Ninja Cabling Unconventional Tactics to Unleash the Power of Creo Cabling Brian K. Martin June 6, 2012
Feb 23, 2016
Ninja CablingUnconventional Tactics to Unleash the Power of Creo Cabling
Brian K. MartinJune 6, 2012
We’re all here today for one reason...
Zombies(run)
…to learn how everyone can use Creo cabling using the
knowledge they already have (with just a few new clicks and tricks)
… and to create a few Cabling Ninjas
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24 Years Engineering Experience– Defense, Aerospace, Industrial
Equipment,Telecommunications, Biomedical, Commercial, Automotive, Electrical
Over 20 Years Experience with PTC Software
Instructor & Application Support for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Active Engineer, Designer, and Drafter– YES, I still do my own drawings!
Routed Systems Specialist
Zombies? Where?
Who are you… and what’s with the zombies?
Introduction
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What will we discuss?
Agenda Introduction
Key Takeaways
Wildfire vs. Creo
Routing Overview
Setup and Configuration
Logical References for Dummies
Making a Flexible Harness
Auto Everything
Cool Tools
Questions?
vs
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Create dynamic, flexible harnesses in a snap using skills you already have
Use “advanced” cable tools with minimal hassle
Gain confidence to use cabling in your own designs
Tour some cool new features of Creo Cabling*
… and most importantly …
Make yourself more marketable!
What will I get out of this?
Key Takeaways
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Streamlined Interface
Improved Model Tree
Freeform Routing w/ On-The-Fly References
Cleaner, Faster Routing with Previews
Location Editor
Network Diagnostics Tools
Better Bundling
Improved Reference Options for Axes, Surfaces, and Curves
A Paradigm Shift in Cabling
Wildfire vs. Creo
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Mapkey to Find Disconnected Networks
Sketched Curves without Points to Control Network
“One Point” Axis Trick
Annotated Markers
Part Level Networks
Flattening a Network
Family Tabled Connector Pins w/ Parametric Labels
NETS – The hidden feature you’ve never used
Pre-Wildfire 5 Tips and Tricks…
Some Useful Techniques for Wildfire Users
Will be available online for those interested.
Follow me on Planet PTC Community!
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Manual (Non Schematic-Driven) Routing Approach
Create Harness Assy & Part
Place Connectors
Create/Load Spools
Designate Connectors & Entry Ports
Route Wires/Cables Specifying From/To Entry Ports
Create Wires/Cables
Benefits:
Requires no special schematic software
Requires no additional training/licensing (beyond Creo Cabling)
Risks:
Intensive manual effort to designate connectors and entry ports
Accuracy problems - no synchronization to wiring schematic
Not easy to modify or maintain
Typical Manual Process
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Schematic-Driven Routing Approach
Create Harness Assy & Part
Place Connectors
Create Network
Load Logical Reference File (Automates manual tasks)
As Design Matures, update Logical Reference and
Autoroute Again
AutoRoute Wires/Cables
Benefits:
Faster design cycles
Automation tools greatly simplify the most laborious tasks
Easier to maintain and modify as design matures
Maintains accuracy via logical reference tied to schematic
Risks:
Requires schematic software and trained users to operate it
Substantial time investment to setup and configure software
Potential additional licensing costs
Typical Autoroute Process
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The Big Trade-Off
Routing Overview
Manual Method– Slow & labor intensive– Poor choice for multiple iterations– Inexpensive– No additional training
Schematic Method– Requires schematic software– Training concerns– Configuration & Setup Investment– Potential License Concerns– Accurate– Well suited for multiple iterations
Luckily… You don’t have to choose!
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AutoRouting 101
Requirements to Enable Automatic Cable Routing Harness Assembly with Connectors
Logical Reference File
Continuous Network Path
A Bit of Confidence or…
A Good Cheat Sheet
AutoRoute to Avoid This Mess!
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What Can AutoRouting Do For You?
AutoRoute Demo Click for Video
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
Abraham Lincoln16th President of the United States
In the running for most overused quote at Planet PTC Live 2012…
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The Logical Reference File contains information for:
Spool Definition (Wire, Cables, Ribbons)
Connector Designation (including Entry Ports)
Wire/Cable Creation
From/To Connections
The Logical Reference File uses the PTC Neutral File Format (.nwf) and may be edited with any text editor (MS Word, Notepad, etc).
What Are Logical Reference Files?
Basic Information
Sample File Available Online
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How Can I Get a Logical Reference File?
Excel to PTC Neutral Wire Format Using Mail Merge (a standard feature of MS Word)
Mai
l Mer
ge
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Tips for Creating a Your Network
Rules of Thumb Stick with Stable References (Datums, Axes)
Minimize External References
Leverage Skeleton Models & Shared Geometry
SKETCH Your Network– Build in Bend Radii
Route network methodically, test often
Avoid Datum Points*
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Creating a Network the Easy Way
Leverage Sketches and Datums Click for Video
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Once the Logical Reference has been loaded, most tasks are automated:
Automatic Spool Creation
Automatic Connector Designation
Automatic Wire/Cable Creation
… and of course …
Autorouting Wires/Cables
Auto Everything
Import the Logical Reference File and Route With Ease
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Click for video
Auto Everything Demo
Final Sequence
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Network Diagnostic Tools
Powerful Reroute Tool
Cabling Information
Model Tree Display
Network Bundles
Pre-Flattening
Other Ninja Tips and Tricks
Some Cool Tools Included with Creo Cabling
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Questions?
My Contact Information
Brian MartinSGT Incorporated contracted toNASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, MD
301.286.0059 (NASA Office)443.421.2532 (Cell)Twitter: @CreoHelpEmail: [email protected]
[email protected]: http://communities.ptc.com/blogs/the_zone
Find me on Planet PTC Community!
Closing Video(Baby Ninja)
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Align_Cable_Bundles
Allow_Harn_Mfg_Assy_Retrieval
Cable_Int_Portions_For_Clr
Cables_With_Hlr
Compact_Cables_Packing
Display_Internal_Cable_Portion
Display_Route_Cable_Preview
Display_Thick_Cables
Configuration Switches and Settings
Setting Up Your Cabling Environment
Fan_Significant_Locations_Only
Freeze_Failed_Cable_Locations
Full_Hlr_For_Cables
Harn_Start_Model_Dir
Harn_Tang_Line_Display
Ribbon_Cable_Flat_Direction
Template_Harnesspart
Template_Flat_Harness
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Alternative Routing Techniques
Available with Wildfire 5 + “Clothes Line” Technique (Simple Route)
Follow Cable
Routing From Undesignated Coordinate System on-the-Fly
Powerful Re-Reroute Tool (Demo)