmetal part and click Model ▶ Form ▶ Die
Form.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Like the Punch Form tool, the Die Form tool can, depending on the reference
model, be created as a dependent merge or as an independent inheritance with
options to vary the form. In addition to assembly constraints, you can quickly
place the die form reference part as an on-surface coordinate system or by using
component interfaces. By default, if the reference model has a coordinate-system
component interface configured, you can select the surface and two offset
references to place the form as an on-surface coordinate system. You can modify

92 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

the die shape surfaces which are automatically found even if you have not defined
them in the form model, and choose the die model surfaces to exclude. You can
also design the reference model to support multiple thicknesses of sheet metal
because you can add the rounds in the feature instead of in the reference model.
You can also place the die form using component interfaces. To do so, switch the
placement type to component interfaces and place the form coincident with the
already-located coordinate system. You can create a point pattern which
references a sketch of coordinate systems. Look at the reference model used to
create these forms. Notice the coordinate system component interface which
enables the form to be placed as an on-surface coordinate system or by component
interfaces. Notice also the sheet metal Annotation Feature which you can use to
define the die surfaces and the excluded surfaces of the reference model.

Improvements to Bend Reliefs

The handling of bend reliefs in the Bend tool is improved.
User Interface Location: Open a sheetmetal part and click Model ▶ Bend ▶ Relief.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Bend reliefs are automatically placed at the ends of the bend line and as needed
along the line. This means you can quickly and easily bend a portion of an
existing wall into a tab. The default type of relief is [Rip]. When you trim the ends
of the bend line, the rip reliefs are automatically placed at the ends of the bend
line. Whatever relief you specify in the Relief dialog box, is automatically placed.
For example, you can change the relief to Obround or change one side relief to No
relief. If No relief is selected, the bend relief is extended to the edge of the part.
The Bend tool is enhanced to create bend reliefs as needed along the bend line so
you can create designs more quickly and with fewer features. You can specify a
relief definition that extends beyond the bend line and those bend reliefs are
automatically placed at each side of the bend tabs. Previously this process
required creating multiple features.

Rip Connect and Sketched Rip Tools Are

Enhanced
There is more flexibility when creating sheet metal designs.
User Interface Location: Open a sheetmetal part and click Model ▶ Rip ▶ Rip
Connect or Model ▶ Rip ▶ Sketched Rip.

Sheetmetal (Sheetmetal Design) 93

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can use Sketched Rip and Rip Connect to create a zero-width rip connection
between two different contours on the same surface. You no longer need to split
the surface into two distinct pieces. For example, you can easily turn the material
between two cuts into a bent tab.

Bending Coplanar Surfaces in a Single

Feature
You can use the Bend tool to bend multiple coplanar surfaces in a single feature.
User Interface Location: Click Model ▶ Bend.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
If you sketch a line on coplanar but discontinuous surfaces, you can create a bend
on these surfaces. For example, you can create a similar bend on surfaces on the
bottom of the troughs. In this case, you can use a straight edge as a bend reference
and offset it from the part edge. You can then specify the length of the bend line
by dragging it out so the correct geometry is bent and then preview the geometry
before it is bent. Flipping the bend in the other direction to get the bend you are
looking for, may be necessary. To flatten this kind of geometry, unbend it in two
stages. First, unbend the bends on the coplanar surfaces, then unbend the trough
geometry.

94 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 15
PTC Creo Simulate
New User Interface for Results in PTC Creo Simulate ..................................................96
PTC Creo Unite Technology — Working in a Multi-CAD Environment ............................97
Automatic Conversion Using PTC Creo Unite Technology ............................................98
Creating Profiles Using PTC Creo 3.0 Unite Technology...............................................99
Solid Edge Import......................................................................................................99
Support for Mapkeys ............................................................................................... 100
Support for Unicode in PTC Creo Simulate................................................................ 101
Performance Improvements in PTC Creo Simulate .................................................... 101
Support for ANSYS 14.5 in PTC Creo Simulate ......................................................... 102
Support for MSC Nastran 2012 in PTC Creo Simulate ................................................ 102
Performance Tuning for Solver Engine I/O Is Improved .............................................. 102
Icons are Updated ................................................................................................... 103
Changing Entity Colors ............................................................................................ 104
Usability Improvements to Fasteners with Defined Preloads ....................................... 104
Improvements to FEM Mode .................................................................................... 105
Weighted Links in 2D Analysis.................................................................................. 106
Simple Fracture Mechanics Is Added ........................................................................ 107
Improved Process to Determine the Best Analysis ..................................................... 107
New Workflow for Creating Notes ............................................................................. 109
Analysis Studies are Listed in the Model Tree ............................................................ 110
Improved Workflow for Interrogating Results ............................................................. 111
Defining Contact Interfaces with Finite Friction........................................................... 112
Mapped Mesh Option for 2D Models ......................................................................... 113
Display of Shells, Beams, and Fasteners is Improved................................................. 114
Analyze Models with Failed Features ........................................................................ 115
Updated Process for Creating Linearized Stresses .................................................... 116
Fatigue Analysis with Multiple Load Sets ................................................................... 117

