Creo file of part being designed

PTC Creo: Explained

PTC Creo is a powerful 3D modeling and simulation software that helps engineers and designers to create virtual prototypes of their products. The software is used in many industries, such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics and more.
PTC Creo provides users with a wide range of features including:

  • Modeling capabilities for creating complex shapes using parametric geometry or direct modeling tools

  • Test your designs before they’re manufactured

  • An integrated environment where you can work on multiple projects simultaneously without having to switch between different programs

The Benefits of PTC Creo

This powerful 3D CAD software offers advanced tools for product development, including:

  • Cost-effectiveness – The ability to create high quality products at lower costs through an improved design process. This effective simulation tool saves you money on

  • Improved accuracy – The ability to create accurate designs faster with less manual intervention.

  • Speed of design – A streamlined workflow enables you to quickly move from concept to reality by automating repetitive tasks so you can focus on what matters most – your ideas!

Creo Parametric CAD design with dimensions

Creo Parametric

One of the key features of PTC Creo is its parametric design capabilities. This means that users can create models that are based on a set of parameters, such as dimensions or material properties. If any of these parameters change, the model will automatically update to reflect the new values. This can save a lot of time and effort in the design process, as designers don’t have to manually update every aspect of the model.

Creo Simulation

PTC Creo also includes a range of simulation tools using Creo Simulate or Simulate Live, which allow designers to test their models under various conditions. For example, they can simulate how a product will perform under different loads or temperatures. This can help to identify any potential issues before the product is manufactured, saving time and money in the long run on prototype waste.

You save time and money on production runs of components made from materials such as steel or plastic resin molds. There is no worrying about unexpected costs due to mistakes made during manufacturing process because of pre-printing simulation with Creo. Without simulation, there could be overproduction waste due poor quality control measures and lack of environmental testing.

Another useful feature of PTC Creo is its collaboration tools. With this software, multiple users can work on the same model simultaneously. This can be especially helpful for large design projects, where different teams may be responsible for different aspects of the design.

So, who uses PTC Creo?

As we mentioned earlier, it’s used in a wide range of industries. For example, automotive designers may use it to create models for car parts or assemblies. Aerospace engineers may use it to design aircraft components. And manufacturers may use it to create models of production equipment.

The PTC Creo User Interface

The user interface is where you’ll spend most of your time in PTC Creo. It’s made up of four main sections: Design Tools, 3D Model Creation, Drag-and-Drop Feature and the Model Browser.
The Design Tools section is where you can access all the tools needed for creating your models and assemblies. These include sketching tools for drawing 2D sketches on planes or surfaces; editing tools such as move, copy/paste and rotate; drawing aids like grids; dimensioning tools that let you add dimensions to your designs; assembly creation options that allow users to create assemblies from parts imported into Creo Elements/Pro by means of an external CAD system (such as AutoCAD) or built within Creo Elements/Pro itself; plus many more features!

Support Resources

Tutorials:
PTC has a library of tutorials for all levels, from beginner to advanced. The videos are short and easy to follow, so you can learn the basics in no time.

Documentation:
If you need more detailed information or want to dive into the details of your project, there’s plenty of documentation available on EAC’s website. You can search through the Creo Help Center or look at specific guides that cover topics like creating parts or assemblies in Creo Parametric 3D CAD software.

Creo Experts:
If you have questions about how something works in Creo, ask them here! Our PTC Creo experts are ready to help with any questions, issues or if you want to know how you can optimize your usage of the CAD program.

Conclusion

Creo is a powerful, flexible CAD/CAM software package. It’s used by manufacturers across a variety of industries to create parts and assemblies that are accurate, efficient and cost-effective.
Creo offers an extensive range of capabilities for product development teams:

  • Conceptualize your ideas with intuitive 3D modeling tools that help you quickly visualize your designs before building them in the virtual world.

  • Use parametric design capabilities to create variations on existing models so you can test different options quickly and easily without having to start from scratch each time (and potentially waste time).

  • Create fully functional prototypes using built-in simulation tools that allow you to see how parts will function together before they’re even built!

Connect with one of our experts to see where Creo could positively impact your business processes. If you’re looking to learn more, check out how Creo helped Merrick and the race to space.

PTC is changing the way Creo Design software is being sold. As of January 1st, 2018 new 3D modeling software licenses for PTC’s core solutions are only available by subscription in North America.

This makes it easier for users to utilize new functionality and keep up with the latest release of PTC Creo Parametric CAD software. It also gives organizations the flexibility to choose a 3D CAD package according to specific needs at a given time, and ensures access to the latest capabilities and premium support.

