SMT Creo2 PDF

Sheetmetal Design using Creo Parametric 2.
T3907-390-01
Authored and published using
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:
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:
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
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
Europe
Technical Support, License Management, Training & Consulting
Tel: +800-PTC-4-HELP (00-800-78-24-43-57)
Asia
Please refer to http://www.ptc.com/services/training/contact.htm for contact
information.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Precision Learning After the Class

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:
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

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.
Training Agenda
Day 1
Module 01
Module 02
Module 03
Module 04
Introduction to the Creo Parametric Sheetmetal Design

Process
Sheetmetal Model Fundamentals
Creating Primary Sheetmetal Wall Features
Creating Secondary Sheetmetal Wall Features
Day 2
Module 05
Module 06
Module 07
Module 08
Module 09
Bending and Unbending Sheetmetal Models

Modifying Sheetmetal Models
Sheetmetal Setup and Tools
Detailing Sheetmetal Designs
Design Project
Table of Contents
Sheetmetal Design using Creo Parametric 2.0
Introduction to the Creo Parametric Sheetmetal Design Process . . . 1-1
Creo Parametric Sheetmetal Design Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Sheetmetal Model Fundamentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Sheetmetal Model Fundamentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Understanding Developed Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Creating a New Sheetmetal Part in Assembly Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Creating a New Sheetmetal Model in Part Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Converting Solid Models to Sheetmetal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Creating Primary Sheetmetal Wall Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Understanding Sheetmetal Wall Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Creating Planar Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Extruded Sheetmetal Wall Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Revolved Sheetmetal Wall Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Blend Sheetmetal Wall Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Creating Offset Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Sheetmetal Wall Sketching Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Advanced Primary Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Creating Secondary Sheetmetal Wall Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Understanding Secondary Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Creating Secondary Flat Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Using Flange Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Using Extruded Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Wall Dashboard Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Using Partial and Overextended Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22
Understanding Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
Creating Twist Wall Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
Extending and Trimming Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Using the Merge Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Bending and Unbending Sheetmetal Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Creating Bend Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Adding Transition to Bends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Creating Planar Bends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Creating Unbend Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Creating Bend Back Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Previewing and Creating Flat Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Creating Flat States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Creating Split Area Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-40
Modifying Sheetmetal Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Sheetmetal Cuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Notches and Punches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Creating Corner Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Die Form Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19
Punch Form Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24
Utilizing Punch Model Annotations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29
Creating Sketched Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33
Flattening Forms and Unstamping Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42
Creating Rip Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47
Creating Edge Bends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Joining Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56
Patterning Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64
Mirroring Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-66
Sheetmetal Setup and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Bend Line Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Using Bend Tables for Bend Allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Fixed Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Info Tools and Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Design Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Defaults and Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Using Conversion Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26
Detailing Sheetmetal Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Adding the Flat and Formed States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Auto Ordinate Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Bend Line Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Bend Order Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Design Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Designing a Stapler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Student Preface Using the Header

In this topic, you learn about the course handbook layout and
the header used to begin each lab in Creo Parametric.
Course Handbook Layout:
Modules
Topics
Concept
Theory
Procedure
Exercise (if applicable)
Procedure / Exercise Header:
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.
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.
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.
Procedure / Exercise Header

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:
1.
2.
3.
Procedure/Exercise Name This is the name of the lab.

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

and then click OK.
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.
5. 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.
4.
6.
Task Name Labs are broken into distinct tasks. There may be one
or more tasks within a lab.
7. 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.
Setting Up Creo Parametric for Use with Training Labs

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:
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
Step 1:
EXTRUDE_1.PRT
Configure Creo Parametric to ensure the system is set up to run

the lab exercises properly.
Perform this task only if you are running the labs on a computer
outside of a training center, otherwise proceed to Task 2.
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.
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.
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.
Step 2:
Close all open windows and erase all objects from memory to
avoid any possible conflicts.
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:
Browse to and expand the functional area folder for this procedure
and set the folder indicated in the header as the Creo Parametric
working directory.
1. Notice the SampleFunctionalArea\Topic1_Folder as

indicated in the header above.
2. If necessary, select the Folder
Browser
navigator.
tab from the
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.
5. Click Working Directory from the Common Folders section to display
the contents of the new working directory in the browser.
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.
Step 4:
Open the file for this procedure.
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.
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.
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.
4. The model should now appear

as shown.
This completes the procedure.
Module
Introduction to the Creo Parametric

Sheetmetal Design Process
Module Overview
In this module, you learn about the sheetmetal design process that is
typically used to build a sheetmetal model in Creo Parametric. The process
is supported throughout the course modules and again followed in a course
project.
This module also introduces you to some of the basic sheetmetal features
that can be used to capture your design intent for a sheetmetal model.
Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Create a primary flat wall as the base feature for a sheetmetal design.
Create some simple secondary walls.
Add a predefined notch and a predefined form to a sheetmetal model.
Create a flat state for a sheetmetal model design.
Create a drawing of the formed and flat state of a sheetmetal design.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 1
Creo Parametric Sheetmetal Design Process

The typical sheetmetal design process can be summarized by
five high-level steps.
Primary Walls
Secondary Walls
Other Sheetmetal Features
Flat States
Detail Drawings
Figure 1 Primary Walls
Figure 2 Secondary Walls
Figure 3 Other Sheetmetal

Features
Figure 4 Flat States
Figure 5 Detail Drawings
Creo Parametric Sheetmetal Design Process

All Creo Parametric sheetmetal designs start with a primary sheetmetal wall.
There are many different types of primary walls that you can start with, but
the most common are the Planar and Extrude walls. In addition to these
two types of primary walls, there are other types of primary walls including:
Revolve, Blend, Offset, Variable Section Sweep, and Swept Blend.
Any of these primary wall types can be used to create the primary wall for
your sheetmetal model. Creation of the base primary wall requires the
same care that you would use when creating the base feature in a regular
solid model. The base primary wall is the parent feature to all of the other
sheetmetal features in your model. As much as is possible, create the
primary wall with the correct feature type, orientation, and dimension scheme.
Changing them at a later time is possible, but it can be challenging.
Module 1 | Page 2
2012 PTC
Secondary Walls
After you have created a primary wall, you can add a number of different
types of secondary walls to your sheetmetal model. As the name suggests,
these walls are secondary to a primary wall in that they need to reference the
edge of an existing wall to be created.
You use these walls to continue to populate your model with sheetmetal walls
to match your design intent. The types of secondary walls you can create
are Flat, Flange, Twist, Extend, and Merge as well as any of the primary
wall types.
Adding Other Sheetmetal Features

Once you have at least one wall in the model (either a primary wall or a
secondary wall) you can begin to use other sheetmetal features to further
capture the design intent of your model. These features include bends,
unbends, sheetmetal cuts, forms, punches, notches, rips, edge bends, and
corner reliefs.
Creating Flat States

When nearing completion of your sheetmetal model, you can create a flat
state of the sheetmetal model. A flat state is essentially an unbent and
flattened blank that can be used to manufacture the part. The most useful
aspect of the flat state is that it is created as a family table instance, so you
can easily put it in a drawing with the fully formed state.
By doing this, you can provide the necessary dimensions for both the flat
state and the finished form state to manufacture the part in a drawing.
Detailing Sheetmetal Models

The final step in the sheetmetal design process is the detailing step. You
can make a drawing of any sheetmetal part and detail it as necessary by
creating views, dimensions, and notes for both flat and formed states of the
same model in the same drawing.
Futhermore, you can add a Bend Order table with associative notes if you
want to help document the order, sizes, and characteristics of bends used to
fabricate the finished model.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 3
PROCEDURE - Process Exercise

Objectives
After successfully completing this exercise, you will be able to:
Understand the basic process used when modeling sheetmetal designs
in Creo Parametric.
Create a primary planar wall feature to use as the base feature for a
sheetmetal design.
Create secondary flat wall and flange wall features.
Create notch and form features.
Create a flat pattern for a sheetmetal design.
Create a drawing to detail both the formed and flat patterns of sheetmetal
design.
Create a bend order table and add it to a drawing along with associative
notes.
Create automatic ordinate dimensions for the flat pattern of a sheetmetal
design.
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Process\Sheetmetal
Step 1:
CREATE NEW
Create a new Creo Parametric sheetmetal model.
1. In the ribbon, click New

the Data group.
from
2. Type ENCLOSURE in the Name

field.
3. Select Sheetmetal as the
Sub-type in the dialog box.
4. Clear the Use default template
check box and click OK.
5. Select the mmns_part_
sheetmetal template and click
OK to create the new part.
6. Enable only the following Datum
Display types:
Step 2:
Create a primary planar wall 200 mm x 100 mm x .5 mm thick.
1. In the ribbon, click Planar
from the Shapes group.
2. Select datum plane TOP from the model tree as the sketching plane.
Module 1 | Page 4
2012 PTC
3. Right-click and select Corner

Rectangle.
Sketch and dimension a
rectangle, as shown.
Click OK .
4. In the dashboard for the Planar
wall, type 0.50 in the thickness
field and click Complete Feature
.
Step 3:
Create a secondary flat wall with a trapezoidal shape.
1. In the ribbon, click Flat

the Shapes group.
from
2. Zoom in and select the lower

edge on the right side of the
model as the reference for the
flat wall.
3. In the dashboard, select

Trapezoid from the shape
drop-down list to override the
default of Rectangle.
4. Double-click the wall height
dimension, then type 50 and
press ENTER.
Alternatively, you can drag
the drag handle to a height
of 50.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 5
5. In the radius field, type 2.0 and

press ENTER. The model should
now appear, as shown.
6. Click Complete Feature

the dashboard.
Step 4:
from
Create a secondary flange wall with an I profile.
1. In the ribbon, click Flange

2. Zoom in and select the lower
edge on the front of the model as
the reference for the flat wall.
Module 1 | Page 6
2012 PTC
3. Press SHIFT and select the

surface as shown to select the
surface loop.
4. The surface loop appears, as

shown.
5. In the dashboard, edit the radius
to 5.0 and press ENTER.
6. Double-click the wall height

dimension, then type 50 and
press ENTER.

the dashboard.
from
8. From the In Graphics toolbar,

click Corner Relief Notes
and Bend Notes
to disable
their display.
Step 5:
Create points and pattern them to use as references for notch

features.
1. Rotate the model approximately

as shown in the figure.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 7
2. In the ribbon, click the Datum

group drop-down menu and
select Point
3. Select the surface, as shown.
4. Right-click and select Offset

References.
5. Press CTRL and select datum
planes TOP and FRONT from
the model tree as the offset
references.
6. Double-click the vertical
dimension, then type 20.0
and press ENTER.
7. Double-click the horizontal
dimension, then type 25.0 and
press ENTER.
8. Click OK in the Datum Point
dialog box.
9. Press CTRL+D to orient to the
Standard Orientation.
10. With datum point PNT0 still

selected right-click and select
Pattern.
11. Select the 25 dimension, and
press ENTER to accept the
default value of 25.00.
12. Type 3 as the number of Pattern
members in the first direction,
and click Complete Feature
from the Pattern dashboard.
Module 1 | Page 8
2012 PTC
Step 6:
Create three sheetmetal notch features using the points you

created in the previous task as references.
1. In the ribbon, click the Engineering group drop-down menu and select
Punch
2. Select CIRC_NOTCH_20MM_W_TABS.GPH and click Open.

3. Verify that the Advanced reference configuration check box is
selected and click OK in the Insert User-Defined Feature dialog box.
4. In the User-Defined Feature
Placement dialog box, notice
that the first SURFACE reference
is selected and select datum
plane RIGHT from the model
tree.
5. Select the second SURFACE
reference and select the FRONT
datum plane from the model tree.
6. Select the POINT reference, and
select datum point PNT0 from
the model.
7. Select the Adjustments tab.
Select Direction: EXTRUDE_1
and click Flip.
8. Click Accept Settings
9. Right-click Group CIRC_NOTCH_20MM_W_TABS in the model tree

and select Pattern.
reference pattern.
2012 PTC
from the Pattern dashboard to create a
Module 1 | Page 9
Step 7:
Create a sheetmetal punch form feature.
1. In the ribbon, select Punch Form

menu in the Engineering group.
2. Click Open Punch Model
from the Form types drop-down
from the dashboard.
3. Select BOSS_FORM.PRT and click Open.

4. Select the Options tab in the
dashboard.
Click in the Excluded punch
model surfaces collector.
Press CTRL and select the
three surfaces, as shown.
5. Select the Placement tab,

select Coincident
from
the Constraint Type drop-down
menu, and select the first
reference from the form model.
6. Select the second reference

from the sheetmetal model.
Module 1 | Page 10
2012 PTC
7. Click Plane Display

enable their display.
to
8. Click New Constraint from

the placement tab. Select
Coincident
as the constraint
type. Select the FRONT datum
plane from the form model and
the TOP datum plane from the
sheetmetal model and click Flip.
9. Click New Constraint from the
placement tab. Select Distance
as the constraint type.
Select the RIGHT datum plane
from the form model and the
RIGHT datum plane from the
sheetmetal model.
10. Click Plane Display
Point Display
their display.
and
to disable
11. Double-click the offset

dimension, type 30, and press
ENTER.
the dashboard.
Step 8:
from
Create a flat pattern of the model to use later in a drawing.
1. In the ribbon, select Flat Pattern

from the Flat Pattern types
drop-down menu in the Bends group.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 11

the dashboard.
from
Note that the form feature was flattened automatically, because in

the Options tab the Flatten forms check box is selected.
3. In the model tree, select Flat
Pattern 1, right-click and select
Edit Definition.
4. In the Dashboard, select the
Options tab and clear the
Flatten forms check box.
Note that the form feature is now not flattened.

6. In the model tree, select Flat Pattern 1, then right-click and select
Edit Definition.
7. In the dashboard, select the Options tab and select the Flatten
forms check box.
Module 1 | Page 12
2012 PTC
Step 9:
Create a bend order table.
1. In the model tree, select Flat

Pattern 1, then right-click and
select Delete and click OK in the
Delete dialog box.
2. Click the Bends group drop-down
menu and select Bend Order
.
3. When prompted to select a bend
to add to the current sequence,
select the bend surface on the
left end of the model, as shown.

select the bend surface toward
the back of the model, as shown.

select the bend surface near the
front of the model, as shown.

select the bend surface on the
right end of the model, as shown.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 13
7. Review the finished bend order table.
8. When you are finished reviewing the bend order table, click OK to
close the dialog box.
9. Click Save
the model.
10. Click Close
from the Quick Access toolbar and click OK to save

from the Quick Access toolbar.
Step 10: Begin creating a new drawing to document the formed and flat
pattern for the ENCLOSURE.PRT.
from the Data group.
2. Select Drawing as the Type in the dialog box.

3. Type ENCLOSURE_C_DRW in the Name field.
4. Click OK.
5. The New Drawing dialog box appears. Notice the default template
is set to C_drawing.
Click Browse in the Template area of the dialog box.
Note that there are two Browse buttons in this dialog box. You
need to click the lower one in the Template section.
Module 1 | Page 14
2012 PTC
6. In the Open dialog box, select PTC_C_DRAWING.DRW and click

Open.
7. Click OK in the New Drawing dialog box to create the drawing.
The drawing is populated with views and dimensions. In a
production drawing, the next step would be to clean up
the placement of the dimensions and add any other drawing
elements needed to document the model. Since this is just an
educational example, you can leave this sheet as is and move
on to the next task.
Step 11: Continue the drawing creation process by adding a second sheet
to document the flat pattern of the model.
1. Click New Sheet
from the Document group.
2. Click Drawing Models
from the Model Views group.
3. Click Add Model from the menu manager.

4. Select ENCLOSURE_FLAT1.PRT in the Open dialog box and click
Open.
5. Right-click anywhere in the display area and select Insert General
View.
6. Select No Combined State and click OK in the Select Combined
State dialog box.
7. Click in the center of the drawing to place the view.
8. In the Drawing View dialog box, select the TOP model view name.
9. Click Apply.
10. In the Drawing View dialog box, select the Scale category.
11. Select Custom scale and type 1.75 as the Custom scale.
12. Click Apply.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 15
13. In the Drawing View dialog box, select the View Display category.
14. Edit the display style to No Hidden.
15. Click OK to complete the drawing view.
Step 12: Add the bend order table, bend notes, and auto ordinate
dimensions to the drawing.
1. In the ribbon, select the Annotate tab.
2. With the view still selected, click Show Model Annotations
the Annotations group.
3. Select the Datums Tab
4. Click Select All
from
in the Show Model Annotations dialog box.
to select all the Datum Axes.
Note the appearance of the bend axes for each of the bends.
Module 1 | Page 16
2012 PTC
5. Select the Note Tab

Click Select All
Click OK.

.
6. Click in the background to de-select all geometry.

Note that the bend notes are associative. The note leader for
each is attached to the corresponding bend axis for each bend.
7. Select Auto Ordinate Dimension

from the Ordinate Dimension
types drop-down menu in the Annotations group.
8. When prompted to select one or more surfaces for ordinate dimension
creation, click to create a box, and drag it around all of the surfaces
in the drawing view, as shown.
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 17
9. Click OK in the Select dialog box.

10. Click Select Base Line from the menu manager and select the far
left edge of the model's geometry, as shown.
Note the resulting ordinate dimensions.
11. Click Select Base Line from the menu manager and select the
bottom most edge of the model's geometry, as shown.
Module 1 | Page 18
2012 PTC
12. Click Done/Return from the menu manager.

In a production drawing, the next step would be to clean up the
resultant ordinate dimension and keep only the ones you need to
document the model. However, it is generally more convenient
to have Creo Parametric create the ordinate dimensions for you
and then to delete the ones you do not want, as opposed to
creating each of the ones you do want individually.
Step 13: Save the models and erase them from memory.
1. Click Regenerate
2. Click Save
the model.
3. Click Close
from the Quick Access toolbar and click OK to save

4. Click Erase Not Displayed

models from memory.
from the Data group to erase the
2012 PTC
Module 1 | Page 19
Module 1 | Page 20
2012 PTC
Module

Module Overview
Before exploring the different aspects of sheetmetal modeling in depth, it
is necessary to understand some of the fundamentals of how sheetmetal
models are handled, calculated, displayed, and created in Creo Parametric.
Objectives
Understand the thickness of a sheetmetal model, and how it is calculated
from a driving surface.
Describe how the wireframe display of a sheetmetal model's driving and
driven surfaces are displayed.
Define, understand, and change developed lengths in sheetmetal model
designs.
Control developed lengths with a K-factor, a Y-factor, or a bend table.
Create new sheetmetal models in part or assembly mode.
Create a new sheetmetal model by converting a solid model into a
sheetmetal model.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 1

It is important to understand some fundamental characteristics
of the Sheetmetal mode in Creo Parametric.
Constant thickness
Driving (green) and offset
(black) sides
Formed or flat
Developed length
Figure 2 Formed Model
Figure 1 Wireframe
Display of Driving (Green)
and Offset (Black) Sides
Figure 3 Flat Pattern

Sheetmetal models are solid parametric models that have a constant
thickness throughout. Therefore, they do not accurately represent real world
models that undergo deep drawing forming operations or other manufacturing
processes that involve large amounts of plastic deformation of the material
during formation.
Sheetmetal models have a driving side and an offset side. When displayed
as a wire frame, the driving side of the model is shown in green and the offset
(or driven side) is shown in black. The side surfaces of sheetmetal models
are formed only after the driving and offset surfaces have been regenerated.
You can view an example of this in Figure 1.
Sheetmetal models can be displayed in either the formed design state (bent
into the final shape used in the design) or the flat pattern (unbent to display
the blank of metal needed prior to bending). An example of the formed model
Module 2 | Page 2
2012 PTC
is shown in Figure 2. An example of the flat pattern for the same model can
be seen in Figure 3.
Creo Parametric can accurately calculate the developed length of most
bends in a sheetmetal model. This enables you to design the model in its
formed model. If you unbend it later to form the flat pattern, you can apply the
developed length to each of the bends in the model so that an accurate flat
model can also be generated for manufacturing.
Best Practices
Because of the general thinness of a sheetmetal part, you should select
flat surfaces as references when placing a feature. If a flat surface is not
applicable, edges are more convenient than side surfaces. When you orient
a sheetmetal part, the first selection must be a planar surface or a datum
plane and the second selection may be an edge. This is contrary to orienting
non-sheetmetal solid parts (where it is recommended that the second
reference be a surface instead of an edge). Edges are often references
in sheetmetal models.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 3
Understanding Developed Length

Creo Parametric can automatically calculate the developed
length of most sheetmetal bends.
Developed Length (Bend Allowance)
can be determined by:
System Equation (Y/K Factor)
Provided Bend Tables (soft,
medium and hard materials)
User-defined Bend Tables
Entered Value
Figure 1 Before Bend
Applied to whole part or to individual

features, as necessary.
N is the Neutral Axis
L = (/2 x R + y x T) /90
L= Developed Length
R = Inside Radius
T = Material Thickness
= Bend Angle (measured as
angle of deflection)
y = (/2) * K
K = /T
Figure 2 After Bend
Understanding Developed Length

Accurate developed length calculations (often referred to as bend
allowances) enable you to capture your design intent in the solid model
while also developing a precise flattened model that manufacturers can use
when developing the actual product. Physical sheetmetal parts are often
manufactured by taking a flat piece of sheetmetal material and bending it into
the finished part. This final shape is often referred to as the developed or
formed model. When you bend or form a piece of sheetmetal, the material
on the outside of the neutral bend axis stretches while the material on the
inside of the neutral bend axis compresses. The neutral bend axis itself
remains the same before and after the bend because it is neither stretched
nor compressed. You can account for this material behavior by establishing
appropriate material descriptions and formulae for accurately calculating the
bend allowance. It is very helpful to be able to provide the manufacturers of
your sheetmetal models with the overall dimensions of the flat stock (often
referred to as the blank) that they need to begin the manufacturing process.
Creo Parametric can create a blank that incorporates the developed lengths
of the formed mode into the flat model.
Module 2 | Page 4
2012 PTC
Calculating Developed Length

The developed length of a bend depends on the thickness, bend radii,
bend angles, and other material properties (principally the hardness of the
material). The developed length calculation compensates for stretching in the
area of a bend.
The developed length of a bend is determined in Creo Parametric using
one of four methods:
System Equation (default)
Entered Value
Provided Bend Tables
User-defined (Customized) Bend Tables
Bend Tables are covered in a separate topic.
System Default Equation

By default, Creo Parametric uses a default bend formula to calculate the
developed length that uses y-factor or k-factor values.
The equation, shown in figure 1, is stated as L = (/2 x R + y x T) /90
Where: L = developed length, R = inside radius, T = material thickness, =
bend angle (deflection angle, in ), and y = y-factor.
Note that the bend angle is measured as the angle of deflection,
and not the inside angle. For example, if a flat wall section was
bent 30, the bend angle () is 30, not 150.
The y-factors and k-factors are part constants defined by the location of
the sheetmetal material's neutral bend line, which is largely based on
the hardness of the material. The k-factor is a value that expresses a
parameterized location of the neutral bend axis. It is calculated as k = /T. In
the figure, you can view that is the distance away from the inside radius
where the neutral bend axis lies. Therefore, a value of k = 0 would indicate
that the neutral bend axis is on the innermost surface of the bend, while a
value of k = 1 would indicate that the neutral bend axis is located on the
outermost surface of the bend.
Both the k-factors and y-factors increase as the hardness of the material
increases. Therefore, harder materials have larger developed lengths than
softer materials.
The y-factor is calculated with the equation y = k * /2. The default value
for the y-factor is 0.50.
Entered Values
Another way to control the developed length of a given bend is to override
whatever value is given to the bend (by a bend table or the default equation)
with a user supplied value. This approach can be useful when the developed
length is known heuristically from some source (such as a manufacturing
vendor) and just needs to be incorporated in the model.
Best Practices
Before beginning the development of sheetmetal models in Creo Parametric,
determine how the developed length will be calculated. Accurate developed
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 5
length calculations enable you to capture your design intent in the solid
model and to create accurate flat models that manufacturers can use to
develop the actual product.
Module 2 | Page 6
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Understanding Developed Length

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Developed-Length
Task 1:
WIDGET.PRT
Examine and modify the developed length of a bend by changing

the y-factor.
1. Disable all Datum Display types.

