Open Parts Quickly from Drawing Mode

Here is a quick tip, common for some, but very useful if you have not seen it . . . When working in a drawing, sometimes you need to open the model (part or assembly) you are detailing to make some model change. Figure 1. Corner of File Open Dialog Box

To do this quickly, simply select FILE > OPEN. The default model shown in the Name line near the bottom of the dialog box is the current active drawing model. See Figure 1. Just hit OPEN and the model will open -- Even if the part is not in the current working directory.

For whatever reason, when opening a model, many people just miss the fact that the active model name is already there in the Name line, and browse to find it anyway -- when all that is needed is to select OPEN. Note: This works only with the current active drawing model. Note: The active drawing model name is shown at the bottom of the screen in Drawing Mode. If the model you want is not the current active drawing model, simply make it the active model. In WF2+ products, select the drawing view, then the right mouse button for the menu shown in Figure 2. Select Set as Active Model, then do the Open Model technique as explained above. ( In Pro/E 2001, the menu picks are VIEWS > DWG MODELS > SET MODEL > Select your model from a list -- this way it does not even have to be a model visible on the screen.)

Figure 2. Selected View Right Mouse Button Menu

Custom Drawing Balloons for Detailing

For those of you on the extreme in customizing your drawing details, here is a fun trick for custom balloons. Change the shape of the balloon and/or associate parameters and/or text for easy reading. We have used this in Pro/E 2001 as well as WF2. Some of the menu picks differ, but the overall method works with both. Wildfire 2 seemed a little easier. To do it, create a custom balloon symbol and save it. (Just for fun, we have included the balloon used in this example here for you to download if you wish. (Zip file for downloading.) To place it on the drawing, choose BOM Balloon from the Table menu and choose the repeat region. Next, Change Type for the new balloon shape. Select the Custom option from the BOM Bal Type menu and retrieve your custom balloon symbol. In 2001, the balloons disappear, but when they are shown again, they are the new shape. Wildfire updated immediately and kept all the balloon positions!

Figure 1. Default Balloons

Associating a note with the balloon requires a parameter (in this symbol the parameter is "material"). To display, the parameter must be contained in each model, and be shown in the repeat region. (It seems to me there should be a way to do this without the information also being displayed in the repeat region, but I don't know how.) To use the symbol, simply change the parameter to one of your own, and it will show up next to the balloon. For no text, leave the parameter empty. To go the next step in customization, change individual balloons rather than the whole lot. You can read about it in Pro/E Help. We realize there is a lot of information not contained in this tip. Things like constructing symbols and adding parameters are covered in Pro/E Help.

Figure 2. Custom Balloons Material Parameter shown on one.

Sketcher Control with Sketcher Preferences

There are several controls in the Sketcher Preferences dialog box that control the way Sketcher acts. (Top menu Utilities > Sketcher Preferences) Some of the key things to check out are:

1. On the Display tab:

o o Turn ON or OFF the sketcher grid. Turn ON or OFF several of the things you see on the sketcher screen. Snap to Grid for quick sketching (can be very useful in some situations. Start in Sketch View -determines if Pro/E rotates the model to the sketch view each time sketcher is started.

Note: The Default button puts everything back to the way it is defined in your config.pro. Each of these entries can be set to persist using config.pro options.

2. On the Constraints tab:

o Turn ON or OFF each constraint type. By turning them OFF, Figure 1. Sketcher Preferences Pro/E will not make those assumptions while you sketch. However, you can still create the constraint manually using the Constraints dialog box.

Note: You can turn OFF or lock ON individual constraints while sketching using the technique shown in our November 2001 Tip-of-the-Month.

3. On the Parameters tab:

o o o Choose the style of sketcher grid (Cartesian or Polar). Place the Origin of the sketcher grid. Change the grid spacing an control the spacing independently or symmetrically. Use the "&" symbol to force the X and Y spacing to be the same. Change the number of digits shown for sketcher dimensions. Adjust sketcher accuracy.

o o

Note: Sketcher accuracy can be a very helpful tool if you are having trouble with a sketch bouncing around as you sketch, or if you have very large and very small entities.

In general, Sketcher Preferences effect the behaviors and initial characteristics of the items created while being sketched. This is Figure 2. Polar Grid not absolutely true, however. Some things, like number of digits can change for a given sketch if it is redefined after preferences are modified. This may be a bug, but an example is a sketch with 3 decimal places changed to 1 decimal place which messed up the model. Just be consistent and you will not have trouble. - Most preference changes will persist for the current Pro/E session, some will not (like grid changes). - Some preferences become associated with the particular sketch (like accuracy). - Most preferences can be overridden for individual cases using other functionality (like constraints). - Some items may change behavior based on other areas of Pro/E (like number of decimals for an individual dimension). - I have not checked them all, so consult Pro/E Help for an explanation of behavior. Most of the Sketcher Preferences can be set to persist using config.pro options. See Pro/E Help or the Support section of www.ptc.com for a list of config.pro options and a description of what they do.

