Create family table with flat pattern

[ddhondt]

When you created a flat pattern in Wildfire 4 there was automatically created a family table and the flat pattern was suppressed.

In Creo 3 I don't see anything like this and we have to create the family table manually. Is there a way to do it so the family table is automatically created?

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[JLG · Accepted solution]

I'm working with Creo 2, but I'd bet this is the same in Creo 3.  When in sheetmetal mode the graphics window toolbar has a "flat pattern preview" icon.  If you click on that, you get a separate window showing the flat pattern.  This window also has  a graphics window toolbar with a "Create instance" icon.

[gchapman]

I remember from pre-Wildfire through Wildfire 4 days (yes old, long-time user) we used "Flat State" to automatically create a family table and flat instance - I searched the "Help" menu and that capability still exists... previous answer for Creo 2 is probably less cumbersome, but good to know "Legacy Flat State Instance" still exists.

To Create a Legacy Flat State Instance

You must set the enable_flat_state configuration option to yes to use this functionality.

1. Click File ▶ Prepare ▶ Model Properties. The Model Properties dialog box opens.

2. Click change in the Flat State Instances line. The FLAT STATE menu appears.

3. Click Create.

4. Type a name for the flat state instance and click .

If this is the first flat state instance for the generic part, the PART STATE menu appears.

Define the state the part is in:

• Fully Flat—The part is already unbent (or fully flat).

○ Click Fully Flat. The Select dialog box opens.

○ Select the unbend features that you used to unbend your part and click OK.

○ Define the state to put the generic part in and click Yes or No.

• Fully Formed—Your part is bent (or as designed).

○ Click Fully Formed. The (Regular Type) dialog box opens.

○ Select a plane or edge to remain fixed while the part is unbent/bent back.

○ Click OK in the ( Regular Type ) dialog box. The FLAT STAT menu appears.

5. Click Done/Return. The flat state is created.

About Legacy Flat State Instances