95
New User Interface for Results in PTC
Creo Simulate
The new user interface for showing results in PTC Creo Simulate includes the
standard PTC Creo ribbon.
User Interface Location: In PTC Creo Simulate, click Home ▶ Simulate Results. In
PTC Creo Parametric click Home ▶ Utilities ▶ Simulate Results.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
There is a new modern interface for displaying results in PTC Creo Simulate that
you can access from PTC Creo Simulate or PTC Creo Parametric. The logically
organized interface with commonly used tasks, sorted into application-specific
ribbon tabs and groups, makes it easy to use and for new users, easier to learn. In
addition to the ribbon interface, there are other improvements that are described in
the list below:
• Search for commands—Use Command Search to search for and see the
location of commands. Click and start to type a command in the Command
Search box. As you type, a list of commands that match your search criteria
appear. Place the pointer on a command in the list to see the command
highlighted in the ribbon.
• Commands are consolidated and added—New commands are added and other
commands are consolidated to improve efficiency.
○ With the displacement magnitude fringe window selected, click View ▶
Continuous Tone to set the tone changes to continuous. You no longer need
to edit that specific results window to define tone change from within the
Result Window Definition dialog box.
○ Under View the Capping & Cutting Surfs group is added—Functionality is
consolidated to a group where you can create, edit or delete a capping or
cutting surface.
• Manage the window view—There are new ways to manage the window. Click
Cascade to cascade views. Click Hide to hide a view.
• Manage the Graphics window—As you could previously, you can open
multiple docked windows at the same time. Although only one docked
window can be a active at a time, you can double-click a different window to

96 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

 easily activate it. The active window has a blue border and the Graphics
toolbar appears within it. This toolbar provides access to common commands
such as Refit, Repaint, Zoom In, Zoom Out and Named Views.
• Additional commands available from shortcut menus—You can right-click in
the active window to select commands such as Model Max, New Cutting/
Capping Surface, or Full Screen. This makes it easier and faster to perform
tasks.
Regardless of whether you are a new or advanced user, the new modern interface
for results in PTC Creo Simulate improves your ability to inspect your analysis,
validate your design, or identify areas in your model that need improvement.

PTC Creo Unite Technology — Working in

a Multi-CAD Environment
There are multiple enhancements in the area of multi-CAD design.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
With PTC Creo Unite technology it is no longer necessary to install additional
third-party software or licenses to work with non-PTC Creo data. CAD
consolidation is easier than ever. CATIA, SolidWorks, and NX files can simply be
opened and referenced in PTC Creo. Format-specific profiles and templates help
to load non–PTC Creo data as easy as native PTC Creo data. Once defined, these
profiles automatically control what information gets into session without
additional dialog boxes or user interaction. You can start to work with non-PTC
Creo assemblies immediately. PTC Creo automatically tracks changes made to the
non-PTC Creo data in their native systems, and keeps the data up to date. It is also
easy to distinguish the different formats in the Model Tree by their individual
icons and file extensions.
In addition to new capabilities of updating and exporting SolidWorks data, PTC
Creo 3.0 provides the ability to import Solid Edge parts and assemblies. During
the import process of Solid Edge data, you can decide what information you want
to import or can use the standard template for non-PTC Creo data. Imported
geometry can easily be referenced using all available assembly constraints. PTC
Creo 3.0 provides support for all major CAD formats to integrate, develop, and
validate complete product designs. See article CS188705 for information about
the current limitations of PTC Creo Unite technology working with PTC Creo
View and PTC Windchill PDMLink 10.2.

PTC Creo Simulate 97

Whether your goal is to improve collaboration between multiple formats or
consolidate to a single CAD tool, with PTC Creo Unite technology it is easier than
ever to work in a multi-CAD design environment.

Automatic Conversion Using PTC Creo

Unite Technology
With PTC Creo Unite technology it is no longer necessary to install additional
third-party software or licenses to work with non-PTC Creo data. CAD
consolidation is easier than ever.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
CATIA, SolidWorks, and NX files can simply be opened and referenced in PTC
Creo. It is easy to distinguish the different formats in the Model Tree by their
individual icons and native file extensions.
PTC Creo 3.0 has enhanced functionality to modify designs in context. If you try
to modify non-PTC Creo data in the context of a multi-CAD assembly, a message
appears confirming that these changes will not be reflected in the native model.
You can then select Convert or Do not convert. If you select Convert you can
choose to automatically convert the non-PTC Creo data to PTC Creo data or to
use advanced conversion tools. When you choose an automatic conversion, only
the components that are required for the modification are converted into PTC Creo
components. This ensures maximum reuse of existing non-PTC Creo files and
prevents the overhead of managing multiple file formats and business objects for
each component.
After converting the necessary components, PTC Creo can still maintain a link to
the original non-PTC Creo files to retrieve updates based on changes made outside
of PTC Creo. You also have the option to keep the newly created PTC Creo
components separate from the original source files.
PTC Creo 3.0 provides support for all major CAD formats to integrate, develop
and validate complete product designs. Whether your goal is to improve
collaboration between multiple formats or consolidate to a single CAD tool, with
PTC Creo Unite technology it is easier than ever to work in a multi-CAD design
environment.

98 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Creating Profiles Using PTC Creo 3.0
Unite Technology
There are multiple enhancements in the area of multi-CAD design. With PTC
Creo Unite it is no longer necessary to install third-party software or licenses to
work with non-PTC Creo data.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Options to open the options dialog box for
your application and then click Data Exchange.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
CATIA, SolidWorks, and NX files can simply be opened and referenced in PTC
Creo. Format-specific profiles and templates help to load non–PTC Creo data as
easy as native PTC Creo data.
Opening and importing options and format-specific profiles are controlled by
selecting Data Exchange in the options dialog box for your PTC Creo application.
With the help of the Import Profile Editor, you can create and modify profiles.
Once defined, these profiles automatically control what information gets into
session without additional dialog boxes or user interaction. You can start to work
with non-PTC Creo assemblies immediately.
PTC Creo 3.0 provides support for all major CAD formats to integrate, develop,
and validate complete product designs. Whether your goal is to improve
collaboration between multiple formats or consolidate to a single CAD tool, with
PTC Creo Unite technology it is easier than ever to work in a multi-CAD design
environment.

