airbus catia v5 training assembly design

AIRBUS UK CATIA V5 Foundation Course

DMS42177 Page 1 of 71 Issue 1ANS-UG0300108

Compiled by: Kevin Burke

Kevin BurkeDate: 16/Apr/2003

Approved by:

Date:

Authorised by:

Date:

AIRBUS UK Ltd. All rights reserved.

Foundation CourseAssembly Design



Contents

Session 5 The Assembly Design Workbench........................4An Introduction to the Assembly Design Workbench .............................................. 5Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench............................................................ 6An overview of the different Specification Tree Nodes ........................................... 7Different Display Modes when using CATProducts................................................. 8Assembly Design Toolbars and Icons..................................................................... 11Product Structure Tools Toolbar ............................................................................. 12

Add New Component.......................................................................................... 13Add New Product (CATProduct)........................................................................ 13Add a New Part (CATPart) ................................................................................. 14Adding A Existing Component ........................................................................... 15Replacing a Component ...................................................................................... 16Graphic Tree Reordering..................................................................................... 18Generate Numbering ........................................................................................... 18Creating Multiple Instances of a Node................................................................ 19Renaming a Node Name ..................................................................................... 20Defining a Multi-Instantiation............................................................................. 22

Saving a Newly Creating CATProduct ................................................................... 24Move Operations Toolbar ....................................................................................... 25

Manipulation ....................................................................................................... 25Snap Operations .................................................................................................. 26Explode Assembly............................................................................................... 27Stopping Manipulation on Clash......................................................................... 27

Assembly Constraints.............................................................................................. 29Assembly Constraints Toolbar ................................................................................ 29

Coincidence Constraint ....................................................................................... 29Contact Constraint............................................................................................... 31Offset Constraint ................................................................................................. 32Angular Constraint .............................................................................................. 34Fix Constraint...................................................................................................... 35Fix Together Constraint ...................................................................................... 36Quick Constraint ................................................................................................. 37Flexible/Rigid Sub-Assembly ............................................................................. 37Change Constraint ............................................................................................... 38Reuse Pattern....................................................................................................... 38

Create a Scene ......................................................................................................... 38Assembly Operations .............................................................................................. 42

Assembly Features .............................................................................................. 42Create Symmetry................................................................................................. 45

An Overview of Contextual Links .......................................................................... 47Session 6 - Analysis ..................................................................50

Accessing the Digital Mockup (DMU) Workbenches ............................................ 51Proximity Queries ................................................................................................... 52Clash Analysis......................................................................................................... 55Sectioning................................................................................................................ 58



Measuring Distances ............................................................................................... 65



Session 5 The Assembly DesignWorkbench

On completion of this session the trainee will:

Be able to access the Assembly Design Workbench. Understand the Assembly Design Toolbars and Icons.

Be able to create Product Specification Tree.

Be able to Position and Orientate Parts within the Product.

Be able to apply Assembly Constraints.

Be able to create a Scene.

Have an understanding of Assembly Operations.



An Introduction to the Assembly Design Workbench

The Assembly Design Workbench is used to bring together Parts (CATParts) into anassembly, which is known as a CATProduct document and as such contains nogeometry but links to CATParts. CATProducts can also be made up of a mixture ofsmaller CATProducts and CATParts to form larger complex assemblies.CATProducts can be used in Kinematic simulation, Stress Analysis, FittingSimulation, etc.

The CATProduct structure is represented by the Specification Tree, which holdsdetails of all sub-assembles and their associated parts together with their relativepositions to each other. To maintain the position of the sub-assemblies and partswithin the CATProduct, Assembly Constraints are used which are attached to theSpecification Tree under a Constraints Node. Kinematic Mechanisms, FittingSimulations, etc. are also attached to the tree under an Applications Node.

Top levelAssembly Node Sub-Assemblies

Sub-AssemblyParts

Graphicalrepresentation of

the Assembly

AssemblyConstraints



Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench

The Assembly Design Workbench can be accessed by either Selecting Start >Mechanical Design > Assembly Design from the Start drop down menu.

If a CATProduct is not active you will be prompted to create a new product by theappearance of the Part Name panel.



Product NodeComponent Node

Part Nodes

An overview of the different Specification Tree Nodes

There are a variety of different node types displayed in the CATProduct SpecificationTree as well as the ones contain within a CATPart Specification Tree, below are thethree commonly used nodes: -

A Product this node links to a CATProduct document and can be used toposition and orientate it within another CATProduct. Yon can attach other

nodes such as Product, Parts and Component to it.

A Part contains a link to a CATPart document and used to position andorientates the part within the CATProduct. You can not attach other nodes to a

Part node.

A Component this node contains no links to external documents and can bethought of as a dummy node. You can position/orientate this node and attachother nodes to it such as Products and Parts.

Here is an example of a CATProduct with three Part nodes attached and aComponent node with a single Part node attached to it.

Again the Specification Tree can be expanded or collapsed by selecting the + or -symbol on the tree branch. You can also use the View>Tree Expansion drop downmenu.



Different Display Modes when using CATProducts

There are two types of display modes available when viewing CATProducts: -

1. Visualisation Mode - This uses a Catia Graphical Representation or CGR formatto create a visualisation of the CATParts within the Product. Only the externalappearance of the component is visualised.

The main advantage of using this mode is that performance of the workstation isimproved by virtue of the fact that only a small amount of data is loaded intomemory on the Workstation compared to using Design Mode. This is especiallytrue on large Assemblies.

The main disadvantages when Parts are in Visualisation mode are that you cannot apply Assembly Constraints to them, modify any geometry or display theParts Specification Tree.

When you open an existing CATProduct you are automatically placed intoVisualisation mode, the CGR files are extracted from the CATPart documentsthat are attached to the Product and placed in a Cache directory on theWorkstation.

