Assembly Design Fundamentals: CATIA Training

CATIA Training
Foils
Assembly Design
Fundamentals
Version 5 Release 8
January 2002
EDU-CAT-E-ASM-FF-V5R8
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002
Course Presentation
Objectives of the Course
In this course you will learn to create and manage CATProduct files
Targeted audience
New CATIA V5 Users
Prerequisites:
CATIA Part Design Fundamentals V5
1 day
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Introduction to Assembly Design

Assembling Components
Positioning Components Using Constraints
Analyzing Assembly
Editing Parts in an Assembly
Working with Components
Flexible Sub-Assemblies
p 4
p 12
p 42
p 97
p 122
p 139
p 177
Introduction to Assembly Design

You will become familiar with the main work on assemblies
such as inserting components and constraining them
Assembly Design QuickStart

Assembly Design Workbench Presentation
Assembly Design Workbench Presentation
You will learn about the Assembly Design Workbench by :
Accessing the workbench

Exploring the User Interface
Terminology
Understanding the general process
Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (1/2)

To access the Assembly Design Workbench,
Start CATIA, then select the Start menu choosing Mechanical Design and Assembly
Design.
Assembly Design
Workbench icon
The first time you access the Assembly Design Workbench if no window
is open , a new Product is created
Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (2/2)

You can insert Assembly Design Workbench in a list of your favorite worbenches and
acces it by the Workbench and Worbenches Toolbars.
Select Tools / Customize and drop Assembly

Design on the Favorites List
2a
2b
Acces by Worbench Toolbar
Acces by Worbenches
Toolbar
This Assembly Design Workbench can

be now acces at the Top of the Start
Menu
User Interface: Assembly Design Toolbars

Standard Toolbar
Compass
Filter Selection
Assembly tree
Scenes
Components
Constraint
Move
Catalog Browser
Weld Planner
Annotation
Product
Structure
Annotations
Measure
User Interface: Assembly Design Icons

Update
Text with Leader

Flag Note with Leader
Catalog
Browser
Measure Between
Measure Item
Measure Inertia
Manipulate
Snap
Explode
Coincidence Constraint
New Component
Contact Constraint
New Product
Offset Constraint
New Part
Angle Constraint
Existing Component
Fix Component
Replace Component
Fix Together
Product structure Reordering
Quick Constraint
Generate Numbering
Flexible/Rigid Sub Assembly
Product Init
Manage Representation
Change Constraint
Fast Multi-Instanciation
Reuse Pattern
Weld
Planner
Terminology
Active item is in blue
Component that is an
sub-assembly
Selected component
is highlighted
Component that
is a part
Part Number
Instance name by default is in

parenthesis
A component is the general terminology . It can be a part or a assembly (inside an assembly it is

called a sub-assembly).
An Assembly or Product is a collection of components and constraints them. Assembly
documents have the file extension CATProduct.
Parts and assemblies have a Part Number (the Name of the component).
All instances of a part or assembly have the same Part Number. Each instance can have its own
Instance Name that identifies the instance.
The active item is the item currently being edited. You make it active by double-clicking on it.
Selected items are highlighted.
10
General Process
Create a new assembly
or
open an existing one
Add, delete,
and replace
components
Position
components
using constraints
Analyze the
assembly
Design parts in the

context of the
assembly
Capture various states of

the assembly for analyzing
the design and preparing
for drafting
11
Assembling Components
You will learn to create a new assembly, add components, assign
properties, and save documents
Creating a New Assembly Document

Adding Components
Assigning Component Properties
Saving an Assembly Document
12
You will learn how to create a new Assembly Document
13
What is an Assembly Document ?

An Assembly Document is a document that is also called a Product because of its file
extension .CATProduct.
An Assembly or Product is a collection of components
In this example,
One file sub-clamp.CATProduct for 2 Instances
Full-clamp.CATProduct
A assembly may contain a

another assembly,
It is called a sub-assembly
Clamp-pad.CATPart
blank sheet behind the component

icon means that the component is
linked with an external file
14

Ways to create a new document:
1- Start menu
2- File menu
3- Workbench Icon
Assembly Design
Workbench icon
15
Assigning Product Properties

Description information, called Product Properties, can be keyed for the
new Assembly Document.
Product tab
Key the Part Number and

other properties
Properties
Right-click the assembly
16
Adding Components
You will learn how to add new and existing components to an assembly
17
What are Components ?

In its simplest form, a Component is a Part or Assembly that has been inserted into
an assembly. However, a Component can also be represented by data that is not
native to V5, such as V4 models, IGES, STEP, and VRML.
The root assembly
CATProduct component
CATPart component
V4 model component
Component that exists only

in the parent CATProduct
and does not have its own
file
18
Adding Components
There are three ways to insert components into an assembly: Contextual Menu,
Product Structure toolbar, and Insert Menu.
Fastest way is to right-click the assembly

(that will receive the component) and use
the Contextual Menu to insert the
component
Last way is to select the assembly and

use the Insert Menu
Most visible way is to select the

assembly and use the icons in the
Product Structure Toolbar
19
Inserting an Existing Component

Often you will want to insert existing files as components. Inserted files are not
copied into the assembly, they are just referenced by the assembly.
1
Existing Component
3a Choose a filter if desired (for example, CATPart, CATProduct,
model, etc)
3b Double-click the file to insert
You can import more than one component at

a time by selecting with the mouse while
holding the [SHIFT] or [CTRL] key
20
Inserting a New Part

New parts (CATParts) can be inserted on-the-fly while designing an assembly.
New Part
Press YES to define an origin for the new part

that is different from the origin point of the
assembly, otherwise press NO
If you pressed YES, select a point or a component to
define the origin of the new part
If you select a point, the origin of the new part
will be exactly this point
If you select a component , the origin point of the
new part will be the same as the origin point of the
selected component
Key a Part Number for the new part. This

sets the Part Number property.
21
User Setting: Turning ON Manual Input of Part Numbers

As a shortcut, Part Number properties can be keyed when inserting a new
part in an assembly.
1
Select Options... from

the Tools menu
Select Product
Structurebranch under
Infrastructure node
Select Product Structure

tab
Activate Manual input
Insert a New Part
22
Inserting a New Product

New assemblies (CATProducts) can be inserted on-the-fly. New Product Command will
create a new sub assembly in the selected component but also a new external
CATProduct file with the same name.
New Product
Key a Part Number for the new assembly. This

blank sheet behind the component

icon means that the component is
linked with an external file
23
Inserting a New Component

You can create a special type of component that exists only in the
parent CATProduct and does not have its own file.
1
Here are one component that exist in

the parent CATProduct and do not
have its own file.
You can insert in it components
New Component
Key a Part Number for the new assembly. This

There is no blank sheet behind the

component icon : there is no link with
an external file.
24
Why Inserting a component from a catalog ?

