Prepare for your Interview success with this list of popular Creo interview questions. A must-read for all mechanical engineers looking for Creo Jobs.
Creo
Parametric is a CAD software developed by PTC Inc. Creo Parametric is one of the best software for 3D product design. Many small, medium, and large companies across the globe use Creo Parametric.
I am sure you know that learning Creo Parametric opens many job opportunities for mechanical engineers in the product design domain. If you are reading this, I am sure you have already learned Creo Parametric and are preparing for the job interview.
There is only one way for a company recruiting mechanical engineers to test the proficiency of candidates in using Creo Parametric for product design: “Tool Test.” However, considering the availability of the computers for a “Tool Test,” not every candidate will be offered the “Tool Test.”
As a first step, the candidate will be asked 10-20 questions related to Creo Parametric during the interview. So, enroll in this course, quickly prepare for your interview, and increase your chances of interview success.
Suppose you are an experienced engineer with many years of experience using Creo Parametric. There will be no “Tool Test” for you in that case. Instead, your proficiency will be tested only by your ability to answer interview questions related to Creo Parametric. If you can’t answer, it simply means you are not proficient in Creo Parametric.
Table of Contents
A) Expert Answers for Creo Interview Questions – General
01) What is Creo Parametric?
Creo is a CAD software used to create 3D models and 2D drawings. Also, Creo is the first-ever feature-based solid modeling CAD software in the market.
02) How do you configure Creo Parametric?
We configure Creo parametric by entering appropriate values in the configuration editor, config.pro
For example, by changing the value of “pro_unit_length” to “unit_mm,” we can set the default unit of length to mm. By default, the unit of length measurement in Creo parametric will be an inch.
03) What is a working directory in Creo Parametric?
The working directory is a folder designated to store Creo parametric files.
For example, suppose you are designing a chassis of a car. In that case, it s always a good practice to store all files related to the chassis in a specific folder. So, In Creo Parametric, we can designate the working directory by clicking on File, Options, Environment, Browse the working directory, and Select Working Directory.
04) How do you set the working directory in Creo Parametric?
In Creo Parametric, we can designate the working directory by clicking on File, Options, Environment, Browse the working directory, and then Select Working Directory.
05) What is a Trail File in Creo parametric?
A Trail file is an editable text file.
06) What’s the function of Trail File in Creo Parametric?
A Trail file records all the menu choices, dialog-box choices, selections, and keyboard entries of a working session
07) What’s the use of Trail File in Creo Parametric?
A Trail file helps the user to reconstruct a previous Creo Parametric session. Especially when the Creo Parametric session unexpectedly terminates.
08) What’s “unexpected termination” in Creo Parametric?
If the Creo Parametric window closes abruptly without giving an option for the user to save the data, it’s called unexpected termination.
09) Where do you find the Trail File?
The Trail file will be stored in the “Working Directory.”
10) How to run a Trail File?
It’s always better to make a copy of the trail file and then rename the trail file using windows explorer. Also, we need to remove the version number.
To run the Trail file, click on “File,” “Manage Session,” and then “Play Trail File.” Next, select the Trail File and then click Open.
11) How do you retrieve the data if the Creo Parametric window closes abruptly?
We can retrieve the data by running the Trail File.
12) What is a “version-number” in Creo Parametric?
To understand the version number, let’s take an example of a user working on a part model with the name “plate.”
When you save the plate. The plate gets saved with the name: “plate.prt.1”
If you save the plate again, a new version of the plate is created with the name: “plate.prt.2”
If you save the plate again, a new version of the plate is created with the name: “plate.prt.3”
To summarize, a new version of the File is created whenever you save a Creo Parametric File.
This .1, .2, .3 extensions are called version numbers
13) How do you display the version number of a file in Creo Parametric?
Displaying the version number of a Creo Parametric file can be done only from Windows Explorer.
On the Windows Explorer window, click on the “View” tab and then click on “Options,” and then select “Change Folder and Search Options.” Then under the “View” tab, uncheck the “Hide extensions for known file types.”
14) What are the file extension of a part assembly and drawing files in Creo Parametric?
.prt is the file extension of a part file
.asm is the file extension of an assembly file.
.drw is the file extension of a drawing file
15) What is an External Reference?
A feature on one part referencing a feature in another part is called an external reference. External references are created while editing a part in assembly mode. It is not advised to create external references in the final model; However, external references can be used to capture design intent while designing. External references can be deleted once the design is finalized.
16) What is a Quilt?
A quilt is a “patchwork” of connected non-solid surfaces.
17) What is a Freeform Surface?
The freeform surface is a command to create or modify a surface using control curves in 2 directions.
The advantage of the freeform surface command is that the surface can be modified interactively in real-time by dragging the grid points formed by the intersecting control curves in 2 directions. The freeform surface changes its shape based on the position of the grid points in real time.
