Embedding a spreadsheet

I Inserted an Excel spreadsheet object into a drawing. But if I 'Open' it that's it. Help says that I should select "Close and Return" but that entry is not part of the Excel menu. If I select "Close" from Excel the image still appears on the drawing, but it can no longer be edited. Creo complains the OLE object can't be found. Not that it matters, as it is embedded as a bitmap. When creating a PDF via Save-As/Export, the compression is of low quality.

Copying and pasting patterned features.

It seemed to work pretty well, but then failed to produce the expected results. It turns out that when a pattern is copied that has pattern relations in it, the relations are not copied.

Can't reroute dimensions for features that are patterned.

Even though the direction of the dimension would be the same, it's necessary to unwind all pattern references to re-define a feature reference. Of course Creo will let a user redefine a patterned feature and, after the effort goes into that, spring the message "Pattern will be deleted." Which is what the user was trying to avoid.

Detailed views

Sometimes 'Fill' works and sometimes it doesn't.

One thing that doesn't work is if the parent view has fill, the detail will probably not use it; instead the filled areas will be blank, just like one would not expect.

What does work is cranking down the hatch spacing until the lines are closer together than the pixels are, which means a solid appearing hatch will have gaps in the detail.

Move to sheet

This is a wonderful trap to have on the detail menu. If there is only one sheet Creo automatically creates a new sheet, unasked, and moves the item to that sheet. Since the number of times I want this to happen -ever- I can count on one hand, there is no reason to place it on the fast access, and easily mis-clicked pop-up menu, where it has caused multiple instances of frustration.

Set Datums

An oldie but a goodie. Someone working on a component decides to 'Set Datum' and the top level 15 sheet drawing that takes a minute per-sheet to regen now requires going over with a fine toothed comb to manually blank each and every 'datum' that pops up. Nothing like time wasted due to the auto-appearance feature that Shown Datums have.

When preparing to go from ProE WF4 to Creo 3 a PTC rep said that there were hundreds (I think he said over 400) enhancements going from WF4 to Creo 2 'while no features have been removed' (paraphrased).  For those who are using Creo2, we all know that is simply not true.

Purpose of this Document is to provide a one-stop-place to get the following

1. Make information available to others so they can account for specific losses in functionality
2. Give sanity to people who have been looking in vain for features that have been removed,
3. Perhaps people know workarounds, or simply new ways to do the same thing that they can share.
4. Increase awareness with PTC that they will bring back features that perhaps were overlooked during the upgrade.

Anyone has permission to modify this document.  Please Add/modify/or cross out anything below this line and discuss everything else below the thread:

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Functionality Removed:

