Assembly Design CATIA V5 PDF

CATIA Training
Foils
Assembly Design
Fundamentals
Version 5 Release 10
December 2002
EDU-CAT-E-ASM-FF-V5R10
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 1

Course Presentation
Objectives of the course
In this course you will learn to create and manage CATProduct files.
Targeted audience
CATIA V5 users
Prerequisites
Part Design Courses
1 day

Table of Contents (1/2)
1. Assembly Design Workbench Presentation p. 5
1. Accessing the Workbench p. 6
2. User Interface p. 8
3. Terminology p. 10
4. General Process p. 11
2. Assembling Components p. 13
1. Creating a New Assembly Document p. 14
2. Adding Components p. 18
3. Assigning Component Properties p. 29
4. Saving an Assembly Document p. 33
3. Positioning Components Using Constraints p. 44

1. Freely Moving Components p. 45
2. Defining Assembly Constraints p. 52
3. Updating Assembly Constraints p. 72
4. Creating Quick Constraint p. 80
5. Multi Constraints Modes p. 84
6. Hiding Constraints p. 89
7. Filtering Constraints p. 95
4. Analyzing an Assembly p. 102

1. Analyzing Constraints p. 103
2. Analyzing Degrees of freedom p. 109
3. Measuring an Assembly p. 112
4. Checking For Clash and Clearance p. 119
5. Checking Mechanical Properties p. 125
Table of Contents (2/2)
5. Editing Parts in an Assembly p. 128
1. Designing in Context Of an Assembly p. 129
2. Aligning Components For Sketching p. 139
3. Using Local Axis For Snapping p. 142
6. Working with Components p. 146

1. Using Visualization Mode p. 147
2. Deleting Components p. 156
3. Duplicating Components p. 160
4. Symmetrical Sub-Assemblies p. 169
5. Replacing Components p. 175
6. Restructuring Components p. 180
7. Reordering Product Structure p. 184
7. Flexible Sub-Assemblies p. 189

1. Flexible Sub-Assemblies p. 190
2. What can you Do with Flexible Sub-Assemblies ? P. 197
3. Managing Flexible Sub-Assemblies with Several Levels p. 202
4. Propagating Position to Reference p. 209

Assembly Design Workbench Presentation
You will learn about the Assembly Design Workbench by:
Accessing the workbench
Exploring its user interface
Learning its terminology
Understanding the general process to use it

Accessing the Assembly Design Workbench (1/2)
To access the Assembly Design Workbench,
select Mechanical Design and then Assembly Design in the Start menu
Assembly Design
Workbench icon
When entering the Assembly Design Workbench, a new empty

“Product” is created as you can see by looking at the tree.

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

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

Workbenches Toolbar
The order of the Start menu follows the order
of the workbenches in the Favorite list.
The same order is used in the Welcome pop-up
and in the Workbench menu
User Interface: Assembly Design Toolbars
Standard Toolbar
Compass
Assembly Tree
Filter
Selection
Scenes
Components
2 Constraints
Update 5
Space
Move 4 8 Analysis
Constraint
Creation
Modes
Annotations
1 7
3 6
Product Structure
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 Assembly Features Measure Catalog Browser 8
User Interface: Assembly Design Icons
8
Clash
5 3
Sectioning Measure Between
Update
6 Distance and Band Measure Item
Catalog Browser
4 Analysis
Measure Inertia
Manipulate
Snap
Explode
Stop
1 2
Coincidence Constraint
Manipulate New Component
on Clash Contact Constraint
New Product
Offset Constraint
New Part
Angle Constraint
Existing Component
7 Fix Component
Replace Component Weld Planner
Product structure Reordering Fix Together
Text with Leader
Generate Numbering Quick Constraint
Flag Note with Leader
Product Init Flexible/Rigid Sub Assembly
Manage Representation Change Constraint
Fast Multi-Instantiation Reuse Pattern

Terminology The “active item”
is in blue
Component that is a
sub-assembly
Component that is a part A “selected component”

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

another assembly is called a sub-assembly.
• An Assembly is a collection of components and constraints between them. An Assembly is also a

document. It has the file extension CATProduct. Thus an assembly is also called a “Product”.
• All parts and assemblies belonging to an assembly have a Part Number (by default it is the Name
of the component).
All instances of a part or assembly have the same Part Number. Each instance has its own
Instance Name that identifies the instance.
• The active item is the item currently being edited. You make it active by double-clicking on it.
• Selected items are highlighted.

General Process
Create a new assembly
or
open an existing one
Add, delete,
and replace
components
Position
components
using constraints
Analyze the
assembly
Design parts in the

context of the
assembly
Capture various states of

the assembly for
analyzing the design and
preparing for drafting

To Sum Up ...
To introduce you to CATIA Assembly Design workbench, you have seen:
How to access the workbench
Its user interface and tools
The terminology that is used
The general design process

Assembling Components
Creating a New Assembly Document

Adding Components
Assigning Component Properties
Saving an Assembly Document
To Sum Up

Creating a New Assembly Document
Here, you will learn how to define a new assembly, thus creating a new
CATProduct document.

What Is an Assembly Document?
An Assembly or Product is a collection of components stored in a document that

has the .CATProduct extension.
The assembly is called “Clamp”

It is stored as a CATProduct file
In this example, the “Clamp”

assembly is made of different parts.
An assembly often contains
another assembly, which is
then called a sub-assembly
“pad” is a part
(It is stored as a CATPart
document and only
referenced in this assembly)
A blank sheet behind a component icon means

that the component is linked to an external file:
in this example, all components have external
files (CATProduct and CATPart files)
Defining a New Assembly Document
There are 3 ways to define a new document :
1- Start menu
2- File+New menu
Assembly Design
Workbench icon
3- Workbench Icon

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

4 other relevant information
describing the assembly
2 Properties
1 Right-click the assembly
The default “Product1” name of the

assembly is replaced by the “Part
Number” you typed.
Adding Components
You will learn how to add new and existing components into an assembly

What are Components ?
In its simplest form, a Component is a CATIA V5 Part or Assembly (i.e. a CATPart or
a CATProduct file) that has been inserted into an assembly. However, a Component
can also be data that is not native to V5, such as V4 models, IGES, STEP, and VRML
files.
The root assembly
Assembly (CATProduct)
component
Part (CATPart)
component
Components existing only in their “parent”

