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: brian.k.martin@nasa.gov

creohelppro@gmail.comBlog: 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)