Below is the Specification Tree for a Product when it is in Visualisation mode.Note that that Assembly Constraints have yellow exclamation symbols attached tothem which indicate that the link to the relevant Features have been broken. Thisis normal and the link should reconnect when you switch to Design Mode. InVisualisation mode there is no means of expanding the Parts node to view thePart Specification Tree.



2. The other mode is called Design Mode which allows gain access to the PartSpecification Tree to edit Geometry, you can also apply constraints betweenFeatures on different Parts.

As mention prevoiusly when you open an existing Product you are automaticallyplaced in Visualisation mode.

One way to enter Design mode is to select thetop or root Node of the CATProduct and thenuse MB3 to access the contextual menu andthen select the Representations tab followedby the Design Mode option. All the CATPartsattached to the Product Specification tree willnow be loaded into Design Mode. This also hasthe effect of loading the CATPart documentsinto the Workstations memory and on a largeAssembly there may be a time delay whilst thistask is performed.

Once in Design mode the CATPartSpecification Trees are accessible by selectingthe + symbol next to the Part node. Theyellow exclamation symbol on the Constraintsshould now have disappeared indicating thatthey have successfully re-linked.

You also specify which Parts are loaded into Design mode by selecting themindividually on the Specification Tree and then use MB3 to load them. This maybe a more preferable method when large Assemblies are concerned.



Another way to load a Product into Design mode is to select the Update All icon onthe button menu bar. When you first open an existing Product this icon will be yellowif you are in Visualisation mode and by selecting it all the Parts on the Specificationwill be loaded into Design mode and any links will be updated.

The Update All Icon

To switch back to Visualisation mode by using MB3 > Representations>Visualisation Mode.

Note: When you add a New Part to the Specification Tree it will be automaticallyloaded in Design mode.

UpdateRequired

No UpdateRequired



Create Scene

Selection

Workbench Icon

Product Selection

Constraints

AssemblyFeatures

ProductStructureTools

Annotations

Move Operations

Assembly Design Toolbars and Icons

There are five main toolbarswithin the Assembly Designworkbench: -

1. Product Structure Tools used to create the SpecificationTree.

2. Move Operations usedfor the positioning assemblyProducts and Parts.

3. Assembly Features usedto create assembly basedfeatures within the Product.

4. Annotations attachestext annotation to assemblyfeatures.

5. Constraints createsassembly constraints betweenProducts and Parts.

The AssemblyDesign Toolbarsare also accessiblevia the InsertDrop down menu



Product Structure Tools Toolbar

The main purpose of this toolbar is to allow you to create a Specification Tree andmanipulate its order.

You can also access the majority of these commands by the use of MB3 when youpass over the currently selected node on the Specification Tree to display a contextualmenu and select Components to display a sub menu

Insert New Component

Reordered Tree

Insert New Part

Insert New Product

Insert Existing Component

Replace Component

Load/Unloads Components

Manage Representations

Generate Numbers

Multi Instantiation Tools



Add New Component

This allows you to add a new Component Node to the Specification Tree.

After selecting the icon a Part Number panel will appear inwhich you must enter a name for the Node in the New PartNumber field and then click OK.

A new Component Node with the name you specified is added to the SpecificationTree attached to the currently active node that is highlighted in blue

Add New Product (CATProduct)

Selecting this icon will allow you to add a new CATProduct to theSpecification Tree.

Select the icon to display the Part Numder panel and enter a name for theCATProduct. The name must conform to the relevant Airbus naming conventions andprocedures. After entering a valid name click OK to add the new CATProduct to theSpecification Tree. Again the new node is attached to the currently active node.

Note: the Origin of the new CATProduct is same as the currently node. Anempty Product has no origin until a Part has been inserted. The Absolute Axissystem (origin) of the Product is defined by the first Part or Product inserted.

Currently Active Node

New Component Node

Currently Active Node

New CATProduct Node

Product/Part name Product/Part Instance name



Add a New Part (CATPart)

This icon allows you to add a new CATPart to the Specification Tree.

On selecting this icon the Part Number panel will appear and again you must enter avalid part name. After you click OK the new CATPart will be attached to thecurrently active node on the Specification Tree. As with adding a new CATProductthe origin on the CATPart is the same as the current active node.

If you now add a second new CATPart to the Specification Tree, after entering a validpart name in the Part Number panel and clicking OK. A New Part: Origin Pointpanel will appear asking you to define the origin for the new part. If you select theYes button you will have to select either Point element from within an existingCATPart on the Specification tree or an existing Node to specify the origin. If youselect the No button then the origin will be same as the currently active node.

Note: Using one of the Move Operations or Assembly Constraints can change theposition and orientation of a new CATPart.

New CATPart Node



Adding A Existing Component

This command is not as the name implies to add an existing Component nodeto the Specification, but in fact it is used to add existing CATProducts and

CATParts.

After selecting the icon an Insert an Existing Component panel will appear. Enterthe directory where you wish search for the required CATProducts or CATParts in theLook in field and hit the Enter key. The standard directories to enter in this field are/epd/parts, /epd/readparts or /epd/roa..

The Name or the files and folders contained within the directory is now listed in themain window of the panel together the file Type. You can limit your search to aspecific file type by selecting one of the options available in the Files of type field viathe down arrow. You can also enter partial file names together with * as a wildcard inthe File name field followed by hitting the Enter key to perform your search i.e.L57P123* will list all files beginning with L57P123.

The Open as read-only check box limits access to read only although when you addan existing file for the ROA it is already set to read only and can not be changed.

Once the required files are listed in the main window you can select them using MB1.You can also multi select files using the Shift or Ctrl Key. The required file name(s)will now appear in the File name field. Clicking Open will add them to theSpecification Tree and position them on the origin of the currently active node.



Below is an example of an existing CATProduct containing a Component node andseven Part nodes together with their associated Assembly Constraints.

Replacing a Component

By selecting this icon you can Replace a node on the Specification Tree withanother existing Product or Part node.