CATProduct files.
You see this because there is no blank
sheet in their icon. This means that these
components do not have external files.
V4 model (MODEL) Component

(notice the MASTER node below)

Adding Components
There are 3 ways to add components into an assembly: Contextual Menu,
Product Structure toolbar, and Insert Menu.
Fastest way is to right-click the assembly Last way is to select the assembly and
1 (that will receive the component) and use 3 use the Insert Menu
the Contextual Menu to insert the
component
2 Most visible way is to select the

assembly and use the icons in the
Product Structure Toolbar

Inserting an Existing Component
When you add existing parts or assemblies as components, their corresponding files
are not copied into the assembly, they are just “referenced” by the assembly.
1 Right-click on the assembly
2 Select “Existing Component…”
3a Choose a filter if necessary (for example CATPart,

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

a time by selecting with the mouse while
holding the [SHIFT] or [CTRL] key (= multi-
selection)
Inserting a New Part
You can add a new part (CATPart) on-the-fly while designing an assembly.
Press YES to define an origin for the new part that
1 Right-click on the assembly 4 is different from the origin point of the assembly,
otherwise press NO:
If you pressed YES, select a point or a component to

define the origin of the new part
2 Select “New Part”
•If you select a point, the origin of the new part
will be exactly this point
•If you select a component, the origin point of the
new part will be the same as the origin point of the
selected component
Key a Part Number for the new part. This

3 sets the Part Number property.

User Setting: Manual Input Of Part Numbers
It is a handy shortcut to be able to type its Part Number when adding a new part
in an assembly. Otherwise, you’ll have to change the default component Part
Number (PartX or ProductX) later in its properties.
Select the “Product
Select Options... from
1 2 Structure” node under 3 Select “Product Structure” tab
the Tools menu
“Infrastructure” node
4 Activate Manual input
Insert a New Part

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

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

means that the component is linked to an
external file (here CATProduct type file)
Inserting a New Component
You can create a special type of component that exists only in the
parent CATProduct and does not have its own file.
1 Right-click on the assembly Here is one component that exists

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

component icon : there is no link to an
external file.
Inserting a Component From a Catalog
You will often have to add in your assembly, components that are standard for your
company and thus that are only available through Catalogs
This screw is
referenced in a
catalog.

How to Insert a Component From a Catalog
1 In the standard toolbar, select the Catalog Browser
Open chapters until you get the

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

- drag and drop it in the destination product (A)
3
- make a copy with the contextual menu of the element and
paste in destination product of your document (B)

Copy-and-Paste a Component
Copy-and-Paste is an easy way to duplicate a component.
Another way to copy-and-paste a

component is to press [CTRL] while After pasting there are two
dragging the component onto the instances of the part : the
assembly.
original and the copy
[CTRL] key
Right-click the component

1
to copy
You can also use shortcuts

Select
2
“Copy”
Instance name
Right-click on the assembly in which 4 Select “Paste”

3 you want to paste the component
Assigning Component Properties
You will learn how to set the text properties of a component

What Are Component Properties?
Component Properties can be assigned to distinguish
or describe an instance of a component.
Component Properties:
• Component Property
values can vary by
component.
• These properties are
stored in the parent
assembly’s Instance Name
CATProduct file.
Product Properties:
• Product Property
values are the same
for all instances of
the component. Part Number
• When the component
is a CATPart or
CATProduct, these
properties are stored
in the CATPart or
CATProduct.
• When the component
is a V4 model, they
are stored in the
parent assembly’s
CATProduct file.
Assigning Component Properties (1/2)
Nodes Customization.
Tools / Options menu Product Structure + Nodes Activate Customized Display and
1 2 3
Customization tab select yours desired options
Part Number Instance Name

Assigning Component Properties (2/2)
Like other properties, component text properties can
be easily accessed from the contextual menu.
6 Product tab
4 Right-click the component
Key an Instance Name

Component and/or Description
Property values
can vary by
component.
Location and
filename
5 Properties
Product Property
values are the same
for all instances of a
part or assembly.

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

Saving an Assembly Document ...
There are four ways to save an Assembly Document and
child documents.
Save will save the active component’s document and

1
child documents of the active document
Save As... is similar to Save, but it allows you to
2
specify the name and folder for the active document
Save All will save all the open documents that have been
3
modified since last save
Save Management will propose saving all open documents

4 and children of these document, but you can control names
and locations of all of them
Only those documents that have been modified will be saved or proposed to
save.

Saving a Document under another Name
“Save As…” allows a file name and folder to be specified. It allows you to create a
brand new document with new internal identifiers.
1 Activate the document to be saved

The active CATProduct document and any modified
child documents will be saved
Specify a file name

3
and folder
2
Regenerating Internal
Specify if you want to Identifiers will avoid
4 instantiation conflicts
regenerate internal identifiers
with the reference
Saving all Modified Documents
Save All is an easy way to save all modified documents
which are not new or read only documents.
1 Save All
If all the documents modified since last
save are not new (just created) or read
2a
only files, you won’t have any message
and CATIA will save them
If some of the documents modified since last save

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

regardless of which document is active
3b
And clicking on OK will give

you access to the “Save All
As” command

What Is “Save Management” for?
This tool is useful to save all the modified or linked documents under
selected names and directories (UNIX)/folders (Windows)
Modified Components

Save Management (1/5)
With “Save Management” you can easily save all modified documents since you last
saved the assembly.
Make modifications on
1 components
In this example, increasing the diameter

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

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

until you have clicked on OK
Select “Save Management …” from

2
File menu
Select “Save as...” if you want to
Select the file you save your work in an other path ,
3 4 or under an other file name
want to save

You can choose where to save.
Select or create the destination folder.

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

document, and “Save Auto” for its child
6
documents .
Notice that “Propagate directory” button is
available.
Actions that will

be performed
when clicking Ok

You can automatically save impacted files too
...and will save only the

If you click on OK when there
documents that have a “Save”
are still unsaved files left,
or “Save Auto” Action.
CATIA will display this
message...
If you choose to rename a CAT product by the “Save As” action, then modified documents referenced by it
7a will get “Save auto” in the Action column. They will be saved in the specified path when clicking Ok.
Once you have saved a product in a new path, you have the
7b To check what documents are referenced
possibility to save the files referenced by the product into
this path just by clicking on the “propagate directory” button by a CATProduct, use Links command from
Edit menu or Desk from File menu
and then click Ok to proceed.