Figure 1. Arc Length Dimension (If the animation does not work, click on the image.)

Tips & Techniques with Dimensioning Arcs

Model dimensions should reflect the design intent of the model. Mostly that is pretty straightforward, but sometimes there is a desire to define things a little different. Here are a few dimensioning tricks for arcs (in case you have not seen them). Dimensioning Arc Length (Sketcher): An arc can be controlled by dimensioning its length. This can be very valuable when a model moves conditionally, as with a living hinge. To control an arc by defining the length, sketch the arc. Select the arc and one dimension that controls it (angular dim, radial dim, linear dim, etc.) so they highlight red. Next, select Edit > Convert To > Perimeter > then select the dimension you would like Pro/E to vary in order to maintain the perimeter length you specify. Figure 1 shows an animation of the procedure. The perimeter or arc length dimension then shows up on the screen with a "perim" after it, and the varying dimension shows up with a "var" after it. The "var" dim cannot be modified, and if you delete it, the "perim" dimension also deletes. TIP: Driving the "perim" value via a relation is a great way to control the model for parts that move or bend with the model. Note: This functionality is not available for all features (for example: variable section sweeps). See Pro/E Help for more info. Note: I don't know if it is a bug or defined functionality, but I have found that you can only make one perimeter dimension per sketch. Hmmmmm. Dimensioning an Arc Angle: The included angle of an arc can be dimensioned directly (without centerlines, etc.)

Sketch the arc. Begin Dimensioning mode (Sketch > Dimension > ...) > Select one endpoint of the arc > Select the other endpoint > Select somewhere on the arc > Place the dimension. TIP: In the dimensioning selection, you can select the arc before the endpoints. Either order will work.

Figure 2. Arc Angle Dimension

TIP: An angular dimension is often a good choice for the varying dim of an Arc Length dimension (above). Note: For whatever reason, the Arc Angle dimension cannot be placed on an arc after a perimeter dim is already there. It can be made before, but not after. Position Dimensioning: Sometimes the actual radius or length of an arc does not matter, only the position of the arc with respect to its references. A simple scheme to accomplish this is with a centerline and a dimension tangent to the arc. Figure 3 shows the dimensioning scheme. Dimensioning Arcs in Drawings: The same Arc Length and Arc Angle dimensions can be made in a drawing using the Create Dimension functionality just like in Sketcher. Use Insert > Dimension > New References > then pick (just like dimensioning an Arc Angle) each arc endpoint > pick the arc > place the dimension > then choose Angular or Arc Length from the Arc Dim Type menu (Figure 5). The result of each dimension type is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 3. Arc Position Dimensioning

<CENTER)

Figure 4. Arc Length and Angle Dimensions in Drawing Mode

Figure 5. Menu

TIP: Use query select to choose the endpoints to be sure you are getting the right thing. Note: There is the little arc length symbol over the arc length dimension. For more information on any of the above topics, please see Pro/E Help, or search the knowledge base at www.ptc.com. Of particular interest, TPI entries 35374 & 110207 deal specifically with dimensioning arcs.

Geometry from Images

Creating a "Look" or an "Idea" is much easier in a graphics package, so ideas often start that way. For the CAD guys, it's not uncommon to see the eyes roll when the art department comes and says "This is the way it should look." Since the artistic nature of a product is important to consumers, the little extra is worth doing. Actually, making 3D geometry from images is not so difficult. For this tip, we will use a simple example of 2D going to 3D text like that of a Logo, but this technique is easily extrapolated to creating full products by using the process shown in our August 2001 Pro/E Tip-of-the-Month. Once you have the image, the first step is to bring it into Pro/E. This is critical in terms of size and placement, so use an image editor to size the image appropriately. You may have to do some iteration to get things to match correct, but the essence is to place the image on a Pro/E surface as a decal then size it to be correct inside Pro/E.

Figure 1. Appearance Placement

TIP: Use the largest image practical (large image, with lots of pixels). The better the resolution of the image, the easier it will be to match geometry. Basically, an image is placed in Pro/E using View > Model Setup > Color and Appearance... > Add a color, then go to the Detail tab > Decal > Map > Choose the image, then OK. When you assign the new color to a surface previously created, Pro/E brings up the Appearance Placement controls (shown in Figure 1) so you can move or size the image to the geometry. TIP: The turn wheels are nice for generic fit, but type in values for a more exact fit. (If you have not done this before, see Pro/E Help on adding an image as a decal. There are limitations with files, etc..) TIP: If the size of the solid surface is made the same as the image, it helps with placement. For example, if the image is 1200 x 1000 pixels, the placement surface should be the same 1.2:1 ratio.