After selecting the icon you must select a Node on the Tree to be replaced. The Insertan Existing Component panel will now appear. If required perform a search for thereplacement CATProduct or CATPart and select it using MB1 followed by clickingtheOpen button to continue.

Select Node to beReplaced

ReplacementCATProduct



A Replace Mode panel will appear asking you if you wish to replace all instances ofthe selected node with the new one. If you select Yes then all occurrences of theselected node in the Specification Tree will be replaced. If you select No then only theselected node will be replaced.

The selected node will now be replaced at the same location.



Graphic Tree Reordering

Allows you to Reorder the nodes on the Specification Tree.

After selecting the icon you must select a node on the tree that as other nodes attachedto it. A Graph tree reordering panel will now be displayed. Select the node namefrom the list to be reordered and use one of the three buttons on the right side of thepanel to move the node up or down the tree: -

Increments the node up one position inthe tree.

Increments the node down one positionin the tree.

Moves the selected node next to asecond node you select from the list.

After you have moved the node to the desired position in the list click OK tocomplete the reordering.Generate Numbering

This icon can be used to generate numbers against all nodes in a selectedCATProduct that contains links to geometry.

Select the icon followed by the Product node with Partsattached. A Generate Numbering panel will appear with theoption to either generate Integer or Letters. You can also selectwhether Keep existing numbers or Replace them.

On clicking OK the number command is performed. Nothingwill have visibly changed but the numbers are added to theProperties of the relevant node. This information can beextracted and used to compile a Bill Of Materials for theCATProduct which can then be imported into a CATDrawing.

This command allows you load document into memory. This is an advanced userfunction and is not covered in the Foundation course.

This command allows different geometric representation of parts to be used. As withthe last command this is an advanced user function and is not covered in theFoundation course.



Creating Multiple Instances of a Node

It is possible to create multiple instances of a Component, Product and Part nodeswithin the Specification Tree. The easiest way to perform this task is to select thenode to be instantiated then either use MB3 to access the contextual menu and selectCopy or use the Edit drop down menu and select Copy. The node is then copiedtogether with its position and orientation within the Tree.

Now select the node on the Tree where you want the new instance to be attached andagain use MB3 or the Edit drop down menu to Paste the new instance on to the Tree.The new instance will appear on the tree and if there is a geometry associated (i.e.CATPart) then this will be place in exactly the same position and orientation as theoriginal node. If you keep using Paste then more Instances will be added to the Treein the same position. You can then manipulate its position using the Compass, Snap orAssembly Constraints.

If you copy a node that has other nodes attached to it then the attached nodes arecopied as well.

A unique instance number is added to the node name on the Specification Tree toidentify the new instances.

Unique InstanceNumbers

Instancesdisplayed afterrepositioning



Renaming a Node Name

There may be occasions when you will need to rename a Node name on theSpecification Tree. This can be done by selecting the node to be renamed using MB1followed by MB3 to access the contextual menu and then select Properties.

A Properties panel will appear which has four tabs enabling you to control thefollowing: -

1. The name of the Node.

2. The Graphic Properties.

3. The Mechanical Properties.

4. The Drafting Properties.

SelectedNode



The Product tab allows you to edit theNode Part Number and Instance Nametogether with various Attributes.

The important fields on this tab are: -

The Component instance name is thename displayed in brackets on thenode. If you edit this name you shouldensure that it matches the name in thePart Number field with the exceptionof the instance number.

The Link to Reference lists the file towhich the node is linked and is noteditable.

The Part Number field allows you tochange the first portion of the nodename.

After editing the required fields clickOK to apply the change.

Note: Optegra or Primes do not currently use the Attributes.

The Graphic tab allows you to control the default colour and line font for displayedgeometry.

The Mechanical tab allows you to enter Mass Properties.

The Drafting tab allows you to control how the geometry is displayed in theCATDrawing.



Defining a Multi-Instantiation

Allows you create multiple instances of a part in a specified direction.

Creates a Multi Instantiation of a part in a user-defined direction.

Select the icon to display the Multi Instantiation panel. The following options areavailable: -

The Component to Instantiate field displays the part you have selected toInstantiate.

By selecting the down arrow adjacent to theParameters field you will have three optionsavailable to you: -

1. Instance(s) & Spacing equally spacesthe number of instances entered in theNew Instance(s) field using distancevalue entered in the Spacing field todefine the Spacing or Step size.

2. Instance(s) & Length equally spaces thenumber of instances entered in the NewInstance(s) field through the distancevalue entered in the Length field.

3. Spacing & Length automatically derivesthe instances by dividing the valueentered Length field by the value enteredin the Spacing field.

The Reference Direction portion of the panel allows you to define the direction ofthe Instantiations. You can either use the Axis options to allow you to specify thedirection based on the X, Y or Z axis of the Compass or use a Selected Element i.e. aLine, Planar face, etc. You can also Reverse the direction. The Result = fields displaythe Vector values for the direction.

The Define As Default check box allows you set the current values as default.

Fast Multi-Instantiation

Define Multi-Instantiation



After selecting the part to be Instantiated, the Reference Direction and Instanceoptions, click OK to create the Instantiation. The Multiple Instances are created in theSpecification Tree.

In the following example a part is Instantiated with four New Instances with aSpacing or step of 600mm along the X-Axis of the Compass.

Selected part to beInstantiated

Preview of theInstantiation

ResultingInstantiations

ResultingInstantiations in theSpecification Tree

ResultingInstantiations in theSpecification Tree

Instance Numbers



This allows Fast Multi-Instantiations to be created using the Default setting ofthe Multi Instantiation panel.

After selecting the part to be Instantiated select the icon to create the instances.



Saving a Newly Creating CATProduct

The first time you save a newly created CATProduct the Save As panel will appear.You can then specify the directory where CATProduct to be saved by entering thepath in the Save in field. The correct path for storing such data is /epd/parts. You canalso change the name of the CATProduct by entering a new name in the File namefield.

