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)

Engineering Features

Sketch Constraints

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

1. Start with strong references – Select appropriate sketching plane and orientation
2. Sketch loosely first – Add constraints before precise dimensions
3. Use intent manager – Let Creo infer constraints from sketch geometry
4. Minimize dimensions – Use constraints where possible
5. Dimension to design intent – Dimension what you want to control
6. Close all contours – Solid features require closed sketches
7. 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:

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

Create sketch:

1. Select sketching plane
2. Choose sketch orientation reference
3. Draw geometry with constraints
4. Add dimensions for size control
5. 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)

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