You can change your mind about the way you save the document thanks to Reset button.
You can get back the original state of the document by selecting it and
clicking on “Reset” .
If you want to keep the same name and path for a document use the save
button .

To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to assemble components :
by creating a new assembly document
by adding components in an assembly
by assigning component properties
and finally by saving the assembly document

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

Defining Assembly Constraints
Updating Assembly Constraints
Creating Quick Constraints
Multi-Constraint Modes
Hiding Constraints
Filtering Constraints
To Sum Up

Freely Moving Components
You will see how to use the Compass to freely move components which makes
it easier to place them in position before setting assembly constraints

How to Use the Compass ?
The Compass can be used to pan and rotate the entire assembly or freely
drag and rotate components in it.
Freely dragging and
Panning and rotating the
rotating components
entire assembly
Here a component is freely rotated

around the X-axis.
Here the entire assembly rotate around
the X-axis. If this component is not link to some
constraints at this step, the new position
The rotation is temporary because it is is stored in the CATProduct documents.
not stored in the CATPart or
CATProduct documents. You change
only the viewpoint.
You will find it convenient to freely drag

and rotate components to make it easier
to define assembly constraints

Positioning the Compass to Move a Component
The first step in freely moving a component is to place the
Compass in position on a component.
1 Move your cursor over the small red 2 Press and hold down MB1 to drag the
square of the compass to get this compass. When moved , the compass
cursor icon takes this shape.
If you release MB1 before any
component selection , the compass will
return to this point.
A component is selectable when this
point disappears
Green highlighted compass means that

a component is selected and that you can
move it.
Once a component is selected , you can

select any other one by clicking on it ,
When the component is selectable , the compass takes the and the compass, when moving, will drag
orientation of the geometric element that is under the it.
compass. To select, release MB1.

Freely Moving a Component Using the Compass
Here are the basic steps for freely moving a component.
1 Place the compass on a 2 Select the type of movement you want by 3 With MB1 held down,
component. moving the cursor on the Compass. The move the component
highlighted compass elements indicate the
available movement :
(a) Translation (b) Translation

along an axis along a plane
(c) Rotation (d) Rotation around the

around an axis origin of the compass
To move a component while respecting

the constraints, press [SHIFT] while
pressing MB1 and moving the
component.
[SHIFT] key

Exact Translation of a Component Using the Compass
Here are the basic steps for translating a component by an exact value
using the Compass.
1 Place the compass on a 2 Right-click on the compass and

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

of the compass by:
Keying values and confirm it with the

3a
apply button
Choose the translation increment for

3b
each direction (u, v, w) and apply it
with the Up and Down button
You can also measure a distance and

3c
apply it to translate the component.

Exact Rotation of a Component Using the Compass
Here are the basic steps for rotating a component using the Compass.
1 Place the compass on a 2 Right-click on the compass and

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

of the compass by :
Keying values and confirm it with the

3a
apply button
Choose the increment value for each

3b
rotation (around u, v, w) and apply it
with the Rotate button
3c You can also measure an angle and

apply it to rotate the component.

Setting the Absolute Position Of a Component
Here are the basic steps to place the compass at the component’s origin.
Right-click on the compass and activate Snap Select a component and the compass will “jump” to the
1 Automatically to Selected Object in the 2 origin of the selected component.
contextual menu.
The absolute position in the “Compass Edit

dialog box” is actually the position of the Right-click on the compass and
3 select Edit….
compass, not the position of the component.
Specify a position by keying values.

4
Thus move the component by pressing
the Apply button.

Defining Assembly Constraints
You will see how to position components by defining constraints between

them.

What Are Assembly Constraints ?
Assembly constraints is the mean to place components in an assembly. The
general process is as follows:
1 Fix-in-space one component in the 2 With the Compass, freely drag and rotate components
assembly. It will be the starting point. to put them roughly in place. It will be easier to define
the constraints afterwards.
Position each component precisely by

3 4 To control the result, update the assembly. It
choosing the correct constraint(s) and
will move the components into position.
applying it.
Note : this step is necessary

only if you have set the
”Manual Update” option to on
in the assembly settings and it
is therefore recommended.
Manual Update For Assembly Design
You have the option to update manually or automatically assembly
constraints.
1 Select Options... from

the Tools menu
3 Activate Manual
2 Select the Assembly Design

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

around before being fully positioned (fully constrained).
Available Constraints and Their Symbols
The following table lists the symbols used to represent the constraints you can set
between components:
Symbol used Symbol displayed

Constraints
in the geometry area in the specification tree
Coincidence
Contact
Offset
Angle
Planar Angle
Parallelism
Perpendicularity
Fix

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

Fixing a Component in Space (1/2)
Components that are fixed in space return to their fixed-in-space
position when constraints are updated (regenerated).
It’s a good idea to fix-in-space one component
in each assembly that will serve as the base
Click the fix icon 2 Select the component in the tree 3 The component is fixed in
1
or in geometry space

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

moved with the After Update.
Compass.
A fixed component
can not be moved

Fixing a Component (1/2)
When you start to put constraints in an assembly you need first to have a fix
component and then place the others components with regard to last one. If this
component is only fix (and not fix-in-space), you can modify his position and the
assembly still remain coherent in term of constraints.
1 Click the fix icon 2 Double-click the existing Fix constraint 3 Select the More>> button
to create the
constraint or
4 Deactivate the Fix in Space option

Fixing a Component (2/2)
Drag the component

with the compass at a
new position
The component above

the compass is fix only
(and not fix-in-space)
After the update, you see in this example that the blue and red
components moves with respects of the constraints.

Fixing-Together Components
Components that are Fixed-Together move as a single entity.
Click the fix together icon Select the components to be Fixed-Together. You
1 2 can select more than 2 components.
The Fix Together dialog box allow you

to have the list of the components you
select.
Then you can remove some elements
from the selection list by selecting in
As a matter of practice, it would be a good idea to
Fix-Together unconstrained components to avoid
the 3D, or in the list.
unintentionally modification or displacement.

User Setting: Turning On Fix-Together Warning
Fix-Together constraints are used to “glue” components together. With the Compass it
is possible to unintentionally separate “Fixed-Together” components.
Thus you can activate the option show below to warn you by displaying a text window.
1 Select Options... from 2 Select “Assembly Design” branch under “Mechanical Design” node.
the Tools menu In the “General” tab, Activate the “Move Component” warning.
This warning window is displayed each time

CATIA V5 detect a component (fix together)
move.

