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Free PTC Resources (Modeling Users Only)
Free PTC Resources (Modeling Users Only)
Creo Modeling Advanced Documentation
Tutorials | PTC Learning Connector The user will need to create a free account (if they haven’t already) and can then access the free playlists and tutorials. The Instructor Led and Self-Guided courses have a cost associated with them.
Instructor Led Trainings
Instructor Led Trainings
Contact matthew_mercier@trimble.com or mats.eriksson@trimble.se.
Brief Modeling Introduction (Modeling Users Only)
Brief Modeling Introduction (Modeling Users Only)
CAD Modeling (The descriptions below assume that users are connected to Windchill)
CAD models consist of part or assembly files including sheet metal models. Trimble standard startpart template parts should be used in all cases. The standard parts are designed to work together with standard drawing borders and will provide the data required to populate the drawing border automatically.
Default Template:
Upon choosing to create a new part, the new part dialogue window is presented. A unique part name or number should be entered in the “Name” field. Checking the “Use default template” box and selecting “OK” will result in a new part using the standard English template part. The part will be set to a default units of Inch/Lbs/Sec and have the standard default datums present as well as the Trimble standard default parameter entries.
Other Template Options: (Optional)
Selecting “Empty”(not recommended) creates a new part with no default attributes or features.
Selecting “startpart” creates a new part with the attributes described in “Use default template.”
Selecting “startpart_si” creates a new part with si (metric) default units and parameters Users not working in the PDMLink environment should still use the Trimble standard startpart files to ensure future compatibility.
Unchecking the “Use default template” box presents the user with a second dialog where they may choose the appropriate template part.
Model Parameters
Startpart templates are preconfigured with model parameters. The predefined parameters provide a location to document model specific data.
The values entered are used to auto populate the standard drawing borders. All models created in the Trimble business environment should contain these parameters. It is not required that all be filled out with data values. For the most part, the parameter definitions are self explanitory.
Description, Description2, Drawn_By, Engineer, Modeled_By and Rev are all used to record the basic part and creation information and make the information available to populate a drawing border.
Part_No records the part number designation and should generally match the part number as defined in Agile.
Drawing_No will usually be the same as Part_No. It also provides a way to define a value different from the Part_No value for use on drawings when the requirement exists for the value in a BOM table to be something other than the actual part number.
Treatment, Finish and Surface_Finish all provide a way to capture the intended secondary model requirements. They also populate the corresponding drawing border fields.
The english and metric tolerance parameters provide a way to define the block tolerance for prints. These entries are preloaded with the most popular values but by using the parameters to drive the drawing border block tolerance values, the values can be easily modified for specific model requirements.
Drawing Creation and Maintenance (The descriptions below assume that users are connected to PDMLink)
Drawing documents consist of a drawing file and a format (drawing border) and usually reference part or assembly files. Trimble standard drawing templates should be used in all cases. The standard templates are designed to work together with standard startpart models and will auto-populate the drawing border tables automatically from data entered in the part or assembly model parameters. There are three supported Trimble templates. They are: format_b_2, format_c_2 and format_d_2. The CTCT joint venture has additional templates for use on CTCT controlled drawings.
Select one of the three offered templates corresponding to the desired drawing size.
The resulting drawing will have all the fields filled in as long as the corresponding values have been entered in the model parameters. Three standard views are also created.
File Naming
Regardless of the template used to create CAD objects, users are requested to properly name the objects prior to the initial check-in to PDMLink.
A proper drawing name should be the actual part number as represented in Agile. Objects such as parts or assemblies that directly support the drawing should be utilize the same as the drawing object. Assembly components that are not represented on actual dedicated drawings should be use a name that starts with end object part number. The name may then also contain dash numbers or descriptive terms. For example:
Drawing of part 25252 would be named 25252.drw.
The main assembly depicted in the drawing would be 25252.asm 25252-1.asm, 25252_support bracket.asm or similar are also acceptable.
Subassemblies or component parts should be named in the same fashion.
PDMLink Usage
Trimble provides access to PTC’s Windchill product, PDMLink for managing our CAD Data intellectual property. The PDMLink package provides a global web based interface for safeguarding and sharing CAD data. Through the provided check-out/check-in facility, users can be sure that they are always using the latest official models or prints.
PDMLink’s powerful search capability can allow users to easily locate data by searching on part numbers, descriptions, creator and even parameter contents. PDMLink also provides tools to manage CAD documents outside of Pro/E and simplifies many common tasks. Users can copy parts and assemblies including the entire model structure easily. Workspace objects can be renamed without fear of model corruption as PDMLink automatically manages the links between parts, assemblies and drawings.
Renaming of Commonspace objects requires Admin security level access. Users should email CAD administration to request renaming of Commonspace objects. Requests are usually completed within 24 hours.
Non CAD users such as project managers can use the integrated subscription tool to monitor design progress and even view CAD models without requiring a seat of Pro/Engineer. Drawings may be printed directly from PDMLink without opening a Pro/E session.
Software Installation and Configuration
Pro/E(Creo):
Trimble CAD Administration is responsible for providing updated software for CAD users. The Pro/E (Creo) package is provided as a self extracting archive. By using this distribution method, all users are provided with a standard basic configuration. This standardization allows CAD Administration to quickly eliminate configuration differences as a source of problems. Instructions for installing Pro/E can be found at http://usd-am-app-27/creo_inst.html.
When installed, users are provided with a desktop shortcut used to start Pro/E. The shortcut runs a batch file located on a central server that copies corporate standard configuration files from the server to the client machine. This allows the users to be provided with the latest updates or bug fixes each time they start the software.
The most common configuration tool is the config.pro file. This file is located in the C:\PTC\Creo X.0\Common Files\MXXX\text folder and is copied fresh at each startup. It contains the most common and system level configuration settings. Users are encouraged to create a custom user specific config.pro file for any non standard config options they require. Since the standard file located in the ..\text folder is over written each time Pro/E starts, the user’s config.pro must reside in the user’s home folder.
The home folder is the default location that is assigned by your Trimble network logon profile. For most Trimble employees this is the K:\ folder. To verify home folder assignment, the command “set homedrive” issued at a command prompt will report the folder name that corresponds to the user’s default location. On startup, Pro/E will read the file in the ..\text folder first. Settings in the user’s personal config.pro will be read last and will over write any duplicate settings.
Due to this feature, users should use care not to include settings unless they are sure of the resulting effect.
PDMLink:
The PDMLink package is a web based interface that requires no initial setup other than registering it with the Server Manager in Pro/E. Instructions on registering the PDMLink server are viewable at http://usd-am-app-27.am.trimblecorp.net/ilinkins.html. Users may access PDMLink directly through any web browser at http://usd-am-app-27/Windchill. The standalone browser session can be used to browse content, remove workspace items and check objects in and out as well as utilize many of the other features offered.
Outside Contractors
When evaluating design services from outside contract design firms, it is recommended that weight be given to firms that use Pro/Engineer. The lowest price service may result in a false economy when the model and drawing files are not compatible with our software. Consideration must be given to the cost of time spent by Trimble employees who must convert the deliverables after the design contract is complete.
Comments/Suggestions
Comments and suggestions are welcome. The objective is to foster efficiency and professionalism throughout the engineering organization. There are many customizations available in Pro/Engineer, and there may be settings that would benefit Trimble company wide. Users are encouraged to submit customization requests to CAD Administration via the following contact:
Matthew Mercier
Email: matthew_mercier@trimble.com
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