Assembly Design CATIA V5

CATIA Training
Foils
Assembly Design
Fundamentals
Version 5 Release 10
December 2002
EDU-CAT-E-ASM-FF-V5R10
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002
Course Presentation
Objectives of the course
In this course you will learn to create and manage CATProduct files.
Targeted audience
CATIA V5 users
Prerequisites
Part Design Courses
1 day
Table of Contents (1/2)

1.
Assembly Design Workbench Presentation
p. 5
2.
Assembling Components
p. 13
3.
Positioning Components Using Constraints
p. 44
4.
Analyzing an Assembly
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Accessing the Workbench

User Interface
Terminology
General Process
Creating a New Assembly Document

Adding Components
Assigning Component Properties
Saving an Assembly Document
Freely Moving Components

Defining Assembly Constraints
Updating Assembly Constraints
Creating Quick Constraint
Multi Constraints Modes
Hiding Constraints
Filtering Constraints
Analyzing Constraints
Analyzing Degrees of freedom
Measuring an Assembly
Checking For Clash and Clearance
Checking Mechanical Properties
p. 6
p. 8
p. 10
p. 11
p. 14
p. 18
p. 29
p. 33
p. 45
p. 52
p. 72
p. 80
p. 84
p. 89
p. 95
p. 102
p. 103
p. 109
p. 112
p. 119
p. 125
Table of Contents (2/2)

5.
Editing Parts in an Assembly
6.
Working with Components
7.
Flexible Sub-Assemblies
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Designing in Context Of an Assembly

Aligning Components For Sketching
Using Local Axis For Snapping
Using Visualization Mode

Deleting Components
Duplicating Components
Symmetrical Sub-Assemblies
Replacing Components
Restructuring Components
Reordering Product Structure
What can you Do with Flexible Sub-Assemblies ?
Managing Flexible Sub-Assemblies with Several Levels
Propagating Position to Reference
p. 128
p. 129
p. 139
p. 142
p. 146
p. 147
p. 156
p. 160
p. 169
p. 175
p. 180
p. 184
p. 189
p. 190
P. 197
p. 202
p. 209
Assembly Design Workbench Presentation

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

Exploring its user interface
Learning its terminology
Understanding the general process to use it
Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (1/2)

To access the Assembly Design Workbench,
select Mechanical Design and then Assembly Design in the Start menu
Assembly Design
Workbench icon
When entering the Assembly Design Workbench, a new empty

Product is created as you can see by looking at the tree.
Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (2/2)

If you are going to work a lot with the Assembly Design workbench, we advise you to setup
a direct access to it. To do so, you need to change your list of favorite workbenches:
1
2
Select Tools / Customize
The icon is added in the

Welcome pop-up window
3a
Add Assembly Design in the Favorites List
3b The icon is added In the

Workbenches Toolbar
The order of the Start menu follows the order

of the workbenches in the Favorite list.
The same order is used in the Welcome pop-up
and in the Workbench menu
User Interface: Assembly Design Toolbars

Standard Toolbar
Compass
Assembly Tree
Filter
Selection
Scenes
Components
Update
Move
Constraints
Space
Analysis
5
4
Constraint
Creation
Modes
Annotations
1
Product Structure
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES
2002
7
Assembly Features
Measure
Catalog Browser
User Interface: Assembly Design Icons

8
Clash
Sectioning
Update
Distance and Band

Analysis
Catalog Browser
Manipulate
Measure Between
Measure Item
Measure Inertia
Snap
Explode
Stop
Manipulate
on Clash
New Component
Contact Constraint
New Product
Offset Constraint
New Part
Existing Component
Replace Component
Product structure Reordering
Generate Numbering
Product Init
Manage Representation
Fast Multi-Instantiation
Coincidence Constraint
Angle Constraint
Weld Planner
Text with Leader
Flag Note with Leader
Fix Component
Fix Together
Quick Constraint
Flexible/Rigid Sub Assembly
Change Constraint
Reuse Pattern
9
Terminology
The active item

is in blue
Component that is a
sub-assembly
Component that is a part

(notice the red indication on
the icon)
Part Number
A selected component
is highlighted
Instance name - by
default is in brackets
A component is a general term: it can be a part or an assembly. An assembly that belongs to

another assembly is called a sub-assembly.
An Assembly is a collection of components and constraints between them. An Assembly is also a
document. It has the file extension CATProduct. Thus an assembly is also called a Product.
All parts and assemblies belonging to an assembly have a Part Number (by default it is the Name
of the component).
All instances of a part or assembly have the same Part Number. Each instance has 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
Analyze the
assembly
Add, delete,
and replace
components
Position
components
using constraints
Design parts in the

context of the
assembly
Capture various states of

the assembly for
analyzing the design and
preparing for drafting
11
To Sum Up ...
To introduce you to CATIA Assembly Design workbench, you have seen:
How to access the workbench
Its user interface and tools
The terminology that is used
The general design process
12
Assembling Components
Adding Components
To Sum Up
13

Here, you will learn how to define a new assembly, thus creating a new
CATProduct document.
14
What Is an Assembly Document?

An Assembly or Product is a collection of components stored in a document that
has the .CATProduct extension.
The assembly is called Clamp

It is stored as a CATProduct file
An assembly often contains

another assembly, which is
then called a sub-assembly
In this example, the Clamp

assembly is made of different parts.
pad is a part
(It is stored as a CATPart
document and only
referenced in this assembly)
A blank sheet behind a component icon means

that the component is linked to an external file:
in this example, all components have external
files (CATProduct and CATPart files)
15
Defining a New Assembly Document

There are 3 ways to define a new document :
1- Start menu
2- File+New menu
3- Workbench Icon
Assembly Design
Workbench icon
16
Assigning Product Properties

Add descriptive information to the new Assembly Document by editing its
properties.
3
Product tab
4
Type the Part Number and all

other relevant information
describing the assembly
Properties
Right-click the assembly
The default Product1 name of the

assembly is replaced by the Part
Number you typed.
17
Adding Components
You will learn how to add new and existing components into an assembly
18
What are Components ?

