airbus catiav5 sketcher

AIRBUS UK CATIA V5 Foundation Course

DMS42188 Page 1 of 65 Issue 1ANUG0300111

Compiled by: Kevin Burke

Kevin BurkeDate: 16/Apr/2003

Approved by:

Date:

Authorised by:

Date:

AIRBUS UK Ltd. All rights reserved.

Foundation CourseSketcher



Contents

Session 3 The Sketcher Workbench......................................3An Introduction to Sketcher ...................................................................................... 4Renaming a Node name on the Specification Tree ................................................... 5Accessing the Sketcher Workbench.......................................................................... 6

Selecting a Sketch Plane ....................................................................................... 7The Sketcher Workbench .......................................................................................... 8Sketcher Toolbars and Icons ................................................................................... 10Selecting and Positioning Geometry....................................................................... 12The Profile Toolbar ................................................................................................. 14

The Profile Icon................................................................................................... 14Pre-Defined Profiles............................................................................................ 18Circles and Arcs .................................................................................................. 222D Splines ........................................................................................................... 24Conical Shapes .................................................................................................... 25Lines .................................................................................................................... 26Axis Line ............................................................................................................. 29Points................................................................................................................... 29

Editing the Definition of an Element ...................................................................... 32The Operations Toolbar .......................................................................................... 33

Create 2D Fillets.................................................................................................. 33Relimitation or Trim functions............................................................................ 36Transformation Tools.......................................................................................... 393D Geometry....................................................................................................... 45Cutting the Part by Sketch plane ......................................................................... 49

Constraints............................................................................................................... 50Constraint and Element Colours ............................................................................. 51The Constraints Toolbar.......................................................................................... 53

Create Constraints using a dialog box................................................................. 53Create Constraints by selecting elements............................................................ 54Create Automatic Constraints ............................................................................. 56Animates Constraints .......................................................................................... 58

Managing Constraints ............................................................................................. 58Linking Constraints Together.................................................................................. 60Further Sketcher Options ........................................................................................ 63

An alternative way of entering Sketcher ............................................................. 63Editing a Sketch .................................................................................................. 64Changing the Sketch Support .............................................................................. 64Sketch Analysis Tool .......................................................................................... 65



Session 3 The Sketcher Workbench

On completion of this session the trainee will:

Be able to access the Sketcher Workbench. Understand the Sketcher Toolbars and Icons.

Be able create and manipulate 2D Geometry.

Be able to apply and manipulate Constraints.



An Introduction to Sketcher

The primary use for Sketcher is for the user to define precise and rapid 2D profiles,which can then be used in the definition of surfaces and solids.

Within a sketch you can create 2D-wireframe geometry which can be used to produceSolids or surfaces and is represented by a solid line font. 2D-construction wireframegeometry can also be created which is used as an aid to produce the solid 2D-wireframe geometry. To position and control the size of the sketch, geometric andpositional constraints are used which are displayed in green. A Sketch Node will beattached to the Specification Tree in which the Sketch Axis, Geometry andConstraints details are held. The Specification Tree can be expanded by selecting the+ symbol on the Tree Branch or collapsed by selecting the - symbol.

DimensionalConstraints

GeometricConstraints

SpecificationTree

WireframeGeometry

ConstructionWireframeGeometry



Renaming a Node name on the Specification Tree

You can edit the name of a node on the Specification tree by selecting it with MB1followed by MB3 to display a contextual menu. Now select Properties to display aProperties panel for the selected

In the Feature Name field on theFeature Properties tab is the name ofthe Node. Select this field and enter thenew name for the Node and click OK toapply the change.

Node name tobe edited



Accessing the Sketcher Workbench

To access the Sketcherworkbench select > Start >Mechanical Design > Sketcherfrom the Start drop down menuor select the Sketcher Iconfrom any workbench thatallows sketches to becreated.

If a CATPart is not active a new part will be activated and you will be prompted toenter a part name by following panel on the desktop. Enter a name and click on OKand a new CATPart will open.

Note: If the part is to be stored on the vault the name must be in uppercase andconform to the relevant project naming convention.



Selecting a Sketch Plane

The sketcher icon will now be orange and you will be prompted to select a plane, aplanar face or a sketch this is known as the Sketch Support. Select the requiredplane, face or sketch and the catia desktop will switch to the sketcher workench andgraphic display.

Select a Plane fromthe SpecificationTree or Graphically.For additionalinformation oncreating user definedPlanes see the PartDesign Session

Select a Planar faceon an existing solid

Select an existingSketch on theSpecification Tree



The Sketcher Workbench

On entering theSketcher graphicswindow a Yellow2D Axis is displayedcontaining a verticalAxis V, aHorizontal Axis Hand a origin point.This is the SketchAbsolute Axis andyou can use theseelements to positiongeometry on thesketch plane by theuse of Constraints.