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

move the component
But beware that updating the assembly will

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

intend to move the component.

Defining a Coincidence Constraint (1/2)
Coincidence creates alignment that can be coaxial, coplanar, or merged
points.
coaxial
merged
1 Click the coincidence icon. coplanar points
Select the two elements The constraint is created and the

2 specifying the constraint. elements are aligned.

Creating a Coincidence Constraint (2/2)
Concerning coplanar alignment, CATIA gives a choice of orientation with two
green arrows
1 2 3
Click the Select two planes as Just click one of those

coincidence geometric elements for green arrows to invert the
icon. the constraint. orientation of the moving
component.
1st
selection
2nd selection
When putting a constraint between

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

Defining a Contact Constraint
Contact constraint connect two planes or faces.
1 Click the 2 Select the two elements The constraint is created and the
contact icon. defining the constraint. elements are connected.

Defining an Offset Constraint
Offset constraint defines a distance between two elements.
1 Click the offset 2 Select the two elements

icon specifying the constraint
1st selection
2nd selection 3 Key the offset value 4 Select the orientation (same or opposite)
either :
by clicking on the green arrow
or by selecting an orientation in the
“Orientation” drop down menu
Offset constraint with Offset constraint with

same orientation opposite orientation

Creating an Angle Constraint (1/2)
This tool allows you to define an angle between components
1 Click the angle 2 Select the two elements

icon to constraint
Fill in the constraints properties dialog box :

3
- select the constraint type (Angle)
- key the angle value

Creating an Angle Constraint (2/2)
You can also define a parallelism or perpendicularity between 2 elements. In the case of
parallelism, you can choose between same or opposite orientation.
1 Click the angle 2 Select 2 planes as geometric
icon elements to specify the
constraint
3 Select the parallelism constraint.

Select the orientation (same or opposite) either :
by clicking on the green arrow
or by selecting an orientation in the “Orientation”
drop down menu
Parallelism constraint Parallelism constraint with

with same orientation opposite orientation

Constraint Rules
There are some simple rules that CATIA automatically enforces.
You can apply constraints only between the child components of the active component.
You cannot define constraints between two geometric elements belonging to the same component
You cannot apply a constraint between two components belonging to the same sub-assembly if
this sub-assembly is not the active component.
(3) This constraint can be applied since Product

C belongs to the active component Product B
and also Product E is contained within Product D
which is contained within the active component
Product B.
(2) This constraint cannot be applied because

Product E and Product F both belong to a
component other than the active component
Product B. To define this constraint, Product D
must be made active.
(1) This constraint cannot be applied because

Product K does not belong to the active
component Product B. To define this constraint,
Product A must be made active.
Assembly Assistant
This assistant will warn you when you make mistakes when defining
constraints
This warning appears when you switch on the setting “only use
1 the published geometry” and try to select a non published
element for a constraint.
This warning appears when you try to constrain a component

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

3 which belong to the same component.
(4
)

Updating Assembly Constraints
You will learn how to update assembly constraints

What Does Updating Constraints mean ?
Updating an assembly means updating its components as well as constraints to check
if they are all in their correct position. You can choose between updating the whole
assembly or only some components.
Here the coincidence constraint is not

updated because :
- the icon constraint in the
specification tree is not up to date (note
the small update symbol on it)
- the constraint is in black
Here the coincidence constraint is updated

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

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

the assembly, click on the Update icon in
As a matter of practice, it’s a good idea to update
the Update Toolbar an assembly before saving it. This will improve
performance when opening assemblies, especially
when using Manual Update.
Update Update
needed done It’s also a good idea to update sub-assemblies
before activating another assembly. This avoids
unintended results when updating constraints.
To update an individual constraint, right-click on

a constraint in the tree or 3D and select Update
in the contextual menu
2
Update Update
needed done
1
Options For Updating Assembly Constraints
You have 2 modes to update an assembly : Manual or Automatic. It can
be applied to the active level of the assembly or all levels.
1 Click on Options in the 2 Select the “Assembly Design” branch

Tools menu under “Mechanical Design” node
Select Manual mode because

Automatic mode will modify your
assembly with each constraint
creation

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

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

window where the constraint can be
edited or reconnected to a different
When you select a record you can: element.
(a) edit it
(b) or deactivate it
(b) Deactivate is a way to turn OFF a

constraint without deleting it. This
allow you to reexamine the problem
later after some more work or some
other changes.
Why Analyzing an Update ?
Analyzing Update allows you to know what are the constraints and components in your
assembly that are updated. Thus you can update them separately directly from where you
are.
Update Analysis Dialog Box
constraints and components

to update

Analyzing Update (1/2)
With the Analyze Update tool, you can know exactly what constraints and
components are updated or not in your assembly and its sub-assemblies.
Select Update in the Analyze

1 2 The Update Analysis dialog box is displayed:
menu

Analyzing Update (2/2)
With the Update tab, you can choose and update any unresolved feature directly
from where you are
This drop-down list displays all

assemblies and sub-assemblies
that can be analyzed
In Update tab
List of the
unresolved
components
3
Select or multi-
select in the list the
features you want
to update
4 Click on
Update icon
When a Component is Once you have

5 updated in the geometry it finished with Update
disappears from the list Analysis, Click on OK
You will learn how to create constraints easily using the Quick Constraint Tool

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

1 Then select two elements and let CATIA decide
which type of constraint to apply
If you want a different type of constraint, You can set your preferences for automatic
2 3 constraints using Tools + Options (Assembly
just click Change Constraint
Design Node + Constraints tab)

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

Select the quick 2
1 to define the constraint. Thus CATIA
constraint icon
create the constraint.
Here 2 parallels planes are

selected, then CATIA define
a coincidence constraint

Changing a Constraint’s Type
You can change the type of any assembly constraint whether or not it
was created using Quick Constraint.
1 Select the constraint you 2 Click the change 3 Select the new type of
want to change constraint icon constraint you want to have

Multi-Constraint Modes
You will see the different ways to put several constraints one after another
&

What Are Multi-Constraint Modes?
When you have double clicked on a constraint tool, you will have 3 ways to
put this constraint in several components :
(2)
(1) The Chain Mode : each geometric
elements is shared with the next one
The Default Mode when no
geometric element is shared
between constraints
(3)
The Stack Mode : the geometric
element is shared with all others