When you click OK if your CATProduct contains new CATParts that have not beensaved then a Save panel will appear asking you if you wish to proceed.

If you click OK then the CATProduct will be saved into the directory defined in theSave in field under the specified name together with any new CATParts attached to it.



Move Operations Toolbar

Allows you to manipulate the position and orientation of Parts.

Manipulation

Allows Freehand Manipulation to position and orientate a selected Part.

Select the icon to display a Manipulation Parameters panel.

There are twelve options available, four allowing you to drag along an Axis, fourallowing dragging along Planes, and four allowing you to rotate about an Axis.

After selecting the required button you must select the part to be manipulated usingMB1 and then drag it in the required direction.

This command will stay active until click on the OK or Cancel Button.

Snap

Stop ManipulationExplode Assembly

Manipulation

Drag along the XY,YZ or XZ Planes

Drag alongany Axis

Rotate aroundthe X, Y or Z-

Axis

Drag along theX, Y or Z-Axis

Display thecurrently selected

button

Drag alongany Plane

Rotatearound any

Axis



Snap Operations

Positions parts using a snapping.

Snaps one Part to another by selecting elements.

Select the icon and then select an element contained within the Part to be moved i.e. aPlane, a Face, an Axis System, etc. Now select an element within a second Part toindicate the new position.

The following is an example of an existing Part that has been added to a CATProductand then positioned using its Axis System relevant to an Axis System in another Partin this case a part containing Positioning Datums.

Snap Smart Move

Part to bemoved

Part containingPosition Datums(Axis Systems)

Axis System ofthe Part to be

moved

PositioningAxis System

Resultingmove



When you snap two Axis Systems together the orientation of the X, Y and Z-Axis isautomatically aligned although is some cases the Axis direction may be reversed. Thiscan be overcome by dropping the Compass onto the origin of the Axis System in thePart that is being moved. Then rotation the reversed Axis through at least 180 andthen re-apply the Snap command.

Note: You can only use the Snap command if the currently Active node on theSpecification Tree is the Parent of both Parts being snapped.

This command is similar to the Snap command. It allows you to Snap one Partto another and it also allows you to create Assembly Constraints.

After selecting the icon a Smart Move panel will appear and then click on the Morebutton to display the Quick Constraint options. If you select the Automaticconstraint creation, when you select the elements to snap together and click OK theparts are snapped together and a Constraint is generated. The use of AssemblyConstraints is explained later in this session.

X



Explode Assembly

Allows you to Explode selected CATProducts.

Select the icon to display the Explode panel and select the CATProduct(s) to beexploded.

You have the following options: -

The Depth field allows you to control howmany levels of the selected CATProduct(s)are exploded. The choices are limited toFirst Level or All Levels.

The Type field allows you to specify thedirection of the Explode to be controlled in3D, 2D or inline with Constraints.

The Selection field lists the CATProduct(s) you have selected to explode.

The Fixed product field lists CATProduct(s) that you have select to be Fixed and willnot be affected by the Explode.

The Scroll Explode bar allows you to simulate the movement of the Explode.

If you now click OK the CATProduct will be Exploded and Scroll bar will appear inthe Scroll Explode portion of the panel. A Warning message will be displayedinforming you that you are about to modify product positions. If you click Yes thenthe Explode will permanently move the Parts together with any Sub-Products and thecommand will end. If you click No then the Explode is temporary, which is probablythe safer option and the Explode panel will stay on the screen.

If you select the Apply then again the CATProduct will be Exploded and the Scrollbar will appear in the Scroll Explode portion of the panel. An Information boxappears informing you than you can use the Compass to move Products. Click OK toremove this panel and you are now in temporary Explode mode.



You can use the Scroll bar in the Scroll explode portion of the panel to incrementthrough the movement of the Parts on the screen from Exploded to assembled.

When you have finished click Cancel to exit Explode mode and this will also resetthe Parts back to their assembly positions.

Below is an example of an exploded CATProduct.

Stopping Manipulation on Clash

Selecting this icon will cause the manipulation of parts when using theManipulation icon to be halted if the Part that is being moved Clashes with an

adjacent Part.

Note: The With respect to constraints check box on the Manipulation Panel mustbe selected for this to function work.

SelectedCATProduct tobe Exploded

ResultingExploded

CATProduct



Assembly Constraints

Assembly constraints are used to position CATParts relative to each other with aCATProduct. All assembly constraints are added to the Specification Tree andattached to a Constraints Node.

When you select one of the Constraint icons anAssistant panel appears. If you wish, click on theDo not prompt in the future check box andClick OK to remove the panel.

Assembly Constraints Toolbar

Coincidence Constraint

Offset Constraint

Angle Constraint

FixFix Together

Reuse Pattern

Contact Constraint

Quick ConstraintFlexible/Rigid Assembly

Change Constraint

ConstraintsNode

AssemblyConstraints



Coincidence Constraint

Applies a Coincidence Constraint between two Parts. This is ideally used toconstrain the axis of two Cylindrical features together although you can apply

it to a Points, Edges, Faces, etc.

Select the icon followed by the two elements/features on two different Parts that are tobe constrained. The constraint is attached to the Specification and temporarilydisplayed on the screen. If you now click on the Update All button the two Parts thathave features selected will move to align the elements so that they are coincident witheach other.

As you hover over a Cylindrical features the axis of the feature ishighlighted on the screen and if you select it then the coincidenceis applied to the axis.

In the following example the Hole feature on the bracket is madecoincident with the corresponding Hole feature on a frame.

Axis of theHole displayedwhen you hoverover the feature

Hole Features tobe Constrained

Coincidence Constraintattached to the SpecificationTree prior to the Update Allbutton being selected

Update symbolindicating that thenew Constraint isnot up to date



The resulting constrained Parts after the Update All button has been selected. TheAxis of the Holes is aligned but the two Parts do not necessarily contact each other.