1. Tabs for open objects
   1. Tabs for open objects in Creo (like was in ProE)
   2. Use Tabs for open models/drawings in Creo (like in ProE, IE, Firefox, Chrome, FoxIt pdf viewer, etc)?
   3. Reported to PTC via Ideas and Call (before 2014)
      .
2. Show Erase Model Annotations
   • You can show only model annotations that have been DELETED
     • "Delete" deletes any/all reference to dwg:
       • Dwg dimensions/notes are permanently deleted
       • Model dims/notes lose any reference to the dwg (like locations, leaders, jogs/breaks, etc)
     • "Erase" Only hides from view, just like in WF, however now only viewable through the dwg tree, and hidden from the show model annotations dialog.
   • You cannot show model dimensions that have been ERASED.
   • The erased dimensions get buried in the dwg tree forcing the user to go through the model tree to verify (one-by-one) all necessary dims are shown rather than just use the show/erase dialog as it was in ProE WF.  This adds much confusion by spreading out information while also adding many extra steps (how many extra steps depends on the number of dimensions/notes/datums on a drawing).
   • Add a Search for Drawing Dimensions
   • Reported to PTC via Call, 2014
     .
3. Simultaneously Adjust the length of Multiple Leader lines for Multiple Dimensions on a single view
   • Reported to PTC via Call in 2014
   • Now works as of Creo2 M130!  Yeaa!  Thank you PTC!
     .
4. Automatic selection filter using the Find dialog (especially while assembling components)
   • When Assembling components in ProE, the user could select an axis (or plane, etc), open the find window and ProE would automatically be on Axis.  Now Creo remembers the last choice regardless if you already selected axis and it is looking for an axis.  The same worked for Planes, points, etc
   • This was an incredibly fast, accurate, and intelligent way to assemble components, especially when the company uses standard datum features and orientations.
   • Now it only works the first time you do it and then it prioritizes the last choice above what Creo is looking for in the feature/component definition, thus requiring the user to click several times to change it to what ProE used to automatically (which mitigates a lot of the speed and reduced clicks of assembling using this method).
5. Default constraining Assembly components to coincident (without changing behavior of default setting for constraining planes/surfaces):
   • By defaultIn WF4 when I chose 2 axis, they aligned overlapping (coincident) and Planes/surfaces would have an offset distance
   • Creo2 added additional constraining options for axes (offset, perpendicular, etc), which is good in itself however user/company should still be able to set the default option for axes different than datums/planes.  The vast majority of uses for axis will be (for most companies), coincident.
   • This is a confusing and big slow down for new users and infrequent users as it is counterintuitive.  For frequent users it is smaller slow down for each time used but bigger slow down for all accumiliative users and a bigger annoyance.
   • The default setting to contstrain axes should be controlled differently than the default setting for planes/surfaces.
6. Secondary preview geometry in "Black on White" color scheme corrected in Creo 1.0
   • From PTC: "The developers seem to think the behavior of the black on white color scheme in Wildfire is incorrect. They think the Behavior in Creo 1.0 is correct, but not ideal since features are unrecognizable. I will continue to keep you updated." - sent in 2012. Nothing has changed.
7. ...

.

.

.

.

---------

Although available through customizing the ribbon or using the new command search, the following features have been removed from the default UI, giving concern to some that PTC is contemplating removing the features altogether.  PTC, the following features are still used and appreciated:

1. The Pipe Feature (used to be #Insert #Advanced #Pipe in WF5)
2. Open Systems Window (I use this to run a purge on my working dir)

Functionality that PTC has fixed and is now available:

1. Returned as of Creo2 M130): Simultaneously Adjust the length of Multiple Leader lines for Multiple Dimensions on a single view
   • In WF if you select a view and then hold down ctrl and select dimensions and leader lines you could simultaneously align all of them to the same location.
   • This facilitated a fast and clean way to align leader length ending point locations (E.g. As for a view boundary).
   • Now there seems to be no way to align more than one leader end at any given time.

Hi PTC community !

I need to create a format *.frm with a Bill of Materials that groups the parts by categories. One category is Mechanics. The other is Electronics. The table is the following :

The &tot_mech parameter is the summation of the &rpt.qty of the Mechanics repeat region. The &tot_elec parameter is the summation of the &rpt.qty of the Electronics repeat region. The &tot_parts is the total number of parts in the assembly.

My question is : how can I add a relation in the format that the parameter &tot_parts is the sum of &tot_elec and &tot_mech, that is :

&tot_parts = tot_elec + &tot_mech ?

Thanks in advance

Syl

Hi Syl,

Are those two separate Repeat Regions, Mechanics and Electronics? Do both repeat regions reference the same model? The way you create &tot_mech and &tot_elec values, will also probably need to be created in the repeat region that you create &tot_parts.

Perhaps you can upload a small sample data set so users can take a look at your setup.

Hi Clint,

Many thanks for your reply.

Yes, the repeat regions are separate and reference the same model.

&tot_parts is not in a repeat region. Ideally I would like that it is &tot_elec + &tot_mech. But I could not find a way to insert formulaes in cells in a similar way that is used for Excel sheets. It would be great if PTC could implement basic formula functionalities for the format tables.

I will try to post a sample data soon.

Syl.

This document was generated from the following discussion: How to write relations in a table in a format ?

I am trying to change my BOM table in my drawing from my item numbers are starting at 1 at the top of my BOM and need to start at the bottom of my BOM.   Using sort region I have the ability to sort other columns in forward or backward order, however it won't work for my item number column using my rpt.index.