GeometryPart Specification

Tree

SketcherWorkbench

ToolbarsSketch Grid

SketchToolsToolba

Sketch Axis

V Axis

H Axis

Sketch Origin



The graphic display area will have a Grid displayed on the sketch plane to whichgeometry can be snapped. It is possible to change sketcher interface features such asthe grid size by selecting Tools>Options from the Tools drop down menu followedby the Mechanical Design>Sketcher branch on the displayed panel.

The Grid section controls the visibility, size and whether grid snapping is used.

The Sketch Plane section allows the sketch plane to be shaded and to automaticallyposition the sketch plane parallel to the screen.

The Geometry section allows the creation of circle/ellipse centre points and themanipulation of geometry by the use of the mouse.

The Constraints section switches on automatic constraints where appropriate.

The Colors section controls element colours.



SketcherWorkbench Icon

Profile Creation

Constraints

Selection Icon

Exit Sketcher

Operations

Sketcher Toolbars and Icons

There are four main toolbars within thesketcher workbench: -

1. Profile Creation used for thecreation of geometric elements.

2. Operations for dressing-up(Filleting, Trimming, etc.) andmanipulating geometry (Mirroring,Translating, etc.).

3. Constraints for controllinggeometry size and position.

4. The Sketch Tools toolbar is usedfor positioning and controllinggeometry and is described on thefollowing page.

The above commands are alsoaccessible via the Insert drop downmenu



Sketch Tools for controlling grid snapping, construction geometry and applyingautomatic constraints.

When automatic geometric constraints are enabled geometric controls are applied tothe element being created, automatic dimension constraints are only created on filletradii and chamfers or when entered in the relevant field on the Sketch tools toolbar.All the constraints will appear in the specification tree under the Sketch node.Unwanted constraints can be deleted by selecting the constraint with the left mousebutton followed by the Delete key or use the right mouse button and select deletefrom the context menu. A more in depth explanation of constraints is given further onin this session.

Geometric Constraint

Dimensional Constraint

Grid snapping toggle(orange indicates gridsnapping is on).

Automatic Geometricconstraints (orangeindicates geometricconstraints will be created).

Construction geometrytoggle (orange indicatesconstruction geometry willbe created).

Automatic Dimensionalconstraints (orange indicatesdimensional constraints willbe created).

Fields for entering constraintvalue manually.



PolygonTrap

Selecting and Positioning Geometry

Individual geometry can be selected by either graphically or from the specificationtree using the left mouse button. Two or more elements can be selected by pressingthe Ctrl Key in conjunction with the left mouse button. Finally selection can beperformed by using one of the selection icons and the left mouse button.

Standard Select - Select by clicking on an element or by clicking anddragging a rectangle around the elements you wish to select, when the mouse buttonis released all the elements fully contained within the rectangle are selected.

Selection Trap - Similar to the standard select command except individualelement cannot be selected. Select by clicking and dragging a rectangle around theelements you wish to select, when the mouse button is released only the elementsfully contained within the rectangle are selected.

Intersecting Trap - Select by clicking and dragging a rectangle around theelements you wish to select. All elements contained within and crossing the rectangleare selected.

Polygon Trap Select byenclosing the required elementswithin a polygon which isformed by clicking with the leftmouse button. Double clickingcompletes the selection. Onlyelements contained fully withinthe polygon are selected.

Select

SelectionTrap

IntersectingTrap

PolygonTrap

PaintStroke

Selection



Paint Stroke Selection Select by clicking and dragging a curve through theelements that you wish to select. When you double click the mouse button allelements that are crossed by the curve are selected.

In all cases the selected geometry will turn orange.

Once you selected the geometry it can be repositioned by click and dragging the leftmouse button to the desired position. Remember that all elements that are linked orconstrained to the moving elements will also be affected.

To deselect the all the elements click anywhere on the graphics window with the leftmouse button



The Profile ToolbarUsed to create wireframe geometry with sketcher

Note: By using automatic geometric constraints when creating elements the shape willbe maintained if an element within the profile is moved. The profiles can be definedeither by selecting graphic locations, entering the values via the sketch tools toolbar orby snapping to existing geometry in the current sketch

The Profile Icon

Creates a profile consisting of lines and arcs. On selecting this icon the sketchtools toolbar changes to display further options and you are prompt to enter the startpoint of the profile. By default the first element will be a Line as indicated by theicon being highlighted in the toolbar, although you can start with an Arc.

With the automatic dimensions constraint icon selected it is possible to create aprofile two ways.

1. You can enter the ordinates of the start and end points of the line in the ordinatefields followed by the Enter Key for each point, this will display both the startand end points plus the constraint values on the screen.

2. You can click on the sketch plane to indicate the start and end points but noconstraints will be generated, although they can be added at any time. This is theeasier way to create geometry.

Creates a profile consisting of lines and arcs.

Creates circles and arcs.