Once the image is placed, simply build geometry using the image as a visual reference similar to the techniques shown in our August 2001 Pro/E Tip-of-theMonth. An example of a sketch over text is shown in Figure 2. Note the effect of image resolution. Note also that the sketched entities are only "eyeballed" into place. TIP: For more complex geometry, sketched splines are a good tool for matching

Figure 2. Sketch over an image. geometry.

TIP: Keep sketches simple. It is a good idea to make the geometry using several features that are simple rather than to make it with one that is really complex. TIP: Assign the part a transparent color so you can see through the part to create the features. Figure 3 shows the transparency. It also shows the model rotated slightly to see the completed features. This is an easy way to take image data and create solid geometry -- though in reality, this tip really does not address all the steps. See Pro/E Help for more information on each step. Also, I have found several issues with the functionality. Some of the key ones are listed below. Till next month ... Enjoy!

ISSUE: I do not know why, but sometimes Pro/E does not save the decal image in the file. Figure 3. Completed Geometry It is aggravating to have to place the image each time you start Pro/E. Sometime is does it, sometimes not. I have found that on the SUN (Solaris), it keeps it, but on the PC it does not. Go figure. ISSUE: Make sure the size of the image is correct before creating too much geometry. It is a huge pain to go back later to resize things.

ISSUE: Pro/E does not have a good way of placing an image to assure there is not distortion. Make the surface for placement the exact same ratio (height to width) of the image prior to placement. This will assist in getting the image in without distortion. ISSUE: I have had mixed luck with placing an image on Surface Geometry as compared to Solid Geometry. Sometimes Pro/E will flip the image on a surface or it won't place the decal, just the base color. Sometimes if you create a surface, make it a Thin Protrusion from the surface, then place the image on the solid geometry then suppress the protrusion, the image is still there on the original surface. I do not have a solution for this except to say try it and see what works. It almost always works on solid geometry.

Visualizing Selected Surfaces

Often times in the selection of surfaces you need to visualize the surfaces selected. Here is a quick tip to help in visualizing. For Pro/E 2001 and Earlier: A quick and easy way to visualize the surfaces selected is to use the Show menu option in the Surf Select menu (Figure 1). There are 2 options under Show: - Wireframe (ex. in Figure 2). - Mesh (example in Figure 3). Figure 3. Show Mesh Figure 1. For Wildfire Versions: Figure 2. Show Wireframe

Wildfire does not give the same options. By default, selected surfaces are highlighted both on the edges as well as with shading. It acts differently in different modes, however. In some circumstances, there is a dot font mesh over the highlight (like for copy surfaces). In other cases the surfaces are only highlighted (like when selecting surfaces for color). In still other situations, the old menus (like those above) come back. In Wildfire, assuming the part and the highlighting are good contrasting colors, the visualization is pretty good. (See Figure 4.) -- Try visualizing in wireframe. The visualization example as shown in Figure 5 is kind of neat.

Figure 4. Wildfire 2.0

Figure 5. Wildfire Wireframe

Custom Cross Section Hatching

Can you create custom cross sections in Pro/Engineer?

This Tip-of-the-Month was probably more fun for me to create, than for you to read. I'm not so sure why you would want to do this (except it's fun) (because there are plenty of pre-defined sections with Pro), but here is a simplistic explanation. This tip is done in part mode, but drawing and assembly modes are similar. Select a section, then X-Section > Modify > [Select the section] so the crosshatch displays on the screen. Choose Hatching, and you should be into a menu structure that looks like Figure 1. (For Wildfire see below.) Choose Add Line and follow the prompts. You may have to play around a little to get the hang of it, but it is pretty easy to figure out once you try a bit. Some Tips: Offset - Distance from the first line of the cross section pattern. Spacing - Distance between section pattern lines. Angle - Starting angle based on a horizontal line, rotated counterclockwise. Delete - Deletes the section pattern highlighted [red]. (Note: When you change the Figure 1. color of a line, it will not show immediately as it is still highlighted [red]. When you finish or go to the next line it will show the color.) Next Line & Prev Line - Allows you to scroll through the groups of lines you have defined. Individual / Overall - In several of the menus like Spacing and Angle, there is an option of Individual or Overall. (See Figure 2.) This is often overlooked. If Individual is selected, the actions apply only to the highlighted line -- the [red] one. If Overall is selected (usually the default) the action applies to the whole section. Save - You can save sections once created to be used again.