It can be useful to insert in your assembly standard components that
are only available through Catalogs where they are referenced
This screw which

is referenced in a
catalog needs to
be inserted in
your assembly
25
Inserting a component from a catalog

In the Assembly Design Workbench you can insert components from
catalog referencing CATPart files or CATProduct files
1
In standard toolbar, select the Catalog Browser

2
Open chapters until you

get the end chapter in
which the element you
want is referenced
(A)
(B)
To insert the element inside your document you can either :

- drag and drop it in the destination product (A)
- make a copy with contextual menu of element and paste in
destination product of your document (B)
26
Copy-and-Paste a Component
Copy-and-Paste is an easy way to duplicate a component.
Another way to copy-and-paste a component

is to press [CTRL] while dragging the
component onto the assembly.
[CTRL] key
After pasting there are two

instances of the part
1 Right-click the
component to be copied
You can also use shortcuts
Copy
Instance name
Right-click the assembly in which you

want to paste the component
4
Paste
27
Assigning Component Properties

You will learn how to set component text properties
28
What are Component Properties ?

Component Properties can be assigned to distinguish
or describe an instance of a component.
Component Properties:
Component Property values
can vary by component.
Instance Name
These properties are stored

in the parent assemblys
CATProduct file.
Product Properties:
Product Property values are
the same for all instances of
the component.
When the component is a
CATPart or CATProduct,
these properties are stored in
the CATPart or CATProduct.
When the component is a V4
model, they are stored in the
in the parent assemblys
CATProduct file.
29
Assigning Component Properties (1/2)

Nodes Customization.
1
Select Tools / Options.

2
Part Number
Select Product Structure and

Nodes Customization
Instance
Name
Activate Customized Display and

select yours desired options
30
Assigning Component Properties (2/2)

Like other properties, component text properties can
be easily accessed from the contextual menu.
4
5
Right-click the component
Component
Property
values can
vary by
component.
Product tab
Key an Instance Name

and/or Description
Properties
Product Property
values are the same
for all instances of a
part or assembly.
31
Saving an Assembly Document

You will learn how to save an Assembly Document
32
Saving an Assembly Document ...

There are various ways to save an Assembly Document and
child documents.
Save will save the active components document and

child documents of the active document
Save As... is similar to Save, but it allows you to specify
the name and folder for the active document
Save All will save all the open documents that have been
modified since last save
Save Management will propose saving all open documents
and children of these document, but you can control names
and locations of all of them
Only those documents that have been modified will be saved or proposed to
save.
33
Saving a Document under another Name

Save As allows a file name and folder to be specified. It allows you to create a
brand new document with new internal identifiers.
1
Activate the document to be saved
The active CATProduct document and any modified

child documents will be saved
3 Specify a file name

and folder
Save As...
4
Specify if you want to regenerate

internal identifiers
Regenerating Internal
Identifiers will avoid
instantiation conflicts
with the reference34
Saving all Modified Documents

Save All is an easy way to save all modified documents
which are not new or read only documents.
1
Save All
2a If all the documents modified since last
save are not new (just created) or read
only files, you wont have any message
and CATIA will save them
If some of the documents modified since last save

are new (just created) or read only files you will
2b have this message
All modified open documents will be

saved, regardless of which document is
active
3b
And clicking on OK will give
you access to the Save All
As command
35
What is Save Management ?

This command is useful to save all the modified or linked documents under
selected names and directories
Modified Components
36
Save Management (1/5)

This command is useful to save all the modified documents under other names and
directories
1
Make modifications on
components
In this case, editing the Axis.CATPart

file , we have increased the diameter of
pad1 from 10 to 13 mm and the
AxisNut.CATPart was impacted and
modified also. We do have 4 modified
documents
37

This command also remind you of what you have modified since last save.
No save as will be performed

until you have clicked on OK
Select Save Management from

File menu
If the file has been modified

or saved since last load, it is
indicated in the State
column
Select the file you

want to save
Names of all files

currently used are
displayed ...
Select Save as...
and their paths

as well .
Number of unsaved modified files since

last load
38
This command also remind you of what you have modified since last save.
5
Select the destination folder and name

of the new created file and select
Save
Destination
Folder
Name
Save is indicated for the selected

document, and Save Auto for its child
documents
Actions that will

be performed
when clicking Ok
39

This command automatically save impacted files too
If you click on OK as there are
still unsaved files left, CATIA
will display this message...
...and will save only the

documents that have a Save
or Save Auto Action
If you select for the save as a CAT product and if other modified documents are referenced by it ,
those ones will get Save auto in the Action column and will be saved when clicking Ok
Once you have saved a product in a new directory, you

have the possibility to save the files referenced by the
product into this directory just by clicking on the
propagate directory button.
To know what are documents called by a

CATProduct, use Links command from Edit
menu or Desk from File menu
40

You can change your mind about the way you save the document thanks to Reset button
and it is not mandatory to save a document under another name thanks to Save button.
You can get back the original state of the document by selecting it and
clicking on Reset
You can choose to keep same name and folder for a document and in this
case use the save button
41
Positioning Components using Constraints

You will become familiar with positioning components in an
assembly using assembly constraints
Freely Moving Components

Creating Assembly Constraints
Updating Assembly Constraints
Creating Quick Constraints
Multi Constraints Modes
Hiding Constraints
Filtering Constraints
42
Freely Moving Components

You will learn how to use the Compass to freely move
components which makes it easier to position components when
setting assembly constraints
43
How the Compass can be Used ?

The Compass can be used to pan and rotate the entire session
or freely drag and rotate components in an assembly.
Panning and rotating the
entire session
Freely dragging and

rotating components
You will find it convenient to freely drag
and rotate component to make it easier to
create assembly constraints
Here the entire session rotated

around the X-axis.
The rotation is temporary because
it is not stored in CATPart or
CATProduct documents.
Here a component is freely

rotated around the X-axis.
The rotation may be permanent
because it is stored in
CATProduct documents.
44
Positioning the Compass to Move a Component

The first step in freely moving a component is to position the
Compass on a component.
1
Move your cursor over the little red

square of the compass to get this
cursor icon
Press and hold down MB1 to drag the

compass. When moved, the compass
takes this shape.
If you release MB1 before any
component selection, the compass will
return to this point.
A component is selectable when this
point disappears
3
Green highlighted compass means that a
component is selected and that you can
move it
When the component is selectable, the compass takes the

orientation of the geometric element that is under the
compass. To select, release MB1.
Once a component is selected , you can

select any other one by clicking on it, and
compass when moving will drag it.
45
Freely moving a Component using the Compass

Here are the basic steps for freely moving a component.
Place the compass on a

component
Select the type of movement by moving

the cursor on the Compass. The
highlighted compass elements indicate
the available movement.
Translation along
an axis
Translation along
a plane
Rotation around
an axis
Rotation around the

origin of the compass
With MB1 held down,

move the component
To move a component while respecting

the constraints, press [SHIFT] while
pressing MB1 and moving the
component.
[SHIFT] key
46
Translating a Component using the Compass