Creates Points.

Creates an axis line.

Creates lines.

Creates Conical shapes.

Creates 2D Splines.

Creates pre-defined profiles.

Insert LineInsert 3 Point Arc

Insert Tangent ArcStart Point

Ordinate fields



Having created the start point you have to enter an end point using either method, forthis example will use the mouse clicks to define the profile. Click on the sketch planeto indicate the end point of the line. The length and angle of the line is displayed onthe sketch tools toolbar. In some case the element will be displayed in blue before youclick, this indicates a constraint can be automatically generated if the automaticgeometric constraint icon is selected. In this case a horizontal constraint is created.

To create a tangent arc you can either: -

1. Select the Tangent Arc icon and click to indicate the end of the arc.

2. Click and dragging the mouse pointer in the direction you wish the arc to appear,then release the button and the sketch tool will switch to insert tangent arc mode.Now click to indicate the end of the arc. Again the arc will turn blue if automaticgeometric constraints are available.

The size of the radius is dynamically displayed on the sketch tools toolbar again youcould enter the size directly into this field.

Line lengthand Angle

TangentArc RadiusValue



The sketch tools toolbar switches back to insert line mode once the arc is completed.Indicate the end point for the line using the left mouse button, again the line length isdisplayed on the toolbar.

Finally click and drag from the end of the line to switch to insert arc mode, then selectthe start of the first line to close the profile. As you hover over the start point of theline a blue circle with a solid blue dot will appear, which indicates the end of the arcwill snap to the start of the line if you click. Once the profile is closed the command iscompleted. If an open profile is required you can either double click after completingan element or deselect the profile icon to terminate the command. If a mistake is madewhen defining a profile, you can click on the Undo icon during the command tostep back through the profile.

Element snappingindicator



Starting a Profile with a three point Arc.

To start the profile with a arc rather than a line the following method can be used.

1. Select the Profile icon then click to indicate start point of the arc followed by theinsert three point arc icon on the sketch tools toolbar.

2. Click to indicate the second point.

3. Finally click to indicate the end point of the arc.

The profile command will now switch back to insert line mode.

Note: Complete circles can not be produced using this icon

Arc startpoint

Insert 3Point Arc



Pre-Defined Profiles

Creates pre-defined profiles.

.

Creates a rectangle using 2 points or locations.

Click to indicate the first corner of the rectangle followed by second click to indicatethe diagonally opposite corner.

Insert aRectangle Insert aParallelogram

Insert anOrientedRectangle

Insert aKeyholeProfile

Insert anElongated Hole

Insert aHexagon

Insert aCylindrical

Elongated Hole

Secondpoint

Firstpoint

Size ofrectangle

Ordinate valuesof the points



Creates an Orientated Rectangle using 3 points or locations.

Click to indicate the first corner of the rectangle followed a second click to completethe first side. Finally click a location to indicate the diagonally opposite corner.

Creates a Parrallelogram using 3 points or locations.

Click to indicate the first corner of the Parrallelogram followed by the second click tocomplete the first side. Finally click a location to indicate the diagonally oppositecorner.

Firstpoint

Secondpoint

Thirdpoint

Firstpoint

ThirdpointSecondpoint



Creates an Elongated Hole or Slot using 3 points or locations.

The first two points selected using the mouse will define the position and length of theslot axis. The third selection controls the size of the slot.

Creates a Cylindrical Elongated Hole or Slot.

The first selection indicates the centre point of the radial axis of the slot. The secondand third selections define the radius and radial length of the slot. The final selectiondefines the size of the slot.

Thirdpoint

SlotAxis

Secondpoint

Firstpoint

First point(Centre of slot axis)

Thirdpoint

Secondpoint Slot Axis

Fourthpoint



Creates a Keyhole profile using 4 points or locations.

The first selection indicates the centre of the large radius of the profile. The secondindicates the centre of the small radius, the third selection defines the size of the smallradius and finally the last selection indicates the size of the large radius.

Creates a Hexagon profile using 2 points or locations.

The first selection indicates the centre of the Hexagon and the second define the sizeof the profile.

Firstpoint

Secondpoint

Firstpoint

Thirdpoint

Secondpoint

Fourthpoint



Circles and Arcs

Creates Circles and arcs.

Creates a Circle using 2 points or locations.

The first selection indicates the centre of the circle and second defines its size.

Creates a Circle through 3 points or locations.

Creates a Circle using Cartesian or Polar ordinates.

After selecting the icon a Circle Definition panel will appear. Select either theCartesian or Polar Tab and enter the Center Point ordinates as required. Enter theradius size in the Radius field and click the OK button to insert the circle. The circleis generated with the controlling constraints. The Center Point constraints are relativeto the sketch axis H and V.

