Creo Parametric Tip: A New Definition Option for the Datum Point Feature

In Creo Parametric a datum point can be used as a construction element when modeling geometry or as a known point for performing computations and model analyses. Datum points can be added to your model at any time, even while in the process of creating another feature.

A datum point feature can be a single feature or can contain multiple datum points that are created during the same operation. When multiple points are created in a single datum point feature the following apply:

• All datum points appear under one datum point feature in the Model Tree.

• All points in the datum point feature act as a group, so deleting a feature deletes all the points in that feature.

• To delete an individual point in the datum point feature, you must edit the definition of the datum point feature.

Creo Parametric supports three types of datum points that vary depending on their method of creation and use:

•   (Point) - A datum point created on an entity or at the intersection of entities, or offset from an entity.

•   (Offset Coordinate System) - A datum point created by offsetting from a selected coordinate system.

•   (Field) - A field point identifies a geometric domain and is used in Behavioral Modeling for analysis purposes.

To add datum points to your model, use the Datum Point feature tool located on the Model tab:

Or expand the area in the dashboard of the current operation and expand the point flyout.

Select the desired datum point creation tool.

Starting with Creo Parametric 5.0.2.0, a new constraint option is available to define a datum point feature. The new Project option can be used to project a datum point onto a planar surface, datum plane, or line.

The following images show the Datum Point dialog box with a selected vertex (left image), and then a selected plane (right image) that was needed to place the projected datum point.

More information about this topic can be found in our Creo Parametric Introduction to Solid Modeling, Creo Parametric Advanced Part Design, and Creo Parametric Behavioral Modeling courses.

About the Author

Technical Training Engineer<br><br>Natasha joined the company in 2000 and has extensive experience sharing her CAD expertise through delivering webcasts, contributing to blog posts, and leading training classes. She trains end-users with all skill levels on Creo Parametric and CATIA, and she collaborates closely with the company’s technical writers on courseware development. Before joining Rand Worldwide, Natasha served as a mechanic in the U.S. Army National Guard and worked as a mechanical designer for a multinational telecommunications and data networking equipment manufacturer. She has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, and she holds certification from Dassault Systèmes as a CATIA V5 Expert Mechanical Designer and Certified Surface Design Associate.

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