Generally, this document is about Mapkeys, and not a place to collect mapkeys. I think the place to collect mapkeys is a Mapkey Index document and separate documents for each mapkey/mapkey group. For example, the rather lengthy mapkeys should get their own documents, but one liners that do pan-zoom-rotate, for example, can get their own.

Personal Preference

Generally, I recommending storing mapkeys in .txt files and at worst, have only one mapkey in config.pro to open the import config dialog to get to them. This way the config.pro stays unedited except as required and contains config options. The mapkeys can be maintained with Notepad, or other editor without trouble.

I also recommend that the mapkey window be kept open so that the mapkeys can be selected and Run from the mapkey window. This has the advantage that the names don't step on each other and the names can be both significant and the user can see the description as required. 

Beginning

When any text that is not directed to a dialog box is typed from the keyboard, Creo continuously tries to match the characters to mapkeys. As soon as it sees any match it runs the related stored commands. This means that the user can't have keyboard access to both "X" and "XZ" because as soon as the "X" matches it executes the "X" commands and so "XZ" is never usable. Worse, typing "XZ" will run the "X" command, but leave the "Z", which may not match anything and Creo can't run a mapkey until the "Z" is removed with backspacing.

As mentioned above, they can be selected from the Mapkey dialog box and Run.

Handy config options

- new_parameter_ui no.yes

- cmdmgr_trail_output yes

Start with Olaf Corten's suggestion (from use of "main_dlg_cur" command for mapkeys -- from Wildfire5.0 to Creo1.0)

Use this config.pro option: cmdmgr_trail_output YES  (before starting recording)

Your ProE trail file then consists mostly of commands like these

    ~ Command `ProCmdModelOpen`

instead of

    ~ Activate `main_dlg_cur` `File.psh_open`

Further Olaf smarts (use of "main_dlg_cur" command for mapkeys -- from Wildfire5.0 to Creo1.0)

1. Open the config.pro with a text editorset the config option cmdmgr_trail_output YES and save the config.pro
2. (re)start ProE
3. find all mapkeys with "main_dlg_cur" commands (e.g. ~ Activate `main_dlg_cur` `File.psh_open` )
4. Update them manually: perform the same mapkey step(s) in ProE
5. open your trail file with a text editor
6. look at the latest added lines at the bottom (e.g. ~ Command `ProCmdModelOpen` )
7. Replace the "main_dlg_cur" commands with the "~ Command" commands in the config.pro.
8. And while you're at it: remove all ~Select - ~ Close combinations. They're not needed.
9. Save the config.pro Or Re-Record them:

Open the Mapkey dialogue

Pre-Creo1: Tools-> Mapkeys-> [select mapkey]-> Modify-> Record

Creo1: File-> Options-> Environment-> Mapkeys Settings-> [select mapkey]-> Modify-> Record

Now perform the same mapkey step(s) in ProEStop the recording and save.   

(Note when re-recording them you will get duplicate mapkeys in your config.pro. The last one will be the newest.)

This is a spreadsheet that is said to have a bunch of mapkeys in it from Mike Foster- I have not checked them recently enough to remember, but I must have looked at them at one time.

(use of "main_dlg_cur" command for mapkeys -- from Wildfire5.0 to Creo1.0)

From CHRISTOPHER REES     Nov 11, 2008 8:02 AM  (in response to JEFF TAYLOR)       Mapkey help

That should work. A couple of best practices I have learned while working with mapkeys:

1. Whenever possible avoid clicking icons or using context menus if you can use the menus along the top to achieve the same results. If these mapkeys are going to be used by more  people than yourself, not everyone will have the same icons but the menus along the top will remain the same. Also context menus change sometimes for prt vs asm vs drw.

2. Don't rely on the default options for dialog boxes. Pro/E remembers and saves the last picked options. So if when you record the mapkey the "Solid Models" drop down is selected by default the mapkey won't record that you specifically want that. So if the option changes in the future because you have run another find query and then you run the mapkey, your mapkey will fail.

3. If you can type in the name of the options you want into the drop down boxes. Sometimes you can sometimes you can't. If you don't type it in, Pro/E will often simply record the number from the top of the drop down you picked. The number of items in the drop down can change and then your mapkey will break.