18) How to enable a Freefrom Surface?
To enable a Freeform surface, set the value of “enable_obsoleted_features” to “yes” in config.pro
19) Give some examples of engineering features.
Holes, Rounds, Chamfers, Drafts, Shell, Ribs, and Cosmetic threads are a few examples of engineering features.
20) Give some examples of datum features.
Datum planes, Datum Axes, Datum Points, Datum Curves, and Coordinate systems are a few examples of datum features.
21) What is UDF?
UDF is User Defined Feature. A User Defined Feature is a group of features that can be repeatedly placed in a component — for example, the “dog house” in an automotive plastic part.
22) What are the two types of UDFs?
The two types of UDFs are a Stand Alone UDF and a Subordinate UDF.
23) What is the difference between a Stand Alone UDF and a Subordinate UDF?
A Stand Alone UDF is independent of the parent part. If you change the features of the UDF in the parent part, nothing happens to the UDFs used in other parts.
However, a Subordinate UDF is dependent on the parent part. Therefore, the changes made in the UDF of the parent part reflect in all places where the UDF is used.
24) As a designer, Which UDF do you prefer? A Stand Alone UDF or a Subordinate UDF?
A Subordinate UDF enables standardization. Let’s take an example of the “dog house” in an automotive plastic part. If we want the dimensions of the “dog house” not to change, then we use Subordinate UDF. However, a Stand Alone UDF is preferred if the designer can change the dimensions of the “dog house” per his design requirements. UDF is essential for repetitive features, as it improves productivity.
25) What are the advantages of a UDF?
UDFs improve the productivity of designers and also helps in the standardization of design.
26) What is Design Intent? How can you achieve design intent in Creo Parametric?
The design intent defines the functional requirements of a product. A simple example is that a table’s top surface should be parallel to the ground.
Another example is the design of gears for power transmission. The shape, size, and number of gear teeth should satisfy the torque and speed requirements.
Another example is the position of the charging port on the mobile phone. It can be positioned at the center or at a specific distance from the ends.
27) How can you achieve design intent in Creo Parametric?
The design intent is achieved using the three capabilities of Creo parametric.
Number 1, Feature-based Modeling,
Number 2, Parametric Design, and
Number 3, Associative Design.
28) What is Feature-Based Modeling in Creo Parametric?
Individual geometric features are created one after another to design a part in Creo Parametric. This approach is known as Feature-based Modeling. Let’s take an example of a plate with two holes. First, the plate is created using the Extrude command. Next, a hole is created using the Hole command, and the Second Hole is created using the pattern command. This approach of designing parts by creating individual geometric features one after another is called Feature-Based Modeling.
29) What is Parametric Design in Creo Parametric?
The interrelationship between the geometric features is referred to as the Parametric Design. Let’s take an example of a plate with a hole. Suppose the design intent is to position the hole at the center of the plate. In that case, we can constrain the hole to the center of the plate using sketcher constraints or relations. So, even when we change the plate’s size, the hole’s position will always be at the center of the plate.
30) What is Associative Design in Creo Parametric?
The design intent reflects in all the associated parts, assemblies, drawings, etc. Let’s take an example of a plate with a hole. Suppose you change the position of the hole in the part. In that case, the position of the hole in the drawing updates automatically to the new position. Likewise, suppose a fastener is assembled to this hole in an assembly. In that case, the position of the fastener will also automatically update to the new position.
31) What is the Top-Down Design in Creo Parametric?
In the Top-Down design approach, the top-level assembly is created first. Then all the parts and subassemblies are created under the top-level assembly. The Top-Down design approach is used in products that undergo frequent design changes.
32) What is the Bottom-Up Design in Creo Parametric?
In the Bottom-Up design approach, the parts are created first, then the sub-assemblies, and then finally, the top-level assembly. The Bottom-Up design approach is used in products with mature designs that are expected not to undergo significant design changes.
33) What is the difference between the Top-Down Design and Bottom-Up Design in Creo Parametric?
| Top-Down Design Bottom-Up Design | Bottom-Up Design |
| The top-level assembly is created first. | The Parts are created first. |
| The parts and sub-assemblies are created under the top-level assembly. | The parts are assembled to create sub-assemblies and then the top-level assembly. |
| Suitable for new product designs, which undergo frequent design changes. | Can be adopted once the design matures and is not expected to experience significant design changes. |
34) What is a feature, a part, and an assembly in Creo Parametric?
A feature is an individual geometry—for example, datum planes, extrusions, holes, chamfers, fillets, etc.
A part is a collection of features—for example, a plate with a hole, a connecting rod, etc.
An assembly is a collection of parts—for example, a car jack, the chassis of a car, etc.
35) What is a mini toolbar in Creo Parametric?
A mini toolbar appears when you select an item using the left mouse button.