In its simplest form, a Component is a CATIA V5 Part or Assembly (i.e. a CATPart or
a CATProduct file) that has been inserted into an assembly. However, a Component
can also be data that is not native to V5, such as V4 models, IGES, STEP, and VRML
files.
The root assembly
Assembly (CATProduct)
component
Part (CATPart)
component
Components existing only in their parent
CATProduct files.
You see this because there is no blank
sheet in their icon. This means that these
components do not have external files.
V4 model (MODEL) Component
(notice the MASTER node below)
19
Adding Components
There are 3 ways to add components into an assembly: Contextual Menu,
Product Structure toolbar, and Insert Menu.
1
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
20
Inserting an Existing Component

When you add existing parts or assemblies as components, their corresponding files
are not copied into the assembly, they are just referenced by the assembly.
1
Right-click on the assembly
Select Existing Component

3a
Choose a filter if necessary (for example CATPart,

CATProduct, model, etc)
3b Double-click on the document to add
You can add more than one component at

a time by selecting with the mouse while
holding the [SHIFT] or [CTRL] key (= multiselection)
21
Inserting a New Part

You can add a new part (CATPart) on-the-fly while designing an assembly.
1
Select 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.
22
User Setting: Manual Input Of Part Numbers

It is a handy shortcut to be able to type its Part Number when adding a new part
in an assembly. Otherwise, youll have to change the default component Part
Number (PartX or ProductX) later in its properties.
1
Select Options... from

the Tools menu
Select the Product

Structure node under
Infrastructure node
Select Product Structure tab
Activate Manual input
Insert a New Part
23
Inserting a New Product

You can insert in an assembly (or product) a new assembly (CATProducts) on-the-fly.
The New Product item will create a new sub-assembly in the selected component but
also a new external CATProduct file with the same name.
1
Right-click the assembly
Select New Product
Key a Part Number for the new assembly. This

sets the Part Number property.
The blank sheet behind the component icon

means that the component is linked to an
external file (here CATProduct type file)
24
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 is one component that exists

in the parent CATProduct and that
does not have its own file.
You can insert components in it.
Select New Component
Key a Part Number for the new assembly.
There is no blank sheet behind the

component icon : there is no link to an
external file.
25
Inserting a Component From a Catalog

You will often have to add in your assembly, components that are standard for your
company and thus that are only available through Catalogs
This screw is
referenced in a
catalog.
26
How to Insert a Component From a Catalog

1
In the standard toolbar, select the Catalog Browser

2
(A)
Open chapters until you get the

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

- drag and drop it in the destination product (A)
- make a copy with the contextual menu of the element and
paste in destination product of your document (B)
27
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.
After pasting there are two

instances of the part : the
original and the copy
[CTRL] key
Right-click the component

to copy
You can also use shortcuts
Select
Copy
Instance name
Right-click on the assembly in which

you want to paste the component
Select Paste
28

You will learn how to set the text properties of a component
29
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.
These properties are
stored in the parent
assemblys
CATProduct file.
Instance Name
Product Properties:
Product Property
values are the same
for all instances of
the component.
Part Number
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
parent assemblys
CATProduct file.
30
Assigning Component Properties (1/2)

Nodes Customization.
1
Tools / Options menu
Part Number
Product Structure + Nodes

Customization tab
Activate Customized Display and

select yours desired options
Instance Name
31
Assigning Component Properties (2/2)

Like other properties, component text properties can
be easily accessed from the contextual menu.
6
4
Product tab
Component
Property values
can vary by
component.
Key an Instance Name

and/or Description
Location and
filename
5
Properties
Product Property
values are the same
for all instances of a
part or assembly.
32

You will learn how to save an Assembly Document
33
Saving an Assembly Document ...

There are four 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.
34
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
Specify a file name

and folder
2
4
Specify if you want to

regenerate internal identifiers
Regenerating Internal
Identifiers will avoid
instantiation conflicts
with the reference
35
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
If all the documents modified since last
save are not new (just created) or read
2a
only files, you wont have any message
and CATIA will save them
If some of the documents modified since last save

2b are new (just created) or read only files you will
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
36
What Is Save Management for?

This tool is useful to save all the modified or linked documents under
selected names and directories (UNIX)/folders (Windows)
Modified Components
37
Save Management (1/5)

With Save Management you can easily save all modified documents since you last
saved the assembly.
1
Make modifications on
components
In this example, increasing the diameter

of Axis.CATPart file will impact the
AxisNut.CATPart. Thus there are 4
modified documents to save :
- RotatingComponent CATProduct,
- AxisAssembly CATProduct,
- AxisNut CATPart,
- and Axis CATPart.
38

You can select what you want to save.
No save as will be performed

until you have clicked on OK
Select Save Management from

File menu
Select the file you

want to save
Select Save as... if you want to

save your work in an other path ,
or under an other file name
39
You can choose where to save.
Select or create the destination folder.

You can rename the document and
thus select Save .
Destination Folder
Name
Save is indicated for the selected

document, and Save Auto for its child
documents .
Notice that Propagate directory button is
available.
Actions that will

be performed
when clicking Ok
40

You can automatically save impacted files too
If you click on OK when there
are still unsaved files left,
CATIA will display this
message...
7a
7b
...and will save only the

documents that have a Save
or Save Auto Action.
If you choose to rename a CAT product by the Save As action, then modified documents referenced by it
will get Save auto in the Action column. They will be saved in the specified path when clicking Ok.
Once you have saved a product in a new path, you have the
possibility to save the files referenced by the product into
this path just by clicking on the propagate directory button
and then click Ok to proceed.
To check what documents are referenced

by a CATProduct, use Links command from
Edit menu or Desk from File menu
41

You can change your mind about the way you save the document thanks to Reset button.
You can get back the original state of the document by selecting it and
clicking on Reset .
If you want to keep the same name and path for a document use the save
button .
42
To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to assemble components :
by creating a new assembly document
by adding components in an assembly
by assigning component properties
and finally by saving the assembly document
43
Positioning Components using Constraints

You will see how to use assembly constraints to place components in position
in an assembly
Freely Moving Components with the Compass

Creating Quick Constraints
Multi-Constraint Modes
Hiding Constraints
To Sum Up
44
Freely Moving Components

You will see how to use the Compass to freely move components which makes
it easier to place them in position before setting assembly constraints
45
How to Use the Compass ?

The Compass can be used to pan and rotate the entire assembly or freely
drag and rotate components in it.
Panning and rotating the
entire assembly
Here the entire assembly rotate around

the X-axis.
The rotation is temporary because it is
not stored in the CATPart or
CATProduct documents. You change
only the viewpoint.
Freely dragging and

rotating components
Here a component is freely rotated

around the X-axis.
If this component is not link to some
constraints at this step, the new position
is stored in the CATProduct documents.
You will find it convenient to freely drag

and rotate components to make it easier
to define assembly constraints
46
Positioning the Compass to Move a Component

The first step in freely moving a component is to place the
Compass in position on a component.
1
Move your cursor over the small 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 the compass, when moving, will drag
it.
47
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 you want by

moving the cursor on the Compass. The
highlighted compass elements indicate the
available movement :
(a) Translation
along an axis
(b) Translation
along a plane
(c) Rotation
around an axis
(d) 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
48
Exact Translation of a Component Using the Compass

Here are the basic steps for translating a component by an exact value
using the Compass.
1

component.
Right-click on the compass and

select Edit...
You have tree ways to modify the position

of the compass by:
3a
3b
3c
Keying values and confirm it with the

apply button
Choose the translation increment for
each direction (u, v, w) and apply it
with the Up and Down button
You can also measure a distance and
apply it to translate the component.
49
Exact Rotation of a Component Using the Compass

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

component

select Edit...
You have tree ways to modify the position

of the compass by :
3a
3b
Keying values and confirm it with the

apply button
Choose the increment value for each
rotation (around u, v, w) and apply it
with the Rotate button
3c You can also measure an angle and

apply it to rotate the component.
50
Setting the Absolute Position Of a Component

Here are the basic steps to place the compass at the components origin.
1
Right-click on the compass and activate Snap

Automatically to Selected Object in the
contextual menu.
The absolute position in the Compass Edit

dialog box is actually the position of the
compass, not the position of the component.
Select a component and the compass will jump to the

origin of the selected component.

select Edit.
Specify a position by keying values.