4. When saving to file locations just type the full path in. IE: C:\temp\myfile.prt. Everyone can have different working directories and if you don't type the absolute path it might not work if you change your working directory.

5. If you edit the files by hand you can use the following characters:

!                        This comments out the line
%                      You can use this to call another mapkey. IE %aa;
\                        This has to be at the end of every line except for the last to indicate the mapkey continues
@SYSTEM         Use this followed by a path to call a script. IE @SYSTEMC:\\temp\\myscript.bat
\                         If you have a really long (>95 characters) file path you can break it up with the \ character without a ; IE:

mapkey(continued) @SYSTEMC:\\really\\long\\file\\path\mysc
mapkey(continued) ript.bat;

That's all I can think of for now.

Chris

Advanced Mapkeys

One feature that has been mentioned as handy is that bad commands in mapkeys are simply rejected. So one can build a mapkey that works on parts and fix into it parts that work on assemblies and the command interpreter will ignore the part that doesn't apply. SeeStrategies to implement multi mode mapkey functionality

A hint to making a more universal mapkey: Re: Mapkey difficulty with Creo UI across modes

from Jose Costa

In selecting the results from the Find tool, to select all of them, it may be useful to replace what looks like the list item with a universal reference

Replace the line

mapkey(continued) ~ Select `selspecdlg0` `ResultList` 1 `7:52:`

with

mapkey(continued) ~ Select `selspecdlg0` `ResultList` -1; \

Mapkeys for selection filters

See Useful mapkey for changing the selection filter

Mapkey Cautions

Re: Mapkey best practices in Creo

When mapkeys from older versions are still functioning in later versions, it usually means that there was no change in this area.

However, in some rare cases they trigger a mechanism, that loads small parts of the old user interface, to enable the mapkey successfully processing.

These parts of the old UI will usually persist in a session and can alter the UI for this function even when the user is manually selecting menus.

I wish I had found a list like this a few years ago.  I've searched the web and compiled the following list for your enjoyment.  Many are probably considered basic with a few very cool, complex curves thrown in.  The list is divided into the coordinate systems that you will have to choose when creating the datum curve.

To initiate the command that will allow you to try these, go to Insert>Model Datum>Curve>From Equation. 

After the Equations section see the section title Links to find PlanetPTC discussions and videos that have demonstrated and, in some cases, explained the curve from equation command in more detail with ways to incorporate relations and parameters.

Attached is a Creo Elements/Pro 5.0 part file with all of the equations included.

In the comments, please share any equations or links that you know.  Other suggestions are welcome, too.

EQUATIONS

Cartesian Coordinates:  x, y, & z

The z variable is not necessary, but when used will give the curve that extra dimension. If in doubt, try z = t*10.

Sine

Cartesian coordinates

x = 50 * t

y = 10 * sin (t * 360)

Rhodonea

Cartesian coordinates

theta = t * 360 * 4

x = 25 + (10-6) * cos (theta) +10 * cos ((10/6-1) * theta)

y = 25 + (10-6) * sin (theta) - 6 * sin ((10/6-1) * theta)

Involute

Cartesian coordinates

r = 1

ang = 360 * t

s = 2 * pi * r * t

x0 = s * cos (ang)

y0 = s * sin (ang)

x = x0 + s * sin (ang)

y = y0-s * cos (ang)

Logarithmic

Cartesian coordinates

z = 0

x = 10 * t

y = log (10 * t +0.0001)

Double Arc Epicycloid

Cartesian coordinate

l = 2.5

b = 2.5

x = 3 * b * cos (t * 360) + l * cos (3 * t * 360)

Y = 3 * b * sin (t * 360) + l * sin (3 * t * 360)

Star Southbound

Cartesian coordinate

a = 5

x = a * (cos (t * 360)) ^ 3

y = a * (sin (t * 360)) ^ 3

Leaf

Cartesian coordinates

a = 10

x = 3 * a * t / (1 + (t ^ 3))

y = 3 * a * (t ^ 2) / (1 + (t ^ 3))