36) What is a shortcut menu in Creo Parametric?
A shortcut menu appears when you right-click using the mouse.
37) What are Parent-Child relationships in Creo Parametric?
Let’s take an example of a plate with a hole. First, we will create the plate using the extrusion command and then create the hole using the hole command. Now the extrusion will become the parent of the hole, or in other words, the hole becomes the child of the extrusion. Then, if we assemble a fastener into this hole in assembly, the fastener becomes the child of the plate with a hole. In other words, the plate with a hole becomes the parent of the fastener. This relationship is called the parent-child relationship. Note the child features or parts can not exist without parent features or parts.
B) Expert Answers for Creo Interview Questions – Sketcher
01) What is Intent Manager in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
The intent manager in Creo Parametric Sketcher automatically creates constraints. For example, if you create a horizontal line, the intent manager automatically assumes a horizontal constraint for the line. Then, we can right-click and apply the constraint. Similarly, the intent manager will automatically create dimensions for the sketched entities.
02) How do you reorient a sketch parallel to the screen in Creo Parametric?
To reorient the sketch parallel to the screen, click on the “Sketch View” command on the Graphics toolbar.
03) What is the “Clip Model” in Creo Parametric?
The “Clip Model” command on the Graphics toolbar hides the model geometry in front of the sketch plane.
04) What is a weak dimension in Creo Parametric?
The Intent manager in Creo Parametric automatically creates dimensions for sketched dimensions. These dimensions are referred to as system-generated dimensions or weak dimensions. The weak dimensions get automatically deleted when we create new dimensions. We can also right-click and convert weak dimensions into strong dimensions.
05) How to convert weak dimensions into strong dimensions in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
When we modify a weak dimension, it gets converted into a strong dimension. We can also right-click the dimension and select “Strong” from the shortcut menu.
06) How do you change the number of decimal places of dimensions in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
The configuration editor options can change the number of decimal places of dimensions.
“default_dec_places” is the Configuration Option for changing the number of decimal places of dimensions.
“default_ang_dec_places” is the Configuration Option for changing the number of decimal places of angular dimensions.
07) How to switch off the selection points snapping to Grid in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
“grid_snap” is the Configuration Option used to switch on or off the selection points snapping to Grid in Creo Parametric Sketcher.
08) How do you customize the Sketcher Environment in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
The Sketcher Environment can be customized using the Creo Parametric Options dialog box. The Creo Parametric Options dialog box to customize Sketcher can be accessed by clicking on File, Options, and Sketcher.
09) How do you ensure the Sketch Point Snaps to Model Geometry in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
Sketch Point Snapping to Model Geometry can be enabled by enabling Snap to Model Geometry and Instant Snapping to Model Geometry in Snapping Settings.
10) How do you replace a missing reference of a Sketch in Creo Parametric?
We can replace the reference using the “Replace” command in the sketch References dialog box.
11) What would happen to unused Sketch Reference in Creo Parametric?
Creo Parametric will automatically delete unused Sketch Reference.
12) How do you convert a geometric element into a construction element in Creo Parametric?
We can convert a geometric element into a construction element by selecting the element and then using the Construction command on the mini toolbar.
13) What is Dynamic Constraining in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
While sketching, Creo Parametric offers applicable constraints, and the geometry snaps to these constraints. For example, suppose we have to draw a horizontal line. In that case, all we have to do is try and draw a horizontal line, which automatically constrains to horizontal.
14) While sketching, How do you disable snapping to model geometry in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
While sketching, we can disable snapping to model geometry by holding the Shift button on the keyboard.
15) How many undo and redo operations are possible in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
By default, Creo Parametric Sketcher offers 200 undo and redo operations. However, we can increase this to a maximum of 500 operations by changing the sketcher_undo_stack_limit to 500.
16) What is the difference between Construction and Datum elements in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
Construction elements like Construction Points, Construction Centerlines, and Construction Coordinate Systems can’t be used as a reference outside the Sketcher. In contrast, Datum elements like Datum Points, Datum Centerlines, and Datum Coordinate Systems can be used as a reference outside the Sketcher.
17) How do you retain the line style and color of the copied Sketch in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
We can retain the line style and color of the copied sketch by setting the sket_import_geometry_line_style configuration option to yes
18) What type of Sketcher Selection Filters are available in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
Sketch Filters help us select only the required sketch elements. There are four types of Sketcher Filters – All, Geometry, Dimension, and Constraint.
19) What is Sketcher Palette in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
A Sketcher Palette is a library of predefined shapes that can be inserted into an active sketch. The Sketcher Palette has Polygons, Profiles, Shapes, and Stars.
20) What is Auto Scaling in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
Weak dimensions are automatically created when we create the sketch for the first time for a part in Creo Parametric. Then when we modify the first weak dimension, all other weak dimensions will scale proportionally. This is Auto Scaling.