Here are the basic steps for translating a component using the Compass.

component
2
Right-click on the compass and

select Edit...
3a Specify translation distances by:
Keying values; or
Selecting elements using the
Measure Distance button
Fix-Together the components if they will not

otherwise be constrained
3b Move the component by:
Selecting one of these - and + buttons

to move along the U, V, and W directions
Selecting one of these - and + buttons
to move along the U, V, and W directions
47
Rotating a Component using the Compass

Here are the basic steps for rotating a component using the Compass.

component
2
3a

select Edit...
Specify a rotation angle by:
Keying a value; or
Selecting elements using the
Measure Angle button
Fix-Together the components if they will not

otherwise be constrained
3b Move the component by:
Selecting one these - and + buttons

to rotate around the U, V, or W axis
48
Setting the Absolute Position of a Component

Here are the basic steps for setting the absolute position of a component.
Right-click on the compass and activate Snap

Automatically to Selected Object
Select a component and the compass will jump to the

origin of the selected component

select Edit...
The absolute position in the Compass Edit

window is actually the position of the compass,
not the position of the component.
4a
Specify a position by keying values
Move the component by pressing the

4b Apply New Position button
49
Creating Assembly Constraints

You will learn how to Position components setting Assembly Constraints
50
What are Assembly Constraints ?

Assembly constraints provide an intuitive way to position components with
respect to each other. The process for creating constraints is described here.
Fix-in-space one component in each

assembly that will serve as the base
Set the position of components by

specifying constraints
Using the Compass, freely drag and rotate

components to make adding constraints easier
Update (regenerate) the constraints to move

the components into position
51
Setting Assembly Constraints ...

You have several ways to reach constraints icons and several ways to
use them
To reach the icons, you can either use:
To set a constraint between two components, you can

either:
First click on the icon then select the Elements you
want to constraint
the Constraint toolbar

or the Insert Menu
or first select or multi select the elements to

constraint and click on the icon
Note that in the second case you may have to use the [Ctrl] key
to multi select elements whereas in the first case, CATIA will
be waiting for a next selection
52
Manual Update for Assembly Design

You control whether or not CATIA automatically updates assembly
constraints (positioning of components) after making a change.
1
Select Options... from the Tools menu
Activate Manual
Select Assembly Design branch under

Mechanical Design node
It is preferable to use Manual Update mode so that components do not move around
before being fully positioned (fully constrained).
53
Fixing a Component in Space (1/2)

Components that are Fixed in space return to their fixed-in-space
position when constraints are updated (regenerated).
Its a good idea to fix-in-space one component in
each assembly that will serve as the base
Select the component in the tree

or in geometry
The component is fixed in

space
Fix
54
After Update
Drag Cric Frame with
the Compass
CRIC_FRAME cant move

55
Fixing a Component (1/2)

Fix is like Fix in Space, but when constraints are updated, it will only stay at its current
place and will not go back to a fixed in space position.
Double-click the Fix constraint

3
Select the More>> button
Fix
4
Deactivate the Fix in Space
option
56
Drag Cric Frame with

the Compass
After Update
57
Fixing-Together Components
Components that are Fixed-Together move as a single entity when
updating (regenerating) constraints.
Select the components to be Fixed-Together
Fix Together
As a matter of practice, its a good idea to Fix-Together

components that will not otherwise be constrained. This
will ensure that components are not unintentionally
moved out of position.
58
User Setting: Turning On Fix-Together Warning

Fix-Together constraints are used to glue components together. Using the
Compass it is possible to unintentionally separate Fixed-Together components.
We will activate the warning so that components belonging to a Fix
Together constraint are not accidentally moved out of position.
1

the Tools menu
2
Select Assembly Design

branch under Mechanical
Design node
Use General
tab
Activate
warning
59
Disregarding the Fix-Together Warning

You will be warned when attempting to move a component that is Fixed-Together.
The warning can be disregarded, but beware that the new position is permanent.
For example, when attempting to

Snap this component
You will see this warning
After pressing OK you can continue to

move the component
But beware that pressing Update will not move the

component back in position. It has a new position
within the Fix-Together
Immediately press Undo if you did not intend

to move the component.
60
Creating a Coincidence Constraint (1/2)

Coincidence creates alignment that can be coaxial, coplanar, or merged
points.
coaxial
coplanar
Coincidence
Select the two elements to

specify the constraint
merged
points
The constraint is created and the

elements are aligned
61
Creating a Coincidence Constraint (2/2)

Concerning coplanar alignment, CATIA gives a choice of orientation with two
green arrows
1
Coincidence
Select two planes as

geometric elements for
the constraint
3
Just click one of those green
arrows to invert the orientation
of the moving component.
1st
selection
2nd selection
When putting a constraint between

two components, the moving
component will be the first selected
if it is not fixed or fixed in space
Click on OK when the

orientation is correct
62
Creating a Contact Constraint

Contact mates two planes or faces.
Contact

The constraint is created and the

elements are mated
Notice that the Pre-selection

Navigator to select elements
that are hidden
63
Creating an Offset Constraint

Defines an offset between two elements.
1
Offset
2

3a Key the offset
1st selection
2nd selection
3b Select the orientation

By clicking on a green arrow
By selecting an orientation in
the Orientation Combo box
4 Click on Ok when
you are satisfied
with specifications
64
Creating an Angle Constraint (1/2)

Defines angle, parallelism and perpendicularity.
1
Angle
The constraint is created and

the elements are offset

3a
Select the type
3b
Key the angle
65
Creating an Angle Constraint (2/2)

Concerning parallelism between two planes, CATIA gives a choice in the orientation of
the components.
1
Angle
Click OK when
satisfied with
specifications
Select two planes as

geometric elements to
Select the type
4 Select the
orientation
By clicking on a green arrow
By selecting an orientation in
the Orientation Combo box
66
Constraint Rules
There are a few simple rules that CATIA automatically enforces.
You can apply constraints only between the child components of the active component.
You cannot define constraints between two geometric elements belonging to the same component
You cannot apply a constraint between two components belonging to the same sub-assembly if
this sub-assembly is not the active component.
(3) This constraint can be applied since Product
C belongs to the active component Product B
and also Product E is contained within Product D
which is contained within the active component
Product B.
(2) This constraint cannot be applied because
Product E and Product F both belong to a
component other than the active component
Product B. To define this constraint, Product D
must be made active.
(1) This constraint cannot be applied because
Product K does not belong to the active
component Product B. To define this constraint,
Product A must be made active.
67
Assembly Assistant
This assistant will warn you when you make mistakes putting constraints
1 This warning appears when you have switched on the setting
only use the published geometry and try to select a non
published element for a constraint
2 This warning appears when you try to constrain a component

which does not belong to the active product
3 This warning appears when you try to constrain two

elements which belong to the same component
(4)
68
Updating Assembly Constraints

You will learn how to Update assembly constraints
69
What is Updating Constraints ?

