Creo Option Modeller

T3917-390-01
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Introduction to Creo Options Modeler 2.0
Authored and published using
nl
y
O
U
se
al
te
rn
Fo
r
PT
In
Copyright 2012 Parametric Technology Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright for PTC software products is with Parametric Technology Corporation, its
subsidiary companies (collectively PTC), and their respective licensors. This software
is provided under written license agreement, contains valuable trade secrets and
proprietary information, and is protected by the copyright laws of the United States and
other countries. It may not be copied or distributed in any form or medium, disclosed to
third parties, or used in any manner not provided for in the software licenses agreement
except with written prior approval from PTC.
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF SOFTWARE OR ITS DOCUMENTATION CAN RESULT IN
CIVIL DAMAGES AND CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
User and training guides and related documentation from PTC is subject to the copyright
laws of the United States and other countries and is provided under a license agreement
that restricts copying, disclosure, and use of such documentation. PTC hereby grants to
the licensed software user the right to make copies in printed form of this documentation
if provided on software media, but only for internal/personal use and in accordance
with the license agreement under which the applicable software is licensed. Any copy
made shall include the PTC copyright notice and any other proprietary notice provided
by PTC. Training materials may not be copied without the express written consent of
PTC. This documentation may not be disclosed, transferred, modified, or reduced to
any form, including electronic media, or transmitted or made publicly available by any
means without the prior written consent of PTC and no authorization is granted to make
copies for such purposes.
Information described herein is furnished for general information only, is subject to
change without notice, and should not be construed as a warranty or commitment by
PTC. PTC assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may
appear in this document.
For Important Copyright, Trademark, Patent and Licensing Information see
backside of this guide.
About PTC University

Welcome to PTC University!
With an unmatched depth and breadth of product development knowledge,
PTC University helps you realize the most value from PTC products. Only
PTC University offers:
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
An innovative learning methodology PTCs Precision Learning

Methodology is a proven proprietary approach used by PTC to develop and
deliver learning solutions.
Flexible Delivery Options PTC University ensures you receive the same
quality training programs regardless of the learning style. Our extensive
experience, innovative learning techniques, and targeted learning modules
facilitate the rapid retention of concepts, and higher user productivity.
Premier Content and Expertise A thorough instructor certification process
and direct access to the PTC product development and PTC consulting
organizations means that only PTC courses can give you highly-qualified
instructors, the most up-to-date product information and best practices
derived from thousands of deployments.
Global Focus PTC University delivers training where and when you
need it by providing over 100 training centers located across 35 countries
offering content in nine languages.
Delivering Value A role-based learning design ensures the right people
have the right tools to do their jobs productively while supporting the
organizations overall performance goals.
The course you are about to take will expose you to a number of learning
offerings that PTC University has available. These include:
Fo
r
PT
Instructor-led Training (ILT) The ideal blend of classroom lectures,

personal demonstrations, hands-on workshops, assessments, and
post-classroom tools.
Pro/FICIENCY This Web-based, skills assessment and
development-planning tool will help improve your skills and productivity.
eLearning Libraries 24/7 access to Web-based training that will
compliment your instructor-led course.
Precision LMS A powerful learning management system that will manage
your eLearning Library and Pro/FICIENCY assessments.
PTC University additionally offers Precision Learning Programs. These are

corporate learning programs designed to your organizations specific goals,
current skills, desired competencies, and training preferences.
Whatever your learning needs are, PTC University can help you get the most
out of your PTC products.
PTC Telephone and Fax Numbers

North America
O
U
se
Europe
nl
y
Education Services Registration

Tel: (888) 782-3773
Fax: (781) 370-5307
Technical Support (Monday - Friday)
Tel: (800) 477-6435
Fax: (781) 707-0328
License Management and Contracts
Tel: 877-ASK-4-PTC (877-275-4782)
Fax: (781) 707-0331
Technical Support, License Management, Training & Consulting

Tel: +800-PTC-4-HELP (00-800-78-24-43-57)
al
Asia
te
rn
Please refer to http://www.ptc.com/services/training/contact.htm for contact

information.
Fo
r
PT
In
In addition, you can access the PTC Web site at www.ptc.com. Our Web
site contains the latest training schedules, registration information, directions
to training facilities, and course descriptions. You can also reach technical
support, and register for online service options such as knowledge base
searches, reference libraries, and documentation. You can also find general
information about PTC, PTC Products, Consulting Services, Customer
Support, and PTC Partners.
Precision Learning
Precision Learning in the Classroom
PTC University uses the Precision Learning methodology to develop
effective, comprehensive class material that will improve the productivity
of both individuals and organizations. PTC then teaches using the proven
instructional design principal of Tell Me, Show Me, Let Me Do:
nl
y
Topics are introduced through a short presentation, highlighting the key

concepts.
These key concepts are then reinforced by seeing them applied in the
software application.
You then apply the concepts through structured exercises.
U
se
After the course, a Pro/FICIENCY assessment is provided to enable you to

assess your understanding of the materials. The assessment results will also
identify the class topics that require further review.
al
At the end of the class, you will either take a Pro/FICIENCY assessment via
your PTC University eLearning account, or your instructor will provide training
on how to do this after the class.
te
rn
Precision Learning After the Class
In
Each student that enrolls in a PTC class has a PTC University eLearning
account. This account will be automatically created if you do not already
have one.
As part of the class, you receive additional content in your account:
Fo
r
PT
A Pro/FICIENCY assessment from the course content that generates a

Recommended Learning Report based on your results.
A Web-based training version of the course, based on the same
instructional approach of lecture, demonstration, and exercise. The
Recommended Learning Report will link directly to sections of this training
that you may want to review.
Please note that Web-based training may not be available in all languages.
The Web-based training is available in your account for one year after the
live class.
Precision Learning Recommendations
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
PTC uses a role-based training approach. The roles and the associated
training are graphically displayed in a curriculum map. Curriculum maps are
available for numerous PTC products and versions in the training section of
our Web site at http://www.ptc.com/services/edserv/learning/paths/index.htm.
Please note that a localized map may not be available in every language and
that the map above is partial and for illustration purposes only.
Before the end of the class, your instructor will review the map
corresponding to the course you are taking. This review, along with instructor
recommendations, should give you some ideas for additional training that
corresponds to your role and job functions.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Creo Options Modeler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Introduction to Options Modeler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Exploring a Configurable Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
nl
y
Creating Interchange Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Understanding Interchangeability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Components using Family Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Understanding Interchange Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing using a Functional Interchange Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-1
2-2
2-4
2-7
2-9
te
rn
al
U
se
Creating Configurable Modules and Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Creating Configurable Modules and Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Creating a Configurable Module from an Interchange Assembly. . . . 3-7
Adding Module Variants to Configurable Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Assembling with Configurable Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Creating Configurable Product Sub-Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Transferring Components into Configurable Modules . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Utilizing Family Tables in Configurable Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
PT
In
Defining Options and Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Defining Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assigning Components to Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-1
4-2
4-5
4-9
Fo
r
Utilizing Configurable Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Understanding the Variant Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Utilizing the Variant Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Managing Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Saving New Product Variants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Designing Variations for the Power Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Drill Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Pump Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Auger Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6-1
6-2
6-4
6-5
6-6
Fo
r
C
PT
In
al
te
rn
U
se
nl
y
Student Preface Using the Header
nl
y
In this topic, you learn about the course handbook layout and
the header used to begin each lab in Creo Parametric.
U
se
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
Procedure / Exercise Header:
al
Modules
Topics
Concept
Theory
Procedure
Exercise (if applicable)
Course Handbook Layout:
Course Handbook Layout

The information in this course handbook is organized to help students locate
information after the course is complete. Each course is organized into
modules, each covering a general subject. Each module contains topics,
with each topic focused on a specific portion of the module subject. Each
individual topic in the module is divided into the following sections:
Concept This section contains the initial introduction to the topic and
is presented during the class lecture as an overhead slide, typically with
figures and bullets.
nl
y
Theory This section provides detailed information about content

introduced in the Concept, and is discussed in the class lecture but not
shown on the overhead slide. The Theory section contains additional
paragraphs of text, bullets, tables, and/or figures.
Procedure This section provides step-by-step instructions about how to
complete the topic within Creo Parametric. Procedures are short, focused,
and cover a specific topic. Procedures are found in the Student Handbook
only. Not every topic has a Procedure, as there are knowledge topics that
contain only Concept and Theory.
Exercise Exercises are similar to procedures, except that they are
typically longer, more involved, and use more complicated models.
Exercises also may cover multiple topics, so not every topic will have an
associated exercise. Exercises are found in the separate Exercise Guide
and/or the online exercise HTML files.
Procedure / Exercise Header
U
se
The first module for certain courses is known as a process

module. Process modules introduce you to the generic high-level
processes that will be taught over the span of the entire course.
te
rn
al
To make the exercises and procedures (referred to collectively as labs) as

concise as possible, each begins with a header. The header lists the name
of the lab, the working directory, and the file you are to open.
The following items are indicated in the figure above, where applicable:
In
1. Procedure/Exercise Name This is the name of the lab.

2. Scenario This briefly describes what will be done in the lab. The
Scenario is only found in Exercises.
3. Close Windows/Erase Not Displayed A reminder that you should
close any open files and erase them from memory:
until the icon is no longer displayed.
PT
Click Close
and then click OK.

Click Erase Not Displayed
Folder Name This is the working directory for the lab. Lab files are
stored in topic folders within specific functional area folders. The path to
the lab files is:
PTCU\CreoParametric2\functional_area_folder\topic_folder
In the example, Round is the functional area folder and Variable
is the topic folder, so you would set the Working Directory to
PTCU\CreoParametric2\Round\Variable.
To set the working directory, right-click the folder in the folder tree or
browser, and select Set Working Directory.
Model to Open This is the file to be opened from the working
directory. In the above example, VARIABLE_RAD.PRT is the model to
open. The model could be a part, drawing, assembly, and so on. If
you are expected to begin the lab without an open model, and instead
create a new model, you will see Create New.
To open the indicated model, right-click the file in the browser and
select Open.
Fo
r
4.
5.
6.
7.
Task Name Labs are broken into distinct tasks. There may be one
or more tasks within a lab.
Lab Steps These are the individual steps required to complete
a task.
Two other items to note for labs:

Saving Saving your work after completing a lab is optional, unless
otherwise stated.
Exercises Exercises follow the same header format as Procedures.
No
element found
nl
y
Module 01
U
se
Before you begin a lab from any training course, it is important that you
configure Creo Parametric to ensure the system is set up to run the lab
exercises properly. Therefore, if you are running the training labs on a
computer outside of a training center, follow these three basic steps:
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
Extract the class files zip file to a root level drive such as C: or D:.
The extracted zip will create the default folder path automatically, such
as C:\PTCU\CreoParametric2\.
Locate your existing Creo Parametric shortcut.
Copy and paste the shortcut to your desktop.
Right-click the newly pasted shortcut and select Properties.
Select the Shortcut tab and set the Start In location to be the same as
the default folder. For example, C:\PTCU\CreoParametric2\.
Start Creo Parametric using the newly configured shortcut.
The default working directory will be set to the CreoParametric2 folder.
You can then navigate easily to the functional area and topic folders.
PROCEDURE - Student Preface Using the Header

In this exercise, you learn how to use the header to set up the Creo
Parametric working environment for each lab in the course.
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
SampleFunctionalArea\Topic1_Folder
No element found
nl
y
Step 1:
EXTRUDE_1.PRT
Perform this task only if you are running the labs on a computer
outside of a training center, otherwise proceed to Task 2.
U
se
1. Extract the zipped class files to a root level drive such as C: or D:.
The extracted ZIP will create the default folder path automatically,
such as C:\PTCU\CreoParametric2.
te
rn
al
2. Locate your existing Creo Parametric shortcut.