Wildfire ??? If you can find the menu ..... (View > View Manager > X-Sec (Tab) > [select the cross section] (sometimes you also have to use the Display pull-down menu and select Show X-Hatching) > select the Edit pull-down menu > Redefine Figure 2.

> Hatching and that brings you to the menus shown. (Who says Wildfire has fewer mouse clicks :) )

Anything else? See the Pro/Engineer Help. An example of a custom cross section hatch is the background of this table. Believe it or not, this was created in Pro/E. If you have some extra time, it's an interesting diversion from the norm.

Preview to View Earlier Model Iterations

The File Open dialog in Pro/E has a nice Preview function that can be used to get a peek at a model prior to opening it. Did you know you can also use it to see previous versions of a model -- even though they are not shown in the list? Pro/E model versions are not usually shown in the list, but you can select them anyway by simply adding the version number to the end of the file name. For instance, by using a file manager (like Window Explorer) you can view the Pro/E file name extensions. Since Pro/Engineer saves versions of the files (with a numerical value at the end of the file name), if you need to go back a few steps, you can. To view the various versions, you can use the Preview function of the File Open Dialog. Just type in the version number you want to see, THEN select Preview. An example is shown below.

To see another version of the model: Type in another version number, Turn OFF Preview then turn it ON again (as shown in the following 2 images).

Yes, sometimes the Preview does not work -- I don't know why -- However, when it works, this is a pretty nice function.

Power Tools: Curves by Equation

Our tip this month highlights a very powerful, though less used, function of Pro/E. As a tool, creating a datum curve from a mathematical equation can be very handy. Why? We'll discuss that later. First, to create a Curve by Equation: Pro/E 2001 - Insert > Datum > Curve > From Equation > Done > > Select your coordinate system; select Cartesian, Cylindrical or Spherical; then enter your equations. Wildfire 2.0 - Insert > Model Datum > Curve > From Equation > Done > > Select your coordinate system; select Cartesian, Cylindrical or Spherical; then hopefully no bug like mine (I could not edit the equation, it just crashed). Oh PTC ... why?

Well, it appears functionality is the same in WF2, so back to equations ......

The equations make each of the 3 variables (X, Y, Z in Cartesian Coordinates) independent of each other and based on "t" which Pro/E will vary from 0 to 1. So, a simple math equation for a parabola, for instance, that is normally written as: x=y^2 In Pro/E, an equation must be written for each variable independently like: x=t^2 (x varies with square of t) y=t (y varies linearly with t) z=0 (curve on the x-y plane)

Pro/E evaluates the equation from t=0 to t=1, so to scale the result, just add a scale factor to the equations like: x=3*t^2 (scaling the result by 3)

Or x=(3*t)^2 Will make the result the same as if t varied from 0 to 3.

Additionally, you can displace the curve by adding a constant to the equation like: x=1.2+3*t^2 And/Or, you can change the Z position by making Z equal to some non Zero value, or even an equation of its own. That's the simple part. Now, how do you get control of the equation so you don't have to Redefine it to modify the values? This requires another feature (or features) for the controlling values -- like a value of another feature -- like a Relation. Just change the constants in your equations to be parameters defined elsewhere in your model. TIP: Create other datum features (like offset planes or curves) then use the dimension values of those to drive your equations. In the equation example below, a datum plane was created as an offset from a default plane, with a value of 3. The datum plane offset value has the parameter name d0, so the 3 of the equation x=3*t^2 is simply replaced with d0 making x=d0*t^2. (You can find those parameter names by showing the values (like with Modify) then use Info > Switch Dimensions. The parameter names show instead of the values.) Note: Do not use the & symbol with the parameter names like in equations or drawings. Why is it different? Just another inconsistency.

For more control and to really use the available power, expand the above concepts to all the equations. The example below shows the curve generated from the following equations: x=d1+d2*t^2 y=d0*t z=1+d3*cos(t*400)

Note: that in the X-Y plane, the curve is a parabola, in the Y-Z plane, the curve is a segment of a sine wave, and in the X-Z plane, the curve is a combination. (The X-Y plane is shown in grid.)

Where do you use equations? For many things perfect shape is not so important, but for some things, like flow dynamics for instance, it can make a difference. Some examples: For a parabolic curve, most people use sketcher and a conic feature. Those are great, but if you need to know the values, it is insufficient. How can you create a perfectly and smoothly continuous curve in multiple directions? Is there another way to insert something that varies as a SIN or COS?

Curves such as these are extremely powerful in creating certain types of geometry, and they are very stable -- assuming, of course, that Pro/E will allow you to create them in the first place. : )

By The Way, (for whomever asked the question), Yes you can, and this is How you create an eliptical helix: x=4*cos(t*3*360) y=2*sin(t*3*360) z=5*t

We wish you the best of luck using this great Power Tool.

