4-Assembly Design Fundamentals

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
1. 2. 3. 4. Accessing the Workbench User Interface Terminology General Process
p. 5
p. 6 p. 8 p. 10 p. 11
2.
Assembling Components
1. 2. 3. 4. Creating a New Assembly Document Adding Components Assigning Component Properties Saving an Assembly Document
p. 13
p. 14 p. 18 p. 29 p. 33
3.
Positioning Components Using Constraints

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Freely Moving Components Defining Assembly Constraints Updating Assembly Constraints Creating Quick Constraint Multi Constraints Modes Hiding Constraints Filtering Constraints
p. 44
p. 45 p. 52 p. 72 p. 80 p. 84 p. 89 p. 95
4.
Analyzing an Assembly
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Analyzing Constraints Analyzing Degrees of freedom Measuring an Assembly Checking For Clash and Clearance Checking Mechanical Properties
p. 102
p. 103 p. 109 p. 112 p. 119 p. 125
3
Table of Contents (2/2)

5. Editing Parts in an Assembly
1. 2. 3. Designing in Context Of an Assembly Aligning Components For Sketching Using Local Axis For Snapping
p. 128
p. 129 p. 139 p. 142
6.
Working with Components

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Using Visualization Mode Deleting Components Duplicating Components Symmetrical Sub-Assemblies Replacing Components Restructuring Components Reordering Product Structure
p. 146
p. 147 p. 156 p. 160 p. 169 p. 175 p. 180 p. 184
7.
Flexible Sub-Assemblies
1. 2. 3. 4. Flexible Sub-Assemblies What can you Do with Flexible Sub-Assemblies ? Managing Flexible Sub-Assemblies with Several Levels Propagating Position to Reference
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.
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 6
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 Add Assembly Design in the Favorites List
3a
The icon is added in the Welcome pop-up window
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
2
Update
Constraints
Move
Space Analysis Constraint Creation Modes
Annotations
1
Product Structure Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002
7
Assembly Features
3
Measure
6
Catalog Browser
8
User Interface: Assembly Design Icons

8
Clash
5
Update
3
Measure Between Measure Item
Sectioning
4
Manipulate Snap Explode Stop Manipulate on Clash
Catalog Browser
Distance and Band Analysis
Measure Inertia
1
New Component
2
Coincidence Constraint Contact Constraint Offset Constraint Angle Constraint
New Product
New Part Existing Component Replace Component
7
Weld Planner
Text with Leader
Fix Component Fix Together Quick Constraint
Product structure Reordering Generate Numbering Product Init Manage Representation Fast Multi-Instantiation
Flag Note with Leader Flexible/Rigid Sub Assembly Change Constraint Reuse Pattern
9
Terminology
Component that is a sub-assembly
The active item is in blue
Component that is a part

(notice the red indication on the icon)
A selected component is highlighted Instance name - by default is in brackets
Part Number
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.
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
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
Creating a New Assembly Document Adding Components Assigning Component Properties Saving an Assembly Document To Sum Up
13
Creating a New Assembly Document

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

In this example, the Clamp assembly is made of different parts.
An assembly often contains another assembly, which is then called a sub-assembly
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)
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 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.
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.
Fastest way is to right-click the assembly (that will receive the component) and use the Contextual Menu to insert the component 3 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)
Inserting a New Part

You can add a new part (CATPart) on-the-fly while designing an assembly.
1 Right-click on the assembly 4 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
Select New Part
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 2 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 2 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)
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 Right-click on the assembly
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.
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 Open chapters until you get the 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 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. [CTRL] key
After pasting there are two instances of the part : the original and the copy
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
Assigning Component Properties

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. 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.
Instance Name
Part Number
When the component is a V4 model, they are stored in the parent assemblys CATProduct file.
Assigning Component Properties (1/2)

Nodes Customization.
1
Tools / Options menu 2 Product Structure + Nodes Customization tab 3 Activate Customized Display and select yours desired options
Part Number
Instance Name
31
Assigning Component Properties (2/2)

Like other properties, component text properties can be easily accessed from the contextual menu.
6 4 Right-click the component Product tab
Component Property values can vary by component. Location and filename 5 Properties Product Property values are the same for all instances of a part or assembly.
Key an Instance Name and/or Description
32
Saving an Assembly Document

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
2 3
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.
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
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 Save as... if you want to save your work in an other path , or under an other file name
Select the file you want to save
39

You can choose where to save.
Select or create the destination folder. You can rename the document and thus select Save . 5
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... ...and will save only the documents that have a Save or Save Auto Action.
7a
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.
7b
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 Defining Assembly Constraints Updating Assembly Constraints Creating Quick Constraints Multi-Constraint Modes Hiding Constraints Filtering 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
Freely dragging and rotating components
Here a component is freely rotated around the X-axis. 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. 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 2 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 :
With MB1 held down, move the component
(a) Translation along an axis
(b) Translation along a plane
(c) Rotation around an axis
(d) Rotation around the origin of the compass
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 Place the compass on a component. 2 Right-click on the compass and select Edit...
You have tree ways to modify the position of the compass by: 3a Keying values and confirm it with the apply button
3b
Choose the translation increment for each direction (u, v, w) and apply it with the Up and Down button
3c
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.
Place the compass on a component
Right-click on the compass and select Edit...
You have tree ways to modify the position of the compass by :
3a
Keying values and confirm it with the apply button
3b
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.
Right-click on the compass and activate Snap Automatically to Selected Object in the contextual menu. Select a component and the compass will jump to the origin of the selected component.
The absolute position in the Compass Edit dialog box is actually the position of the compass, not the position of the component.
Right-click on the compass and select Edit.
Specify a position by keying values. Thus move the component by pressing the Apply button.
51
Defining Assembly Constraints