Copy and paste the shortcut to your desktop.
Right-click the newly pasted shortcut and select Properties.
Select the Shortcut tab and set the Start In location to be
PTCU\CreoParametric2.
Close all open windows and erase all objects from memory to
avoid any possible conflicts.
PT
Step 2:
In
3. Start Creo Parametric using the newly configured shortcut.

The default working directory is set to the CreoParametric2 folder.
You can then navigate easily to the functional area and topic folders.
Fo
r
1. If you currently have files open, click Close

toolbar, until the icon no longer displays.
from the Quick Access
2. Click Erase Not Displayed

from the Data group in the ribbon.
Click OK if the Erase Not Displayed dialog box appears.
Step 3:
No element found
1. Notice the SampleFunctionalArea\Topic1_Folder as

indicated in the header above.
2. If necessary, select the Folder
Browser
navigator.
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
tab from the
Fo
r
PT
In
3. Click Working Directory

to view the current working
directory folder in the browser.
Double-click
SampleFunctionalArea.
4. Right-click the Topic1_Folder folder and select Set Working

Directory.
U
se
nl
y
5. Click Working Directory from the Common Folders section to display

the contents of the new working directory in the browser.
No element found
te
rn
Step 4:
al
Alternatively you can use the cascading folder path in the

browser to navigate to the topic folder, and then right-click and
select Set Working Directory from the browser.
In
1. Notice the lab model EXTRUDE_1.PRT is specified in the header

above.
Double-click extrude_1.prt in the browser to open it.
Fo
r
PT
2. You are now ready to begin the first task in the lab:
Read the first task.
Perform the first step, which in most cases will be to set the initial
datum display for the procedure or exercise.
Perform the remaining steps in the procedure or exercise.
Step 5:
Set the initial datum display options.
1. The instruction for setting the datum display indicates which Datum
Display types to enable and disable. For example, Enable only the
following Datum Display types:
2. To set the datum display, first click the Datum Display drop-down
menu from the In Graphics tool
bar.
nl
y
3. Next, enable and disable the

check boxes as necessary. For
example you could disable the
Select All check box, and then
enable only the desired datum
types.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
This completes the procedure.
al
U
se
4. The model should now appear

as shown.
Fo
r
C
PT
In
al
te
rn
U
se
nl
y
1
nl
y
Module
Introduction to Creo Options Modeler
U
se
Module Overview
te
rn
al
Options Modeler is a new app in the Creo suite of products. Options

Modeler enables you to configure assemblies to provide multiple design
variations within the same assembly. You can then quickly switch from one
configuration to another while maintaining correct component position and
parent/child relationships.
Objectives
Fo
r
PT
In
After completing this module, you will be able to:

Gain an introductory knowledge to Options Modeler.
Explore a configurable assembly.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 1
Introduction to Options Modeler

You can run Options Modeler within Creo Parametric, or as a
stand-alone app. Within Creo Parametric, the Creo Options
Modeler application behaves similar to Assembly mode.
U
se
nl
y
Quickly configure assemblies by

interchanging module variants.
Two new assembly sub-types:
Configurable Product
Configurable Module
Unique icons in the model tree.
You can use the Windchill Options
and Variants capability.
PT
In
te
rn
al
Figure 1 - Viewing Configurable

Motorcycle Assembly Options
Fo
r
Figure 2 - Viewing Configurable

Vice Assembly Options
Figure 3 - Viewing Configured

Product Model Tree
Introduction to Options Modeler

Options Modeler enables you to create two new assembly sub-types (in
addition to the existing Design assembly):
Configurable Module
Configurable products and modules both have *.asm file extensions; however,
the system distinguishes them from each other and from Design assemblies:
You can filter by assembly sub-type when opening models. For example,
sub-types include Design, Interchange, Configurable Module, Configurable
Product, and so on. The two Configurable sub-types are new.
In the ribbon, there are groups and additional icons only available with
configurable assemblies.
Module 1 | Page 2
2012 PTC
A Configurable Product assembly can contain Configurable Modules as well

as standard components. Usually, there is a mixture. Each Configurable
Module contains multiple module variants. Options Modeler provides the
ability to quickly configure the assembly by interchanging the module variants
within the configurable modules. Component position for the module variants
as well as parent/child relationships are maintained.
Configurable Products and Modules have unique icons that display in the
model tree. When considering the assembly structure:
U
se
nl
y
Think of a Configurable Product as you would a typical Design assembly.

Just like a Design assembly, you have a top-level configurable product
assembly and configurable product sub assemblies, as shown in Figure 3.
Think of a Configurable Module as a typical assembly component.
Configurable modules can be part models, sub-assemblies, or a
combination of both. The active variant in a given Configurable
Module is indicated by a blue star in the model tree. In Figure
3, for the CONFIGURABLE_MODULE.ASM the active variant is
MODULE_VARIANT_1.PRT.
te
rn
al
When creating a new assembly, consider whether you want to create a

Design assembly or a Configurable Product assembly. Configurable Product
assemblies contain all of the functionality of a design assembly, including
skeletons and simplified reps. Once a particular configuration is defined, you
can save that configuration as a typical Design assembly that will only contain
the active design variant components. You can save a standard Design
assembly as a Configurable Product assembly at any time in the design
process to take advantage of the additional Options Modeler functionality.
In
Using Options Modeler with Windchill
Fo
r
PT
You can use the Windchill Options and Variants capability as a front-end for
Options Modeler in Creo Parametric. In Windchill, you can define options and
choices up front for the product structure. The options and choices can then
be leveraged in the Configurable Product assembly in Creo Parametric. In
addition, using Windchill you can also define logical 'include' and 'exclude'
rules between the options and choices to control what combinations are
selectable.
In the preferences manager, set the configurable model support
preference to yes to enable the Options and Variants capability
in Windchill.
To learn more about Windchill Options and Variants capability, refer to the
Managing Design Variations with Windchill PDMLink 10.1 training course
from PTC University.
Using the Creo Options Modeler Application

You can run Options Modeler within Creo Parametric, or as a stand-alone
app (In Creo Parametric 2.0 release M010 or later). Within Creo Parametric,
the Creo Options Modeler application behaves similar to Assembly mode.
In addition to the Options Modeler functionality, most Assembly mode
functionality is available. However, you cannot create 3-D models from
scratch with the Options Modeler application.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 3
Exploring a Configurable Assembly

A configurable assembly contains defined options to configure
multiple components.
nl
y
A configurable assembly is
overbuilt.
Multiple options assembled
simultaneously.
Configure the overbuilt assembly
as desired using Options Modeler.
Components are swapped.
Position updated.
te
rn
al
U
se
Figure 1 - Viewing the Overbuilt

Assembly
In
Figure 2 - Viewing the Off-Road

Configuration
Figure 3 - Viewing the Road

Configuration
Exploring a Configurable Assembly
Fo
r
PT
A configurable assembly contains defined options to configure multiple

components. Consequently, it is overbuilt, as shown in the configurable
motorcycle assembly in Figure 1. For example, both road and off-road tires
are assembled simultaneously. You can then configure the motorcycle
assembly as desired using Options Modeler functionality.
In the procedure, you open the configurable product assembly, which includes
configurable modules. You then open the front wheel configurable module.
Notice that it contains two different types of wheels.
You then use the variant builder to select from the various defined options,
including fuel tank size, headlights, engine size, frame length, and tire type.
The assembly regenerates to swap components but also updates component
position and child components.
Module 1 | Page 4
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Exploring a Configurable Assembly

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Motorbike
Task 1:
NO FILES OPEN
Explore the MOTORBIKE.ASM assembly.
O
U
se
al
2. In the Open dialog box, select

Assembly (*.asm) from the Type
drop-down menu.
Notice the numerous
assemblies in this folder.
Select Configurable Module
from the Sub-type drop-down
menu.
Notice there are a lot fewer
assemblies in this folder.
nl
y
1. Click Open
from the Data
group in the ribbon.
te
rn

Configurable Product from the
Sub-type drop-down menu.
In
4. Notice that there is only one of

this assembly type.
PT
5. Select CONFIGURABLE_
MOTORBIKE.ASM and click
Open.
Fo
r
6. Disable all Datum Display types.
7. Notice the overbuilt assembly.

8. Zoom in to the front wheel
assembly.
9. Notice that there are two versions
of the front wheel assembly
simultaneously assembled.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 5
10. In the model tree, expand the

FRONT_WHEEL_MODULE.
ASM.
nl
y
11. Notice that this assembly is a

MODULE containing two module
variants.
U
se
12. In the model tree, right-click

FRONT_WHEEL_MODULE.
ASM and select Open.
te
rn
14. Notice the two module variants

are visible separately.
al
13. Click Exploded View

from
the Model Display group if
necessary to toggle it on.
In
15. In the model tree, expand

FRONT_WHEEL_TOUR.ASM.
Expand FRONT_WHEEL_
KNOB.ASM.
Notice the contents of each of
the variants.
Fo
r
PT
from the Quick

16. Click Close
Access toolbar.
Module 1 | Page 6
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Configure an off-road version of the motorbike.
1. In the ribbon, click Variant

Builder
from the
Configuration group.
2. In the Variant Builder dialog box,
under the Options List pane,
O
U
se
te
rn
al

select the check boxes for the
following options:
Small
no
125cc
short
offroad
nl
y
and select
click Settings
Expand All.
Under the Model Graphics
pane, notice the current
preview, and orient the model
as shown.
PT
In
4. Notice that the preview in

the Model Graphics pane
updates; however, the assembly
components are not updated to
the new placement.
Fo
r

click Update Assembly and
click Yes > OK.
6. Click Refit
from the In
Graphics toolbar.
7. Notice that the assembly
components have now updated.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 7
Task 3:
Configure an on-road version of the motorbike.
1. Click Variant Builder
te
rn
al
3. Notice that the preview in

the Model Graphics pane
updates; however, the assembly
components are not updated to
the new placement.
U
se
and select
click Settings
Expand All.
Select the check boxes for the
following options:
Large
yes
450cc
long
road
nl
y

Fo
r
PT
In

click Model Tree Selection.
Under the Model Tree
pane, expand the MODULE
assemblies manually.
Notice that the variants were
automatically toggled in the
tree.
Keep in mind that there is not necessarily a 1:1 relationship

between a selected choice and the assembly components. Notice
in this case, several variants are associated with the long and short
choices within the Size option.