Solid Edge Import

You can import and then work with Solid Edge data.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Open and then set the Type filter to Solid
Edge. Click Import.

Benefits and Description

With the Solid Edge converter, you can import Solid Edge parts and assemblies.
There is no need to install Solid Edge software to work with Solid Edge data.

PTC Creo Simulate 99

Support for Mapkeys
You can create and execute mapkey commands directly within PTC Creo
Simulate.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Options ▶ Environment ▶ Mapkeys Settings.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
For frequently used command sequences, mapkeys can help you to be more
productive. A Mapkey is a keyboard macro that maps frequently used keyboard
sequences to a certain keyboard key or to sets of keys. You can open the Mapkeys
dialog box in the two ways described below:
• Click File ▶ Options ▶ Environment ▶ Mapkeys Settings.
• Click and type mapkey in the search box. Place the pointer on mapkey in
the search list.
Mapkeys map frequently used commands to one or more keyboard keys. To start,
click New in the Mapkeys dialog box and then in the Key sequence box, define a
key sequence such as ME. When you press ME after you define the mapkey, a
sequence of operations is executed. In the Name box, type a name for the sequence
such as Mesh, to indicate this key sequence is for creating a mesh. In the
Description box, provide additional details. Next, record the sequence of
operations. Click Record to start recording your keystrokes.
For this example, click Refine Model ▶ AutoGEM and then click Create to create
the mesh and to see the results in the Graphics window. When you finish
reviewing the results you can close the results windows or you can first pause the
macro and then add the closing of the windows to the macro. Click Pause in the
Record Mapkey dialog box. The Resume Prompt dialog box opens. In this dialog
box add some information describing the next step such as When finished,
click Resume to proceed. Click OK in the Resume Prompt dialog box.
Then, click Close to close all the dialog boxes that are open. In the AutoGEM
dialog box prompt, click No so the mesh is not saved. Click Stop and OK. The
sequence of operations you just performed is captured in the mapkey. The
Mapkeys dialog box opens. Click Save all to save the macro you created to your
config.pro file for future use. To execute the macro press ME and the mesh
results appear immediately. The macro pauses so that you can review the results.
Click Resume as prompted and the operation is completed. You can use this
mapkey to perform the same action on any model or assembly. You see the
elements created for the part or assembly, review them, and exit. In addition you

100 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

can add mapkeys as an icon in a group or tab in the ribbon. Mapkeys are optional,
however, they improve productivity by streamlining the execution of commands
that are frequently used.

Support for Unicode in PTC Creo

Simulate
There is support for Unicode. This makes it easier to understand and analyze
models containing text in more than one language.

Benefits and Description

Unicode is now supported in PTC Creo Simulate as it has been supported in PTC
Creo Parametric. All text strings appear correctly, regardless of their language
even when the locale is set to a different language. As a result, sharing models is
easier because text strings are legible. Any new text string is maintained and
legible in all other locales. For most names, text strings must be 32 characters or
less and for most descriptions, 260 characters or less. Characters can be single
byte or multibyte. There is Unicode support for object names, descriptions, and
other text strings that are stored inside files and appear in the user interface.
Process guide templates, results window definition, and template files are not
supported.

Performance Improvements in PTC Creo

Simulate
A number of enhancements are implemented to improve the overall performance.
These changes help solve various analyses faster so you can spend less time
waiting for the analysis to converge on a solution.

Benefits and Description

Performance is improved in a number of areas including those described in the list
below:
• Thin Solid—The existing Thin Solid AutoGEM option makes it easier to mesh
thin regions with wedge and brick elements. Thin Solid is enhanced to
minimize the p-level of the element edges that are perpendicular to the top and
bottom surfaces. The p-level defaults to a maximum of p=3. This enhancement
reduces the complexity of the solution to be solved and shortens the time to
converge on a solution.
• Dynamic Analysis—You can already quickly calculate the stresses in dynamic
analyses, based on the superposition of modal stresses that are calculated in
the associated modal analysis. The calculation of stresses in dynamic analyses
is further improved by calculating the superposition of modal displacement for

PTC Creo Simulate 101

 displacement, velocity, or acceleration results in dynamic analyses. To take
advantage of this enhancement, ensure that the Rotations check box in the
Output tab of the Modal Analysis Definition dialog box is selected. This makes
it easier to perform dynamic analyses and faster to gather results.
• Modal Analysis Improvements—In modal analysis you can output the modal
participation factors and effective masses, to help determine whether
additional modes are needed to accurately capture the response for the
dynamic analysis. While these factors vary with applied loads, it is assumed
that these factors are computed for translations along the WCS X, Y, and Z
directions and for rotations about the WCS origin in the X, Y, and Z directions.
To take advantage of this enhancement, click the Mass Participation Factors
check box in the Output tab of the Modal Analysis Definition dialog box. This
improves your ability to perform a more accurate dynamic analysis.

Support for ANSYS 14.5 in PTC Creo

Simulate
There is support for the latest release of ANSYS.

Benefits and Description

There is support for ANSYS 14.5. As a result you can run your FEM analysis with
the latest ANSYS solver.

Support for MSC Nastran 2012 in PTC

Creo Simulate
There is support for the latest release of MSC Nastran.