Helix

Cartesian coordinates

x = 4 * cos (t * (5 * 360))

y = 4 * sin (t * (5 * 360))

z = 10 * t

Parabolic

Cartesian coordinates

x = (4 * t)

y = (3 * t) + (5 * t ^ 2)

z = 0

Eliptical Helix

Cartesian coordinates

X = 4 * cos (t * 3 * 360)

y = 2 * sin (t * 3 * 360)

z = 5

Disc Spiral 1

Cartesian coordinates

/* Inner Diameter

d = 10

/* Pitch

p = 5

/* Revolutions

r = 5

/* Height; use 0 for a 2D curve

h = 0

x = ((d/2 + p * r * t) * cos ((r * t) * 360))

y = ((d / 2 + p * r * t) * sin ((r * t) * 360))

z = t * h

Butterfly

a=cos(t*360)

b=sin(t*360)

c=cos(4*t*360)

d=(sin((1/12)*t*360))^5

x=b*(exp(a)-2*c+d)

y=a*(exp(a)-2*c+d)

Fish

a = cos (t * 360)

b = sin (t * 360)

/* As "c" increases the fish gets fatter until it transforms into a figure 8.

c = 10

x = (C*a-20*((b)^2)/1.5)

y = c * a * b

Cappa

/* "c" is a scaling variable

c=20

/* Revolutions

r=1

/* Height

h=0

x=c*cos(t*r*360)*sin(t*r*360)

y=c*cos(t*r*360)

z=t*h

Star

/* "a" & "b" are scaling variables

a=2

b=2

/* If, r=2/3 ----> astroid

/* If, r=2 ----> ellipse; when a=b, its a circle

/* r cannot equal 1

r=2/3

x=a*(cos(t*360))^(2/r)

y=b*(sin(t*360))^(2/r)

z=0

Bicorn

/* "c" is a scaling variable.

c=5

a=cos(t*360)

b=sin(t*360)

x=c*a

y=c*(a^2)*(2+a)/(3+b^2)

Talbots

/* "c" is a scaling variable.

c=10

a=cos(t*360)

b=sin(t*360)

x=C*a*(1+exp(2)*(b^2))

y=C*b*(1+exp(2)*(b^2))

Cylindrical Coordinates:  r, theta, & z

Spiral

Cylindrical coordinates

r = t

theta = 10 + t * (20 * 360)

z = t * 3

Circle Spiral Column

Cylindrical coordinates

theta = t * 360

r = 10 +10 * sin (6 * theta)

z = 2 * sin (6 * theta)

Helical Wave

Cylindrical coordinates

r = 5

theta = t * 3600

z = (sin (3.5 * theta-90)) +24 * t

Basket

Cylindrical coordinates

r = 5 + 0.3 * sin (t * 180) + t

theta = t * 360 * 30

z = t * 5

Disc Spiral 2

Cylindrical coordinates

R = 50 + t * (120)

Theta = t * 360 * 5

Z = 0

Apple

Cylindrical coordinates

a = 10

r = a * (1 + cos (theta))

theta = t * 360

Spherical Coordinates:  rho, theta, & phi

Butterfly Ball

Spherical coordinates

rho = 8 * t

theta = 360 * t * 4

phi = -360 * t * 8

Spherical Helix

Spherical coordinates

rho = 4

theta = t * 180

phi = t * 360 * 20

UFO

Spherical coordinates

rho = 20 * t ^ 2

theta = 60 * log (30) * t

phi = 7200 * t

Unnamed

Spherical coordinates

rho = 200 * t

theta = 900 * t

phi = t * 90 * 10

LINKS

Peruse the links for more equations and explanations as to how they work.

Web Links

1. Involute Gears
2. Power Tools: Curves by Equation
   1. This gives details about using Pro/E dimension references in the equation to give it a parametric touch.

Links to curve-from-equation Discussions on PlanetPTC:

1. Curve from Equation Sample for Newbies
2. Capto
3. How to Create a Curve from the Equation? Does Anybody Know?
4. Datum Curve from Equation Driven by Parameters
5. Constant Force Spring Model
6. Involute Helical Gear Geometry

Links for related PlanetPTC content:

If you think curves from equations are cool, then the following is right up your alley.  These delve into the use of variable section sweep and the trajpar variable.