Updating or regenerating constraints is the way to move components
into their assembled positions as specified by the constraints.
Here the coincidence constraint

is not updated
Here the coincidence constraint

is updated
70
Updating Constraints ...

The scope of the update can be applied to all constraints or just
individual constraints.
To update all the constraints and parts of

the assembly, click on the Update icon in
the Update Toolbar
1
Update
needed
Update
done
As a matter of practice, its a good idea to update

an assembly before saving it. This will enable
improved performance when opening assemblies,
especially when using Manual Update.
Its also a good idea to update sub-assemblies

before activating another assembly. This avoids
unintended results when updating constraints.
To update an individual constraint, right-click on

a constraint in the tree or 3D and select Update
Update
needed
Update
done
1
71
Options for Updating Assembly Constraints

Updating can be Manual or Automatic. Updating can be applied to the
active level of the assembly or all levels.
1
Click on Options in the

Tools menu
Select the Assembly

Design branch under
Mechanical Design node
Make your choices in

Update options
Select Manual because Automatic will modify your assembly

with each constraint creation
72
Handling Update Errors

When Updating, constraints are checked for conflicts where are also
called over-constraints.
Updating will display the Diagnosis Window if there are problems

such as over-constrained components
Deactivate is a way to turn OFF

a constraint without deleting it.
Later the problem can be
examined and the constraint
deleted or re-activated
Select a record
Select Deactivate or Edit
Edit displays the Constraint

Definition window where the
constraint can be edited or
reconnected to a different
element.
73
What is analysing Update ?

Analyzing Update allows you to know what are constraints and components in your
assembly that are updated or not and update them separately directly from where you are
Update Analysis
Dialog Box
constraints and
components to
be updated
74
Analysing Update (1/2)

Thanks to this command you will exactly know what constraints and
components are updated or not in your assembly and its sub-assemblies
1
Select Update from
Analyze menu
2
Update Analysis dialog box
appears and displays:
analyzed component
In Analyse tab
Constraints of the
analyzed component
that are to be updated
Sub Assemblies of the
analyzed component
Constraints of the
sub assemblies that
are to be updated
Representations of parts
75
Analysing Update (2/2)

This command displays also for you a selector which allows you to choose
and update any unresolved feature directly from where you are
This combo Box displays
all assemblies and
sub_assemblies available
for analyze
In Update tab
List of the
unresolved
components
3
Select or multiselect in the list
the features you
want to update
4
Click on
Update icon
6
5
Once you have

finished with Update
Analysis, Click on OK
Component is updated in the

geometry and does no more
appear in the list
76

You will learn how to ease the creation of constraints using the Quick
Constraint capability
77
What are Quick Constraints?

Quick Constraint is a way to create constraints while letting the
system partially decide which type of constraint to create.
You simply select two elements and let CATIA decide

which type of constraint to create
2
If you wanted a different type of constraint,

just click Change Constraint
You can set the preference for automatic

constraints using Tools + Options (Assembly
Design Node + Constraints tab)
78

Creating a Quick Constraint is as simple as selecting two elements.
Quick Constraint
2

79
Changing a Constraints Type

You can change the type of any Assembly Constraint
whether or not it was created using Quick Constraint.
Select the constraint
Change Constraint
Select the type
80
Multi Constraints Modes

You will learn how to choose the way you will put several constraints
one after the other
81
What are Multi Constraint Modes?

When you have double clicked on a Constraint command, you will have three
ways to put the several constraints:
Default Mode when

no geometric
element is shared
between
constraints
Chain Mode when

several geometric
elements are each
shared between two
constraint
Stack Mode when a

geometric element is
shared between all the
constraints
82
Default Mode for Multi Constraint

This mode allows you to select two after two, geometric elements involved in
constraints
1
Select Default Mode in

MultiConstraint Mode Toolbar
3
Select elements
one after the
other, you will see
that as soon as
two elements are
selected, a
constraint is
created between
them
(1)
2
Double click on the
Constraint you
want to apply
several times
(4)
Once you have obtained all the needed constraints,

you must deactivate the command by clicking on it
83
Stack Mode for Multi Constraint

This mode allows you to select only once a geometric element that is shared
between several constraints of the same type
1
Select Stack Mode in

3
Select the first geometric element that
will be shared between the next created
(3) constraints
(1)
4
(4)
Select one after another geometric

elements you want to constrain with the
shared element.
Double click on the

Constraint you
want to apply
several times
5 Once you have obtained all the needed
constraints, you must deactivate the
command by clicking on it
(5)
84
Chain Mode for Multi Constraint

This mode allows you to select only once the shared element between two
consecutive constraints
Select Stack Mode in
(3)
3
(1)
Select one after t-he other the elements to be

constrained, specifying at each time the
parameters values, and each next constraint
will take as first geometric element the last one
selected for the previous constraint
2
Double click on the
Constraint you
want to apply
several times
Once you have obtained all the needed constraints, you must
4
deactivate the command by clicking on it
(4)
85
Hiding Constraints
You will learn how to Hide assembly constraint symbols in the geometry
86
What is Hiding Constraints ?

Hiding constraints can help remove clutter.
Cluttered screen
You can Hide individual
constraints
You can also Hide a

bunch of constraints at
the same time
Un-cluttered screen
87
Hiding Constraints ...

You can hide constraints as any other component of your assembly
just by selecting them and clicking on Hide/Show icon
You can either select the

constraint in the tree, in the
geometry or with selecting
tools such as Search
Hide/Show icon is either reachable

on View toolbar and View menu or
through the contextual menu of
the constraint
88
Hiding Individual Constraints

Hiding can be limited to one or more selected constraints.
Select a constraint in the tree or 3D
Select Hide/Show
You can hide more than one constraint at a

time by selecting with the mouse while holding
the [CTRL] key.
[CTRL] key
89
Hiding Constraints relative to a Component

An option in contextual menu of the component can be used to find and select all the
constraints which involve the component and can be subsequently hidden.
Right click on the

component in the tree
Select Components Constraints
Constraints relative to the

component are selected
4
Select Hide/Show
90
Hiding all the Constraints of an Assembly

You can hide at once all the constraints of an assembly.
1
Select first Constraint under Constraints

node in the tree
Keeping Shift Key Pressed, select last

constraint under Constraints node
(1)
(2)
[Shift] key
Select Hide/Show
91
Filtering Constraints
You will learn how to filter Hide assembly constraint symbols in the
geometry
92
What is Filtering Constraints ?

Constraint filter Options...
Defines the filter level: if Conditional Filter is selected, the filters below
are available
Displays the constraints according to their status:
Verified only , unverified only or all of them
Displays the constraints on

the active product
Displays the constraints

according to their type
93
Filter Constraints on an Active Product
Show only constraints of the active Product

94
Filter by Type (1/2)
Select or deselect the desired

types
You can filter and displays constraints according to

their type
95
Filter by Type (2/2)
96
Analyzing an Assembly
You will become familiar with tools created to analyze an
assembly
Measuring
Computing Clash and Clearance
Viewing Mechanical Properties
Analyzing Constraints
Analysing Degrees of Freedom
97
Measuring an Assembly
You will learn how to measure an assembly
98
What is Measuring an Assembly ?

Distance and angles can be measured. Individual geometric
elements can also be measured.
Measuring distance between the

axis of two different components
Measuring the length of a line
99
Measuring between Items (1/2)

You can measure angle and distance between geometric entities.
4b
Measure
Between
Optionally define how you want

to measure
Select the reference and target

elements
4a
Minimum distance and angle are

displayed in 3D and in the results
window
The window also displays components of distance vector and

coordinates of Reference and Target points
To select sub-elements like the

axis of a hole, right-click and
select Other Selection...
100
Measuring between Items (2/2)

You can select sub elements thanks to Other selections option.
Right click the

geometric element
Select Other selections
Expand the tree appearing in Other

selections dialog box
5
Sub element is
now under
selection in
CATIA and
highlighted
4
Select the sub
element
101
Measuring Items
You can measure geometric items.
Measure
Item
Select the item
Properties of the selected item are displayed in

3D and in the results window
Click the Customize button to

see the information that is
available for each type of element
102
Measuring Inertia
You can measure Inertia of components or geometric elements.
1
Measure
Inertia
Select the item
Properties of the selected item are

displayed in 3D and in the results window
Click the Customize button to

see the information that is
available for each type of element
103
Keeping Measure
You can keep results of measures as features in the tree
When Creating
your measure,
activate the Keep
Measure option
Each created measure will

be kept in the tree
And in the Geometry
And be saved in
the CATProduct file
Those measure features

contain parameters that
can be used in any
formula of the
Knowledgeware
104
Computing Clash and Clearance

You will learn how to test for clash and clearance violations between
components
105
What is Clash and Clearance ?

Clash analysis is used to check for interference between components.
Clearance analysis is used to ensure the proper clearance between components.
A clash violation occurs when one

component penetrates another
component
A clearance violation occurs when a
minimum distance between components
is not respected
For more powerful clash and clearance analysis,

see the DMU Space Analysis workbench
106
Computing Clash between 2 Components

The Assembly Design workbench enables checking for
interference between two components.
1
Click on Compute Clash in

the Analyze menu
3a Select Clash from the list
3b Click on Apply
Multi-select the components

using the [CTRL] Key
Clash violation is signaled
4a in the window
4b Clashes are highlighted
107
Computing Clearance between 2 Components

The Assembly Design workbench enables checking to
ensure clearance is respected between two components.
1
Click on Compute Clash in

the Analyze menu
3a
Select Clearance in
the list
Multi-select the components

using the [CTRL] Key
3b
Key in the
clearance value
3c
Click on Apply
Clearance violation is
4a signaled in the window
Components not respecting the

4b clearance are highlighted
108

You will learn how to check the mechanical properties of parts and assemblies
109
What are Mechanical Properties ?

Mechanical Properties indicate physical characteristics of parts and assemblies.
Structural Properties are assigned to

materials
Materials are assigned to parts

3
Mechanical Properties are computed based

on material that is assigned to parts
110

Mechanical Properties can be viewed, but not directly modified.
Properties
Mechanical tab
111
Applying a Material to a Part of the Assembly

Materials can be applied to components directly from the Assembly
Design Workbench.
1
Select Apply Material

icon
3
2
Drag and drop the

material onto the
component
Material is applied
and appears in
specification tree of
the part
Drop the material when you have

this cursor
on the
component you want to apply the
material to.
112
Analyzing Constraints
You will learn how to analyze the status of constraints and the
relationship between constraints and components
113
What is Analyzing Constraints ?

You will analyze a constraint by seeing its status and by identifying the
components involved in it.
In Constraint Analysis Dialog Box
Constraint Status can be seen :

In the Tree
A coincidence constraint can ( as any other type
of constraint ) be :
Not
updated
Deactivated
Unresolved
Active
A constraint is set between at less two components (except for the fixing constraint),
you will see them thanks to its display in specification tree or with the dependences
tree
Those are the components involved in

the constraint (CRIC_TOP.1 and Set1.1
are linked with Surface Contact.6)
114
Analyzing Constraints ...

Constraints can be examined to determine their status and how they relate to
other components.
The status of constraints can
be viewed to the tree
A global perspective of constraint status

can be viewed in an on-line report
The relationships between components and

constraints can be dynamically navigated
115
Analyzing Constraints in the Tree

The status of constraints can be viewed in the tree.
Select the plus-sign (+) on the

Constraints branch to expand
the branch
This symbol indicates that the constraint is deactivated.

This symbol indicates that the constraint not updated.
This symbol indicates that the constraint is unresolved which means
either:
The constraint is broken (for example, related component deleted); or
The constraint is impossible (for example, geometry modified and
constraint no longer possible)
116
Analyzing Constraints in the on-line Report

A global status of constraints can be viewed for the active assembly.
Activate the assembly to be

analyzed
Select Constraints from

the Analyze menu
The Constraints Analysis Window

appears and shows the status of the
constraints
117
Analyzing Constraint Relationships

The relationship between constraints and components can be
dynamically navigated.
1
Activate the assembly to be

analyzed
Select Dependence from

the Analyze menu
Right-click on a constraint and select Expand All to see which

components are associated with the constraint
You can also expand a

component, even the
top assembly
118
Analyzing Degrees of Freedom

You will learn how to analyze Degrees of Freedom on a component
119
What is a DOF ?
There are 6 Degrees of Freedom for each instance:
3 Degrees of Rotation and 3 Degrees of Translation
When there is no constraint on a instance. All Degrees are free
When a instance is full-constrained, all Degrees are fixed.

If you decide for example to fix
no degree of freedom
a instance, there is
120
Degrees of freedom Analysis

You can select one instance and analyse its degrees of freedom
121
Editing Parts in an Assembly

You will learn how to edit parts in-context of an assembly
Designing in-context of an assembly without external links

Aligning Components for Sketching
Using Local Axis for Snapping
122
Designing in-context
of an Assembly without external
You will learn how to design a part in-context of an assembly
links
without External References
123
What is Designing in-context of an Assembly ?