Default Mode For Multi-Constraint
This mode lets you create as many constraints as you wish by explicitly
selecting two geometrical elements
Select The Default Mode in Multi-

1
Constraint Mode Toolbar
3
Select geometric
elements one after
the other, you will
see that as soon as
(1) two elements are
selected, a
constraint is created
between them.
Double click on the

constraint icon you
want to apply several
times
4 (4)
When you have finished, you must deactivate the
command by clicking on it or pressing escape twice
Stack Mode For Multi-Constraint
This mode allows you to select only once a geometric element that is shared
with several constraints of the same type
Select the Stack Mode in Multi-

1
3
Select the first geometric element that
share the same constraint type with all
(3) other geometric elements.
(1)
4
(4)
Select one after another the geometric
elements you want to constrain.
2
Double click on the
Constraint you want
to apply several
times
5 When you finished, you must deactivate the

command by clicking on it or pressing
escape twice.

Chain Mode For Multi-Constraint
This mode allows you to select only once the shared geometric element
between two consecutive constraints
Select Stack Mode in Multi-

1
(3)
3 Select one after the other the geometric
(1)
elements to constraint, specifying each time the
parameter values, the next constraint will take
as first geometric element the previous one
2
Double click on the
Constraint you want
to apply several
times
(4)
4 Once you finished, you must deactivate the command by
clicking on it or pressing escape twice

Hiding Constraints
You will see how to hide assembly constraint symbols in the geometry

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

of constraints at the
same time
Assembly geometry with Assembly geometry with

constraints constraints hided
You can also hide individual

constraints with contextual
menu

Hiding Constraints ...
You can hide constraints just by selecting them and clicking on
Hide/Show icon
You can either select the Hide/Show icon is either reachable on :

constraint :
a. View toolbar,
- in the tree,
- in the geometry
- or with selecting tools
b. View menu
such as Search
c. or through the contextual menu

Hiding Individual Constraints
You can hide one or more selected constraints at a time.
1 Select a constraint in the specification 2 Click Hide/Show icon

tree or 3D
You can hide more than one constraint at a

time by selecting with the mouse while
holding the [CTRL] key.
[CTRL] key

Hiding Constraints Relative to a Component
An option in contextual menu of the component can be used to find and select all the
constraints which involve the component and then can be hidden.
Right click on the Select “Components Constraints” in the

1 2 contextual menu
component in the tree
Constraints relative to the

3 component are selected
Then click the Hide/Show

4 icon to hide the selected
constraint

Hiding All the Constraints Of an Assembly
You can hide at once all the constraints of an assembly.
There are several ways to select and to hide all the 1

constraints :
1 Select (a) the first constraint under constraints node in the

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

menu choose Hide/Show action. Or in a more elegant way,
drag your mouse pointer on the root product and with
contextual menu you can select the constraints of the root
product (That’s mean all the constraints).
(b)
2 [Shift] key
Then click the Hide/Show icon

Filtering Constraints
You will see how to filter assembly constraint symbols to display only certain
types of them

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

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

the active product
Displays the constraints

according to their type

Filter Constraints On an Active Product
Show only constraints of the active Product

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

types
You can filter and displays constraints according to

their type

Filter By Type (2/2)

Changing Constraint Colors
You can change the colors of constraint (user-defined) to better understand an assembly.
This can be done by changing the color in the graphic tab of the constraint properties.
But you can retrieve the default colors (constraints colors status) at any moment with the
menu “Tools+Options …”.
If this option is
checked, the default
constraint color status
defined above is used.
The user-defined color
remains in the
constraint properties

To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to Position Components using Constraints by :
freely moving components with the Compass
defining Assembly Constraints
updating Assembly Constraints
defining Quick Constraints
using Multi Constraints Modes
hiding Assembly Constraints
filtering Assembly Constraints

Analyzing an Assembly
You will become familiar with tools created to analyze and check your
assembly
Analyzing Constraints
Analyzing Degrees of Freedom
Measuring an Assembly
Checking for Clash and Clearance
Checking Mechanical Properties
To Sum Up

Analyzing Constraints
You will see how to analyze the status of constraints, the relationship between
constraints and components

What Is Analyzing Constraints ?
You will analyze a constraint by checking its status and by identifying the
components involved in it.
Constraint Status can be seen :
(B) In Constraint Analysis Dialog Box
(A) In the Tree
A constraint can be :
Not Unresolved Active Deactivated

updated
A constraint is set between at least two components (except for the fixing constraint).
You will see them thanks to its display in specification tree or with the dependences tree.
Those are the components involved in

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

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

The status of constraints can be viewed:
status can be viewed in an on-line report
(A) in the specification tree
The relationships between components and constraints can

be dynamically seen the menu “Analyze/Dependencies”

Analyzing Constraints in the Tree
You can see all constraints status in the tree.
Select the plus-sign (+) on the

Constraints branch to expand
the branch
This symbol indicates that the constraint is deactivated.
This symbol indicates that the constraint is not updated.
This symbol indicates that the constraint is “unresolved” which means either:
• The constraint is broken (for example, the related component has been deleted);
or
• The constraint is impossible (for example, the geometry was modified and the
constraint is no longer possible)
Analyzing Constraints in the On-line Report
You can have a global status of all constraints of the active assembly.
Activate the assembly to

1
analyze
The Constraints Analysis
Window appears and have
different tabs according to
the status of the constraints.
Select “Constraints…” in
2
the Analyze menu
Here all constraints are verified.
Note in this example the different tabs

according to the status constraints :
- 1 not updated
- 1 broken
- 1 deactivated
Analyzing Constraint Relationships
The dependency relationship between constraints and components can be analyzed
with the help of the “assembly dependencies tree”.
Activate the assembly to Right-click on a constraint and select Expand All to see which
1 3
analyze components are associated with the constraint
Select “Dependencies…”
2 in the Analyze menu
You can also expand

any component, even
the top assembly
Analyzing Degrees Of Freedom (DOF)
You will see how to analyze Degrees of Freedom of a component

What Is a DOF ?
There are 6 Degrees of Freedom for each instance :
3 degrees of rotation and 3 degrees of translation
When there is no constraint on an instance or a component, this

one have 6 DOF (Degrees Of Freedom)
When an instance is full-constrained, This one have no DOF.
If you decide for example to fix an instance, there is

no degree of freedom

Analyzing Degrees Of Freedom
With the contextual menu you can select one instance and analyze its
degrees of freedom.