CoincidentconstraintSymbol

Resultant up to dateCoincidence Constraint



Contact Constraint

Allows you to create a Contact Constraint between two Features on differentParts. This Constraint is generally used between Planes and Planar Faces,

Lines and Points.

Select the icon and the two features on different Parts that require constraining. Selectthe Update All icon to move the Parts to their constrained position. The selectedfeatures will be aligned to each other but they may not touch.

In the following example the bottom face of the bracket is constrained to the side faceof the frame

Features to beConstrained

ContactConstraint

Symbol

ContactConstraint

attached to theSpecification Tree



Offset Constraint

Applies an Offset Constraint between selected feature on two different Parts.This constraint can be applied to between Points, Lines ,Planes and PlanarFaces.

Select the icon followed by the two features to display Constraint Properties panelwill appear with the following options: -

The Name field contains the name of the Constraint, which you may change.

The Supporting Elements field lists the selected features and the Status displayswhether they are connected or not.

The Orientation allows you to control how the selected features are orientated toeach other with the following option available by clicking on the down arrow: -

1. Undefined applies a constraintwith no controlling orientation.

2. Same ensures the selected featureare facing the same direction

3. Opposite orientates the featuresto face opposite direction to eachother.

You can use the Green arrows toswitch direction.

The Offset field allows you to enter avalue for the offset distance betweenthe selected features

OffsetConstraint



After clicking OK the resulting Constraint is added to the Specification Tree you thenhave to Update the constraint to move the selected features to the correct position.The features will be aligned but may not contact each other.



Angular Constraint

Creates an Angular Constraint between two features on different Parts. Thisconstraint can be applied between Lines, Planes, Planar Faces and the Axis ofCylinder and Cones.

Select the icon followed by the features to be constrained. A Constraint Propertiespanel appears with the following options: -

The Name field allows you to specify aname for the constraint.

There are four check boxes on the left ofthe panel allow you to specify theconstraint type: Perpendicularly,Parallelism, Angle (default) and Planarangle.

The Supporting Elements lists thefeatures that you have selected toconstraint. Again the Status filed indicateswhether they are connected or not.

The Sector menu allows you to selectwhich sector of a 360 circle is used todefine the angle.

The Angle field specifies the angle value for the constraint.After you click OK the Angle constraint is added to the Specification Tree and youmust select the Update All icon to position the features.

Feature to beConstrained



Resulting Angular Constraint.

Fix Constraint

Allows you to Fix the position of Parts.

Select the icon followed by selecting the Part to be fixed either graphically or fromthe Specification Tree. The constraint is added to the Specification Tree and displayedgraphically on the selected Part. The Update command does not need to be used withfix as no positional changes are taking place.

It is possible to Fix the Position of both Product and Component nodes by selectingthem on the Specification Tree.

AngularConstraint

AngularConstraint

FixConstraint



Fix Together Constraint

This constraint allows you fix together multiple Parts so that when one of theParts is repositioned the others will move with it.

Select the Fix Together icon and select the Parts to be fixed together. A Fix Togetherpanel will appear listing the parts you have selected to fix together. If you make amistake re-select the incorrect part(s) to remove them from the list.

When you click OK the fix together constraint is applied to the selected Parts andadded to the specification Tree.

Name of theConstraint

displayed in theSpecification Tree

List of Parts to beFixed Together

Selected Part tobe Fixed

Fix TogetherConstraint



By using the Manipulation command and selecting the With respect to constraintscheck box, when you select one of the Parts that is fixed together and move it, then allother Parts constrained to it using the Fix Together constraint will be moved as well.

Quick Constraint

Selecting this icon allows you to quickly apply constraint between features ondifferent Parts.

After selecting the icon select the two features on different parts to be constrained.Catia automatically applies a constraint of a type that best suits the features selected.The resulting Constraint is added to the Specification Tree.

Flexible/Rigid Sub-Assembly

This command allows assembly constraint within a Sub-Assembly to beoverridden temporarily thus allowing parts to be repositioned.



Change Constraint

With this command you can change one constraint type to another.

After selecting the icon select the Constraint to be changed. A ChangeType panelwill appear listing the alternative constraints that are available for the selectedfeatures.

After selecting the alternative constraint from the list click OK and the Update Allicon to complete the change.

Reuse Pattern

This command allows you to select a Pattern from within an existing Part anduse it to position multiple instances of a Part in the Product.

Selectedconstraint to be

changed

ReplacementConstraint

Newconstraint

Result of changingthe Constraint from

an Offset to aCoincidence



Create a SceneScenes can be used to develop an existing Product assembly in a separate windowwithout affecting the original (i.e. create an Exploded version). You can createmultiple Scenes within a Product that show various iterations of the design Assembly.

The following attributes contained either in scenes or in the assembly can be changedwithout the modifications being replicated in the other: -

1. The viewpoint or state.

2. The graphical attributes of the components

3. The Hide/Show state of the components

4. Whether a Part in active or not.

If a Parts position is changed in the Assembly then it is replicated in the Scenes aslong as the assembly and the scenes are synchronised. On the other hand if the Partsposition is modified in a Scene then is not replicated in the assembly and the Sceneand Assembly are said to be of de-synchronised

Scenes are identified by name in the Specification Tree and by a graphic symbol inthe graphic window

When creating a Scene the Parts and Sub-Product that make up the Scene aredetermined by the current selection in the Specification Tree: -

1. If no element is selected in the Specification Tree or if top or Root Product node isselected, then the created Scene will include all the components of the entireProduct.

2. If a Sub-Product of the assembly is selected in the Specification Tree, then thecreated Scene will include only the components of the selected Sub-Product.

3. If an existing Scene is selected in the Specification Tree, then a copy of theselected Scene is created.



After selecting the required node on the specification tree select the Sceneicon. An Edit Scene panel appears where you can enter a name for the Scenein the Name field. When you click OK the Scene is added the Specification

Tree under the Applications node and you are entered into the Scene Workbench.