click Yes > OK.
6. Notice that the assembly
components have now updated.
Module 1 | Page 8
2012 PTC
2
nl
y
Module
Creating Interchange Assemblies
U
se
Module Overview
al
Creo Parametric provides a variety of tools for replacing one component or

sub-assembly in an assembly with another. Interchangeable components is
one method you can use to replace components. Options Modeler uses
interchangeable components to specify the desired options in an assembly.
te
rn
In this module, you learn about interchangeability and the different methods
available for creating replaceable components.
Objectives
Fo
r
PT
In

Understand interchangeability.
Replace components using family tables.
Understand interchange assemblies.
Replace components using a Functional Interchange assembly.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 1
Understanding Interchangeability
As a general rule, if you are able to replace components in a
Design assembly, you can utilize them in a Configurable Module
for Options Modeler.
nl
y
Options Modeler utilizes

interchangeable components.
Configurable Module
Uses replaceable components.
Establish interchangeability:
Interchange assembly
Common feature history.
Equivalent references.
Family table
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
Figure 1 - Viewing the Jaw

Interchangeable Models
Figure 3 - Viewing the Part and

Assembly Interchangeable Models
Fo
r
Figure 2 - Viewing the Family Table

Interchangeable Models
Understanding Interchangeability
Options Modeler utilizes interchangeable components within Configurable
Modules. Within a Configurable Module, components are setup to
be replaceable with each other. For example, you could establish
interchangeability within a Configurable Module using:
A family table of similar components.
An Interchange assembly The Interchange assembly uses a functional
interchange type. You can establish this interchange type between parts
and/or assemblies.
As a general rule, if you are able to replace components in a Design
assembly, you can utilize them in a Configurable Module for Options Modeler.
The figures illustrate interchangeable components for the configurable vice
assembly:
Module 2 | Page 2
2012 PTC
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Figure 1 displays the three separate jaw component models. These

components are made interchangeable based on a common feature history
for holes and surfaces.
Figure 2 displays the three different length handle parts. These components
are made interchangeable based on belonging to a family table.
Figure 3 displays the handle part and assembly components models.
These components are made interchangeable based on selecting
equivalent references.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 3
Replacing Components using Family Table

You can automatically replace components that are members of
a family with other members of the table.
Replace By: Family Table
nl
y
Family Table Members

Assembly References
te
rn
al
U
se
Figure 1 Family Table

Component List
Figure 3 Replaced Instance
In
Figure 2 Original Instance
Replacing Components using Family Table
PT
You can automatically replace any component that is part of a family table
with another instance of that family table.
Fo
r
. In the
In the Replace dialog box, click Family Table, then click Open
Family Table dialog box, select a component to replace the current instance.
Assembly References
When you automatically replace a component, the children of the original
component may not be able to reference the new component. For example,
an instance of a family table may not have the same number of holes as the
original instance. In this situation, after replacing the instance, you need to
edit the assembly definition to account for fewer holes.
Best Practices
Replacing components by family table is a fast and easy way to swap
components in and out of an assembly. This is a common method when
working with standard hardware libraries that are often created with family
tables.
Module 2 | Page 4
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Replacing Components using Family

Table
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Component_Operations\Replace_Family-Table
CLAMP_RFT.ASM
Replace BOLT_10-15_RFT.PRT with BOLT_10-36_RFT.PRT
using Family Table.
nl
y
Task 1:
3. Right-click and select Replace.
in the Replace
In
5. Click Open
dialog box.
te
rn
al
4. In the Replace dialog box, select

Family Table.
U
se
2. In the model tree, select

the first instance of
BOLT_10-15_RFT.PRT.
PT
6. Select BOLT_10-36_RFT.PRT
and then click OK in the Family
Tree dialog box.
Fo
r
7. Click OK in the Replace dialog

box.
8. In the model tree, press CTRL

and select the three remaining
BOLT_10-15_RFT.PRT
components.
9. Right-click and select Replace.
10. In the Replace dialog box, select
Family Table.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 5
11. Click Open

dialog box.
in the Replace
12. Select BOLT_10-36_RFT.PRT

and then click OK in the Family
Tree dialog box.
nl
y

box.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
Module 2 | Page 6
2012 PTC
Understanding Interchange Assemblies

Interchange assemblies enable the automatic replacement and
substitution of components.
Interchange Component Types:
Functional
Simplify
Component
U
se
nl
y
Component
Figure 1 Pairing References of a Functional Component
al
Understanding Interchange Assemblies
In
te
rn
You can use interchange assemblies to manage components that are

frequently substituted for one another. In the interchange assembly, you
can predefine and save paired references that are used to assemble the
components within design assemblies. Creating an interchange assembly is
useful when you have a number of components that are frequently replaced
with one another in many assemblies throughout your enterprise.
There are two types of interchange components that you can add to an
interchange assembly:
Fo
r
PT
Functional interchange components replace functional components in an

assembly.
Simplify interchange components substitute for components in a simplified
representation.
Interchange Assembly Rules

The following rules apply to interchange assemblies:
The first component in an interchange assembly is, by default, a functional
component. Subsequent components can be functional or simplify
components.
You can assemble simplify components to packaged functional
components.
You cannot assemble functional components to packaged functional
components.
You can only reference a functional component when creating or
assembling a simplify component.
You cannot reference a simplify component when creating or assembling
another simplify component.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 7
You can use the same component twice in an interchange assembly, once
as a functional component and once as a simplify component.
You cannot add another instance of a component if the generic instance
is already in the interchange. You cannot add the generic instance of a
component if an instance is already in the interchange.
Interchange assemblies are identified by the .ASM extension; however, you
cannot assemble an interchange assembly in a regular design assembly.
Best Practices
nl
y
A component that is replaced or substituted using an interchange assembly

becomes a child of that interchange assembly. Because of this, the
interchange assembly is a required reference of that assembled component.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
Maintaining the interchange assembly is logical if you have a group of

components that are frequently replaced or substituted throughout your
enterprise. If the component is not replaced or substituted frequently, an
interchange assembly may be unnecessary. It is important to ensure that
maintaining the interchange assembly throughout your products lifecycle
provides value to your organization.
Module 2 | Page 8
2012 PTC
Replacing using a Functional Interchange

Assembly
You can use functional interchange assemblies to define and
save component replacement references.
Create Reference Tag Features
nl
y
Reference Tag Tool

Based on Assembly
Using Evaluate
te
rn
al
U
se
Figure 1 Paired Reference Tag
Figure 2 Selected Reference Tag
In
Replacing using a Functional Interchange Assembly
PT
A functional interchange assembly is a special assembly subtype that defines

automatic replacement for a set of components.
You can create an interchange assembly by clicking New . Then from the
New dialog box, select Assembly as the type and Interchange as the subtype.
Fo
r
Functional Components
Any component that you want to automatically replace is added to the

interchange assembly as a functional component.
You can add functional components by clicking Functional
from the Component group in the ribbon.
or Create
Reference Tags
Reference tags are features that identify and pair assembly references that
are common to each component in an interchange assembly.
Each reference tag contains a set of references selected from components
in the interchange assembly. These common references are considered
equivalent when any of these components are replaced by one another in a
design assembly. Each reference tag feature contains one common set of
assembly references.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 9
To create reference tags, click Reference Tag

in the Reference Pairing
group in the ribbon, press CTRL, and select the appropriate reference from
each component.
Reference Pairing Table

The Reference Pairing table contains tools to automatically create and pair
reference tags. To open the Reference Pairing Table dialog box, click Ref
in the Reference Pairing group in the ribbon. Once the
Pairing Table
dialog box opens, there are two workflows used to create and pair reference
tags.
nl
y
Create and Pair Reference Tags Based on an Assembly
Reference tags are automatically created based on how the active component
is referenced in a selected assembly.
U
se
Active Component Select the active component. This is the component

you want to replace.
In
te
rn
al
in the Reference
Create Tags based on assembly Click Open
Pairing Table dialog box, and select the assembly that you want to use to
identify the required reference tags.
Create Required Tags Click Create Required Tags in the Reference
Pairing Table dialog box. A tag is created for each reference used by the
active component.
Pairing Click the first tag in the list, press CTRL, and select corresponding
geometry from each component in the interchange assembly. Repeat the
process for each reference tag in the list. Click OK when all reference
tags have been paired.
Create and Pair Reference Tags Based on Evaluation Rules
PT
Reference tags for datum type geometry are automatically created and
paired based on a set of rules.
Fo
r
Active Component Select the active component.

Components to Pair Activate the Components to Pair field of the dialog
box, press CTRL, and select each component for which you want to create
reference tags.
Evaluate In the Evaluate drop-down list, select Evaluate and Create Tags.
This automatically populates the tag list with every datum feature found in
the active model. If the rules can find equivalent features in the selected to
pair components, they are automatically paired. If no pairs are found, you
can manually pair or remove the tags. Click OK when you are finished.
You can toggle the display of these rules on and off by clicking the
Evaluation Rules button.
Best Practices
A component that you replace using an interchange assembly becomes a
child of that interchange assembly. Therefore, the interchange assembly is a
required reference of that assembled component.
Maintaining the interchange assembly is logical if you have a group of
components that are frequently replaced or substituted throughout your
Module 2 | Page 10
2012 PTC
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
enterprise. If the component is not replaced or substituted frequently, an

interchange assembly may be unnecessary. It is important to ensure that
maintaining the interchange assembly throughout your products lifecycle
provides value to your organization.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 11
PROCEDURE - Replacing using a Functional Interchange

Assembly
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Component_Operations\Interchange_Functional
Task 1:
CARB.ASM
Create a functional interchange assembly.
nl
y
from the Quick Access toolbar.

2. Click New
Select Assembly as the type and Interchange as the subtype.
Edit the Name to ic_carb and click OK.
U
se
3. In the ribbon, select the Model tab, if necessary. Click Functional

from the Component group.
4. In the Open dialog box, select CARB.PRT and click Open.

.
al
5. Click Functional
te
rn
6. In the Open dialog box, select CARB2.PRT and click Open.

