Design For The Future With Creo 4.0

With the current version 4.0 of the 3D CAD software Creo, users can expect improvements and enhancements, including in the area of ​​the user interface, in the construction of components, which are to be manufactured additively, and with regard to the functions for augmented reality. New features for MBD (Model Based Definition) also bring drawing-less manufacturing a step closer. By connecting the 3D model to the Thingworx sensor model, the virtual product can also be linked to the actually existing model, so that the real loads can be taken into account immediately during product development. The connection to IoT follows in the course of the year through the Creo Product Insight module. According to the PTC, these new functions lead to better products and intelligent designs - and that with increased productivity.

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Construction practice asked Stefan Marks, Director CAD Business Development at PTC, about the top 3 functions that will make the designer's job easier:

• New interactive workflow for higher productivity: The intelligent mini toolbar makes context-related commands available at the push of a button, without going through the model tree or the ribbon menu. This significantly reduces mouse movements and enables concentrated, focused work on the model. Depending on the application and selection, the commands are available via the mini toolbar. The combination of the mini toolbar and the new full-screen mode, which enlarges the working area by approx. 20%, creates a better overview.
• Extensions for flexible modeling: Sheetmetal mode is now also supported for direct modeling. Bends, bending reliefs, corner reliefs, corner seams and beads can be edited and features of the design intent can be changed individually or globally.
• Smart assembly mirroring: Creo 4.0 now intelligently mirrors only the parts that need to be mirrored and automatically repositions symmetrical parts.

Use product data consistently with Model Based Definition

Another highlight in Creo 4.0 concerns Model Based Definition, i.e. the complete dimensioning and definition of components in a 3D model. The software was expanded and refined for this purpose. In this way, 2D drawings could already be replaced in some areas, which leads to more efficient communication and more consistent use of product data. An automatic check shows if a dimension is missing in the 3D model.

The GD&T Advisor is an additional application for creating shape and position tolerances. With the support of ASME (Y14.5-2009) and the ISO (1101-2012) tolerance standards, productivity and quality in the definition of shape and position tolerances increase.

New for additive manufacturing processes

The support of additive manufacturing has been consistently expanded so that 2.5D and 3D lattice structures are also available variably. In Creo 4.0, these lattice structures are not only inserted, but generated themselves. This structure can then be influenced as a parametric feature in terms of basic shape, size, degree of filling and alignment. The placement of the components in the pressure room, the support of support structures and the consistency up to the calculation of the models with Creo Simulate opens up completely new possibilities for additive manufacturing processes.

Use Creo 4.0 data seamlessly in augmented reality applications

In keeping with the times and consistent with the PTC portfolio, Creo has also been supplemented with functions for augmented reality: Creo 4.0 supports more engaging and informative visual experiences by combining the digital product with the physical world. With Creo 4.0, developers can reuse CAD data to create AR experiences and get a feel for size, scale, and context.

Generate geometrically exact volume cuts

With Creo 4.0, geometrically exact volume cuts can be created. The exact geometry of machined components is created, in contrast to the previous 2D cuts. For manufacturers of tools or complex machined components, the virtual 3D geometry corresponds to reality. This results in considerable advantages in calculation, simulation and manufacturing.

The novelties in the video

Klaus Raab, application consultant at PTC sales partner Inneo Solutions, presents the highlights and innovations of Creo 4.0 in this video: