Configurations Options for Creo NC

Manufacturing > Configuring for Creo NC > Configurations Options for Creo NC

allow_mfg_in_assem_mode

yes, no*

Allows you to open a manufacturing model in assembly mode:

yes—Adds the Open in Assembly mode option to the list in the File Open dialog box when you click the arrow next to Open.

allow_workpiece_silhouette

no*, yes, auto

Specifies which model is used for creating a Silhouette Mill Window:

• no—The system creates the window by using the silhouette of the reference part. If the manufacturing assembly contains more than one reference part, you have to select which part to use for creating the silhouette. You can not select a workpiece.

• yes—The system allows you to use both reference parts and workpieces to create a Silhouette Mill Window. You have to select which part to use.

• auto—If the manufacturing assembly contains only one workpiece, the system automatically uses it to create the silhouette. If there are multiple workpieces, you have to select which one to use. You can not select a reference part, unless there are no workpieces present in the manufacturing assembly.

assy_mfg_open_mode

mfg, process, feature, any_mode*

Specifies the way of opening manufacturing models:

• mfg—Open using the Assembly Creo NC application.

• process—Open using the Manufacturing Process Planning for Manufacturing application.

• feature—Open using the Expert Machinist application.

• any_mode—Open using the available license. For example, open the model in Assembly Creo NC application if you have the license for this application.

Once the model is open, you can switch between applications by using the Applications option on the top menu bar.

autodrill_udf_dir

The default directory for storing the Hole Strategies that are used in Auto Drilling. Use the full path name to avoid problems.

autodrilling_config_filename

Retrieve automatically and load the configuration file for the auto-drilling table.

autodrilling_holestyle_param

Parameter name included in hole features of a manufacturing reference model. The parameter value identifies the MUDF for holemaking that is automatically applied in Creo NC to drill these holes.

campost_dir

If the configuration option ncpost_type is set to ncpost, the campost_dir configuration option specifies the CAM-Post load point directory to enable you directly set-up the post-processors and generate MCD files. Use the full path name to avoid problems.

chk_part_surfs_profpock

no*, yes

This option applies to gouge checking in Milling. Set this option to yes if you want the system to automatically include all reference part surfaces as Check Surfaces for Profiling and Pocketing NC sequences.

cl_arrow_scale

This option enables you to control the size of the tool path arrow when displaying the tool path for operations and NC sequences. The default is 1. If you set it to 0, the arrow does not display. If you specify any other positive number, the arrow scales accordingly.

cl_rotate_sign_convention

table*, tool

Defines the ROTATE sign direction convention with respect to either rotation table or cutting tool.

curve_traj_offset_opt_default

Enables default state of Offset Cut option for the trajectory sequence.

on—The Offset Cut option is selected.

off—The Offset Cut option is not selected.

auto*—The option state depends on the selected chain reference.

display_mfg_icon_for_mfg_assy

no*, yes

Displays manufacturing icons for manufacturing assembly files in File Open and Save dialog boxes:

• no—Display assembly icons for manufacturing assembly files.

• yes—Display manufacturing icons for manufacturing assembly files.

dm_nc_process

yes, no*

Automatically generates a .xml file with the process information when you save a manufacturing model in Creo Parametric. The .xml file is then automatically attached to the NC assembly CAD Document as its secondary content of category MPMLink Process Info. When you upload to Windchill the NC assembly CAD Document with the .xml file attached as its secondary content, MPMLink uses the process information in the .xml file to further define manufacturing processes. MPMLink uses the process information to create specific steps in a process plan or create resources for use in process plans

• yes—Generates the document whenever CAD document is saved.

• no—Does not generate the document.

enable_2x_traj_multi_loops

yes, no*

• yes—Allows selection of multiple loops on the selected surfaces in 2–Axis trajectory milling.

• no—Does not allow selection of multiple loops on surfaces.

enable_cutcom_apprexit_fix

yes*, no

• yes*—Removes the GOTO commands in the CL data between the approach or exit chains and the cutting chains while the cutter compensation is specified.

• no: Keeps all GOTO commands in the CL data.

enable_cutcom_helix_corner

yes*, no

• yes*—The corner point of the linear helical chains is used in the cutcom output.