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.
With the Compass, freely drag and rotate components to put them roughly in place. It will be easier to define the constraints afterwards.
Position each component precisely by choosing the correct constraint(s) and applying it.
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.
Manual Update For Assembly Design

You have the option to update manually or automatically assembly constraints.
1 Select Options... from the Tools menu
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).
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 To set a constraint between two components, you can either : (a) select the icon and the elements after (action objects) (b) select the elements and then the icon (objects action) and the Insert Menu
(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
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 Select Options... from the Tools menu 2 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
merged points
Select the two elements specifying the constraint.
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
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. Select the two elements 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
Select the two elements 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 2 Select the two elements 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 2 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.
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 )
Updating Assembly Constraints

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
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
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.
Update needed
Update done
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
1
Update done
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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.
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
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)
When you select a record you can: (a) edit it (b) or deactivate it
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.
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 2
The Update Analysis dialog box is displayed:
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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

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Creating Quick Constraints

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)
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Creating Quick Constraints

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
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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 2 Click the change constraint icon 3 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
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)
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
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
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 When you finished, you must deactivate the command by clicking on it or pressing escape twice.
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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)
3 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, - in the geometry
Hide/Show icon is either reachable on : a. View toolbar,
- 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.
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. 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
(a)
Then click the Hide/Show icon
94
Filtering Constraints
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

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 Constraints Analyzing Degrees of Freedom Measuring an Assembly Checking for Clash and Clearance Checking Mechanical Properties To Sum Up
102
Analyzing Constraints
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)
Analyzing Constraints ...

Constraints can be examined to determine their status and their relationship with other components. The status of constraints can be viewed:
(B) A global perspective of constraint

status can be viewed in an on-line report
(A) in the specification tree
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)
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
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 3 Right-click on a constraint and select Expand All to see which components are associated with the constraint
Select Dependencies in the Analyze menu
You can also expand any component, even the top assembly
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
Measuring an Assembly
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 b- Measure Item a b c Measuring the length of a line with (b)
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.
Measure Between Optionally define how you want to measure Select the reference and target elements
4b You have all details in the result window
4a
Minimum distance and angle are displayed in 3D and in the results 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 2
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 2 Select the component to measure 3 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 2 Each measure will be kept in the tree
Those measure features contains parameters that can be used in formulas of the Knowledgeware for example
And in the Geometry
And will be saved in the CATProduct file

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 Select Clearance in the list 3b Key in the clearance value and click on apply
Multi-select the components (using the [CTRL] Key) you want to analyze
Clearance violation is signaled in the window and components that do not respect the clearance are highlighted
122
Checking Mechanical Properties

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
Checking Mechanical Properties

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 2 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 Measuring an Assembly Checking for Clash and Clearance Checking Mechanical Properties
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

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.
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.
Expand the tree by clicking on the plus-sign (+) next to the part you want to edit
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)
This branch represents the instance of the part This branch represents the actual part
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 Sketcher icon in the Part Design workbench Select the planar face of a component
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.
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.
Define the constraint between this two elements to place in position the sketch
Select one geometric element from the sketch and another one from a neighboring component
Notice that a copy of the geometric element from the other part appears in the Open_body of the active part
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 2 3 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 :
Select a geometric element of a neighboring component
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 2 Select an element from a neighboring component 3 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 2 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
4 Click somewhere in the 3D view to validate the position
5 Components are correctly positioned relative to each other
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 2 Select the planes and/or faces that you want to be coplanar 3 Select the green arrow to invert the direction of the component if needed
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
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
Using Visualization Mode Deleting Components Duplicating Components Symmetrical Sub-Assemblies Replacing Components Restructuring Components Reordering Product Structure To Sum Up
146
Using Visualization Mode

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 expandable and therefore the PartBody is not accessible.
"Visualization Mode" vs. "Design Mode"

Comparison of Design Mode & Visualization Mode Behavior Design Mode Visualization Mode
Memory and Performance

Loaded in Memory Load and Update Performance Display Performance Fully Loaded Normal Normal
Partially Loaded Faster, which is a benefit over Design Mode

Normal
Visibility
Visible in Show Visible in No-show Viewable in non-shaded mode Viewable in DMU and sketcher sections Visible in drafting Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
Assembly Constraints and Transformations

