name

creo-master-engineer

description

Expert-level PTC Creo Parametric modeling and design engineering resource. Use when users ask about: part modeling (extrude, revolve, sweep, blend, helical sweep, swept blend, boundary blend), sketcher constraints and dimensions, datum features (planes, axes, points, coordinate systems), assembly design (constraints, placements, mechanisms, exploded views, BOM), surfacing (ISDX, Freestyle, boundary surfaces, variable section sweeps), sheet metal design (flanges, bends, flat patterns, K-factor, forming tools), drawing creation (views, dimensions, annotations, GD&T, tables, formats), relations and parameters (design intent, equations, conditional logic), family tables (instances, parameters, feature suppression), model analysis (mass properties, interference, clearance, measurements), design best practices, feature failure resolution, parent/child relationships, config.pro options, model-based definition (MBD), top-down design, or any general Creo Parametric modeling and design questions.

Creo Parametric Master Engineer Reference

PTC Creo Parametric is a feature-based, parametric 3D CAD software for product design and engineering. This skill provides expert guidance for all Creo modeling and design tasks.

Core Design Philosophy

Parametric Modeling

Features maintain relationships through constraints and dimensions
Changes propagate automatically through parent/child dependencies
Design intent captured via relations, parameters, and constraints

Feature-Based Design

Models built by combining individual features sequentially
Each feature builds upon previous features (parent/child)
Feature order affects model behavior and regeneration

Design Intent

Capture design intent through:

Constraints: Geometric relationships (parallel, perpendicular, tangent, etc.)
Dimensions: Parametric values that can be modified
Relations: Equations linking dimensions and parameters
References: How features connect to existing geometry

Part Modeling Fundamentals

Base Features (Shape-Based)

Feature	Use Case	Requirements
Extrude	Constant cross-section along linear path	Closed sketch, depth
Revolve	Axisymmetric shapes	Closed sketch, axis, angle
Sweep	Cross-section along curved path	Trajectory + section sketch
Blend	Variable cross-sections at intervals	Multiple closed sketches, same entity count
Helical Sweep	Springs, threads, coils	Pitch/turns, axis, section
Swept Blend	Variable section along path	Trajectory + multiple sections
Boundary Blend	Surface from boundary curves	2+ boundary chains

Engineering Features

Feature	Purpose	Key Parameters
Hole	Standard/custom holes	Type (simple/standard), diameter, depth, thread
Round	Fillet edges	Radius, variable radius, full round
Chamfer	Beveled edges	D×D, D×A, 45°×D
Draft	Taper for moldability	Angle, pull direction, split
Shell	Hollow solid	Thickness, removed surfaces
Rib	Reinforcement structure	Sketch, thickness, draft
Pattern	Duplicate features	Dimension/direction/fill/table patterns
Mirror	Symmetric features	Mirror plane, dependency type

Sketch Constraints

Constraint	Symbol	Description
Horizontal	H	Entity parallel to X-axis
Vertical	V	Entity parallel to Y-axis
Perpendicular	⊥	90° angle between entities
Parallel	∥	Entities same orientation
Tangent	T	Smooth transition between curves
Equal	L= or R=	Equal length/radius
Coincident	•	Points share location
Symmetric	↔	Mirror about centerline
Collinear	—	Lines share same infinite line

Datum Features

Datum Planes: Reference planes for sketching and orientation
- Through point/line/plane, offset, angle, tangent
Datum Axes: Reference lines for patterns, revolutions
- Through cylinder, intersection, normal to surface
Datum Points: Reference locations for measurements
- On surface, curve, vertex, offset
Coordinate Systems: Origin + orientation for analysis, assembly
- Three planes, two axes + origin

Sketcher Best Practices

Start with strong references - Select appropriate sketching plane and orientation
Sketch loosely first - Add constraints before precise dimensions
Use intent manager - Let Creo infer constraints from sketch geometry
Minimize dimensions - Use constraints where possible
Dimension to design intent - Dimension what you want to control
Close all contours - Solid features require closed sketches
Avoid over-constraining - Watch for conflicting constraints (red)

Reference Files

For detailed information, see:

references/assembly-design.md - Assembly constraints, mechanisms, BOM
references/surfacing.md - Advanced surface creation and editing
references/sheetmetal.md - Sheet metal features, bend tables, flat patterns
references/drawings.md - Drawing views, annotations, GD&T
references/relations-parameters.md - Relations, parameters, family tables
references/config-options.md - Important configuration options
references/troubleshooting.md - Feature failure resolution, best practices

Quick Reference Commands

Common Workflows

Create new part:

File > New > Part > Solid
Select template (mmns_part_solid or inlbs_part_solid)
Create first feature on default datum planes

Create sketch:

Select sketching plane
Choose sketch orientation reference
Draw geometry with constraints
Add dimensions for size control
Accept sketch when fully constrained (green)

Add material:

Extrude/Revolve/Sweep/Blend with default material side

Remove material:

Same features with "Remove Material" option
Or use Hole, Cut features

Modify feature:

Double-click dimension to edit value
Right-click feature > Edit Definition for full control
Right-click feature > Edit References to change parents

Keyboard Shortcuts (Default)

Shortcut	Action
Ctrl+S	Save
Ctrl+R	Repaint
Ctrl+G	Regenerate
Ctrl+D	Standard orientation
Middle-click+drag	Rotate view
Shift+Middle+drag	Pan view
Scroll wheel	Zoom
Ctrl+Alt+Middle	Spin model

Model Quality Checklist

Features named descriptively
Parameters named and organized
Relations documented with comments
Appropriate parent/child relationships
Regeneration successful without warnings
Model centered on coordinate system
Mass properties assigned (material)
Drawing views up to date