The Scene Workbench Toolbars

The Reset the selected products icon allows you to reset representation ofselected Products within the Scene back to their original status.

Select the icon followed by the Products on the Specification Tree to perform thereset.

The Save Viewpoint icon allows you to save the current view in the Scene.

Select the icon to save the current View State.

The Snap icon allows you position Parts by snapping without affecting the Partpositions within the Product

Search allows you to perform search for data held in the Product.

The Explode icon allows you to Explode the Scene Assembly withoutaffecting the Product.

The Start Publish allows you to Publish the Scene.

Workbench Selection

Exit Workbench

Selection

Start Publish

Save Viewpoint

Explode

Search

Snap

Reset the selected products



When you enter the Scene the background colour of the graphic display changes toindicate that you are no longer in standard Assembly mode. When you havecompleted the desired Scene use the Exit Workbench icon to return to the AssemblyProduct

In the following example the Exploded GA Scene is created from a product with theuse of the Explode command.

The created Scene can then be used to create an Exploded view in a CATDrawing

The AssemblyProduct unaffected

by the Explodecommand used in

the Scene

ExplodedSceneScene attached

to theSpecification

Tree

Scenedisplayed inthe Graphics

Window



Assembly Operations

Assemblies Operations can be used to create Assembly Features and SymmetricalParts within the Product.

Assembly Features

This toolbar allows you to create Assembly Based Features within the Product i.e. ahole that passes through multiple Parts.

This command allows you to Split a group of selected Parts within a Productusing a Plane Or Surface.

Select the icon followed by the Splitting element todisplay an Assembly Features Definition panel.

The Name field contains the name of the splitcommand, which will be displayed on theSpecification Tree.

The Parts possibly affected lists all the Parts in thetree that can be split. Either select the double downarrow to move the all the listed Parts into theAffected parts field or select the required Partsfrom the list using MB1 followed by the singledown arrow. If you make a mistake you can use thedouble and single Up Arrows to remove Parts fromthe Affected parts list. To highlight the selectedparts click on the Highlight affected parts checkbox.

AssemblyFeatures

CreateSymmetry

Split Remove

Add

Pocket

Hole



After clicking OK on the Assembly Features Definition panel a Selection inContext panel appears asking if you would like to keep the link with the selectedObject i.e. the splitting element. If you select Yes then a Contextual link isestablished between the Part containing the Splitting element and the Part(s) beingSplit. If No is selected then the Parts are Split with no link to the splitting element i.e.the splitting element is Isolated in the Part being Split.

After selecting Yes or No the Assembly Features Definition panel reappearstogether with a Split Definition panel. The Assembly Features Definition panelcontains the list of the Parts affected by the Split and the Split Definition panel liststhe splitting element. If required use the Orange Arrow to select the portion of theParts to be kept.

Click OK on the Split Definition panel to complete the operation.

SplittingElement

Parts tobe Split

Arrow indicatingthe portion of thesolid to be kept



The selected Parts are now split and anAssembly Split node is added to theSpecification Tree attached to an AssemblyFeatures node. The Assembly Split nodecontains nodes that define the Split operationon each of the affected Parts.

If you selected Yes to keep a Contextual linkbetween the splitting element and the Part(s)being split then an External Reference iscreated in the part Specification Tree. Thereforeif the splitting element changes then theresulting split will update. The Part node on theSpecification Tree indicates that there is anExternal Reference contained within it by theappearance of a Green chain link Symbol on thenode.

ResultingSplit Parts

Green ChainLink Symbol

ExternalReference

AssemblyFeatures node

Link to the Surface heldwithin the

MASTERSURF1 Part,which is attached to theENV Component node



The following commands are not covered in the Foundation Course

This command allows you to create a Hole feature through series of selectedParts in a Product using a similar method to the Assembly Split command.

This command allows you to create a Pocket feature through series of selectedParts in a Product again using a similar method to the Assembly Split

command.

You can use the Add command to add a Partbody from the Specification Treeof one Part in the Product into the Specification Tree of other Part(s).

This command allows you Remove a Partbody in an existing Part fromSpecification Tree other Parts in the Product.

Create Symmetry

Create Symmetry Part(s) of existing Part(s) within the Product.

After selecting the icon a Symmetry panel will appear. First you have to select aPlane that is to be used as the Mirror or Symmetry Plane followed by the Part(s) and/or Products to be mirrored from the Specification.

Note: You can not select the top or Root node of the Product



A preview of the symmetry will be display together with an Assembly SymmetryWizard and by clicking Finish on this panel Catia will proceed to create the requiredsymmetrical Part(s)/Product(s) and attached Symmetry nodes to the SpecificationTree.

When the command is completed an Assembly Symmetry Result panel will appeardetailing the number New Components, Instances and Products that have beenaffected by the Symmetry. Select the Close button to remove the panel.

The Update All icon must now be selected to synchronise the Product.

ResultingSymmetry



The resulting Specification Tree as the Symmetrical Part(s)/Product(s) attached to ittogether with an Assembly Features node containing an Assembly Symmetry node.

Note: When using this command be aware that the larger the assembly beingmirrored the longer the task will take.



An Overview of Contextual Links

It is possible within Catia to link elements contained within one CATPart to elementsin another. Typical this can be done by Splitting a Solid contained in one CATPartusing a Surface containing in another or by copying a element/Feature from one Partand Pasting it with a Link into another Part. In both cases an external Reference canbe created in the CATPart.

In the following example a CATProduct which as two CATParts attached to it. One ofthe Parts (MASTERSURF1) has two surfaces contained within it that are used toSplit a PartBody in CATIAV5RIBPART.

During the Split operation a panel will appear asking if want to keep the link withthe selected Object.

