Introduction

Pro/ENGINEER operating software is a 3D software integrated with CAD/CAM/CAE under the umbrella of Parameter Technology Corporation (PTC) in the United States. Pro/Engineer software is known for its parameterization and is the earliest application of parameterization technology, occupying an important position in the field of 3D modeling software. Pro/Engineer, as a new standard in the field of mechanical CAD/CAE/CAM in the world, has been recognized and promoted by the industry. It is one of the mainstream CAD/CAM/CAE software nowadays, especially occupying an important position in the domestic product design field.

After the release of Creo 1.0 on October 28, 2010, the software has been incorporated into Creo.

Pro/ENGINEER, WildFire, and Creo are software names used by PTC, but in the names used by Chinese users, multiple terms coexist. For example, Pro/E, Pro/E, Rage, etc. all refer to Pro/Engineer software, while Pro/e 2001, Pro/e 2.0-5.0, Creo 1.0-8.0, etc. all refer to software versions.

Main characteristics

Pro/E was the first to propose the concept of parametric design and adopted a single database to solve the problem of feature correlation. In addition, it adopts a modular approach, allowing users to choose according to their own needs without having to install all modules. Pro/E's feature based approach enables the integration of the entire process from design to production, enabling concurrent engineering design. It can be applied not only to workstations, but also to single machines.

Pro/E adopts a modular approach, which can perform sketch drawing, part production, assembly design, sheet metal design, processing, etc., ensuring that users can choose to use according to their own needs.

Parametric

Compared to products, we can consider them as geometric models, and no matter how complex a geometric model is, it can be decomposed into a finite number of constituent features, and each constituent feature can be fully constrained with finite parameters. This is the basic concept of parameterization. However, it is not possible to hide solid features under the part module.

Feature based modeling

Pro/E is a feature based solid modeling system, where engineering designers use intelligent feature based functions to generate models such as cavities, shells, chamfers, and fillets. You can freely sketch and easily change the model. This functional feature provides engineering designers with unprecedented simplicity and flexibility in design.

Single fully correlated database

Pro/Engineer is built on a unified grassroots database, unlike some traditional CAD/CAM systems that are built on multiple databases. The so-called single database refers to the fact that all the information in the project comes from a single database, allowing each independent user to work on the design of a product, regardless of which department they belong to. In other words, any changes that occur at any point in the entire design process can also be reflected in the relevant links of the entire design process. For example, once the engineering details are changed, the NC (numerical control) tool path will also be automatically updated; If there are any changes to the assembly engineering drawing, it will also be fully reflected in the entire 3D model. The complete combination of this unique data structure and engineering design enables the design of a product to be integrated. This advantage makes the design more optimized, the quality of the finished product higher, the product can be better pushed to the market, and the price is also cheaper.

Module composition

Engineer

Pro/Engineer is a software package, not a module, but a fundamental part of the system. Its functions include parameterized function definition, solid parts and assembly modeling, 3D coloring, solid or wireframe modeling, generation of complete engineering drawings, and display of different views (3D modeling can also be moved, enlarged or reduced, and rotated). Pro/Engineer is a functional definition system, where shapes are implemented through various design specific functions, including Ribs, Slots, Chamfers, and Shells. Using this method to establish shapes is more natural and intuitive for engineers, without the need for complex geometric design methods. The parameter ratio function of this system adopts a symbolic approach to assign body dimensions, unlike other systems where fixed values are directly assigned to the body. This allows engineers to establish the relationship between dimensions and functions on the body at will. If any parameter changes, other related features will also be automatically corrected. This feature makes modification more convenient and can make design optimization more comprehensive. The shape can not only be displayed on the screen, but can also be transferred to a drawing machine or some color printers that support Postscript format. Pro/Engineer can also output 3D and 2D graphics to other application software, such as finite element analysis and post processing, which are achieved through standard data exchange formats. Users can also add other modules of Pro/Engineer software or use C language programming to enhance the software's functionality. It has the majority of design capabilities, assembly capabilities (motion analysis, ergonomic analysis), and engineering drawing capabilities (excluding ANSI, ISO, DIN, or JIS standards) in a single user environment (without any additional modules), and supports 2D and 3D graphics output from industry standard plotters (HP, HPGL) and black and white and color printers.