Patterns to Follow a Curve

To make a pattern that follows a curve, here are a few quick steps and tips. The pattern of Figure 1 was created on a curve, and designed to follow it.

The steps for creation are as follows: (Instructions are given for Pro/E 2001. I do not recommend Wildfire or Wildfire 2 as they are less efficient and have many problems.) 1. Create the curve. This can be any continuous curve, but must be a curve feature. In versions of Pro/E including 2001 and earlier, curve types are easy to find: Insert > Datum > Curve... > (choose from a number of curve creation possibilities). In Wildfire and above, PTC scattered the curve types all over in different menus: (which I have to say was really stupid), Some are in Insert > Datum > Curve, some are in the Edit pulldown menu -- like Project . . . 2. Create a point on the curve: Insert > Datum > Point > On Curve > Length Ratio Pick the section of the curve you wish to use, or the whole curve by using Figure 1. Features on a Curve

Query Select. Notice the section of the curve that highlights -- the curve section typically highlights first, then the whole curve next. Depending on which end of the curve you wish to start your pattern, the ratio number may be near 1 or near 0. (See Help on Points for more info.) 3. Create the point pattern. Create a Dim Pattern using the point ratio parameter, and make the increment be a fraction so the sum of the ratio steps remains less than 1 (greater than 0 if the step is going smaller). TIP: Make the pattern now to be sure it will pattern as you wish, then create the rest of the features using the first point as the reference. Later you can choose how to create the patterns.) TIP: Typically it is a good idea to write the ratio and steps into a relation so it is controlled by the number of pattern members. You change the number of members, and let Pro/E calculate the ratio step. Figure 2. Pattern of Points

4. Create an Axis through the first point, Tangent to the curve. Insert > Datum > Axis > Tan Curve. Select the curve (the same portion of the curve selected when the point was created), then choose the point for location. (There was one version or date build of Pro/E where this functionality was removed. It may be Wildfire, I do not remember, but they took out the ability to create an axis tangent to a curve through a point on the curve.)

5. (Optional, depending on geometry) Create a Datum Plane Through the point, Perpendicular to the Axis. TIP: Make sure all references selected during feature creation will be valid for every feature instance along the curve. If a reference is not part of what will be patterned, make sure it will be valid for all instances of the pattern. A Sketcher Reference plane for instance. 6. Create the feature(s) to pattern. In this example, a Protrusion was revolved about the axis, then some Cuts were revolved and extruded. 7. Pattern the features. There are 2 main ways to pattern the features, and the method you choose can depend on your preferences, how the features were created, references, or on a Pro/E whim. I almost always try to create a Ref Pattern of each successive feature First a Dim Pattern of the point (as above), then a Ref Pattern of the Axis, then a Ref Pattern of the Datum Plane, etc.. If the features will not Ref Pattern, or if you prefer, Group the respective features, then Pattern the Group. (See Help documentation on Groups and Group Patterns for more information.)

Figure 4. Features Pattern on a 3D Curve

FINAL TIP: Read the Help documentation for assistance with any of the above features or creation techniques.

View Clipping with Cross Sections

Have you ever used Assembly cuts to more easily view what is happening inside an assembly model? The new View Manager section functionality now does that for you. (Wildfire 2.0) You can find the functionality at View > View Manager > then, at the dialog box, choose the Xsec tab. For purposes of illustration, a simple cross section was created and is displayed in the included images.

Figure 1. Crosshatch

Figure 1 shows the assembly model with the simple cross section in a typical crosshatched display. This is done by selecting Visibility in either the Display menu or the Right Mouse menu. An eye icon shows up in the View Manager > Xsec window to indicate that section visibility has been set. A nice functionality addition for this tool is the crosshatching persistance -even when the dialog window is closed -- even through regeneration. The down side: You must deliberately go into View Manager again to turn it off -- and that command is only available by selecting the section name and using the Right Mouse button menu > Unset Visibility. To display a more explicit cross section, select the desired section name in the View Manager > Xsec list, then use the Display menu to select > Set Active. In our example, this clips the model to look like Figure 2. You can choose which side displays with Display > Flip, and the graphics are much better than the old CLIP functionality. Figure 3. Highlighted Components The clipped section is a very convenient way to work because it is also persistent. As shown in Figure 3, the internal components are still there, and selectable, they are just clipped to the section. You can even select features to modify that are technically clipped away. To get this to go away, you have to activate the No Cross Section item in the View Manager list. (Red arrow pointing to the No Cross Section item.) The User Interface of the new View > View Manager is not very intuitive, but if you take a few minutes to play you can figure it out. Try the options and see what they do. Good Luck !!

