by Cat McClintock
You might be familiar with Creo, PTC’s 3D CAD software. Engineers and designers use it to digitally create and update physical products. They can create geometry, organize parts into assemblies, form sweeping surfaces, and so on.
A 3D CAD model of an engine shown in Creo Parametric
Creo also includes simulation tools so that engineers can test how these models might respond to various physical loads and forces. That helps in optimizing products before they ever get past the computer screen. Because waiting to find flaws later, when models reach prototyping, manufacturing, or consumers, is much more expensive.
But while simulation capabilities can be invaluable, they tax computer CPUs and cost time.
For every change to the model, you have to run a simulation study and wait for your computer to churn out the results. It might work pretty fast, but multiply that by all the different iterations you could go through, and the seconds and minutes adds up.
Think shaving a millimeter from a rib might save some weight without compromising strength? Try it, and then wait for your simulation. How about a half millimeter? Wait again. Nine-sixteenths? You get the picture.
This is one way Creo Simulation Live is revolutionizing product design. Using technology first introduced by ANSYS, it makes simulation even more effective by eliminating that tweak-and-wait cycle.