Thus move the component by pressing
the Apply button.
51

You will see how to position components by defining constraints between
them.
52
What Are Assembly Constraints ?

Assembly constraints is the mean to place components in an assembly. The
general process is as follows:
Fix-in-space one component in the

assembly. It will be the starting point.
Position each component precisely by

choosing the correct constraint(s) and
applying it.
With the Compass, freely drag and rotate components

to put them roughly in place. It will be easier to define
the constraints afterwards.
To control the result, update the assembly. It

will move the components into position.
Note : this step is necessary

only if you have set the
Manual Update option to on
in the assembly settings and it
is therefore recommended.
53
Manual Update For Assembly Design

You have the option to update manually or automatically assembly
constraints.
1

the Tools menu
3
Activate Manual
Select the Assembly Design

branch under the
Mechanical Design node
Use Manual Update mode to avoid components moving

around before being fully positioned (fully constrained).
54
Available Constraints and Their Symbols

The following table lists the symbols used to represent the constraints you can set
between components:
Constraints
Symbol used
in the geometry area
Symbol displayed
in the specification tree
Coincidence
Contact
Offset
Angle
Planar Angle
Parallelism
Perpendicularity
Fix
55
Setting Assembly Constraints ...

There are 2 ways to define constraints between components.
constraints icons
are in :
the
Constraint
toolbar
and
To set a constraint between two components, you can either :
the Insert Menu
(a) select the icon and the elements after (action
objects)
(b) select the elements and then the icon (objects
action)
(a)
(b)
Note that in the case (b) you may have to use the [Ctrl] key
to multi select elements whereas in the case (a), CATIA will be
waiting for a next selection
56
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
Click the fix icon
Select the component in the tree

or in geometry
The component is fixed in

space
57
Fixing a Component in Space (2/2)
The fixed component is

moved with the
Compass.
After Update.
A fixed component
can not be moved
58
Fixing a Component (1/2)

When you start to put constraints in an assembly you need first to have a fix
component and then place the others components with regard to last one. If this
component is only fix (and not fix-in-space), you can modify his position and the
assembly still remain coherent in term of constraints.
1
Click the fix icon

to create the
constraint or
Double-click the existing Fix constraint
Select the More>> button
Deactivate the Fix in Space option
59
Fixing a Component (2/2)
Drag the component

with the compass at a
new position
The component above

the compass is fix only
(and not fix-in-space)
After the update, you see in this example that the blue and red
components moves with respects of the constraints.
60
Fixing-Together Components
Components that are Fixed-Together move as a single entity.
Click the fix together icon
Select the components to be Fixed-Together. You

can select more than 2 components.
As a matter of practice, it would be a good idea to

Fix-Together unconstrained components to avoid
unintentionally modification or displacement.
The Fix Together dialog box allow you

to have the list of the components you
select.
Then you can remove some elements
from the selection list by selecting in
the 3D, or in the list.
61
User Setting: Turning On Fix-Together Warning

Fix-Together constraints are used to glue components together. With the Compass it
is possible to unintentionally separate Fixed-Together components.
Thus you can activate the option show below to warn you by displaying a text window.
1

the Tools menu
Select Assembly Design branch under Mechanical Design node.

In the General tab, Activate the Move Component warning.
This warning window is displayed each time

CATIA V5 detect a component (fix together)
move.
62
Disregarding the Fix-Together Warning

You will be warned when attempting to move a component that is Fixed-Together.
Pay intention, if you disregard the warning the new position will be permanent.
For example, when you attempt to snap this
component.
You will see this warning
After pressing OK you can continue to

move the component
But beware that updating the assembly 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.
63
Defining a Coincidence Constraint (1/2)

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

specifying the constraint.
merged
points
The constraint is created and the

elements are aligned.
64
Creating a Coincidence Constraint (2/2)

Concerning coplanar alignment, CATIA gives a choice of orientation with two
green arrows
1
Click the
coincidence
icon.
2
Select two planes as
geometric elements for
the constraint.
1st
selection
3
Just click one of those
green arrows to invert the
orientation of the moving
component.
2nd selection
When putting a constraint between

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

orientation is correct.
65
Defining a Contact Constraint

Contact constraint connect two planes or faces.
Click the
contact icon.

defining the constraint.
The constraint is created and the

elements are connected.
66
Defining an Offset Constraint

Offset constraint defines a distance between two elements.
1
Click the offset

icon

specifying the constraint
1st selection
2nd selection
Key the offset value
Select the orientation (same or opposite)

either :
by clicking on the green arrow
or by selecting an orientation in the
Orientation drop down menu
Offset constraint with

same orientation
Offset constraint with

opposite orientation
67
Creating an Angle Constraint (1/2)

This tool allows you to define an angle between components
1
Click the angle

icon

to constraint
Fill in the constraints properties dialog box :

- select the constraint type (Angle)
- key the angle value
68
Creating an Angle Constraint (2/2)

You can also define a parallelism or perpendicularity between 2 elements. In the case of
parallelism, you can choose between same or opposite orientation.
1
Click the angle

icon
Select 2 planes as geometric

elements to specify the
constraint
Select the parallelism constraint.

Select the orientation (same or opposite) either :
by clicking on the green arrow
or by selecting an orientation in the Orientation

drop down menu
Parallelism constraint
with same orientation
Parallelism constraint with

opposite orientation
69
Constraint Rules
There are some 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.
70
Assembly Assistant
This assistant will warn you when you make mistakes when defining
constraints
1
This warning appears when you switch on the setting only use
the published geometry and try to select a non published
element for a constraint.
This warning appears when you try to constrain a component

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

which belong to the same component.
(4
)
71

You will learn how to update assembly constraints
72
What Does Updating Constraints mean ?