Insert a Tri-TangentCircle

InsertArc

Insert a 3Point circle

InsertCircle Insert a

Circle byordinates

Insert a 3 PointCircle with limits

Insert a3 Point

Arc

Cartesian definedCircle

V Axis

H Axis

Constraints



Creates a Circle tangent between 3 elements.

After selecting the icon select the 3 elements you wish the Circle to be tangent to.

Creates an Arc through 3 points or locations.

Select 3 locations to create the Arc (Start point, Mid point and then End point). Thearc can be changed to a full circle or compliment arc by using use the right mousebutton to access the contextual menu whilst the arc is highlighted in orange, you canthen select the Circle. object tab to access the Close and Complement options.

Circle tangentto 3 Lines

Circle tangentto a Line, Spline

and a PointCircle tangent

to 3 Circles



Creates an Arc using 3 points or locations starting with its limits.

Select 3 locations (Start point, End point and then Mid point). Again the contextualmenu can be used to close to a circle or create a complement arc.

Creates an Arc using 3 points or locations.

The first selection indicates the centre point of the arc, the second defines the radiusand its start point. The final selection defines the end of the arc.

2D Splines

Creates 2D Splines and Connect Curves.

Creates a 2D Spline through a series of Control points or locations.

Select a series of locations known as Control Points through which a 2D Spline isgenerated as you define the control point locations. Double click the finish the Spline.

Creates a Connect Curve between to elements.

Select 2 elements to produce a trimmed circle between them. The contextual menucan be used to produce a closed circle or complement arc.

Insert 2DSpline

Insert aConnect Curve

Spline

ControlPoints



Conical Shapes

Creates Conical shaped elements.

Creates an Ellipse using 3 points or locations.

Firstly select a location to indicate the centre of the ellipse followed by a location todefine the Major axis radius and finally a location to define the Minor axis radius.Remember the sketch tools toolbar displays the geometric values of the ellipse as it isbeing define.

Creates a Parabola defined by its Focus point using 4 points or locations.

The first selection defines the Focus point, the second defines the Apex, the third andfourth define the start and end points of the Parabola.

Creates a Hyperbola defined by its Focus point using 5 points or locations.

First select the Focus point, followed by the centre intersect point. The third selectiondefines the Apex, the fourth and fifth define the start and end points of the Hyperbola.

Insert aParabola

InsertHyperbola

Insert aConic

Insert anEllipse

Firstpoint

Secondpoint

Thirdpoint



Creates a Conic using 5 points or locations.

The first and second selection indicates the start and end points of the conic, the thirddefines the Apex, the fourth and fifth defines the shape of the conic.

Lines

Creates Line type elements.

Create Lines using 2 points or locations.

There are two methods of creating a lines.

1. Create a line by defining its start and end points(default option). The first selectionindicates the start point of the line and the second defines the end point.

Firstpoint

Third(Apex)point

Fourthpoint

Secondpoint

Fifthpoint

Insert aLine

Insert a Bi-TangentLine

Insert anInfinite Line

Insert aBisecting

Line



2. Create a line symetrically about a mid point. To create a line in this way select theInsert Line icon followed by the Symmetrical Extension icon on the sketch toolstoolbar. The first selection indicates the mid point of the line followed by a secondwhich defines one end of the line and generates the other end symetrically aboutthe mid point.

Note: If automatic contraints are selected a symmetrical constraint is applied tothe line to ensure that in the event that the length of the line is changed thesymmetry is maintained.

Creates Infinite length Lines. You can create infinite horizontal and verticallines using one point or an inifinite angle line using 2 points.

To create horizontal and vertical line select the Insert Infinite Line icon followed bythe Horizontal Line (default option) or Vertical Line icon on the sketch tools toolbarand select a location for the line. To create a angled line after selecting the InsertInfinate Line icon select Line Through Two Points icon on the sketch tools toolbarand select two locations to generate the line.There are 3

Symmetrical End

Mid Point SelectionEnd pointselection

SymmetricalExtension Icon

HorizontalLine

Line ThroughTwo Points

VerticalLine



Creates a Line tangent between to elements.

After selecting the icon select the two elements that between which you want to createthe line between.

Note: The line attempts to attach to the element at the point you select. Again useautomatic geometric constraints are selected to maintain tangency when theelements are moved or resized.

Creates an Infinite Bisecting Line between two existing lines.

Select the icon followed by the two existing lines.

A Tangent Linebetween two

Circles

A Tangent Linebetween two

Splines

InfiniteBisecting

Line

ExistingLines



Axis Line

The Axis Line is used to create revolved Solids and Groove features.

To create an Axis line select the icon and followed by to points or locations to definethe length and position of the line.

Note: Only one Axis line is allowed per sketch and it can not be a constructionelement.

Points

Creates Point type elements.

Creates a Point by selecting locations.

Creates a Point using Co-ordinates.

After selecting this icon a Point Definition panelwill appear and either use the Cartesian or Polartab to enter the position of the point relative to the

sketch axis H and V.