The Pro/Engineer functions are as follows:

1. Feature driven (such as bosses, grooves, chamfers, cavities, shells, etc.);

2. Parameterization (parameters=dimensions, features in the drawing, loads, boundary conditions, etc.);

3. Design through the relationship between feature values of parts, load/boundary conditions, and feature parameters (such as surface area);

4. Support the design of large and complex composite components (regular arrangement of series components, alternating arrangement, various programmable methods for Pro/PROGRAM parts design, etc.).

5. Complete correlation across all applications (any change in one place will cause every change related to it). Other auxiliary modules will further enhance the basic functions of the extended Pro/ENGINEER.

ASSEMBLY

Pro/ASSEMBLY is a parameterized assembly management system that provides user defined means to generate a set of assembly series and automatically replace parts. Pro/ASSEMBLY is an extension option module of Pro/ADSSEMBLY that can only run in Pro/Engineer environments. It has the following functions:

1. Automatic part replacement within the assembly (alternating)

2. Combination of rule arrangement (supporting subset of assembly parts)

3. Part generation in assembly mode (considering existing parts within the component to generate a new part)

4. There is a Pro/Program module in Pro/ASSEMBLY that provides a development tool. Enable users to write automated programs for parameterized parts and assembly on their own, which allows non technical users to generate custom designs by simply inputting some simple parameters.

5. Component features (drawing additional feature values for components composed of parts and wide components, such as adding a welding feature between two types of parts).

CABLING

Pro/CABLING provides a comprehensive cable routing feature package for truly designing 3D cables and wire bundles within Pro/ENGINEER components. The laying of three-dimensional cables can be carried out simultaneously during the design and assembly of electromechanical devices, and it also allows engineering designers to optimize the design of mechanical and cable spaces. Pro/CABLING features include:

1. New features include: cables, wires, and wire harnesses;

2. Design connectors for parts and components;

3. Laying cables, wires, and wire bundles on Pro/ENGINEER parts and components;

4. Generate cable/wire bundle linear length and BOM information;

5. Generate a 3D cable bundle wiring diagram from the laid components;

6. Cable separation and connection for parameter positions;

7. Calculation of spatial distribution requirements, including interference checks;

8. Cable quality characteristics, including volume, mass inertia, and length;

9. Designated symbols for plugs and wires.

CAT

Pro/CAT is an optional module that provides a bidirectional data exchange interface between Pro/ENGINEER and CATIA. The shape of CATIA can be directly input into Pro/ENGINEER software, and Pro/ENGINEER function definitions and parameter processes can be added. Pro/Engineer can also output its shape to CATIA software. This highly accurate data exchange technology allows designers to expand their investment in existing software systems while saving time and design costs.

CDT

Pro/CDT is an optional module for Pro/ENGINEER, providing a direct interface for bidirectional data exchange between PROFESSIONALCADAM and Pro/ENGINEER for CADAM 2D engineering drawings. The files of CADAM engineering drawings can be directly read into Pro/ENGINEER, or can be output or read into any workstation running Pro/ENGINEER through PROFESSIONAL CADAM in a neutral file format. Pro/CDT avoids the problem of exchanging information through standard file formats, and allows new customers to continue to enjoy the original CADAM database after transferring to Pro/ENGINEER.

COMPOSITE

Pro/COMPOSITE is an optional module for Pro/ENGINEER that requires running in both Pro/ENGINEER and Pro/SURFACE environments. This module can be used for designing and composite sandwich material components. Pro/COMPOSITE has complete correlation in the application environment of Pro/ENGINEER, and the parameterization and feature technology provided by this automation tool is applicable to every step of the entire design process.

DEVELOP

Pro/DEVELOP is a user development tool that allows users to combine their own or third-party application software and run it in the Pro/ENGINEER software environment. Pro/IDEVELOP includes a subroutine library for the 'C' language, used to support the Pro/ENGINEER interface and directly access the Pro/ENGINEER database.

DESIGN

Pro/DESIGN can accelerate the design of large and complex sequential components. These tools can easily generate assembly diagram hierarchy levels, non parametric assembly concept design on 2D layout, parametric concept analysis on 2D layout, and 3D component layout. Pro/DESIGN can also automatically assemble parts using 2D floor plans. It must run in the Pro/Engineer environment. Its functions include:

1. Design of connection hierarchy level for 1.3D assembly drawings;

2. Determination of overall and local dimensions, proportions, and benchmarks;

3. Situation study - parameterized detailed sketches (2D solver, engineering records, and calculations) drawing;

4. Assembly: It is allowed to use 3D blocks to represent the positioning of components and the position of assembled parts;

5. Automatic assembly.