Updating an assembly means updating its components as well as constraints to check
if they are all in their correct position. You can choose between updating the whole
assembly or only some components.
Here the coincidence constraint is not
updated because :
- the icon constraint in the
specification tree is not up to date (note
the small update symbol on it)
- the constraint is in black
Here the coincidence constraint is updated

because :
- the icon constraint in the specification tree is
up to date (no update symbol on it)
- the constraint is in green
73
Updating Constraints ...

You can update all constraints or just individual ones.
To update all the constraints and parts of

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

an assembly before saving it. This will improve
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
in the contextual menu
Update
needed
Update
done
74
Options For Updating Assembly Constraints

You have 2 modes to update an assembly : Manual or Automatic. It 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
Select Manual mode because

Automatic mode will modify your
assembly with each constraint
creation
75
Handling Update Errors

When you update an assembly, constraints are checked for conflicts.
While you update an assembly, CATIA will display the Diagnosis

Window if there are problems such as over-constrained components.
(a)
Edit displays the Constraint Definition

window where the constraint can be
edited or reconnected to a different
element.
(b)
Deactivate is a way to turn OFF a

constraint without deleting it. This
allow you to reexamine the problem
later after some more work or some
other changes.
When you select a record you can:

(a) edit it
(b) or deactivate it
76
Why Analyzing an Update ?

Analyzing Update allows you to know what are the constraints and components in your
assembly that are updated. Thus you can update them separately directly from where you
are.
Update Analysis Dialog Box
constraints and components

to update
77
Analyzing Update (1/2)

With the Analyze Update tool, you can know exactly what constraints and
components are updated or not in your assembly and its sub-assemblies.
1
Select Update in the Analyze

menu
The Update Analysis dialog box is displayed:
78
Analyzing Update (2/2)

With the Update tab, you can choose and update any unresolved feature directly
from where you are
This drop-down list displays all
assemblies and sub-assemblies
that can be analyzed
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
5
When a Component is
updated in the geometry it
disappears from the list
Once you have

finished with Update
Analysis, Click on OK
79

You will learn how to create constraints easily using the Quick Constraint Tool
80
What Are Quick Constraints?

With the Quick Constraint tool and two geometric elements CATIA can define
the type of constraint to create.
1
Select the quick constraint icon.

Then select two elements and let CATIA decide
which type of constraint to apply
If you want a different type of constraint,

just click Change Constraint
You can set your preferences for automatic

constraints using Tools + Options (Assembly
Design Node + Constraints tab)
81

Creating a Quick Constraint is as simple as selecting two elements.
Select the quick

constraint icon
Select the two geometric elements

to define the constraint. Thus CATIA
create the constraint.
Here 2 parallels planes are

selected, then CATIA define
a coincidence constraint
82
Changing a Constraints Type

You can change the type of any assembly constraint whether or not it
was created using Quick Constraint.
1
Select the constraint you

want to change
Click the change

constraint icon
Select the new type of

constraint you want to have
83
Multi-Constraint Modes
You will see the different ways to put several constraints one after another
&
84
What Are Multi-Constraint Modes?

When you have double clicked on a constraint tool, you will have 3 ways to
put this constraint in several components :
(2)
(1)
The Default Mode when no
geometric element is shared
between constraints
The Chain Mode : each geometric

elements is shared with the next one
(3)
The Stack Mode : the geometric
element is shared with all others
85
Default Mode For Multi-Constraint

This mode lets you create as many constraints as you wish by explicitly
selecting two geometrical elements
1
Select The Default Mode in MultiConstraint Mode Toolbar

3
Select geometric
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 icon you
want to apply several
times
(4)
When you have finished, you must deactivate the

command by clicking on it or pressing escape twice
86
Stack Mode For Multi-Constraint

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

3
Select the first geometric element that
share the same constraint type with all
(3) other geometric elements.
(1)
4
(4)
Select one after another the geometric

elements you want to constrain.
2
Double click on the
Constraint you want
to apply several
times
5
When you finished, you must deactivate the

command by clicking on it or pressing
escape twice.
87
Chain Mode For Multi-Constraint

This mode allows you to select only once the shared geometric element
between two consecutive constraints
Select Stack Mode in MultiConstraint Mode Toolbar
(3)
(1)
Select one after the other the geometric

elements to constraint, specifying each time the
parameter values, the next constraint will take
as first geometric element the previous one
2
Double click on the
Constraint you want
to apply several
times
4
Once you finished, you must deactivate the command by

clicking on it or pressing escape twice
(4)
88
Hiding Constraints
You will see how to hide assembly constraint symbols in the geometry
89
Why Hiding Constraints ?

If you do not want to see constraints representations in geometry, you can hide some
of them. Therefore you have a better view of your assembly.
You can also hide a type

of constraints at the
same time
Assembly geometry with

constraints
Assembly geometry with

constraints hided
You can also hide individual

constraints with contextual
menu
90
Hiding Constraints ...

You can hide constraints just by selecting them and clicking on
Hide/Show icon
You can either select the

constraint :
- in the tree,
Hide/Show icon is either reachable on :

a. View toolbar,
- in the geometry
- or with selecting tools
such as Search
b. View menu
c. or through the contextual menu
91
Hiding Individual Constraints

You can hide one or more selected constraints at a time.
Select a constraint in the specification

tree or 3D
Click Hide/Show icon
You can hide more than one constraint at a

time by selecting with the mouse while
holding the [CTRL] key.
[CTRL] key
92
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 then can be hidden.
1
Right click on the

component in the tree
Select Components Constraints in the

contextual menu
Constraints relative to the

component are selected
Then click the Hide/Show

icon to hide the selected
constraint
93
Hiding All the Constraints Of an Assembly

You can hide at once all the constraints of an assembly.
There are several ways to select and to hide all the
constraints :
1
Select (a) the first constraint under constraints node in the

tree,
(b) Keeping Shift Key Pressed, select the last
constraint. Then click on the Hide/Show icon.
(a)
Select only the constraints node and with the contextual

menu choose Hide/Show action. Or in a more elegant way,
drag your mouse pointer on the root product and with
contextual menu you can select the constraints of the root
product (Thats mean all the constraints).
(b)
2
[Shift] key
Then click the Hide/Show icon
94
You will see how to filter assembly constraint symbols to display only certain
types of them
95
Why Filtering Constraints ?