Changes in PTC Creo CAD Packaging

PTC has retired and consolidated the following CAD packages into one of 4 new tiered PTC Creo Parametric Design packages: Essentials, Essentials Plus, Essentials Premium, Engineer 1, Essentials Team, Engineer 2, Engineer 3, and Engineer 4.

You can see from the table below that Creo Design Essentials (T1) replaces Essentials, Essentials Plus, Essentials Premium, and Engineer 1; Creo Design Advanced (T2) replaces Essentials Team and Engineer 2; Creo Design Advanced Plus (T3) replaces Engineer 3; Creo Design Premium (T4) replaces Engineer 4; and Creo Design Premium Plus (T5) is an entirely new package that becomes the fifth tier for the new Creo packaging.

New PTC Creo Design Packages

With Creo Parametric and its extensions you can create, analyze, view, and share designs using 2D CAD, 3D CAD, parametric design and direct modeling capabilities along with additive manufacturing, model-based definition (MBD), and smart connected design. Every package includes the industry’s most comprehensive set of 3D CAD tools to allows you to design with maximum potential.

Every package comes with the Core Capabilities and the power to publish, share, and create augmented reality experiences right inside of your 3D CAD models. This allows you to add value to your customer experience because they can now visualize your design with AR.

Here’s a breakdown of what is included in each package:

Creo Design Essentials

  • Creo Parametric
  • Design Exploration Extension
  • Flexible Modeling Extension
  • Human Factors
  • Human Factors Analysis
  • Advanced Framework Extension
  • Collaboration Extension for Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks
  • Intelligent Fastener Extension
  • Legacy Data Migration Extension
  • Piping and Cabling Extension
  • Render Studio Extension
  • Mathcad Express
  • Simulation Elite (Linear Structural Analysis)

Creo Design Advanced

**includes everything in Design Essentials and also includes:

  • Prismatics and Multi-Surfaces Milling Extension
  • Advanced Assembly Extension

Creo Design Advanced Plus

**includes everything in Design Advanced and also includes:

  • Interactive Surface Design Extension II
  • Behavioral Modeling Extension
  • Mechanism Dynamics Extension
  • Additive Manufacturing Extension – Standard
  • Tolerance Analysis Extension
  • GD&T Advisor Extension
  • Tool Design Extension
  • Expert Moldbase Extension
  • Mold Machining Extension
  • Layout Extension

**includes everything from Advanced Plus and also includes:

  • Collaboration Extension for CATIA V4 and V5
  • Collaboration Extension for NX
  • Simulation Extension
  • Fatigue Advisor Extension
  • Flow Analysis
  • GD&T Advisor Plus
  • Production Machining Extension
  • NC Sheetmetal Extension
  • Mathcad

Creo Design Premium Plus

**includes everything from Design Premium and also includes:

  • Advanced Simulation Extension
  • Complete Machining Extension
  • Flow Analysis Plus
  • Options Modeler Extension
  • Topology Optimization
  • Additive Manufacturing Extension – Plus

For more details on the extensions in each of the new packages, watch our webinar replay, “New PTC Creo Design Packages Overview.”

FAQ on New Packaging

Q: What is the price for existing customers upgrading to the new packages?
A: If you already have a subscription license, then you may upgrade to the new packaging through a contract amendment. If you are still on a perpetual license, then you may convert and upgrade at the same time and pay the subscription conversion price.

Q: Do the new packages contain PTC Windchill?
A: Creo Design Advanced (Tier 2) contains Windchill PDM essentials. Design Advanced Plus, Design Premium, and Design Premium Plus is bundled with Navigate Author, MCAD Data Management I, BOM Management, and Project Management at no increased cost. These three packages will also be available without PDM.

  • Q: Do we offer node-locked licenses?
    A: We offer a locked license for Design Essentials and Design Advanced only.

Q: Can I still buy Creo extensions that are now bundled in the new packages?
A: Yes, all extensions will still be available to be purchased separately. If you are subscribing to a new package that does not contain an extension that you need, that extension will be available separately.

Q: Are trials for the Creo software available online?
A: Yes, you can download a free 30-day trial here

Q: How would upgrades work if I already have subscription license?  Do I pay the difference on the remaining contract?
A: Subscription upgrades are handled through a contract amendment. You would pay the difference between your current package and the upgraded package.

If you have more questions or would like to talk to us about the new Packages and Pricing, then contact us and we’ll give you more information.