Lesson 4 Extrusions

Figure 4.1 Clamp

OBJECTIVES
 Create a feature using an Extruded protrusion
 Understand Setup and Environment settings
 Define and set a Material type
 Create and use Datum features
 Sketch protrusion and cut feature geometry using the Sketcher
 Understand the feature Ribbon
 Copy a feature

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

For Resources go to www.cad-resources.com > click on the Creo Parametric Book cover
 Lesson 4 Lecture
 Lesson 4 3D models embedded in a PDF
 Book Projects PDF
 Project Lectures
 Creo Parametric Quick Reference Card
 Creo Parametric Configuration Options

Extrusions
The design of a part using Creo Parametric starts with the creation of base features (normally datum
planes), and a solid protrusion. Other protrusions and cuts are then added in sequence as required by the
design. You can use various types of Creo Parametric features as building blocks in the progressive
creation of solid parts (Fig. 4.1). Certain features, by necessity, precede other more dependent features in
the design process. Those dependent features rely on the previously defined features for dimensional and
geometric references. The progressive design of features creates these dependent feature relationships
known as parent-child relationships. The actual sequential history of the design is displayed in the Model
Tree. The parent-child relationship is one of the most powerful aspects of Creo Parametric and parametric
modeling in general. It is also very important as you modify a part. After a parent feature in a part is
modified, all children are automatically modified to reflect the changes in the parent feature. It is therefore
essential to reference feature dimensions so that Creo Parametric can correctly propagate design
modifications throughout the model.
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 A protrusion is a part feature that adds or removes material. A protrusion is always the first solid
feature created. This is usually the first feature created after a base feature of datum planes. Figure 4.2
shows four common protrusions.

Extrude

Revolve

Blend

Sweep
Figure 4.2 Basic Protrusions

The Design Process

It is tempting to directly start creating models. Nevertheless, in order to build value into a design, you
need to create a product that can keep up with the constant design changes associated with the design-
through-manufacturing process. Flexibility must be integral to the design. Flexibility is the key to a
friendly and robust product design while maintaining design intent, and you can accomplish it through
planning. To plan a design, you need to understand the overall function, form, and fit of the product. This
understanding includes the following points:
 Overall size of the part
 Basic part characteristics
 The way in which the part can be assembled
 Approximate number of assembly components
 The manufacturing processes required to produce the part

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 Lesson 4 STEPS

Figure 4.3 Clamp and Datum Planes

Clamp
The clamp in Figure 4.3 is composed of a protrusion and two cuts (one cut will be mirrored). A number of
things need to be established before you actually start modeling. These include setting up the
environment, selecting the units, and establishing the material for the part.
Before you begin any part, you must plan the design. The design intent will depend on a number
of things that are out of your control and many that you can establish. Asking yourself a few questions
will clear up the design intent you will follow: Is the part a component of an assembly? If so, what
surfaces or features are used to connect one part to another? Will geometric tolerancing be used on the
part and assembly? What units are being used in the design, SI or decimal inch? What is the part’s
material? What is the primary part feature? How should I model the part, and what features are best used
for the primary protrusion (the first solid mass)? On what datum plane should I sketch to model the first
protrusion? These and many other questions will be answered as you follow the systematic lesson part.
However, you must answer many of the questions on your own when completing the lesson project,
which does not come with systematic instructions.

Launch Creo Parametric > Select Working Directory > select the working directory > OK > New
> Name-- type clamp > OK > File > Options > Model Display > Default model orientation: >
Trimetric > OK > No > File > Prepare > Model Properties > Units change > millimeter Newton

Second (mmNs) > > > OK [Fig. 4.4(a)] > Close

> Mass Properties change [Fig. 4.4(b)] > View tab > Display Style > Shading With Edges

Figure 4.4(a) Units Manager Dialog Box

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Figure 4.4(b) Model Properties

Click: Material change > steel.mtl > [Fig. 4.4(c)] > double-click on [Fig. 4.4(d)] >
Thermal tab [Fig. 4.4(e)] > investigate other options and tabs > Ok > OK > Close > Ctrl+S > Enter
[you can end many commands by Enter or OK or MMB (Middle Mouse Button)] > select
in the Model Tree > RMB > Info > Model >

