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3-Newcomer
August 14, 2026
Question

Defining a assembly with options for different positions

  • August 14, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 93 views
I am using Creo Parametric Release 7.0 and Datecode7.0.9.0 This is not my exact problem but I think might help explain my problem. Imagine I have an assembly of a mechanical based clock. It is an assembly of many assemblies and parts within. Many layers deep. Various parts of the mechanism move and I would like to define several assembly positions. For example....I would like to load the clock assembly showing the position of all the external and internal parts in 12:00 position.....3pm position and say 18:15 position. The BOM stays the same. Can you provide some clues on how I might achieve this? For example, Can I use just simplified reps? Its the many layers deep which I'm struggling with.

4 replies

12-Amethyst
August 16, 2026

I THINK you can use Creo mechanism and Snapshot to do this.  You can move items in assembly that are 'mechanised' and save those views. You can then recall those snapshots in drawings.

 

 

Our previous workflow used to do family tables and call them States.  So we'd have annoying family table with many iterations just to show a door open or something.

kdirth
21-Topaz I
August 17, 2026

Here are my notes on something that might work for you:

USING CONSTRAINT SETS FOR ALTERNATE ASSEMBLY LOCATIONS 

  • This method creates multiple positions for a part in an assembly, such as placing a bolt in different bolt holes or lining a part up to different bolt holes.  Dimensions can also be varied using flexibility along with this method, See the following link for detailed description. 
  • How-to-Make-Multiple-Assembly-Positions 
  • Create multiple constraint sets 
    • Constrain part in first desired position. 
    • Disable Constraint Set 
    • Select New Set at bottom of Constraint list 
    • Repeat for all needed positions 
    • Rename constraint sets to something meaningful 
    • Activate desired default Constraint Set 
  • Refer to FLEXIBITY section above to add pre-determined flexibility. 
    • While adding predetermined flexibility select the Parameters tab then plus sign 
    • Change Filter By to “Current and all sub features” 
    • Select Component “xxxxx.asm” / PTC_CONSTRAINT_SET then insert selected and Close 
    • Select OK and close Model Properties 
    • When adding model to assembly, choose parameters tab in flexibility and enter desired Constraint Set name.  
There is always more to learn.
tbraxton
22-Sapphire II
August 17, 2026

If you have a defined a mechanism as described, then mechanism snapshots will meet the requirements and are easily created. Set up the model in the position desired and then create a snapshot and save it. You can then select the snapshot to configure the design to a predefined position or state.

 

Check this video if you have not done this before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajVzA_4g0XU

 

  • Select Drag Packaged components icon
  • Click Snapshots title in Draw dialog box
  • Press Take a Snapshot of the current configuration 
    • Applies to the current components
  • Press Point Drag or Body Drag icon and move the component
  • Press Take a Snapshot of the current configuration
    • Applies to the components after it moves
18-Opal
August 19, 2026

Why not just use a skeleton and control the mount locations with CSYS where the location is controlled by parameters driving dimensions?  Then your structure never changes, but you can control the positions of elements within them.  OR you could create component placements using CSYS - using a variable for which model displays in the component position using Pro/PROGRAM (bom stay s the same - you just have new placements at that point).