Part features and sketches can be design in-context of an assembly.
Parts can be sketched on the face

of neighboring components
3D elements from other components

can be projected onto and intersected
with the sketch plane
Parts can be edited in

context of an assembly
Sketch constraints can be defined
using elements in other components
Features can be limited

up-to other components
124
Designing in-context of an Assembly without links

Part features and sketches can be design in-context of an assembly with the Keep
link with selected object option deactivated.
No associativity in case
of Design modifications
Design in-context : these sketch

elements are copied from the Reference
Part ones into a Open Body.
125
Designing in-context of an Assembly with links

Part features and sketches can be design in-context of an assembly with the Keep
link with selected object option activated.
For more details, see the Assembly Design

Advanced Course to design in-context with
associativity.
Notice the green

color of the
wheel icon
Keep links in case of

design modification
126
Editing a Part
In order to edit a part, the part must be activated.
Select the plus-sign (+) next to

the part you want to edit
2
Double-click the branch that is

just below the one you
expanded
The part is active and the last

workbench used to edit a CATpart
document is displayed
The branch represents the

instance of the part
The branch represents the
actual part
Another way to easily activate a part

is to double-click the part in 3D
127
Sketching on the Face of a Component

A part can be sketched on the face of another component.
4
3
Select a face on a component
Select the Sketcher icon in the

Part Design workbench
Sketch on the face
Notice that a copy of the face

appears in the Open_body of the
active part
128
Defining Sketch Constraints using other Components

Sketch constraints can be defined using elements in other
components.
Select one element from the sketch and

another from a neighboring component
Define a constraint just as you would

when constraining two elements
within the sketch
Notice that a copy of the element

from the other part appears in
the Open_body of the active part
129
Projecting 3D Elements onto the Sketch Plane

3D elements from neighboring components can be projected
onto the sketch.
Project 3D
Elements
Select an element from a

neighboring component
Isolate the projected element from the original

element by right-clicking the element and
selecting xxx.object + Isolate
You can also project other types of

elements such as points and faces
(which projects the edges of the face)
130
Intersecting 3D Elements with the Sketch Plane

3D elements from neighboring components can be intersected
with the sketch.
Intersect 3D
Elements
Select an element from a

neighboring component
Isolate the projected element from the original

element by right-clicking the element and
selecting xxx.object + Isolate
You can also intersect other types of

elements such lines (which creates a
point at the intersection)
131
Limiting Features up-to other Components

You can select geometric elements of other components to design features of your
part
When defining features such as a

pad, set the limit up-to-plane or upto-surface
Select a face in a neighboring

component
132
Aligning Components for Sketching

You will learn how to align components so that the sketch plane of one
component is parallel to another component that is being sketched on
133
What is Aligning Components ?

Sometimes it is convenient and intuitive to align a part that is being sketched with
another component so that the sketch is parallel to the other component.
When designing in-context you will find it

useful to sketch on the face of another
component
In this case we want to sketch a

new part on this face
However, sometimes the part being sketched is not

oriented so that it is parallel to the component
being sketched on
The Snap function can be used to align the

part being sketched so that it is parallel to
another component
134
Snapping Components into Alignment

The Snap function provides a quick way to align components.
1
Snap
Select the planes and/or faces that

2 are to be made coplanar
3
Click on the
green arrow to
change the
orientation of
the moved part
Notice that
first selected
component
will move
5
Components
are correctly
positioned
relative to each
other
4
Click
somewhere in
the geometric
space to
validate the
position
135
Using Local Axis for Snapping

You will learn how to use local axis to snap components to each other
136
Why Snapping Local Axis?

The Snap function provides a quick way to align components but lines and points in the
geometry are needed for that.If you do not have any, Local Axis are useful
In this assembly, to build the

cylindrical part perpendicular
to the upper surface of the
other part, we needed Local
Axis
137
Snapping Local Axis of Components into Alignment

The Snap function provides a quick way to align components and you
can select planes, axis and point of Local Axis System to perform it.
2
1
Select the planes and/or faces that

are to be made coplanar
Select the green arrow to invert the

direction of the component
Snap
For snapping you can select on

Local Axis System:
Click somewhere else in the

geometry to validate
5
Planes are now aligned
Planes
Axis
Points
138
Working with Components

You will learn how to manage components of your assemblies
Using Visualization mode

Deleting Components
Duplicating Components
Replacing Components
Restructuring Components
Reordering Product Structure
139
Using Visualization Mode

You will learn how to use Visualization Mode to improve performance.
140
What is Visualization Mode?

Substantial performance improvements can be gained by using a light form of parts
and models, called Visualization Mode. Loading an assembly is faster when using Visualization
Mode.
Assemblies can be loaded with parts and models:
Fully resolved, called Design Mode; or
In a light form, called Visualization Mode
Parts and models in Design Mode are fully

loaded in memory, fully functional, and
completely accessible.
Notice that the screw branch is expandable
and therefore the PartBody is accessible.
Parts and model in Visualization Mode
are partially loaded in memory and
therefore partially functional and
accessible.
Notice that the screw branch is not
expandable and therefore the PartBody
is not accessible.
When parts and models are in Visualization Mode, just a subset of the
data is loaded in memory. The remaining data is loaded as needed.
141
User Setting : Turning On the Cache (1/2)

Turning ON the cache system will cause CATIA to automatically load parts and models
in Visualization Mode when opening assemblies.
1

the Tools menu
Select Product Structure branch

under Infrastructure node
3 Select Cache
Management tab
Activate Work with the cache system
The cache system is not activated until CATIA

is restarted
142
User Setting:Turning On the Cache (2/2)

Work without the Cache System
You can edit items
Work with the Cache System
Notice that the

branch is not
expandable and
therefore the
PartBody is not
accessible.
You work with the

cgr files:
Right-clicking selecting Design Mode also switches the part or model to

Design Mode:
143
Manually Switching to Design Mode

Parts and models can be manually switched to Design Mode.
1
When opening an assembly, parts and

models are in Visualization Mode
2a
Double-clicking a part or model in an

assembly switches it to Design Mode.
Note that all instances of the part or model
switch to Design Mode when any instance is
switched.
Right-clicking selecting Design Mode also

2b switches the part or model to Design Mode
Right-clicking an assembly and selecting Design Mode

switches all parts and model in the assembly to Design Mode.
144
Constraining Parts in Visualization Mode

Parts and models automatically switch to Design Mode when defining Assembly
Constraints.
1
Activate the option Automatic Switch to Design Mode
When opening an assembly, parts and

models are in Visualization Mode
Parts and models automatically switch to Design Mode

after assembly constraint is defined.
When a constraint icon has been selected, the mouse
cursor has a feather on it when hovering over a part or
model that is in Visualization Mode.
145
Automatic Switch to Design Mode

This setting allows you to put constraints between components that are on
visualization mode
Check that the

Automatic switch to
Design Mode option is
activated
Select the Constraint

Command
The Component on which you selected a

geometric element is now on Design Mode.
Select next element.
(2)
Note that constraint
commands are available
even if no components are
on Design mode
Around a geometry , the

cursor will have this shape
Click the geometry
5
Last component is now on Design

mode and constraint is created.
146
Updating Assembly Constraints and Visualization Mode

In order to update constraints, parts have to be in Design Mode.
Use
Analyze + Dependencies to identify the parts in the constraint network.
Select the component that
was repositioned
Select Dependencies
from the Analyze menu
Right-click the part or model and select Expand All to see

the components in the network of constraints
The graph lists the parts and model that should be switched to Design Mode
147
Deleting Components
You will learn how to delete components and their associated constraints
148
What is Deleting Components ?

