wildfire 2.0 offset feature - need help asap

[buzzsmith]

I am trying to place embossed text onto a solid model, using Wildfire 2.0. In Pro/E 2001, I would select Feature->Create->Tweak->Offset. Once in the sketcher, I'd select Sketch->Advanced Geometry->Text and start typing.
Here's the problem:
In Wilfire 2.0, I can select the surface of the solid I want the lettering on and then select Insert->Offset. Unfortunately, if I created the lettering sketch ahead of time, I cannot select it. However, if I want to create the sketch during feature creation, the text sketching tool is greyed out.
We are an aluminum foundry that produces castings for aerospace & defense and are required to create raised lettering on our castings daily. The inability to do this after years of doing so in Pro/E is a big problem.

 

[ianp71]

Did you mean 'edit/offset'?
I would select the surface, do edit/offset/expand and change to sketched region. You should be able to sketch the new section. There are 3 options under offset - normal offset, expand and expand with draft - these are under the drop down menu in the dashboard.
I don't have Wf2 open atthe moment but I have done this recently in the smae manner you need.

 

[Guest0527211403]

I have had a similar problem in the past.

Keep your initial lettering sketch. Start the tool using the expand (with draft, if it is necessary) option in the offset menu, and select the same plane as the sketch. Go to wireframe mode, and select the "Use Edge" tool in sketcher. Choose the "Loop" option in the popup window. Select each of the letters in the original text sketch. The loop selection should make it easier.

It's kind of a workaround, but this is the best help I can give you in the "ASAP" time frame. I hope you don't have TOO much text to click on.

I don't know why it won't let you choose the skecth. This is an issue, since Wildfire 2 is supposed to have the option to have parametric text entered on sketches. If this is the only way to get it to a solid part, the feature will definitely fail every time you change the text, since you are messing with the references for the expand sketch.

They may have fixed this in a recent datecode, so you may want to make sure you have the most recent one available. Check with PTC to see if they at least know about this. I would but I'm no longer in a position to do so.

Hope it helped...