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AJ_TROGLIO14-Alexandrite
14-Alexandrite
January 30, 2024
Solved

Family table of consumables

  • January 30, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 2557 views

We're in testing phase of implementation of Creo 8.0.0.0.  I created a family table of a consumable.  In this case it's Loctite.  The generic is created from our start part which contains three datums, csys and some designated parameters.  There is no other geometry or features.

 

Add our designated parameter of DESCRIPTION to the family table.  The instance names are the Loctite grades, 242, 243, 262  with corresponding description.  Verify and check-in to Windchill  and all is well.

 

Assemble the instances into the assembly item.  Constrain the instance datums planes to the part where I want to callout Loctite.   Model tree looks correct.  Check into Windchill and WT and CAD structure looks right. 

 

Create drawing, BOM table looks correct.  However, cannot show balloons for the Loctite instances as expected like any other component.  Hum..  Scratch head.  Figure balloons need something to point to.  Create datum point at 0,0,0 and verify.  Still no balloons.

 

Does this consumable need geometry to actually show a balloon?  How is this typically handled?  Trying to avoid bulk items as I want to consume items in my work instructions using the Process for Assy module.  Having assy definition w/ Loctite at the specific location is preferred. 

Best answer by AJ_TROGLIO

https://support.ptc.com/help/creo/creo_pma/r10.0/usascii/index.html#page/detail/To_Add_Reference_BOM_Balloons.html

 

You cannot create reference balloons for bulk items, included items, flexible components, and Family Table top generics.

 

Foiled by code.  Looks like I'll need to come up w/ something else and test its robustness.

3 replies

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23-Emerald III
BenLoosli23-Emerald III
23-Emerald III
January 30, 2024

I would rethink what you have done.

Consumable items that have no real geometry, like Loctite, should be created as Bulk Items. They can go into the BOM with a quantity of AR rather than a value.

Create each Loctite item as separate Bulk Items. We have 12 Loctite part numbers in our Windchill system for different applications.

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aputman13-Aquamarine
13-Aquamarine
January 30, 2024

In addition, BOM balloons can be created for bulk items and can point to any surface or feature. 

https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS40474

 

    Patriot_1776
    Patriot_177622-Sapphire II
    22-Sapphire II
    January 31, 2024

    What I did to get around these EXACT issues is NOT use a bulk part.  Instead, I made a normal part based on our regular start part (with CS, datum planes, axiis) that has a parameter that triggers relations in the BOM to record the quantity as "AR" when that part parameter is set as a "bulk part" value instead of a real part value, thus ACTING like a bulk part.

     

    For instance, what you can do then is, say, at assembly, you need to put adhesive/lubricant/sealant on a surface(s) of a part or parts.  You can at the fake bulk part level (activate it at the assy level), COPY the appropriate surface(s) as needed from that assembly level into thee part itself.  Now, you have something that you can attach the leader of an item balloon to.  To keep from having the mottled appearance of different coincident surfaces, after you attach the balloon leader to it, put it on a layer and hide it.  Done.  I haven't done this in years, but as I remember it worked very well.  In fact, I MADE a fake bulk start part for just this use, with that parameter already pre-set.

     

    Best of luck!

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    aputman13-Aquamarine
    13-Aquamarine
    January 31, 2024

    You can use a balloon note but of course this is not parametric. The balloon note(s) could reference a parameter that would need to be updated with the BOM index of the first bulk balloon.  This would make updating all of the other balloon notes easier but would require you to remember to update the parameter with the new index, if the BOM structure is changed or reordered. 

     

    I have seen many requests for the rpt.index values be made available as parameters, referenceable in notes.  But over and over, PTC chooses not to implement this feature, mostly because it's too difficult.  So now users are stuck with using workarounds and non-parametric solutions. 

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