> close the Browser

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Figure 4.4(c) Material File

Figure 4.4(d) Material Definition, Structural Tab Figure 4.4(e) Material Definition, Thermal Tab
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 Since was selected, the default datum planes and the default coordinate
system are displayed in the Graphics Window and in the Model Tree. The default datum planes and the
default coordinate system will be the first features on all parts and assemblies. The datum planes are
used to sketch on and to orient the part’s features. Having datum planes as the first features of a part,
instead of the first extrusion, gives the designer more flexibility during the design process. Picking on an
item in the Model Tree will highlight/select that item on the model (Fig. 4.5).

Click: LMB anywhere in the Graphics Window to deselect > View tab > on >

on > Model tab > > select datum FRONT [Fig. 4.6(a)] >

Figure 4.5 Default Datum Planes and Default Coordinate System

Figure 4.6(a) Sketch Dialog Box, Sketch Plane FRONT (accept remaining default entries)

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Click: Sketch View > press RMB > References [Fig. 4.6(b)] (the RIGHT and TOP datum planes are
the positional/dimensional references) > Close > File > Options > Sketcher > >
> OK > No [Fig. 4.6(c)] > Shift+MMB (pan) and Ctrl+MMB (zoom) to reposition and
resize the sketch as needed.

Figure 4.6(b) References Dialog Box Figure 4.6(c) Grid On

The sketch is now displayed and oriented in 2D [Fig. 4.6(c)]. The coordinate system is at the
middle of the sketch, where datum RIGHT and datum TOP intersect. The X coordinate arrow points to
the right and the Y coordinate arrow points up. The Z arrow is pointing toward you (out from the screen).
The square box you see is the limited display of datum FRONT. This is similar to sketching on a piece of
graph paper. Creo Parametric is not coordinate-based software, so you need not enter geometry with X, Y,
and Z coordinates.
Before starting the sketch, spend some time investigating the Sketch Ribbon [Fig. 4.6(d)].

Figure 4.6(d) Sketch Ribbon (shown here with “Hide Command Labels” checked, your Ribbon may appear differently)

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 Because you checked , you can now sketch by simply picking grid points
representing the part’s geometry (outline). Because this is a sketch in the true sense of the word, you need
only create geometry that approximates the shape of the feature; the sketch does not have to be accurate
as far as size or dimensions are concerned. No two sketches will be the same between those using these
steps, unless you count each grid space (which is unnecessary). Even with the grid snap off, Creo
Parametric constrains the geometry according to rules, which include but are not limited to the following:
 RULE: Symmetry
DESCRIPTION: Entities sketched symmetrically about a centerline are assigned equal values
with respect to the centerline
 RULE: Horizontal and vertical lines
DESCRIPTION: Lines that are approximately horizontal or vertical are considered exactly
horizontal or vertical
 RULE: Parallel and perpendicular lines
DESCRIPTION: Lines that are sketched approximately parallel or perpendicular are considered
exactly parallel or perpendicular
 RULE: Tangency
DESCRIPTION: Entities sketched approximately tangent to arcs or circles are assumed to be
exactly tangent

The outline of the part’s primary feature is sketched using a set of connected lines. The part’s
dimensions and general shape are provided in Figure 4.6(e). The cut on the front and sides will be created
with separate sketched features. Sketch only one series of lines (8 lines in this sketch). Do not sketch
lines on top of lines.
It is important not to create any unintended constraints while sketching. Therefore, remember to
exaggerate the sketch geometry and not to align geometric items that have no relationship. Creo
Parametric is very smart: if you draw two lines at the same horizontal level, Creo Parametric assumes they
are horizontally aligned. Two lines the same length will be constrained as so.

Figure 4.6(e) Front View of Drawing Showing Dimensions for the Clamp (commands start on next page)

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With your cursor anywhere in the Graphics Window, but not on an object, press: RMB [Fig. 4.6(f)] >
Centerline > pick two vertical positions on the edge of datum RIGHT [Fig. 4.6(g)] > MMB > LMB >
> (Select All) Toggle all datum display filters off > LMB in the Graphics Window > press RMB >
Line Chain > sketch the eight lines of the closed outline (watch the constraints as they appear- make
each segment a different length and equal on one side of the centerline) [Fig. 4.6(h)] > MMB to end the
line sequence [Fig. 4.6(i)] > MMB (If the sketch is not to your liking, click and try again.)