Removing a component from an assembly is called deleting the component.
Deleting a component removes the
component from the assembly
But deleting a component does not delete

the referenced file from the hard drive
149
Deleting a Component
When deleting a component, you decide whether or not to delete the
constraints associated with the component.
In the tree of 3D, select the

1 component to be deleted
Press the <DELETE> key
Uncheck this box to not delete the

assembly constraints associated with
the component
These constant will be deleted

Components can also be deleted by right-clicking the
component and selecting Delete from the contextual menu
150
Duplicating Components
You will learn how to duplicate components
151
Copy-and-Paste a Component
Copy-and-Paste is an easy way to duplicate a component.
Another way to copy-and-paste a component

is to press [CTRL] while dragging the
component onto the assembly.
[CTRL] key
After pasting there are two

instances of the part
1 Right-click the
component to be copied
You can also use shortcuts
Copy
Instance name
Right-click the assembly in which you

want to paste the component
4
Paste
152
Setting Copy-and-Paste Options

You control whether constraints are copied-and-pasted when
copying-and-pasting components.
1

the Tools menu
2
Click Assembly-Design
3
Two Lug Nuts with

a coincidence
constraint to the
same Stud
Select Constraints Tab
Set the Paste components option to either:

Without the assembly constraints
With the assembly constraints only after a
Cut
Copying constraints when copying a component will cause both

components to be constrained in exactly the same way. This is okay, but
you will have to manually edit or delete and recreate some constraints.
153
Instanciating Multiple Instances of a Component

Components can be duplicated along a line. Beware that in this in
case the components are not automatically constrained.
1
Define Multi Instanciation
Select a component
3a Specify the number of instances and

space between them
Use the Fast Multi Instanciation

icon to re-use the Default multiinstanciation definition
3b Select a direction
154
Creating a Pattern of Components (1/3)

Patterns in parts can be used to automate the duplication of a
component and creation of constraints.
3a
1
Reuse Pattern
Select a component
Select the pattern to follow

3b
Specify the constraints to re-use
Notice that the constraints for the duplicate components are correct.
155

Keep link with the pattern.
The reuse pattern command create an Assembly Feature Pattern that is associative in
case of modification of the part design pattern that was used as input.
Lug Nut
Disk
Component to instantiate
Pattern
156

When you modify the instances in the design pattern, the assembly pattern is
out of date and the update of the assembly will add/delete generated
components
157
Symmetrical Sub-Assemblies
158
What Symmetrical Sub-Assembly ?

Create a symmetrical sub-assembly from an original one, based on a symmetry
plane.
Generation:
The result of the generation of a symmetrical sub-assembly is another subassembly with a similar product structure.
The User chooses between both options ,
The parts building the symmetrical sub-assembly are :
Either a symmetrical part from the source part. This involves creating a new part,
outside any assembly context, with a new PartNumber . A typical example is the
left door in a car, relatively to the right door.
Either a new instance of the source part, in a position symmetric to the original
part. A typical example is a cars front left wheel, relatively to the front right
wheel.
159
Creating a Symmetry on Component (1/2)

1
Select the icon

You can find it on the Product Structure Tools Toolbar
The Assembly Mirror Wizard dialog box appears:
Select the mirror plane
Select the sub-assembly to be mirrored
The reference plane is now displayed in green.
160
Creating a Symmetry on Component (2/2)

By default , CATIA create a new component by each Part
4
Results:
4 components created
New Part Number
161
Create New Instances

When the user chooses to create a new instance of a source part, at a mirrored position,
a new instance is created in the symmetrical sub-assembly, then its position is chosen
with respect to the symmetry plane, at creation time.
On this following example , you need to create

new instance about the Wheel and Disk Parts.
New instance
Select one component and activate

Symmetry wih new instance option
Only reference plane of the part can be used in

determining the transformation
162
Keep Links
Once the symmetrical sub-assembly has been generated, changes in
the source sub-assembly shall allow updating it
FORM associativity:
A change in geometrical shape of the source part
leads to update the symmetrical part.
POSITION associativity:
A change of relative position of a component of the
source sub-assembly leads to update the position
of the symmetrical component in the symmetrical
sub-assembly.
STRUCTURE associativity:
A change in structure of the source sub-assembly (adding/removing
components) leads to update the structure of the symmetrical sub-assembly.
163
Replacing Components
You will learn how to replace components
164
What is Replacing Components ?

Replacing a component is a shortcut to deleting a component and
adding another component in its place.
165
Replacing a Component
A single instance of a component can be replaced.
Right-click the component to be

replaced
2
3a
Choose a filter if desired (for example, CATPart,

CATProduct, model, etc)
Replacement Component
3b Double-click the file
Notice that the instance

name is not modified
Dont forget that you have to manually

revise any references (such as constraints)
to the component that was replaced
This option make replaced all instances that

have same reference as selected
component
166
Reconnecting a Constraint (1/2)

A constraint can become unresolved after a replacement of a component
or connected to a wrong geometric element.You have the possibility to
redefine geometric elements involved in it.
Edit the constraint you want to

reconnect
Expand the dialog box
(2)
5
2x
(1)
(3)
Select in dialog box geometric

element to reconnect
Click on Reconnect
(4)
167
Reconnecting a Constraint (2/2)

The Constraint dialog box let you have a look at geometric elements
involved in it.
5
Select the new connected
geometric element
Edited constraint is now connected

to the just selected element.You can
Click on OK and Update the
constraint
168
Restructuring Components
You will learn how to move components from one assembly to
another assembly while maintaining constraints
169
What is Restructuring Components ?

Sometimes it is necessary to restructure components by moving components
from one assembly to another assembly.
Move to peer assembly
Move to sub-assembly
Move to parent assembly
170
Setting Cut-and-Paste Options

You control whether constraints are maintained when moving a
component to another assembly.
2
1

the Tools menu
Select Assembly Design

node under Mechanical
Design branch
Set the Paste components option to:

With the assembly constraints only after
a Cut
171
Moving a Component to Another Assembly

Components can be dragged to another assembly while maintaining constraints.
Click the component and

hold down the left mouse
button
Drag the mouse over the

target assembly and release
the mouse button
The component is moved to

the target assembly
In this case two constraints are also moved to

the target assembly because both associated
components exist in the target assembly
172
Reordering Product Structure

You will learn how to change the order in which components are
displayed in the tree
173
What is Reordering Product Structure?