1. From E-learning with Vladimir Palffy
   1. http://communities.ptc.com/blogs/vpalffy/2011/02/09/user-defined-springs
   2. http://communities.ptc.com/blogs/vpalffy/2011/11/27/sweep-and-trajpar
2. Fun with Helical Sweeps and Trajpar
3. Conch Shell in Creo Parametric
4. How to Create Twisted Wires

In late April I learned that 3D Systems had discontinued their Cube 3 personal 3D printers.

They come in white (392200) and gray (391100).

I won the eBay bid at under $400 for a new printer with free shipping.  Within a week I was printing parts.

Funny enough, when the printer got here, I was printing parts for work within 3 hours.  The real slowdown was due to trying to find the activation button on the redirected web page.  Phone support was able to help in quick order even on a Saturday.  D'oh!  ...the tab was right there staring at me.

There are three reasons I justified this printer:

• It is a dual extruder.
• 70um resolution option.
• Wash-away support material.

Price helped pull the trigger, of course, but this is not just an economy printer.  It may well be the opposite as it does use proprietary cartridges.  And everything I read is that this is a very difficult remaining filament tracking module to defeat.  Reports of clogged cartridges are also not exaggerated.  However, since most of us have a pretty good technical background, these can be fixed without too much trouble.  In the end, I find that the monies paid for the cartridge is also time saved.  If I spend a 1/2 hour futzin' with removing supports vs. soaking it overnight, the washable material paid for itself.

For those of you that have "experimented" with 3D printers and tweaking their machine to perfection, you know that your time is not compensated for.  And I am suggesting that plug-n-play has its own value.  What I really found amazing with this printer is its accuracy out of the box.  It comes with 2 full cartridges and everything you need to get started.

Consider this printer at full retail would cost too much.  There are a lot of printers in the $1K range that can blow away the specs on this one.  But 70um resolution is nothing to sneeze at.  All the normal extruder consumables are included in the cartridges.  But the prices here have dropped like a rock.  And that is the reason for this document.  You can get this printer to your door for less than $250 at the moment on eBay.  Yes, I bought a backup since the consumables in the new printer easily adds up to this price-point.

The software is simple and somewhat archaic.  It never shows you the supports or sidewalk (raft).  Duplication of parts is painful!  but it is what it is.  It is simply a visual driver with options.

There are SDK's being developed for use with 3DBUILDER in Windows 10.  This might really open up the printer in the future.  But for now, this is a closed system that simply works.  The only worthwhile recommendation I found on YouTube was using MeshMixer to do support generation.  Haven't tried printing a part processed with MeshMixer but it appears to be a reasonable companion solution.

Almost forgot; this is a reasonably simple unit to use remotely.  With echoes from the printer-whirrrrrr of the '80's, this thing wants a private location.  Don't try soundproofing by boxing it since cool air is a plus in good prints unless you flow a lot of air through the box.  I have a mud room that does the trick.  So far, the wireless option is doing well.  I haven't figured out yet what causes it to loose the connectivity information between power-ups but this is not the norm.  And I have no idea what "AD-HOC" WIFI is.  Only had one print in 2 months not make it through over the network.  I may have been impatient, but it did go fine with the USB stick.  It was rather sizable when it seemed stuck at 99% transferred.

My wanting to post this document was all dependent on a reply I received this morning.  The printer only has a 3 month warrantee.  When I unboxed up the second printer, I noticed on the bottom that there are M6 mounting holes.  Cool, I can use those for a printer stand.  I started printing the test print in the new printer so I looked at the bottom of the original printer to measure the mounting hole spacing.  I noticed a cracked piece of plastic at the print-head.  I send the information to 3D Systems and this morning I was informed they would replace the printer.  Within an hour, I received everything I needed to send the printer back and received the shipping notice for the replacement.  Very reasonable and simple process.

If you've been on the fence on a 3D printer, I do recommend this one.  If you do decide to give this a go, please post your experience here.  If you already have one, post your thoughts.  If you have a lot of experience with 3D printing and have no love for these little personal printers, feel free to start your own document

3D Systems Cube 3rd generation dual extrude printer - YouTube