You will see how to measure an assembly

What is Measuring an Assembly ?
Distance and angles can be measured. Individual geometric
elements can also be measured. There are 3 types of
measure in the “Measure” toolbar : Measuring the length of a line
with (b)
a- Measure Between
b- Measure Item
a b c c- Measure Inertia
Measuring distance between the

axis of two different components Measuring the inertia of a
with (a) component or a product with (c)

Measuring Between Element/Component
You can measure angle and distance between element/component.
Measure Optionally define how you want Select the reference and target
1 2 3
Between to measure elements
4b You have all details in the result window
Minimum distance and angle are

4a displayed in 3D and in the results
window
To select sub-elements like the

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

1
item icon 2 want to measure
Properties of the selected geometric

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

add information like :
Center of gravity for surfaces and
volumes, Direction vector for an
edge, …
Measuring Inertia
You can measure inertia of components or geometric elements.
Click the measure Select the component All details are displayed in the result
1 2 3
inertia icon to measure window
Click the Customize… button to

add information like :
Center of gravity for surfaces and
volumes, Direction vector for an
edge, …

Keeping Measure
You can keep results of measures as features in the tree
When you measure Each measure will be kept

1 2 in the tree …
items, you can activate
the Keep Measure
option to have in the 3D
more information about
your assembly
Those measure features … And in the Geometry

contains parameters that
can be used in formulas of
the Knowledgeware for
example
… And will be saved in

the CATProduct file
Additional Information
Kept measures as any
other features can be… … Hidden … And updated

Checking For Clash and Clearance
You will learn how to test for clash and clearance violations between
components in you assembly

What Is Clash and Clearance Analysis ?
Clash analysis is used to check for interference between components. On the
contrary clearance analysis is used to ensure the proper clearance between
components.
A clash occurs when one component

penetrates another one
A clearance violation occurs when a

minimum distance between components
is not respected
For more in depth clash and clearance analysis,

see the DMU Space Analysis workbench
Companion

Checking for Clash Between 2 Components
The analyze menu enables you to check for interference
between two components.
Click on Compute Clash in
1 the Analyze menu
3a Select Clash from the list
3b
Multi-select the components

2 (using the [CTRL] Key) you want
to analyze Clash violation is signaled in
4
the window and Clashes are
highlighted in the 3D view

Checking for minimum Clearance Between 2 Components
The analyze menu enables you to check the respect of
clearance between two components.
Click on Compute Clash in
1 the Analyze menu
3a Select Clearance in 3b Key in the clearance
the list value and click on apply
Multi-select the components

2 (using the [CTRL] Key) you want
Clearance violation is
to analyze 4
signaled in the window and
components that do not
respect the clearance are
highlighted

You will see how to check the mechanical properties of parts and assemblies

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

properties are updated.
You can check mechanical properties of a part, an assembly or a
sub-assembly by right-click on it and select “Properties” in
contextual menu.
1 For example right-click the 2 … select “Properties” in
assembly node and … contextual menu
Select “Mechanical” tab

Applying a Material to a Part Of the Assembly
Materials can be applied to components directly from the Assembly
Design Workbench.
1 Select the Apply Material icon
Drag and drop the 3

2
material onto the
component Material is applied
and appears in the
specification tree of
the part
Drop the material when you have

this cursor on the
component you want to apply
the material to.

To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to Analyze an Assembly by :
Analyzing constraints
Analyzing Degrees of Freedom
Checking for Clash and Clearance

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

Links
Aligning Components for Sketching
Using Local Axis for Snapping
To Sum Up

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

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

face of a neighboring component can be projected onto and intersected
with the sketch plane
Parts can be created in the

context of an assembly
Sketch constraints can be defined

using elements in other components
Features can be limited

up-to other components
Designing in Context of an Assembly without Link
Part features and sketches can be design in-context of an assembly without
“External References”. You only have to deactivate the “Keep link with selected
object”.
In these case the new

part features are not
linked and you have
to modify it manually.
Design in-context : these elements are

copied from the Reference Part ones
into an Open Body. Note the lighting
symbol showing you that there is no
link to the other parts.

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

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

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

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

1 the plus-sign (+) next to the
part you want to edit The part is then active and the last
Double-click the branch that is
2 workbench used to edit the CATpart
just below the one you expanded
document is displayed ( here the Part
Design Workbench)
This branch represents

the instance of the part Another way to easily
activate a part is to double-
click the part in 3D view
This branch represents the
actual part

Sketching On the Face Of a Component
You can use a planar face of a component as a plane support to
sketch a profile.
Select the planar face of a

4
component
3 Select the Sketcher icon in the
Part Design workbench
Sketch on the face

5
your profile
Notice that a copy of the face appears

in the Open_body of the active part.
In this example this surface is not
linked.
Defining Sketch Constraints Using Other Components
Sketch constraints can be defined using elements of other components.
It can be useful at the beginning of the creation of the body.
Define the constraint between this two

7
Select one geometric element from the sketch elements to place in position the sketch
6
and another one from a neighboring component
Notice that a copy of the

geometric element from the
other part appears in the
Open_body of the active part

Projecting 3D Elements Onto the Sketch Plane
You can project 3D geometric elements from neighboring components onto the
sketch to make profile easier .
Click the Project As a general rule the new component can be
1 3
3D Elements icon inserted in an another assembly, or moved in an
another position, thus you have to isolate the
Select a geometric element of projected element with the contextual menu :
2
a neighboring component
You can also project other types of

elements such as points and faces
(which projects the edges of the face)

Intersecting 3D Elements with the Sketch Plane
You can intersect 3D elements from neighboring components with the sketch plane.
Click the Intersect As a general rule the new component can be

1 3
3D Elements icon inserted in an another assembly, or moved in an
Select an element from a another position, thus you have to isolate the
2
neighboring component intersected element with the contextual menu :
You can also intersect other types of

elements such lines (which creates a
point at the intersection)

Limiting Features Up-to Other Components
You can select geometric elements of other components to use them for the design
features of your part
Select a face of a neighboring

When defining features such as a pad, 2
1 component
you can limit up-to-plane or up-to-
surface of another component