Benefits and Description

There is support for MSC Nastran 2012. As a result, you can run your FEM
analysis with the latest MSC Nastran solver.

Performance Tuning for Solver Engine I/O

Is Improved
The solver engine is tuned to improve the I/O buffering to make better use of the
large cache of modern hard drives.

102 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Benefits and Description
When running an analysis, the process of transferring data between memory and
disk (Disk I/O), especially during the solver engine postprocessing step, can be
time consuming. When using older hard drives, these results files appear to be
written in small blocks at a time. For larger models with large results files, this is
inefficient and time consuming. The solver engine I/O performance is improved
and tuned for modern magnetic hard disks. These hard disks typically have larger
onboard cache and solid state disk drives. As a result of this tuning, processing
time is faster when creating results files.

Icons are Updated

New icons help to provide a clearer understanding of the functionality.

Benefits and Description

• New icons in the Model Tree under Analyses display the following analyses
types found in the model:

○ —Static
○ —Modal
○ —Buckling
○ — Prestress Static
○ —Prestress Modal
○ —Dynamic Time
○ —Dynamic Frequency
○ —Dynamic Shock
○ —Dynamic Random
○ —Steady State Thermal
○ —Transient Thermal
These new icons are also used to define analyses in the Analyses and Design
Studies dialog box:

• —Icon for the new Hard Surface type of mesh control.

• —Icon for the new Crack type of idealization.

PTC Creo Simulate 103

Changing Entity Colors
You can easily change the colors for entities and use these colors in future
sessions.
User Interface Location: Click File ▶ Options ▶ System Colors and then make a
selection under Simulation Entity Colors.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can change the colors of the PTC Creo Simulate entities. Entities are grouped
into the types listed below:
• Modeling Entity
• Load and Constraint
• AutoGEM and FEM Mesh
• Miscellaneous
• Simulate Results
Under Modeling Entity, for example, you can change the colors for Shell, Beam,
Mass, Crack, Weld, and so on.
In this example, if you mesh an object, you will see the colors representing the
solid mesh elements in the Graphics window. Click File ▶ Options ▶ System
Colors and then under AutoGEM and FEM Mesh, you can see the colors that
currently represent Wedge Element and Brick Element. If you change these colors
in the PTC Creo Simulate Options dialog box, the colors in the model change
immediately. To keep the new colors and to see these colors in future sessions,
click OK. You can customize your environment based on your preferences.

Usability Improvements to Fasteners with

Defined Preloads
Fasteners with preloads to automatically scale the preload force applied to a
deformed structure to be equal to the specified preload force.
User Interface Location: Click Refine Model ▶ Fastener and then in the Fastener
Definition dialog box, select Account for Stiffness.

104 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Benefits and Description
You may want to apply a preload to a fastener which simulates the degree to
which a bolt or a screw is tightened and then compresses the components. This is
controlled by the preload force which defines the tensile force in the fastener. The
tensile force results from tightening the bolt or screw.
When a fastener is applied with a preload, the preload force defines the load that
the fastener applies on the undeformed geometry of the model. As the model
deforms, the compressive force of the fastener on the structure relaxes, causing the
actual preload force applied to become smaller than the specified value defined in
the Fastener Definition dialog box. If you want to specify the preload force which
will be exerted on the deformed geometry, you must scale the specified value to
account for the force decrease. This is performed by running an initial analysis to
determine the decreased preload force, scaling the specified preload force to
account for the decreased force, and running the final analysis.
You can continue to follow this process or automate it by selecting Account for
Stiffness in addition to selecting Include Preload in the Fastener Definition dialog
box. As a result, the two analyses described below are performed:
• The initial analysis determines all the scaling factors required for each fastener
with defined preloads and scales the forces exerted on the deformed geometry
to meet the defined preload force value. The preload force value is specified in
the Fastener Definition dialog box.
• A second analysis automatically accounts for the scaled force values and
provides the final results. You can then view the initial forces and the scaled
forces in the status report for the study. In the results window only the measure
values from the final analysis are available.

Improvements to FEM Mode

Functionality is added to FEM mode to make it more like Native mode.
User Interface Locations: When in FEM mode use any of the paths in the list
below:
• Click Home ▶ Force/Moment. In the Force/Moment Load dialog box click
Advanced and then in the Spatial Variation box, select Interpolated Over Entity.
• Click Home ▶ Mesh ▶ Settings. In the FEM Mesh Settings dialog box, click the
Create Solid-Shell Links check box.
• Click Home ▶ Force/Moment. In the Force/Moment Load dialog box click
Advanced and then in the Distribution box, select Total Load at Point.

PTC Creo Simulate 105

Benefits and Description
The enhancements listed below are added to help close the functional gap between
FEM Mode and Native Mode:
• Interpolated Load Variation—You can interpolate loads in FEM Mode to vary
the defined load linearly, quadratically, or cubically along a selected entity.
Interpolated loads in FEM mode apply to the items listed below:
○ Force/Moment for surface and edge
○ Pressure
○ Heat for surface and edge
○ Prescribed temperature for surface and edge
• Solid-Shell Links—Depending on the model, the mesh created in FEM Mode
automatically creates solid-shell links for all solid-shell interfaces where there
is a bond connection and the nodes are merged. This is controlled through a
new FEM Mesh Settings option which is active by default. To achieve a
realistic solid-shell interface, an automatic mesh control is applied along the
affected edges to create element sizes close to half the shell thickness on both
sides of the edges. The shell and solid elements are connected by weighted
links.
• Total Load at Point—You can apply a force or moment load and control the
distribution as Total Load at Point in FEM Mode. This is available under
Distribution when you click Advanced in the Force/Moment Load dialog box.
This option applies a distributed load on a curve or surface that is statically
equivalent to a load applied to a single point.