21) How do you disable Auto Scaling in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
Auto Scaling is an excellent feature in Creo Parametric. There is no need to disable this feature. However, the Autoscaling feature can be disabled by unchecking the “Auto scale” in File > Options > Sketcher > Dimensions
22) Why do you want to replace a dimension in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
We need to replace a dimension so that the symbolic dimension (sd#) can be retained. Replace dimension will help preserve additional information associated with the original dimension, for example, GD&T symbols and extra texts.
23) What happens when you enter negative values to linear dimensions in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
When we enter negative values into linear dimensions, the geometry reverses the direction. As a result, the negative sign appears in front of the dimension.
24) How do you change the number of decimal places of dimensions in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
We can change the number of decimal places of dimensions by updating the value of “Number of decimal places for dimensions” in File > Options > Sketcher > Accuracy and Sensitivity
25) Why do you lock a dimension in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
We lock dimensions in the Sketcher to prevent accidental modifications.
26) What is a Known Dimension in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
A Known Dimension is created if we create a dimension for an existing geometry. This Known Dimension will have a symbol prefix kd#. These known dimensions can be used to create relations. However, it is better not to create relations at the Sketch level.
27) What is the difference between the Angle and the Total Included Angle in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
An angle dimension is created between two non-parallel lines. A Total Included Angle is created between a centerline and a non-parallel line. When a Total Included Angle is created, an Angle dimension is created between the non-parallel line and an imaginary symmetric non-parallel line with reference to the center line.
28) How do you dimension an Elliple in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
We can dimension the major axis and minor axis of the ellipse. Then we can create two positional dimensions and one orientation or angular dimension.
29) How do you dimension a Spline in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
We can dimension the endpoints and the interpolation points of the spline with reference to the x-axis and y-axis.
30) What is “var” in the Perimeter dimension?
“var” is a varying dimension. So, while creating the perimeter dimension, we must select the chain of geometric entities and varying dimension. Then, “var” is added to the varying dimension, and we won’t be able to modify this dimension. So, When we modify the perimeter dimension, the “var’ dimension updates accordingly.
31) What is Replace Entity in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
We can replace the sketch entities with the Replace command available on the minitoolbar. The advantage of replace entity is that the child features won’t fail and will automatically get updated.
32) What are Sketcher Constraints in Creo Parametric?
Sketcher Constraints are restrictions and relationships applied to sketcher elements. For example, we can apply vertical and horizontal constraints to a line. We can also apply relationships between two sketched elements, like making them perpendicular to each other, parallel to each other, symmetric with reference to a center line, etc.
33) What is a constraint conflict in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
Constraint conflict arises when you provide incompatible constraints to sketcher elements. For example, if you constrain a line as both vertical and horizontal, it’s constraint conflict.
34) What is a Weak Constraint in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
When we create sketch elements, weak constraints are automatically generated.
35) What options are available to resolve a conflict in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
We get three options to resolve a conflict in Creo Parametric Sketcher. They are Undo, Delete, and Dimension Reference.
We can Undo the changes which created the conflict.
We can delete a constraint or a dimension to resolve the conflict.
We can also convert a dimension to a reference dimension to resolve the conflict.
36) What is the function of “Shade Closed Loops” in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
To create solid extrusions, the sketch should be a closed-loop. The Shade Closed Loops command shades the closed loop in pale yellow color.
37) What is the function of “Highlight Open Ends” in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
To create solid extrusions, the sketch should be a closed-loop. The Highlight Open Ends command highlights the open ends with red dots.
38) What is the function of “Highlight Overlaps” in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
To create solid extrusions, the sketch should be a closed-loop. The “Highlight Overlaps” command highlights any overlapping geometry with green color.
39) What is the function of ” Highlight Intersections” in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
To create solid extrusions, the sketch should be a closed-loop. The “Highlight Intersections ” command highlights any intersecting geometry with a red dot.
40) What is the function of ” Highlight Junctions ” in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
To create solid extrusions, the sketch should be a closed-loop. The “Highlight Junctions” command highlights any junctions geometry with a red dot.
41) What is a “Junction” in Creo Parametric Sketcher?
Junction is a point where three or more endpoints coincide, a tangent point, OR a point on an entity.
42) What is Sketch Region in Creo Parametric?
Usually, the sketch should be closed-loop to create extrude, Revolve, and Fill. However, we can select closed-loop regions within intersecting sketches using Sketch Region.
C) Expert Answers for Creo Interview Questions – Part Modeling
Coming Soon, Leave a comment..
D) Expert Answers for Creo Interview Questions – Assembly
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C) Expert Answers for Creo Interview Questions – Drawing
Coming Soon, Leave a comment..
All the Very Best. I wish you GREAT SUCCESS in your Job Search.
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