Insert aProjected

Point

Insert aIntersection

Point

Insert Pointby clicking Insert equally

spaced Points

Insert Point byco-ordinates

Axis Line

Profile



Creates equally spaced multiple points along a line or curve.

Select the icon followed by the line curve on which you require the points. AnEquidistant Point Definition panel will appear. Enter the number of point requiredin the New Points field. Reverse direction can only be used on a line and will resultin the points appearing off the line at one end.

Note: If the automatic geometric constraint icon is not selected during pointcreation the resulting points will not be associated to the line or curve.

If automatic dimensional constraints are selected the resulting points will haveconstraint applied to them that control the spacing, unfortunately they do notupdated when the original line or curve is changed in length.

Number of point(excluding end points)

Preview of pointpositions

Resulting Points on a line



Creates a point at intersection of two elements.

After selecting the icon select the two elements to intersect.

Note: You can only intersect two elements. To maintain associativity between thetwo elements and the intersection points Geometric constraints can be used butthey are applied by selecting the Dimensional constraints icon and not theGeometric constraints icon.

Creates a point by projecting existing point onto an element.

Select the icon and then proceed to select the points that you wish to project. Finallyselect the element on which the points are to be projected. Again use the automaticdimensional icon to apply geometric constraints to maintain associativity between thepoints and the element.

Intersection Points

Auto. GeneratedGeometric

Constraints using theDimensional

constraints icon

Points to be projected

Projected Points andassociated Constraints

Supporting element



Editing the Definition of an Element

The majority of the elements and features created in workbenches can be edited oncethey have been created. To perform this task either double click on the element that isto be edited or select it using the left mouse button followed by the MB3 to access thecontextual menu. Select the XXXX.Object from the menu followed by Definition toaccess the Definition panel for the element.

Edit the element properties as required and then click OK to execute the change.



The Operations Toolbar

Operations are used for dressing-up (Filleting, Trimming, etc.), manipulatinggeometry (Mirroring, Translating, etc.) and Projecting 3D elements.

Create 2D Fillets.

There are two methods for creating 2D fillets: -

1. Between two elements by selecting the icon and then two elements that meet orwill cross each other. Then either enter the radius value in the sketch toolstoolbar or click a location to indicate an approximate size of the fillet. If theautomatic Geometric and Dimensional constraints are selected the radius will becreated with tangency to the adjacent elements and the radius size. By default bothadjacent elements are trimmed as the fillet is created. You can elect to trim thefirst element only or no element trimming by clicking on the relevant icons ontoolbar.

Relimitations or Trim

3D Geometry

Transformations

Chamfer

Corner or Fillet

Constraints

Fillet

First elementRadius size

No element TrimmingTrim the firstelement only

Trim both elements

First element



2. Filleting multiple elements by multi selecting the vertices or corner points of twoelements in a profile. To multi select hold down the CTRL key, then select therequired vertices or corner points and finally select the fillet icon. You can nowenter the radius size in the sketch tools toolbar.

With the automatic Geometric and Dimensional constraints selected bothtangency and the radius size is controlled. The radius size is applied to all verticesand is controlled by the use of formulae between the fillet of the first vertex andall subsequent fillets. Therefore by changing the first radius size all the other radiiupdate. The f(x) symbol indicates that the constraint is controlled by a formula.An overview in the use of formulas is covered later.

Vertex Points

Radius size

Controlling Radius

Controlled Radius



Create 2D chamfers

After selecting the icon select the two elements that meet or will cross each other. Aswith filleting either enter the chamfer values using the sketch tools toolbar or select alocation to indicate an approximate size. Again use the automatic constraints icon tocontrol the size of the chamfer. It is also possible to control the trimming from trimboth elements being chamfered, trim the first elements only and no element trimming.

There are three constraint options available: -

1. Constraints applied to the hypotenuse and angle.

2. Applied to both elements from their intersection point.

3. Finally constraints are applied to first element and an angle.

Chamfer size

TrimmingOptions

ConstraintOptions

Constraintsoption 1

Constraintsoption 2

Constraintsoption 3



Relimitation or Trim functions

Trim Elements.

There are three options with the trim command: -

1. Select the element to trim using the left mouse button and the element will nowdynamically extend or shorten with the mouse pointer. If you click a location theelement will then be trimmed to that length.

2. After select the Trim icon ensure the Trim All Elements icon is selected on theSketch Tools toolbar. Then select two elements to trim together by selecting thefirst element on the portion of it that you wish to keep and then select the secondelement on the portion you wish to keep.

Break Close

Trim QuickTrim

Complement

FirstElement

Trim AllElements

Icon

Resulting Trimmedelements

SecondElement



3. After selecting the Trim icon ensure the Trim First Element icon is selected onthe Sketch Tools toolbar.. Now select the first element on the portion you wish tokeep followed by the second element to trim to.