Figure 2. Cut Section

Finding File Origins in the Trail File

Have you ever had difficulty figuring out why the file you just pulled up is not the one you expected? Maybe a back-up version or something? Use the Trail File to discover where that file came from. Pro/Engineer creates a Trail File (trail.txt.#) with each session. Depending on your set-up, that file may be in the start-up directory or in a trail file directory specified in your config.pro. These trail files contain information about the session and what was happening. Trail files are most often just discarded, but they can also be used to diagnose problems. An example is to see where a part or assembly file was loaded from. The Figure below shows a part of a trail file where an assembly was loaded. It shows the location of each part and assembly file loaded. In this example, most of the files were loaded from the directory where the assembly was, however, one was loaded from a \bak\ directory, and one from a standard parts directory.

You can open a trail file using any text editor (something like WordPad in Windows). You can even open it while Pro/E is in session if you need to see where something you just loaded came from.

A Quick Validation of Assembly Mass Properties Calculations

A quick way to validate a Mass Properties calculation for an assembly is to peruse of the individual component materials and densities shown in the INFORMATION window from the Analysis > Model Analysis dialog box. Figure 1 shows the Model Analysis dialog box after a mass properties calculation has been done. The Results section shows the calculated information. A quick look at Average Density can give a sanity check for the Mass value given, however, for a more detailed look, it is often a good idea to double check the assigned materials and densities of the components. To get that closer look, you can scroll around in the results window, or, press the Info button. If you press the Info button, another window like the one shown in Figure 2 will pop up. It contains all the same information as in the Results section of the dialog box, but in a larger window for easier reading.

Figure 1. Model Analysis dialog box

Scroll down through the INFORMATION window. The last section is labeled MASS PROPERTIES OF COMPONENTS OF THE ASSEMBLY. An example is shown in Figure 2. The information is somewhat jumbled together, but the left most column is the density of each component (average density for each subassembly). The right most column is the assigned material file name. (Note: The material file name listed here is not the same as the material condition name written about for the July 2004 Tip-of-the-Month. The material condition does not appear here.) A quick scan of the densities will show any that are out of range. In Figure 2, the 3rd item, named LCH-BARB-END has a density that is several orders of magnitude smaller (... e-05) than the others. This is a good indicator that something is not assigned correctly. Another indicator is a value of 1.0000. In Figure 2, a quick scan of the materials column (right side) shows the assigned materials. Anything labeled UNKNOWN is worth a closer look. For the LCH-BARB-END, no material was assigned. The other one with an UNKNOWN material is LCH-RELEASE, which is a subassembly. All sub-assemblies will have an UNKNOWN material. It would be nice if Pro/E would allow a quick drill down capability, or even an indicator that the component is a sub-assembly, but they do not. You just have to know that, then open the sub-assembly to do the same kind of model analysis.

Figure 2. Mass Properties Model Analysis Information Window

Setting a Material Parameter to Read from a Material File

How can you get the name of a material assigned in a model to appear as a parameter? Perhaps to be used on a drawing? It is pretty easy to create a "Material" parameter and enter a name, but how can you get it to automatically read it from the material file? Going back one step . . . . In Pro/E you can assign material properties to a part by telling Pro/E to read them from a material file. In a materials library you can create files for all the different materials you use. (ie. One file for Aluminum_6061-T6, one for Nylon_6-6, one for Generic_Mag . . . .) You can be as specific or generic as desired. Side Note . . . . PTC still has not created a good way of handling the material parameter -- that is a good way of having Pro/E automatically read the material name from the file so it can be displayed (for instance) on a drawing. However, there is a work around given by PTC that can work. It is documented in a PTC TPI (on their web site, but I could not find it just now). Basically, you put the name as the "Condition" value in a material file, then display that.

Figure 1. Sample Material File

Continuing . . . . To have Pro/E take the name from the material file, 3 things must be done: (... in this order.)

1. Create the material file with the value for the Material Parameter in the "Condition"
field as shown in Figure 1.

2. Assign the material to the part. Setup > Material > Assign > From File ...
3. Create the following relation to read it: material=material_param("condition") Note: In the sample of Figure 1, the name is the same as the title of the file, but it is the "Condition" field that is important. To make this a little more automated, it is nice to have the "Material" relation already created in the StartPart. However, another quirk with Pro/E makes it so you cannot create the "Material" relation unless a material is already assigned. The trick around this is to have an "Unassigned.mat" material assigned to your StartPart. This does three things:

1. The condition field of the "Unassigned.mat" file is "Material_Unassigned" or "-----". This is great on a drawing because it is easy to see a missing assignment. 2. The above Material relation can already be created in the StartPart so when you assign a material to the part it will automatically update the Material parameter. 3. Assigning a density in the "Unassigned.mat" file that is several orders of magnitude heavier than the norm will alert you to an unassigned part when you do a Mass Properties calculation, and it will allow the Mass Properties calculation to occur easily without asking for densities and/or coordinate systems.

