Tips & Tricks: Edit Corner Seams with Creo 4.0

A while ago, we introduced “flexible modeling” into Creo. Flexible modeling adds direct modeling capabilities to our traditionally parametric 3D CAD system, so you can easily make changes to a model (thanks to flexible modeling) while retaining design intent (thanks to parametric modeling).

Flexible modeling is especially useful for early concept design work in which models change often, as well as for last-minute changes to existing models.

Now, with Creo 4.0, we’ve extended flexible modeling to Sheetmetal Design.  In this post, we’ll introduce how it works, showing you how to change corner seams on a sample part.

Changing Corner Type

Need to switch a corner type? Now you can do it with just a few clicks.

Just select a corner face, and then click Edit Corner Seam in the mini toolbar (or the Flexible Modeling tab of the ribbon).

Right-click anywhere in the graphics area to open the context menu and select from types such as Blind, Gap, and Overlap. The corner type instantly changes.

Changing the type of seam with a right-click.

Flipping Sides with Overlap Seam

If you changed the type to Overlap, you can easily switch the preferred side of the seam.

Right-click anywhere in the graphics area to open the context menu and select Flip.

Flipping the sides of an Overlap seam.

Changing Size of Gap

For Gap type seams, just grab the dragger to change the size of the gap.

Dragging to change the size of the gap.

Copying Seam Definition

Seams on a part are typically created in pairs, with the same type for both seams. Just set up one seam and copy it to the others on your part. Note, you can also copy the definition by selecting the bend surface.

As before, select a corner face and click Edit Corner Seam in the mini toolbar.

Change the seam as desired. Click a face on another seam to add it to the selection. The system applies the same seam properties to the new seam.

Copying a seam definition from one seam (left) to another (right).

Editing Seams That Can’t Be Detected Automatically

You can also define a corner seam in situations where the corner seam cannot be detected automatically. Start by selecting the Edit Corner seam from the Ribbon.

.

A corner where the seam wasn’t automatically detected.

The system analyzes the bend and wall definition, and then presents a possible solution for a corner seam.

A possible corner solution.

Editing Seams without a Neighbor Wall

If you had tried to create the wall in this example in the past, the system would not have specified the corner seam definition for the neighbor. But now when you select a corner face and click Edit Corner Seam.

Selecting a face of the corner.

…the system analyzes the neighbor conditions and suggests a solution.

Creo analyzed the corner and suggested a proper seam.

When you’re happy with the seam, you can apply the same corner seam solution at the other side of the wall. Simply select a face for the second seam to add it to the selection (or just select the bend surface). The system will apply the same parameters to this seam.

The same seam applied to the other end of the wall.

Watch the Demo

You can see a brief demo of these tips in the video below.

To learn more read the PTC Creo Help Center page, New Edit Corner Seam Tool. 

Start Using Creo 4.0 Today

We're just getting started showing you what's in our latest release. We’ll have much more in coming weeks. If you haven’t downloaded Creo 4.0 yet, visit the Creo 4.0 page to find out more about this exciting new release and start using it today.