2. Right-click the First Wall feature
in the model tree and select Edit.
Note that the value for
the developed length of
the bend is currently 4.14
(highlighted in green), in the
image.
3. In the ribbon, click File > Prepare > Model Properties.
In the Model Properties dialog box, select change for the y-factor
Bend Allowance.
In the Preferences dialog box, type 0.70 for the new Factor value.
Click Regenerate in the Preferences dialog box.
Click Close in the Model Properties dialog box.
Note that the value for
the developed length of
the bend is now 4.54
(highlighted in green), in the
image.
Task 2:
Unbend the model and measure the length of the flat model.
1. In the ribbon, select Unbend

menu in the Bends group.
2012 PTC
from the Unbend types drop-down
Module 2 | Page 7
3. In the ribbon, select the Analysis

tab.
4. In the Measure group, select
Distance
from the Measure
types drop-down menu.
5. Press CTRL and select the
edges shown for the references.
Note the resulting distance
of 71.5416.
6. Close the Measure dialog box.
Task 3:
Override the calculated developed length with a user-defined

value and measure the length of the flat model again.

2. Double-click the 4.54 DEV.L
dimension, and type 5.12 as the
new value and press ENTER.
3. Click twice in the background to
update the geometry.
4. Select Distance
from the
Measure types drop-down menu.
edges shown.
Note that the distance measured is now 72.1200. This is because
the user-defined value for the developed length of the bend is
now being used to drive the flat length of the model instead of the
y-factor calculated value.
Module 2 | Page 8
2012 PTC
Creating a New Sheetmetal Part in Assembly

Mode
There are three methods for creating a new sheetmetal model.
One method is to create a new sheetmetal part in Assembly
mode.
Figure 1 Creating a New Component in an Assembly
Creating a New Sheetmetal Part in Assembly Mode

You can create a new sheetmetal model in Assembly mode. When you
are working inside of an existing assembly, you can click the Create
icon to open the Component Create dialog box. Once in the Component
Create dialog box, you must then select the Sheetmetal option, type a part
name, and click OK. The Creation Options dialog box appears, and you can
select the Copy from Existing option and then browse for the template file
you wish to use.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 9
PROCEDURE - Creating a New Sheetmetal Part in

Assembly Mode
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\New-Part_Assembly
Task 1:
MACHINE.ASM
Create and assemble a new sheetmetal part in the

MACHINE.ASM.

Display types:
2. In the ribbon, click Create

from the Component group.
3. In the Component Create
dialog box, select Part as the
Type, if necessary, and select
Sheetmetal as the Sub-type.
4. Type front_enclosure in the
Name field and click OK.
5. In the Creation Options dialog box, verify that Copy from Existing
is selected.
Note that the default template in the Copy from field is for a solid
part not a sheetmetal part. While in Assembly mode, there is no
discrimination between solid and sheetmetal parts. Therefore,
you will select a sheetmetal template in the next step.
6. Click Browse and double-click
the templates folder.
7. Select PTC_MM_KG_SEC_
SHEET.PRT in the Choose
template dialog box and click
Open.
8. Verify that the dialog box
appears, as shown, and click
OK to create the new sheetmetal
part.
Module 2 | Page 10
2012 PTC
9. Right-click in the graphics area

and select Default Constraint,
as shown.
10. Click Complete Component
to finish assembling the
component.
11. Right-click the new

FRONT_ENCLOSURE.PRT
sheetmetal part in the model tree
and select Activate.
Once the new
FRONT_ENCLOSURE
sheetmetal part has been
activated, the Sheetmetal
icons appear in the ribbon
groups, indicating that the
part is both a solid part and
a sheetmetal part.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 11
Creating a New Sheetmetal Model in Part Mode

One method is to create a new sheetmetal model in Part mode.
Figure 1 Creating a New Sheetmetal Model in Part Mode
Creating a New Sheetmetal Model in Part Mode

You can create a new sheetmetal model in Part mode. You can click the New
icon, select the Sheetmetal radio button and type a part name. You can
then either click OK and use the default sheetmetal template part or you can
clear the Use default template check box, click OK, and then browse for
the sheetmetal template part you want to use. Note that you can use the
template_sheetmetalpart config option to specify the default template.
Module 2 | Page 12
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Creating a New Sheetmetal Model in Part

Mode
Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\New-Part
Task 1:
CREATE NEW
Create a new sheetmetal model.
2. Select Part as the Type,

if necessary, and select
Sheetmetal as the Sub-type.
3. Type bracket in the Name field.
4. Clear the Use default template
check box.
5. Verify that the dialog box
appears, as shown, and click
OK.
6. In the New File Options dialog box, click Browse, double-click the
templates folder, select MM_KG_SEC_SHEET.PRT, and click Open.
7. Click OK to create a new
sheetmetal part using this
template.
Note the presence of the
sheetmetal options in
the ribbon. This is one
way to know you are in a
sheetmetal part.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 13
Task 2:
Explore some of the entities that are in the part as the result of
using the MM_KG_SEC_SHEET.PRT template part.
1. In the model tree, click Show

and select Layer Tree,
and notice that several layers
have already been created.
2. Click the Model Intent group
drop-down menu and select
Parameters .
Notice the parameters in the
model.
3. Click Cancel to close the
Parameters dialog box.
The layers and parameters exist in the new sheetmetal part
because MM_KG_SEC_SHEET.PRT was used as a template. All
of these entities (and others) existed in the template file and were
copied into the new file.
Module 2 | Page 14
2012 PTC
Converting Solid Models to Sheetmetal

One method is to convert a solid model to a sheetmetal model.
Figure 1 Conversion, Driving Surface, and Shell Dashboards
Converting Solid Models to Sheetmetal

You can convert existing solid models to sheetmetal models in Creo
Parametric. Once you open a solid model, you can click the Operations
group drop-down menu and select Convert to Sheetmetal . The Sheetmetal
dashboard displays with the conversion options. You can then select Driving
Surface and select the driving surface. If the model is already a constant
thickness, you can select the Shell option and specify which surfaces to
remove and create a shell model with a constant thickness. Once you
complete either of these steps, the FIRST WALL feature is added to the
model tree and you gain access to the Sheetmetal menus and feature icons.
Once you have converted a solid model to a sheetmetal model using this
technique, you can employ additional sheetmetal features to help create a
developable part. A developable part is typically defined as a sheetmetal
model that can display in its flat state and is capable of being manufactured.
The most common tool that you use for this task is the Conversion feature,
but you can use any sheetmetal feature to create a developable part.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 15
PROCEDURE - Converting Solid Models to Sheetmetal

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Convert_Solid
Task 1:
CONVERT.PRT
Convert a solid model to a sheetmetal model.

2. Examine the features in the
model tree.
The model currently
consists of a default datum
coordinate system, three
default datum planes, and
two extrude features.
3. In the ribbon, click the Operations group drop-down menu and select
Convert to Sheetmetal
4. In the dashboard, click Shell
from the First Wall group.
5. Press CTRL and select the two

hidden surfaces on the back of
the model, as shown in the figure
(highlighted in green).
You need to either
query select these
surfaces or rotate the
model so that you can
select the surfaces
directly.
6. Edit the thickness to 1.0 and click
Complete Feature .
Task 2:
Examine the converted model.
1. Examine the features in the

model tree.
Note the addition of the
FIRST WALL feature. Also
note that the Sheetmetal
mode icons have been
added and the Solid mode
icons have been removed
from the ribbon.
Module 2 | Page 16
2012 PTC
2. Rotate the model to examine

the surfaces that have been
removed from the back of the
model.
2012 PTC
Module 2 | Page 17
Module 2 | Page 18
2012 PTC
Module
Creating Primary Sheetmetal Wall Features

Module Overview
A critical building block for every sheetmetal model is the creation of a
primary wall feature. Since it is the first sheetmetal feature in a model, it
does not need to reference any other sheetmetal features. It also sets the
thickness of the entire sheetmetal model.
In this module, you will explore a number of different methods of creating
primary walls. You will also learn about how these primary wall types can be
created after an initial primary wall exists. These walls are called unattached
walls.
Objectives
Understand the difference between primary and secondary walls.
Understand the difference between attached and unattached walls.
Create planar primary walls.
Create extruded primary walls.
Create revolved primary walls.
Create blend primary walls.
Create offset primary walls.
Understand other less common types of primary walls.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 1
Understanding Sheetmetal Wall Features

A wall is any section of sheetmetal.
Figure 1 Primary Wall No

References
Figure 2 Secondary Wall

Attached Along Green Edge
Figure 3 Two Unattached

Primary Walls
Figure 4 Secondary Wall

Merged at Both Ends
Understanding Sheetmetal Wall Features

Sheetmetal walls are the main method of adding solid geometry to a
sheetmetal model. They are similar to the Protrusion feature in normal,
non-sheetmetal solid models. There are two main types of walls that you can
create in sheetmetal models: primary wall and secondary wall features.
Primary Walls
Primary walls are sheetmetal wall features that do not need to reference
existing sheetmetal features. They are always the first sheetmetal feature in
a sheetmetal model: they form sheetmetal geometry which other sheetmetal
features can reference. None of the sheetmetal features except for the
primary wall features are available until a primary wall has been created.
You can continue to create primary walls after an initial primary wall has been
created, but these walls are created as unattached primary walls and can
later be attached to existing sheetmetal geometry.
Module 3 | Page 2
2012 PTC
Secondary Walls
Unlike primary wall features, secondary wall features need to reference
existing sheetmetal geometry. Typically the first step in creating a secondary
wall is to select an edge of an existing sheetmetal wall to which you will
attach the secondary wall.
Attached versus Unattached Walls

By definition, secondary walls are attached walls as the name suggests,
they are attached to an existing wall. However, since primary walls can be
created without referencing any other existing sheetmetal geometry, it is
possible to create more than one primary wall in a sheetmetal design. One
such example can be seen in figures 3 and 4. The first wall was created as
a primary wall (marked 1 in Figure 3), and then another primary wall was
created (marked 2 in Figure 3). A secondary wall with a wall flange (marked 3
in Figure 4) was then attached to wall 1 (shown by the green arrow) because
the top edge of wall 1 where the green arrow is, was selected as a reference
for the wall.
This secondary wall (3) is later attached to wall 2 with a merge feature along
the edge where the red arrow is shown. Once wall 3 is attached at both
ends, the geometry becomes one continuous piece of sheetmetal geometry
and other useful sheetmetal features (such as the unbend feature) can be
applied to it.
This type of approach is often useful in top-down designs where the location
of some geometry is known and other geometry is needed to bridge between
these known locations.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 3
Creating Planar Walls

A planar wall is a planar, unbent section of sheetmetal.
Figure 1 Completed Planar Wall
Figure 2 Planar Wall Icon Location
Creating Planar Walls

Primary planar walls can take any flat shape because you either select or
create a closed sketch that defines the extents of the feature. You can use
the Planar
icon for this type of feature, and it is located in the Shapes
group section of the ribbon.
Module 3 | Page 4
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Creating Planar Walls

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Primary-Planar
Task 1:
BLANK.PRT
Create a primary flat wall feature.
1. Enable only the following Datum Display types:

2. In the ribbon, click Planar
3. Click References from the dashboard and click Define.

4. Select datum plan TOP as the sketch plane.
5. Verify that the resulting default for the Sketch Orientation reference is
the RIGHT datum plane and that the Orientation field is set to Right.
6. Click Sketch to start Sketcher mode.
7. Select Corner Rectangle
from the Rectangle types
drop-down menu in the Sketching
group and sketch the rectangle.
8. Click One-by-One from the
Operations group and edit the
dimensions as shown.
9. Click OK
from the dashboard
to complete the sketch.
10. Type 1.50 in the thickness field
in the dashboard, as shown.
Note that the
thickness set for
this wall modifies
the value of the
thickness parameter
(SMT_THICKNESS),
which controls the
thickness of the entire
sheetmetal part.
Editing the first wall
feature displays the
thickness dimension,
because it is the first
wall feature in the
sheetmetal model.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 5
Module 3 | Page 6
2012 PTC
Extruded Sheetmetal Wall Features

You can use the Extrude tool to create a primary wall feature.
Figure 1 Competed Extruded Primary Wall
Extruded Sheetmetal Wall Features

An extruded wall is created by taking a sketch you create and extending it
normal to the sketch plane. This creates a surface to which you can add
sheetmetal thickness to the inside or outside. You can use the Extrude
icon for this type of feature, and it is located in the Shapes group section,
in the ribbon.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 7
PROCEDURE - Extruded Sheetmetal Wall Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Primary-Extrude
Task 1:
BEAM.PRT
Create a primary extruded wall feature.
1. Enable only the following Datum Display types:

2. In the ribbon, click Extrude
Note that the tool has automatically been set to Solid
3. Select datum plane FRONT as the sketch plane.

4. Select Line Chain
from the
Line types drop-down menu in
the Sketching group and sketch
the two lines.
dimensions, as shown.
6. Click OK
from the dashboard
to complete the sketch.
7. From the dashboard, select the
Options tab and select the Add
bends on sharp edges check
box.
8. Type 5.0 in the Radius field and
verify that the dimension side is
set to Inside, as shown.
Module 3 | Page 8
2012 PTC
9. Type 500 in the dashboard depth field and type 3.5 in the thickness
field, as shown.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 9
Revolved Sheetmetal Wall Features

You can use the Revolve tool to create a primary wall feature.
Figure 1 Completed Revolved Wall
Figure 2 Revolved Wall

Icon Location
Revolved Sheetmetal Wall Features

A revolved wall is created by taking a sketch you create, and rotating it about
an axis. This creates a surface to which you can add sheetmetal thickness to
the inside or outside. You can use the Revolve
icon to create this type of
feature, and it is located in the Shapes group drop-down menu, in the ribbon.
Module 3 | Page 10
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Revolved Sheetmetal Wall Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Primary-Revolve
Task 1:
COLLAR.PRT
Create a primary revolved wall feature.

2. In the ribbon, click the Shapes
select Revolve
3. Select datum plan FRONT from

the model tree as the sketch
plan.
4. Click Centerline
from the
Datum group and sketch a
geometry centerline on the
vertical referance.
5. Click Line Chain
from the
Sketching group and sketch the
vertical and horizontal lines.
6. Select 3-Point / Tangent End
from the Arc types drop-down
menu and sketch the arc.
7. Click Tangent
from the
constrain group and constrain
both ends of the arc tangent to
the line entities.
8. Click Normal
from the
Dimension group and dimension
the sketch.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 11
9. Click OK
sketch.
to complete the
Module 3 | Page 12
2012 PTC
Blend Sheetmetal Wall Features

Multiple sections can join together to create a Blend Primary
Wall feature.
Figure 1 Completed
Blend Primary Wall
Feature
Figure 2 Blend Wall Icon Location
Blend Sheetmetal Wall Features

You can create a blended wall by connecting two or more sketched sections
together. You can also connect two or more pre-existing sketches together,
and the sketches do not have to be parallel to each other. This creates a
surface to which you can add sheetmetal thickness to the inside or outside.
icon for this type of feature, and it is located in the
You can use the Blend
Shapes group of the ribbon.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 13
PROCEDURE - Blend Sheetmetal Wall Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Primary-Blend
Task 1:
FUNNEL.PRT
Create a Blended Primary Wall feature.

Display types:

select Blend .
3. In the dashboard, select the
Options tab.
Select Straight as the Blend
surface
4. In the dashboard, select the Sections tab.

Click Define.
5. Select datum plan FRONT as the Sketch Plane.
Click Sketch.
6. Select Center and Point
from the Circle types drop-down
menu in the Sketching group.
7. Sketch the circle, middle-click,
and edit the diameter to 10.
8. Click OK
Module 3 | Page 14
from the dashboard.
2012 PTC

Sections tab.
Click Insert.
Edit the offset to 75.
Click Sketch.
10. Click Center and Point
and
sketch the circle, middle-click,
11. Click OK
from the dashboard.

Sections tab.
Click Insert.
Edit the offset to 75.
Click Sketch.
and
sketch the circle, middle-click,
14. When you finish sketching and
dimensioning the geometry, click
OK
to leave Sketcher mode.
15. Click Refit
from the In
Graphics toolbar.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 15
17. Disable Plane Display
Module 3 | Page 16
2012 PTC
Creating Offset Walls

You can use surfaces to create an offset wall feature.
Figure 1 Surface Feature
Figure 2 Completed Offset

Primary Wall
Creating Offset Walls

An offset wall is created by specifying an existing surface, and the direction
and distance you wish to offset. This creates a new surface to which you can
add sheetmetal thickness to the inside or outside. You can click the Offset
icon, located in the Editing group of the ribbon, for this type of feature.
The Sheetmetal Offset Wall utilizes the same offset function from core part
mode. Therefore, offset types such as Normal To Surface, Automatic Fit,
and Controlled Fit are available as well as the Special Handling option to
exclude surfaces from the offset operation. In Sheetmetal mode, the offset
tool offers these additional options:
Sheetmetal Offset Options:
Add bend on sharp edges Apply a bend radius to an otherwise sharp
edge in the resulting offset wall.
Set driving surface opposite offset surface Flip the green Sheetmetal
surface to the other side of the wall.
Merge wall geometry to Model Merge the offset wall with existing
adjacent walls.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 17
PROCEDURE - Creating Offset Walls

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Offset
Task 1:
CASE.PRT
Create a primary offset wall feature.

2. In the ribbon, click Offset
from the Editing group.
3. Select the surface to offset, as

shown.
4. Edit the offset distance to 25.0

and the thickness to 10.0.
5. Select the Options tab, select

the Add bends on sharp edges
check box, and edit the radius to
35.0.
Module 3 | Page 18
2012 PTC
Sheetmetal Wall Sketching Tools

The Thicken option is available in Sketcher mode for sheetmetal
features.
Figure 1 Before Thicken
Figure 2 After Thicken
Sheetmetal Wall Sketching Tools

Sheetmetal bends are often formed on a break where the sheetmetal is bent
over a specifically sized die to form an inside radius. Since the inside radius
of the bend is set by a specifically sized die, it is important to the design intent
of a model. As a designer, you may run into situations where the sketch you
are creating is dimensioning to an outside diameter.
An example of a sketch where this may happen is shown in Figure 1. The
design intent for this model is to create the sheetmetal thickness to the right
of the sketch, to dimension all bends as 5.00 mm inside radius bends, and to
dimension the right most vertical member to the far side of the thickness. The
weak (light blue) dimensions do not match this design intent.
You can use the Thicken Sketcher tool to incorporate the correct dimensioning
scheme (and hence the correct design intent) into your features. It creates
a set of construction entities that are offset from the geometry you have
sketched. You can select the side and distance to which the offset occurs, and
this in turn sets the direction and thickness of the solid sheetmetal geometry.
The most useful aspect of this set of offset entities is the ability to dimension
to them. You can dimension the inside radius of a sketch even if the geometry
you have sketched is the outside radius. Furthermore, you can dimension
to offset entities, to match the dimensioning scheme of your feature to the
design intent of your model. An example of this is shown in Figure 2. The
offset entity is used to create an inside radius 5.00 mm dimension and the
29.00 mm dimension. Both of these dimensions belong to the offset entities
created by the Thicken tool.
Best Practices
Outside radius dimensions that are left as weak dimensions prior to using
the Thicken tool, change to weak inside radius dimensions after you use
the Thicken tool.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 19
PROCEDURE - Sheetmetal Wall Sketching Tools

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Sketch_Tools
Task 1:
BRACE.PRT
Create an extruded primary wall feature with an existing sketch,

but re-dimension the sketch to match your design intent.
The design intent for this model is to create a brace that is 25 mm
thick and uses bends that have inside radii dimensions all equal
to 5 mm. You will discover that the existing sketch that currently
uses these dimensions does not have the correct design intent
(due to the material thickness of the sheetmetal) and will need to
be re-dimensioned.

3. Select Sketch 1 from the model tree.

4. From the dashboard, click Solid
5. In the dashboard, select the Placement tab and click Unlink.

Click OK from the Unlink dialog box.
6. Click Edit from the Placement
tab to start Sketcher mode.
Note the presence of
the weak 25.00 and 5.00
dimensions in the sketch.
7. Right-click in the graphics
window and select Thicken.
8. Click Flip > Okay from the menu manager to flip the arrow to the right.
9. Type 2.0 as the thickness and press ENTER.
The addition of the offset construction line represents the thickness
of the sheetmetal material. Also note that the weak 5.00 dimension
has automatically moved to the inside radius and is now 3.00.
10. Edit the 3.00 dimension to 5.0 and press ENTER.
Module 3 | Page 20
2012 PTC
11. Click Normal

and select the
thickness line and the vertical
reference line to create the 29.00
dimension, as shown.
12. Select the 29.00 dimension, then
right-click and select Modify.
Type a value of 25.00 in the
Modify Dimensions dialog box
and click Regenerate Section
.
13. Click OK
to complete the
sketch. Type 100 for the depth in
the dashboard.
2012 PTC
Module 3 | Page 21
Advanced Primary Walls

There are many less common but often useful types of primary
walls.
Figure 1 Variable Section Sweep
Figure 2 Swept Blend
Figure 3 Helical Sweep
Figure 4 Boundary Blend
Advanced Primary Walls

In addition to the most common types of primary walls, there are quite a few
less common but often useful types of primary walls:
Variable Section Sweep A variable section sweep creates a primary
wall feature by sweeping a section along the selected trajectories and
simultaneously controlling the sections orientation, rotation, and geometry
along the trajectory. In this example, the trajectories used to create the wall
are shown in red, and the section is shown in blue.
Swept Blend A swept blend creates a primary wall feature by sweeping
along a trajectory, while simultaneously varying the cross-section from one
user-defined cross-section to the next. In this example, the trajectory used
to create the wall is shown in red, and the sections are shown in blue.
Helical Sweep A helical sweep creates a primary wall feature by
sweeping a section along a helical (corkscrew-like) trajectory.
Boundary Blend The Boundary Blend option creates a primary wall
feature by enabling you to create a surface by specifying curves that the
surface will pass through in one or two directions. From this surface, the
offset surface is created and the sheetmetal material is added. In this
example, the curves used as boundaries in the first direction are shown in
red, and the boundaries in the second direction are shown in blue.
Blend Tangent to Surfaces The Blend Tangent to Surfaces option enables
you to create a blended surface tangent to surfaces from an edge or a
curve. This surface then becomes the driving surface for a sheetmetal
primary wall.
Module 3 | Page 22
2012 PTC
Module
Creating Secondary Sheetmetal Wall

Features
Module Overview
Once you have created at least one primary wall in a sheetmetal model,
you can begin creating secondary walls and attaching them to the model.
In this module, you will explore a number of different methods of creating
secondary walls.
Objectives
Understand the general characteristics and types of secondary walls.
Create secondary flat walls.
Create secondary flange walls.
Create secondary extruded walls.
Create secondary twist walls.
Create secondary extended walls.
Create secondary merge walls.
Understand and create partial and overextended walls.
Understand and apply the different types of relief to walls when necessary.
Understand and use the different dashboard options that are available for
flat and flange walls.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 1
Understanding Secondary Walls

Secondary walls are dependent on at least one primary wall.
Figure 1 Flat
Figure 2 Flange
Figure 3 Extruded
Figure 4 Extend
Figure 5 Twist
Figure 6 Merge
Understanding Secondary Walls

You can create secondary walls by referencing at least one primary wall. A
secondary wall is always a child feature of the primary wall it references.
You can create any primary wall type as a secondary wall. In addition to the
primary walls, there are six other wall features that can ONLY be created
as secondary walls:
Flat You can create a secondary flat wall using the Flat
icon
(as opposed to a primary flat wall that is created using the Planar
icon). You create it by referencing the edge of an existing wall and then
using a modifiable predefined shape (rectangle, trapezoid, L, or T) or
a user-defined sketch. You use an open sketch that is attached to the
referenced edge to define the shape of the wall. You can specify the angle
of the attachment as well as the radius of an optional bend.
Module 4 | Page 2
2012 PTC
Flange A flange wall takes a commonly used predefined shape, a

common hem shape, or user-defined shape and sweeps it along a
trajectory of referenced edges. You can create it using the Flange
icon.
Extruded The extruded wall is very similar to a flange wall. For this type
of secondary wall, a single straight edge is selected to act as an extrude
direction and a sketched section is created that follows along this edge
to create the sheetmetal geometry.
You can use the Extrude
icon to create this type of wall.
Extend An extend wall lengthens an existing wall. You can extend the
wall from a straight edge on an existing wall to either a planar surface or
a specified distance.
You can use the Extend
icon to create this type of wall.
Twist You can create a twist wall by selecting a straight edge on an
existing planar wall. It is formed by extending the wall and twisting it
around an axis that typically runs through the center of the wall (although
a different point on the wall can be specified). The distance of extension
and degrees of twist are specified by the user.
Merge The Merge Walls tool combines two or more unattached walls that
are tangent and touching each other into one contiguous wall. You can use
the Merge Walls
icon to create the feature.
Unattached Primary Walls

As mentioned, you can create all of the primary wall types as secondary
walls. Typically, you create a primary wall as an unattached wall after the
initial primary wall has been created in the model. For example, you can
create the side walls of a sheetmetal model before knowing what the middle
section will look like.
This is similar to the use of separate parts in assembly mode, where you have
parts of the model that are completely separate from other parts of the model.
However, eventually these unattached primary walls need to be attached
(with the Merge Wall tool) to the primary wall to have a valid sheetmetal
model, for example, a single contiguous piece of sheetmetal in a part model.
Once the unattached wall has been attached via the Merge Wall tool, it
becomes a child of the Merge Wall feature. Since it is dependent on another
wall feature, it becomes a secondary wall.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 3
Creating Secondary Flat Walls

Secondary flat walls are planar walls that are attached to a
straight edge of an existing wall.
Figure 1 Rectangle
Figure 2 Trapezoid
Figure 3 L
Figure 4 T
Creating Secondary Flat Walls

You can create a secondary flat wall by referencing a straight edge on
an existing wall. You can then specify a number of different elements that
determine the final configuration of the flat wall.
Predefined Shapes
First you should specify the overall shape of the wall. The wall is always
created as an open loop sketch that is attached to the referenced straight
edge. You can select a predefined sketch shape or define the sketch yourself.
You can select from the following predefined shapes:
Rectangle
Trapezoid
Module 4 | Page 4
2012 PTC
L
T
Modifying Predefined Shapes

You can modify a predefined shape in a number of different ways:
Drag handles You can right-click in the display area and select Edit
Shape. Drag handles appear on the model that enable you to click the
shape and drag it to a new location while the preview geometry updates
in real-time.
Modifying dimensions You can double-click any dimension and specify a
new value for it.
Sketch mode You can take the predefined geometry into Sketch mode
and manipulate it there. You can delete, modify, or create new entities in
Sketch mode to create a shape that matches your design intent. The only
requirement for the sketch is that it is an open loop with the open ends of
the sketch terminating at the edge you referenced for attachment.
Wall Angle
You can also control the angle of the wall from 0 to 180 degrees. A 0 degree
wall inserts the wall parallel to the existing wall. You cannot use a negative
angle or an angle greater than 180 degrees to make the wall angle reverse
its direction. Instead you must select the sheetmetal edge on the opposite
side of the edge you selected as the attachment reference.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 5
PROCEDURE - Creating Secondary Flat Walls

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Secondary-Planar
Task 1:
BLANK.PRT
Create a secondary flat wall.

the Shapes group.
from
3. Select the edge on the top-left

side of the model, as shown.
Alternatively, you can
preselect the edge first and
then click Flat
Note that the Rectangle shape has been selected by default.