Using Layers for Dimensions

Is there a way of blanking selective feature dimensions in part mode? Yes. Though it may have limited application, this is a useful technique to reduce the clutter of dimensions on the screen. Applications might include dimensions from threaded hole features like the drill point which may not be of practical use for modification. The solution is to put the dimensions on a layer and blank it. Here are the steps:

1. Select features in Modify Mode to display the dimensions you wish to blank. 2. Open the Layers Dialog Box.
3. Create a new layer - name it something that makes sense to you.

4. Select to Add Item to Layer (the + sign, or menu). 5. Select 2D Items from the Layer Obj menu.
6. Select the dimensions you wish to blank.

7. Pick Done to complete selection. 8. Blank the layer and repaint.

If you have done it correctly the specified dimensions will not display when you Modify the feature. If you have any trouble with this, try it again. Sometimes it takes a few attempts to get it right. I do not know if that is a Pro/E thing, or a user thing. One other tip, the items (dimensions) to be placed on layers must be displayed on the screen before you enter the Layers Dialog Box. I do not know why.

Rediscovering "Good Modeling Practices"

Just recently I read a short article in Design News about the merits of properly choosing model references. The article (scanned here for reference) talks about this "new" way of increasing effectiveness of CAD. Although they emphasize the value of datum planes, in Pro/E the same is true using any stable reference -- a base feature, datum, curve set, etc.. I chuckled as I read the article because, like a new revelation, the author was saying, in effect, that choices in how a model is created make a difference in how easy it is to manipulate and extend its use. It's a good piece and it says the truth. I chuckled only because PTC used to (very past tense) emphasize the value of "good modeling practices". Now, (present tense) with Wildfire, PTC has gone the other direction by making choices for you in selecting references and seem to care only that you can make features with fewer mouse picks than with Solid Works. The truth is -- this type of modeling is sloppy and like the article points out, reduces both efficiency and ROI (Return on Investment). So, This months Tip (Or perhaps better stated, this months Reminder): Use modeling techniques that enhance the usability and robustness of the model. As you work, think about how easy or difficult it will be to manipulate for the next ECR (Engineering Change Request -- or whatever your company calls it), and take time to choose good, stable references that reflect design intent. There are no hard and fast rules for good modeling, rather a bunch of guidelines because there are always circumstances that change the relevance of the rules. For reference, here is a quick list of guidelines. The list is by no means complete, but contains some of the big things that will make a difference in the usability and robustness of the typical model:

1. Carefully choose references. This includes references for sketching planes, sketch
orientation, sketcher references, edges or surfaces for rounds, etc..

2. Choose references that follow the design intent. Though it's easy to make all
your features reference only the base datum planes, the model won't follow when modifications are made. Choose references that allow the model "move" with the intent as changes are made. (In Practice: Don't just accept Pro/E's automatic references (especially in Wildfire). Think about the design intent and choose references that are stable and reflect that intent. Wildfire is horrible about automatic references. Unless you're sketching on a default datum in the assumed orientation, automatic references are rarely applicable or appropriate. So much for minimizing mouse picks.)

3. Choose references that won't disappear. References like edges that disappear
when rounded, are not usually the best choice. Datums and planner surfaces are typically better. References from base features are typically more stable than those of later ones.

(In Practice: Pro/E provides different methods of selecting references that give similar results, and some are more stable than others. For example, surface selection by Surf & Bnd, or Loop Surfs when selecting for draft (and other times). Select using Intent Chain (May 2002) for edges. These are just a few examples. Choose the best method for your application.)

4. Choose references sparingly. More references mean more feature

interconnectivity which can make the model more difficult to work with. However, choose enough references to make the model follow design intent. (In Practice: Some models are so tightly tied with references that the model fails with almost any modification. (August 2002) Users wonder why Pro/E is so hard to work with, but in fact, it's the way the model was constructed. Choices like Thru Next have no references.)

5. When several features are to reference the same thing (like a planner surface or
axis), create datums for control. (June 2001) (In Practice: Key datums (planes, points, axes) are easier to find and select when they are named. Named features also denote significance for someone changing the model later. Name your important datums.)

6. When several aspects of a part must interact (like cuts and protrusions to allow
wall thickness and spacing) build control features like curve sets to manage the interactions, then reference them with the features.

7. Create relations that associate features when direct references are not practical.
(In Practice: When writing relations, use comments for "what" and "why". If other people use the model, they'll be more impressed if you are specific in your comments.)