If you select Yes then the Surface is copied into the Part being Split and is created inthe Specification Tree which embeds a Link to the Part containing the Surface thusallowing any changes in the original Surface to be Updated in the Part being Split. Ifyou select No then the Surface is copied into the Part being Split and it is Isolated,therefore if the original Surface is changed then copy will not Update.

Surfaces containedwithin

MASTERSURF1CATPart

Resulting SplitPartBody contained

withinCATIAV5RIBPART



Below is the resulting Specification Tree for the CATProduct with ExternalReferences linking MASTERSURF1 and CATIAV5RIBPART.

As with using the Assembly Split Operationthe node of the Part being Split as a smallLink Symbol attached to it to indicate that ithas External References to another Partwithin the current Product.

The two Surfaces attached to the ExternalReference node within the Part being Splitalso have Green Diamond Symbol to indicatethat they linked and are up to date.

Extrude.1is Linked toSurface.3

Extrude.2is Linked toSurface.4



Due to the fact that the links have been create between the two Parts within theCATProduct (CATIAV5TRAIN12) the External references are said to be createdIn Context with the Product. This means that if the CATPart containing theExternal Reference is opened in its own right or it is added to another CATProductthen the links will not be found and they will temporarily be broken. This is signifiedby a red ? symbol being displayed on the Surface nodes attached to the ExternalReferences within the Part and a red zigzag symbol is displayed on the Part instancenode when the CATPart is attached to another CATProduct.

It is possible to check to see if a CATPart as links present by either selecting the Partnode within the CATProduct or opening the CATPart in its own right and then selectLinks from the Edit drop down menu.



A Links to Element panel appears that list all the External References and theContext link together with their Status i.e. OK or Not Found.

You can also use this panel to Isolate the linked element or Replace them. If a link isbroken or as been Isolated then a red zigzag symbol is displayed on the node.



Session 6 - AnalysisThis session covers the use of some of the Digital Mockup (DMU) analysis toolsavailable within Catia.

On completion of this session the trainee will:

Be able to access the DMU Workbenches. Be able to perform Proximity Queries.

Be able to perform Clash Analysis

Be able take Sections through Assemblies.



Accessing the Digital Mockup (DMU) Workbenches

The DMU Workbenches can be entered by Selecting Start > Digital Mockup andthen select the required Workbench.



Proximity Queries

The Proximity Query analysis tool can be found in the DMU Navigator Workbenchon the DMU Data Navigation Toolbar and is called Spatial Query. This allows youto check the clearance between selected Products and surround geometry. Thiscommand can be used to allow you to limit the number of Products, Sub-Productsand Parts displayed when working on large complex Assemblies or just the portion ofthe assembly you are interested in. Catia uses a representation of the selected Parts,which is made of series of cubes to perform the query. The size of the cube iscontrolled by the Accuracy value.

Select the icon to display a Spatial Query panel. The main options to consider whenusing this panel are: -

The Selection Field lists the Product(s) youhave selected to perform the query.

The Clearance field allows you to specifythe distance to check between selectedProduct(s) and the surrounding Geometry.

The Accuracy field is used to specify theaccuracy of the check.

Note: The smaller the Accuracy value thelonger the query will take.

Spatial Query



Once you have selected the Product(s) and set the Clearance and Accuracy you mustselect the Search button to perform the Query. Catia will now perform the queryduring which a Computation in progress panel will appear detailing the operationprogress.

Upon completion the Parts whose distance from the selected Product(s) is less thanthe Clearance value are displayed in the Results portion of the panel and arehighlighted graphically.



You can now use the Select button together with the Group icon, which can be foundon the DMU Navigator Tools Toolbar to group the highlighted items together.

A Group node is added to the Specification Tree under the Applications Node. TheGroup node contains all the groups that you have created

On selecting the Group icon an Edit Group and Preview panels appear. The EditGroup panel allows you to edit the name of the group and also lists the associatedProducts and Parts. The Preview panel shows a graphic display of the Group.

Once the group has been created you can use Hide/Show to display the group only.

Group



Clash Analysis

The Clash Analysis tool is accessible through both the Assembly Design and DMUSpace Analysis Workbenches and is located on the Space Analysis Toolbar.

Select the icon to display a Check Clash panel.

The Name field allows you toenter a name for the analysis.This is displayed as a node onthe Specification Tree underthe Applications >Interference.

The Type field allows youspecify the type check to beperformed: -

Contact + Clash. Performs acheck for both Contact and Clash

Clearance + Contact + Clash. This will allow you to enter a distance value for theClearance check in the right hand field.

Authorised penetration. Allows you to check for clash over a specified interferencedistance which is entered in the right hand field

Clash rule. Allows you to specify a rule using Knowledgeware.

The field under the Type field allows you to select whether you want to run theanalysis against all components, only inside the selected Product, all componentsagainst the selected Product and between two selections.

By default if you do not select a Product then Catia will perform the clash against thecurrently active Product.

When you click Apply the analysis is performed and the Clash Check panel willexpand to display the results. A Computing panel may be seen briefly during thecheck.

Note: The larger the assembly that is checked then the longer the process willtake.

Clash



In the following example the active product is selected by default to which a Contactand Clash analysis is performed against all components.

After clicking Apply the check is performed and the Check Clash panel expands todisplay the results.

The number ofInterferences found

Results



If you select one of the results from the table (in this case row 5) a Preview windowappears displaying the components involved in the check. The value of the clash, ifany, is displayed in the Value field and the Status value changes.

Any clash ishightlighted ina windowwhich you canZoom and Panusing themouse.



If you now click OK the Clash is attached to the Speciication Tree under the namespecified in the Name field. To view the results again double click on the Results

node.

You can also save the results as XML file, a plain Text file or a Catia Version 4.model by selecting the Export button. There is also the option to toggle the Previewresults to the main graphics window by select the Results Window button.

ResultsNode

Clash node

Export filebutton

Results Windowbutton



Sectioning

This command allows you to take 3D section cuts through selected Products. As withClash, this icon can be found on the Space Analysis Toolbar in both AssemblyDesign and DMU Space Analysis Workbenches.