4. Select L from the Shape
drop-down list in the dashboard,
as shown.
5. In the dashboard, edit the radius

value to 5.0.
6. Click the angle drag handle and
drag the wall to 110 degrees, as
shown.
Module 4 | Page 6
2012 PTC
7. Drag the drag handle for the

taller side of the L wall to a value
of 40, as shown.

Shape tab and edit the height of
the shorter side of the L wall to
20, then press ENTER.
9. Click Sketch from the Shape tab
to start Sketch mode.
10. Select Circular

from the
Fillet types drop-down menu in
the Sketching group and create
the fillet, as shown.
fillet radius dimension to 10.0
to complete the
and click OK
sketch.

from
the dashboard to complete the
feature.

2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 7
Using Flange Walls

A flange wall is a folded sheetmetal wall that is attached to
straight or swept edges.
Figure 1 I
Figure 2 Arc
Figure 3 S
Figure 4 Z
Figure 5 Open
Figure 6
Flushed
Figure 7 C
Figure 8 Duck
Using Flange Walls

A flange wall is a folded sheetmetal wall that is attached to straight or swept
edges. You select an edge or a set of adjacent edges (they must form a
continuous path) to which you will attach the flange wall. You can then specify
the profile of the wall as well as other dashboard options.
Flange Wall Profiles

There are three basic types of flange wall profiles:
Frequently Used Shapes The frequently used shapes that are available
as predefined geometry are the I, Arc, and S shapes.
Hem Shapes The hems that are available are: Open, Flushed, C, Z,
and Duck.
User-defined shapes Similar to secondary flat walls, you can start with
predefined geometry and then start Sketch mode and manipulate it there.
You can delete, modify, or create new entities in Sketch mode to create
a shape that matches your design intent. The only requirement for the
sketch is that it is an open sketch with one end terminating at the edge you
referenced for attachment.
In all cases, care must be taken not to use angles, bends, or geometry that
would cause the flange wall to double over itself. If this happens, the geometry
can not be formed and the preview geometry stops being generated.
Module 4 | Page 8
2012 PTC
Flange Wall Dashboard Options

In addition to having the dashboard options that are common to both
secondary flat and secondary flange walls, you can also set the following
options that are specific to flange walls:
Length By default, Creo Parametric creates the flange wall from the start
to the end of the edge chain you select for attachment. If you want either
end of the wall to stop short of or extend beyond the selected chain, you
can use the Length option on the Flange Wall dashboard. There are three
settings for either end of the wall:
Chain End When this option is selected (it is the default setting), the
wall begins (or terminates) at the end of the chain you selected for
attachment.
Blind Using the Blind option, you specify a positive or negative linear
distance where the wall terminates relative to the chain end.
To Selected The To Selected option enables you to have the wall
terminate at a piece of geometry that you select. Points, curves, planes,
and surface are references that you can select to set the extents of the
wall on either end.
Miter Cuts The Miter Cuts option (selected by default) adds miter cuts
in areas between intersecting tangent wall segments. You can specify
the width and offset of the miter cut, as well as whether or not to keep all
deform areas. Below is an example of geometry with these miter cuts
(shown by the black arrows in Figure 9). Figure 10 is the same flange with
the Keep all deformation areas check box selected.
Figure 9 Miter Cuts
Figure 10 Miter Cuts with Deform

Areas
If you decide to disable the Miter Cuts option, the preview geometry
becomes unavailable in situations where the geometry intersects itself.
Edge Treatment The Edge Treatment options (shown in Figures 11, 12,
13, and 14) enable you to specify how you would like walls placed on
adjacent non-tangent edges to behave where they meet each other.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 9
Figure 11
Open
Module 4 | Page 10
Figure 12 Gap
Figure 13
Blind
Figure 14
Overlap
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Using Flange Walls

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Secondary-Flange
Task 1:
BLANK2.PRT
Create a flange wall.

2. In the ribbon, click Flange
3. Select the bottom front edge, as
shown.
The I profile has been
selected by default.
4. From the Shape drop-down list

in the dashboard, select Open.
Placement tab and click Details.
6. In the Chain dialog box, select
Rule-based for the reference
type and select Complete loop
as the Rule.
Click OK.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 11
7. Select I from the shape

drop-down list in the dashboard,
then select the Shape tab and
click Sketch.
8. Click Sketch in the Sketch dialog
box.
menu and sketch the arc tangent
to the vertical line.
from the
Line types drop-down menu and
sketch a line tangent to the arc.
11. Constrain the second line
Vertical if necessary.
12. Click Normal
and dimension
the sketch, editing the values as
shown.
13. Click OK

Edge Treatment tab.
Verify that Edge Treatment is
selected and select Gap from
the Type drop-down list.
Type 2.00 for the gap
dimension and press ENTER.
15. Repeat the above step for
Edge Treatment #2 and Edge
Treatment #3.
Miter Cuts tab.
Type 2.00 for the gap
dimension and press ENTER.
the dashboard.
from

click Corner Relief Notes
and Bend Notes
to disable
their display.
Module 4 | Page 12
2012 PTC
Using Extruded Walls

You can use the Extrude tool to create extruded walls to handle
special modeling requirements.
Extruded Walls
For non-circular bends
Constant thickness
Thickness set by primary wall
No automatic bends
No automatic thickness side
No automatic attachment
Merge Walls tool necessary for
attachment
Figure 1 Elliptical Bend Example
Figure 2 Wrong side Thickness
Figure 3 Invalid Attachment
Using Extruded Walls

Flat and flange secondary walls enable you to automatically add a bend at the
attachment edge. However, if you use flat and flange type walls you can only
add constant radius type bends. If you need to create an elliptical or any other
non-circular type bend, you can use the Extrude
tool in sheetmetal to
create such a wall. An example of an elliptical bend wall is shown in Figure 1.
You can also use the Extrude tool to create an extruded sheetmetal wall.
All extruded solid features would be the same thickness as the rest of the
sheetmetal walls in the model.
In addition to creating sheetmetal walls, you can also use the
Extrude tool to create solid cuts and surfaces in your sheetmetal
model.
When you use the Extrude tool to create a sheetmetal wall, Creo Parametric
requires you to specify the attachment details. You must add any necessary
bends in the sketch, make sure that the material is added on the correct side
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 13
of the extruded section, take care of any tangencies that are necessary for the
feature, and integrate the new extruded wall feature into the existing primary
walls using the Merge Walls tool. In Figure 2, you can view an example of
thickness being added to the wrong side. In Figure 3, the attachment is
inappropriate for the existing wall.
If you create partial or overextended walls using an extruded wall,
you may also need to create datum features to use as starting or
ending reference points.
Best Practices
In most cases, unless you have a special need that requires the Extruded
Wall tool (such as an elliptically shaped bend), it is far easier to use a flange
type wall attached along a single edge to generate this type of geometry.
Module 4 | Page 14
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Using Extruded Walls

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Secondary-Flange
Task 1:
EXTRUDE_BLANK.PRT
Create an extruded wall.

3. Select the front surface as the
sketch plane, as shown.

menu and sketch an arc, starting
at the origin, tangent to the
horizontal reference.
from the
Line types drop-down menu and
sketch a line tangent to the right
arc endpoint.
6. Click Normal
from the
Dimension group and dimension
the sketch, editing the values as
shown.
7. Click OK
8. Click Remove Material

from
the Extrude dashboard to toggle
it off.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 15
9. Click Change Thickness Side

from the dashboard.
The wall preview has
now flipped to the
correct side of the
sketch.
10. Drag the depth handle to drag

the depth of the extruded wall to
50.
Although you have overextended the wall beyond the attachment

edge, the extruded wall geometry did not stay attached beyond the
point of overextension. Instead, it continued creating the shape
exactly as it was sketched.
11. Click To Selected
from the
Depth option drop-down menu.
12. Select the vertex as shown, for
the depth reference.

the dashboard.
from

Module 4 | Page 16
2012 PTC
Wall Dashboard Options

Wall dashboard options enable you to fully capture your design
intent in Creo Parametric sheetmetal walls.
Placement
Shape/Profile
Offset
Relief
Bend
Allowance
Properties
Thickness
Side
Bend/No
Bend
Bend Radius
I/O Bend
Dimension
Figure 1
Offset:
None
Figure 2
Offset: Add
to Part Edge
Figure 3
Offset:
Automatic
Figure 4
Offset: By
Value
Wall Dashboard Options

Several dashboard options common to secondary flat walls and secondary
flange walls are available to enable you to fully capture your design intent in a
Creo Parametric sheetmetal model. Consider the options in the list below
and how they might relate to capturing your design intent:
Placement The sketch (for flat walls) or the edge chain (for flange walls).
Shape/Profile The shape or profile used to build the wall. Shape is for
flat walls, profile is for flange walls.
Offset The Offset option enables you to decide how far to offset the
newly added geometry from the attachment edge. By default, this option is
disabled and the wall is added to the geometry as though the sketch was
connected to the attachment edge for flat walls and common profile flange
walls (specifically, the I, Arc, and S profiles). If you are adding a flange wall
using a hem profile, the wall is added as though you were using the Add to
Part edge setting detailed below.
If you activate the offset option by selecting the Offset wall with respect to
attachment edge check box, you will have three settings available:
Automatic This setting offsets the new wall and trims the wall it is
attached to so that the new wall's furthest extent aligns with the old
location of the attachment wall's edge.
Add to Part edge This setting appends the new wall to the attachment
edge without trimming the wall to which it is attached.
By value This setting enables you to offset the wall a specific distance
by using a drag handle or adjusting the numeric offset value.
An example of each offset setting can be seen in this example. The
existing wall displays in gray and the new wall that would result from each
of the offset options displays in transparent yellow.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 17
Relief Creo Parametric offers a number of different types of relief. For

partial secondary flat and partial secondary flange walls (walls that do not
extend to the end of the referenced edge or edge chain), five different
types of bend relief are available: No Relief, Rip, Stretch, Obround, and
Rectangular. For secondary flange walls that use an edge chain that
consists of non-tangent entities, five different types of corner relief are also
available: No Relief, V Notch, Circular, Rectangular, and Obround.
Bend Allowance Using this dashboard option enables you to set the bend
allowance for the wall to an allowance specific to the feature, instead of
using the default bend allowance for the entire part.
Properties The properties field enables you to specify the name of the
feature. There is also an information tool which enables you to gather
information about the feature you are building.
Thickness Side The Change Thickness Side
icon on the dashboard
enables you to change the thickness of the sheetmetal material to the
other side of a sketch plane for flat walls, or to the other side of the sketch
for flange walls. The practical application of this can be seen in Figures
5 and 6. The existing wall that a new flat wall is attached to displays in
gray, a black square represents the edge of the existing wall referenced for
attachment, and the sketch plane for the flat wall displays in red. Note that
all of this geometry is exactly the same in both cases. The only difference
occurs when the thickness of the wall is added to one side of the sketch
plane versus the other. If your design intent is to have this model fit inside
of something, you would likely use the Thickness Inside option. If your
design intent is to have this model fit over the outside of something, you
would likely use the Thickness Outside option.
Figure 5 Thickness Inside
Figure 6 Thickness Outside
Bend/No bend The Add Bend

tool in the dashboard enables you to
add a sheetmetal bend to a wall, or to add the wall without the bend exactly
as the sketch profile would create the geometry. Note that this option is
not available for hem type flange walls profiles. It is only available for the
Open, Flushed, C, Z, and Duck profiles.
Bend Radius The Bend Radius field enables you to specify the bend
radius from the dashboard.
Module 4 | Page 18
2012 PTC
Inside/Outside Bend Radius Dimension You can click the Inside Radius
or Outside Radius
icons to toggle between dimensioning a bend
using the inside or outside radius. Creo Parametric defaults to an inside
radius.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 19
PROCEDURE - Wall Dashboard Options

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Dashboard-Options
Task 1:
OPTIONS.PRT
Edit the definition of the Flat 1 feature.

2. Right-click Flat 1 in the model tree and select Edit Definition.
3. Enable the addition of an edge bend by clicking Add Bend
the Flat dashboard.
from
4. Select Inside Radius

from the Radius Dimension Type drop-down
list to dimension the inside of the radius.
5. In the radius dimension field, type 5.0 and press ENTER.
6. Click Change Thickness Side
from the dashboard and note how
the thickness of the sheetmetal moves from one side of the sketch
plane to the other.
Thickness Outside
Task 2:
Thickness Inside
Explore the different offset options.
1. Select the Offset tab from the dashboard.

2. Select the Offset wall with respect to attachment edge check box.
The appearance of the offset drag handle.
3. Right-click the offset drag handle,

as shown.
You can select the Offset
option from this menu or
from the dashboard panel.
Module 4 | Page 20
2012 PTC
4. Select Add to Part edge.

The feature is added to
the existing wall without
consuming any of it.
5. Right-click the offset drag handle

again and select By Value. Drag
the drag handle for the offset
dimension (currently 7.00) to
3.00 below the attachment edge,
as shown.
Task 3:
Change the bend allowance for Flat 1 to a feature-specific Y-factor.
1. Select the Bend Allowance tab

from the dashboard and select
the A Feature Specific Set Up
check box.
2. Select By Y factor, type 0.57
and press ENTER, as shown.
This bend allowance is specific for this feature (using a Y factor of
0.57), regardless of how the bend allowances are calculated in
the rest of the part.
from the dashboard.

2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 21
Using Partial and Overextended Walls

Partial walls are walls that do not extend to the end of the
referenced edge or edge chain.
Partial/Overextended Wall
Definitions
Creation Methods
Bend Relief
Figure 1 Full Wall
Figure 2 Overextended Wall
Figure 3 Partial Wall
Using Partial and Overextended Walls

By default, Creo Parametric creates full walls when you create a new
secondary flat or secondary flange wall. A full wall is a wall that attaches
to the entire edge or edge chain that you reference for attachment when
building the wall.
Partial Walls are walls that do not extend to the end of the referenced edge or
edge chain. Overextended walls are walls that extend beyond the end of the
referenced edge or edge chain. Creo Parametric enables you to build partial
and overextended walls, so that you can fully capture your design intent
in sheetmetal wall features.
Methods of Creating Partial and Overextended Walls

It is possible to create partial walls for both secondary flat walls and
secondary flange walls.
Flat Walls When creating secondary flat walls, there are three ways to
create a partial or overextended wall:
Module 4 | Page 22
2012 PTC
1.
Change a standard shape's dimensions such that it starts and/or

ends along the attachment edge somewhere other than endpoints.
2. Use drag handles to drag the start or end points of a standard shape
such that it starts and/or ends along the attachment edge somewhere
other than endpoints.
3. Sketch a custom shape with its ends dimensioned or constrained
such that it starts and/or ends along the attachment edge somewhere
other than endpoints.
Flange Walls As discussed in the Using Flange Walls concept, you can
use the following icons to control where a flange wall begins and ends
along an edge chain that it is attached to:
Trim First End
Trim Second End
Trim First End To Reference
Trim Second End To Reference
Use First End
Use Second End
All of these techniques can be used to create partial or

overextended walls.
Adding Bend Relief

When you create a partial secondary wall that includes a bend at the
attachment point, it is possible that the bend extends back into the existing
attached wall. Additionally, when you create an overextended secondary
wall that includes a bend at the attachment point, it is possible that the bend
extends into the existing attached wall. You may need to specify a bend relief
so that Creo Parametric knows how to transition from the existing wall to
the partial secondary wall.
Typically no relief is needed when both ends of a secondary wall
terminate at the endpoints of the attachment edge.
There are five different settings you can use to provide bend relief for a
secondary wall when necessary: No Relief, Rip, Stretch, Obround, and
Rectangular.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 23
PROCEDURE - Using Partial and Overextended Walls

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Partial_Overextend
Task 1:
PARTIAL.PRT
Create a new partial flat wall feature that is overextended on one

end.

the Shapes group.
from
3. Select the edge on the

bottom-left side of the model, as
shown.
4. Drag the drag handle near the

top of the screen down to 5.00,
editing it if necessary.
5. Drag the handle near the bottom
of the screen down to 7.00,
editing it if necessary.
the Flat dashboard.
Task 2:
from
Change the order of Flange 1 in the model tree and change the
length options such that it becomes a partial and overextended
wall.
1. Select Flange 1 from the model

tree and drag it below the Flat
1 feature you just created, as
shown.
Module 4 | Page 24
2012 PTC
2. Right-click Flange 1 from the

model tree and select Edit
Definition.
The length options for the
ends of the flange wall are
currently set to Use First
End
End
and Use Second

.
3. Drag the drag handle near the

top of the screen down until the
wall is -15.00 inside the edge
of the wall it is attached to, as
shown.
The length option for the
first end has automatically
changed to Trim First End
since you dragged it to
a new location.
4. Select Trim Second End To
Reference
from the Second
End Length Options drop-down
list.
5. Select the side surface of the
overextended edge of the flat
wall, as shown.

the Flange dashboard.
from
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 25
Understanding Relief
Bend reliefs and corner reliefs are often necessary when creating
secondary walls.
Figure 1 No Bend
Relief
Figure 2 Rip Bend Relief
Figure 4 Rectangular
Bend Relief
Figure 6 No
Corner Relief
Figure 5 Obround
Bend Relief
Figure 7 V Notch
Corner Relief
Corner Relief
Figure 3 Stretch
Bend Relief
Figure 8 Circular
Corner Relief
Figure 10 Obround
Corner Relief
Understanding Relief
There are two primary types of relief available for secondary walls:
Bend Relief Relief added when a bend meets a wall.
Corner Relief Relief added where multiple non-tangent adjacent walls
fold next to each other.
Bend Relief
Often the creation of partial secondary walls results in the new wall either
extending into the wall it is attached to (for partial walls), or the wall it is
attached to extending into the new wall. In these cases, it is often necessary
to specify a bend relief to enable Creo Parametric to transition from the
Module 4 | Page 26
2012 PTC
existing wall to the partial secondary wall. There are five types of bend relief
that you can use.
As the name suggests, the option is used when you
wish to provide no bend relief. However, in some cases
(particularly with partial walls) if this option is used, Creo
Parametric creates a stretch-like relief that runs to the
end of the wall.
Figure 11 No
Relief
Figure 12 Rip
The rip relief

creates a zero
volume cut
as though
the material
were ripped as
the bend was
formed.
Figure 13
Stretch
The rectangular
relief creates a
rectangular cut
of specifiable
dimensions.
Figure 14
Rectangular
Figure 15
Obround
The stretch relief

stretches the
material for
bend relief at
wall attachment
points.
The obround
relief creates
a rectangular
cut with a
semicircular top
of specifiable
dimensions.
Corner Relief
Corner relief helps control the sheetmetal material behavior and prevents
unwanted deformation. You can add corner reliefs using an option available
in the flange wall dashboard or as a separate feature by using the Corner
Relief
icon.
Figure 16
No Relief
2012 PTC
Figure 17
V Notch
Figure 18
Circular
Figure 19
Rectangular
Figure 20
Obround
Module 4 | Page 27
PROCEDURE - Understanding Relief

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Relief_Bend
Task 1:
RELIEF.PRT
Edit the existing Flange 1 wall and explore the bend relief options.

2. Right-click the Flat 1 feature and
select Edit Definition.
3. Notice the relief on both ends of
the wall defaults to the rip relief
type.

Relief tab.
5. Select Stretch from the Type
drop-down list.
6. Select Thickness in the width
field, then type 5.0 and press
ENTER.
7. Notice that the relief type on
both ends of the wall is now the
stretch relief type.
Module 4 | Page 28
2012 PTC
8. Select Rectangular from the

Type drop-down list.
The depth of the relief
defaults to the Up to Bend
option.
9. Click Preview Feature
from
the dashboard to view the result.
10. After you are done viewing the
result, click Resume Feature .

Relief tab.
12. Select the Define each side
separately check box.
Select Side 2.
13. Select Obround from the Type
drop-down menu.
14. Select Blind from depth
drop-down list, type 12.0 as the
depth value, and press ENTER.
the dashboard.
from
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 29
Creating Twist Wall Features

Twist walls enable you to create spiraling or coiling sections
of sheetmetal.
Figure 1 Twist Wall (Developed State)
Figure 2 Twist Wall (Flat State)
Creating Twist Wall Features

Twist walls enable you to create spiraling or coiling sections of sheetmetal.
You can do this by clicking the Shapes drop-down menu in the ribbon and
selecting Twist.
The twist wall is then created by selecting a straight edge to attach to the wall.
You can then select a datum point along the edge to rotate the wall around or
the wall can rotate around the middle point of the attachment edge.
The next step is to specify the following dimensions:
Start width
End width
Overall length
Degrees of twist
Developed length
The twist wall is then created by beginning with an isosceles trapezoid (where
the base angles are symmetrical) that has a base equal to the starting width,
Module 4 | Page 30
2012 PTC
a top equal to the end width, and a height equal to the overall length. This
shape is then placed symmetrically about the axis of rotation (the point you
selected or the middle point of the attachment edge) and is rotated by the
degrees of twist to create the twist wall.
The developed length is used anytime the twist wall is in its flat or unbent
state. The wall is stretched out to the length you specified for the developed
length.
The twist wall in Figure 1 was created by using PNT0 as the reference for the
axis of rotation, a start width of 20, an end width of 10, an overall length of 50,
225 degrees of twist, and a developed length of 60.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 31
PROCEDURE - Creating Twist Wall Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Twist
Task 1:
TWIST.PRT
Create a twist wall.