This command allows you to reorder components display in the tree under a
selected product
Tree to reorder
Reordered tree
174
Product Structure Reordering
(1/2)
This command allows you to reorder components display in the tree under
selected product
1
Select the Graph Tree

Reorder Command
(2)
Select the Product in which

you want to reorder
components
3a Select the Component you
want to reorder
4a
(3)
Click one of these arrows to

move the selected component
of one level
175
Product Structure Reordering
(2/2)
There are two ways available to reorder components in the tree
3b
Select another component

to reorder
4b
Click this icon and click the
component above which you
want to place the selected
component
Here is the reordered tree
5
Click Ok to get the
reordered tree
176
You will become familiar with positioning components in an
assembly using assembly constraints
What can you do with Flexible Sub-Assemblies?
Managing Flexible Sub-Assemblies with Several Levels
Propagating Position to Reference
177
You will learn how to get a Flexible Sub-Assembly and to see impacts
on positioning matrix and constraints
178
What are Flexible Sub-Assemblies?

A flexible Sub-Assembly is a Sub-assembly whose child components can be moved
disregarding the fact it is not the active component. Relative positions of its child
components can be different than those stored in the reference CATProduct File.
There you can see four instances of
Leg sub-Assembly : notice that
components of leg are not positionned
the same way in each instance, it is
possible because instances of Leg
Assembly are flexible
Icon with purple

wheel means
Flexible SubAssembly
Leg.1
Leg.3
Leg.4
Leg
Leg.2
Relative positions of
components in the
reference of the SubAssembly
179
Making a sub-Assembly flexible

Rigid/Flexible sub-Assembly command is a switch: you can have components of the subassembly in same relative position as in the reference CATProduct (Rigid Sub-Assembly) or
in relative positions that are contextual to the assembly (SoftSub-Assembly)
1
Select the Sub-Assembly
Flexible/Rigid
Sub-Assembly
(1)
Selected SubAssembly is now

Flexible
Purple wheel
means means
flexible instance
(2)
Note that you can make the sub-Assembly rigid again using
the same icon
180
Positioning Components of a Flexible Sub-Assembly(1/2)

You can position components by freely moving them with the compass or by
constraining them. In both cases Rigid/Flexible state is important.
Freely moving Components
In this case the compass has

been put on a component of a
Rigid Sub-Assembly.
Root assembly is active, so the

compass will drag the whole
Rigid Sub-Assembly
Copyright DASSAULT
SYSTEMES 2002
In this case the compass has

been put on a component of a
Flexible Sub-Assembly.
Root assembly is active, but as

the sub-Assembly is flexible, the
compass will only move the
selected component
181
Positioning Components of a Flexible Sub-Assembly(2/2)

Relative Positions of components of a Flexible Sub-Assembly are stored with
instance informations in containing CATProduct.
Constraining Components
When you create a
constraint between :
When you create a

constraint between :
a component of the
active assembly
flexible
instance
a component of the
active assembly
And a component of a
Flexible sub-assembly
And a component of
a rigid sub-assembly
Constraint involves the component

and the selected component of the
Constraint involves the

component and the whole
Rigid Sub-Assembly
182
What is Mechanical Structure?

There are two types of structure when you use flexible Sub-Assemblies
Product Structure
Mechanical Structure
Flexible Sub-assembly
does not exist anymore in
Mechanical Structure tree
Components and
constraints of Flexible
Sub-Assemblies are
considered as direct
childs of the root
assembly in mechanical
Structure tree
Product Structure Tree shows which

assemblies and sub-assemblies
Parts and constraints belong to
Mechanical Structure Tree

shows what components you
can constrain together (they are
at the same level)
183
Viewing Mechanical Structure

There are two types of structure when you use flexible Sub-Assemblies
1
Activate the Assembly or

Sub-Assembly you want
to analyze
Select Mechanical Structure

from Analyze menu
Combo
box
Mechanical
Structure of the
instance
Mechanical
Structure of the
reference
184
What can you do with Flexible Assemblies?

You will learn to manipulate Flexible Sub-Assemblies
185
What can you Overload with Flexible Sub-Assemblies?

Once the sub-assembly is flexible, Numerical Value, Activity status, Orientation (Same
or Opposite), Driven/Driving property can be overload to modify locally its internal
definition, or deal with under/over constrained situations
Flexible Sub-Assembly
Rigid Sub-Assembly
186
Activate / Deactivate Status

flexible Sub-Assembly
Concerning methodology using flexible sub-assemblies, you can change the

Activity Status on a constraint
187
Numerical Value
Rigid Sub-Assembly
Flexible Sub-Assembly
On a flexible sub-assembly, you can modify numerical values without

impacting others instances
188
Propagating Position to Reference
189
Propagating Position (1/2)
Modify position of the Flexible Base Instance.

This Product contains 2
sub-assemblies :
Base.CATProduct
Base_unit.CATProduct
: flexible instance
: rigid instance
190
Propagating Position (2/2)

2
Apply overloaded position to reference
Select the flexible Base instance

MB3+ .object+Propagate
position to reference
V5R8
Result : all rigid instances

should have the same position
than the flexible one.
Internal position of flexible
instances are not impacted by
the command.
191
To Sum
Sum
UpUp
...
You have seen CATIA V5 Assembly Design
User interface:
How to access the workbench

Its user interface and tools
The terminology that will be used
The general design process
... and Basic functions:
How to add components

How to position components
How to analyze an assembly
How to design a part in context of the assembly
How to manage components
How to manage Flexible Assembly
192

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Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002

Introduction to Assembly Design

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Introduction to Assembly Design

Assembly Design QuickStart

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Assembly Design Workbench Presentation

You will learn about the Assembly Design Workbench by :

Accessing the workbench

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Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (1/2)

Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (2/2)

Select Tools / Customize and drop Assembly

Acces by Worbench Toolbar

This Assembly Design Workbench can

User Interface: Assembly Design Toolbars

User Interface: Assembly Design Icons

Text with Leader

Product structure Reordering

Flexible/Rigid Sub Assembly

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Instance name by default is in

A component is the general terminology . It can be a part or a assembly (inside an assembly it is

Design parts in the

Capture various states of

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Creating a New Assembly Document

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Creating a New Assembly Document

You will learn how to create a new Assembly Document

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What is an Assembly Document ?

A assembly may contain a

blank sheet behind the component

Creating a New Assembly Document

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Assigning Product Properties

Key the Part Number and

Right-click the assembly

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What are Components ?

The root assembly

Component that exists only

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Fastest way is to right-click the assembly

Last way is to select the assembly and

Most visible way is to select the

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Inserting an Existing Component

Right-click the assembly

You can import more than one component at

Inserting a New Part

Right-click the assembly

Press YES to define an origin for the new part

Key a Part Number for the new part. This

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