With this settings you can choose what type of constraint you want to display
when opening a CATProduct document. It is useful in large assemblies.
Defines the filter level. When

Conditional Filter is selected, the
filters below are available
Displays the
constraints according
to their status.
Displays the constraints on
the active product
Displays the constraints

according to their type
96
Filter Constraints On an Active Product
Show only constraints of the active Product

97
Filter By Type (1/2)
Select or deselect the desired

types
You can filter and displays constraints according to

their type
98
Filter By Type (2/2)
99
Changing Constraint Colors

You can change the colors of constraint (user-defined) to better understand an assembly.
This can be done by changing the color in the graphic tab of the constraint properties.
But you can retrieve the default colors (constraints colors status) at any moment with the
menu Tools+Options .
If this option is
checked, the default
constraint color status
defined above is used.
The user-defined color
remains in the
constraint properties
100
To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to Position Components using Constraints by :
freely moving components with the Compass
defining Assembly Constraints
updating Assembly Constraints
defining Quick Constraints
using Multi Constraints Modes
hiding Assembly Constraints
filtering Assembly Constraints
101
Analyzing an Assembly
You will become familiar with tools created to analyze and check your
assembly
Analyzing Degrees of Freedom
Checking for Clash and Clearance
To Sum Up
102
You will see how to analyze the status of constraints, the relationship between
constraints and components
103
What Is Analyzing Constraints ?

You will analyze a constraint by checking its status and by identifying the
components involved in it.
Constraint Status can be seen :
(B) In Constraint Analysis Dialog Box
(A) In the Tree

A constraint can be :
Not
Unresolved Active Deactivated
updated
A constraint is set between at least 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)
104
Analyzing Constraints ...

Constraints can be examined to determine their status and their relationship
with other components.
The status of constraints can be viewed:
(A) in the specification tree
(B) A global perspective of constraint
status can be viewed in an on-line report
The relationships between components and constraints can

be dynamically seen the menu Analyze/Dependencies
105
Analyzing Constraints in the Tree

You can see all constraints status 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 is not updated.
This symbol indicates that the constraint is unresolved which means either:
The constraint is broken (for example, the related component has been deleted);
or
The constraint is impossible (for example, the geometry was modified and the
constraint is no longer possible)
106
Analyzing Constraints in the On-line Report

You can have a global status of all constraints of the active assembly.
1
Activate the assembly to

analyze
The Constraints Analysis

Window appears and have
different tabs according to
the status of the constraints.
Select Constraints in
the Analyze menu
Here all constraints are verified.
Note in this example the different tabs

according to the status constraints :
- 1 not updated
- 1 broken
- 1 deactivated
107
Analyzing Constraint Relationships

The dependency relationship between constraints and components can be analyzed
with the help of the assembly dependencies tree.
1
Activate the assembly to

analyze
Select Dependencies
in 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

any component, even
the top assembly
108
Analyzing Degrees Of Freedom (DOF)

You will see how to analyze Degrees of Freedom of a component
109
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 an instance or a component, this

one have 6 DOF (Degrees Of Freedom)
When an instance is full-constrained, This one have no DOF.

If you decide for example to fix
no degree of freedom
an instance, there is
110
Analyzing Degrees Of Freedom

With the contextual menu you can select one instance and analyze its
degrees of freedom.
111
You will see how to measure an assembly
112
What is Measuring an Assembly ?

Distance and angles can be measured. Individual geometric
elements can also be measured. There are 3 types of
measure in the Measure toolbar :
a- Measure Between
Measuring the length of a line

with (b)
b- Measure Item
a b c
c- Measure Inertia
Measuring distance between the

axis of two different components
with (a)
Measuring the inertia of a

component or a product with (c)
113
Measuring Between Element/Component

You can measure angle and distance between element/component.
1
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
4b You have all details in the result window
To select sub-elements like the

axis of a hole, right-click and
select Other Selection ...
114
Measuring Elements
You can measure geometric elements.
1
Click the measure

item icon
Select the geometric element you

want to measure
Properties of the selected geometric

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

add information like :
Center of gravity for surfaces and
volumes, Direction vector for an
edge,
115
Measuring Inertia
You can measure inertia of components or geometric elements.
1
Click the measure

inertia icon
Select the component

to measure
All details are displayed in the result

window
Click the Customize button to

add information like :
Center of gravity for surfaces and
volumes, Direction vector for an
edge,
116
Keeping Measure
You can keep results of measures as features in the tree
1
When you measure

items, you can activate
the Keep Measure
option to have in the 3D
more information about
your assembly
Those measure features

contains parameters that
can be used in formulas of
the Knowledgeware for
example
Each measure will be kept

in the tree
And in the Geometry
And will be saved in

the CATProduct file
117
Additional Information
Kept measures as any
other features can be
Hidden
And updated
118
Checking For Clash and Clearance

You will learn how to test for clash and clearance violations between
components in you assembly
119
What Is Clash and Clearance Analysis ?

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

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

see the DMU Space Analysis workbench
Companion
120
Checking for Clash Between 2 Components

The analyze menu enables you to check for interference
between two components.
1
Click on Compute Clash in

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

(using the [CTRL] Key) you want
to analyze
Clash violation is signaled in

the window and Clashes are
highlighted in the 3D view
121
Checking for minimum Clearance Between 2 Components

The analyze menu enables you to check the respect of
clearance between two components.
1
Click on Compute Clash in

the Analyze menu
3a
Multi-select the components

(using the [CTRL] Key) you want
to analyze
Select Clearance in
the list
3b
Key in the clearance

value and click on apply
Clearance violation is
signaled in the window and
components that do not
respect the clearance are
highlighted
122

You will see how to check the mechanical properties of parts and assemblies
123
What Are Mechanical Properties ?

Mechanical Properties are the physical characteristics of parts and assemblies.
Materials have given structural properties
Materials are applied to parts
3
When material is applied to parts, mechanical

properties are updated.
124

You can check mechanical properties of a part, an assembly or a
sub-assembly by right-click on it and select Properties in
contextual menu.
1
For example right-click the

assembly node and
select Properties in
contextual menu
Select Mechanical tab
125
Applying a Material to a Part Of the Assembly

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

material onto the
component
3
Material is applied
and appears in the
specification tree of
the part
Drop the material when you have

this cursor
on the
component you want to apply
the material to.
126
To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to Analyze an Assembly by :
Analyzing constraints
Analyzing Degrees of Freedom
Checking for Clash and Clearance
127
Editing Parts in an Assembly

You will see how to edit parts in-context of an assembly
Designing in Context of an Assembly with or without External

Links
Aligning Components for Sketching
Using Local Axis for Snapping
To Sum Up
128
Designing in Context of an Assembly

You will see how to design a part in context of an assembly with or without
External References
129
What Is Designing in Context of an Assembly ?