Create a Break in an element.

After selecting the icon select the element to be broken followed by the breakingelement or you can select any location along the element to indicate the break point.

Trim FirstElement

Icon

FirstElement

SecondElement

FirstElement

Second Element(Breaking Element)

ThirdElementcreated



Quick trims an element to other elements in a single selection.

Select the element to be trimmed. This will result in the element being trimmed to thenearest available elements from the location you select on the element. Constraints areautomatically generated linking the elements together.

Closes arcs, fillets or broken circle into full circles.

Creates a complement arc, ellipses, etc.

Resulting Trim

AutomaticConstraints

TrimmingElement

Element portionselected

TrimmingElements

Element portionselected

Resulting Trim



Transformation Tools

Creates symmetry or mirror of selected elements.

Select the elements to be mirrored followed by a line, Construction Line or axis lineto indicate the mirror plane. The mirrored elements will now be created.

Note: When using the symmetry command it is advisable to use the automaticgeometric constraints to maintain the link to the original profile.

Offset

Translate Scale

RotateSymmetry

MirrorPlane Line

Profile tobe

mirrored

Mirrored profilewith Constraints



If the profile to be mirrored is a connected profile it is possible to use the contextualmenu to Auto Search for all the elements in the profile. Prior to selecting thesymmetry icon select one of the elements in the profile followed by using the rightmouse to access the contextual menu. Select the *****.Object followed by AutoSearch. The rest of the profile will now be selected. Now the symmetry icon can beselected.

Translates or Duplicates elements.

Select the elements to be translated then select the translateicon or vice versa. A Translation Definition Panel willnow appear. Select Duplicate mode if you wish to copythe selected elements and enter the instances or number ofcopies required. If Conservation of the constraints ischecked the existing profile constraints are copied to theduplicate elements. The Length option is only availableafter you have selected the first origin point of thetranslation. If Snap Mode is checked the distance betweenthe duplicate instances is set to the value entered in theLength>Value field. If this option is not used the stepdistance is defined by the select a location on the screen.



After completing the required fields in the definition panel click OK to apply. Tofinish the command you must select a second location to indicate the translationvector and /or the step size.

Note: Automatic geometric constraints will not work with this commandtherefore there is no link to the original elements, so if a change is made to thesize and position of the original elements the duplicates will not update.

Rotates and duplicates Elements.

Select the elements to be rotated followed by the Rotate icon. As with the Translatecommand a Rotation Definition will now appear. The duplicate options are the sameas the translate command. The Angle>Value is the angular step between theduplicated elements and is only accessible after you have selected a location for thecentre of rotation. After selecting the centre of rotation you can either: -

1. Enter the angular value for the step and click OK

Original Elements Duplicate Elements

Centre ofRotation

DuplicateElementswith a 45step angle



2. Select a location on the screen to indicate the start angle of the step and select asecond location to define the step size.

Note: Again automatic geometric constraints will not work with this command.

Centre ofRotation

DuplicateElements

End angleof step

Start angleof step



Scale Elements.

Select the elements that require scaling and select the scaling icon. A ScalingDefinition panel will appear. Select the duplicate mode if required and either enter thescale value followed by clicking OK or use the mouse the location to define the scale.

Note: Again automatic geometric constraints will not work with this command.

Element creation by using Offset.

Select the elements to be offset and select the offset icon. The Sketch Tools Toolbarwill now display the following options: -

1. Default is offset with no propagation (one element).

ScaledElements

OriginalElements

OffsetElement



2. Offset with Tangent Propagation (Only elements that are tangent to the selectedelement are offset).

3. Offset with Point Propagation (Offset all elements that are connected in the profileof the select element).

4. Bilateral Element Offset. This can be used in conjunction with the propagationoptions.

OffsetElements

OffsetElements

OffsetElements



5. On the Sketch Tools Toolbar you enter the multiple offset using the instancesfield, the location point of the offset and its size.

3D Geometry

Creates elements from 3D Geometry.

Creates elements by Projecting 3D geometry on to the current sketch plane.

Select the 3D geometry to be projected using MB1 and the Ctrl key if you are multi-selecting elements followed by the 3D Project icon. The elements are then generatedon the sketch plane. The elements are coloured yellow, which signifies that they arelinked to the 3D elements and cannot be moved although they can be trimmed.

Project 3DElements

Intersect 3DElements

Project 3DSilhouette Edges

Elements to beprojected Projected sketch

elements

Sketch Plane



You can isolate the elements by selecting them and then use the contextual menu viaMB3 to Isolate them. The elements can then be moved and will no longer update ifthe 3D elements changed. By using the Definition button on the contextual menuyou can highlight the 3D elements that the sketch elements have been projected from.

The command can project 3D Lines, Arcs, Points and Splines together with Solid,Face and Surface Edges.

Selectedelement

ContextualMenu



Creates sketch elements by intersecting 3D geometry with the sketch plane.

