What's New: Creo Parametric 5.0.0.0 > Part Modeling > New Volume Helical Sweep Tool
  
New Volume Helical Sweep Tool
Use Volume Helical Sweep to create accurate 3D geometric representation for parts that are machined with cutting tools.
User Interface Location: Click Model > Sweep > Volume Helical Sweep.
Release: Creo Parametric 5.0.0.0
Watch a video that demonstrates this enhancement:
New Volume Helical Sweep Tool
What is the benefit of this enhancement?
Creo Parametric 5.0.0.0 broadens sweep functionality beyond the 2D sweep operations that are available in Creo Parametric 4.0 and earlier, by introducing Volume Helical Sweep. You can accurately model geometry resulting from cutting tools used in manufacturing operations. Supported use cases cover the grinding wheel and the screw conveyor scenarios where, in both cases, the sweep is performed along a helical curve. In both cases, the cutting tool is represented by an axis-symmetric shape defined by a revolved section. Material is removed where it intersects the part along its trajectory. From the Volume Helical Sweep dashboard, you can easily define and control the parameters of the helical trajectory. You can also easily select, create, or edit the 2D section that defines the cutting tool, and control available dimensions.
Volume Helical Sweep
From the Volume Helical Sweep tab, you can turn on the display of the sweep frame and revolved cutting tool. Drag the 3D cutting tool visualization along the sweep trajectory to easily visualize and quickly understand its movement and orientation. Unattached and attached previews are available. You can use the previews to visualize the calculated tool path envelope geometry subtracted from the part as well as the resulting geometry. With the new Volume Helical Sweep capabilities in Creo Parametric 5.0.0.0, you can model geometry that could previously only be modeled inaccurately. As a result, there were often downstream issues.
Additional Information
Tips:
You can also use Volume Helical Sweep in a screw conveyor scenario. Define a helix with constant or variable helix pitch and apply an adjustment angle of RX=90 degrees. You can see the results in the example below:
You can use two workflows to define the section of the cutting tool.
Define it within the Volume Helical Sweep feature.
Reference an existing sketched section and specify origin and rotation axis. This automatically transforms the referenced section in 3D space to conform with the overall feature setup such as for the trajectory, adjustment angles and so on.
Limitations:
Volume Helical Sweep only provides geometric operations to remove material. You cannot create or add material.
The section that defines the cutting tool may only contain lines and arcs forming a convex shape.
Geometric conditions leading to self-intersections of the calculated envelope inside the cutting area are not supported as described in the following cases:
When trajectory radius is smaller than the tool radius
For setup and geometry-dependent ranges of adjustment angles
The success of the geometric operation may be dependent on part accuracy. It is recommended to use absolute accuracy with values ranging between 0.01mm and 0.001mm.
Does this replace existing functionality?
No.
Configuration options associated with this functionality:
None.