The enable_cutcom_helix_corner is set to no.	The enable_cutcom_helix_corner is set to yes.

enable_cutcom_rm_tiny_ents

yes*, no

• yes*—Removes the GOTOs by adjusting circle and line ents as long as the adjusted point or portion of ent is within the stock allowance region while the cutter compensation is on.

• no: Keeps all GOTO commands in the CL data.

enable_finishing_circ_record

yes—Generates circle records for finishing sequence profile cuts when the sequence parameter circ_interpolation is set to arc_only.

no*—Does not generate circle records.

enable_param_n_tool_upd_dialog

yes, no*

• yes—Opens a dialog box for modification of manufacturing parameters and tools during a paste special operation, and during UDF placement procedures.

• no—Does not open any dialog box for modification of tools and manufacturing parameters during a paste special operation, and UDF placement procedures.

gpostpp_dir

If the configuration option ncpost_type is set to gpost, the gpostpp_dir configuration option specifies the directory containing the post-processor files to be used by GPOST. Use the full path name to avoid problems.

grv_turn_bothdir_cutcom_output

yes, no*

• yes—In groove turning sequences, when the ALTERNATE_SIDE_OUTPUT parameter is set to yes, the CUTCOM OFF statement is output before the tool retracts from each side. The GOTO commands or points are output during all entry and exit motions.

• no—Does not output the CUTCOM OFF statement before the tool retracts from each side.

include_all_tools_in_list

yes, no*

Specifies whether tools for the current step and the active head on the machine tool are included in the tools list.

• yes—Includes all the available tools in the list.

• no—.Includes tools valid for the current step by default.

mfg_udf_info_setup_file

Enables you to specify the path to the Mfg criteria-UDF name mapping file. The manufacturing criteria functionality in the process table is available only if you specify the mfg_udf_info_setup configuration option.

mfg_auto_ref_mfg_template

yes, no*

Specifies whether Creo NC must automatically assign references for steps created from a template. For example, if the template contains a reference coordinate system named MYCSYS and if the manufacturing model also contains a coordinate system named MYCSYS, Creo NC automatically assigns the reference.

• yes—Creo NC automatically assigns one or more of the following references from the template, as applicable:

◦ Coordinate system

◦ Retract surface

◦ Mill window

◦ Curve for Trajectory milling (2-axis)

◦ Mill surface

◦ Mill volume for Profile milling

◦ Drill group for Holemaking

Creo NC assigns the reference based on the name and the type.

• no—You must assign the geometric references for all steps created from a template. This is the default.

mfg_auto_ref_prt_as_chk_srf

yes*, no

This option applies to gouge checking in Milling. The system automatically includes all solid surfaces of all reference parts as Check Surfaces for Surface and 5-Axis Trajectory milling. To disable this functionality and select the Check Surfaces manually, set this option to no.

mfg_auto_retract_clear_dist

1.0, 0.005

1.0 if the length unit of the manufacturing template is mm.

0.005 if the length unit of the manufacturing template is inches.

The distance between the automatically created retract plane and the coordinate system of the step.

If a step that you extract to the process table cannot use the retract plane of the operation, Creo NC applies the value that you specify for the mfg_auto_retract_clear_dist configuration option to the step to create the step retract plane.

mfg_custom_tool_param_file

Specifies the location and name of the tool parameter definition file. Use the full directory path and name.

mfg_customize_dialog

yes*, no

yes—Uses the Customize dialog box for customizing NC Sequences.

no—Uses the old cascading menus.

mfg_cutline_save_mesh

yes*, no

Specifies whether Creo NC stores the mesh generated by Creo Simulate along with the tool path or not. Creo NC uses the mesh to compute the tool path for Cut Line Surface Milling.

• yes—Creo NC checks whether a mesh has been stored with the NC sequence. If the mesh is valid, that is, the geometry has not changed since the earlier computation, Creo NC uses it to compute the tool path. If a mesh has not been stored or is not valid, a new mesh is generated and stored with the NC sequence. This is the default.

