Sheetmetal Enhancements in Creo Parametric 2.0

In Creo Parametric 2.0, most sheet metal tools have been restructured into a ribbon style interface with tabs.

Many of the enhancements improve the functionality efficiency in the sheet metal mode. Most commands now in sheet metal also use the standard interface to create the geometry.  Some of the commonly used enhanced features include Unbending, Bend Back, Flat Pattern Preview, and the Bend feature. These tools are easier to use and have helped to improve the performance.

When unbending a sheet metal part, Creo Parametric now picks a surface to remain fixed by default, which makes the process much faster and easier to use.  This helps to maintain a consistent fixed surface or edge. A different surface can also be selected to remain fixed by clearing the default surface. This allows the user to pick a fixed surface. When using the Bend Back command, Creo Parametric also picks a surface to remain fixed by default. You can accept the default fixed surface or remove the default fixed surface, and select a new fixed surface.

Another enhancement in Creo Parametric is using the Flat Pattern Preview command in the Graphics toolbar or in the View tab to preview the flat state of the model. This saves time and makes sure unwanted unbend features are not created. Click  (Flat Pattern Preview) to open a preview window. Using the Flat Pattern Preview command enables you to avoid needing to create an unbend feature followed by a bend back feature in your model tree, which can cause regeneration problems.

The Bend feature functionality has also been enhanced and is now created using the ribbon interface. The bend line for the bend feature no longer has to be sketched by default.  This is a very time saving improvement. The bend line can consist of an edge or curve. When a bend line is selected, the Offset option is available to offset from an existing curve or edge. If a surface is selected, the Bend Line tab becomes available. You can then create the bend line by using drag handles to specify references and offset distances.

Another favorite tool among users, is the Sketched Form command. This enables you to create punching, piercing, and depth options.

Use the following steps to create a sketched form:

1.  Expand  (Form) and select Sketched Form in the Model tab. The tab activates.

The available selections are:

   Creates a punch

    Creates a piercing

    Flips the punch or piercing direction

   Flips the material thickness

2. Select a sketching plane and create a sketch for the Form feature.

3. Specify additional options in the Options panel.

4. Specify the depth and flip the direction, if necessary.

5. Complete the feature.

All the tools mentioned help to make the design of sheet metal parts easier, quicker, and requires fewer mouse clicks. Take some time to try some of the new tools in Creo Parametric 2.0.