Figure 4.6(f) RMB Options Figure 4.6(g) Create the Centerline

Figure 4.6(h) Sketching the Outline

Figure 4.6(i) Default Dimensions Display

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 A sketcher constraint symbol appears next to the entity that is controlled by that
constraint. Sketcher constraints can be turned on or off (enabled or disabled) while sketching. Simply
click your RMB as you sketch- before picking the position- and the constraint that is displaying will have
a slash imposed over it. This will disable it for that entity. An H next to a line means horizontal; a T
means tangent. Dimensions display, as they are needed according to the references selected and the
constraints. Seldom are they the same as the required dimensioning scheme needed to manufacture the
part. The dimensioning scheme is important, not the dimension value, which can be modified.
Place and create the dimensions as required. Do not be concerned with the perfect positioning of
the dimensions, but in general, follow the spacing and positioning standards found in the ASME Y14.5
standards. This saves you time when you create a drawing of the part. Dimensions placed at this stage of
the design process are displayed on the drawing document by simply showing all the dimensions.
To dimension between two lines, simply pick the lines (LMB) and place the dimension value
(MMB). To dimension a single line, pick on the line (LMB), and place the dimension with MMB.

Click: File > Options > Sketcher > > OK (it is easier to position dimensions with “Snap
to Grid” off) > No > press RMB > Dimension > add dimensions (Add the top horizontal and two vertical
dimensions. To add a dimension—pick on a line > move the pointer > MMB to place the dimension >
move the pointer.) [Fig. 4.6(j)] > MMB (to accept the initial value) > MMB (to end the dimensioning
tool) > To move a dimension—pick on a dimension > hold down the LMB > move it to a new position

> release the LMB. Light blue colored dimension values are
called “weak” dimensions. If a weak dimension matches your dimensioning scheme, you can make it
“strong” (colored deep blue)—pick on a weak dimension, highlights in green > press RMB > Strong

> accept the current value or type in a new value > Enter

Add new height dimension

Figure 4.6(j) Re-dimensioned Sketch (you must have all dimensions shown here- not the values)
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Next, control the sketch by adding symmetry constraints from the Sketch Ribbon, click: Symmetric
[Fig. 4.6(k)] > pick the centerline and then pick two vertices (endpoints) to be symmetric

[Fig. 4.6(l)] > File > Options > Sketcher > > OK > No [Fig. 4.6(m)]

Pick the centerline first, and then pick the

two endpoints of the line

Figure 4.6(k) Constraints Palette Figure 4.6(l) Adding Symmetry Constraint

Your original sketch values may be different from the example, but the final design values will be
the same. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR SKETCH DIMENSION VALUES TO THOSE IN FIGURE 4.6(m).

Figure 4.6(m) Sketch is Symmetrical (your values may be different! – DO NOT CHANGE YOUR VALUES AT THIS TIME!)

Again, do not change your sketch dimension values to these sketch values. Later, you will
modify your sketch values to the required design dimensional values.

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Click: > Window-in the sketch (place the cursor at one corner of the window with the LMB
depressed, drag the cursor to the opposite corner of the window and release the LMB) to capture all four
dimensions. They will turn green. > press RMB > Modify [Fig. 4.6(n)] > > >
resize the Modify Dimensions dialog box (so that you can see all four dimensions) [Fig. 4.6(o)] > in the
Modify Dimensions dialog box, locate the dimension for the overall width (here it is 600, but your
dimension value may be different), click twice on length dimension value and type in the design value at
the prompt (123) > Enter

Figure 4.6(n) Modify Dimensions

Figure 4.6(o) Modify the weak 600 Dimension to 123 (your sketch weak dimension value may be different)