7. Click Complete Component
In
8. Click Ref Pairing Table

from
the Reference Pairing group.
PT
9. Select CARB.PRT as the Active

Component.
Fo
r
10. In the Reference Pairing Table

.
dialog box, click Open
CARB.ASM and click Open.
12. If required, move the models and resize the Reference Pairing Table
dialog box so that you have access to both.
13. In the Reference Pairing Table dialog box, click Create Required
Tags and then click the newly generated tag, TAG_0.
14. In the graphics window, select
the reference in CARB2.PRT
that corresponds to the
TAG_0 reference displayed
in CARB.PRT.
Module 2 | Page 12
2012 PTC

dialog box, click TAG_1.
that corresponds to the TAG_1
reference.
te
rn
21. Click OK.
Use the interchange assembly to replace CARB.PRT with

CARB2.PRT.
In
Task 2:
al

reference.
U
se

nl
y

reference.
1. Click Windows
> CARB.ASM
from the Quick Access toolbar to
activate it.
PT
2. In the model tree, right-click

CARB.PRT and select Replace.
Fo
r
3. In the Replace dialog box, click

Open
4. Expand the IC_CARB interface,

select CARB2.PRT and click OK.
box.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 13
nl
y
O
U
se
al
te
rn
In
C
PT
Fo
r
Module 2 | Page 14
2012 PTC
3
nl
y
Module
U
se
Creating Configurable Modules and

Products
Module Overview
te
rn
al
A Configurable Product and Configurable Module are two new assembly

types within Creo Parametric. A Configurable Module is an assembly in a
Configurable Product that supports multiple design variations. A Configurable
Module contains module variants which are independent models that are
interchangeable with the other variants in the Configurable Module.
Objectives
In
In this module, you learn how to create new Configurable Modules and
Products as well as create Configurable Modules and Products from existing
Design assemblies. You also learn various ways to add module variants to
Configurable Modules.
Fo
r
PT

Create Configurable Modules and Products.
Create a Configurable Module from an Interchange assembly.
Add module variants to Configurable Modules.
Assemble with Configurable Products.
Create Configurable Product sub-assemblies.
Transfer components into Configurable Modules.
Utilize family tables in Configurable Modules.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 1
Creating Configurable Modules and Products
In
te
rn
al
U
se
The assembly or sub-assembly.
Configurable Module
Interchangeable part or assembly component.
Filter by assembly sub-type.
Creation methods:
Create new.
Save from existing Design/Interchange assembly.
nl
y
Options Modeler enables you to create two new assembly

sub-types: the Configurable Product and the Configurable
Module.
PT
Figure 1 Creating a New

Figure 2 Creating a New

Configurable Module
Creating Configurable Modules and Products
Fo
r
Options Modeler enables you to create two new assembly sub-types (in
addition to the existing Design assembly):
Configurable Product Think of a Configurable Product as the assembly or
sub-assembly within Options Modeler.
Configurable Module Think of a Configurable Module as a part or
assembly component that is interchangeable within Options Modeler.
Configurable products and modules both have *.asm file extensions;

however, the system distinguishes them from each other and from Design
assemblies in the following ways:
You can filter by assembly sub-type when opening models. For example,
sub-types include Design, Interchange, Configurable Module, Configurable
Product, and so on. The two Configurable sub-types are new.
Unique Options Modeler functionality is only available with configurable
assemblies (module or product).
Module 3 | Page 2
2012 PTC
Creating Configurable Products

You can create Configurable Products using either of the following methods:
You can click File > New > Configurable Product, as shown in Figure 1.
From an open, existing Design assembly, you can click File > Save As >
Save as Configurable Product. This enables you to convert existing Design
assemblies to configurable assemblies.
nl
y
If the Design assembly you are converting contains a Design

sub-assembly, you can convert the Design sub-assembly to a
configurable assembly at the same time within the Assembly
Save as Configurable Product dialog box. Simply select Save as
Configurable Product from the Action column drop-down list for
the sub-assembly.
Creating Configurable Modules
U
se
You can create Configurable Modules using either of the following methods:
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
You can click File > New > Configurable Module, as shown in Figure 2.
From an open, existing Interchange assembly, you can click File > Save
As > Save as Configurable Module. This enables you to convert existing
interchange assemblies to configurable assemblies.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 3
PROCEDURE - Creating Configurable Modules and

Products
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\New
te
rn
Display types:
al
2. Enable only the following Datum
1. Click New
from the Quick
Access toolbar.
Select Assembly as the Type.
as the Sub-type.
Notice the default Name of
module0001.
Click OK.
nl
y
Create a new Configurable Module.
U
se
Task 1:
NO FILES OPEN
Fo
r
PT
In
3. Notice the module symbol in the model tree.
4. Locate the Component group in the ribbon.

5. Notice the Add Module Variant
Module 3 | Page 4
icon.
2012 PTC
6. Locate the Configuration group

in the ribbon.
7. Notice the Assign Choices
icon.
from the Quick
8. Click Close
Access toolbar.
te
rn
al
1. Click New
from the Quick
Access toolbar.
Select Assembly as the Type.
Select Configurable Product
as the Sub-type.
Notice the default Name of
confasm0001.
Click OK.
nl
y
Create a new Configurable Product.
U
se
Task 2:
Fo
r
PT
In
2. Notice the configurable assembly symbol in the model tree.
3. Locate the Component group in

the ribbon.
4. Notice the Assemble
2012 PTC
icon.
Module 3 | Page 5
5. Locate the Configuration group in the ribbon.

6. Notice the Variant Builder
Save a Design assembly as a Configurable Product.
Task 3:
from the Quick Access toolbar.
nl
y
7. Click Close
icon.
U
se
1. Click Open
from the Quick
Access toolbar.
te
rn
3. Notice the model tree. This is a

standard Design assembly.
al
2. In the File Open dialog box,

select VICE.ASM and click
Open.
4. Click File > Save As > Save as

Configurable Product.
In
5. Type CONFIG_VICE as the New

Name and click OK.
PT
6. In the Assembly Save as

Configurable Product dialog box,
click Save Copy and Open.
Fo
r
7. Notice the new model is a

Configurable assembly.
8. Click Close
to return to the Design assembly.
Module 3 | Page 6
2012 PTC
Creating a Configurable Module from an

Interchange Assembly
You can convert existing interchange assemblies to configurable
assemblies.
nl
y
Creation methods:
Create new.
Save from existing Interchange
assembly.
te
rn
al
U
se
Figure 1 Interchange and

Configurable Module Model Trees
Figure 3 Configurable Module

Ribbon Icons
In
Figure 2 Interchange Assembly

Ribbon Icons
Creating a Configurable Module from an Interchange Assembly
You can create Configurable Modules using either of the following methods:
Fo
r
PT
You can click File > New > Configurable Module.

From an open, existing Interchange assembly, you can click File > Save
As > Save as Configurable Module. This enables you to convert existing
interchange assemblies to configurable assemblies.
Once the Configurable Module is created and opened, the Options Modeler
functionality becomes available:
The model tree icons update, as shown in Figure 1.
The Configuration group becomes available in the ribbon, as shown in
Figures 2 and 3.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 7
PROCEDURE - Creating a Configurable Module from

an Interchange Assembly
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Interchange
Open an Interchange assembly and save it as a Configurable

Module.
nl
y
Task 1:
NO FILES OPEN
1. Click Open
from the Data
group in the ribbon.
U
se
al
te
rn

select Interchange from the
Sub-type drop-down menu.

select Assembly (*.asm) from
the Type drop-down menu.
Notice the two assemblies in
this folder.
PT
In
4. Notice that there is only one of

this assembly type.
5. Select ASM0001.ASM and click

Open.
Fo
r
7. Click File > Save As > Save as Configurable Module.

8. In the Save as Configurable Module dialog box, type asm0003 as
the New Name.
Click OK.
Click Save Copy.
Module 3 | Page 8
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Open the newly created Configurable Module.
1. Click Open
nl
y

select Assembly (*.asm) from
the Type drop-down menu.
menu.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
4. Notice the contents of the model

tree.

select ASM0003.ASM and click
Open.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 9
Adding Module Variants to Configurable Modules
Figure 1 Viewing the Variants

and Corresponding Reference
te
rn
al
U
se
Add variants:
Consider the references used
to assemble the component.
Each variant is placed to the
right of the previous.
Create and match reference tags:
Automatic.
Evaluation Rules.
Manual.
nl
y
Each variant is a potential component that can be replaced by

any other variant in the Configurable Module.
Figure 2 Viewing References in the Ref Pairing Table
Adding Module Variants to Configurable Modules
In
You can add variants to a Configurable Module. Each added variant is

a potential component that can be replaced by any other variant in the
Configurable Module. In Figure 1, there are three variants added to the
Configurable Module.
PT
Before adding variants, consider the references used to assemble the

component itself, as well as the references used to assemble any child
components.
Fo
r
As you add module variants, the system places each new variant to the right
of the previous variant in an exploded position. In the ribbon, you can use
Edit Position
to edit the position of the variants. You can also toggle the
exploded view on or off using Exploded View
Creating Reference Tags

The system uses a series of reference tags to match equivalent geometry
between the Module Variants, which is very similar to interchange assembly
functionality. For example, the cylindrical hole surface in Figure 1 has been
tagged.
There are two different methods to create reference tags:
Create tags based on an existing assembly You must specify the active
component and specify an assembly in which the active component is
assembled. If you then click Create Required Tags, the system creates
tags for any reference used to assemble the component or references used
Module 3 | Page 10
2012 PTC
by child components. In Figure 2, the system created five tags based on

the references used to assemble the active component.
Create the tags manually You can click Add Tag
at the bottom of the
Reference Pairing Table dialog box to create the tags manually.
Matching Reference Tags

Once the tags are created, you must match the references from the active
component to each of the added Module Variants. There are two different
methods to match the tag references:
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Enable the system to automatically match the tag references You can
click Evaluate to have the system automatically specify the Module Variant
references. The system uses a set of evaluation rules to help determine
the references. The available rules, and their order, are:
Component Interfaces
Same Name (and Type)
Same History
Same Parameters
Same ID (and Type)
You can switch the rule order as desired.
Manually match the reference tags You can manually match the
reference tags by specifying the corresponding geometry in each of the
Module Variants. There are two different ways to specify the corresponding
geometry:
Drag the reference handle to the appropriate reference.
Press CTRL and select the reference. This is useful when it is necessary
to query-select a reference.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 11
PROCEDURE - Adding Module Variants to Configurable

Modules
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Add-Variants
Task 1:
VICE.ASM
Examine the existing VICE.ASM assembly.
nl
y
In
te
rn
al
3. View the contents of the model

tree.
U
se
2. Notice the standard assembly.

JAW_SLIDE_STD.PRT.
PT
5. Right-click and select Edit

Definition.
Fo
r
6. Notice the constraints in the

graphics window.
7. Select the Distance constraint.
8. Click Cancel Component
from the dashboard.