Weighted Links in 2D Analysis

Support for weighted links is extended to 2D plane stress, plain strain, and
axisymmetric models.
User Interface Location: To select a 2D mode of operation click Home ▶ Model
Setup and then select 2D Plane Stress (Thin Plate), 2D Plane Strain (Infinitely Thick),
or 2D Axisymmetric. To create a weighted link click Refine Model ▶ Weighted Link.

Benefits and Description

Following the same process for applying weighted links for 3D models, you can
apply weighted links to any type of 2D model. With this extended functionality
you can apply the mass or load from a single-source dependent point and
distribute it to a collection of targeted geometric entities which are independent
references within the 2D model type. These geometric entities can be a
combination of points, edges, and surfaces. As is the case with weighted links for
3D models, you control the translational degrees of freedom in the X and Y axes
in 2D models.

106 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Simple Fracture Mechanics Is Added
You can create simple fracture mechanics to determine if initial cracks in your
model will grow under specified loading conditions.
User Interface Location: Click Refine Model ▶ Crack.

Benefits and Description

A new Crack idealization is available in both Structure and Thermal modes. This
new idealization requires a license for PTC Creo Advanced Simulation Extension.
With the new Crack idealization, you can select curve references for 2D models
and individual surfaces for 3D models. When running AutoGEM, these references
are treated as hard curves and hard surfaces.
Simulate checks are introduced to evaluate if there is a crack that cuts through the
entire model. If so, a warning appears in the Diagnostics dialog box for the
analysis.
The measure type, Stress Intensity Factor, is available in the Measure Definition
dialog box. When selected, you can choose from one of the measure components
listed below:
• Mode I (Opening) for 2D models
• Mode II (Sliding) for 2D models
• Mode III (Tearing) for 3D models
For Stress Intensity Factor you can select two spatial evaluation references, a
crack and a point on the boundary of the crack. Using Crack idealization, you can
easily perform simple fracture mechanics simulations on your models and
determine if an initial crack could result in a failed design.

Improved Process to Determine the Best

Analysis
It is easier to determine which type of analysis to run.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
The solver is enhanced to help you decide what kind of analysis is best to run for
your model. In this example the part is constrained based on the four holes in the
component and there is an applied force load depicting a downward force of 100

PTC Creo Simulate 107

newtons. A material is defined and assigned to the component. It is this material
and its defined properties that the solver uses to determine if the analysis you
choose is accurate for the given component.
Before beginning, in the Model Tree, right–click the material that is assigned and
select Edit Definition. In the Material Assignment dialog box, you see that the
material is thermoplastic. Click More next to Material. In the Material Definition
box you can see under Failure Criterion that the failed criterion is set as Distortion
Energy (von Mises). For this failure criterion you need to enter the defined Tensile
Yield Stress for this material. It is this information that the solver uses to
determine if the stress results in the material exceed the yield stress for the
material that is assigned. To start, run a static analysis with a small deformation.
Click Analyses and Studies to open the Analyses and Design Studies dialog box.
Click New ▶ File ▶ Static Analysis. In the Name box type a name such as
Static_sd for a small deformation. Select Single-Pass Adaptive as the
convergence method and click OK and then run the analysis from the Analyses
and Design Studies dialog box. After the analysis is complete the diagnostics
appear.
Review the warning messages in the diagnostics window. In this case, the
following warning appears: The strains are large during this analysis, which may
lead to inaccurate results. You should consider using the Calculate Large
Deformations option, if applicable.. This helps you to determine if you chose the
correct analysis. In this case the correct analysis was not run, based on the
conditions of the model such as the constraints, the load, and the material
assigned. The following warning also appears: The yield condition has been
exceeded for the material(s) listed below. You should consider using an elasto-
plastic material, if applicable.. This helps you to determine if you chose the correct
material, based on the analysis that you are trying to perform.
Based on the information you received, you can update these scenarios to resolve
the problems brought to your attention from the warning messages. First, in the
Model Tree, right-click the material and in the Material Assignment dialog box,
click More, next to Material. In the Materials box select an elasto-plastic material
such as steel.mtl. Click the arrow button to move the selected material to the
Materials in Model list. In the Materials in Model list select STEEL and then click
OK. In the Material Assignment dialog box Material changes to STEEL. Click OK
and then click Analyses and Studies to run an analysis. In this case click File ▶
New Static and in the Static Analysis Definition dialog box type a name for the
analysis such as Static_LDA. Click the Calculate large deformations and
Plasticity check boxes. Select the Single-Pass Adaptive method and OK and then
from the Analyses and Design Studies dialog box run the analysis. After running
the second analysis the two previous warning messages received during the static
analysis with small deformation no longer appear in the diagnostics. This gives
you confidence that this analysis with the defined elasto-plastic material has not
exceeded the yield conditions based on the failure criterion. In addition, since you

108 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

have set the calculations of large deformations, you know that the material has not
exceeded the yield stress for the material assigned. You can have confidence that
results displayed are accurate.
Whether you are a designer, a design engineer, or an analyst, the easy-to-use
interface and robust solver helps you to obtain high-quality results.