When you want to create a new part in an assembly, the new part features and
sketches can be design in-context. The existing components help you to define
your new part. Thus you can have saving of time and facilitate design.
Sketches can be supported by planar
face of a neighboring component
3D elements from other components

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

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

up-to other components
130
Designing in Context of an Assembly without Link

Part features and sketches can be design in-context of an assembly without
External References. You only have to deactivate the Keep link with selected
object.
In these case the new

part features are not
linked and you have
to modify it manually.
Design in-context : these elements are
copied from the Reference Part ones
into an Open Body. Note the lighting
symbol showing you that there is no
link to the other parts.
131
Designing in Context of an Assembly with Links

Part features and sketches can be design in-context of an assembly with Keep link
with selected object option activated.
You can also decided to design :
(A) in context of the root
assembly (option activated) This
is the V5R9 work mode
(B) or in context of a subassembly (option deactivated)
You will learn more about this in the

Assembly Design Advanced Course.
Keep links in
case of design
modification
Activate the component,

select the element External
References and then Edit
+ Links to display this
window
Notice the green

color of the wheel
icon
132
Editing a Part
When you want to edit a part, you have to activate it and then the last
workbench used for this part is displayed.
1
Expand the tree by clicking on

the plus-sign (+) next to the
part you want to edit
This branch represents

the instance of the part
This branch represents the
actual part
Double-click the branch that is

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

workbench used to edit the CATpart
document is displayed ( here the Part
Design Workbench)
Another way to easily

activate a part is to doubleclick the part in 3D view
133
Sketching On the Face Of a Component

You can use a planar face of a component as a plane support to
sketch a profile.
4
3
Select the planar face of a

component
Select the Sketcher icon in the

Part Design workbench
Sketch on the face

your profile
Notice that a copy of the face appears

in the Open_body of the active part.
In this example this surface is not
linked.
134
Defining Sketch Constraints Using Other Components

Sketch constraints can be defined using elements of other components.
It can be useful at the beginning of the creation of the body.
Select one geometric element from the sketch

and another one from a neighboring component
Define the constraint between this two

elements to place in position the sketch
Notice that a copy of the

geometric element from the
other part appears in the
Open_body of the active part
135
Projecting 3D Elements Onto the Sketch Plane

You can project 3D geometric elements from neighboring components onto the
sketch to make profile easier .
1
Click the Project

3D Elements icon
3
2
Select a geometric element of

a neighboring component
As a general rule the new component can be

inserted in an another assembly, or moved in an
another position, thus you have to isolate the
projected element with the contextual menu :
You can also project other types of

elements such as points and faces
(which projects the edges of the face)
136
Intersecting 3D Elements with the Sketch Plane

You can intersect 3D elements from neighboring components with the sketch plane.
1
Click the Intersect

3D Elements icon
3
2
Select an element from a

neighboring component
As a general rule the new component can be

inserted in an another assembly, or moved in an
another position, thus you have to isolate the
intersected element with the contextual menu :
You can also intersect other types of

elements such lines (which creates a
point at the intersection)
137
Limiting Features Up-to Other Components

You can select geometric elements of other components to use them for the design
features of your part
When defining features such as a pad,

you can limit up-to-plane or up-tosurface of another component
Select a face of a neighboring

component
138
Aligning Components For Sketching

You will see how to align components so that the sketch plane of one
component is parallel to another component that is being sketched on
139
When 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

well oriented. For example the 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
140
Snapping Components Into Alignment

The Snap tool provides a quick way to align components.
1
Click the snap

icon
Select the planes and/or faces of the

components that you want to be coplanar
3
If necessary click
on the green arrow
to change the
orientation of the
moved part
It is the first selected

component that moves
5
Components
are correctly
positioned
relative to each
other
Click
somewhere in
the 3D view to
validate the
position
141
Using Local Axis For Snapping

You will see how to use local axis to snap components to each other
142
Why Snapping Local Axis ?

The Snap tool provides a quick way to align components using lines and points. If you do not
have any, Local Axis is useful
In this assembly, to build the

cylindrical part perpendicular
to the upper surface of the
other part, we needed Local
Axis
143
Snapping Local Axis Of Components Into Alignment

The Snap tool provides a quick way to align components. You can select
planes, axis and points of Local Axis System to perform it. To insert a Local
Axis in a CATPart, select from the Insert/Axis System from the insert
menu in the Part Design Workbench and select a point.
1
Click the snap icon
For snapping you can select on

Local Axis System:
Select the planes and/or faces that

you want to be coplanar
Select the green arrow to invert the

direction of the component if
needed
Click somewhere else in the

geometry to validate
5
Planes are now aligned
Planes
Axis
Points
144
To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to Edit Parts in an Assembly:
How to design in-context of an assembly
How to align components for sketching
How to use local axis for snapping
145
Working with Components

You will see how to handle components in an assembly

Deleting Components
To Sum Up
146

You will see how to use Visualization Mode to improve performance.
147
What Is Called "Visualization Mode"?

By default an assembly is loaded in design mode. Thus parts definition of all components are
loaded in memory (this involve exact geometry and parameters). This step can involve more or
less time according to the assembly to load. Then to improve performance you can set CATIAs
option to load an assembly in visualization mode. In this mode, a representation of the geometry
only is available.
In design mode the exact geometry is
available.
Notice that the screw branch is
expandable and therefore the
PartBody is accessible.
In visualization mode the

representation of the geometry is
loaded and the corresponding file
is a cgr file.
Notice that the screw branch is not
PartBody is not accessible.
148
"Visualization Mode" vs. "Design Mode"

Comparison of Design Mode & Visualization Mode
Behavior
Design Mode
Visualization Mode
Fully Loaded
Partially Loaded
Load and Update Performance
Normal
Faster, which is a benefit over Design Mode
Display Performance
Normal
Normal
Visible in Show
Yes
Yes
Visible in No-show
Yes
Yes
Viewable in non-shaded mode
Yes
Yes
Viewable in DMU and sketcher sections
Yes
Yes
Visible in drafting
Yes
Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
Accessible for adding Assembly constraints
Yes
Assembly Constraints re-generated/updated
Yes
Accessible to define translations & rotations
Yes
Calculated in Clash, Clearance, Contact
Yes
Yes
Calculated in Mass Property analysis
Yes
No
Accessible for Measurements
Yes
No, other than minimum distance measurement
Geometry features accessible in tree
Yes
No
Geometry may be edited
Yes
No
Geometry may be used to define sketches and features in other

parts in the assembly (e.g. up-to-plane)
Yes
In-context features re-generated/updated (e.g. associativity)
Yes
Memory and Performance

Loaded in Memory
Visibility
Assembly Constraints and Transformations
Analysis
Part Geometry
149
User Setting : Turning On the Cache (1/2)