Display types:

Twist.
3. Select the edge on the right side
of the model as the attachment
edge, as shown.
4. For the twist axis, select datum
point PNT0 from the graphics
window.
5. Type 20.0 for the start width and
press ENTER.
6. Type 10.0 for the end width and
press ENTER.
7. Type 50.0 for the twist length and press ENTER.
8. Type 225 for the twist angle and press ENTER.
9. Type 60.0 for the developed length and press ENTER.
10. Click OK in the Twist dialog box
to create the feature.
Module 4 | Page 32
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Measure the current and developed length of the twist wall.

tab.
2. In the measure group, select
Distance
from the Measure
surface references.
The distance is currently
measured as 50.0.
5. In the ribbon, select the Model
tab.
6. Select Unbend
from the
Unbend types drop-down menu
in the Bends group.
the Unbend dashboard.
from

tab and select Distance
from
the Measure types drop-down
menu.
same two surface references
previously selected.
The distance is now
measured as 60.0mm.
The developed length of the
feature in the flat state is
the dimension you specified
for the developed length
when you created the twist
feature.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 33
Extending and Trimming Walls

You can use extend and trim walls to lengthen or shorten
existing walls.
Extending an edge.
Extend an edge by distance or
reference plane.
Extending an edge with Adjacent
Surface and Along Boundary Edge
options.
Create a sharp edge or blend
the boundary edge.
Using Extend to trim an edge.
Remove material by using the
Extend tool.
Figure 2 Extend Adjacent Surface

and Along Boundary Edge
Figure 1 Extending an Edge
Figure 3 Using Extend to

Trim an Edge
Extending and Trimming Walls

You can use Extend to lengthen or shorten existing walls. You can extend
or trim the wall from a straight edge on an existing wall to either a planar
surface or a specified distance. Typically Extend is used at corners to close
gaps between walls and model various overlap conditions, enabling you to
fully express your design intent in a Creo Parametric sheetmetal model.
The Sheetmetal Extend tool uses the core edge tool. To start the process of
creating an Extend or trim wall feature, select the edge you want to extend
or trim, and then click Extend from the ribbon.
There are two elements that you must specify in order to extend or trim a
wall:
1.
Edge For the edge reference, you must select a straight wall that
you want to extend.
2. Distance To complete the distance element, you can select one of
three options:
Extend the wall by value This option extends the wall a distance
that you specify. You can select a default value from the menu or type
the exact distance value.
Extend the wall up to the reference plane This option enables
you to extend the wall up a plane using the Through Until method,
in which the section must pass through the selected reference. You
Module 4 | Page 34
2012 PTC
can select an existing planar surface or datum plane, or create a

new datum plane.
Extend the wall to intersect the reference plane This option enables
you to extend the wall up to a plane using the To Selected method,
in which the section does not need to pass through the selected
reference. You can select an existing planar surface or datum plane,
or create a new datum plane.
The following is a brief description of the figures in this example. In all cases,
the extension that was added is denoted by an orange surface, and the edge
referenced for extension is highlighted in green.
Extending an edge by distance.
You can extend an edge by distance by using the Extend tool and then
specifying a distance.
Extending an edge with the Extend Adjacent Surface and Along Boundary
Edge options.
With the Extend Adjacent Surface option, you can extend the edge
sharply without blending the boundary edge. If you select the Along
Boundary Edge option, it blends the boundary edge with the extended
edge.
Using Extend to trim an edge.
You can trim an edge by using the Extend tool and selecting a surface
or plane that is behind the selected edge. As a result, the wall is
shortened rather than extended. You can also achieve this with the
Extend Original Surface tool, specifying a distance, then using the Flip
Extend Direction tool to change the direction of the extended feature,
therefore trimming it.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 35
PROCEDURE - Extending and Trimming Walls

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Extend
Task 1:
EXTEND.PRT
Use the Extend tool to extend a wall and experiment with options.

2. Press ALT and select the edge,
as shown.
3. In the ribbon, click Extend

from the Editing group and edit
the value to 7.0.
4. Select the Extension tab from

the Extend dashboard.
5. For the Side 1 extension, select
Along Boundary Edge and view
the part. Undo the selection by
selecting Normal to Extended
Edge.
Module 4 | Page 36
2012 PTC
6. For Side 2 extension, clear the

Extend surface adjacent to
edge check box and view the
part. Undo the selection by
checking the Extend surface
adjacent to edge check box.
Task 2:
Use the Extend Wall tool to extend a wall up to a plane.

as shown.
2. Click Extend
and then, click
Extend Surface To Plane

and select the inner wall surface,
as shown.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 37
Task 3:
Use Extend to trim a wall.
1. Reorient the model as shown.

as shown.
3. Click Extend
4. Drag the handle inward to

approximately 5.0 to trim the
wall.
5. Click Extend Surface To Plane

and select the surface, as
shown.
Module 4 | Page 38
2012 PTC
Using the Merge Feature

A merge wall combines two or more unattached walls into one
contiguous piece of sheetmetal.
Merge Wall Feature Requirements
Creation Elements
Touching and Tangent

Driving Sides Match
Figure 1 Tangent Lines Shown as

Phantom Lines: Before Merge
Basic Refs
Merge Geoms
Merge Edges
Keep Lines
Figure 2 Tangent Lines Shown

as Phantom Lines: After Merge
Using the Merge Feature

A merge wall combines two or more unattached walls into one contiguous
piece of sheetmetal. Once you have combined all unattached walls to a
single piece of sheetmetal, you can unbend the sheetmetal or create flat
patterns for it.
To merge walls, the following criteria must be satisfied:
The walls must be touching one another and be tangent to each other at
the edges of contact.
The driving sides of the wall must match before you use the Merge
feature. If they do not match, you must edit the definition of the unattached
feature(s) and use the Set driving surface opposite of sketch plane check
box in the dashboard or the Swap Sides element in a feature creation
dialog box. Which option you need to use depends on the type of
unattached wall you are using.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 39
When creating a merge wall feature, you need to specify four different
elements in the Merge Wall feature creation dialog box:
Basic Refs To complete this element, you must select all surfaces of the
base wall(s) to which you will merge.
Merge Geoms To complete this element, you must select all of the
surfaces of the walls you will be merging to the base wall(s).
Merge Edges This element is an optional element. It enables you to add
or remove edges deleted by the merge.
Keep Lines This element is also optional. It enables you to control the
visibility of merged edges on surface joints. It defaults to Do not Keep Lines.
The last two optional elements do not change anything structurally
about the Merge Wall feature. They simply enable you to selectively
include all, some, or none of edges that would be consumed by
the Merge Wall feature.
Best Practices
Displaying tangent edges as something other than solid can be useful when
using the Merge Wall feature. For example, if you are merging a cylindrical
surface to a flat surface and the display of tangent edges is set to solid, the
edge between the two walls would appear the same before and after the
merge, as shown in Figure 1. However, if the display of tangent edges is set
to phantom, the edge would appear as a solid edge before the merge, and as
a phantom edge after the merge, as shown in Figure 2.
Module 4 | Page 40
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Using the Merge Feature

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Merge
Task 1:
MERGE.PRT
Change the display characteristics of the model to assist in the

creation of merge wall features.

2. In the ribbon, click File >
Options.
3. In the Creo Parametric Options
dialog box, select Entity
Display.
4. Select Phantom from the
Tangent edges display style
drop-down list.
5. Click OK to close the dialog box
and click No if prompted to save
the setting.
select Wireframe
from the
Display Style types drop-down
menu.
The model currently exists as three unattached sheetmetal features:

the vertical rectangular surface (which is the primary base wall), the
horizontal rectangular surface, and an extruded surface consisting
of a cylindrical surface and a small rectangular surface. Also, note
that the green driving surface of the flat horizontal wall does not
match up with the driving surfaces of the other walls.
Task 2:
Create a merge wall feature between the horizontal flat wall and
the adjacent extruded wall feature.
1. In the ribbon, click the Editing group drop-down menu and select
Merge Walls
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 41
2. Select the surface reference to

which unattached walls will be
merged.
3. Click Done Refs from the menu
manager.
4. Select the surface reference to

be merged.
The Inappropriate
geometry selected error
appears in the message
area. This is because the
driving surfaces of the walls
to be merged do not match
up.
5. Click Cancel > Yes in the Wall Options dialog box.

In the model tree, right-click Planar 2 and select Edit Definition.
In the Extrude dashboard, select the Options tab and select the
Set driving surface opposite sketch plane check box.
Click Complete Feature
from the dashboard.
6. Click the Editing group drop-down menu and select Merge Walls
7. Select the same surface reference again to which unattached walls

will be merged, then click Done Refs.
8. Select the same surface reference again to be merged, then click
Done Refs.
Module 4 | Page 42
2012 PTC
9. Click OK in the Wall Options

dialog box to complete the
feature.
The edge between the two
surfaces has disappeared
now that the walls are
attached.
10. Right-click the wall feature you just created in the model tree and
select Delete.
Click OK.
Task 3:
Create a single merge feature to attach all three unattached walls.

Instead of deleting the merge wall feature you created in the
previous task, you could have left it and created another separate
merge wall feature to connect the vertical primary base wall to the
extruded wall. However, the purpose of this task is to teach you that
you can merge more than two walls.
1. Click the editing group drop-down

menu and select Merge Walls
.
surfaces as references to which
unattached walls will be merged.
manager.

surfaces as references to be
merged.
manager.
2012 PTC
Module 4 | Page 43
6. Click OK in the Wall Options

dialog box to complete the
feature.
The solid line that existed
between the vertical and
cylindrical surfaces now
displays as a phantom
line, due to the sheetmetal
being contiguous at this
point because of the merge
feature. Also, note the
disappearance of the line
between the two planar
horizontal sections due to
the same reason.
7. In the ribbon, click File > Options.
8. In the Creo Parametric Options dialog box, select Entity Display.
9. Select Solid from the Tangent edges display style drop-down list.
10. Click OK to close the dialog box and click No if prompted to save
the setting.
Module 4 | Page 44
2012 PTC
Module
Bending and Unbending Sheetmetal Models

Module Overview
While manufacturing sheetmetal parts, you bend flat sheets using bending
tools. Creo Parametric enables you to create bends and other geometry to
reflect the true manufacturing process. You are able to unbend developable
walls and bends. You can create Bend Back features that can return unbent
surfaces to their formed position. Also, you can create flat states which
creates a flat and formed version of a part model.
Objectives
Create angle and roll type bends.
Apply the Regular, Transition, and Planar options for bends.
Create planar bends.
Unbend models with the Unbend tool.
Reform models with the Bend Back tool.
Use the Flat Pattern tool.
Create flat states.
Create split area features.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 1
Creating Bend Features

A bend feature adds a bend to a flat section of the part.
Types of Bend Features:
Angle Bend
Roll Bend
Figure 1 Angle Bend
Figure 2 Angle Bend From Edge
Figure 3 Roll Bend
Creating Bend Features

While manufacturing sheetmetal parts, you bend flat sheets using bending
tools. Creo Parametric enables you to create bends and other geometry to
reflect the true manufacturing process. You can bend a sheet using various
tools, such as angle bend or roll bend. You use bend lines to determine the
location and shape for the bend geometry in your sheetmetal parts. A bend
line is also a reference point to calculate the developed length.
A bend feature enables you to bend or roll a sheetmetal model along a
defined line. Bend features have the following characteristics:
The bend line is a reference point for calculating the developed length and
creating the bend geometry.
You can add bends at any time during the design process.
You can add bends across form features.
Depending on where you place the bend in your sheetmetal design, you
may need to add bend relief.
A bend cannot be added where it crosses another bend feature.
You cannot copy a bend with the mirror option.
While you can generally unbend zero-radius bends, you cannot unbend
bends with slanted cuts across them.
Module 5 | Page 2
2012 PTC
You can modify the developed length of a bend area. If you do modify the
developed length, remember that revising the developed length only affects
unbent geometry and does not affect the bend back features.
Bends are made along the axis of the radius.
To define a bend line, use one of the following:
A surface.
You can directly manipulate the dynamic bend line with drag handles
and offsets, or you can create an internal sketch.
An existing sketch.
An edge.
Dashboard Options
The bend feature uses the dashboard interface, with the following options:
Bend Line Side
Bend material up to the bend line.
Bend material on the other side of the bend line.
Bend material on both sides of the bend line.
Fixed side Can flip to either side of the bend line.
Bend Type
Angle (Use Value
) The bend is formed on one side of the bend
line, as shown in Figure 1, or equally on both sides.
Roll (Bend To End

) The bend is defined by both the radius and
the amount of flat material to bend, as shown in Figure 3.
Bend Angle The angle value is entered in degrees.
Bend Direction The bend can flip up or down.
Bend Angle Type
Dimension the bend angle by measuring the resulting internal angle.
Dimension the bend angle by measuring the deflection from straight.
Bend Radius You can enter a value or use an automatic relation based
on thickness, such as Thickness or 2 * Thickness, for example.
Bend Radius Location
Inside radius
Outside radius
By Parameter Dimension the bend according to the location set by the
SMT_DFLT_RADIUS_SIDE parameter.
Dashboard Tabs
Several tabs are available in the dashboard , providing options for further
defining the bend.
Placement
Collector for bend surface or reference edge.
If the reference edge is selected, you can offset the bend line from the
edge, as shown in Figure 2.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 3
Bend Line
Sketched Create an internal sketch.
Dynamic The bend line is automatically created, and uses drag
handles for determining size and position.
Select end references.
Select offset references and enter values.
Transitions Define transitions.
Relief Define bend relief.
Bend Allowance Select the developed length calculation method.
Module 5 | Page 4
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Creating Bend Features

Close Window
Sheetmetal\Bend
Task 1:
Erase Not Displayed

BENDS.PRT
Create an angle bend on the provided sheetmetal part.

2. Select Bend
from the Bend
types drop-down menu in the
Bends group.
3. Select the top surface and drag
the location handles to the sides.
4. Drag the reference handles to

the bottom edge.
Edit the left dimension to 50.
Edit the right dimension to 30.
Edit the angle to 90.
Edit the bend radius to 2.0 *
Thickness.
5. Click Bend To Bend Line

6. Click Bend On Both Sides
the bend line.
2012 PTC
to bend the material to the bend line.

to bend the material on both sides of
Module 5 | Page 5
7. Click Bend On Other Side
8. Edit the bend angle to 45

degrees.
9. Click Internal Bend Angle
from the Bend angle types
drop-down menu.
10. Click Bend Angle From Straight

from the Bend angle types
drop-down menu.
11. Click Outside Radius
from
the Radius types drop-down
menu.
12. Edit the radius to 12.
Task 2:
Create an angle bend using an internal sketch.
1. Enable Plane Display
2. Select Bend
from the Bend
3. Select the surface.
Module 5 | Page 6
2012 PTC
4. Click the Bend Line tab.

5. Click Sketch.
6. Click References
from the
Setup group and select the left
and right surfaces and the datum
plane.
7. Sketch the bend line and click
OK .
8. Click Change Bending

Direction
to flip the direction
of the bend.
click Complete Feature
Task 3:
and
.
Create an angle bend from a model edge.
1. Click Bend
2. Select the edge.

3. Select Inside Radius
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 7
4. Click the Placement tab and edit

the offset to 15.
5. Edit the bend angle to 90.

Direction
7. Edit the bend radius to

Thickness.
8. Click Bend To End
to toggle the bend to a roll bend.

Task 4:
Create a roll bend from an existing sketch.
1. Select the three bends in the

model tree, right-click and select
Suppress and OK.
2. Select ROLL_LINE in the model
tree, right-click and select
Unhide.
Module 5 | Page 8
2012 PTC
3. Click Bend
feature.
to insert a bend
4. Select the datum curve, if

necessary.
Edit the radius to 10.
Click Inside Radius
from
the Radius types drop-down
menu, if necessary.
5. Click Bend To End

a roll bend.
to create
6. Click Bend To Bend Line

7. Click Bend On Both Sides
.
.
Notice that in each case, the right model edge is held fixed.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 9
8. Click Bend On Other Side
9. Click Change Fixed Side
10. Click Change Fixed Side

Direction
Module 5 | Page 10
2012 PTC
Adding Transition to Bends

A transition deforms the surface between a bend and a section
of the model that is to remain flat.
Sketch bend line.
Sketch transition area.
Figure 1 Original Model

with Roll Bend
Figure 2 First Transition Added
Figure 3 Second Transition Added
Adding Transition to Bends

A transition area shapes one section of a sheetmetal surface while leaving
another section flat or with different bent conditions.
You can use the bend tool to add one or more transition areas to an angled or
rolled bend. Figure 1 shows a model with a roll bend applied. When creating
a transition area, first sketch the bend line and then sketch the transition area
to remain flat or to bend differently. Each transition area sketch must have
two open line entities. The first line must be adjacent to the bend area and
the second line must complete the transition area.
Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the model with transitions added. The transitions
enable the bend to apply to only the areas necessary for your design.
Transition bends do not accept bend relief. If your design requires
a cut in a transition area, either create it before you make the
transition bend or unbend the bend, making the cut and using the
bend back feature.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 11
PROCEDURE - Adding Transition to Bends

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Bend_Transition
Task 1:
TRANSITIONS.PRT
Add transition to a roll bend.

2. Click Bend
from the Bend
3. Select the front surface.
4. Right-click and select

Define/Edit Internal Bend
Line.
5. Click Line Chain
from the
Sketching group and sketch the
line starting from the reference
intersection.
6. Press ALT and select the lower
horizontal edge to create a
reference.
Select the reference to
complete the line.
7. Click OK
sketch.
to complete the
8. In the dashboard:
Edit the radius to 1.2.
Click Bend To End
.
Click Bend On Both Sides
.
Module 5 | Page 12
2012 PTC
9. Select the Transitions tab.

Click Add Transition > Sketch.
Click References
sketch shown.
Click OK .
, select the references, and then create the

notice the transition area.
Task 2:
and
Add a second transition to the bend.
1. Right-click Bend 1 and select

Edit Definition.
2. Select the Transitions tab.
Click Add Transition >
Sketch.
Click Sketch View
and References
, and
then select the references
highlighted in red.
The references for each transition are visible, but only active
in the corresponding sketch.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 13
3. Sketch the two lines shown, and

then click OK .

and
notice the additional transition
has isolated the roll bend to the
center of the model.
Module 5 | Page 14
2012 PTC
Creating Planar Bends

A planar bend is formed around an axis perpendicular to the
driving surface and sketching plane.
Bend around axis normal to driving
surface and sketch plane.
Bend Tables not applicable.
Sketch bend line.
Angle or Roll type.
Figure 1 Angle Planar Bend
Figure 2 Roll Planar Bend
Figure 3 Completed Bends
Creating Planar Bends

A planar bend creates a bend feature around an axis that is perpendicular
to the driving surface and the sketching plane. The neutral point for planar
bends is placed according to the current y-factor and bend tables are not
applicable. You can create a planar bend for both angle and roll type bends,
as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.
A planar bend forces the sheetmetal wall around an axis that is normal
(perpendicular) to the surface and the sketching plane. You sketch a bend
line and form the planar bend around the axis using direction arrows. While
this type of bend is not utilized on the factory floor, it can help you reach your
overall design intent for model shape.
The dimensioning scheme for a planar angle bend and a planar roll bend is
shown on the completed model in Figure 3. In particular, note the lack of a
bend angle dimension for the roll bend.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 15
PROCEDURE - Creating Planar Bends

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Bend_Planar
Task 1:
PLANAR.PRT
Create a planar angle bend.

2. Click Planar Bend
from the
Bend types drop-down menu.
3. Click Angle > Done.
4. Click Part Bnd Tbl >
Done/Return.
5. Select the front surface as the
sketch plane reference.
Click Okay for the viewing
direction.
Select Default for the sketch
orientation.
References.
Select the left and right
references.
Sketch the line shown, and
then click OK .
7. Click Okay to accept the bend

side.
Module 5 | Page 16
2012 PTC
8. Click Flip to flip the fixed side,

and then click Okay.
9. Click 90.000 > Done.

10. Click Enter Value, type 4.5, and
press ENTER.
11. Click Flip to flip the bend
direction, and then click Okay.
12. Click OK to complete the feature.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 17
Task 2:
Create a planar roll blend.
1. Click Planar Bend

from the
Bend types drop-down menu.
2. Click Roll > Done.
3. Click Part Bnd Tbl >
Done/Return.
4. Select Use Prev for the sketch
plane reference.
Click Okay for the viewing
direction.
References.
Select the left and right
references.
Sketch the line shown, and
then click OK .
6. Click Flip and then Okay to flip
the bend side.
7. Click Okay to accept the fixed

side.
Module 5 | Page 18
2012 PTC
8. Click Enter Value, type 4.5, and

press ENTER.
9. Click Okay for the bend direction.
10. Click OK to complete the feature.
Task 3:
Compare the angle and roll planar bends.

select Shading With Edges
from the Model Display types
drop-down menu, and notice the
difference in bend portions.
2. Press CTRL and select both

bends.
3. Right-click and select Edit.
4. Notice that the roll bend does not
have an angle.
5. Click Shading
from the In
Graphics toolbar.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 19
Creating Unbend Features

You can unbend both a wall and a bend as long as the material is
developable and able to unbend.
Unbend types:
Unbend
All surfaces and bends or
specific areas.
Rip out deformation areas.
Optional relief geometry.
Flatten all forms.
Cross Section Driven
Select or sketch the Xsec
curve.
Transitional
Figure 2 Selected Xsec Curve

and Resulting Unbend
Figure 3 Sketched Xsec Curve

and Resulting Unbend
Creating Unbend Features

You can unbend both a wall and a bend as long as the material is able to
unbend. You cannot unbend non-ruled surfaces using a regular unbend
feature. After you unbend an area, you can continue to add features, such as
cuts and rips. The features following the unbend are children of, or dependent
on, the unbend feature. If you delete the unbend feature, the features also
delete. If you add walls that intersect when they are unbent, Creo Parametric
highlights the intersecting edges and warns you with a prompt.
When creating an unbend, you select a surface or edge to remain fixed.
Try to pick major surfaces that you want to keep in the same position.
If possible, be consistent and use the same surface when creating several
unbend features.
Methods for Unbending Geometry

There are three methods that you can use to unbend geometry:
Unbend
Enables you to create the deformation area during the
unbend.
Consider the following characteristics of the Unbend tool:
Module 5 | Page 20
2012 PTC
You can set the part default fixed geometry in the tool.
You have the option of unbending all surfaces and bends or selecting
specific areas:
Select References Manually
bend surfaces to unbend.
Lets you manually select specific
Select References Automatically

Automatically selects all
surfaces and unbends all bends and curved surfaces.
The system defaults to automatic selection if the Unbend tool is started
without any selected references. Conversely, the system defaults to
manual selection if the Unbend tool is started with valid references
selected.
The system defines the deformation area automatically, but you can
add to the set of surfaces.
You can rip out deformation areas.
You can use the embedded sketch window for deformation areas.
You can control whether or not relief geometry is created.
You can flatten all forms in the unbend.
You can unbend unattached walls on an individual basis using Distinct
. The system enables you to select from the same distinct
Pieces
piece when selecting bent geometry or fixed geometry.
Cross Section Driven Unbends Using a Cross Section Driven Unbend,
you can unbend undevelopable sheetmetal geometry, such as walls
curved in more than one direction. The feature consists of a series of
cross-sections along a curve that are projected onto a plane. The first step
in creating a Cross Section Driven Unbend is to select a single edge or
multiple edges that are to remain fixed during the unbend operation.
The cross-section term refers to the curve you use to influence the shape
of the unbent wall. You can either select an existing curve or sketch a new
curve. Whether you select or sketch the curve, it must be coplanar with the
fixed edges you define. If you sketch the curve, be sure to dimension/align
the curve.
The curve you select or sketch affects the unbent state of the part.
Remember, the curve can be a straight line.
The cross-sections created must not intersect within the unbent
geometry. Otherwise, the feature fails.
You cannot bend back a Cross Section Driven Unbend.
Transitional Unbends A Transition Unbend feature flattens
non-developable geometry that cannot be unbent with a regular unbend
feature. Non-developable geometry bends in more than one direction. The
transition geometry is temporarily removed from the model, so you must
define that geometry to utilize the feature. The developable surfaces can
then unbend. The transition geometry is placed back into the flat pattern.
Best Practices
Consider the following best practices when creating Unbend features:
Do not add unnecessary pairs of unbend/bend back features. They inflate
the part size and might cause problems during regeneration.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 21
If you add an unbend (or bend back) feature simply to see how your
model looks flattened (unbent), delete the sample unbend feature before
proceeding with your design.
If you specifically want to create features in a flattened state, you should
add an unbend feature. Create the features you need in the flattened state
and then add a bend back feature. Do not delete the unbend feature
in this case since features that reference the unbend feature might fail
regeneration.
If you want a projected datum curve to follow a sheetmetal bend,
project the curve after creating an unbend feature. The curve follows the
sheetmetal surface when you bend back the sheetmetal wall.
Module 5 | Page 22
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Creating Unbend Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Unbend
Task 1:
UNBEND.PRT
Unbend the developable geometry in the toaster body.