New Workflow for Creating Notes

The workflow for creating notes is similar to the workflow in PTC Creo
Parametric.
User Interface Location: Click Tools and then select a type of note from the Notes
group.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can continue to create a part, assembly, or feature note by right-clicking the
item in the Model Tree and selecting Create a Note. You can also create notes from
the ribbon. Click Tools and then in the Notes group you can select from the types
of notes listed below:
• Unattached Note
• Tangent Leader Note
• Leader Note
• On Item Note
• Normal Leader Note
You enter the content of any note from the Note dialog box. In this dialog box you
create the note and define information about the model or feature, without
defining its placement. In this example, right-click the assembly and select Create
a Note ▶ Assembly. In the text area of the Note dialog box, you may want to
provide the name of the actual component. You can click Insert to insert text From
File or From Note and you can click Symbols to select from text symbols to
include in your note. After you define your note click OK. Annotations appears in
the Model Tree. If you expand Annotations you can see the note that you created.
The note is unattached and does not appear in the Graphics window. To change the
display, placement, or other attributes of the note, right-click the note, select Note
Type, and then select On Item, Leader, Normal Leader, or Tangent Leader. You can
also right-click the note and select to Delete, Rename, or get the model Information
pertaining to the selected note. You can repeat this operation to create a note on a
particular part. For example, select the first component in the assembly, right-click

PTC Creo Simulate 109

and select Create a Note ▶ Part. The Note dialog box opens. You can for example,
type the name of the material. Click OK and you can see the second annotation
appears under Annotations in the Model Tree. It is grayed out and unattached.
Right-click the note and select Note Type ▶ Leader. In the Graphics window, use
the pointer to define the placement of the note associated to the component. For
example, you can select an edge and then drag the pointer to preview placement of
the note relative to the edge. Middle-click to place the note. This enhancement
makes it easy to create notes and keep them in the model without cluttering the
display of the model. You can capture important information at the assembly or
the component level without being forced to place the note in the Graphics
window.

Analysis Studies are Listed in the Model

Tree
Saved analyses are listed in the Model Tree.
User Interface Location: In the Model Tree, under Analyses.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can view and access saved analyses studies from the Model Tree. When you
save an analysis, you can see that analysis at the bottom of the Model Tree under
Analyses. If you expand Analyses, you can see the analysis listed with an icon
representing the analysis type. Previously you accessed analyses through the
Analyses and Design Studies dialog box. With this enhancement you can quickly
interrogate, copy, and edit existing studies all from the Model Tree. If you right-
click an analysis, you can Edit Definition, Copy, Delete, Rename, or get additional
Information such as Simulation Entity. For example, you can create a New Fatigue
analysis. It is important to give the analysis a unique and meaningful name. This is
the name you see in the Model Tree. After you name the analysis and click OK,
you can see it listed in the Model Tree. Run the analysis and save the model. The
analyses remain in the Model Tree and are available when you open the model
later. This enhancement is available in both Structure and Thermal modes. In the
next example, a model is open in Thermal Mode and has a Thermal analysis. Note
how that the analysis is listed in the Model Tree. Depending on whether you are
running in Thermal Mode or in Structure Mode, you may want to see both
analyses in the Model Tree. In the Model Tree under Settings, click Tree Filters. In
the Model Tree Items dialog box, click Simulate and then click the Thermal entities
in Structure and Structure entities in Thermal check boxes. You then see the

110 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

analyses from both modes when you are in Structure Mode or Thermal Mode. You
can view all the analyses types without switching between modes or opening a
dialog box.

Improved Workflow for Interrogating

Results
In the results windows there is a new object-action workflow. You can select
common commands directly within the Graphics window and interrogate the
results in the results window.
User Interface Location: Click Home ▶ Simulate Results.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
The results windows are enhanced to support the object-action workflow for many
common operations. Previously you had to first select the tool from the ribbon.
Now you can right-click to access these tools or you can select objects directly in
the Graphics window. For example, you can edit the legend directly in the
Graphics window. If you select 117.736 in the legend, you can immediately
enter a new value. Type 100 and you are prompted with the question, Do you want
to redistribute levels linearly from first to last? If you click Yes the legend updates
and the corresponding fringe plot is updated on the model. In addition if you right-
click on the legend the following commands are available for selection:
• Continuous Tone
• Show View Min Max
• Scale Between Min Max
• Reset
• Invert Color Scale
• Hide
Alternatively, you can click Format and then select Edit from the Legend group.
When you have the pointer in the Graphics window you can right-click to access
the commands listed below:
• Dynamic Query
• Model Max
• View Max
• Edit

PTC Creo Simulate 111

• Full Screen
• New Cutting/Capping Surface
• New Annotation
• Show Legend
For example, right-click in the Graphics window and select Model Max. The Model
Max is immediately displayed in the Graphics window. You also can perform the
same actions by using commands in the ribbon. If you need to edit the Result
Window Definition, you can double-click in the Graphics window to open the
Result Window Definition dialog box instead of clicking Edit in the ribbon. Notice
the two lists that are available in the top left of the Graphics window. You can use
these lists to select the different quantity types for the model results. When you
make changes to your selections in these lists, the updates appear immediately in
the Graphics window. This makes interrogating your model easier. You no longer
need to edit the display in the Result Window Definition dialog box. These
enhancements improve the usability of the Results window so that you can
efficiently inspect your analysis, validate your design, and identify areas in your
model that may need improvement.