LEADSCREW.PRT.
Definition.
11. Notice the constraints in the
graphics window.
12. Select the Centered constraint.
Module 3 | Page 12
2012 PTC

HANDLE.PRT.
Definition.
16. In the dashboard, select the
Placement tab.
17. Select the Coincident constraint
shown.
19. Click Close
nl
y

.
Task 2:
U
se
When creating Configurable modules, consider references used

to assemble the component itself as well as references used to
assemble any child components.
Add module variants to the JAW_MODULE.ASM assembly.
from the Data group in the ribbon.
al
1. Click Open
te
rn
2. In the File Open dialog box, select Assembly (*.asm) from the Type
drop-down menu.
Select Configurable Module from the Sub-type drop-down menu.
Select JAW_MODULE.ASM and click Open.
In
This assembly is a Configurable Module, which is indicated by

the model tree icon and available ribbon groups.
PT
3. In the ribbon, click Add Module

Variant
from the Component
group.
Fo
r

JAW_SLIDE_STD.PRT and click
Open.
5. Click Add Module Variant

JAW_SLIDE_CURV.PRT and
click Open.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 13

JAW_SLIDE_TALL.PRT and
click Open.
nl
y
9. In the ribbon, click Ref Pairing

from the References
Table
Pairing group.
PT
In
te
rn
13. In the Reference Pairing

Table dialog box, click Create
Required Tags.
Select the TAG_0 row.
Press CTRL and query-select
the corresponding reference.
U
se

Open.
al
11. Select JAW_SLIDE_STD.PRT

.
and click Open Assembly
10. Click in the Active Component

collector to activate it.
Fo
r

dialog box, select the TAG_1
row.
15. Press CTRL and query-select
the corresponding reference.

dialog box, select the TAG_2
row.
17. Drag the handle to select the
corresponding reference.
Module 3 | Page 14
2012 PTC
18. Select the TAG_3 row.

nl
y
In
te
rn
al
22. Notice that these reference tags

have a manual match.
U
se

Fo
r
PT

Table dialog box, click in the
Components to Pair collector to
activate it.
Select JAW_SLIDE_TALL.
PRT.

dialog box, click Evaluate.
25. Notice that these tags have an
automatic match based on the
Same History rule.
26. Select each tag row and notice the highlighted references.
27. Click OK in the Reference Pairing Table dialog box.
The tags for the JAW_MODULE.ASM assembly could have all
been created entirely automatically or entirely manually.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 15
Task 3:
Add module variants to the HANDLE_MODULE.ASM assembly.
1. Click Open
2. In the File Open dialog box, select Assembly (*.asm) from the Type
drop-down menu.
Select HANDLE_MODULE.ASM and click Open.
U
se
nl
y

,
select HANDLE.PRT and click
Open.
PT
In
te
rn
al

,
select HANDLE_2.ASM and click
Open.
Fo
r
5. Click Ref Pairing Table

and
click in the Active Component
6. Select HANDLE.PRT and click
Open Assembly
.

Open.
Module 3 | Page 16
2012 PTC
nl
y

Table dialog box, click Create
Required Tags.
Select the TAG_0 row.
Drag the handle to select
the corresponding surface
reference.
11. Press CTRL and select the

corresponding datum plane
reference.
te
rn
13. Click OK in the Reference

Pairing Table dialog box.
al
12. Disable Plane Display
U
se
10. Enable Plane Display
Fo
r
PT
In
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 17
Assembling with Configurable Products

Assembling a Configurable Module to a Configurable Product is
very similar to assembling to a Design assembly with constraints
or connections.
nl
y
To ensure interchangeability:
Only tagged references are
selectable.
When assembling a Configurable
Module:
Only the current Active Variant
is shown.
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
Figure 1 Viewing Component

References
Figure 2 Viewing Child References
Figure 3 Model Tree Showing

the Active Variants
Fo
r
Assembling with Configurable Products

You can assemble the following to a Configurable Product:
Other configurable products, which become configurable sub-assemblies.
Standard part models.
Standard Design assemblies, which become sub-assemblies.
In this topic, we focus on assembling Configurable Modules and
standard part models.
Assembling to a Configurable Product is very similar to assembling to

a Design assembly with constraints or connections. However, keep the
following in mind:
To ensure interchangeability when referencing Configurable Modules,
only tagged references are selectable. This is true when assembling the
Configurable Module itself, or when assembling child components to the
Module 3 | Page 18
2012 PTC
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Configurable Module. If the component is a standard part or assembly,

any references may be selected.
When assembling a Configurable Module, only the current Active Variant
is shown. Remember that the active variant is indicated by a blue star
in the Configurable Module.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 19
PROCEDURE - Assembling with Configurable Products

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Assemble
Task 1:
CONFIG_VICE.ASM
Assemble the JAW_MODULE.ASM assembly.
U
se
nl
y
2. Notice that the existing

components are standard
part models.
3. Click Refit
from the In Graphics toolbar.
al
4. Select Assemble
from the Assemble types drop-down menu
in the Component group.
In
te
rn
5. In the Open dialog box, select Assembly (*.asm) from the Type
drop-down menu.
Select JAW_MODULE.ASM and click Open.
6. Create two Centered constraints.
Fo
r
PT
7. Drag the component as shown.
8. Create a Distance constraint.

9. Edit the distance value to 30.
Module 3 | Page 20
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Assemble the LEADSCREW.PRT component.
1. Click Assemble
and
double-click LEADSCREW.PRT.
2. Reorient the assembly
approximately as shown.
nl
y
3. Create a Coincident constraint

referencing the cylindrical
surfaces.
U
se

referencing the planar surfaces.
al
Select the end of

LEADSCREW.PRT and
the bottom of the hole in
the JAW_SLIDE_STD.PRT
component.
Assemble the HANDLE_MODULE.ASM assembly.
In
Task 3:
te
rn
Fo
r
PT
1. Click Assemble
and select
Assembly (*.asm) from the Type
drop-down menu.
menu.
Select HANDLE_MODULE.
ASM and click Open.
2. Reorient the assembly.
surfaces.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 21

referencing datum planes.
nl
y
al
U
se
8. The assembly displays as

shown.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
9. Expand the model tree nodes to

view the configurable structure.
Module 3 | Page 22
2012 PTC
Creating Configurable Product Sub-Assemblies
Figure 1 Viewing a Configurable

Product Sub-Assembly
In
te
rn
al
U
se
To ensure interchangeability:
Only tagged references are
selectable.
When assembling a Configurable
Product:
All of the variants within any
Configurable Modules are
shown.
You can only select references
from the Active Variant.
nl
y
Assembling a Configurable Product to another Configurable

Product is very similar to assembling to a Design assembly with
constraints or connections.
PT
Figure 2 Assembling a Configurable

Product Sub-Assembly
Figure 3 Model Tree Showing

Assembled Configurable Product
Sub-Assembly
Fo
r
Creating Configurable Product Sub-Assemblies

You can assemble the following to a Configurable Product:
Other configurable products, which become configurable sub-assemblies.
Standard part models.
Standard Design assemblies, which become sub-assemblies.
In this topic, we focus on assembling Configurable Product
sub-assemblies into Configurable Products.
Assembling to a Configurable Product is very similar to assembling to

a Design assembly with constraints or connections. However, keep the
following in mind:
To ensure interchangeability when referencing Configurable Products,
only tagged references are selectable. This is true when assembling the
Configurable Product itself, or when assembling child components to the
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 23
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Configurable Product. If the component is a standard part or assembly,

any references may be selected.
When assembling a Configurable Product, all of the variants within any
Configurable Module are shown. However, you can still only select
references from the Active Variant. Remember the active variant is
indicated by a blue star in the Configurable Module.
Module 3 | Page 24
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Creating Configurable Product

Sub-Assemblies
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Sub-Assemblies
Task 1:
CONFIG_JAW_SUB.ASM
Assemble components into the CONFIG_JAW_SUB.ASM

assembly.
nl
y
U
se
2. Notice that this assembly is a

configurable product.
te
rn
4. In the Open dialog

box, double-click
JAW_MODULE.ASM.
al
3. Select Assemble
from
the Assemble types drop-down
menu in the Component group.
In
5. Right-click in the graphics

window and select Default
Constraint.
PT
7. Click Assemble
and
double-click LEADSCREW.PRT.
Fo
r
8. Reorient the model

approximately as shown.
surfaces.

referencing the planar surfaces.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 25
12. Click Assemble

and double-click
HANDLE_MODULE.ASM.
surfaces.
nl
y
.
.
18. The sub-assembly displays as

shown.
In
te
rn
U
se
al

referencing datum planes.
PT

nodes to view the configurable
structure.
.
Fo
r
20. Click Close
Module 3 | Page 26
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Assemble the CONFIG_JAW_SUB.ASM assembly into the

CONFIG_VICE.ASM assembly.
nl
y
1. Click Open
, select
CONFIG_VICE.ASM, and
click Open.
3. Create two Centered constraints.

4. Drag the component as shown.
al
5. Create a Distance constraint.
U
se
2. Click Assemble
and double-click
CONFIG_JAW_SUB.ASM.
6. Edit the distance value to 30.
PT
In
te
rn
Fo
r
8. The assembly appears

overbuilt, as shown.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 27
nl
y

nodes to view the configurable
structure.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
Module 3 | Page 28
2012 PTC
Transferring Components into Configurable

Modules
Within a Configurable Product assembly, you may select single
or multiple components to transfer to a Configurable Module.
U
se
nl
y
Select existing Configurable

Module.
Create a new Configurable Module
on-the-fly.
Options during transfer:
Perform autotagging.
Open the module.
In
te
rn
al
Figure 1 Original Model Tree
Figure 3 Transfer Components

into Module Dialog Box
Figure 3 Model Tree After Transfer
PT
Transferring Components into Configurable Modules
Fo
r
Within a Configurable Product assembly, you may select single or multiple

components to transfer to a Configurable Module. The Configurable Module
to transfer into can be selected from existing modules, or created on-the-fly.
You can also select the following options from the Transfer Components
into Module dialog box:
Perform autotagging for placement references of design solutions.
Open the module and review/edit its tags upon the transferring.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 29
PROCEDURE - Transferring Components into

Configurable Modules
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Transfer
Task 1:
CONFIG_VICE.ASM
Examine the existing assembly.
nl
y
U
se
2. The configurable assembly

appears overbuilt, as shown.
Transfer a single component into a new Module.
In
Task 2:
te
rn
al
3. Observe the structure in the

model tree.
PT
1. Select JAW_SLIDE_STD.PRT
from the model tree.
Fo
r
2. In the ribbon, click Transfer

to Module
from the
3. In the Transfer Components into
Module dialog box, click New
Module .
Type JAW_MODULE and
press ENTER.
Configure the options as
shown.
Click OK.
4. View the new module and the newly created tags in the Reference
Pairing Table dialog box.
Click OK.
Module 3 | Page 30
2012 PTC
5. Expand the node in the model

tree and view the structure.
Task 3:
nl
y
Transfer multiple components into a new Module.
U
se
In
te
rn
al
2. In the Transfer Components into

Module dialog box, click in the
Module to transfer into collector
to activate it.
Select JAW_MODULE.ASM
shown.
Click OK.
1. Press CTRL and select

JAW_SLIDE_CURV.PRT and
JAW_SLIDE_TALL.PRT from the
model tree and click Transfer to
.
Module
Fo
r
PT
3. In the Reference Pairing Table dialog box, click in the Active

Component collector to activate it.
Select JAW_SLIDE_STD.PRT as the active component.
Click in the Components to Pair collector to activate it.
Press CTRL and select JAW_SLIDE_TALL.PRT and
JAW_SLIDE_CURV.PRT.
Click Evaluate.
Click OK.
4. Expand the node in the model
tree and view the structure.
All three components could have been transferred in a single action.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 31
Utilizing Family Tables in Configurable Modules
Figure 1 Viewing Family Table