Turning ON the cache system will cause CATIA to load automatically parts and models in
Visualization Mode.
The cache is a read/write path located locally on your machine or anywhere on your
network and is used to store cgr files. The first time a component is inserted, it is
tessellated. This means that the corresponding cgr file is computed and saved in the local
cache as well as displayed in the document window. The next time this component is
required, the cgr file which already exists (and not the original document) is automatically
loaded from the local cache.
1

the Tools menu
Select Product Structure branch

under Infrastructure node
3
5
Select Cache
Management tab
Activate Work with the cache system
The cache system is not

activated until CATIA is
restarted
150
User Setting : Turning On the Cache (2/2)

without Cache System
with Cache System
Notice that the branch is not

PartBody is not accessible.
You can edit items
You work with the

cgr files:
Right-clicking on a component and selecting Design Mode in the contextual menu also
switches the part or model to Design Mode:
151
Manually Switching to Design Mode

Parts and models can be switched manually to Design Mode on the fly.
1
When opening an assembly with the cache

activated, parts are loaded in Visualization Mode
2a
2b
Double-clicking a part in an assembly

switches it to Design Mode.
Note that all instances of the part switch to
Design Mode.
Right-clicking selecting Design Mode also

switches the part to Design Mode
Right-clicking an assembly and selecting Design Mode

switches all parts in the assembly to Design Mode.
152
Constraining Parts in Visualization Mode

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

Visualization Mode
When a constraint icon has been selected, the mouse

cursor has a feather on it when hovering over a part ;
thats mean that the part is in Visualization Mode.
Parts switch automatically to Design Mode when a
constraint is defined.
153
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 a constraint tool. Around

a geometry , the cursor will have
this shape
Click the
geometry
The Component on which you selected a

geometric element is now in Design Mode.
Select next element.
The last component is now in Design
mode and the constraint is created.
Note that constraints are available

even if no components are in Design
mode
154
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.
Activate the product you
want analyze
Select Dependencies
in the Analyze menu
Right-click the component and select

Expand All to see the components in the
network of constraints
This graph shows you which part are in Design mode or Visualization mode
thanks to the red symbol. clamp4.1 is in Design Mode, but Clamp3.1 and
Copyright
DASSAULT
SYSTEMES
2002
Clamp2.1
are
in Visualization
Mode.
4
155
Deleting Components
You will see how to delete components and their associated constraints
156
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
157
Deleting a Component (1/2)

When deleting a component, you decide whether or not to delete the
constraints associated with the component.
1
In the specification tree, select the component to

be deleted. Press the <DELETE> key or choose
Delete in the contextual menu
The delete dialog is displayed. The option

Delete all children is unchecked by default
to not delete the assembly constraints
associated with the component
158
Deleting a Component (2/2)

When deleting a component, you decide whether or not to delete the
constraints associated with the component.
3a
If you confirm your action

with the unchecked
option the constraints
are disconnected.
3b
You can also have

more details on the
affected elements and
then choose to keep
or delete them.
with the checked

option the constraints
are deleted.
159
You will see how to duplicate components
160
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.
After pasting there are two

instances of the part : the
original and the copy
[CTRL] key

to copy
You can also use shortcuts
Select
Copy
Instance name
Right-click on the assembly in which

you want to paste the component
Select Paste
161
Setting Copy-and-Paste Options

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

the Tools menu
Two Lug Nuts with a

coincidence constraint
to the same Stud
Set one of these options.

You do not have to restart CATIA to take into
account your option.
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.
162
Duplicating Multiple Instances Of a Component

Components can be duplicated along a line. Beware that in this
case the components are not automatically constrained.
1
Define Multi Instantiation
Use the Fast Multi

Instantiation icon to re-use the
Default multi-instantiation
definition
Select a component
3a Specify the number of instances and

space between them
Select a direction using an edge of a

3b component or use the X, Y, Z
direction of the axis.
163
Duplicating Components Using An Existing Pattern (1/3)

Patterns can be used to automate the duplication of a
component and its constraints.
When you click on the Reuse Pattern icon, the Instantiation on a
pattern dialog box is displayed.
You have 2 work modes :
association with the pattern : Keep Link with the pattern
activated,
without association : Keep Link with the pattern deactivated.
It displayed also the name of the pattern, the number of instances to be
created (for information only) and the name of the component to be
repeated.
You can use the component to instantiate in 3 different ways :
re-use the original component : the original component is
located on the pattern, but remains at the same location in the
tree.
create a new instance : the original component does not move
and a new one is created on the pattern.
cut & paste the original component : the original component is
located on the pattern and moved in the tree.
With the option Put new instances in a flexible component activated
all instances are gathered together in the same component.
164

You can select untidy the component to instantiate and the pattern to
reuse. In this example the instantiation is linked to the definitions
pattern.
The original
component and the
3 instances
An assembly
feature is created.
Notice that in that case for the new instances no
constraints are generated; if you modify one of them,
the update of the assembly will take into account the
modification.
Inputs of the
Reuse Pattern
are located below.
165

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
166
If you decide to work with the generated constraints option, each new
component will be constraint.
167
If you want to have all the new instances even the original in one component
you can active the Put new instances in a flexible component.
A new component
containing all instances is
created with an automatic
name that you can change.
Do not forget to choose for the

original component the item
cut & paste the original
component.
168
169
What is 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.
170
Making a Symmetry of a Component (1/2)

1
Select the icon
in Product Structure Tools Toolbar

The Assembly Mirror Wizard appears :
Select the symmetry plane
Select the sub-assembly to be mirrored
171
Making a Symmetry of a Component (2/2)

By default , CATIA creates a new component for each Part
4
Results:
4 components created
New Product
New Parts
172
Creating 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. Its position is chosen with
respect to the symmetry plane, at creation time.
On this following example , you need to

create a new instance of the Wheel and
Disk Parts.
Select one component and activate
Rotation, new instance option
Only reference plane

of the part can be
used in determining
the transformation
You can check the

result of the Assembly
Symmetry in this
dialog box.
173
Keep Links
If the source part changes the mirrored part changes too.
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.
174
You will learn how to replace components
175
What Is Replacing Components ?

Replacing a component is a shortcut to delete a component and to add
another one in its place.
176
Replacing a Component
A single instance of a component can be replaced.
1
Right-click the component to be

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

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

name is not modified
Do not forget that you have to check

manually each reference (constraints, )
By selecting this option, all instances

that have same reference will be replaced
177
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
the geometric elements involved in it.
1
Edit the constraint you want to

reconnect
Expand the dialog box
Double click
Note that these broken

constraints are indicated by
a yellow warning symbol.
Select in dialog box geometric

element to reconnect
Click on
Reconnect
178
Reconnecting a Constraint (2/2)

The Constraint dialog box let you have a look at geometric elements
involved in it.
Select the new geometric

element
Edited constraint is now

connected to the just
selected element.You can
Click on OK and Update
the constraint
179
You will learn how to move components from one assembly to another
assembly while maintaining constraints
180
What Is Restructuring Components ?