Aligning Components For Sketching
You will see how to align components so that the sketch plane of one
component is parallel to another component that is being sketched on

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

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

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

well oriented. For example the so that it is parallel
to the component being sketched on
3 The Snap function can be used to align the
part being sketched so that it is parallel to
another component

Snapping Components Into Alignment
The Snap tool provides a quick way to align components.
1 Click the snap 2 Select the planes and/or faces of the

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

component that moves
Click
somewhere in
5 the 3D view to
validate the
Components position
are correctly
positioned
relative to each
other

Using Local Axis For Snapping
You will see how to use local axis to snap components to each other

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

cylindrical part perpendicular
to the upper surface of the
other part, we needed Local
Axis

Snapping Local Axis Of Components Into Alignment
The Snap tool provides a quick way to align components. You can select
planes, axis and points of Local Axis System to perform it. To insert a Local
Axis in a CATPart, select from the “Insert/Axis System…” from the insert
menu in the Part Design Workbench and select a point.
Select the planes and/or faces that Select the green arrow to invert the
1 Click the snap icon 2 3
you want to be coplanar direction of the component if
needed
6 For snapping you can select on

Click somewhere else in the
Local Axis System: 4 geometry to validate
5
Planes are now aligned
Planes Axis Points

To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to Edit Parts in an Assembly:
How to design in-context of an assembly
How to align components for sketching
How to use local axis for snapping

Working with Components
You will see how to handle components in an assembly
Using Visualization Mode

Deleting Components
Duplicating Components
Symmetrical Sub-Assemblies
Replacing Components
Restructuring Components
Reordering Product Structure
To Sum Up

Using Visualization Mode
You will see how to use Visualization Mode to improve performance.

What Is Called "Visualization Mode"?
By default an assembly is loaded in design mode. Thus part’s definition of all components are
loaded in memory (this involve exact geometry and parameters). This step can involve more or
less time according to the assembly to load. Then to improve performance you can set CATIA’s
option to load an assembly in visualization mode. In this mode, a representation of the geometry
only is available.
In design mode the exact geometry is

available.
Notice that the screw branch is
expandable and therefore the
PartBody is accessible.
In visualization mode the

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

Loaded in Memory Fully Loaded Partially Loaded
Load and Update Performance Normal Faster, which is a benefit over Design Mode
Display Performance Normal Normal
Visibility
Visible in Show Yes Yes
Visible in No-show Yes Yes
Viewable in non-shaded mode Yes Yes
Viewable in DMU and sketcher sections Yes Yes
Visible in drafting Yes Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
Assembly Constraints and Transformations

Accessible for adding Assembly constraints Yes Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
Assembly Constraints re-generated/updated Yes Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
Accessible to define translations & rotations Yes Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
Analysis
Calculated in Clash, Clearance, Contact Yes Yes
Calculated in Mass Property analysis Yes No

Accessible for Measurements Yes No, other than minimum distance measurement
Part Geometry
Geometry features accessible in tree Yes No
Geometry may be edited Yes No
Geometry may be used to define sketches and features in other
Yes Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
parts in the assembly (e.g. up-to-plane)
In-context features re-generated/updated (e.g. associativity) Yes Yes, automatically switches to Design Mode
User Setting : Turning On the Cache (1/2)
Turning ON the cache system will cause CATIA to load automatically parts and models in
Visualization Mode.
The cache is a read/write path located locally on your machine or anywhere on your
network and is used to store cgr files. The first time a component is inserted, it is
tessellated. This means that the corresponding cgr file is computed and saved in the local
cache as well as displayed in the document window. The next time this component is
required, the cgr file which already exists (and not the original document) is automatically
loaded from the local cache.
1 Select Options... from 2 Select “Product Structure” branch

the Tools menu under “Infrastructure” node
Select “Cache
3
Management” tab
4 Activate Work with the cache system
The cache system is not

5 activated until CATIA is
restarted

User Setting : Turning On the Cache (2/2)
without Cache System with Cache System
Notice that the branch is not

PartBody is not accessible.
You can edit items You work with the
cgr files:
Right-clicking on a component and selecting Design Mode in the contextual menu also
switches the part or model to Design Mode:

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

1
activated, parts are loaded in Visualization Mode
Double-clicking a part in an assembly

2a switches it to Design Mode.
Note that all instances of the part switch to
Design Mode.
Right-clicking selecting Design Mode also

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

switches all parts in the assembly to Design Mode.
Constraining Parts in Visualization Mode
Parts switch automatically to Design Mode when defining Constraints.
1 Activate the option Automatic Switch to Design Mode 2 When opening an assembly, parts are in
Visualization Mode
3 When a constraint icon has been selected, the mouse

cursor has a feather on it when hovering over a part ;
that’s mean that the part is in Visualization Mode.
Parts switch automatically to Design Mode when a

constraint is defined.

Automatic Switch to Design Mode
This setting allows you to put constraints between components that are on
visualization mode
1 Check that the “Automatic switch to

Design Mode” option is activated
Select a constraint tool. Around

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

3 geometric element is now in Design Mode. Note that constraints are available
Select next element. even if no components are in Design
The last component is now in Design
mode
mode and the constraint is created.
Updating Assembly Constraints and Visualization Mode
In order to update constraints, parts have to be in Design Mode.
Use Analyze + Dependencies to identify the parts in the constraint “network”.
Activate the product you
1
want analyze
Select “Dependencies…”
2 in the Analyze menu
Right-click the component and select

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

What Is Deleting Components ?
Removing a component from an assembly is called “deleting the component”.
Deleting a component removes the

component from the assembly
But deleting a component does not delete
the referenced file from the hard drive

Deleting a Component (1/2)
When deleting a component, you decide whether or not to delete the
constraints associated with the component.
In the specification tree, select the component to The delete dialog is displayed. The option
1 2
be deleted. Press the <DELETE> key or choose “Delete all children” is unchecked by default
Delete in the contextual menu to not delete the assembly constraints
associated with the component

Deleting a Component (2/2)
When deleting a component, you decide whether or not to delete the
constraints associated with the component.
3a If you confirm your action …
… with the unchecked

option the constraints
are disconnected.
… with the checked

option the constraints
You can also have are deleted.
3b
more details on the
affected elements and
then choose to keep
or delete them.

