I think it would be a big improvement if drill cycles avoided the part model by the clearance parameter (by default) when drilling patterns of holes. Currently there are no default check surfaces and if you are drilling on surfaces of various heights you risk plowing the drill through the part as it moves from one hole location to another. The current method requires a Creo operator to select all the surfaces that could be in the way of this move as check surfaces, then add a check surfaces clearance parameter. Ironically, a subsequent threadmilling sequence for the same holes that were drilled does not require the operator to specify these check surfaces and will work just fine.
To make matters worse, the canned version of Module Works and NC Check do not recognize the flaw in the tool path if you do not specify check surfaces. Vericut will catch the issue if you have the time to set it up.
I feel drilling is the most basic of tool paths and that this could be considered an easily addressed flaw by most accounts.
Thank you,
Matt