Instance Variants
In
te
rn
al
U
se
The generic model must be added

first.
The family table can preexist or be
created on-the-fly.
The Configurable Module may
also contain non- family table
components.
Reference tags do not need to be
created for instance variants.
nl
y
You can add instances of a family table component as variants

to a Configurable Module.
Figure 3 Viewing Instance and

Non-Instance Module Variants
PT
Figure 2 Viewing the Family Table
Utilizing Family Tables in Configurable Modules
Fo
r
You can utilize the built-in interchangeability of family table components within
Configurable Modules. You can add instances of a family table component
(part or assembly) to a Configurable Module, as long as the generic is added
first. The instance and generic name are visible in the model tree for each
instance added to the Configurable Module, as shown in Figure 1. The family
table can be preexisting, or it can be created on-the-fly after the generic
model is added to the module.
A Configurable Module may contain other components than only the generic
and its instances. In Figure 3, the left variant is a sub-assembly, and not
a family table instance such as the two right-most variants. Reference
tags only need to be created between the generic and the other non-family
table components in the module, provided that the references used for
interchangeability are not excluded from the family table instances.
Module 3 | Page 32
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Utilizing Family Tables in Configurable

Modules
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Family-Table
Task 1:
HANDLE_MODULE.ASM
Create handle instances with different lengths.
nl
y

2. Select HANDLE.PRT from the model tree, right-click, and select
Open.
te
rn
al
.
click Add Columns
Verify that Dimension is the
Add Item selected, and select
Extrude 1.
Select the 60 dimension and
click OK.
U
se
Family Table
4. In the Family Table dialog box,
3. Click the Model Intent group

drop-down menu and select
In
5. In the Family Table dialog box,
PT
click Insert Instance

twice.
Configure the family table as
shown.
Click OK.
Fo
r
to return to the
6. Click Close
HANDLE_MODULE.ASM.
Task 2:
Assemble instances to the HANDLE_MODULE.ASM assembly.
1. In the ribbon, click Add Module

Variant
from the Component
group.
HANDLE.PRT and click Open.
Select HANDLE_L and click
Open.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 33

HANDLE.PRT and click Open.
Select HANDLE_XL and click
Open.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y

node to view the configurable
structure.
Module 3 | Page 34
2012 PTC
4
O
Defining Options and Choices
nl
y
Module
U
se
Module Overview
al
In a Configurable Product, the product structure contains multiple design

variants to support a range of product configurations. To filter the product
structure you can create options that contain different choices. Finally, you
assign component geometry from the variants to the desired choices.
te
rn
In this module, you define choices and options, and assign component
geometry to the desired choices.
Objectives
Fo
r
PT
In

Define options.
Define choices.
Assign components to choices.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 1
Defining Options
Options are the container objects for choices.
Workflow:
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
from the Assign Choices dialog box.

Click Edit Choices
Double-click the Enter New Option text.
Type new option names.
Example options:
Type
Style
Figure 1 - Viewing the Assign

Choices Dialog Box
Figure 2 - Editing Options
PT
Defining Options
Fo
r
Options and choices define the selectable configurations that you can
create with Options Modeler. Options are the container objects for choices.
Examples of Options could include:
Type
Size
Style
Color
Country
from the Assign Choices

Options are defined by clicking Edit Choices
dialog box. You can then double-click the Enter New Option text and type
new option names. In the examples in this course, options and choices for
the vice assembly are:
Handle_Length
Handle_Style
Jaw_Type
Module 4 | Page 2
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Defining Options

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Options
Task 1:
CONFIG_VICE.ASM
Create options for the jaws and handle.
nl
y
2. The assembly appears as

shown.
PT
In
te
rn
al
4. Expand the nodes in the model

tree to examine the configurable
structure.
U
se
3. Notice the additional family table

length instances for the handle.
5. Click Assign Choices

the Configuration group.
from
Fo
r
6. In the Assign Choices dialog

box, click Edit Choices
.
Double-click Enter New
Option, type JAW_TYPE, and
press ENTER.
Double-click Enter
New Option, type
HANDLE_STYLE, and press
ENTER.
Double-click Enter
New Option, type
HANDLE_LENGTH, and
press ENTER.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 3
7. Click Complete Options and

from the Assign
Choices
Choices dialog box.
8. Click Close from the Assign
Choices dialog box.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Module 4 | Page 4
2012 PTC
Defining Choices
Choices are individual selections within options.
Workflow:
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
from the Assign Choices dialog box.

Click Edit Choices
Double-click the Enter New Choice text.
Type new choice names.
Example choices for Style option:
Basic
Deluxe
Figure 2 - Editing Choices
PT
Figure 1 - Viewing the Assign

Choices Dialog Box
Defining Choices
Fo
r
Options and choices define the selectable configurations that you can create
with Options Modeler. Choices are individual selections within options.
Examples of options with defined choices could include the following:
Options
Choices
Type
Economy
Off Road
Sport
Size
Small
Medium
Large
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 5
Options
Choices
Style
Basic
Deluxe
Red
Color
Green
United States
United Kingdom
U
se
Canada
Country
nl
y
Blue
al
Choices are defined by clicking Edit Choices

from the Assign Choices
dialog box. You can then double-click the Enter New Choice text and type
new choice names. In the examples in this course, options and choices for
the vice assembly are:
Choices
te
rn
Options
Handle_Length
PT
In
LG
Fo
r
Handle_Style
Handle_Type
MED
XLG
SIMPLE
SPINNER
CURVED
STANDARD
TALL
Module 4 | Page 6
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Defining Choices

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Choices
Task 1:
CONFIG_VICE.ASM
Create choices for the jaws and handle.

from
nl
y

U
se
In
te
rn
al

box, click Edit Choices
.
Expand the HANDLE_
LENGTH option.
Choice, type MED, and press
ENTER.
Choice, type LG, and press
ENTER.
Choice, type XLG, and press
ENTER.
3. Notice the defined options.
Fo
r
PT
5. In the Assign Choices dialog box,

expand the HANDLE_STYLE
option.
Choice, type SIMPLE, and
press ENTER.
Choice, type SPINNER, and
press ENTER.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 7
nl
y
6. In the Assign Choices dialog box,

expand the JAW_TYPE option.
Choice, type STANDARD,
and press ENTER.
Choice, type CURVED, and
press ENTER.
Choice, type TALL, and press
ENTER.
U
se
te
rn
al
8. Click Close from the Assign

Choices dialog box.
7. Click Complete Options and

Choices
from the Assign
Choices dialog box.
Fo
r
PT
In
Module 4 | Page 8
2012 PTC
Assigning Components to Choices

Assigning components to choices provides the link between
the selectable choices and the module variants that belong to a
configuration.
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Workflow:
Activate Assign Choices to collector.
Select module variant(s).
Include/exclude the selected component(s) from available options.
Achieve similar results using different combinations of Include/Exclude.
Figure 2 - Excluding Component

Geometry from a Choice
In
Figure 1 - Including Component

Geometry for a Choice
Assigning Components to Choices
PT
Options and choices define the selectable configurations that you can create
with Options Modeler. Assigning components to choices provides the link
between the selectable choices and the module variants that belong to a
configuration.
Fo
r
Components are assigned to choices using the Assign Choices dialog box.
Perform the following workflow to assign components to choices:
Click in the Assign choices to collector to activate it.
Select a module variant or press CTRL and select multiple module variants.
Once selected, you can include or exclude the selected component from
the available options.
For example, if you selected the JAW_SLIDE_TALL.PRT component, you
could create similar results using either of the following methods:
Include the JAW_SLIDE_TALL.PRT geometry with the Tall choice, as
shown in Figure 1.
Exclude the JAW_SLIDE_TALL.PRT geometry from the Curved and
Standard choices, as shown in Figure 2.
When assigning choices, consider the following:
Within a given option, multiple items can be set to either Include or Exclude.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 9
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
You can create a choice that excludes only a standard part or assembly
component as long as the component does not have any child components.
Module 4 | Page 10
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Assigning Components to Choices

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Assigning
Task 1:
CONFIG_VICE.ASM
Assign HANDLE.PRT instances to choices.

from
nl
y

U
se
al
box, click Settings

and
select Expand All.
The defined options and
choices display.
PT
In
te
rn

box, click in the Assign choices
to collector to activate it.
Expand the HANDLE_
MODULE.ASM node in the
model tree.
Select HANDLE.PRT.
Configure the choices as
shown.
Fo
r
5. Click in the Assign choices to

Select HANDLE_L<HANDLE>
.PRT from the model tree.
shown.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 11
Assign handle style components to choices.

.
U
se
Task 2:
nl
y

Select HANDLE_
XL<HANDLE>.PRT from
the model tree.
shown.
Click Close.
2. In the Assign Choices dialog box, click Settings

Expand All.
and select
PT
In
te
rn
al

Press CTRL and select
HANDLE.PRT, HANDLE_
L<HANDLE>.PRT, and
HANDLE_XL<HANDLE>.PRT
shown.
Fo
r
Since we have assigned

the handle parts to both the
Length choices and a Style
choice, you must select both
the style (SIMPLE) and a
Length choice for the handle
to appear when configuring
the assembly.
Module 4 | Page 12
2012 PTC
Assign jaw type components to choices.

.
U
se
Task 3:
nl
y

Right-click and select Remove
All.
Select HANDLE_2.ASM from
the model tree.
shown.
Click Close.
2. In the Assign Choices dialog box, click Settings

Expand All.
and select
PT
In
te
rn
al

Expand the JAW_MODULE.
ASM node in the model tree.
Select JAW_SLIDE_CURV.
PRT from the model tree.
shown.
Fo
r

Select JAW_SLIDE_STD.PRT
shown.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 13

Select JAW_SLIDE_TALL.
PRT from the model tree.
shown.
Click Close.
O
U
se
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
nl
y
Excluding the
JAW_SLIDE_TALL.PRT
from the Curved and
Standard choices creates a
similar result to including it
only in the Tall choice.
Module 4 | Page 14
2012 PTC
5
nl
y
Module
Utilizing Configurable Assemblies
U
se
Module Overview
te
rn
al
The variant builder enables you to configure an overbuilt assembly using the
available choices. Within the variant builder you can preview the current
configuration and save it as a new variant specification. These saved variant
specifications can then be applied at any time within the Configurable
Product. You can also create new product variants, enabling you to capture
the configuration in a new Design assembly.
In this module, you learn how to use the variant builder to create and save
new configurations, and save the configuration as a new product variant.
In
Objectives
Fo
r
PT

Understand the variant builder.
Utilize the variant builder.
Manage configurations.
Save new product variants.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 1
Understanding the Variant Builder
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
The Variant Builder dialog box contains three panes:

Options List
Model Tree
Model Graphics
There are two different selection modes available:
Options Selection
Model Tree Selection
nl
y
The variant builder is used to configure the assembly by

selecting choices.
Figure 1 - Viewing the Variant Builder Dialog Box
Fo
r
Understanding the Variant Builder

The variant builder is used to configure the assembly by selecting choices.
It contains numerous options for display, selecting, updating, and saving.
Different panes display in the Variant Builder dialog box depending on the
selection mode that is active. Selection modes include the following:
Options Selection The following panes are available in the Variant
Builder dialog box when Options Selection is active:
Options List Lists the options available for defining the assembly
configuration.
Model Tree Displays the assembly components and the option
assignments.
Model Graphics Displays the selected option choices in a preview
window.
When in Options Selection mode, you make selections for the desired
choices in the Options List, and the Model Tree and Model Graphics panes
update to reflect the selections.
Module 5 | Page 2
2012 PTC
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Model Tree Selection The following panes are available in the Variant
Builder dialog box when Model Tree Selection is active:
Model Tree
Model Graphics
When in Model Tree Selection mode, you make selections for the desired
choices in the Model Tree, and the Model Graphics pane updates to reflect
the selections.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 3
Utilizing the Variant Builder

Use the Variant Builder dialog box to specify choices, preview,
configuration results, and save new product variants.
nl
y
Select choices as desired.