Select the 3D geometry to intersect with followed by the Intersect icon, again you canuse the Ctrl key to multi-select.. The elements are then created on the sketch plane inyellow signifying their link the 3D elements. You can use the contextual menu toIsolate and highlight the Definition elements.

This command can be used to intersect with 3D-wireframe geometry, Solids andSurfaces.

Selectedelements Sketchelements



Creates 3D Projected Silhouette edges on a sketch plane.

Select the 3D geometry followed by the 3D Projected Silhouette edges icon.The silhouette elements will now be created.

Note: This command will only create silhouette elements from conical Faces andSurfaces whos Axis are parallel to the sketch plane.

Selected 3DGeometry

Silhouetteelements



Cutting the Part by Sketch plane

Cut Part by Sketch Plane allows the user to quickly view the appropriatesections through existing solids.

After entering into a Sketcher, by selecting the Cut Part by Sketch Plane icon on thebottom toolbar a section cut is performed on any Solid element that intersects theSketch plane.

This is a visualisation aid only and the resultant section does not affect the solid. Theedges of the section can not be selected or constrained to.

Solid before cutting

Solid after cutting

Cut Plane (sketch plane)



Constraints

Constraints are used to control an element size, position and its relationship to otherelements.

There are two types of constraint: -

1. Geometric Controls the relationship between elements i.e. Tangency,Parallelism, Coincidence, etc. and may also be used to control the orientation ofan element i.e. Vertical and Horizontal.

2. Dimensional Controls the size of an element i.e. the length of a line, the radiusof an arc, etc. They can also control the distance and angle between elements.

Following graphic symbols represents constraints: -

Geometric:

Fix Holds the elements in a fix position.

Horizontal and Vertical Holds the element parallel to the sketch axis.

Perpendicular Holds two elements perpendicular to each other.

Coincidence Applies coincidence between two elements.

Parallelism Applies parallelism between two elements.

Dimensional:

Angular Diametric

Radial Linear



Constraint and Element Colours

Constraints and elements can be display in the following colours, which depictdifferent states.

Unconstrained or partially constrained elements are displayed in white.

A green constraint indicates the constraint is valid and up to date.

Green elements indicate that they are fully constrained.

Brown constraints and elements indicate over-defined or inconsistent constraints,which can be resolved by deleting the relevant constraint.



UnnecessaryConstraint

Purple constraints and elements indicate that the elements are over-constrained.Remove the unnecessary constraint to resolve the problem.

Red constraints and elements indicatethat the at least one of the constraintshas to be changed.

Remember all constraints are displayed in the Specification Tree. SomeConstraints can only be created by using this panel i.e. Equidistant point



The Constraints Toolbar

The following toolbar is used to apply constraints in sketcher. Generally you caneither select elements to be constraint and then the command icon or vice versus.

Create Constraints using a dialog box

Select the element/elements to be constrained followed by the ConstraintDialog Box icon. A Constraints Definition panel will appear from which you

can select the desired constraints by using the check boxes followed by clicking OKto apply them.

Note: You can only apply constraint types that are highlighted to an element.

Constraints Defined ina Dialogue box

Animate Constraint

Auto-ConstraintConstraint

SelectedElement

AppliedConstraints



Create Constraints by selecting elements

Creates Geometric and Dimensional Constraints by selecting elements.

After selecting the Constraint icon you can either: -

1. Select a single element to apply a constraint to. This will result in the defaultconstraint being generated based on the element that is selected. If you apply thesame constraint to the element a reference constraint will be created which isdenoted by brackets around the value and as such can not be used to control theelement.

You can drag the Constraint using the Mouse Pointer to give different results

Create Geometricand DimensionalConstraint

CreateContactConstraint

DefaultConstraints

ReferenceConstraints



When selecting the element you can use the contextual menu MB3 to apply differentconstraints i.e. Vertical/Horizontal Dimensions, Distance, Angle, Parallelism, etc.

2. Select two elements to apply a constraint between them.

Again the contextual menu can be used to applydifferent constraints.



SelectedElement

Creates contact constraints between two elements.

Select the icon followed by the two elements to be constrained. The relevantconstraint is automatically generated, i.e. Coincidence and Tangent.

Create Automatic Constraints

Generates constraints automatic on selected elements. This is aquick method of adding constraints to a

profile although some editing may be required.

Select the elements that you wish to Auto-Constraint followed by the Auto-Constraint icon.An Auto Constraint panel will now appear withthe follow options: -

Elements to be constrained Lists the elementsthat you selected to constraint. If the wrong isselected you can deselect it by clicking on theelement again.

Reference elements Allows you to selectelements to control position a profile i.e. the Sketchaxis H and V.

Symmetry lines If elements are selected assymmetry lines Catia will attempt to applysymmetry constraints to the elements to beconstrained.

