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]

@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.