2. Select Unbend
from the
in the Bends group.
3. Notice the fixed geometry is
selected, but the unbend preview
is not shown.
Deformations tab.
5. Click and drag to select each
of the detected deformation
surfaces. Notice they highlight in
the graphics window in magenta.

References tab.
7. Notice that Select References
is selected.
Automatically
8. Click Select References
Manually .
9. In the Bent geometry collector,
right-click the two large WALL
SURFACE references and select
Remove.
10. Notice that the unbend preview
now displays.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 23
Task 2:
Unbend one side of the toaster body using the Xsec Driven
method, by selecting the Xsec Curve.
1. Select Cross Section Driven

Unbend from the Unbend types
drop-down menu in the Bends
group.
2. Select the edge to remain fixed.
3. Click Done > Select Curve >

Done from the menu manager.
4. Select the same edge again.
5. In the menu manager, click Done
> Okay to specify the fixed side.
6. Click OK in the Xsec Driven Type

dialog box.
7. Notice the distortion in the wall
due to the curved cross-section
edge.
Task 3:
Unbend the other side of the toaster body using the Xsec Driven
method, by sketching the Xsec Curve.
1. Select Cross Section Driven

Unbend from the Unbend types
drop-down menu.
2. Select the edge to remain fixed.
3. Click Done > Sketch Curve >

Done from the menu manager.
4. Select the surface.
5. Click Default from the menu
manager.
Module 5 | Page 24
2012 PTC
6. Select Shading With Edges

from the Display Style
types drop-down menu in the In
Graphics toolbar.
7. Select the vertices on the ends
of the previously selected edge
as references.
8. Click Close in the References
dialog box.
from the
Line types drop-down menu in
the Sketching group.
10. Sketch the line.
11. Click OK
12. Click Okay from the menu

manager to specify the fixed
side.
13. Click OK in the Xsec Driven Type

dialog box.
14. Notice that the distortion was
reduced in the wall due to the
straight cross-section sketch.
15. Select Shading
from the
menu in the In Graphics toolbar.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 25
Creating Bend Back Features

You create the bend back feature to return an unbent feature
to its original condition.
Set the part default fixed geometry
in the tool.
Bend back all bends or select
specific areas.
Use the Bend Control tab to set
which contours are bent back or
kept flat.
Figure 2 Unbend and Extrude

Feature
Figure 3 Bend Back: Default

and Keep Contour
Creating Bend Back Features

You create the Bend Back feature to return unbent surfaces to their formed
position. As a rule, you should only bend back a fully unbent area. When a
sheetmetal wall overlaps and intersects in the unbent position, the system
highlights it and issues a warning.
Consider the following characteristics of the Bend Back tool:
You can set the part default fixed geometry in the tool.
You have the option of bending back all bends or selecting specific areas:
Select References Manually Lets you manually select specific
unbent geometry to bend back.
Select References Automatically
Automatically selects all
unbent geometry to bend back.
The system defaults to automatic selection if the Bend Back tool is started
without any selected references. Conversely, the system defaults to manual
selection if the Bend Back tool is started with valid references selected.
You can use the Bend Control tab in the dashboard to set specific contours
to bend back or keep flat.
Module 5 | Page 26
2012 PTC
If you partially bend back a regular unbent surface containing a deform

area, the original bent condition might not be obtainable. Creo Parametric
examines the contours of each bend back section. Contours partially
intersecting a bend area are highlighted. You are prompted to confirm
whether the section should bend back or remain flat.
You cannot bend back a Cross Section Driven Unbend feature.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 27
PROCEDURE - Creating Bend Back Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Bend-Back
Task 1:
BEND-BACK.PRT
Unbend the part.

Graphics toolbar.
3. Select Unbend
from the
in the Bends group.
4. Notice the default fixed geometry.
5. Select the new fixed geometry
as shown.
Task 2:
Create a cut feature.
1. Click Extrude
Shapes group.
from the
2. Right-click and select Define

Internal Sketch.
3. Select the sketch plane.
4. Click Sketch.
Module 5 | Page 28
2012 PTC
5. Click Sketch View

In Graphics toolbar.
from the
6. Create the sketch shown.
7. Click OK
9. Orient to the Standard

Orientation.
Task 3:
Bend the part back, leaving the center tab straight.
1. Click Bend Back

Bends group.
from the
2. Notice that the previously

selected fixed geometry is
retained.

again to disable it.

Bend Control tab.
Select Contour 1 and select
Keep flat.
Select Contour 2 and select
Keep flat.
7. Select Shading
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 29
Previewing and Creating Flat Patterns

A flat pattern is similar to unbending all walls, except that it
always remains as the last feature in the model tree.
Flat Pattern Preview:
Show or hide.
Flat pattern feature does not
need to be created.
Bounding box dimensions.
Flat Pattern:
System unbends all geometry.
Flat pattern feature added to
end of model tree.
Always at the end of the model
tree.
Figure 2 Creating a Flange
Figure 1 Default Model and

Flat Pattern
Figure 3 Flat Pattern Updates

to Flatten Flange
Previewing and Creating Flat Patterns

A flat pattern is similar to unbending all walls. It flattens any curved surface,
whether it is a bend feature or a curved wall. You can preview the appearance
of the flat pattern by toggling Flat Pattern Preview
on or off in the
In Graphics toolbar. The flat pattern previews in a separate window that
contains its own In Graphics toolbar.
Consider the following characteristics of the Flat Pattern Preview window:
The system does not require a flat pattern feature to be created to view
the preview.
All forms are flattened in the preview.
In the preview windows In Graphics toolbar, you can click Bounding Box
to toggle the parts bounding box dimensions on and off. These are
beneficial in monitoring manufacturing requirements as you design your
sheetmetal part.
Module 5 | Page 30
2012 PTC
Flat Pattern
Unlike the unbend all feature, the Flat Pattern feature automatically moves to
the end of the model tree to maintain the flat model view.
The Flat Pattern feature is automatically created at the end of the model tree
to maintain the flat model view. The Flat Pattern feature is suppressed at the
time of new feature creation and positions itself as the last feature after the
new feature is added, in case you add any feature to the part after creating
the flat pattern.
Flat Pattern internally uses the Unbend All tool to create the feature.
Consequently, this provides you:
Evaluation of design rules.
Ability to define deformation areas and deformation control.
Additional options:
Merge side surfaces.
Create reliefs.
Flatten forms.
The flat pattern is helpful if you are constantly toggling between the solid and
flat versions of the design. If you add new features to your design, the flat
pattern is temporarily suppressed.
You can create a flat pattern early in your design process so that you can
simultaneously create and detail your sheetmetal design. You can only
create one flat pattern per part. After you create it, the flat pattern option
becomes unavailable.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 31
PROCEDURE - Previewing and Creating Flat Patterns

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Flat_Pattern
Task 1:
FLAT.PRT
View the Flat Pattern Preview.

2. Notice the model geometry.
3. Click Flat Pattern Preview

from the In Graphics toolbar.
4. Notice that the preview window

contains its own In Graphics
toolbar.
5. Click Bounding Box
from
the In Graphics toolbar.
6. Click Flat Pattern Preview
to disable it.
Task 2:
Create a Flat Pattern Feature.
1. Click Flat Pattern

Bends group.
from the
2. Notice the default fixed geometry.
Module 5 | Page 32
2012 PTC
3. Select an alternate fixed

geometry.
4. Notice the new orientation.
Task 3:
Create a wall after the flat pattern and observe the flat pattern
behavior.
1. Notice the model tree.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 33
2. Click Flange
Shapes group.
from the
3. Notice that the feature is being

automatically inserted before the
Flat Pattern feature.
4. Notice that the model now

displays in its formed state.
5. Query select the lower edge.
7. Notice the model reverts back to

flat.
8. Notice the model tree.
Module 5 | Page 34
2012 PTC
Creating Flat States

A flat state refers to the creation of a flat and formed version
of the part model.
Create flat states using the
following methods:
Family tables
Part simplified representations.
Wildfire flat state functionality.
Figure 1 Family Table Method
Figure 2 Formed and Flat State
Figure 3 Simplified Representation

Method
Flat State Uses

A flat state refers to the creation of a flat and formed version of the part
model. A flat state enables you to view the same model in two different
versions: the flat version and formed version. You can then use either or both
of these versions in the following ways:
Sheetmetal mode
Drawing views
Manufacturing purposes A flat state streamlines the creation of flat
patterns needed in manufacturing because you can create any number of
flat states, at any time in your design process, whether your part is fully
formed or fully flat.
Creating Flat States using Family Tables

You can use family tables to create flat states. You begin with the formed
model. Next, you create a flat pattern. Then you suppress the flat pattern
feature. Finally, you create a family table to enable the flat pattern in an
instance.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 35
Creating Flat States using Part Simplified Representations

You can also use Simplified Representations to create flat states. You begin
with the formed model. Next, you create a flat pattern. Then you create a part
simplified representation to exclude the flat pattern feature. This results in
a simplified representation of the formed model.
Creating Flat States using Wildfire Flat State Functionality

You can also create flat states using Wildfires flat state functionality. You
must set the config.pro option enable_flat_state to yes. This creates an
Unbend feature and family table automatically. However:
1.
2.
There are limitations to the legacy Unbend feature.

It does not use the more powerful Creo Parametric Flat Pattern feature.
It is recommended to create a family table manually to take advantage of the

Creo Parametric Flat Pattern feature.
Legacy models with defined flat states remain as created, and can be
redefined.
Module 5 | Page 36
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Creating Flat States

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Flat-States
Task 1:
STATE.PRT
Create a flat state with a family table.

2. At the top of the model tree, click
Settings
and select Tree
Filters.
In the Model Tree Items dialog
box, select the Suppressed
Objects check box and click OK.
3. Notice the model geometry and
features.
4. Click Flat Pattern
Bends group.
from the
6. Notice that the fixed geometry

was already defined.
7. In the model tree, right-click Flat

Pattern 1 and select Suppress.
Click OK.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 37
8. Click the Model Intent group

Family Table
Click Add Columns

.
Select Feature.
Select the suppressed Flat
Pattern 1 feature in the model
tree.
Click OK.
Click Insert Instance
.
Edit the new Instance Name to
STATE_FLAT.
Type Y in the features column
for the instance.
9. In the Family Table dialog box,
click Preview Instance
.
The flat pattern instance
can now be opened as a
separate model, or shown
on a drawing.
10. Click Close > OK.
Task 2:
Create a flat state with a Part Simplified Representation.
1. In the model tree, right-click Flat

Pattern 1 and select Resume.
2. Notice the model is now in its flat
state.
Module 5 | Page 38
2012 PTC
3. Click View Manager

the In Graphics toolbar.
from
4. In the View Manager dialog box,

select the Simp Rep tab.
Click New.
Type FORMED_REP and
press ENTER.
5. In the menu manager, click
Features and select Flat Pattern
1 from the model tree to exclude
it from the representation.
Click Done > Done/Return.
6. Notice that the formed_rep
simplified representation is now
active.
7. In the View Manager dialog box, double-click Master Rep and click
Close.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 39
Creating Split Area Features

Deformation areas stretch to help you unbend a sheetmetal part.
You can create deform areas using
the Split Area tool.
Sketch the deformation area.
Control the normal direction to
Driven or Offset surface.
Control the Projection Direction.
Define which side of the sketch
receives the new id.
Figure 1 Original Model: System
Detects Deformation During
Unbend (But Cannot Extend
to Models Edge)
Figure 2 Select Existing Surface

Patch (Deformation Undesirable)
Figure 3 Select Deformation

Area (Deformation Isolated)
Creating Split Area Features

A deformation area is a section of sheetmetal that helps to accurately stretch
the material when you unbend the sheetmetal part. You may need to create
these areas when unbending sections that:
Do not extend to the edge of the model.
Bend in more than one direction.
You can create the deformation area before unbending the section by clicking
Split Area
. This tool enables you to sketch the desired deformation area.
The following options are available:
Control the normal direction to either the Driven or Offset surface.
Control the Projection Direction.
Define which side of the sketch receives the new id.
The deformation area serves as a bridge between the multiple direction bend
section and the outside edges of the part. The deformation area must be
tangent to both the undevelopable surface and an outside edge.
The developed length of unbent sheetmetal geometry reflects the proper
values. Creo Parametric approximates the deformation area geometry by
attaching vertices with a line segment. The geometry does not become
thinner or thicker and, because the developed length is typically determined
empirically, you sketch the deformation area geometry.
If an appropriate surface does not exist on the model, you can break up
a surface into multiple patches by creating a deformation area, and then
Module 5 | Page 40
2012 PTC
specifying this area as the area to deform during the unbend operation. This
provides you with the advantage of creating geometry that closely reflects the
developed part.
In addition to using the Split Area feature during unbending, you can also use
it to define edges for edge rips or to split surfaces for bend line development.
Sketching Technique
Select a common edge between the undevelopable region and the
deformation area. Use the Project . Then select the outside edge of
the deform area and two points on that outside edge as vertices. Connect
the two outside edge vertices to the vertices of the undevelopable surface
on the common edge.
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 41
PROCEDURE - Creating Split Area Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Split_Area
Task 1:
DEFORM.PRT
Unbend the part.

2. Select Unbend
from the
Unbend types drop-down menu.
3. Notice that the fix surface is
automatically selected. The
system can only unbend the
bends highlighted in orange.
4. Notice that the Deformations tab
is highlighted in the dashboard.
Deformations tab.
Select each automatically
detected deformations
surfaces until the one shown
highlights.
6. Click the Deformation surfaces

collector to activate it.
Select the surface shown.
7. Press CTRL and select the other

three equivalent surfaces.
8. Notice that the system can now
unbend the whole model.
Module 5 | Page 42
2012 PTC
10. Notice that the surfaces selected

as deformation areas are greatly
distorted.
11. Click Undo
from the Quick
Access toolbar to remove the
unbend feature.
Task 2:
Create deformation areas in the part for unbend.
1. Click Named Views

select DEFORM .
2. Click Split Area
Editing group.
and
from the
3. Select the surface shown as the

sketching plane.
Graphics toolbar.
5. Click Project
from Sketching
group and select the two edges.

window and select Line Chain.
7. Sketch the two lines shown.
8. Click OK
2012 PTC
Module 5 | Page 43
The three other equivalent

deformation areas have
already been created.
Task 3:
Unbend the part with deform areas.

select 3D-REAR.
2. Click Unbend
and

Deformations tab.
Click the Deformation surfaces
collector to activate it.
newly created surface, as well
as the other three.
5. Notice the deformation is now

limited to the split area region.
6. Select Shading
from the
Module 5 | Page 44
2012 PTC
Module
Modifying Sheetmetal Models

Module Overview
Creo Parametric enables you to remove material in various ways to establish
cuts, openings, and relief where necessary in your designs.
Formed models can be unbent. In some cases, the model has to be ripped or
deformed to enable flattening.
Objectives
Remove material from a model using cuts.
Create notches and punches to remove material.
Create corner relief.
Use punches and dies to form your models.
Create sketched forms.
Flatten form geometry.
Create rips to help flatten unbendable geometry.
Create edge bends on sharp corners.
Join, pattern, and mirror walls.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 1
Sheetmetal Cuts
Sheetmetal cuts are created normal to the part surface while
solid cuts are created normal to the sketch plane.
Types of Cuts
Sheetmetal Cut
Solid
Thin
Solid Cut
Figure 1 Cut Normal to Surface
Figure 2 Cut Normal to Sketch
Figure 3 Thin Sheetmetal Cut
Sheetmetal Cuts
You can remove the material from a sheetmetal part using cuts. The cut is
made normal to the sheetmetal surface, as if the part were completely flat,
even if it is in a bent state. The cut adopts the sheetmetal material's natural
behavior, like bending and warping, when the part is bent.
You sketch cuts on a plane and then project them onto the sheetmetal wall.
Either the driving or offset side of the sheetmetal wall can determine the
cut direction.
You can create sheetmetal cuts using the Extrude
tool.
The sheetmetal cut can be created normal to the driven surface, offset
surface, or both surfaces.
Types of sheetmetal cuts:
Solid Removes solid sections of the sheetmetal wall.
Thin Removes only a thin section of the material.
Module 6 | Page 2
2012 PTC
You can use advanced options such as Revolve, Sweep, Blend and so on,
to make advanced cuts in the sheetmetal wall. Note that cuts can be made
on an edge.
To make a defined-angle cut, you must click the Normal To Surface
icon
in the dashboard, which disables the three normal to surface options, and
makes the cut normal to the sketch plane.
Creating Cuts in Design State

You may create cuts in a design or bent state. When you unbend the parts,
the cuts also unbend along with the parts. You can view this in the figures
shown below:
Figure 4 Create Cuts in a

Design State
Figure 5 Unbent State
A circular sheetmetal cut is added to the model as shown in Figure 4. The

part is then unbent from its design state. Note that the unbent model now
displays the cut that was added in the design state.
While creating circular cuts, individual datum axes are automatically created
for each circular cut that intersects more than one sheetmetal wall. The
created axes behave like all other axes. They have an ID, can be referenced,
can be turned on/off and follow the cut during any bending and unbending.
The circular cut that was added in the design state was only one feature, but
two separate axes are created in the unbent state as seen in Figure 5.
Creating Cuts in the Unbent State

To meet your design intent, you may create cuts in the unbent state. Figure
6 illustrates unbending a model, creating a straight lip around the bent area
using a thin cut, and then selectively bending the part back.
Figure 6 Create Cuts in the Unbent State
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 3
PROCEDURE - Sheetmetal Cuts

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Cut
Task 1:
SMCUTS.PRT
Create a cut, using the existing datum curve, that is normal to

the sketch plane.

2. Select the datum curve, as
shown.

4. Click Through All
Extrude dashboard.
from the
5. Click Normal To Surface

the dashboard to disable it.
in
.

select Hidden Line
from the
menu.
click Named Views
select FRONT.
and
The cut runs normal to the

plane that the datum curve
was sketched on.
Module 6 | Page 4
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Edit the definition of the cut and make it normal to the wall surface.
1. In the model tree, right-click

Extrude 2 and select Edit
Definition.
2. Click Normal To Surface
from the dashboard to enable it.
The cut now runs normal to

the surface of the main wall.
Task 3:
Create a circular cut through the model and unbend it to observe

the result.

standard orientation.
2. Click Extrude
3. Click Through All

Extrude dashboard.
from the

Internal Sketch.
5. Select the surface shown for the
sketch plane.
6. Select datum plane TOP as the
Sketch Orientation reference
and click Sketch.
7. Select the front, right, vertical
edge as a sketch reference and
click Close from the References
dialog box.
from
the Sketching group and sketch
the circle.
9. Click One-by-One and edit the
dimensions as shown.
10. Click OK
2012 PTC
from the dashboard.
Module 6 | Page 5

12. Enable Axis Display
.
.

select Shading
from the
menu.
Task 4:
Unbend the model.
1. In the ribbon, select Unbend

from the Unbend types
group.
surface to remain fixed.
Module 6 | Page 6
2012 PTC
Notches and Punches

You use notches and punches as templates to cut and relieve
sheetmetal walls.
Punches and notches are used
to create cuts and capture
manufacturing information.
Notches are placed on edges.
Punches are placed in the middle.
Figure 1 Notch Used for Relief
Figure 2 Punch Used to Create Holes
Notches and Punches

You use notches and punches as templates to cut and relieve sheetmetal
walls. You place notches on the edges and punches in the middle of the
sheetmetal wall. Notches are used to relieve material that interferes with
bending in places such as the corners of flanges. You use punches and
notches to create cuts and capture manufacturing information, such as the
tool name.
Creating Notches and Punches

Each punch or notch has a specific tool that defines its shape. You create
notches and punches using the following steps:
Create the desired type of cut on a sheetmetal part.
Convert the cut into a user-defined feature (UDF).
Place the notch or punch UDF on the desired sheetmetal part.
You need to create UDFs in the sheetmetal application. UDFs created in Part
mode do not work on sheetmetal parts.
You save a notch or punch UDF in your directory and use it in multiple
designs. It carries the file name extension - .gph.
To create a notch or punch UDF, you use the following parameters that are
specific to sheetmetal design and manufacturing:
A coordinate system to locate tooling for automated punch and notch
operations.
A specific tool ID to specify the proper tool for the manufacturing operation.
Use the following steps to create a notch or punch UDF:
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 7
Create a simple sheetmetal part to serve as a reference part.

Create a cut feature. Be sure to include the coordinate system. When
you align and dimension, keep in mind the convenience of the eventual
placement of the UDF.
Create a UDF feature.
Use the Stand Alone option:
When the system prompts you to indicate whether you are defining this
UDF for a punch or a notch feature, acknowledge it.
In response to the system prompt, type the tool name.
Define the symmetry of the tool relative to the feature coordinate system.
Select one of the options.
Respond to prompts for the reference geometry.
Complete the UDF creation. The system creates and stores the UDF.
Using Notches for Relief

When you create a sheetmetal part, you add the notch relief before bending.
However, you can capture your design intent more accurately by creating
the part in the formed state. Instead of adding relief and then creating the
wall, you focus on dimensioning the walls to preserve your design intent.
Using this method, you increase your regeneration speed by suppressing the
notches, since the walls are not children to these entities.
If a notch is intended to relieve material in the bend areas, create a bend and
then unbend it. When sketching the cut, align its sides to the bend edges.
Module 6 | Page 8
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Notches And Punches

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Notch_Punch
Task 1:
NOTCH.PRT
Create the Notch tool.

2. In the ribbon, select the Tools
tab and click UDF Library
from the Utilities group.
3. Click Create and type
CORNER_NOTCH as the
name of the UDF feature and
press ENTER.
4. Click Stand Alone > Done.
5. Click Yes to include the reference
part.
6. Select the cut, as shown.
7. Click Done > Done/Return.
8. Click Yes to create the UDF for Punch or Notch.
9. Type NOTCH_RELIEF as the tool name and press ENTER.
10. Click Y Axis for the symmetry options.
11. Edit the prompts.
Type Placement Surface as the prompt. Press ENTER.
Type Right Orientation as the prompt. Press ENTER.
Type Vertical Edge Reference as the prompt. Press ENTER.
Type Horizontal Surface Reference as the prompt. Press ENTER.
Click Next and Previous from the MOD PRMPT menu to review the
prompts that have been specified. Click Enter Prompt to modify
any of the prompts, if necessary.
12. Click Done/Return > OK to complete the UDF creation.
13. Click List in the menu manager to view the UDF features in the
working directory. Click Close > Done/Return.
14. Click Close
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 9
Task 2:
Prepare the model to add a notch.
1. Click Open
from the Quick Access toolbar and double-click
LEFT_PANEL.PRT.
2. Drag the Insert Indicator
model tree.
before the bend back feature in the
3. From the In Graphics toolbar, click Named Views

Task 3:
and select TOP.
Create the notch on one side using the NOTCH_RELIEF tool

defined as UDF.
Notch
to start the Notch tool.
2. Select CORNER_NOTCH.GPH and click Open.

3. Select the Advanced reference configuration and View source
model check boxes.
4. Click OK to begin specifying references for the notch.
5. Select the wall surface as
reference #1 (Placement
Surface), as shown.
6. Select reference #2 in the User Defined Feature Placement dialog

box.
7. Select datum plane FRONT from the model tree as reference #2
(Right Orientation).
9. Select reference #3 in the User

Defined Feature Placement
dialog box.
10. Select the edge of the panel
as reference #3 (Vertical Edge
Reference), as shown.
Module 6 | Page 10
2012 PTC

dialog box.
12. Rotate the part slightly, zoom
in, and select the surface as
reference #4 (Horizontal Surface
13. Click Accept
in the User
dialog box.
click Named Views
select TOP.
Task 4:
and
Create the notch on the other side using the Notch relief tool
defined as a UDF.
Notch
to start the Notch tool.
2. Select CORNER_NOTCH.GPH and click Open.