• no—A new mesh is always generated to compute the tool path. Creo NC ignores and deletes any stored mesh.

mfg_display_rework_corner

yes, no*

yes—Displays the remaining area while computing the tool path for corner finishing, thus enabling you to check your choice of the threshold angle. The steep and shallow areas are highlighted using separate colors.

no—Does not display the remaining area.

mfg_drill_cln_undesired_wp_dep

yes, no*

yes—While retrieving the manufacturing assembly, the drilling-sequence dependencies on the respective workpieces that are nor needed are removed keeping intact the needed dependencies.

no—All drilling sequence dependencies on the workpieces are kept intact while retrieving the manufacturing assembly.

mfg_ijk_num_digits

Sets the number of digits for i, j, k tool coordinates in a CL data file. The default is 10.

mfg_info_location

top_left*, bottom_right

Default position of the Manufacturing Info dialog box.

mfg_modal_command_file

Enables you to make some of the APTn index topics modal, which means that you repeatedly get a list of major keywords corresponding to this topic upon completing a command line.

mfg_param_auto_copy_from_tool

No*, All, Misc, Cutting

Specifies which are the tool parameters that are to be copied from the tool definition to the NC sequence:

No—None of the tool parameters are copied automatically.

All—Copies all the tool parameters from the tool definition to the NC sequence.

Misc—Copies only the miscellaneous parameters - custom parameters, spindle direction, coolant pressure, type, and the user defined parameters specific to the NC sequence.

Cutting—Copies all the cutting conditions—feed, speed and depth. Creo NC uses the roughing condition for ROUGHING, RE-ROUGHING, VOLUME MILLING and LOCAL MILLING and the finishing conditions for all other toolpaths.

Creo NC copies these parameters based on the set configuration option only when you create an NC sequence. If you make any modifications to an existing NC sequence, you must copy the changes manually for the changes to reflect in the NC sequence.

mfg_process_table_setup_dir

In Process Manager, specifies the directory where the Process Table settings are stored. Use the full path name to avoid problems. For example, /home/users/process_mgr/table_settings.

mfg_process_template_dir

In Process Manager, this configuration option sets the default directory for storing all manufacturing template files created from the Process Table, including process templates and replacement templates. The specified directory is accessed by default in the following cases:

• Creating templates from the Process Table.

• Creating steps and workcells in the Process Table using

• Placing and replacing templates while creating and editing annotation features, respectively.

• Replacing templates in the design model using the Update Mfg AEs command.

• Replacing templates in the manufacturing model during extraction.

• Use the full path name when you specify a value for this configuration option. For example,/home/users/process_mgr/templates.

• If you do not define a value for this configuration option, the value is set to the current working directory.

mfg_session_setup_dir

Specifies the directory where the manufacturing related setup files for the current session are stored. The tool_dialog_setup_file.xml file is one such file that stores setup information about the tool parameters.

Creo NC ignores the mfg_session_setup_dir configuration option if you specify the mfg_tool_dialog_setup_file configuration option.

mfg_setup_file

The absolute path to the file that stores the column setup information for the following:

• Process table in the Process Manager

• Tools Setup dialog box

• Parameters table in the Edit Parameters dialog box

This configuration option overrides the mfg_session_setup_dir configuration option.

mfg_single_grv_toolwidth_fix

yes*, no

yes*—When the tool diameter and the groove width are same, it generates a groove turning toolpath where the rough stock allowances are reflected in the toolpath as expected.

no—The rough stock allowances may not reflect in the toolpath as expected when the tool diameter and the groove width are same.

mfg_start_model_dir

Specifies the directory containing the manufacturing model templates. All the manufacturing models in this directory are available for selection as manufacturing model templates. Use the full path name to avoid problems. For example, /home/users/nc/start_models.

If this option is not set, you can use the system-supplied manufacturing templates.

mfg_tap_mat_rem_coef

1*, a value between 0 and 1

The coefficient that Creo NC uses to multiply with the estimated material removed to calculate the actual estimated material removed. This is an optional parameter. This parameter is applicable only for steps in Process Table that use tapping tool.

If you specify or modify the mfg_tap_mat_rem_coef configuration parameter for a process table step that uses the tapping tool, Creo NC does not recalculate the estimated material removed value for the step. To recalculate the estimated material removed value for the step, you must remove and add the material removal feature from the step.

mfg_tool_dialog_setup_file

The absolute path to the file that stores the tool parameter column setup information for the Tools Setup dialog box. This configuration option overrides the mfg_session_setup_dir configuration option.

mfg_tool_preview_by_pick

No*, Yes

Enables you to pick the position of the cutting tool after preview. You can preview the cutting tool in the graphics window.