Constraint Mode Allows you to select thedisplay representation of the constraint eitherChained or Stacked. This option is only available when Reference elements areselected.

AppliedConstraints



Auto-constraint 4 elementsonly

Auto-constraint 4 elementswith H and V Axis selectedas Reference elements in

Chained mode

Auto-constraint 4elements with H and V

Axis selected asReference elements in

Stacked mode



Animates Constraints

Allows a single constraint to be animated.

Select the constraint to be animated followed by the AnimateConstraint icon. A Animate Constraint panel will nowappear. The following options are have to be entered: -

First value Is the start value.

Last value- Is the end value.

Number of steps Defines the number of steps used duringthe animation between the first value and last value.

The Actions buttons are used to Start, Stop and Pause theanimation.

The Options buttons are used to set up the type of replayrequired from single play, single loop, continuous loop andrepeat single play..

The Hide constraints check box switches off the constraintstemporarily.

Managing Constraints

You can delete any constraints by selecting the desired constraints and either usingthe Delete key, MB3 > Delete or on the Delete from the Edit drop down menu.

When applying constraints that result in over constraining errors it is advisable tocorrect the error immediately rather than leaving all corrections to the end.

The quickest method of editing a constraint definition is to double click on theconstraint, which will display the Constraint Definition panel. This panel can beused to change the following: -

1. The value of the constraint.

2. Switch it to a Reference constraint.

3. Swap its location.

4. The name of the constraint.

5. Which element/elements the constraint is linked to.



The panel also displays what type of constraint it is and wheather it is up to date.

After changing the required values click the OK button to apply the changes. In somecases it may be easier to delete the constraint and generate a new one rather thanediting it.

You can also use MB3 > *****.Object > Definition or the Edit drop down menu toaccess the definition panel.

Note: When you have to constrain sketch elements to 3D Geometry it may bebetter to use Projected 3D elements on the sketch plane rather than the originals.

Use the More buttonto expand the panel



Linking Constraints Together

It is possible to use a one Constraint to control another by the use of a Formula. Thisis performed using the following method: -

1. Select the constraint you wish to be controlled or Driven.

2. Using MB3 select the Radius.** objecttab followed by Edit Formula from theContextual Menu.

3. An Formula Editor panel will now appear which contains the following fields:-

The top field contains thename of the Constraint thatyou have selected to beDriven.

The next field contains thename of the constraint thatyou have selected control orDrive the first constraint itmay also contain an equationthat can be used to control theconstraint.

The main window contains alist of parameters available.

The bottom field displays the name and value of the controlling constraint.

SelectedConstraint



4. Now select the Constraint that you wish to control or Drive the first Constraint.This will then populate the panel with name and value of the constraint.

5. Click OK to complete theoperation. The Drivenconstraint value will nowupdate and a FX symbolwill appear next to valueto indicate that it has aformula attached to it.

ControllingConstraintor Driver

Constraintto be

controlledor Driven.



To delete a formula from a Constraint double click on the constraint to display theConstraint Definition panel.

Note: The Radius value field is not accessible due to the fact that that constraintis controlled by a formula, which also indicated, by the presence of a FX buttonnext to the field.

Now select the FX button to display the Formula Editor panel and delete thecontents of the second field.

Click OK to complete the deletion process.

It is also possible to delete a Formula from the Specification Tree by expanding theRelations node (if present) and selecting the required followed by Delete on the MB3contextual menu or keyboard.



Further Sketcher Options

An alternative way of entering Sketcher

There is a second way of creating a Sketch by selecting the Sketchwith Absolute Axis definition icon. This will allow you to define theSketch support, its Origin and any Orientation required. On selectingthe icon a Sketch Positioning panel will appear. You then selectelements to define the Sketch Support position and if required theOrigin and the Orientation elements.

By default the origin and orientation is derived Implicit(ly) fromsupport elements. Click OK to create the sketch.

Sketch Supportelements



Editing a Sketch

To edit existing sketches you can double click on the sketch node in the SpecificationTree, select the node follow by MB3>*****.Object>Edit or use the Edit drop downmenu. You will then enter the sketch.

Changing the Sketch Support

You can change the Sketch Support by either selecting the sketch node followed byMB3>>*****.Object>Change Sketch Support or again use Edit drop down menu.

You will then have to re-select the support plane element.

Note: Elements and sketches linked or constrained to the sketch that you are re-positioning may be affected by this change.



Sketch Analysis Tool

This analysis tool can be used to check a sketch for error i.e. openprofiles, overlapping elements, isolated elements, etc. To accessthis tool select Sketch Analysis from the Tools drop down menuwhilst you are in the Sketch.

The analysis is now performed on all the elements containedwithin the sketch and a Sketch Analysis panel is displayed. TheGeometry tab specifies whether the geometry passes the check orif there are problems. The Projection/Intersections andDiagnostics tabs give details geometry status.

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