3. This time select only the
Advanced reference
configuration check box, if
necessary, and click OK.
4. Select the wall surface as
reference #1 (Placement
Surface), as shown.
5. Select reference #2 in the User Defined Feature Placement dialog
box.
6. Select datum plane FRONT from the model tree as reference #2
(Right Orientation).
dialog box.
8. Select the edge of the panel as
the vertical edge reference, as
shown.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 11

dialog box.
10. Rotate the part slightly, zoom
in, and select the surface as
reference #4, (Horizontal Surface
11. Select the Adjustments tab and
click Flip.
12. Click Accept
in the User
dialog box.
select TOP.
and
14. Right-click Insert Indicator

in the model tree and select
Cancel. Click Yes in the
Confirmation dialog box.
Module 6 | Page 12
2012 PTC
Creating Corner Relief

Corner relief helps prevent unwanted deformation by controlling
the sheetmetal material behavior.
Five types of corner relief:
V Notch (default)
No Relief
Circular
Rectangular
Obround
Four methods:
Create the corner relief as a feature.
Create default relief automatically while
unbending.
Setup default relief for all corners.
Define relief in a Conversion feature.
Figure 1 V Notch
Relief
Figure 2 No Relief
Figure 3 Circular
Relief
Relief
Figure 5 Obround
Relief
Creating Corner Relief

Corner relief helps prevent unwanted deformation by controlling the
sheetmetal material behavior. To utilize the corner relief option, you must
have at least one ripped edge and Annotation Display
Relief Notes
and Corner
enabled.
You can create five types of corner relief:
V Notch (default) Retains the default V-notch shape.

No Relief Generates a square corner.
Circular Generates a circular notch.
Rectangular Generates a rectangular notch.
Obround Generates an obround notch.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 13
Methods of Creating Corner Relief

There are four possible ways to apply corner relief to bends or converted
parts:
Create the corner relief as a feature using Corner Relief
. You can
either select the annotation note on the desired corner or select all corners
using Select References Automatically .
Create default relief automatically while unbending using Flat State Corner
Relief
. This method opens the menu manager.
Setup default relief for all corners in the model or part templates by clicking
File > Prepare > Model Properties and then changing the Relief category.
from the Model Intent group and edit the
You can also click Parameters
SMT_DFLT_CRNR_REL_TYPE parameter value.
Define the corner relief in a conversion feature.
Characteristics and Options for Creating Corner Relief

Corner relief contains the following characteristics and options:
You can define corner relief sets.
You can create corner relief geometry in either the formed state or the
flat state.
You can use Select References Automatically
before creating a corner relief feature.
to autoselect all corners
to autoselect all corners

and then create default reliefs in unbends. The default relief is set in File >
Prepare > Model Properties.
You can set one of two different Relief anchor points, or reference points:
Intersection of bend lines.
Intersection of bend edges.
The following placement options are available:
Rotation
Offset along V-Notch Center
Offset perpendicular to V-Notch Center
Module 6 | Page 14
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Creating Corner Relief

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Relief_Corner
Task 1:
CORNER.PRT
Change the default flat state corner relief type for all corners.

Graphics toolbar.
3. Note that the current relief is set
to No Relief.
4. Select Flat State Corner Relief

from the Corner Relief
Engineering group.
Confirm > Circular > Thickness
* 2.
6. Notice that all reliefs are now
circular.
Task 2:
Use corner relief to edit all the relief for all corners.
1. Enable Corner Relief Notes

from the In Graphics toolbar, if
necessary.
2. Select Corner Relief
from the Corner Relief types
drop-down menu.
3. In the dashboard, click Select
References Automatically
4. Notice that all four corners are

selected.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 15

Placement tab.
Select Rectangular from the
corner relief Type drop-down
list.
7. With the corner relief feature still

selected, right-click and select
Suppress.
Click OK.
Task 3:
Edit the corners to display the other relief types.
1. Click Corner Relief
2. In the dashboard, verify that

Select References Manually
is selected.
Select the upper-right corner
relief note.
Select the Placement tab.
Select No Relief from the
list.
Module 6 | Page 16
2012 PTC
5. Select the upper-left corner relief

note.
Placement tab.
Select V Notch from the
list.
9. Select the lower-left corner relief

note.
Placement tab.
Select Rectangular from the
list.
Select 2 * Thickness from the
depth thickness drop-down
list.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 17
13. Select the lower-right corner

relief note.
Placement tab.
Select Obround from the
list.
depth thickness drop-down
list.
width thickness drop-down list.
16. Compare the various corner

relief results.
17. Select Shading
from the
Module 6 | Page 18
2012 PTC
Die Form Features

Your sheetmetal models can be formed using dies.
Die form features:
Represents the forming geometry
surrounded by a bounding plane.
Uses assembly-type constraints to
determine the location.
Uses reference parts to create Die
Forms.
Figure 1 Die Reference Model
Figure 2 Wall Formed with Die
Die Form Features

A form is a sheetmetal wall molded by a template (reference part). Merging
the geometry of a reference part to the sheetmetal part creates the form
feature. You use assembly-type constraints to determine the location of the
form in your model.
You can create a sheetmetal form using a die form:
Die Form A die form represents the forming geometry (convex or
concave) surrounded by a bounding plane. The surface that surrounds the
forming geometry, the base plane, must be planar and the base plane must
completely surround the forming geometry. You can reference multiple die
forms from a single model.
Placing Form Features

You use assembly-type constraints to determine the location of the form
feature on the model. If you move a feature referenced by the form, then the
system parametrically updates the forms location.
Placing by Reference You can place a form feature so that it references
the original forming model at all times. If the original form model changes,
the geometry on the sheetmetal part also changes. If the sheetmetal model
cannot find the referenced form model, the system freezes the geometry
on the component.
Copying the Geometry When you do not want to associate the geometry
of the form to the reference model, you can place the form model by
copying all of the form geometry into the sheetmetal model. This copy
operation creates a completely independent version of the form geometry.
Therefore, when you make a change to the original form geometry, the
system does not reflect it in the components where the form was used.
You can use a coordinate system reference within the form to define where to
strike the part during the manufacturing process.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 19
You can create multiple form placement scenarios by redefining the

placement constraints. For example, you might place a louver form with
constraints that force the opening to face the outside edge of the wall, while
also having a constraint that forces the opening toward the center of the wall.
This enables you to quickly change your sheetmetal design.
Creating and Using Reference Parts

You can create the form or reference part as a standard solid part or as a
sheetmetal part. If you use a sheetmetal model, the form should conform to
the green side of the sheetmetal component.
The reference parts can have shapes that are convex, concave, or are a
combination of both. When creating reference parts, you should keep the
following points in mind:
Any convex surface must have a radius that is larger than the thickness
of the sheetmetal, or equal to zero if the form is mated to the sheetmetal
geometry.
Any concave surface must have a radius that is larger than the thickness
of the sheetmetal, or equal to zero if the form is aligned to the sheetmetal
geometry.
The form can contain a combination of convex and concave geometry,
creating hollows. The hollows in the form must not drop below the base
plane or mating surface, meaning all the form geometry must be on the
same side of the base plane.
Creating Rips in the Geometry

Some forming operations consist of two tasks: plastically deforming the
sheetmetal and actually cutting the sheetmetal. Figure 3 displays an example
of a cut through the sheetmetal housing. You can represent the shearing of
the material by excluding surfaces from the form when you place it on the
sheetmetal model.
Figure 3 Creating Rips in Geometry
Using Multiple Forms on a Single Die Model

In some cases, it may be more convenient to store multiple forms on a single
die model. However, for Creo Parametric to distinguish one set from another,
you must specify a seed surface. The seed surface gathers all surfaces that
are surrounded by the base plane to create the form. You must select the
seed surface in all die forms, even if there is only one set of form geometry.
Module 6 | Page 20
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Die Form Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Form_Die
Task 1:
FORMS.PRT
Add a form to the model.

2. In the ribbon, select Die
from the Form
Form
Engineering group.
Reference > Done.
4. Select MOUNT_FORM.PRT and
click Open.
5. Query-select the bottom, hidden
surface of the tray model.
6. Select the flat surface of the
mount form part.
7. Edit the Constraint Type to
Coincident
, if necessary.
8. Click New Constraint.

10. Select datum plane FRONT from both models.

11. Edit the Constraint Type to Distance
to 10.
and edit the Offset value
12. Click New Constraint.

13. Select datum plane TOP from the tray model and select datum plane
SIDE from the mount form.
14. Edit the Constraint Type to Coincident
2012 PTC
, if necessary.
Module 6 | Page 21
15. Select the Preview Display

check box to preview the location
of the form.
18. Select the surface of the mount

form as the bounding plane.
19. Select the top surface of the
mount form as the seed surface.
20. In the Form dialog box, select

Exclude Surf and click Define.
21. Press CTRL and select the three
surfaces from the mount form,
as shown.
22. Click Done Refs.
23. Click OK to complete the form
feature.
Task 2:
Pattern the form feature.
1. With the form feature still

Pattern.
2. In the dashboard, edit the pattern
type to Direction.
3. Select datum plane FRONT from
the model tree as the reference
in the first direction.
4. Click Flip First Direction
from the dashboard and edit the
spacing value to 20.
Module 6 | Page 22
2012 PTC

window and select Direction 2
Reference.
6. Select datum plane TOP from
the model tree.
7. Edit the second direction spacing
value to 40 from the dashboard.
the dashboard.
from
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 23
Punch Form Features

Your sheetmetal models can be formed using punches.
Assemble with Dashboard
On Surface Csys
Interfaces
Constraints
Figure 1 Punch Reference Model
Options
Round sharp edges
Exclude Surfaces
Merge or Inheritance
Figure 2 Wall Formed with Punch
Punch Form Features

A form is a sheetmetal wall molded by a template (reference part). Merging
the geometry of a reference part to the sheetmetal part creates the form
feature. You use assembly-type constraints to determine the location of the
form in your model.
You can create a sheetmetal form using a punch:
Punch A punch shapes the sheetmetal wall using only the reference
part geometry. Punch forms use the entire form reference part to create
the correct geometry.
Placing Form Features

The Punch form sheetmetal tool uses a dashboard interface. You can select
any model to assemble in one of three ways:
On surface Coordinate System Select a coordinate system in the punch
model as the only reference for an assembly interface. Upon placement,
you can select references to locate an on-surface coordinate system in the
sheetmetal model. This method leverages the capability of the on-surface
coordinate system to enable the option for specifying an additional rotation.
Component Interfaces Create component interfaces using any desired
references.
Assembly constraints Use standard assembly constraints to locate the
punch.
The Punch form tool also has several options:
Round sharp edges You can select to round the edges of the resulting
sheetmetal form, even if the punch form model did not contain rounds.
Placement or non-placement edges can be selected.
Exclude Surfaces You can select surfaces for the punch model to exclude
them from the operation, resulting in these surfaces being deleted from the
resulting form feature. The surfaces to exclude can also be pre-specified
by using a Punch Model Annotation feature.
Module 6 | Page 24
2012 PTC
Merge or Inheritance These dashboard icons enable you to reference the

punch model by performing a merge operation, or you can copy the punch
model geometry by creating an inheritance feature.
Tool Name and Coordinate System Specify these options for sheetmetal
manufacturing.
Placing by Reference You can place a form feature so that it references
the original forming model at all times. If the original form model changes,
the geometry on the sheetmetal part also changes.
Copying the Geometry When you do not want to associate the geometry
of the form to the reference model, you can place the form model by
copying all of the form geometry into the sheetmetal model. This copy
operation creates a completely independent version of the form geometry.
Creating and Using Reference Parts

You can create the form or reference part as a standard solid part or as a
sheetmetal part. If you use a sheetmetal model, the form should conform to
the green side of the sheetmetal component.
The reference parts can have shapes that are convex, concave, or are a
combination of both. When creating reference parts, you should keep the
following points in mind:
Any convex surface must have a radius that is larger than the thickness
of the sheetmetal, or equal to zero if the form is mated to the sheetmetal
geometry.
Any concave surface must have a radius that is larger than the thickness
of the sheetmetal, or equal to zero if the form is aligned to the sheetmetal
geometry.
The form can contain a combination of convex and concave geometry,
creating hollows. The hollows in the form must not drop below the base
plane or mating surface, meaning all the form geometry must be on the
same side of the base plane.
Creating Rips in the Geometry

Some forming operations consist of two tasks: plastically deforming the
sheetmetal and actually cutting the sheetmetal. Figure 3 displays an example
of a cooling fin that is cut through the side of the sheetmetal housing. You
can represent the shearing of the material by excluding surfaces from the
form when you place it on the sheetmetal model.
Figure 3 Creating Rips in the Geometry
Using Multiple Forms on a Single Punch Model

To reduce the number of models stored for punch forms, you create a punch
model with two sides. You select one side or the other, with respect to the
mating surface that you use in the punch model.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 25
PROCEDURE - Punch Form Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Form_Punch
Task 1:
PUNCH.PRT
Create a louver using a punch form.

2. In the ribbon, select Punch
from the Form
Form
Engineering group.
from the dashboard.
Double-click LOUVER_FORM.
PRT.
4. Place the cursor over the upper
model surface.
Query and select the
underlying surface.
5. Drag the handles to the front and
right surfaces of the model.
Edit the offset values as
shown.
6. Select the Placement tab from

the dashboard and select the
Add rotation about the first
axis check box.
Drag the rotation handle to 90.
The additional rotation is
possible due to a coordinate
system selected for the
component interface.
Module 6 | Page 26
2012 PTC
7. Select the Options tab.

Click in the Excluded punch
model surfaces collector.
Select the surface shown.
Task 2:
Create a gusset using a punch form.
1. Click Punch Form

from the dashboard.
Double-click GUSSET_FORM.
PRT.
3. Select the right model surface.
4. Select the upper model surface.

Select the front model surface.
Drag the offset handle to 20.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 27
5. Select the Options tab from

the dashboard and select the
Placement Edges check box.
Select Thickness from the
Radius drop-down list.
Click Complete Feature .
Module 6 | Page 28
2012 PTC
Utilizing Punch Model Annotations

Define Punch Model annotations to speed up placement.
Punch Model annotation type
Predefine surfaces to remove
Figure 1 Creating Annotation
Figure 2 Punch Model Created
Utilizing Punch Model Annotations

A new type of annotation feature has been added called Punch Model. In
this type of annotation, you can select surfaces to predefine those that will be
removed when using the model for a punch in a sheetmetal part.
When a punch is created using a model with a punch model annotation
defined, the surfaces to be removed are defined automatically without having
to select them. However, you can add to or remove from this selection if
desired.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 29
PROCEDURE - Utilizing Punch Model Annotations

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Punch_Annotations
Task 1:
ROUND_FORM.PRT
Create a Punch Model annotation feature.

2. Expand the footer and select
INTFC001.
Notice the highlighted
coordinate system.
3. In the ribbon, select the
Annotate tab and click
Annotation Feature
from the Annotation Feature
group.
Click Specify Punch Model
Properties
in the
Annotation Feature dialog
box.
surfaces shown.
5. Click OK in the Punch Model
Dialog box and OK in the
Annotation Feature dialog box.
6. Click Close Window
from
the Quick Access toolbar.
Module 6 | Page 30
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Create a punch form utilizing the defined punch model annotation.
1. Click Open
from the Quick
Access toolbar and double-click
ANNOTATIONS.PRT.
2. In the ribbon, click Punch Form
from the Engineering group.
from the Punch Form dashboard.
Double-click ROUND_FORM.
PRT.
4. Place the cursor over the upper
model surface.
Query and select the
underlying surface.
5. Drag the handles to the front and
right surfaces of the model.
Edit the offset values as
shown.
6. Select the Options tab from the

dashboard.
Notice there are excluded
surfaces defined.
.
Notice the placement edges
are not rounded.
Click Resume Feature
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 31

Enable the Placement edges
option.
Select Thickness as the
Radius option.
Module 6 | Page 32
2012 PTC
Creating Sketched Forms

Sketched forms allow you to quickly create forms that are sketch
based rather than having to use a separate model.
Two types of sketch based forms.
Punch
Piercing
Figure 1 Formed Sheetmetal

Model
Figure 2 Sketch for Punch Form
Figure 3 Sketch for Piercing Form
Creating Sketched Forms

Sketched forms allow you to quickly create forms that are sketch based rather
than having to use a separate model. Creating a sketched form is similar to
creating an extruded feature. The sketched form allows for the use if sketch
libraries for common shapes. There are two types of sketched forms:
Punch Extrudes the sketch shape, and creates additional walls normal
to the sheetmetal surface by default. The following options can be applied:
Exclude Surfaces
Capped ends
Add taper
Round sharp edges options of Nonplacement edges and Placement
edges
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 33
Piercing Cuts the sketch shape without removing material, and offsets
resulting wall portion normal to sheetmetal surface, offset from zero up to
the material thickness. The Round sharp edges options of Nonplacement
edges and Placement edges can be applied:
Module 6 | Page 34
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Creating Sketched Forms

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Form_Sketched
Task 1:
SKETCH_FORM.PRT
Create a sketched form as a Punch.

2. From the In Graphics toolbar, select Shading With Edges
the Display Style types drop-down menu.
3. Select Sketched Form
in the Engineering group.
4. Click Create Punch
from
from the Form types drop-down menu
from the dashboard, if necessary.
5. Select the Placement tab and click define.

6. Select the main surface and click Sketch.
7. Sketch the rectangle shown.
8. Click OK
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 35
9. Drag the depth up to 5.0.

10. Click Change Form Direction
.
11. Click Change Material Direction

.
12. Click Change Material Direction

to change the direction back
to the outside.
13. Click Change Form Direction
to set the direction back up.
Module 6 | Page 36
2012 PTC

15. Disable Capped ends, then
enable it again.
16. Enable Add taper.

17. Modify the angle to 10 degrees.
18. Enable Nonplacement edges

from the Round sharp edges
area of the Options tab.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 37
19. Enable Placement edges.
20. Click the Extrude Surfaces

collector and select the front
surface.
Task 2:
Create a sketched form as a Piercing.
1. Click the Operations group

Resume > Resume Last Set.
Module 6 | Page 38
2012 PTC
2. Select Sketched Form

from
the Form types drop-down menu.
3. Click Create Piercing
the dashboard.
from

Internal Sketch.
5. Select the front surface and click
Sketch.
6. Sketch the circle as shown.
7. Right-click and select OK.
click Named Views
and
select 3D.
Notice the default offset is 0.5
* Thickness.
9. Enter a value of 0.35 in the

dashboard and press ENTER.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 39
10. Edit the thickness value in the

dashboard to Thickness.
11. Right-click and select Show

Section Dimensions.
12. Edit the offset dimension to 5.00.

14. Click Resume Feature
Module 6 | Page 40
2012 PTC

16. Enable Nonplacement edges.
17. Select 0.5 * Thickness from the
radius drop-down list.
18. Enable Placement edges.

19. Select 0.5 * Thickness from the
radius drop-down list.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 41
Flattening Forms and Unstamping Edges

Form features can be flattened using the Flatten Form tool.
You can flatten all valid forms in
the model at once.
Rounds and chamfers are unbent
using the Unstamp Edge tool.
Figure 1 Original Model (Unbent)
Figure 2 Form Flattened and

Reference Patterned
Figure 3 Unstamping an Edge
Returning the Model to the Flat

In some cases, you may have to return a sheetmetal model to its original flat
state after you have placed form features on it. The form features do not get
flattened along with the bend features in the model.
Flatten Form Theory

You can use the Flatten Form tool to unbend punch or die forms.
You can flatten multiple form features at the same time.
to flatten all valid forms
in the model at once.
You can flatten forms that cross multiple surfaces.
You typically create flatten form features at the end of the design process,
when you are preparing your model for manufacture.
The flatten form tool adjusts the width of the part after flattening, ensuring
that the material volume after flattening is the same as before flattening.
The formed area is retained upon unbend and bend back, to visualize
location.
The Flatten Form tool has the capability to flatten forms that cross multiple
surfaces. For example, you can flatten the form of a wall gusset over a 90
degree wall.
The Flatten Form feature retains the formed area upon creation of unbend or
bend back features to enable visualization of the formed area.
Flattening Edges
You create edge treatments (stamped edges with chamfers or rounds) using
solid class features. As you prepare your sheetmetal design for manufacture,
you need to flatten your design. In order to accurately flatten the stamped
Module 6 | Page 42
2012 PTC
edges, you should create a flatten form feature using Unstamp Edge
.
The flatten form calculates the flat pattern for the stamped edges. This is
based on the assumption that the volume of the material in the part is the
same, both before and after it is flattened.
Figure 3 displays the adjustments made to the developed length of the part
after flattening, ensuring that the material volume before and after flattening
is the same.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 43
PROCEDURE - Flattening Forms and Unstamping Edges

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Form_Flatten
Task 1:
FLATTEN.PRT
Flatten forms in a sheetmetal part.

2. Notice the forms and bends.
3. Select Unbend
from the
in the Bends group.
5. Select Flatten Form

from
the Form types drop-down menu
6. Select the surface on the form.
Module 6 | Page 44
2012 PTC
8. With the feature still selected,

right-click and select Pattern.
9. Verify that the pattern type is set
to Reference in the dashboard.
Task 2:
Stamp and Unstamp an edge.
1. Zoom in on the front, right corner.

2. Click the Engineering group
Chamfer > Edge Chamfer.
3. Select the edge.
4. Edit the value to 0.2.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 45

tab.
7. Select Summary
from the
Measure types drop-down menu
in the Measure group.
8. Select the lower edge.
9. Notice the length is 1.0.
10. Close the Measure: Summary
dialog box.
11. In the ribbon, select the Model
tab.
12. Click the Editing group
Unstamp Edge

Flatten Sel and select the
chamfered edge.
Click Done Refs > Done >
OK.
tab.
15. Select Summary
16. Select the same lower edge.

17. Notice the length is now 0.96.
18. Close the Measure: Summary
dialog box.
The edge is shortened by the volume of material the chamfer
removes. Assuming the model volume remains constant, when the
chamfer is formed/pressed on the model during manufacturing, the
length of the edge increases by approximately 0.04 and returns to
its original 1.0 length, yielding a more accurate flat pattern.
Module 6 | Page 46
2012 PTC
Creating Rip Features

You can add rips to your models to help flatten otherwise
unbendable geometry.
Edge Rip:
Define sets.
Define edge treatment and gap
setting per set.
Edge trimming.
Surface Rip:
Define sets.
Action-object workflow enables
auto-complete.
Sketched Rip:
Internal or external sketch.
Flip sketch projection direction.
Other options.
Figure 2 Creating a Surface

Rip Feature
Figure 1 Creating an Edge Rip
Figure 3 Creating a Sketched Rip
Creating Rip Features

You can unbend sheetmetal geometry using rips. A rip shears or tears your
sheetmetal walls, especially along seams. If your part is a continuous piece
of material, it cannot be unbent without ripping the sheetmetal.
Create a rip feature before unbending. When you unbend that area of
the model, the material breaks along the rip section. In general, a rip is a
zero-volume cut.
There are three types of sheetmetal rips available:
Edge Rip Creates a saw cut along an edge. You select the edge to rip.
The resulting edge treatment can be open, blind, a gap, or overlapping.
You can define sets of Edge Rips.
You can define the edge treatment and gap setting per set.
You can perform edge trimming to rip a partial edge.
Edge rips are individually supported by type in the Search tool.
Surface Rip Enables you to select a surface patch on the geometry and
exclude the entire surface from the model by creating a cut in the geometry.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 47
You can define sets of Surface rips.

If you use action-object workflow, the feature auto-completes.
Sketched Rip Creates a saw cut along a sketched rip line. You select the
sketching surface and sketch the rip line.
The sketch can be an internal or external sketch.
You can flip the projection direction.
You can rip either Normal to Driven Surface or Normal to Offset Surface.
There is an optional Excluded Surfaces collector.
You can define which side of the sketch you want to be split into a new
area.
Module 6 | Page 48
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Creating Rip Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Rip
Task 1:
RIPS.PRT
Add surface rips to remove material in four corners.

click Named Views
select RIPS1.
and
3. Select Surface Rip

from the
Rip types drop-down menu in the
Engineering group.
4. Press CTRL and select the four
surfaces shown.
Task 2:
Create an edge rip along three edges of the part.
1. Select Edge Rip

from the
Rip types drop-down menu in the
Engineering group.
lower edges shown.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 49
Task 3:
Create a sketched rip.
1. Select Sketched Rip

from
the Rip types drop-down menu
sketch plane.
3. Create the sketch shown.
4. Click OK
from the Sketch
dashboard.
from
the Sketched Rip dashboard.
Task 4:
Unbend the model.