Yes—Enables you to select a tool location on the toolpath, on a surface, on an edge, on a curve, or on a face. It could also be a vertex, datum point, or coordinate system.

No—Enables you to move the tool by dragging it in the graphics window.

mfg_volmil_clear_dist_fix

No*, Yes

This configuration option is applicable to dashboard-based volume milling sequence.

Yes—Calculates the clearance distance using the workpiece outline, mill volume or mill window, retract plane, and the user specified height.

No—Calculates the clearance distance using the workpiece outline.

The rapid motion ends and the PLUNGE_FEED begins at the clearance distance above the surface to be milled.

mfg_vol_helicalentry_gougefix

No*, Yes

Yes—Avoids gouging during the helical entry motion in volume milling sequences.

No—Does not check for gouges during the helical entry motion in volume milling sequences.

mfg_vol_roughprof_entryexit_fix

No*, Yes

Yes—Allows you to use the combination of roughing and profiling parameters for entry and exit motions.

For combined roughing and profile passes, such as ROUGH & PROF, POCKETING, you must select the LEAD_IN, NORMAL, or the LINE_TANGENT option for the CUT_ENTRY_EXT and CUT_EXIT_EXT parameters. These options drive the profile passes.

The entry and exit motions for rough passes are driven by the values of the RAMP_ANGLE and HELICAL_DIAMETER parameters that are independent of the values of CUT_ENTRY_EXT and CUT_ EXIT_EXT

For ROUGH_ONLY or PROF_ONLY passes, you must select appropriate CUT_ENTRY_EXT and CUT_EXIT_EXT values. For example, RAMP or HELIX for ROUGH_ONLY passes.

mfg_workpiece_transparency

Controls the workpiece transparency in shaded model display. You can change the value in the range between 0.1 and 1. The bigger the value, the more transparent the workpiece. The default value is 0.5.

If you change the mfg_workpiece_transparency value, it affects only the newly assembled or created workpieces. When you retrieve a manufacturing model, its existing workpiece is not affected by the current value of the mfg_workpiece_transparency option. For more information, see the topic Workpiece Display.

mfg_xyz_num_digits

Sets the number of digits for x, y, z tool coordinates in a CL data file. The default is 10.

nc_autodoc_param_dir

Defines the location of the setup file. This file describes the process parameters to be included in the parameter table.

nc_autodoc_report_dir

Defines the location to store the report and images created when you generate a shop floor report.

nc_autodoc_setup_dir

Defines the location of the documentation setup files. These file describe the process parameters to be included in the parameter table.

nc_autodoc_template_dir

Defines the location of the stylesheet and default images to be used in the shop floor report. If you do not set this configuration option, Creo Parametric uses the report template and default images stored in the Creo Parametric load point.

nc_jobman_visible

no*, yes

Setting this option to yes enables the Job Manager functionality, which allows you to compute the tool path for an NC sequence out-of-process, whether remotely or on the same machine, while you continue working on other NC sequences, or other Creo models.

nccheck_type

ModuleWorks*, nccheck, external

Controls which NC Check simulation module to use:

• ModuleWorks—Use an integrated simulation environment on the Material Removal tab.

• nccheck—Use NC-CHECK.

• external—Use an external tool.

ncl_file_extension

Sets the default file extension for CL data files. If you do not set this option, the default CL file extension is .ncl.

• File extension length is limited to 3 characters. If you specify a longer file extension, it will be truncated and a warning will be issued.

• Do not change the CL file extension if you are using a default post-processor, a dedicated post-processor, or a post-processor created with NCPOST.

ncpost_type

gpost*, ncpost

Each Creo NC module includes a standard set of NC post-processors that can be executed directly or modified using an optional module. This configuration option controls which post-processing module to use:

• gpost—Use the G-Post™ post-processors provided by Intercim Corporation.

