What is PTC Creo?
PTC Creo, which is shorthand for Creo Parametric, latest version 7.0, is a powerful group of applications that are integrated into one another. This popular family of design software is used by thousands across the globe, including students, professionals and industry leaders. PTC is known as the originator of parametric CAD (Computer Aided Design), which uses features and constraints to capture design intent, which allows its users to automate repetitive edits like those seen in families of product parts.
Applications
PTC Creo is made up of 5 separate applications that each serves its own unique purpose in the design and product development process. These are:
- Creo Direct
- Creo Layout
- Creo Options Modeler
- Creo Parametric
- Creo Simulate
Each software program takes care of a separate step in the design process, and all the way through to analysis. They also allow the user to communicate with the other professionals that they are collaborating on the project with, such as technical and manufacturing publications.
What Makes PTC Creo So Powerful?
Flexibility
Creo offers a variety of features that enable users to complete their tasks to the highest possible standard. It allows designers who contribute to multiple aspects of the project to scale their access to the right capabilities. On the other hand, it also has the ability to fulfill the needs of specialized professionals who require an application that is tailored to their exact specifications. Creo can be looked at like a set of tools, and no matter what application or role that one fills in the design process, Creo has what the user will need to complete the job.
Communication Between Programs
As all of the separate programs are a part of the Creo family, that can communicate between one another seamlessly to ensure that there are no lags or compatibility issues. Data can transfer and flow between the different applications and this enhances the user experience greatly. This negates the need for duplicating work when moving along the design process and from one application to another, saving the user time and money.
Parametric and Direct Modelling
Another benefit of using PTC Creo is that you have access to both 3D CAD modelling approaches within its software. It includes both parametric modelling and direct modelling, giving you the control that is a trademark of parametric modelling, while also having the flexibility and speed of direct modelling at hand.
Multi-Format Data Handling
Data produced from any CAD source is compatible with Creo, this means no downloading 3rd party programs to convert files, no reproducing and design work due to incompatibility, which again saves valuable time which inevitably reduces expenses in the long run.
PTC Creo 7.0
The latest version of Creo brings its own impressive features to the table, with upgrades including real time simulation, additive manufacturing, multibody design and much more!
This in turn will enable the user to design cutting-edge products faster than before, saving time and money and putting them ahead of their competition. These features come as a welcome addition to an already powerful feature list, extending the functionality and capability of PTC Creo even further.
Additive Manufacturing and CAM
Additive manufacturing, which is also referred to as 3D printing, is a certain approach to industrial production that allows the development of stronger, lighter systems and parts. This feature is improved in the latest update as lattices can now be inserted based on the Delaunay algorithm. The Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) feature now includes support for Swiss Type machines with improvements to the user interface as well.
Augmented Reality
AR (Augmented Reality) technology is changing the game when it comes to collaboration between professionals on product design. Creo AR Design Share can be integrated into every application with the Creo suite, and the whole product design process is changing totally because of cloud-based AR.
AR allows you to:
- Coordinate an efficient review of a design with colleagues that may not be in the area/same location
- Analyse and review alternative design concepts in real-time with suppliers and customers who can give immediate feedback
- Get approval from stakeholders that are non-technical
- Safeguard your Intellectual Property
AR has been known to transform design collaboration between professionals, leading to faster iterations, less prototyping and more efficient design reviews. This all translates to a higher standard of work being created in less time, which is top priority for pretty much everyone.
Generative Design
The Creo Generative Topology Optimization extension can create unique and original product designs automatically using Artificial Intelligence (AI). These designs are developed based on the engineering requirements and parameters that are set for the product. This reduces expenses by shortening the project timeline, and producing high-quality, manufacturable designs. Let the computer do the work for you!
Multibody Design
Multibody design simplifies top-down design and part design. Previously, when solid geometries merged, the surfaces and volumes were merged. However, with multibody design, bodies are containers for solid geometry, which means that if a feature intersects another, you have the choice between merging the two bodies or not.
Creo 7.0 takes advantage of this by allowing the user to visualize, manage and design each feature separately, independently of each other. This capability is essential for additive manufacturing, generative design and simulation.
Real-Time Simulation
Fluid Flow Simulation has been introduced to PTC Creo Simulate. Being created specifically for designing, this application provides the user with real-time simulation directly integrated into the Creo world. This enhances the design workflow and aids designers with making design changes on the go, while being able to see an immediate representation of their design at all times.
As mentioned earlier, PTC Creo is a powerful tool that is available to professionals/individuals/companies, but it is also a solution to any and all of the design issues that occur during the design process. Whether it is the designing, sharing or analysing of the relevant information between your team, collaborators and clients, Creo has the answer.