Options Selection
Model Tree Selection
Model Tree and Model Graphics
panes dynamically update.
Update the assembly and
regenerate component position.
Variant builder display options.
In
te
rn
al
U
se
Figure 1 - Model Graphics

Pane Initial Preview
PT
Figure 2 - Selecting Choices
Figure 3 - Viewing the Configured

Assembly
Utilizing the Variant Builder
Fo
r
The Variant Builder dialog box is used to configure the assembly. Within it
you can choose from using either Options Selection or Model Tree Selection
modes to specify choices.
Use the following workflow when using the variant builder:
.
From the overbuilt assembly, click Variant Builder
All configurable components are grayed out in the initial preview, as shown
in Figure 1.
If in Options Selection mode, select choices as desired from the Options
List pane, as shown in Figure 2. If in Model Tree Selection mode, select
the desired model names directly from the Model Tree pane.
The Model Tree and Model Graphics panes update with the selected
choices in the Variant Builder dialog box.
You can then update the assembly and regenerate the component position
to display it properly in the graphics window, as shown in Figure 3.
Module 5 | Page 4
2012 PTC
Variant Builder Display Options

There are various display options within each of the panes of the Variant
Builder dialog box:
Options List Within the Options List pane, the following display options
are available:
Use the Find field for searching for options and choices. The search is
case-sensitive here.
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
and select from the following options:

Click Settings
Expand All Expands all the options.
Collapse All Collapses all the options.
Sort A to Z/Sort Z to A Sorts the options and choices alphabetically
from A to Z, or from Z to A.
Model Tree Within the Model Tree pane, the following display options
are available:
Click the Show button and choose from displaying the following:
Complete Modules Modules in which one variant is selected.
Incomplete Modules Modules in which more than one variant is
selected, or where there is ambiguity or conflicts present.
Excluded Modules Excluded modules.
Check All Shows all three of the module types.
In
and specify whether to

Click Choice Assignment Visibility
display the choice assignments. If you do specify choice assignments,
you can further specify whether to Show Included and Show Excluded
choices.
Fo
r
PT
and select from the following options:

Click Settings
Expand All Expands all branches.
Expand To Selected Expands the Model Tree pane to see the
components selected in the Model Graphics pane.
Collapse All Collapses all branches.
Sort A to Z/Sort Z to A Sorts the options and choices alphabetically
from A to Z, or from Z to A.
Model Graphics Within the Model Graphics pane, the following display
options are available:
Click the Show button and choose from displaying the following:
Complete Modules
Incomplete Modules
Excluded Modules
Check All
You can spin, pan, and zoom the preview model in the pane.
Selection and window selection is allowed in the Model Graphics pane.
Selected items highlight in the Model Tree pane.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 5
PROCEDURE - Utilizing the Variant Builder

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Variant-Builder
Task 1:
CONFIG_VICE.ASM
Configure the vice assembly to use the medium handle and the
standard jaw using Options Selection.
al

from
U
se
nl
y
2. The assembly model appears

overbuilt, as shown.
In
te
rn
4. In the Variant Builder dialog

box, under the Model Graphics
pane, zoom and rotate the model
and notice that the configurable
modules are grayed out since
they are not specified yet.
Fo
r
PT
5. Under the Model Graphics

pane, click Show and clear the
Incomplete Modules check box.
Click Show and select the
Incomplete Modules check
box.
Module 5 | Page 6
2012 PTC

under the Model Graphics pane,
O
U
se
al
7. Under the Model Tree pane, click

Show and clear the Incomplete
Modules check box.
Click Show and select the
Incomplete Modules check
box.
nl
y
and select
click Settings
Expand All.
Notice the configurable
modules are indicated with
yellow and red icons since
they are not specified yet.
te
rn

Fo
r
PT
In
and select
click Settings
Expand All.
shown.

under the Model Tree pane,
notice the configurable modules
are indicated with black check
marks since the options are now
specified.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 7

box, under the Model Graphics
pane, zoom and rotate the model
and notice that the configurable
models are now visible since
they are specified.
nl
y
11. In the Variant Builder dialog box, click Update Assembly and click
Yes > OK.
12. Notice that the assembly is updated in the graphics window.
Configure the vice assembly to use the extra long handle and the
tall jaw using Options Selection.
PT
In
te
rn
and select
click Settings
Expand All.
shown.
al

U
se
Task 2:
Fo
r
3. Under the Model Tree pane,

and select
click Settings
Expand All.
Notice the configurable
modules are indicated with
black check marks since the
options are now specified.
Module 5 | Page 8
2012 PTC
4. Under the Model Tree pane, click

Choice Assignment Visibility
and select the Show
Excluded check box.
5. Notice the Include and Exclude
assignments.
U
se
nl
y
6. Under the Model Graphics pane,

zoom and rotate the model and
notice that the configurable
models are now visible since
they are specified.
7. In the Variant Builder dialog box, click Update Assembly and click
Yes > OK.
Configure the vice assembly to use the spinner handle and the
curved jaw using Model Tree Selection.
te
rn
Task 3:
al
8. Notice that the assembly is updated in the graphics window.
In

3. Under the Model Tree pane,
Fo
r
PT
and select
click Settings
Expand All.
shown.
4. Under the Model Graphics pane,

notice the configurable models
are visible but placement is not
updated.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 9

click Yes > OK.
6. Notice that the assembly is
updated.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Module 5 | Page 10
2012 PTC
Managing Configurations
The variant builder prompts you to save the current configuration
each time you click one of the Update options.
Save configurations
Load configurations
Additional options:
nl
y
Option List Display

Update Representation
Re-apply Current
Configuration
Set Current Module Variant
te
rn
al
U
se
Figure 1 - Creating a New

Configuration
Figure 3 - Creating a New

Configuration from a File
In
Figure 2 - Saving the New

Configuration to the Assembly
Saving Configurations
PT
The variant builder prompts you to save the current configuration each time
you click one of the Update options. To save a configuration, type a name
Fo
r
in the list, and then click Management and Preferences

and select
Save Variant Spec. You can choose to save the spec in the assembly or to
a *.vsp file.
Loading Configurations
Once a specification is saved, you can click Apply Variant Specification

from the Configuration group in the ribbon to load previously saved
configurations. The benefit is that you can load configurations without
having to enter the Variant Builder dialog box each time. This same list of
configurations can also be found in the list at the top of the Variant Builder
dialog box.
Within the Variant Builder dialog box, you can also click Management and
Preferences
and select New Variant Spec > New Variant Spec from File.
This enables you to load a *.vsp file and create a new configuration.
Other Configuration Options

There are also additional configuration options available, as follows:
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 11
Within the Variant Builder dialog box, you can click Option List Display
from the Options List pane. This enables you to view a summary
of selected options.
Within the Variant Builder dialog box, you can click Update Representation
as an alternative to clicking Update Assembly. The Update Representation
option interchanges components only, and does not regenerate component
position.
nl
y
from the Configuration group.

Click Re-apply Current Configuration
This option enables you to regenerate component position based on the
current configuration of components. This option is useful in conjunction
with the Update Representation option in the Variant Builder dialog box.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
from the Configuration group. This

Click Set Current Module Variant
option enables you to select a module variant from the model tree and set
it to be current. The blue star symbol updates in the model tree, and the
graphics window displays the component. Depending on the situation,
you may have to exclude or regenerate position to update the display for
other components.
Module 5 | Page 12
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Managing Configurations

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Managing
Task 1:
CONFIG_VICE.ASM
Save and load configurations.

2. In the ribbon, click Apply Variant
nl
y
from the
Specification
al
5. The saved configuration appears

as shown.
U
se
4. Click OK from the Affected

Children dialog box.
3. In the Apply Spec dialog box,

select VICE_1 and click OK.
te
rn

from
Under the Options List pane,
Fo
r
PT
In
and select
click Settings
Expand All.
shown.
7. At the top of the Variant Builder dialog box, click in the field, type
VICE_2 as the new name, and press ENTER.
and select Save Variant
Click Management and Preferences
Spec > Save Variant Spec to Assembly.
Click Update Assembly and click OK.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 13

.
Under the Options List pane,
nl
y
and select
click Settings
Expand All.
shown.
U
se
9. At the top of the Variant Builder dialog box, click in the field, type
VICE_3 as the new name, and press ENTER.
te
rn
al
and select Save Variant

Click Management and Preferences
Spec > Save Variant Spec to Assembly.
Click Update Assembly and click OK.
.
11. At the top of the Variant Builder dialog box, click Management and
and select New Variant Spec > New Variant Spec
In
Preferences
from File.
PT
12. In the File Open dialog box, select MED_CURV.VSP and click File
Open.
Fo
r

click Option List Display
view the loaded options.
to
Click Option List Display

to toggle the display back to
summary display.
Module 5 | Page 14
2012 PTC

te
rn
al
Preferences
and select
Save Variant Spec > Save
Variant Spec to Assembly.
Click Update Assembly and
click OK.
U
se
15. At the top of the Variant Builder

dialog box, type VICE_4 as the
new name and press ENTER.
Click Management and
nl
y
and select
Click Settings
Expand All.
Click Options Selection.
In
16. Click Apply Variant

Specification
Fo
r
PT

notice that there are now four
saved configurations.

select VICE_3 and click OK.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 15
Task 2:
Utilize other Variant Builder options.
nl
y

box, select VICE_1 from the
drop-down list.
Click Update Representation.
Notice that the components
are switched, but their position
is not updated in the graphics
window.
from
U
se
Current Configuration
3. In the ribbon, click Re-apply
te
rn
5. Notice that the component

position is now updated in the
graphics window.
al

6. In the model tree, click Choice
In
Assignment Visibility
and select the Show Excluded
check box.
7. Expand the nodes in the model

tree.
Fo
r
PT
8. Expand the model tree and drag

the columns as necessary to
view the rep status.
9. Click in the Current Rep column
for the HANDLE.PRT and select
Exclude.
Module 5 | Page 16
2012 PTC
10. Select HANDLE_2.ASM from the

model tree.
11. In the ribbon, click Set Current
Module Variant
from the
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y

Children dialog box to regenerate
the component position.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 17
Saving New Product Variants

Once you have used the variant builder to create a configuration,
you can save it as a new Design assembly.
nl
y
Standard components are created

in a new Design assembly.
Easily create multiple Design
assemblies.
Workflow
Click Create Product Variant.
Type a new Product Variant
name.
Save or backup the new Design
assembly.
In
te
rn
al
U
se
Figure 1 - Saving a New

Product Variant
PT
Figure 2- Saving a New Product Variant
Saving New Product Variants
Fo
r
Once you have used the variant builder to create a configuration, you can
save it as a new Design assembly. In this new Design assembly, all module
variants are removed, leaving a 'clean' model tree and standard components
in a Design assembly. You can easily create multiple Design assemblies by
saving difference configurations off to new folders.
Use the following workflow to save a new product variant:
Use the variant builder to create or load a variation.
Click Create Product Variant from the Variant Builder dialog box.
Type a new Product Variant name.
Utilize prefix and suffix options as desired.
The system then generates a new Design assembly with the given
name in a new window.
Save the new Design assembly as desired.
You can click Save
Module 5 | Page 18
to save the new *.asm file.

