Measuring Geometry in PTC Creo Parametric Versus Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0

Last week I discussed the 3D cross sectioning improvements in PTC Creo Parametric compared to Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0. Today, I want to highlight the new capabilities for measuring geometry. Bear in mind, this is core functionality in a base license of PTC Creo Parametric. Additional extensions or applications are not required to use these features.

The new measuring capabilities in PTC Creo Parametric are much more intuitive and efficient compared to previous versions. Previously, users would have a separate command for each type of measurement, such as a distance, area or length of a curve. Now, users can complete multiple measurements at once.  Based upon what you select, the tool will determine multiple measurement results for you. For instance, if a cylinder was selected the area and radius would be displayed. In Pro/E each function would have to be started separately to access this information.

The tool can also be compounded to select multiple references together. This will determine distances between selected elements as well as their individual measurements. All of this information can be copied, pasted, and stored in another piece of software such as PTC Mathcad and Microsoft Excel. Users can also minimize the dialog box without losing information or simple move it to another location on the screen.

What is the end result of these improvements? Less time and effort is spent to accomplish the same tasks.