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Click: Regenerate the section and close the dialog [Fig. 4.6(p)] > double-click on another
dimension on the sketch (in the Graphics Window) and modify the value > Enter > continue until all of
the values are changed to the design sizes [Fig. 4.6(q)] (your sketch must have these dimensions and
dimension values) > LMB to deselect

Figure 4.6(p) Modify each Dimension Individually

Figure 4.6(q) Modified Sketch showing the Design Values (your sketch must have these dimensions and dimension values)

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Press: Ctrl+D [Fig. 4.6(r)] > Datum Display Filters from the Graphics Toolbar > (Select All)
Toggle all datum display filters on > LMB in the Graphics Window > Sketch tab > press RMB > OK >
from the Quick Access Toolbar > (OK or Enter or MMB) > Sketch 1 remains highlighted (green in
the Graphics Window, blue in the Model Tree), active and therefore selected [Fig. 4.6(s)].

Figure 4.6(r) Regenerated Dimensions in the Standard Orientation View

Figure 4.6(s) Completed Sketched Curve (Datum Curve)

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With the sketch still selected, click: [Fig. 4.7(a)] > double-click on the depth value on the

model > type 70 [Fig. 4.7(b)] > Enter > place your pointer over the white square drag handle (it
will turn black) > press RMB > Symmetric [Fig. 4.7(c)] > Enter [Fig. 4.7(d)] > Ctrl+S > Enter

Figure 4.7(a) Depth of Extrusion Previewed

Figure 4.7(b) Modify the Depth Value Figure 4.7(c) Symmetric

Figure 4.7(d) Completed Extrusion (Sketch is hidden in the Model Tree)

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Click: File > Options > Model Display > Trimetric > Isometric > OK > No > Ctrl+D > View tab >
Display Style > Shading With Edges > Model tab > from the Graphics Toolbar > Ctrl+S > Enter

Storing an object on the disk does not overwrite an existing object file. To preserve earlier
versions, Creo Parametric saves the object to a new file with the same object name but with an updated
version number. Every time you store an object using Save, you create a new version of the object in
memory, and write the previous version to disk. Creo Parametric numbers each version of an object
storage file consecutively (for example, box.sec.1, box.sec.2, box.sec.3). If you save 25 times, you have
25 versions of the object, all at different stages of completion. You can use File > Manage File > Delete
> Old Versions [Fig. 4.7(e)] after the Save command to eliminate previous versions of the object that may
have been stored.
When opening an existing object file, you can open any version that is saved. Although Creo
Parametric automatically retrieves the latest saved version of an object, you can retrieve any previous
version by entering the full file name with extension and version number (for example, partname.prt.5).
If you do not know the specific version number, you can enter a number relative to the latest version. For
example, to retrieve a part from two versions ago, enter partname.prt.3 (or partname.prt.-2).
You use File >Manage Session > Erase Current to remove the object and its associated objects
from memory. If you close a window before erasing it, the object is still in memory. In this case, you use
File >Manage Session > Erase Not Displayed to remove the object and its associated objects from
memory. This does not delete the object. It just removes it from active memory. File >Manage File >
Delete All Versions removes the file from memory and from disk completely. You are prompted with a
Delete All Confirm dialog box when choosing this command. Be careful not to delete needed files.

Figure 4.7(e) Delete Old Versions

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Click: on in the Model Tree > RMB > Unhide > [Fig. 4.8(a)] > Placement from
the Dashboard > Unlink [Fig. 4.8(b)] > OK [Fig. 4.8(c)] > Edit [Fig. 4.8(d)]

Figure 4.8(a) Click on the Sketch in the Model Tree > Extrude

Figure 4.8(b) Unlink

Figure 4.8(c) Unlink Dialog Box

Figure 4.8(d) Internal Sketch Displayed

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Click: Sketch View > drag the end points and lines of the sketch away from the part’s edges [Fig.
4.8(e)] > double-click on each value and modify to the design size [Fig. 4.8(f)] > LMB to deselect >
Ctrl+D

Figure 4.8(e) Drag Sketch Lines and End Points

Figure 4.8(f) Modify Dimensions

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Press: RMB > OK > press RMB > Remove Material > note the yellow direction arrows [Fig. 4.8(g)] >
Options tab from the Dashboard > Side 1 Blind > Through All > Side 2 None > Through All [Fig.
4.8(h)] > MMB to complete the feature > Ctrl+S > Enter [Fig. 4.8(i)] > LMB to deselect

Figure 4.8(g) Cut Preview (note the yellow direction arrows – your arrows may be at different locations)

Figure 4.8(h) Options Depth

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Figure 4.8(i) Completed Cut

The next feature will be a 20 X 20 centered cut (Fig. 4.9). Because the cut feature is identical on
both sides of the part, you can mirror and copy the cut after it has been created.

