About Collectors

As you work with your model while in a feature tool, all selections are governed by the requirements of the tool. So, you must select a certain number and type of required items to create the feature. Creo Parametric uses filters and collectors to guide you in making correct selections.

After you select the items, they are collected as references (not the actual geometry) and placed in collectors. For example, you select a surface on your model as the primary placement reference for a hole and then activate the Hole tool. Creo Parametric automatically opens the tool, collects the reference and places it the Primary placement collector. Now, you need to select secondary placement references to satisfy the Secondary references collector (and to constrain the hole feature). At this time, you satisfied the basic hole requirements and you are free to close the tool and create the hole. However, you will want to finish designing the hole to your specifications.

So, collectors function as storage bins for selected references that your feature tool requires. They also help you in making correct selections.

Creo Parametric provides the following types of collectors:

• Summary Collectors—Indicate that the required reference or references that you selected. Summary collectors are usually located on the dialog bar and always indicate the selection frequency and type. For example, you select 2 surface sets, or two edges and a curve, and the Summary collector indicates 2 Surface Sets, or 3 Selected. Remember that a Summary collector is always associated with its Detail collector, however not all feature tools have Summary collectors.

• Detail Collectors—Contain detailed information about the required reference or references that you selected. Detail collectors are usually located on the panels and always contain detailed information such as feature name, type, and values. For example, you select a surface on your model as the primary placement reference for a hole. The Primary collector in the Placement slide-up panel contains Surf:F5(PROTRUSION). All feature tools have Detail collectors.