Select the icon to display a Sectioning Definition panel a Preview window.

The following options are available on this panel: -

The Name field allows you to specify a name for theresulting Section which is displayed on the SpecificationTree under the Application > Sections nodes.

The Selection field allows you to select which Product isused in the section. Default is the currently activeProduct.

There are seven buttons below the selection field that allow the following options: -

Sectioning

SectionPlane Type

VolumeCut Section Fill

Export File

AutomaticUpdate Toggle

ClashDetection

Results WindowToggle



The Section Plane Type has three options available by selecting the small arrow onthe button: -

2D Section - Takes a section using a single Plane.

Section Slice Creates two sections superimpossed on each other using twoparallel Planes.

Section Box creates superimpossed sections using planes defining using arectangular box.

The Volume Cut toggle allows you to limit the display of the Solid geometry on thescreen to the positive side of the section plane.

The Results Window toggle switches the Preview window into a full window.The Section Fill toggle allows you to specify a fill for the section.

The Clash Detection toggle switches on the Clash Detection in a second window.

The Export File button allows you to save the result in one of the following formats:

CATPart CATDrawing dxf dwg igs model stp wrl

The Automatic Update button has two options available by selecting the small arrowon the button: -

Allows automatically updates the section.

Freezes the section.



The Position and Dimensioning portion of the panel allows you to specify the positionand orientation of the section plane.

The X, Y and Z check box orientation the plane with the x, y, z plane of the Product.

If you select the Edit Plane button then the following panel appears that allows you toposition and orientate the Section plane.

The Translation and Rotation Increment values allow you move the section a setdistance or angle by using the increment buttons.

You can also position and orientate the Section plane by dragging the plane compasswith MB1.

Edit PlanePosition andDimensions

Align theSection with

geometry

Invert theSection

direction

Reset theSectionPlane

TranslationIncrement

Value

Undo/Redooption

RotationIncrement

value

SectionPlane size

Plane originrelative to theProduct origin


buttons


buttons



The Align Plane with geometry button when selected allows you to position theSection plane on a selected element. Once you select the element the section plane ispositioned normal to the element at the position you indicate.

The Invert button reverse the positive direction of the plane.

The Reset button resets the Section plane to original start position.

Once you have selected your desired settings for the Section Cut click OK to createthe Section node on the Specification Tree. The created Section can be editted bydouble clicking on the node.



The following are examples of different Section Cuts Available.

SingleSectionPlane

SectionPlane

Compass

Single Section Planethrough a Spoiler Bracket

and Spar

Preview window displaying theresulting section. In this case

clearly showing a Clash



TwoSectionPlanes

Plane Compasscontrols bothsection Planes

A Section Cut whichsuperimposes to

sections in the samePreview window

Second Section PlaneCut

First Section PlaneCut

First Plane

SecondPlane

Plane Manipulator visiblewhen you place the mousepointer over the plane. UseMB1 to drag the plane to a

new position



SectionBox

Wireframeintersectiongeometry

SectionCompass

CompositeSection

A compositeSection using

the Section Boxoption



Measuring Distances

To measure geometry within Catia you can use the following icons on the MeasureToolbar, which is available in the majority of the Workbenches on the bottom toolbar.

By selecting the Measure Between icon a Measure Between panel is displayed.There are four measuring options available, which can be selected by using the fourbuttons at the top of the panel.

The first option is to Measure Betweentwo selected elements.

The Selection 1 and 2 mode allows youto specify what type selection method isto be used.

The Other Axis checkbox allows youto specify an axis from which to basethe measure on. By default Catia will use the Product or Part Axis.

The Calculation mode allows you select whether the measurement is Exact orApproximate. If you measure in a Product that is in Visualisation mode then theresult will be approximate until you switch to Design mode.

The results are displayed in the Result portion of the panel.

MeasureBetween

MeasureItem



If you select Keep Measure then the distance between the selected elements isdisplayed on the screen permanently and a MeasureBetween node is added to theSpecification Tree.

You can customise the measure result by selecting the Customize button.

You have the option to display theDistance and Angle between the selectedelements both in the measure panel andgraphically.

Components displays in the Measurepanel only the delta X, Y and Z cordinatevalues between the measure points on theselected elements.

Point 1 and 2 displays the X, Y and Zvalues in the Measure panel from theProduct or Part Axis to the measure pointon the selected element.

Once you have customised your display either click Apply to temporarily apply thedisplay or OK to set the customised displayed.

Clicking OK on the main Measure Between panel completes the command.



The following is an example of use measure between using Any Geometry and AnyGeometry, Infinite between the same features.



In the following example the Distance and Angle to measured and displayed betweenthe two Spoiler Brackets.



The second measure option is to measure in Chain mode.

After selecting this button you have to select the first element to measure followed bythe second. The desired distance/angle is then displayed. If you now select a thirdelement then a distance/angle is displayed between the second and third elements. Allother options are the same as Measure Between.

Measuringin Chain

mode



The third option is to create measurements in a Fan or Stacked form.

After selecting this button you have to select the first element to measure followed bythe second. The desired distance/angle is then displayed. If you now select a thirdelement then a distance/angle is displayed between the first and third elements. Againall other options are the same as Measure Between.

Fan orStack modeMeasuring



The final measure option is Measure Item which also accessible from the MeasureToolbar. When you select this button a Measure Item panel appears. The optionallows you to measure individual elements i.e. Feature Edges, Faces, etc. afterselecting your desired options and the element to be measured the results aredisplayed both graphically and in the Results portion of the panel.

Click OK to complete the command. If the Keep Measure checkbox is selected thenthe measure result is permanently displayed and added to the Specification Tree.

airbus catia v5 training assembly design

Documents

assembly design workbench

assembly design toolbars

assembly constraints

new component

operations toolbar

new product catproduct

existing component

coincidence constraint