Orientation.
2. Select Unbend
from the
in the Bends group.
fixed geometry.
Module 6 | Page 50
2012 PTC
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 51
Creating Edge Bends

An edge bend converts non-tangent edges to bends.
Default bend radius set to
thickness.
Define sets of edge bends.
Create partial edge bends.
You can select non-linear edges.
Figure 1 Formed Part with

Sharp Edges
Figure 2 Part with Two Edge

Bend Sets
Figure 3 Partial Edge Bend

Applied
Creating Edge Bends

An edge bend converts non-tangent edges to bends. Depending on the
material side you choose to thicken, some edges appear rounded while
others have sharp edges. The edge bend option enables you to quickly
round the edge.
You can define sets of edge bends. In Figure 2, the middle edge bend is part
of a different set than the other two edge bends, and is of a different bend
radius. You can also create partial edge bends, as shown in Figure 3. You
can even create edge bends on non-linear edges.
By default, the parameters for edge bends are set to the following values:
Bend Table Part Bend Table
Radius Type Inside Radius
Radius Default radius, else Thickness
Module 6 | Page 52
2012 PTC
If your design requires different bend parameters, you can either change the
entire models bend parameters or you can customize the values for each
edge bend individually.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 53
PROCEDURE - Creating Edge Bends

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Edge-Bends
Task 1:
EDGE.PRT
Add edge bends to the model.

from the Display Style types
drop-menu in the In Graphics
toolbar.
3. Select Edge Bend
from the
Bend types drop-down menu in
the Bends group.
edges shown (start with the edge
on the right of the image).
The bend table, radius type, and bend radius are all set by default
and you do not have to specify any information.
Task 2:
Create a new edge bend set.
1. With the edge bend feature still

Edit Definition.
Placement tab.
Notice that all three edge
bends are part of the same
set.
Right-click the middle edge
reference and select Remove.
Module 6 | Page 54
2012 PTC
3. In the Placement tab, click New

Set.
Select the middle edge.
Edit the Bend radius to 20.
Task 3:
Redefine an edge bend to a partial edge bend.
1. With the edge bend feature still

Edit Definition.
Placement tab.
Select the Edge Bend 2 set.
Drag the bottom handle up
and edit its value to -50.
4. Select Shading
from the
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 55
Joining Walls
You can use Join to combine two non-connected sheetmetal
walls that intersect.
Combine non-connected walls.
Walls must intersect.

Flip Join direction.
Radius added automatically.
Several Join options.
Figure 1 Two Non-connected

Walls
Figure 2 Multiple Flip Arrows

for Trimming Geometry
Figure 3 Bend Radius

Automatically Added
Joining Walls
You can use Join to combine two non-connected sheetmetal walls that
intersect, as shown in Figure 1. In the Model ribbon, you click the Editing
group drop-down menu and select Join. You select the two walls to intersect
and the system determines the resulting intersection.
Once the intersection is defined, the result is previewed with a horizontal
and vertical flip arrow. You can click these arrows to flip the portion of the
intersected walls that the system keeps. The top image of Figure 2 shows
the default intersection preview. The bottom image shows the preview after
clicking the vertical flip arrow.
Module 6 | Page 56
2012 PTC
A radius is also automatically added where appropriate, and can be either

an Inside or Outside radius. The radius can be defined as Thickness, 2 *
Thickness, or you can enter a radius value.
At the bottom of the Creo Parametric window is a counter that indicates the
number of distinct pieces. You can select the drop down menu next to the
icon to show a list of distinct pieces, and can cursor over them to highlight
them on the screen. If all walls are joined, the counter will indicate that no
distinct pieces are in the model.
Figure 4 Distinct Pieces Counter

If the joined walls create multiple loops, the resulting intersection may
produce floating or unattached portions, as shown in Figure 6. If this occurs,
you can flip the trim arrows to obtain the correct result.
Figure 5 Floating Walls Resulting from Multiple Loops
Intersection Options
The Options tab of the Join dashboard provides further control over the
geometry. The Up to bend and Up to Intersection line options control how
much of the second wall is kept once the intersection is define. Up to bend,
which is the default, truncates the second wall where the bend begins, as
shown in the left image of Figure 4. The Up to intersection line option will
truncate the second wall at its intersection with the first wall, as show in the
right image.
Figure 6 Join Options

In addition, you can use the Trim nonintersecting geometry check box to turn
the removal of intersected geometry on and off.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 57
PROCEDURE - Joining Walls

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Wall_Join
Task 1:
JOIN.PRT
Experiment with a simple join feature.

select Shading With Edges
from the Display Style types
drop-down menu.
3. Notice the distinct pieces icon
near the bottom of the screen,
which indicates 3 pieces.
4. Click the drop-down arrow next
to the distinct pieces icon and
cursor over the listed pieces to
highlight them on the screen.
5. Right-click Planar 3 in the model tree and select Suppress.

Click OK from the Suppress dialog box.
Notice that the distinct pieces icon indicates 2 pieces.
Join
7. Select the vertical surface.
Module 6 | Page 58
2012 PTC

horizontal surface.
9. Notice the default join preview.
10. Click the first Flip Wall Join

Direction
dashboard.
2012 PTC
icon in the
Module 6 | Page 59
11. Click the second Flip Wall

Join Direction
dashboard.
icon in the
12. Click the first Flip Wall Join

Direction
icon again.
13. Click the second Flip Wall Join

Direction
icon again.
15. Notice that the distinct pieces

icon indicates none are present.
Module 6 | Page 60
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Experiment with a join feature using multiple loops.
1. Click the Operations group

Resume > Resume Last Set.
2. Notice that the distinct pieces
icon indicates 2.
Join
4. Select vertical surface.

horizontal surface.
6. The default join is clearly not

correct.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 61
7. Click the horizontal arrow on

model to flip its direction.
8. Click the vertical arrow on model

to flip its direction.
9. Click the Options tab and notice

that Up to bend is selected.
10. Click Up to intersection line.
Module 6 | Page 62
2012 PTC
11. Disable Trim nonintersecting

geometry.
12. Click the vertical arrow on model

to flip its direction.
14. Notice that the distinct pieces icon indicates none are present.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 63
Patterning Walls
You can now pattern walls using direction and reference
patterns.
Pattern Flat or Flanged
Use Direction Pattern
Can Reference Pattern
Figure 2 Flat Wall Patterned
Figure 3 Flange Wall Reference

Patterned
Patterning Walls
You can now use the direction pattern option to create patterns of flat and
flanged walls. You can select the wall, select a direction reference, and type
the increment and quantity for the pattern using the dashboard.
Once a pattern is created, you can also reference pattern any child wall
features.
Module 6 | Page 64
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Patterning Walls

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Pattern
Task 1:
PATTERN.PRT
Create a direction pattern of a flat wall.

2. Select the Flat 1 wall from the
model tree.
3. Right-click and select Pattern.
Select a front edge.
Type -20 as the pattern
increment and press ENTER.
4. Type 6 as the quantity and press
ENTER.
Task 2:
Create a reference pattern of a flange wall.
1. Select the Flange 1 wall from

the model tree.
2. Right-click and select Pattern.
Select Reference as the
pattern type.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 65
Mirroring Walls
You mirror sheetmetal walls to create symmetric models.
A mirrored wall is its own feature.
Dependent by default
Can make section independent
Can redefine independently
Figure 3 Second Mirror Created

Figure 2 First Mirror Created
Mirroring Walls
You can now use the mirror option to create symmetric models. Once you
select the walls and a planar reference, the mirror is created as dependent by
default.
You can change the dependency in the dashboard, or right-click the mirrored
wall and make its section independent. You can also redefine the wall to
break the associative link, and change its shape or options independently
from the original.
Module 6 | Page 66
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Mirroring Walls

Close Window
Sheetmetal\Mirror
Task 1:
Erase Not Displayed

MIRROR.PRT
Mirror a selection of walls.

2. Select the Flat 1 wall from the
model tree.
Press SHIFT and select
Flange 3.
3. In the ribbon, click the Editing
select Mirror
.
Select datum plane RIGHT
from the model tree.
4. Notice that each mirrored wall is
its own feature in the model tree.
Task 2:
Mirror the original and previously mirrored walls, then redefine

a wall.
1. With Mirror 1 still selected, press

SHIFT and select Flat 1 from the
model tree.
2. In the ribbon, click the Editing
.
select Mirror
Select datum plane FRONT
from the model tree.
2012 PTC
Module 6 | Page 67
3. Select Flange 3 (3), as shown.
4. Right-click and select Edit

Definition.
Modify the shape from Flushed
to Duck.
Click Yes.
Module 6 | Page 68
2012 PTC
Module
Sheetmetal Setup and Tools

Module Overview
You use bend lines to determine the location and shape for the bend
geometry in your sheetmetal parts. A bend line is also a reference point to
calculate the developed length. Creo Parametric enables you to sketch the
bend lines, enabling you to control the behavior of the bend geometry.
When you unbend sheetmetal parts, Creo Parametric calculates the
developed length using a standard formula or using a standard bend table. To
suit your particular manufacturing process, you can override the default bend
calculations by modifying the factors in the formula or by using customized
bend tables.
You select a surface to remain fixed as the geometry bends. The resulting
geometry will differ depending on the geometry selected to be fixed.
Reports provide information on bends, radii, and specific design rules for your
sheetmetal part, and they enable you to investigate your design to ensure it
adheres to company standards.
Design rules are guidelines for your design such as minimum distance
between cuts and minimum wall height. You establish these rules based on
the materials and processes used in manufacturing.
Sheetmetal defaults and parameters automate routine tasks to help
streamline your part design. You can predefine some common feature
geometry to ensure design consistency and to save time by reducing menu
selections.
If a converted part is not developable, you can either create individual
features like rips and corner reliefs to make it developable, or you can use the
Create Conversion tool to add alterations like rips, bends, and corner relief.
Objectives
Define and adjust bend lines.
Define and adjust bend allowances using bend tables.
Define default fixed geometry.
Review sheetmetal reports in text and HTML format.
Set and review the effects of design rules.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 1
Edit and assign sheetmetal defaults and parameters.

Retrieve an existing set of sheetmetal defaults and parameters.
Use the Conversion tool to flatten an otherwise undevelopable model.
Module 7 | Page 2
2012 PTC
Bend Line Adjustments

You can control the location of a bend feature by adding a Bend
Line Adjustment (BLA).
The bend line location can be
adjusted.
Use the equation: BLA = L - (R+T).
Figure 1 Original Bend Line

Location
Figure 2 Relation to Control

the Bend Line Location
Figure 3 Bend Line Adjusted
Bend Line Adjustments

You can control the location of a bend feature by adding a Bend Line
Adjustment (BLA). The BLA is the dimension that locates the sketched bend
line from a reference. You can modify it to manipulate the placement of the
bend. For two surfaces to be coplanar, the developed length of the bend must
be equal to the sum of the inside radius and the thickness.
Since the system calculates both the radius of the bend and the developed
length of the bend, you can use the following relation to determine the BLA.
BLA = L - (R+T )
Where: BLA Bend Line Adjustment. L Developed Length. R Inside
Radius. T Thickness.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 3
PROCEDURE - Bend Line Adjustments

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Bend-Line-Adjustment
Task 1:
BEND_LINE.PRT
Determine whether the bend is in the desired location.

tab.
Select Distance
from the
Measure types drop-down
menu in the Measure group.
two surfaces as references.
click Named Views
select FRONT.
and
4. Notice that the distance is

approximately 0.80.
This measurement is the
vertical gap between the
surfaces. Therefore, the two
surfaces are not coplanar.
This is because the bend
line adjustment value is
incorrect.
5. In the Measure dialog box, click Save Measure
Select Save Analysis and click OK.
Close the Measure dialog box.
Task 2:
Add a relation to control the BLA.

2. Right-click the Bend feature in
the model tree and select Edit.
Notice that the developed length
(DEV.L) is 1.7.
Module 7 | Page 4
2012 PTC
3. With dimensions still displayed,

select the Model tab in the
ribbon, click the Model Intent
group drop-down menu, and
select Relations
.
Select the First Wall from the
model tree.
Identify the symbolic form
for the dimensions. Find
the developed length (d14),
the inside radius (d13), the
thickness (d0), and the bend
line location (d9).
4. In the Relations dialog box, type
the following BLA relation:
d9 = d14 - (d13+d0).
Click OK.
5. Click Regenerate
from the
Quick Access toolbar.
click Named Views
and
select FRONT. Notice that the
distance is now 0.0.
Task 3:
Test the relations added.
1. Modify the bend radius.

Right-click the Bend feature in
the model tree and select Edit.
Double-click the radius value,
then type 2 and press ENTER.
Click twice in the background
to de-select all geometry.
2. Notice that the distance is still 0.0
due to the bend line adjustment
relation.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 5
Using Bend Tables for Bend Allowances

You can use bend tables, instead of the system default equation,
to calculate the developed lengths of bends.
Figure 1 A Typical Bend Table
Using Bend Tables for Bend Allowances

You can use bend tables, instead of the system default equation, to calculate
the developed lengths of bends. Bend tables are files (a *.bnd file) that can
be stored in the part or on a hard drive for use in multiple models.
The values in the top row of the bend table (area #4 in Figure 1) are inside
radius values (R) while the values in the first column of the table (area #3 in
Figure 1) are for material thickness (T). The rest of the cells in the body of
the table (area #5 in Figure 1) are populated with developed length values for
a 90 bend that has the corresponding inside radius and material thickness
that makes them intersect in the first row and column (respectively) of the
table.
For bends other than 90, the values are multiplied by /90, where is the
specific bend angle, in degrees.
Module 7 | Page 6
2012 PTC
If a bend is created in a model that does not have an exact corresponding

inside radius or material thickness in the table, the developed length is
calculated in one of two ways:
1. If the values for R and T fall inside the range of inside radii and material
thicknesses present in the table, the developed length is calculated by
interpolation from the surrounding values.
2. If the values for R and T fall outside the range of inside radii and material
thicknesses present in the table, the developed length is calculated by
using the Formula (area #1 in Figure 1) that is present in the table.
If necessary, you can write logic statements into the Formula area of the
bend table. By doing so, you can assign different formulas to be applied
based on specific attributes of the bend. For example, you can specify logic
statements so that the developed length for bends where 0 90 is
calculated differently than for bends where > 90. View the Creo Parametric
help files for more information on formulas as well as another feature called a
Conversion.
You can use one of three tables supplied with Creo Parametric or you can
create and name your own. The three tables supplied have developed
lengths based on values for soft, medium, and very hard materials. The
y-factor and developed lengths they contain are listed below and are based
on values found in Machinerys Handbook, 25th Edition.
Table Name
Materials
y-factor
k-factor
TABLE1
soft brass, copper
0.55
0.35
TABLE2
hard brass, copper, soft steel,

aluminum
0.64
0.41
TABLE3
hard copper, bronze, cold rolled steel,

spring steel
0.71
0.45
Additionally, there is a Materials section in each bend table (area #2 in Figure

1) where you can specify materials that the bend table can be applied to.
When you apply the bend table to a part, Creo Parametric verifies whether
the part material matches one of the materials in the list. If it does not, you
receive an error message and the bend table is NOT added to the part. If
no materials are listed in the Materials section of the bend table, the bend is
applied to any part regardless of its material.
Best Practices
If you create your own library of bend tables, point to the appropriate folder
with the configuration option pro_sheet_met_directory_<pathname>. You
can find bend tables that are specified by name in your projects current
directory and in the folder specified by the configuration option.
Bend tables are only applicable for constant-radius bends. Bends with a
varying radius, as in a cone or cylinder, calculate the developed length
using the y-factor. Bend tables are applied to a geometry with flange walls
based on the arc profiles.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 7
PROCEDURE - Using Bend Tables for Bend Allowances

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Bend_Table
Task 1:
BEND_TABLE.PRT
Determine how the bend length is currently calculated.

2. In the ribbon, select the Tools tab and select Model
from the
Model types drop-down menu in the Investigate group.
From the information at the top of the browser window, it should
be obvious that no bend tables have been assigned to the part
and that bend allowances for all bends are being driven by the
k-factor (0.31831) and y-factor (.5) assigned to the part.
Also note that all of the bends in the part have an inside radius of
2 mm and a developed length of 3.64 mm.
3. Click Web Browser

from
the status bar to close the Web
browser.
4. From the model tree, right-click
the First Wall feature and select
Edit.
5. Notice the current developed
length.
Module 7 | Page 8
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Drive the developed length of all of the bends in the model with
the system supplied table for hard materials (TABLE3).
1. In the ribbon, click File > Prepare > Model Properties.

2. In the Sheetmetal section, click change for the Bend Allowance.
3. Click Part Bend Allowance Tables.
4. Double-click TABLE3.BND .
5. Click Working Directory
OK.
, then double-click NEW.BND and click
6. Select table3 from the Bend allowance table drop-down list and click
Regenerate in the Preferences dialog box.
7. Click Close in the Model Properties dialog box.
8. From the model tree, right-click
the First Wall feature and select
Edit.
The developed length for
this feature is now 3.85
mm. If you inspect the bend
allowances for the Flat 1
and Flange 1 features, you
also find that they have
developed lengths of 3.85
mm as well. This is based
on a y-factor value of .71
from the TABLE3 system
supplied bend table.
Task 3:
Drive the developed length of the bend in the Flat 1 feature using
a user-defined bend table (new.bnd).
1. In the model tree, right-click the Flat 1 feature and select Edit
Definition.
2. From the dashboard, select the Bend Allowance tab and select the
A Feature Specific Set Up check box.
3. Select By Bend table as the calculation type.
Select Part new from the drop-down list.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 9
5. In the model tree, right-click the

Flat 1 feature and select Edit.
The developed length of the
bend in this feature is now
calculated as 3.69 mm.
Module 7 | Page 10
2012 PTC
Fixed Geometry
You can specify a default reference for the fixed surface for
unbend and bend back features.
You do not have to select the
fixed side after setting default fixed
geometry.
Applies to:
Unbend features
Bend Back features
Figure 2 Unbend Uses Fixed

Surface
Figure 1 Surface Selected

as Fixed Geometry
Figure 3 Bend Back Uses

Fixed Surface
Fixed Geometry
When unbending and bending back sheetmetal geometry, it is always good
practice to specify the same surface or edge to remain fixed. You can use the
Model Properties option Fixed Geometry to automatically specify the same
reference when creating the unbend and bend back features.
The fixed geometry setting helps ensure consistency in your design workflow.
You can select a surface, edge, or a plane as a fixed geometry. Once you
have defined the fixed geometry, the system does not ask you to specify the
geometry to remain fixed, while creating the unbend and bend back features.
When working with fixed geometry, you can:
Set a surface to remain fixed with the Select command.
Highlight the current fixed geometry selection with the Show command.
Delete the current fixed geometry selection with the Clear command.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 11
PROCEDURE - Fixed Geometry

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Fixed-Geometry
Task 1:
FIXED.PRT
Define the default fixed wall for all bend back and unbend
operations.

2. In the ribbon, click File > Prepar
e > Model Properties.
3. In the Sheetmetal section of
the Model Properties dialog
box, click change for Fixed
Geometry.
4. Select the wall surface to remain
fixed, as shown.
5. Click OK in the Fixed Geometry
dialog box.
6. Close the Model Properties
dialog box.
7. Test the fixed geometry setup.
Create an unbend feature.
In the ribbon, select Unbend
from the Unbend types
group.
8. Create a bend back feature.
In the ribbon, click Bend Back
from the Bends group.
Notice that the fixed geometry
is automatically selected and
highlighted.
Module 7 | Page 12
2012 PTC
Info Tools and Reports

Reports provide information about bends, radii, bend tables, and
design rules for your model.
Two types of reports
Text
HTML
Controlled by config.pro option info_output_format
Figure 1 HTML Report Excerpt
Info Tools and Reports

Sheetmetal reports help you to ensure that your model adheres to company
standards. The reports can be displayed in either text or HTML (the default)
format. To change from HTML to text format, you can set the config.pro
parameter info_output_format to text.
The HTML reports display in the embedded browser while the text reports
display in a separate window. The text reports can be stored in an external
file.
You can create the following text reports:
Bend Reports Detailed information about the bends in the part.
Radii Report Detailed information about the bend radii in the part.
Design Check Detailed report on your model's compliance with any
design rules that have been defined.
To access the text reports, click File > Options. In the Creo Parametric
Options dialog box, select the Configuration Editor category and click Add.
Type info_output_format in the Option Name text box and select text from
the Option Value text box, then click OK in the Options dialog box. Next,
click OK in the Creo Parametric Options dialog box and click No in the Creo
Parametric Options dialog box. Finally, select the Tools tab in the ribbon and
select Sheetmetal from the Model types drop-down menu in the Investigate
group. This opens the Sheetmetal Info dialog box.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 13
Figure 2 Sheetmetal Info dialog box

You can create the following HTML reports:
Used K and Y Factors by Part Lists all values of the K-factors and
Y-factors that are used by the part or features.
Bend Tables Associated with Part Detailed information about bend tables
used in the part.
Bends Containing Feature Bend Table Lists the assigned bend tables
used by the features.
Bends Allowance Information about bends assigned to a feature with
or without a 90 degree bend angle.
Bend Radii Detailed information about the bend radii of features.
Design Rules Violations Check Detailed report on your model's
compliance with any design rules that have been defined.
You can access the HTML reports by clicking File > Options. Then in the
Creo Parametric Options dialog box, select the Configuration Editor category,
then select info_output_format from the list and select html from the Value
text box. Click OK and click No in the Creo Parametric Options dialog box.
Finally, select the Tools tab in the ribbon and select Model from the Model
types drop-down menu in the Investigate group.
Note that the HTML reports are more interactive than the text reports. For
example, in the Bend Tables section of the HTML report, you can click the
Get Table Contents
icon to access another HTML report that lists the
entire bend table.
Module 7 | Page 14
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Info Tools and Reports

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Reports
Task 1:
REPORTS.PRT
View the HTML report for the model.

from the
Model types drop-down menu in the Investigate group to open the
Model Info HTML report.
3. Review the overview section.
4. Scroll to the Bend Tables section and use the report to view the table
contents.
5. Click Get Table Contents

this section.
The Bend Table report
appears.
6. Click Back
browser.
2012 PTC
in
in the Web
Module 7 | Page 15
7. Scroll to the Bends Allowance section.

The equations and dimensions used for each bend are listed.
8. Scroll to the Bend Radii section.
The bend radii and radius type (inside or outside) for each bend
are listed.
9. Scroll to the Design Rules section.
The rule MIN_CUT_TO_BOUND is violated. The permitted value
is 3.0000, but the current value is 1.0001.
Click Web Browser
Task 2:
to close the Web browser window.
Set the configuration option for text reports, and review the Bend
Report.
1. Click File > Options.

2. In the Creo Parametric
Options dialog box, select
the Configuration Editor
category and click Add.
3. Type info_output_format in the
Option Name text box and select
text from the Option value text
box.
Click OK in the Options dialog
box.
Click OK in the Creo
Parametric Options dialog
box and click No in the Creo
Parametric Options dialog box.
4. Select Sheetmetal from the
Model types drop-down menu in
the Investigate group to display
the Sheetmetal Info dialog box.
Module 7 | Page 16
2012 PTC
5. Clear the File check box and

click OK.
6. Click Close when finished
viewing the information window.
7. Click File > Options.