2012 PTC
Click File > Save As > Save a Backup. This enables you to save the
new *.asm file and all configured components.
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
If you click Create Product Variant from the Variant Builder dialog
box without having fully configured the variant, a Configurable
Product assembly is created instead of a Design assembly.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 19
PROCEDURE - Saving New Product Variants

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Configuration\Saving
Task 1:
CONFIG_VICE.ASM
Save a configuration as a new product variant.

from the Configuration group.
nl
y
3. In the Variant Builder dialog box, select configuration VICE_3 from

the drop-down list.
Click Create Product Variant.
al
te
rn
5. A new configured assembly is

created in a new window.
U
se
4. In the File Name Generation

Setup dialog box, edit the
New Product Variant name to
VICE_3_NEW.
Click OK.
In
6. Examine the model tree, and

notice that this is a regular design
assembly and not a configurable
product.
7. Click File > Save As > Save a Backup.
PT
8. In the Backup dialog box, click Organize > New Folder.

Type NEW as the New Directory and click OK.
Click OK.
Fo
r
from the Quick Access toolbar to return to the

9. Click Close
10. Click Close

group.
Click OK.
Module 5 | Page 20
and click Erase Not Displayed
from the Data
2012 PTC
11. Click Open

group.
from the Data

notice that the file path defaults
to the NEW folder.
Select VICE_3_NEW.ASM
and click Open.
nl
y
13. Again, examine the model tree

and notice that this is a regular
design assembly and not a
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 21
nl
y
O
U
se
al
te
rn
In
C
PT
Fo
r
Module 5 | Page 22
2012 PTC
6
nl
y
Module
Project
U
se
Module Overview
Using Options Modeler and the skills learned in this course, complete the
following project design tasks.
al
Objectives
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn

Create the drill product variant.
Create the pump product variant.
Create the auger product variant.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 1
Designing Variations for the Power Head
Figure 1 Completed Drill Variation
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
Create from scratch:

Configurable Products
Configurable Modules
Design assembly variants
All three configurations use the
same power head.
Minimal instructions.
Completed models for reference.
nl
y
In this project, you create three design variations using the

power head assembly
Figure 2 Completed Pump Variation
Figure 3 Completed Auger

Variation
Fo
r
Project Scenario
You are provided an existing power head assembly for a drill design that is
partially completed. Use the knowledge you have acquired from this course
to create three different product configurations from the base power head
module:
Drill variation
Pump variation
Auger variation
All three product configurations use the same power head. You must create
the Configurable Products and necessary Configurable Modules in order to
create the different product configurations.
Minimal Instructions
Because all tasks in this project are based on topics that you have learned
in the course, instructions for each project step are minimal. Detailed picks
Module 6 | Page 2
2012 PTC
and clicks are not provided. This enables you to test your knowledge of the
materials as you proceed through the project.
Completed Models for Reference
Fo
r
PT
In
te
rn
al
U
se
nl
y
Be sure to save all project models within the Options-Modeler_working

sub-folder of the Projects lab files folder structure. The Projects folder also
contains a sub-folder named Options-Modeler_completed. Here you can
find a completed version of each model in the project. These completed
models can be used as references, if required.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 3
The Drill Variation

The drill variation is the first of three product design variants
you must create.
U
se
nl
y
Yellow tank and cover.

U-shaped handle style.
Includes a side handle.
PT
In
te
rn
al
Figure 1 Viewing the Tank

and Cover
Figure 3 Viewing the Side Handle
Fo
r
Figure 2 Viewing the Handle Style
The Drill Variation

The drill variation is the first of three product design variants you must create.
Characteristics of the drill configuration include:
Yellow fuel tank and cowl cover.
U-shaped handle style.
Includes an additional side handle for added stability when drilling.
Module 6 | Page 4
2012 PTC
The Pump Variation

The pump variation is the second of three product design
variants you must create.
al
U
se
nl
y
Blue tank and cover.

L-shaped handle style.
Does not include a side handle.
The Pump Variation
te
rn
Figure 1 Viewing the Tank and Cover
Figure 2 Viewing the

Handle Style
In
The pump variation is the second of three product design variants you must
create. Characteristics of the pump configuration include:
Fo
r
PT
Blue fuel tank and cowl cover.

L-shaped handle style.
Includes only a single handle for lifting and moving the pump.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 5
The Auger Variation

The auger variation is the third of three product design variants
you must create.
The Auger Variation
Figure 2 Viewing the Handle Style
te
rn
Figure 1 Viewing the Tank and

Cover
al
U
se
nl
y
Green tank and cover.

Twin handle style.
Does not include a side handle.
In
The auger variation is the third of three product design variants you must
create. Characteristics of the auger configuration include:
Fo
r
PT
Green fuel tank and cowl cover.

Twin handle style.
Does not include an additional side handle, as the twin handles are all that
is needed when using the auger.
Module 6 | Page 6
2012 PTC
Copyright
Copyright 2012 Parametric Technology Corporation and/or Its Subsidiary Companies.
All Rights Reserved.
nl
y
User and training guides and related documentation from Parametric Technology Corporation and its subsidiary companies (collectively
"PTC") are subject to the copyright laws of the United States and other countries and are provided under a license agreement that restricts
copying, disclosure, and use of such documentation. PTC hereby grants to the licensed software user the right to make copies in printed form
of this documentation if provided on software media, but only for internal/personal use and in accordance with the license agreement under
which the applicable software is licensed. Any copy made shall include the PTC copyright notice and any other proprietary notice provided by
PTC. Training materials may not be copied without the express written consent of PTC. This documentation may not be disclosed, transferred,
modified, or reduced to any form, including electronic media, or transmitted or made publicly available by any means without the prior written
consent of PTC and no authorization is granted to make copies for such purposes.
Information described herein is furnished for general information only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a
warranty or commitment by PTC. PTC assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this document.
The software described in this document is provided under written license agreement, contains valuable trade secrets and proprietary
information, and is protected by the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. It may not be copied or distributed in any form
or medium, disclosed to third parties, or used in any manner not provided for in the software licenses agreement except with written prior
approval from PTC.
U
se
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF SOFTWARE OR ITS DOCUMENTATION CAN RESULT IN CIVIL DAMAGES AND CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
PTC regards software piracy as the crime it is, and we view offenders accordingly. We do not tolerate the piracy of PTC software products,
and we pursue (both civilly and criminally) those who do so using all legal means available, including public and private surveillance resources.
As part of these efforts, PTC uses data monitoring and scouring technologies to obtain and transmit data on users of illegal copies of our
software. This data collection is not performed on users of legally licensed software from PTC and its authorized distributors. If you are using
an illegal copy of our software and do not consent to the collection and transmission of such data (including to the United States), cease
using the illegal version, and contact PTC to obtain a legally licensed copy.
al
Important Copyright, Trademark, Patent, and Licensing Information: See the About Box, or copyright notice, of your PTC software.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND
te
rn
This document and the software described herein are Commercial Computer Documentation and Software, pursuant to FAR 12.212(a)-(b)
(OCT95) or DFARS 227.7202-1(a) and 227.7202-3(a) (JUN95), and are provided to the US Government under a limited commercial license
only. For procurements predating the above clauses, use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to the restrictions set forth
in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software Clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 (OCT88) or Commercial
Computer Software-Restricted Rights at FAR 52.227-19(c)(1)-(2) (JUN87), as applicable. 01012012
PT
T3917-390-01
Date
PRINTING HISTORY
Document No.
In
Parametric Technology Corporation, 140 Kendrick Street, Needham, MA 02494 USA
04/28/2012
Fo
r
Order Number DT-T3917-390-01

Printed in the U.S.A
Description
Initial Printing of:

Creo Option Modeller

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Creo Option Modeller

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Creo Option Modeller

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

T3917-390-01

Introduction to Creo Options Modeler 2.0

Authored and published using

Copyright 2012 Parametric Technology Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

About PTC University

An innovative learning methodology PTCs Precision Learning

Instructor-led Training (ILT) The ideal blend of classroom lectures,

PTC University additionally offers Precision Learning Programs. These are

PTC Telephone and Fax Numbers

Education Services Registration

Technical Support, License Management, Training & Consulting

Please refer to http://www.ptc.com/services/training/contact.htm for contact

Topics are introduced through a short presentation, highlighting the key

After the course, a Pro/FICIENCY assessment is provided to enable you to

Precision Learning After the Class

A Pro/FICIENCY assessment from the course content that generates a

Precision Learning Recommendations

Creating Interchange Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Creating Configurable Modules and Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Defining Options and Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Utilizing Configurable Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Student Preface Using the Header

Procedure / Exercise Header:

Course Handbook Layout:

Course Handbook Layout

Theory This section provides detailed information about content

Procedure / Exercise Header

The first module for certain courses is known as a process

To make the exercises and procedures (referred to collectively as labs) as

1. Procedure/Exercise Name This is the name of the lab.

and then click OK.

Two other items to note for labs:

PROCEDURE - Student Preface Using the Header

Erase Not Displayed

2. Locate your existing Creo Parametric shortcut.

3. Start Creo Parametric using the newly configured shortcut.

1. If you currently have files open, click Close

from the Quick Access

2. Click Erase Not Displayed

1. Notice the SampleFunctionalArea\Topic1_Folder as

tab from the

3. Click Working Directory

4. Right-click the Topic1_Folder folder and select Set Working

5. Click Working Directory from the Common Folders section to display

Alternatively you can use the cascading folder path in the

1. Notice the lab model EXTRUDE_1.PRT is specified in the header

Set the initial datum display options.

3. Next, enable and disable the

This completes the procedure.

4. The model should now appear

Introduction to Creo Options Modeler

Options Modeler is a new app in the Creo suite of products. Options

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Introduction to Options Modeler

Quickly configure assemblies by

Figure 1 - Viewing Configurable

Figure 2 - Viewing Configurable

Figure 3 - Viewing Configured

Introduction to Options Modeler