Figure 4.9 Top View of Drawing Showing Dimensions for the Cut

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Click: > press RMB > Remove Material > press RMB > Define Internal Sketch Sketch
dialog box opens [Fig. 4.10(a)] > Sketch Plane--- Plane: select datum TOP from the model as the sketch
plane > from the Sketch dialog box [Figs. 4.10(b-c)] >

Figure 4.10(a) Define Internal Sketch

Figure 4.10(b) Top Datum Selected as Sketch Plane Figure 4.10(c) Sketch Dialog Box

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Press: RMB > References > pick the left edge/surface of the part [Fig. 4.10(d)] to add it to the References
dialog box [Fig. 4.10(e)] > Close > check to see if your grid snap is off, click: File > Options > Sketcher
> Cancel (if both “Show the Grid” and “Snap to Grid” are unchecked)

Figure 4.10(d) Add the left edge/surface of the part Figure 4.10(e) References Dialog Box

Click: View tab > Display Style > Hidden Line > Sketch tab > press RMB > Centerline [Fig. 4.10(f)] >
create a horizontal centerline through the center of the part by picking two positions along the edge of the
FRONT datum plane > MMB > LMB

Figure 4.10(f) Horizontal Centerline

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Press: RMB > Corner Rectangle [Fig. 4.10(g)] > Place the mouse on the left edge, click LMB to begin
creating a rectangle/square. Move the pointer and make sure the legs of the rectangle are equal: L = L.
[Fig. 4.10(h)] > LMB to complete the current rectangle > MMB to end the rectangle tool [Fig. 4.10(i)] >
double-click on the dimension [Fig. 4.10(j)] > type 20 > Enter [Fig. 4.10(k)] > LMB to deselect

Figure 4.10(g) Corner Rectangle Figure 4.10(h) Sketch the Rectangle

Figure 4.10(i) Sketched Rectangle Figure 4.10(j) Type 20 Figure 4.10(k) Completed Sketch

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Press: Ctrl+D > > from the Graphics Toolbar > Shading With Edges > Change depth
direction of extrude to other side of sketch > Options tab > Side 1 Blind > Through All [Fig. 4.10(l)]
> MMB spin the model [Fig. 4.10(m)] > from the Dashboard > > Standard Orientation > File
> Save > OK [Fig. 4.10(n)]

Figure 4.10(l) Through All

Figure 4.10(m) Modify Values to Design Sizes

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With the cut still highlighted [the extrude cut must be selected-highlighted green for this tool to become

active], from the Ribbon click: > select the RIGHT datum plane
from the model or in the Model Tree [Fig. 4.10(o)] > > LMB (to deselect) > Ctrl+S > OK > File >
Save As > Type: Zip File (*.zip) > OK

Figure 4.10(n) Completed Cut

Figure 4.10(o) With the Extruded Cut Highlighted (Selected) pick on the RIGHT Datum Plane

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Press: MMB spin the model > Show in the Navigator > > in the Model Tree, select
next to Extrude 3 (2) to collapse > while holding the Ctrl key, select Extrude 3 and Mirror 1 [Fig.
4.10(p)] > select CLAMP.PRT in the Model Tree > Ctrl+D [Fig. 4.10(q)] > File > Save > OK > File >
Manage File > Delete Old Versions > Enter >File > Close > File > Exit > Yes

Figure 4.10(p) Spin the Model (Extrude 3 and Mirror 1 have been selected in this view)

Figure 4.0(q) CLAMP.PRT Selected in the Model Tree

A complete set of extra projects are available at www.cad-resources.com > click on the image of
your book cover > Lesson Projects.
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