8. In the Creo Parametric Options dialog box, select the Configuration
Editor category.
9. Select info_output_format from the list and select html from the
Value column drop-down list.
Click OK and click No in the Creo Parametric Options dialog box.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 17
Design Rules
Design rules are geometric standards for your design.
A Rule table contains the design
standards.
MIN_DIST_BTWN_CUTS
MIN_CUT_TO_BOUND
MIN_CUT_TO_BEND
MIN_WALL_HEIGHT
MIN_SLOT_TAB_WIDTH
MIN_SLOT_TAB_LENGTH
MIN_LASER_DIM
Figure 1 MIN_CUT_TO_BEND
Figure 2 MIN_CUT_TO_BOUND
Design Rules
Design rules are geometric standards for your design. You can establish
the design rules that fit your materials and the manufacturing processes
you use. For example, in Figure 1, the dimension 5 represents the
MIN_CUT_TO_BEND option. This is the minimum distance a cut can
be placed relative to a bend. Any distance greater than or equal to the
MIN_CUT_TO_BEND parameter is an acceptable value.
Figure 2 is an example of MIN_CUT_TO_BOUND. In this case, the parameter
(a value of 2 in the image) represents the smallest permitted value between
any boundary and the edge of any cut.
Note that the Design Rules do not stop the model from regenerating when
there is a rule violation, but the violations can be displayed in a report.
The standard rule table contains the following default sheetmetal design
rules. In the table, T is the stock thickness and R is the bend radius.
Module 7 | Page 18
2012 PTC
Parameter
Description
MIN_DIST_BTWN_CUTS
Checks the distance between two cuts or

punches. (Default: 5T)
MIN_CUT_TO_BOUND
Checks the distance between a part edge

and a cut or punch. (Default: 2T)
MIN_CUT_TO_BEND
Checks the distance between a bend-line

and a cut or punch. (Default:2.5*T+R)
MIN_WALL_HEIGHT
Checks the minimum bend height of formed

walls. (Default: 1.5*T+R)
MIN_SLOT_TAB_WIDTH
Checks the minimum width of the slot.

(Default: T)
MIN_SLOT_TAB_
LENGTH
Checks the minimum length of the slot.
MIN_LASER_DIM
Checks the minimum distance between

contours that have to be laser cut. (Default:
1.5*T).
You specify design standards in a rule table and assign the table to your
part. You can develop as many tables as you need and you can edit the
table at any time.
Note that you cannot directly add additional rules beyond those found in the
table, but through the use of relations you can customize them.
Your design can be tested against the design table using the Model html
report or the Sheetmetal Design Check text report.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 19
PROCEDURE - Design Rules

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Design-Rules
Task 1:
RULES.PRT
Assign the design rules table.

2. Click File > Prepare > Model
Properties.
3. In the Sheetmetal section, click
change for Design Rules.
4. Click New Design Rules
and
type My_Rules for the name of
the table.
5. Review the rule, then click Save
To Model and click OK.
6. Click Close in the Model
Properties dialog box.
Task 2:
Check the status of the design.

from the
Model types drop-down menu to display the Model info report.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the report, and notice that the
MIN_CUT_TO_BOUND rule is violated.
Module 7 | Page 20
2012 PTC
Task 3:
Fix the rule violation and recheck.
1. Edit the dimensions to move the cut feature away from the edge.
Select Extrude 2 from the model tree.
Right-click and select Edit.
Edit the .25 dimension to .50.
Click twice in the background to de-select all geometry.
2. Click Refresh
from the Web browser.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the report, and notice now that by moving the
cut down, the MIN_CUT_TO_BEND rule is violated.
Moving the cut down has now caused the bottom edge to get too
close to the bend. The permitted value is 1.6250 but the current
value is 1.3750. Therefore, you have to change the height of the
cut by 0.25.
4. Edit the dimensions to move the cut feature away from the bend.
Select Extrude 2 from the model tree.
Right-click and select Edit.
Edit the 7.125 dimension to 6.675 and click twice in the background
to de-select all geometry.
5. Click Refresh
from the Web browser.
6. Scroll to the bottom of the report,

and notice that there are no
longer any violations.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 21
Defaults and Parameters

Sheetmetal defaults can be customized.
Defaults are managed through the Model Properties dialog box.
Figure 1 Model Properties
Defaults and Parameters

You can set common values and define common feature geometry to
streamline the design process. This can be accomplished using the Model
Values set in the model properties dialog box are linked to model parameters
and relations, which can be viewed in the Parameters and Relations dialog
boxes.
Module 7 | Page 22
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Defaults and Parameters

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Defaults
Task 1:
DEFAULTS.PRT
Open the Model Properties dialog box and check for non-default
parameter values.

2. Click File > Prepare > Model
Properties to open the Model
3. In the Materials section, notice
that the Thickness parameter
is set to 0.25, which is not the
default value. Click change.
4. In the Material Thickness dialog
box, type 1.0.
5. Click Regenerate in the Material
Thickness dialog box.
Task 2:
Set several defaults in the Model Properties dialog box.
1. Set the default bend radius, and

enable it to apply automatically:
In the Sheetmetal section of
the Model Properties dialog
box, click change for the
Bends parameter.
Type 1.0 for the Bend Radius.
2. Set the default bend angle:
For the Bend Angle, notice
that it is set to 90 which is the
default.
The dialog box should appear,
as shown.
3. Click Regenerate in the
Preferences dialog box.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 23
Task 3:
Viewing Relations and Parameters.
1. To view the models relations,

in the Relations, Parameters,
and Instances section of the
Model Properties dialog box,
click change for Relations.
2. When you are finished viewing
the relations, click Cancel in the
Relations dialog box and click
Yes.
3. To view the models Parameters,
click change for Parameters.
4. When you are finished viewing
the parameters, click Cancel in
the Parameters dialog box.
5. Click Close in the Model
Task 4:
Create a bend feature to view the impact of setting the defaults.
1. In the ribbon, click Bend

from the Bends group.
2. Select the surface shown.
3. Drag the drag handles as shown.
Module 7 | Page 24
2012 PTC
4. Drag the second set of drag

handles as shown.
5. Modify the two dimensions to 5.0

as shown.

the dashboard.
from
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 25
Using Conversion Features

You can use the Conversion tool to make undevelopable parts
developable when you convert an existing model to a sheetmetal
model.
The Conversion tool enables
you to define:
Edge Rips
Rip Connects
Edge Bends
Corner Reliefs
Figure 2 Conversion Feature

Created
Figure 3 Creating a Flat Pattern
Using Conversion Features

If a converted part is not developable, you can either create individual features
to make it developable, such as rips and corner reliefs, or you can use the
Conversion tool to add alterations, such as rips, bends, and corner relief.
The Conversion tool enables you to define the following features:
Edge Rip Enables you to make a rip along the edge. The selected edge
can be either straight or curved.
Rip Connect Enables you to connect rips with planar, straight-line rips.
The rip connects are sketched with point-to-point connections, which
require you to define rip endpoints. The rip endpoints can be datum points
or vertices and must either be at the end of a rip or on the part border. The
rip connects cannot be collinear with existing edges.
Edge Bend Enables you to define a bend along an existing sharp corner
edge. Similar to Edge Rips, the selected edge can be either straight or
curved. An edge bend is similar to creating a round on a solid model.
Module 7 | Page 26
2012 PTC
Corner Relief Enables you to place relief in selected corners. You can
define the corner relief Type you wish to create, and specify its values.
These Conversion tool features display as sub-dashboards of the Conversion
dashboard. Using the Conversion tool creates a single feature in the model
tree, but it is in fact a collection of features. This is useful when taking a
model that was converted to sheetmetal using shell and making it possible to
unbend.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 27
PROCEDURE - Using Conversion Features

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Conversion
Task 1:
CONVERSION.PRT
Create a conversion feature.

Display types:
2. Observe the model. It was

shelled as it was converted from
a solid model.

Orientation.
4. Click the Datum group drop-down
menu and select Point
5. Select the edge shown to locate

the point.
6. In the Datum Point dialog box,
select Reference.
Select the surface.
Edit the offset value to -18 (18
in the graphics window).
Click OK.
7. Click Conversion
Engineering group.
from the
8. In the dashboard, click Edge

Bend

edges.
10. Notice that the feature defaults
to an Inside thickness, or Inside
radius.
from
the Edge Bend dashboard.
Module 7 | Page 28
2012 PTC
12. In the dashboard, click Edge Rip

.
13. Press CTRL and select the four
edges.
14. Notice that the additional edge
bends are created as necessary.
15. Select the edge with the datum

point.
Select the end point, press
SHIFT and drag the endpoint
to snap to the datum point.
the Edge Rip dashboard.
from
17. In the dashboard, click Rip

Connect
18. Select the datum point.

connect location.
from
the Rip Connect dashboard.
2012 PTC
Module 7 | Page 29
21. In the dashboard, click Corner

Relief
22. In the graphics window, select

the V Notch annotation.
23. In the dashboard, select Circular
from the Type drop-down list.
Select the Placement tab.
Select 2.0 * Thickness from
the Width drop-down list.
from
the Corner Relief dashboard.
from
the Conversion dashboard.
select Corner Relief Notes
to disable from the Annotation
Display Filter types drop-down
menu and disable Point Display
.
Task 2:
Create a flat pattern.
1. Select Unbend
Bends group.
from the
Module 7 | Page 30
2012 PTC
Module
Detailing Sheetmetal Designs

Module Overview
A flat state is a completely unbent copy of your part. It streamlines the
creation of flat patterns needed in manufacturing because you can create any
number of flat states at any time in your design process, whether your part
is fully formed or fully flat. Using multi-model drawings, you can add views
of both the flat and formed states.
You can automatically ordinate the dimensions in your drawing using the
Auto Ordinate command. This command saves you time when detailing and
organizing your sheetmetal model in drawings.
You can add bend line notes to a drawing. A bend line note describes the
basic information about the bend type, bend direction, and bend angle.
The bend order table is used to document the bend order for manufacturing.
When creating the bend order table, you start with the model completely
unbent, then indicate the sequence in which the bends are to be added.
Objectives
Add the flat and formed views to a drawing using multi-model drawings
and flat states.
Apply dimensions using the Auto Ordinate tool.
Create bend line notes.
Define the bend order sequence and create the bend order table.
2012 PTC
Module 8 | Page 1
Adding the Flat and Formed States

Flat states enable you to add the fully formed and fully flat views
of your designs to a drawing.
Figure 1 Formed Model
Figure 2 Flat State
Figure 3 The Drawing
Adding the Flat and Formed States

A flat state is a completely unbent copy of your part. It streamlines the
creation of flat patterns needed in manufacturing because you can create
any number of flat states, at any time in your design process, whether your
part is fully formed or fully flat.
You use family tables to control flat states. You can:
Use the Create command to produce a new flat state instance.
Use the Update command to transfer features you added to a flat state
from the flat state to the generic part, except for features you suppressed.
You can then delete or suppress desired features, which are then deleted
or suppressed in any other flat state in that part's family table.
Module 8 | Page 2
2012 PTC
Use the Show command to list the flat state instances related to the generic
part. You select the instances from the list, and they open in a new window.
You can make any necessary modifications to individual flat state instances.
Any new features you add to a flat state are enabled in that specific flat state
instance, but suppressed in the generic part. Any features you delete from a
flat state are suppressed in the specific flat state instance, but still enabled in
the generic part. Keep in mind that any features you add to the generic part,
after you create the flat state, are added to all flat state instances.
When you create a flat state instance, the unbend or the flat state is
automatically added to the end of the generic part's model tree. Any
modifications made to the generic do not affect the flat state. Therefore, in the
generic, a flat state works exactly as a flat pattern. Any features added to the
generic are automatically reordered to always be inserted before the unbend.
When you create a flat state instance, it is automatically added to the generic
part's family table. If you in turn add or remove features from a flat state
instance, the system records those changes in the generic part's family table.
2012 PTC
Module 8 | Page 3
PROCEDURE - Adding the Flat and Formed States

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Views_Flat-Formed
Task 1:
CREATE NEW
Create a new drawing.
1. Click File > New.

2. Edit the Type to Drawing.
3. Type RIGHT_PANEL as the drawing name.
4. Clear the Use default template check box.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Browse and double-click RIGHT_PANEL.PRT in the Open
dialog box.
7. Click OK.
8. Select The generic and click Open.
Task 2:
Add the general view.

window and select Insert
General View.
2. Click OK in the Select Combined
State dialog box.
3. Click the top-right corner of the
drawing to place the new view.
4. In the Drawing View dialog box,
select 3D from the Model view
names list and click Apply.
5. Select View Display from the
Categories list. Select No
Hidden from the Display style
drop-down list.
6. Click OK to complete the view
definition.
Module 8 | Page 4
2012 PTC
Task 3:
Add the flat state instance.
1. If necessary, select the Layout tab in the Drawing ribbon.

2. Click Drawing Models
from the Model Views group.
3. Click Add Model from the menu manager.

4. Select RIGHT_PANEL.PRT and click Open.
5. Select RIGHT_PANEL_FLAT1 and click Open.
6. Notice the information displayed at the bottom of the graphics window.
The active model is now RIGHT_PANEL_FLAT1.
7. Click Done/Return.
2012 PTC
Module 8 | Page 5
Task 4:
Add a general view of the flat state instance.
1. Right-click in the graphics window and select Insert General View.

2. Click OK in the Select Combined State dialog box.
3. Click in the center of the drawing to place the new view.
4. In the Drawing View dialog box, select TOP from the Model view
names list and click Apply.
5. Select View Display from the Categories list.
6. Select No Hidden from the Display style drop-down list and click
Apply.
7. Select Scale from the Categories list. Select the Custom scale
option and type 2 as the scale value.
8. Click OK to complete the view definition.
9. Right-click and select the Lock View Movement option, to disable it.
10. Move the view to the desired location.
11. Click anywhere on the drawing to de-select the view.
Module 8 | Page 6
2012 PTC
Auto Ordinate Dimensions

You can quickly create ordinate dimensions in a view.
You use the Auto Ordinate command to create ordinate dimensions
automatically.
Select the surfaces to dimension.
Select edge, curve, or datum as the baseline.
Figure 1 Selected Surfaces
Figure 2 Ordinate Dimensions
Auto Ordinate Dimensions

You can automatically ordinate the dimensions in your drawing using the
Auto Ordinate command. This command saves you time when detailing and
organizing your sheetmetal model in drawings.
To use auto ordinate dimensioning, select the Annotate tab in the Drawing
from the Orient Dimension
ribbon. Select Auto Ordinate Dimension
types drop-down menu in the Annotations group. Then select the surfaces
for which you want to create ordinate dimensions. The surfaces must be
selected within the same view.
Once you select the appropriate surfaces, you select a base line entity, which
can be an edge, curve, or datum plane. The ordinate dimensions appear,
enabling you to adjust their position, witness lines, and so on.
2012 PTC
Module 8 | Page 7
PROCEDURE - Auto Ordinate Dimensions

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Dimensions_Auto-Ordinate
Task 1:
AUTOORDINATE.DRW
Create auto ordinate dimensions for the tabs on the top of the
flat state view.

2. Select the Annotate tab in the ribbon.
3. Select Auto Ordinate Dimension
from the Ordinate Dimension
types drop-down menu in the Annotations group.
4. Press CTRL and select the two surfaces shown in the image.
5. Middle-click and select the edge

shown as the baseline.
6. Middle-click to complete the
dimensions.
7. Select anywhere in the drawing to de-select the dimensions.
Module 8 | Page 8
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Clean up the dimensions.
1. Select the R0.5 dimension.

2. Right-click and select Delete.
3. Click to create a selection rectangle and drag it around the dimensions
shown below.
4. Drag the ends of the witness lines to the position shown.
5. Select the 0 baseline dimension

and drag its witness line endpoint
to an appropriate location.
2012 PTC
Module 8 | Page 9
Bend Line Notes

A bend line note describes the basic information about the bend
type, bend direction, and bend angle.
Bend line notes describe:
Bend Type
Bend Direction
Bend Angle
Measured as deflection from the flat.
Figure 1 Bend Notes
Bend Line Notes

A bend line note describes the basic information about the bend type, bend
direction, and bend angle:
Bend Type Formed or rolled.
Bend Direction Up or down.
Bend Angle Angle in degrees.
Measured as deflection from the flat.
The bend line notes are automatically created for each bend in your design.
The notes are parametric and aligned with the bend, so they enable you to
easily provide drawing dimensions and bend annotations. This information
enables manufacturers to program their bending machines, locate punch
positions, and create dimension inspection documents.
You can customize the display order by changing the smt_bend_notes_order
configuration option. You can also customize the bend line note symbol by
modifying the symbol source files.
The following is an example bend line note:
Module 8 | Page 10
2012 PTC
The following table defines each bend line note element:

Element
Description
Default Symbol
Bend Type
Formed
Inside bend radius is

equal to or smaller
than ten times the
sheetmetal thickness.
(Inside Bend Radius
=< Thickness * 10)
Rolled
Inside bend radius

is greater than ten
times the sheetmetal
thickness.
(Inside Bend Radius >
Thickness * 10)
Bend Direction
Up
Down
Inside radius is on the

sheetmetal's driving
surface.
Inside radius is on the
sheetmetal's offset
surface.
Bend Angle
Creo Parametric
measures the angle
of the bend as the
angle of deflection
from the flat. The
bend angle displays
according to the format
set in the ang_units
configuration option.
2012 PTC
45
Module 8 | Page 11
PROCEDURE - Bend Line Notes

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Notes_Bend-Line
Task 1:
BENDNOTES.DRW
Display the bend lines and bend notes in the drawing.

2. Select new_view_2 from the Drawing Tree.
3. Select the Annotate tab in the Drawing ribbon.
4. Click Show Model Annotations
5. Select the Datums Tab
Click Select All
Click Select All
from the Annotations group.
to select all datum axes and click Apply.

to select all bend notes.
7. Click OK.
Module 8 | Page 12
2012 PTC
Bend Order Tables

The bend order table is used to document the bend order for
manufacturing.
Bends are added in sequence to match
the manufacturing process.
Multiple bends can be added to a given
sequence.
Figure 1 Bent Part
Figure 2 Sequence 1 and 2
Figure 3 Sequence 3 and 4
Bend Order Tables

The four bend sequences shown in the slide result in the bend table shown.
The bend order table is used to document the bend order for manufacturing.
When creating the bend order table, you start with the model completely
unbent.
You use bend order tables to document the dimensioning and the order of
the bend features in your sheetmetal design. You can display bend order
tables in sheetmetal drawings to better illustrate the bending process for
manufacturing. You can also store and edit the tables with a text editor, in a
file named PARTNAME.BOT.
You create bend order tables by fully unbending your part and then recording
the bend back process. You select the bend or groups of bends in the
2012 PTC
Module 8 | Page 13
sequence that matches your manufacturing process. You cannot create or

edit a bend order table on a completely unbent part, so a flat state is used.
The table can also provide you with information concerning bends that are
not 90 degrees. This can be very helpful when you use bend tables or a bend
formula that does not consider the bend angle in its calculation.
Bend order tables are shown on a production drawing by creating a note and
reading it in the .bot file. If you change the table in Sheetmetal mode, the
note on the drawing automatically updates; however, you must manually add
any new bends to the table.
To create or work with bend order tables, you need your sheetmetal part to
be in a bent condition.
The standard bend order table contains:
The bend sequence number.
The number of bends in a sequence.
The bend number ID.
Bend direction.
Bend angle.
Bend radius.
Bend length.
Module 8 | Page 14
2012 PTC
PROCEDURE - Bend Order Tables

Close Window
Erase Not Displayed
Sheetmetal\Tables_Bend-Order
Task 1:
BENDORDER.DRW
Open the RIGHT_PANEL.PRT model and create the bend order

sequence for the main bends.

2. Select RIGHT_PANEL.PRT in
the model tree, then right-click
and select Open.
3. Click Open from the Select
Instance dialog box.
4. Create the first bend in the
sequence.
In the ribbon, click the Bends
select Bend Order
5. Rotate the model to look as shown.

6. Zoom in to the model, and select the two bend surfaces, as shown.
2012 PTC
Module 8 | Page 15
7. Click Add Sequence in the Bend

order sequence list.
8. Select Add Bend, zoom in,
and select the bend surface, as
shown.

shown.

shown.
13. Click OK.
Module 8 | Page 16
2012 PTC
Task 2:
Add the bend table to the drawing.
1. From the Quick Access toolbar, click Windows

BENDORDER.DRW.
and select
2. Select the Annotate tab in the ribbon.

3. Click Show Model Annotations
from the Annotations group.
5. Select the flat view.

6. Click Select All
to select all four Bend Notes.
7. Click OK in the Show Model Annotation dialog box.

8. The bend table is added to the drawing.
You can place more views in the drawing while displaying feature
details and dimensions. The dimensions and notes can be arranged
in the drawing as desired. If you are interested in learning more
about creating drawing for parts, you can request information for
the course Detailing with Creo Parametric.
2012 PTC
Module 8 | Page 17
Module 8 | Page 18
2012 PTC
Module
Design Project
Module Overview
This module contains an advanced, self-paced project. The purpose of
this project is to provide you with an opportunity to practice the skills you
have learned in the class without relying on step-by-step instructions. In
this project, you create some of the main components of a stapler. These
components are manufactured using sheetmetal.
Objectives
Design sheetmetal parts using the top-down design approach.
Apply the skills you learned in this course to real-world design projects.
2012 PTC
Module 9 | Page 1
Designing a Stapler
In this project, you create the sheetmetal components of a
stapler.
Figure 1 Stapler Components
Figure 2 Fully Assembled Model
Figure 3 Notebook
Figure 4 Skeleton Model
Designing a Stapler
In this project, you will design four parts of a stapler that are made of
sheetmetal. These parts are shown with the corresponding numbers in
Figure 1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Handle
Plunger
Base
Magazine
Figure 2 is the finished, fully assembled model.
Module 9 | Page 2
2012 PTC
Design Aspects
Several aspects of the design that you will encounter are detailed below.
Notebook The stapler assembly uses a notebook, which determines
the two main dimensions: the Magazine angle and the Handle angle.
The notebook driven dimensions can be changed externally to open the
stapler assembly.
Prior to Creo Parametric, a Notebook used to be called a Layout.
Due to the new product Creo Layout, the old Layout mode is now
called Notebook mode.
Skeleton Model The top-level skeleton model defines the dimensions and
locations of the various stapler components. Individual skeleton models
control the location of the components in the assembly with respect to the
skeleton model. The published geometry from the top-level skeleton model
serves as a link between the parts and the skeleton.
Model Tree The assembly is initiated by defining the top-level assembly
structure containing empty parts. Individual components are picked up and
the references and features are populated based on the skeleton model.
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
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

Be sure to save all project models within the Sheetmetal sub-folder of the
Projects lab files folder structure. The Sheetmetal sub-folder also contains
a sub-folder named 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 9 | Page 3
Copyright
Copyright 2012 Parametric Technology Corporation and/or Its Subsidiary Companies.
All Rights Reserved.
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.
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.
Important Copyright, Trademark, Patent, and Licensing Information: See the About Box, or copyright notice, of your PTC software.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND
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
Parametric Technology Corporation, 140 Kendrick Street, Needham, MA 02494 USA
PRINTING HISTORY
Document No.
T3907-390-01
Date
Description
03/29/2012
Initial Printing of:

Order Number DT-T3907-390-01

Printed in the U.S.A

SMT Creo2 PDF

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

SMT Creo2 PDF

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Sheetmetal Design using Creo Parametric 2.

Authored and published using

Copyright 2012 Parametric Technology Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

About PTC University

PTC Telephone and Fax Numbers

Precision Learning After the Class

Precision Learning Recommendations

Introduction to the Creo Parametric Sheetmetal Design

Bending and Unbending Sheetmetal Models

Modifying Sheetmetal Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Student Preface Using the Header

Course Handbook Layout

Theory This section provides detailed information about content

Procedure / Exercise Header

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

until the icon is no longer displayed.

Click Erase Not Displayed

Setting Up Creo Parametric for Use with Training Labs

PROCEDURE - Student Preface Using the Header

Erase Not Displayed

Configure Creo Parametric to ensure the system is set up to run

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

Alternatively you can use the cascading folder path in the

Open the file for this procedure.

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

4. The model should now appear

This completes the procedure.

Introduction to the Creo Parametric

Creo Parametric Sheetmetal Design Process

Figure 1 Primary Walls

Figure 2 Secondary Walls

Figure 3 Other Sheetmetal

Figure 4 Flat States

Figure 5 Detail Drawings

Creo Parametric Sheetmetal Design Process

Adding Other Sheetmetal Features

Creating Flat States

Detailing Sheetmetal Models

PROCEDURE - Process Exercise

Erase Not Displayed

Create a new Creo Parametric sheetmetal model.

1. In the ribbon, click New

2. Type ENCLOSURE in the Name

Create a primary planar wall 200 mm x 100 mm x .5 mm thick.

1. In the ribbon, click Planar

from the Shapes group.

3. Right-click and select Corner

Create a secondary flat wall with a trapezoidal shape.

1. In the ribbon, click Flat

2. Zoom in and select the lower

3. In the dashboard, select

5. In the radius field, type 2.0 and

6. Click Complete Feature

Create a secondary flange wall with an I profile.

1. In the ribbon, click Flange