Measuring vector components of distance in Creo

[pejacobson]

I know how to measure the distance between two entities in Creo, but I would like to know the vector components: dx, dy, and dz. 

Can Creo do this?

Thanks.

[KenFarley]

I know of no direct way to do this. Kind of annoying because we know Creo has the numbers, since the distance reported is definitely a vector length from point to point.

Two ways I've done the measurement:

(1) Build the x=0, y=0, z=0 planes. Take measurements from each plane to the point of interest.

(2) Create a point at the "from" and "to" positions, write them to a file, calculate the vector components myself.

There are likely other ways to get the numbers, just nothing straightforward that I know of. If there is a more direct way, I hope someone will enlighten me.

[pejacobson]

Thanks for your reply and detailing a methodology.
I have been using NX and am new to Creo. NX does a much better job of providing vectors for distances and normal, and low-level information about objects.
Thanks,
Paul

[MartinHanak · Accepted solution]

[pejacobson]

Martin, thanks for your reply.

Paul

[KenFarley]

That's pretty cool. All these years and when I saw the "Projection" I thought it only allowed me to project onto a datum plane or other planar surface.

Requires you to have a coordinate system defined, I suppose.

[StephenW]

Yes, you are required to have a coord sys. Either user created or default but it must be there. I tried on a truly empty assy (no default planes/csys) and the option is not available.

[tbraxton]

Yes Creo can do this. I have created a mapkey to streamline the process that was posted by @MartinHanak .

This is an older post that is locked but it explains how to set it up.

https://community.ptc.com/t5/System-Administration/Incremental-delta-x-y-z-measure-tool-in-Creo-2-0-implemented/m-p/433095#M6493 

Below is a video demonstrating how it works.

[pejacobson]

Thank you for that.

Paul