Defining Contact Interfaces with Finite

Friction
You can define contact interfaces with finite friction. As a result, you can
determine if sliding has occurred between components and the tangential force
load transferred across each interface.
User Interface Location: Click Refine Model ▶ Interface.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
You can perform a large deformation contact analysis with finite friction in both
2D and 3D models. In this example you go through the process of defining a
contact interface on an assembly. Click Refine Model ▶ Interface to open the
Interface Definition dialog box. In the Type box select Contact and in the Reference

112 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

box select Surface-Surface. After making a selection in the Graphics window you
can select the Properties of the interface. In the Friction box you can select from
the types of friction described in the list below:
• None—Defines a frictionless contact interface so that the components can
freely slip relative to each other.
• Infinite—Defines a contact interface where the two components cannot slip
relative to each other.
• Finite—You define a static coefficient of friction in addition to a dynamic
coefficient of friction between the two references.
For this example, select Finite. You can now define the Static Coefficient of
Friction, as 0.15. You can also define the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction or for
this example, click the Same as static check box. After applying finite friction to
the contact interface, you can determine if sliding has occurred during a contact
analysis. You can also determine how much sliding has occurred at each interface
by using the new measure for tangential force, from which you can determine the
tangential force load transferred for each of these interfaces. A user-defined
measure, Reaction_Y is also defined. This represents the overall force required
to push and snap this component into place.
Click Home ▶ Analyses and Studies to start the analysis process. In the Analyses
and Design Studies dialog box, click File ▶ New Static and in the Static Analysis
Definition dialog box, type a name for the analysis. Click the Nonlinear / use load
histories, Calculate large deformations check boxes. Because contacts are
represented with interfaces in the model, the Contacts check box is automatically
selected. On the Convergence tab, click the Press fit (initial interpenetration) check
box for the defined analysis. On the Output tab, under Output Steps, select User-
defined Output Steps. In the Number of Master Steps box type 11 and then click
Space Equally and OK. In the Analyses and Design Studies dialog box, run the
analysis and display the study status. Review the report as you run the analysis.
When the report is complete, scroll up to see when the slippage first occurred. In
this example it occurred after step 7. You can now review the results. There are
three results windows. On the left there is a graph for Reaction_Y.
Reaction_Y is a user-defined measure created to represent the force required to
snap the component into place. On the right you can see the tangential force
across Interface2. In the middle there is an animation of the overall stress
applied to the assembly as the components are snapping into place.
With this enhancement you can determine how much sliding occurs at each
interface and the tangential force load that is being transferred for the interface.

Mapped Mesh Option for 2D Models

You can use the control option Mapped Mesh for 2D models.
User Interface Location: Click Refine Model ▶ Control ▶ Mapped Mesh.

PTC Creo Simulate 113

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Click Refine Model ▶ Control ▶ Mapped Mesh. The Mapped Mesh option is helpful
for the conditions listed below:
• If you have 2D models with contact interfaces where the accuracy of the
calculated pressure is dependent on the refinement of the mesh in the contact
area
• When performing a large deformation analysis
• On models with elasto-plastic material
In this example there is a 2D assembly of a shock absorber shim stack. This shim
stack controls the flow of dampening oil within the shock absorber. During the
compression or rebound stroke, the increased pressure of the shim stack deforms,
allowing the oil to flow. In this example, you want to determine the total
deformation of the stack and then tune the shims by changing the thickness,
diameter, or the number of shims. The given interfaces between the shims are
already defined and the given pressure load is applied. Click Refine Model ▶
AutoGEM to review the mesh. You can see that the resulting mesh is automatically
generated. Since this analysis will be run with large deformation calculations
enabled, you should try to refine the mesh at the given contact regions. Click
Control ▶ Mapped Mesh to open the Mapped Mesh Control dialog box. Next select
the geometry. The first area in which to map the mesh is the top shim. As you
select from the surface geometry it automatically creates a quad mapped mesh in
that region. You can see QUAD1 appears under Meshing Regions. Notice that this
is a default three by three mesh. In the Default box, you can control the density of
the mesh, or under Edge Sets you can select a given edge and subdivide that mesh
along that reference. Note that only the Quad and Tri shapes are available under
Region Shape.
Create another region to complete the operation. Click AutoGEM to create the
mesh again. Where the mapped mesh regions were defined, the mesh is more
refined. Now, when you run the analysis, the run time is shorter.

Display of Shells, Beams, and Fasteners

is Improved
Shells, beams, and fasteners can be displayed as Wireframe, Shaded, or
Transparent.

User Interface Location: Click the Simulation Display icon- .

114 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
In this example, there is a model of an aircraft wing built using surface geometry.
To analyze this, you need to create shell elements. Click Refine Model ▶ Shell to
open the Shell Definition dialog box. In the Graphics window, select specific
geometry. As you make your selections you can see the Surfaces listed in the
dialog box. Define the thickness and click OK. The shell is created and is
displayed as a solid. Click to open the Simulation Display dialog box. On the
Settings tab in the Shells box, you can choose from Outline, Wireframe, Shaded, or
Transparent. Select Transparent and then click OK. The shell updates and appears
as transparent. If you select the shell, you see notes that indicate the thickness of
the shell including its units at a specific location.
In the next example, you see the display enhancement for beams. In the Graphics
window is a sketch feature that represents a frame structure. Click Refine Model ▶
Beam to open the Beam Definition dialog box. For references, select the curve and
add it to the collector. For the Beam Section use the predefined Beam 1 and click
OK. You can see the beam on the model as a shaded object. Click to open the
Simulation Display dialog box. On the Settings tab in the Beam box, select
Transparent, and click OK. The beam updates, and appears as transparent.

