How can I grab all surfaces of the reference model when using copy geometry?

[AB_10071442]

I am a bit new to skeletons but my idea was to do an outline of my assembly in my skeleton and then use a copy geometry feature to bring the whole skeleton into my part so that I can use the surfaces as references for solid geometries. But, it does not let me finish the copy geometry feature, if I select to copy all surfaces (it only lets me finish if I select specific surfaces). So I wanted to ask what the proper way to copy all surfaces using a copy geometry is? Is bringing the whole skeleton into your model how one would do it? Thanks for any replies!

[tbraxton · Accepted solution]

You need to provide more information. Post the model, if not at least shown the model tree and screen shots to show what is in the skeleton. Is this a standard skeleton model or motion skeleton? Are you using an external copy geometry feature? When it is failing what is the error message? If you describe the design intent you are attempting to capture in more detail that will also be useful.

In Creo 7.09 I am able to use external copy geometry to propagate all surfaces in a skeleton model to a derivative part. Merge is also working to capture all geometry in the skeleton.

Use of the merge feature is the fastest way to transfer all model geometry from a master model (your skeleton) to a derivative part. I am not suggesting this is best practice for use with skeletons (I would not typically do this). Skeletons are a top down tool intended to capture design data to be shared with multiple derivative models and then distribute this to the derivative parts to be controlled by skeleton model.

Your stated intention for the skeleton leads me to suggest that you take a look at multibody modeling functionality instead of a skeleton. 

[AB_10071442]

Hello tbraxton, thank you for your detailed answer, I just thought that it would not be possible to use a quilt of a closed surface of a skeleton, but it is actually possible as you have written. Previously I thought you would have to select the desired surfaces one by one. And when it is not possible I have seen in this video (after around minute one) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi2iJFyPyRw  that you can also create a publish geometry in the source component and then reference the publish geometry for the copy geometry to avoid having to pick the surfaces one by one.

[tbraxton]

If you are not already familiar with it, refer to the seed and bound selection technique to select many surfaces with minimal mouse picks. You can also select a quilt or body surfaces with minimal picks.

Seed & Boundary selection:

https://support.ptc.com/help/creo/creo_pma/r9.0/usascii/index.html#page/fundamentals/fundamentals/To_Construct_a_Seed_and_Boundary_Surface_Set.html#