• ncpost—Use the NCPOST post-processors.

pro_mf_cl_dir

Sets the default directory for the manufacturing CL data files. Use the full path name to avoid problems. For example,

/home/users/library/mfg_cl.

pro_mf_param_dir

Sets the default directory for the manufacturing parameter files. Use the full path name to avoid problems. For example, /home/users/library/mfg_params.

pro_mf_tprm_dir

Sets the default directory for the manufacturing tool files. Use the full path name to avoid problems. For example,

/home/users/library/toolcrib.

pro_mf_workcell_dir

Sets the default directory for the manufacturing workcell files. Use the full path name to avoid problems. For example, /home/users/library/workcells.

pro_mfg_cmdsyn_dir

Sets the default directory for the syntax menu files in Creo NC. Use the full path name to avoid problems. For example, /home/users/library/mach_cmdsym.

profile_output_utils

yes, no*

This option affects the CL data output for Profile milling sequences:

• yes—NC sequence parameter OUTPUT_POINT is available with the following options:

◦ TIP—The tool path is output with respect to the tool center

◦ ON_PROFILE—The tool path is output with respect to the profile of the tool.

• no—NC sequence parameter OUTPUT_POINT is not available

proncpost_dbf

Specifies the location and name for NCPOST database file. Use the full directory path and name.

prorembatch_queue_manager

<proc_name>:<host>:0:<proc_num>:1

Enables tool path computation on a separate host machine.

The elements are as follows:

• <proc_name>—Processor name (can be any descriptive name).

• <host>—Remote machine’s hostname.

• 0—Type of transport, always set to 0.

• <proc_num>—RPC number of processor. Must match the PRORB_RPCNUM environment variable on remote machine; if you specify 0, the system will use the default RPC number.

• 1—Version of queue manager, currently 1.

shade_mfg_ref_models

yes*, no

yes—Shades reference parts when generating shaded images.

no—Does not process reference parts when generating the shaded image (to save time).

skip_relation_mfg_process_xml

yes*, no

yes—Omits the relation strings in the CAD document of the NC assembly.

The configuration option dm_nc_process generates the NC process information as part of the CAD Document of the NC Assembly in the XML Format whenever the CAD document is saved. If you have many sequences with numerous parameters, and if you set the dm_nc_process configuration option to yes, it takes longer to save the document.

Set the skip_relation_mfg_process_xml configuration option to yes to delete the relation strings from the output and save the CAD document faster.

store_tool_path_file

yes*, no

Specifies how manufacturing tool path information is computed:

• yes—The tool path information is stored in a file called filename.tph, where filename is the name of the manufacturing model.

• no—The tool path is recomputed every time you retrieve the manufacturing model or change any manufacturing parameters.

template_mfgcmm

Enables you to specify the model that is used as the default start model for CMM. Use the full directory path and name.

template_mfgemo

Enables you to specify the model that is used as the default start model for Expert Machinist. Use the full directory path and name.

template_mfgnc

Enables you to specify the model that is used as the default start model in Creo NC.

Use the full directory path and name.

tool_motion_list_length

Controls the number of rows visible in the tool motions list without scrolling. This value is applicable to all dashboard-based NC steps.

tool_path_preview_default

on, off, auto*

Controls whether the tool path preview is displayed by default when creating a new step or editing an existing one.

• on—Displays the tool path preview.

• off—Does not display the tool path preview.

• auto—Displays the tool path preview for certain tool paths.

travel_bounds_display

No*, Yes

Specifies whether the machining limits of a workcell are visible or not.

If set to Yes, displays the machining limits of a workcell.

travel_bounds_tranparency

Controls the transparency of the highlighted machine limits. You can change the value in the range between 0.1 and 1. The bigger the value, the more transparent the highlighted machine limit. The default value is 0.8.

wcell_fixt_info_setup_file

Enables you to specify the path to the workcell—fixture information setup file. This is a .xml file that stores the information about workcells and the compatible fixtures for each workcell. The workcell fixture compatibilty functionality in the process table is available only if you specify thewcell_fixt_info_setup_file configuration option.

workpiece_instances

none, operations, steps, operations_and_steps

Specifies the way Creo Parametric generates geometric representations of the workpiece during the manufacturing process.

• none—Geometric representations are not generated.

• operations—Geometric representations are created for each operation and named as <workpiece-name>_<operation-name>.

• steps—Geometric representations are created for each step and named as <workpiece-name>_<step-name>.

• operations_and_steps—Geometric representations are created for steps as well as operations.