Always Be on the Bright Side SMARTColor

Understand intuitive Workflow

The software runs in part and assembly mode and brings its own ribbon entry along.

1. Set up color definitions and rules
Before using the application color definitions and rule sets need to be prepared.

2. Apply colors automatically by rules
Run a set of rules and watch how the model gets colored automatically.

3. Complete color application manually
If the predefined rules do not cover all intended situations, you may easily add the intelligent color definitions manually.

4. Export or publish model for downstream use
When using the STEP interface the current combined state is exported

Apply colors automatically and manually

Applying colors to the 3D mode can be carried out in two different ways. ‘Automatic’ by running a set of rules or ‘Manual’ by selecting surfaces from the geometry interactivley.

Automatic application

• ‘Apply’ a complete rule-set automatically with a single click.
• Colors are reliably applied within seconds.

Manual Selection

• The ‘Manual selection’ adds colors via interactive user selection.
• This interactive application remains even after re-applying the rules.

Use information dialog and color query

For analysis purpose the software provides an overview of already applied color codes and corresponding technology data. Additionally a query tool helps to get this information directly from the graphics screen.

Color Overview

• Tree like summary of all applied color definitions.
• Distinction between manually and automatically applied colors.
• Reset applied colors to master appearance.

Color query
Obtain the underlaying color information for a single colored face in the model.

Utilize multiple appearance states

SMARTColor makes use of the Creo functionality to support multiple appearance states within a single model. A color definition can be linked to a specific ‘Appearance State’ within a ‘Combined State’ of the 3D model. This can be used in different strategies using colors.

Context tree

• A context is a container that a unique rule-set and color category is assigned to.
• A ‘Combined State’ name (including an ‘Appearance State’) is directly linked to a context.

Combined and Appearance States

• Creo Parametric ‘Combined States’ contain multiple settings like Orientation or Appearance.
• Use the Creo Parametric ‘Combined State’ tabs to toggle between different appearances.

Create legend symbols automatically

SMARTColor allows you to automatically display a legend of the colors used in the current state. These symbols are placed flat-to-screeen in the Creo®  graphics window and are associatively linked to the colored surfaces.

Associative highlighting

• Flat-to-screen symbols as a legend to represent each used color.
• Associative link to corresponding geometry for highlighting and selection.
• Associativity is still maintained in CreoView.

Individual customization

• Use any custom Creo®  symbol as a legend symbol.
• Symbol height and position are controlled by configuration options.

Publish to different formats

Exporting or publishing is necessary in most cases to use the information in downstream software tools like NC or CMM programs. SMARTColor offers the following formats that all have specific characteristics.

STEP Export

• Very reliable for color information and already available for many years.
• The STEP format itself can currently only keep a single appearance state.
• Export the colors of the active ‘Appearance State’ to STEP.

Publishing to CreoView

• CreoView Express is a free viewing tool to be used in downstream functions.
• ‘Appearance States’ and even the associativity of the legend symbols are maintained.

Export to JT

• You will need a special Creo license to make use of this export type.

Native Creo data usage

• Re-using the native Creo data provides all color information even without SMARTColor running.
• Direct interfaces (i.e. to Hypermill) only read color information from the ‘Default All’ state.

Administrate color codes and rules

The software provides a single administration dialog that allows to set up the context structure, color definitions and rules easily.

Context structure

• Build up your individual context tree with as many branches as you like for different scenarios.
• The context allows to use different rule sets and colors in different ‘Combined States’.

Color definition

• Define your own colors as object entities.
• Add process data like tolerance values or surface finish information (PMI).
• Include a Creo symbol for later use within the legend.

Rule-set composition

• Define unlimited individual rules using a variety of characteristics, criteria and container.
• Combine any rule entities to rule-sets that are finally displayed in the user dialog.

Flexible context and object linking

• Assign rule-set and color category objects to the active context.
• Inherit the assignments throughout the context branches.

Use compatibility to EMX

SMARTColor will take advantage of other used B&W software products like Expert Moldbase (EMX).

Expert Moldbase integration

• Any geometry created by EMX (i.e. holes or cut-outs) are bringing parameters along that SMARTColor will direktly make use of.
• EMX templates are prepared for a later use of SMARTColor.
• A specific EMX configuration is provided within SMARTColor.