Accessible for adding Assembly constraints Assembly Constraints re-generated/updated Accessible to define translations & rotations Yes Yes Yes Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
Analysis
Calculated in Clash, Clearance, Contact Calculated in Mass Property analysis Accessible for Measurements Yes Yes Yes Yes
No No, other than minimum distance measurement
Part Geometry
Geometry features accessible in tree Geometry may be edited Geometry may be used to define sketches and features in other parts in the assembly (e.g. up-to-plane) In-context features re-generated/updated (e.g. associativity) Yes Yes Yes Yes
No No
Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
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 Select Options... from the Tools menu 2 Select Product Structure branch under Infrastructure node 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 expandable and therefore the 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
Double-clicking a part in an assembly switches it to Design Mode. Note that all instances of the part switch to Design Mode.
2b
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 2 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.
1 Activate the product you want analyze 2 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.
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
Duplicating Components
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. [CTRL] key
After pasting there are two instances of the part : the original and the copy
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
161
Setting Copy-and-Paste Options

You control whether constraints are copied-and-pasted when copying-and-pasting components.
1
Select Options... from the Tools menu
Set one of these options. You do not have to restart CATIA to take into account your option.
Two Lug Nuts with a coincidence constraint to the same Stud

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 2 Select a component 3a Specify the number of instances and space between them
Use the Fast Multi Instantiation icon to re-use the Default multi-instantiation definition
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. Inputs of the Reuse Pattern are located below.
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.
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
Symmetrical Sub-Assemblies
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
The reference plane is now displayed in green.
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.
Replacing Components
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 Select Replacement Component Choose a filter if necessary (for example, CATPart, 3a CATProduct, model, etc) 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 2 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
Restructuring Components
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.
Select Assembly Design node under Mechanical Design branch
Select Options... from the Tools menu
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.
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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
Notice that the constraints linked to the component are moved.

Reordering Product Structure

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
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Product Structure Reordering (1/2)

This tool allows you to reorder components in the specification tree under selected product to your needs
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
(2)
(3)
Click one of these arrows to move the selected component up or down in the tree
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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
6
5 Click Ok to get the reordered tree
Here is the reordered tree
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To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to Work with Components by :
deleting components
duplicating components replacing components restructuring components reordering Product Structure
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Flexible Sub-Assemblies What can you Do with Flexible Sub-Assemblies? Managing Flexible Sub-Assemblies with Several Levels Propagating Position to Reference
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
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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 Leg.1
The purple little wheel to the left corner of the CATProduct icon identify a flexible subassembly
Leg.3
Leg.4 Leg Relative positions of components in the reference of the SubAssembly

Leg.2
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 2 Flexible/Rigid Sub-Assembly 3 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
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
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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.
When you create a constraint between : Constraining Components When you create a constraint between : flexible instance
a component of the active assembly
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 Flexible sub-assembly
Constraint involves the component and the whole Rigid Sub-Assembly

What Is Mechanical Structure?

There are two types of structure when you use flexible Sub-Assemblies
Product Structure Flexible Sub-assembly does not exist anymore in Mechanical Structure tree Mechanical Structure
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)
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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 2 Select Mechanical Structure from Analyze menu Combo box Mechanical Structure of the instance
Mechanical Structure of the reference
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What Can You Do with Flexible Sub-Assemblies?

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

flexible Sub-Assembly
Concerning methodology using flexible sub-assemblies, you can change the Activity Status on a constraint
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Driven / Driving Property

flexible Sub-Assembly
Concerning methodology using flexible sub-assemblies, you can toggle the driven / driving status on a contraint.
Numerical Value
Rigid Sub-Assembly
Flexible Sub-Assembly
On a flexible sub-assembly, you can modify numerical values without impacting others instances
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
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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 Flexible sub-assembly
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).
Flexible sub-assembly
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.
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
Propagating Position to Reference
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
Flexible sub-assembly
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.

4-Assembly Design Fundamentals

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CATIA Training

Assembly Design Fundamentals

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002

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Table of Contents (1/2)

Positioning Components Using Constraints

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Table of Contents (2/2)

Working with Components

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Assembly Design Workbench Presentation

Understanding the general process to use it

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Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (1/2)

Assembly Design Workbench icon

Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (2/2)

Select Tools / Customize Add Assembly Design in the Favorites List

The icon is added in the Welcome pop-up window

3b The icon is added In the

User Interface: Assembly Design Toolbars

Compass Assembly Tree Filter Selection Scenes Components

Space Analysis Constraint Creation Modes

User Interface: Assembly Design Icons

Distance and Band Analysis

Fix Component Fix Together Quick Constraint

The active item is in blue

Component that is a part

A selected component is highlighted Instance name - by default is in brackets

Position components using constraints Analyze the assembly

Design parts in the context of the assembly

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How to access the workbench

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Creating a New Assembly Document

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What Is an Assembly Document?

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

Defining a New Assembly Document

Assembly Design Workbench icon

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Assigning Product Properties

Right-click the assembly

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What are Components ?

The root assembly

Assembly (CATProduct) component Part (CATPart) component

V4 model (MODEL) Component (notice the MASTER node below)

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Inserting an Existing Component

Inserting a New Part

Select New Part

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User Setting: Manual Input Of Part Numbers

Select Product Structure tab

Activate Manual input

Insert a New Part

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Inserting a New Product

Inserting a New Component

Select New Component