8. Drafts and rounds are often best left to the end of the model. Although this is a
good rule, there are times when they are required earlier. Care should be given to where the features are inserted in the model tree.

9. Rounds should normally be inserted as round features rather than put in a

sketch. Again, this is a good rule of thumb, but there are times where a round can't be created or a dimensioning scheme (design intent) requires the radius in a sketch. As above, carefully consider when. (The same is true for Drafts, Chamfers, etc.) (In Practice: It is often good to build models without drafts and rounds, then go back using Insert Mode to put them in -- where possible clustering them with the parent features.)

10. When the above guidelines don't make sense, carefully consider your options.
(In Practice: Good modeling practices are far more important early in the model than

at the end when you're trying to put in the last round or draft.

Putting File Names in Drawing Notes

Need to see the drawing or a model file name on your drawing? Either can be put in a note with the following notation: (Works in 2001, but not in 2000i. Don't know about i^2.) 1. &DWG_NAME 2. &MODEL_NAME - The drawing name given is the file name of the current drawing. - The model name given is the file name of the current model -- part or assembly. Note: The file extensions (.DRW .PRT .ASM ...) are not given, so if it's important, add it as text. If your drawing has more than one model (like an assembly drawing), by default Pro/E gives the current model, but you can designate any model by using the internal object parameter {&MODEL_NAME:17}, or by changing the current model to the desired one using VIEWS > DWG MODELS > SET MODEL (or ADD MODEL if it has not been explicitly added) prior to making the note. A practical use for this is to add the drawing file name to the title block, or just underneath. For models, when a physical part is to be made directly from the model (machined from the CAD model for example) put the file name in the note for clarity.

Or

To show model file names in a table repeat region, the syntax for the repeat region is "ASM.MBR.NAME". Why is it different? Who knows. The other thing to watch for is the use of "DRW" and "DWG".

Interrogating a Model for Genealogy

I need to find out what features are related to -- are children of -- a curve in my model.

How?
There are several tools to find relationships: Figure 1

First is the old standby: Info > Feature > then pick the feature . . . (or via the Right Mouse
Button in the model tree -- see Figure 1). The output contains feature information including the two lines shown in Figure 2. Every feature that "descends from", or more accurately "is dependent on" the selected feature is listed. There is no indication, however, of relationship. They could reference the feature directly, or they could be several times removed. Before deleting or drastically changing a feature, this can give you an idea of how much of an impact may be in store.

Figure 2

Second is a graphical
tool found at Info > Parent/Child. The dialog box looks like Figure 3. Select a feature, then pick a Parent or Child from the column window and see it highlight on the model. This method sort-of shows the genealogy though it's only the immediate parents and children. Double clicking on any of these will interrogate or "drill down" from there. Also, on the Parents side, using the [+] signs will

Figure 3

show the part of the parent the feature references (like an edge, a surface, a vertex, etc.). See the edge shown. Note: this is the same tool accessed in Resolve mode using Investigate > Show Refs.

Figure 4

The Third tool is a more complicated model tree style window found at Info > Global Ref Viewer that gives more options for information. Figure 4 shows the viewer in a "looking for children" mode. In the tree it can be easily seen that Feature 4 (see arrow) does not have children, as it does not appear in the list. By double clicking curve feature 9, the lower portion of the window (Figure 4) populates with basically same Parent/Child info as above (without the +'s). The right mouse button provides other methods for displaying more information about the feature. See the circled areas.

So, from Info > Feature we learn that curve # 9 has 20 dependents or "children". But with either graphical tool we learn it has only 2 direct dependents. -- That is, only 2

features look directly at curve # 9 for references -- meaning the other 18 are children of children, or further down the genealogy. Please Note that all of this works for suppressed features as well. Obviously there is more information to be gleaned, but this can serve as a good introduction. If you need to delete, suppress or greatly change a feature, looking first at the potential impact is a good idea.

Customizing and Editing Toolbar Icons

Figure 1 Do you have a mapkey you would like on the toolbar ... but you think the smiley faces look a little silly? Add a bit of flair and functionality, by customizing the icons. For this Tip-of-the-Month, we'll use an example of two mapkeys created for printing -- one for printing A-Size the other for B-Size. They need to be on the toolbar and be easy to identify. The first step (assuming the mapkeys exist) is to open the customize dialog box using Utilities > Customize Screen ... then select the Commands tab, File Category and Print icon as shown in Figure 1. Using the Modify Selection pull-down menu (Figure 2) select Copy Button Image. Next locate the mapkey in the Mapkey Category -- in this case, mapkeys "lza"

Figure 8

Figure 2

Figure 3