Fill Pattern - Maximizing members in an area

[AM_10106800]

Hi All,

I'm interested in maximizing the number of pattern members on irregularly shaped 2D areas. The fill pattern comes close but does not deviate from the grid pattern (i.e square, hexagonal, spiral, etc.) or allow variable spacing between members. Has anyone found a workaround to automatically optimize the number of members that can fit on a given area?

[tbraxton · Accepted solution]

An automated algorithm to maximize this is not available in the Creo UI. You may be able to employ the BMX module to solve this for a given set of constraints. You will have to define the goal and the constraints for the solver in BMX.

If you define the goal and the constraints then someone may make a suggestion on how to approach the solution.

[AM_10106800]

Hi Tbraxton,

Thanks for the response. I haven't seen any mention of said automated algorithm in the works but fingers crossed. I haven't used the BMX module as I don't have the proper license but after watching a few videos it seems like this method could have potential.

I did find the "move" feature under flexible modeling to be a helpful tool; however, it still required a lot of manual input. 

Cheers,

AM

[pausob]

Since the pattern tools in Creo are meant to provide regular grid spacing, I feel PTC "works according to specifications" would be a valid take on this issue and so asking for a "work-around" does not seem fair  😀  BMX was already suggested by @tbraxton

It seems to me that you are looking for some kind of a "shape nesting" algorithm found in software that prepares jobs done by, for example, water-jet cutters.  Perhaps this function is available in the Creo manufacturing extension.  I think that you also could look for open-source software used for 3D-printing - those often have nesting functions to minimize the build time.  You could also see if the lattice-generation module in Creo could do something here...

[sacquarone]

Hello @AM_10106800 

I confirm this as currently not part of Creo Parametric capabilities in 3D Modes (prt & asms using Pattern feature). Just for info (interesting from technical perspective, but not reasonable from an industrail one), Pro/NC Sheetmeltal offers the Autonesting feature, offering a way to automatically reorient and nest components (*1) to be maximized in a given rectangular surface, the workpiece (*2). Once done, it is possible to export outcome as Iges (for instance) and import it in a new part.  Just sharing a little movie to illustrate what I mean here.

(*1) this is an advantage compared to pattern feature: you can use mutliple components (the "pattern members") to  be considered when producing the nesting and maximizing therefore usage of the workpiece

(*2) this is a limitation compared to Pattern feature. If "shape" of the flat sheetmetal model as no restriction, the area where it will be automatically nested needs to be rectangular (no way therefore to configure a "circle" or any other shape to define the limit of the area where components will be placed - contrarily to a Pattern feature allowing to select any kind of shape defining the closed loop)

Regards,

Serge

[AM_10106800]

Hi Serge,

Thanks for the info and the video was quite helpful. Unfortunately, I am not using rectangular shapes and so this will not be an option for me. 

Cheers,

AM