In the next example, first place a fastener in the model. Click Refine Model ▶
Fastener to open the Fastener Definition dialog box. Next, select references. Based
on the reference selected, the Diameter box is automatically populated. Choose
your material and define the Fastener Head and Nut Diameter. Click OK and the
fastener is created and is displayed as solid. You can change the display of the
fastener from the Simulation Display dialog box.
This enhancement helps you to better visualize the shape, size, and location of
shells, beams, and fasteners in your model.

Analyze Models with Failed Features

You can analyze a model with a failed feature.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.

PTC Creo Simulate 115

With this enhancement, models containing failed features can be opened in PTC
Creo Simulate and analyzed. It is a good practice to resolve failed features in a
model. In some cases, however, in the process of simplifying the model for
analysis, features may be impacted due to child and parent relationships. In this
case, moving a feature may result in the failure of other features.
In this example there is a model containing a number of failed features. You can
still open this model in PTC Creo Simulate. After opening the model you receive
a warning about the failure of the model to regenerate and information about what
analyses types can be run for the model. The failed features are listed in the Model
Tree but you can still define many of the traditional PTC Creo Simulate features
such as forces, displacements, idealizations, connections, surface or volume
regions and so on. The only limitation is when running an analysis or design
study. In the Analyses and Design Studies dialog box, click File. You can see that
New Sensitivity Design Study and New Optimization Design Study are not
available.
This enhancement lets you continue analyzing your data, even with failed
features.

Updated Process for Creating Linearized

Stresses
You can easily create linearized stress plots for your model.

User Interface Location: In the Results Window, click Linearized Stress.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
In this example there is a simple pipe assembly. To generate the linearized stress
you need to run a static analysis. In this example, a static analysis has been run for
a pipe. Previously, to view the linearized stress results you would open the Result
Window Definition dialog box, then select Model in the Display Type box, and
Linearized Stress on the Quantity tab. The process has changed. Now, in the
Display Style box select Fringe and on the Quantity tab select Stress. You can then
set Display Options and click OK and Show. In the Graphics window you can see
the von Mises stress in your model. In the ribbon click Linearized Stress to open
the Linearized Stress Report dialog box. From this dialog box it is easy to select
points to display the linearized stress. Click the arrow next to Point 1 and then
select a point on the model. In the Points Selection dialog box, click OK. For the
Point 2 select On Opposite Surface and you can see the results in the Graphics

116 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0

window. The detail of the linearized stress looks at the nodal data for the complex
stress pattern found along the line and breaks it down into the following
components:
• Membrane—Overall average stress
• Bending—The difference in stress from the inside point to the outside point
• Mem+Bend—The sum of the Membrane and Bending numbers
• Peak—The highest stress found along the line
If you zoom into the model you can see the Point 1 and Point 2 and the resulting
data that is represented in the graph. From the Component box, you can choose a
component such as von Mises and the graph and corresponding numbers update.
This information defines what the stress will be along that line between those two
points. Click Done.
With this improved workflow you can quickly determine the linearized stress
across critical areas of your data.

Fatigue Analysis with Multiple Load Sets

You can perform a fatigue analysis with multiple load sets.
User Interface Location: In the Analyses and Design Studies dialog box click File
▶ New Fatigue.

Benefits and Description

Watch a video on PTC University Learning Exchange, demonstrating the

enhancement described below.
Depending on the type of load being applied, you may prefer to group these loads
separately rather than put them into a single load set. In addition you may want to
analyze certain loads but not others.
In this example, you are working with a gearbox component. In the Model Tree
you can see three loads. As is the case with any fatigue analysis, you need to
define a material that has a fatigue criteria set. Right-click Material
Assignment1 and select Edit Definition to open the Material Assignment dialog
box to see what material is assigned. Click More to open the Material dialog box.
Under Materials in Model select the material. In this example select GRAY_CAST_
IRON and click OK to open the Material Definition dialog box. In the Fatigue area
of this dialog box define a Unified Material Law (UML). In the Material Type box
Other, is added to the list of materials. In the Surface Finish box, the list of
finishes is updated. When working with a model from an earlier release, a
conversion is required. If this is the case, a warning appears indicating that some
of the surface finishes defined in the model are no longer supported. You are

PTC Creo Simulate 117

prompted to provide the Failure Strength Reduction Factor to take these finishes
into account. After the materials are defined and applied click OK to close
multiple dialog boxes.
The first analysis you need to run is the static analysis. Click Analyses and Studies
to open the Analyses and Design Studies dialog box. For this example, you can
see that the analysis, Gearbox, is completed. Click File ▶ New Fatigue to run a
fatigue analysis. In the Fatigue Analysis Definition dialog box there are some
changes. The Previous Analysis tab is first, followed by the Load History tab. On
the Previous Analysis tab, you can see that the load sets from the model are listed.
For this example, select the three load sets and click the Load History tab where
you define the Desired Endurance. For this example, Desired Endurance is set to
2e+5. Next, define the load criteria for each load set. In the Load Set box, select
the load. Select an Amplitude Type such as Zero-Peak. Complete this operation for
each of the load sets in the model. Click OK and then from the Analyses and
Design Studies dialog box, run the analysis. After the analysis is completed, you
can view the results. In this example you review the fatigue fringe plot for Log
Life. In the Results window you can see that most of the model has a Log Life of
20. This means ten to the power of twenty cycles will pass before the crack
initiates. You can review the model and see areas that have a lower defined Log
Life. To get a better perspective, you can select in the legend and type a value such
as 15. This redistributes the levels from first to last so that you can get a better
idea of where there are potential issues in the model.
This enhancement improves your ability to analyze a model with multiple loads
and to determine the life expectancy of your design.

118 What’s New:PTC Creo Parametric 3.0