Sometimes it is necessary to restructure components by moving components
from one assembly to another one to have a more logical grouping of
elements for example.
Move to peer assembly
Move to sub-assembly
Move to parent assembly
181
Setting Cut-and-Paste Options

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

the Tools menu
Select Assembly Design node

under Mechanical Design branch
You have 4 different options available :

(a) If you want to paste (after a cut or copy) only the
component and define the constraints yourself.
(b) If you want to instantiate a component with the
assembly constraints.
You do not need to restart CATIA

to take into account these options.
Thus you can activate one of them
while you work.
(c) If you want to move a component with the assembly

constraints.
(d) Contrary to (a), If you want to paste (after a cut or
copy) the component with the assembly constraints.
182
Moving a Component to Another Assembly

Components can be dragged to another assembly while maintaining constraints.
1
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
Notice that the constraints linked

to the component are moved.
183

You will see how to change the components order display in the specification
tree
184
What Is Reordering Product Structure?

You can reorder components in the specification tree under a selected
product to your needs
Tree to reorder
Reordered tree
185
Product Structure Reordering (1/2)

This tool allows you to reorder components in the specification tree under
selected product to your needs
1
Select the Graph Tree Reorder tool by the menu

Edit/Components/Graph Tree Reordering or by clicking on the icon
(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
up or down in the tree
186
Product Structure Reordering (2/2)

There is another way 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
187
To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to Work with Components by :
deleting components
duplicating components
replacing components
restructuring components
reordering Product Structure
188
What can you Do with Flexible Sub-Assemblies?
Managing Flexible Sub-Assemblies with Several Levels
189
You will learn to make an assembly flexible thus allowing you to change the
position on the fly of its parts without changing the stored assembly
190
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 4 instances of the
Leg sub-Assembly : notice that the
components of leg are not positioned
the same way in each instance ; this is
possible because all instances of Leg
Assembly are flexible
The purple little wheel

to the left corner of
the CATProduct icon
identify a flexible subassembly
Leg.1
Leg.3
Leg.4
Leg
Leg.2
Relative positions of
components in the
reference of the SubAssembly
191
Making a Sub-Assembly Flexible

Rigid/Flexible sub-Assembly tool is a switch : you click once to make an assembly
flexible and you click on it again to make the assembly rigid
1
Select the Sub-Assembly
Flexible/Rigid
Sub-Assembly
Selected Sub-Assembly
is now Flexible
(1)
Purple wheel means

flexible instance
(2)
Note that you can make the sub-Assembly

rigid again with the same icon
192
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 the Rigid/Flexible state is important.
Freely moving Components
In this case the compass has
been put on a component of a
Flexible Sub-Assembly.
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
Root assembly is active, but as

the sub-Assembly is flexible, the
compass will only move the
selected component
193
Positioning Components Of a Flexible Sub-Assembly (2/2)

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

constraint between :
a component of the
active assembly
flexible
instance
When you create a

constraint between :
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
194
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)
195
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
196
What Can You Do with Flexible

Sub-Assemblies?
You will learn to manipulate Flexible Sub-Assemblies
197
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
198
Activate / Deactivate Status

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

Activity Status on a constraint
199
Driven / Driving Property

flexible Sub-Assembly
Concerning methodology using flexible sub-assemblies, you can toggle the driven / driving
status on a contraint.
200
Numerical Value
Rigid Sub-Assembly
Flexible Sub-Assembly
On a flexible sub-assembly, you can modify numerical values without

impacting others instances
201
Managing Flexible Sub-Assemblies with

Several Levels
You will learn how to use and see impacts of flexible / rigid command on a large
assembly which contains several levels of sub-assemblies
202
Description Of the Root Assembly (1/3)

We start describing and explaining each level of the Root Assembly
in order to see impacts of the Flexible/Rigid command :
Angular constraint
Components of the first level:
This assembly contains three parts:

A driving angular constraint was
created
203

Components of the second Level:
This assembly contains three instances of the last Product and one part. A specific
angular constraint was created to position each sub-assembly to the part.
x3
204

Hierarchy structure of the Root Level:
This assembly contains two instances of the level 2 .CATProduct and one part.
x2
205
Use Flexible/Rigid Command On the Ass_Level2 Assembly

Use the Flexible / Rigid Command to overload position of child components of
one product instance (Ass_Level1). You can modify value of angular constraint
and change the sub-assembly configuration.
The other instances stay in the same relative position as in the reference
CATProduct (Rigid Sub-Assembly)
rigid subassemblies
206
Use Flexible/Rigid Command On the Root Assembly

Using the Flexible/Rigid Command to overload position of child
components of one product instance ( Ass_Level2) does not impact
mechanical structure of its child instances.
All product instances of inferior levels stay rigid ( in the same relative
position as in the respective reference CATProduct).
rigid subassemblies
We can drive constraints of the Ass_Level2 (1) instance without impacting mechanical
structure of the Ass_Level2 (2) instance.By default, all Ass_Level1 stay rigid.
207
When you make flexible a sub-assembly
whose parent assembly is rigid, both
assemblies will become flexible.
When you make rigid a subassembly, all its child

assemblies will become rigid
When you copy and paste a component, pasted component will have same Flexible/Rigid state as the copied one
(it is a property of the instance).
208
209
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
210
Propagating Position (2/2)

2
Apply overloaded position to reference
Select the flexible Base instance

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

should have the same position
than the flexible one.
Internal position of flexible
instances are not impacted by
the command.
211

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CATIA Training

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002

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Table of Contents (1/2)

Assembly Design Workbench Presentation

Positioning Components Using Constraints

Accessing the Workbench

Creating a New Assembly Document

Freely Moving Components

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002

Table of Contents (2/2)

Editing Parts in an Assembly

Working with Components

Designing in Context Of an Assembly

Using Visualization Mode

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002

Assembly Design Workbench Presentation

Accessing the workbench

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002

Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (1/2)

When entering the Assembly Design Workbench, a new empty

Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (2/2)

Select Tools / Customize

The icon is added in the

Add Assembly Design in the Favorites List

3b The icon is added In the

The order of the Start menu follows the order

User Interface: Assembly Design Toolbars

User Interface: Assembly Design Icons

Distance and Band

The active item

Component that is a part

A component is a general term: it can be a part or an assembly. An assembly that belongs to

Design parts in the

Capture various states of

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Creating a New Assembly Document

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What Is an Assembly Document?

The assembly is called Clamp

An assembly often contains

In this example, the Clamp

A blank sheet behind a component icon means

Defining a New Assembly Document

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Assigning Product Properties

Type the Part Number and all

Right-click the assembly

The default Product1 name of the

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What are Components ?

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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 on the assembly

Select Existing Component

Choose a filter if necessary (for example CATPart,

You can add more than one component at

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002