Changing the line name or layer in a drawing

[ptc-770542]

I am using Creo Parametric - Release 8.0 (connected) Release 8.0 and Datecode8.0.3.0

I am trying to see if there is a way to change the line name within sketcher. I would like it to automatically create certain lines with specific names.

This is all related to us needing to save a copy of the drawing as a .dxf for our CNC Plasma cutter. For example we are wanting to use our plasma to "scribe" bend lines and text onto our parts. Therefore bend lines and text needs to have a different "line name" so the plasma knows that they are scribe lines and not cut lines. The toolpathing software we are using for this is ProNest.

Some issues we've seen are, since circles are shown as 2 arcs it doesn't always create those lines with the same name/layer as perimeter lines. So the machine doesn't know if those are cut lines or something else. I'm thinking this problem may involve modifying the config file.

[KenFarley]

I think if you want to output geometry to a specific layer, you need to have it in a unique layer in Creo. One method to do this would be to create multiple sketches for each type of line you're trying to define. Then assign those sketches to the layers you define based on what they are for (full cut thru, scribe lines, etc.) Something like a sketch for the overall geometry, then another that defines the bend lines, that references the overall geometry, and maybe another for engraving, or whatever else you are defining.

You then specify what the Creo layers map to in the DXF file, when you're exporting the data. It's likely going to be a bit tedious the first time through, but you can use your successful file as a template for other designs.

[tbraxton]

You can resolve the circle split export issue with the following config option.

• Set configuration option interface_quality value to either 2 or 3
• For detailed information about configuration option interface_quality, refer to article: CS48905

There is no provision within sketch mode to name sketch entities that I am aware of so  @KenFarley suggestion to use layers is the most practical option that comes to mind for this. You can build layer rules for layers that will automatically collect the appropriate entities. You could for example create layers for bend lines, cut lines, engraving (text). With an appropriate configuration, your features will be placed on the designated layer automatically without any user interaction. If you investigate the query builder I think you will find it is capable of automating the sorting of your geometry.

Intro to query builder:

http://support.ptc.com/help/creo/creo_pma/usascii/index.html#page/fundamentals/fundamentals/fund_six_sub/To_Build_a_Query_in_the_Search_Tool.html