What config.pro option causes Creo to perform a preliminary Mass Props calculation for every part?

[JT_OConnor]

I feel like Creo is slowing us down when opening an assembly, particularly large ones, because it is "Doing preliminary Mass props calculations" on every part it opens.  I'd rather do that manually and save time opening the models.  Any ideas?  Creo 10.0.5.0, WC 13

[StephenW]

Try adjusting the options on:

mass_property_calculate   

[JT_OConnor]

I tried all four options, also toggled mp_calc_level between all_models and assembly_only.  All performed Preliminary Mass Properties and regenerated all models,  

I also then removed ALL config.pro and .sup files.  No difference. 

Maybe it's just the nature of the default options that Creo calculates Preliminary Mass Properties and regenerates all models, but I don't remember this previously, although I don't think I ever looked.  

[StephenW]

Do you have a mass properties analysis feature added to parts/assemblies? 

I haven't seen this message and my job is primarily large assemblies. Granted I am on Creo 8 currently. I do have access to Creo+ (aka Creo 12) to test.

[JOHNO_Proe12]

It actually appears that some of the hardware/commercial parts have an "analysis feature".   I've never seen that, but apparently it can be added through the Analysis menu.  I know we're rolling up mass properties, but not sure why this is necessary.  Is it required for Family Table parts so each instance can have a different value in the table, calculated automatically? 

Thanks for the info.  I'll add to this if I find out anything more.

[StephenW · Accepted solution]

@JOHNO_Proe12 

The analysis feature is usually added to a part/assembly for some specific reason. You do not need it for "normal" mass calculations.

When an analysis feature is present and the part/assembly regenerates, the analysis feature is re-calculated (force recalculated is what i say, it's probably a poor way to say it). It may have been a method used by someone in the past to get a CG point/csys created or for other reasons, of which I can't think of at the moment but I remember there have been times i have used them over the years to get something specific done, but it was always for something "special".

I would say, in general, don't add a mass analysis feature to your parts/assemblies unless you have a very specific reason to do so.

[Chris3]

Agreeing with @StephenW here. We add them to build datums so that structural members go to the CG but it is good practice to suppress / replace them upon release. They are large assembly management hogs.

[BenLoosli]

It is required for family tables as each instance will have different mass properties. I had over 13K instances in almost 100 family tables at my last job and all of them had a mass property feature in the footer along with interfaces.

[anursingh]

Hi @JT_OConnor,

I wanted to see if you got the help you needed.

If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question.
Please note that industry experts also review the replies and may eventually accept one of them as solution on your behalf.
Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation. 

Thanks,
Anurag 

[JT_OConnor]

Apparently, up until recently, we had issues with units getting crossed up in our models along with Family Table instances getting incorrect mass and transferring that to the assemblies they were in.  We discovered the Unit Sensitive checkbox in Relation Tools along with the ability to identify unit quantity and Units for parameters.  Combining all these together, we now get correct Mass Properties without the need for an "analysis feature" in each model.   As we continue to update our family tables, we are removing that feature and it seems to be helping. 

We are now focusing on number of workspaces and number of parts in each workspace to optimize time to open.  This seems to have become worse once we moved to Creo 10 and WC 13.

Thanks to all who helped.