Duplicating Components
You will see how to duplicate components

Copy-and-Paste a Component
Copy-and-Paste is an easy way to duplicate a component.
Another way to copy-and-paste a

component is to press [CTRL] while After pasting there are two
dragging the component onto the instances of the part : the
assembly.
original and the copy
[CTRL] key
Right-click the component

1
to copy
You can also use shortcuts

Select
2
“Copy”
Instance name
Right-click on the assembly in which 4 Select “Paste”

3 you want to paste the component
Setting Copy-and-Paste Options
You control whether constraints are copied-and-pasted when
copying-and-pasting components.
1 Select Options... from

the Tools menu
Set one of these options.

2 You do not have to restart CATIA to take into
account your option.
Two Lug Nuts with a

coincidence constraint Copying constraints when copying a component will cause both
to the same Stud components to be constrained in exactly the same way. This is okay, but
you will have to manually edit or delete and recreate some constraints.
Duplicating Multiple Instances Of a Component
Components can be duplicated along a line. Beware that in this
case the components are not automatically constrained.
1 Define Multi Instantiation 2 Select a component 3a Specify the number of instances and
space between them
Use the Fast Multi

Instantiation icon to re-use the Select a direction using an edge of a
Default multi-instantiation 3b component or use the X, Y, Z
definition direction of the axis.
Duplicating Components Using An Existing Pattern (1/3)
Patterns can be used to automate the duplication of a
component and its constraints.
When you click on the “Reuse Pattern” icon, the “Instantiation on a

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

You can select untidy the component to instantiate and the pattern to
reuse. In this example the instantiation is linked to the definition’s
pattern.
The original
component and the
3 instances
An assembly
feature is created.
Inputs of the
Notice that in that case for the new instances no “Reuse Pattern”
constraints are generated; if you modify one of them, are located below.
the update of the assembly will take into account the
modification.
When you modify the ‘instances’ in the design pattern, the assembly pattern is
« out of date » and the update of the assembly will add/delete generated
components

If you decide to work with the generated constraints option, each new
component will be constraint.

If you want to have all the new instances even the original in one component
you can active the “Put new instances in a flexible component”.
A new component
containing all instances is
created with an automatic
name that you can change.
Do not forget to choose for the

original component the item
“cut & paste the original
component”.

Symmetrical Sub-Assemblies

What is Symmetrical Sub-Assembly ?
Create a symmetrical sub-assembly from an original one, based on a symmetry
plane.
Generation:
The result of the generation of a symmetrical sub-assembly is another sub-

assembly with a similar product structure.
The User chooses between both options ,

The parts building the symmetrical sub-assembly are :
•Either a symmetrical part from the source part. This involves creating a new part,
outside any assembly context, with a new « PartNumber ». A typical example is the
left door in a car, relatively to the right door.
•Either a new instance of the source part, in a position symmetric to the original
part. A typical example is a car’s front left wheel, relatively to the front right
wheel.

Making a Symmetry of a Component (1/2)
1 Select the icon
in “Product Structure Tools” Toolbar
The Assembly Mirror Wizard appears :
2 Select the symmetry plane
3 Select the sub-assembly to be mirrored

Making a Symmetry of a Component (2/2)
By default , CATIA creates a new component for each Part
4 Results:
4 components created
New Product
New Parts

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

create a new instance of the Wheel and
Disk Parts.
Select one component and activate
“Rotation, new instance” option
You can check the

result of the Assembly
Only reference plane Symmetry in this
of the part can be dialog box.
used in determining
the transformation
Keep Links
If the source part changes the mirrored part changes too.
« FORM » associativity:
A change in geometrical shape of the source part
leads to update the symmetrical part.
« POSITION » associativity:
A change of relative position of a component of the
source sub-assembly leads to update the position
of the symmetrical component in the symmetrical
sub-assembly.
« STRUCTURE » associativity:
A change in structure of the source sub-assembly (adding/removing
components) leads to update the structure of the symmetrical sub-assembly.
Replacing Components
You will learn how to replace components

What Is Replacing Components ?
Replacing a component is a shortcut to delete a component and to add
another one in its place.

Replacing a Component
A single instance of a component can be replaced.
Right-click the component to be Choose a filter if necessary (for example, CATPart,

1 3a
replaced CATProduct, model, etc)
Select Replacement 3b Double-click the file

2
Component
Notice that the instance

name is not modified
Do not forget that you have to check By selecting this option, all instances
manually each reference (constraints, …) that have same reference will be replaced

Reconnecting a Constraint (1/2)
A constraint can become unresolved after a replacement of a component or
connected to a wrong geometric element.You have the possibility to redefine
the geometric elements involved in it.
Edit the constraint you want to
1 2 Expand the dialog box
reconnect
Double click
Note that these broken Select in dialog box geometric Click on

constraints are indicated by 3 4 Reconnect
element to reconnect
a yellow warning symbol.

Reconnecting a Constraint (2/2)
The Constraint dialog box let you have a look at geometric elements
involved in it.
Select the new geometric

5
element
6 Edited constraint is now

connected to the just
selected element.You can
Click on OK and Update
the constraint

Restructuring Components
You will learn how to move components from one assembly to another
assembly while maintaining constraints

What Is Restructuring Components ?
Sometimes it is necessary to restructure components by moving components
from one assembly to another one to have a “more” logical grouping of
elements for example. Move to peer assembly
Move to sub-assembly
Move to parent assembly

Setting Cut-and-Paste Options
You can control whether constraints are maintained when moving
a component to another assembly.
Select Options... from Select Assembly Design node

1 2
the Tools menu under Mechanical Design branch
3 You have 4 different options available :

(a) If you want to paste (after a cut or copy) only the
component and define the constraints yourself.
(b) If you want to instantiate a component with the
assembly constraints.
You do not need to restart CATIA (c) If you want to move a component with the assembly
to take into account these options. constraints.
Thus you can activate one of them
while you work. (d) Contrary to (a), If you want to paste (after a cut or
copy) the component with the assembly constraints.

Moving a Component to Another Assembly
Components can be dragged to another assembly while maintaining constraints.
1 Click the component and hold Drag the mouse over the target The component is moved to
2 3
down the left mouse button assembly and release the the target assembly
mouse button
Notice that the constraints linked

to the component are moved.
Reordering Product Structure
You will see how to change the components order display in the specification
tree

What Is Reordering Product Structure?
You can reorder components in the specification tree under a selected
product to your needs
Tree to reorder
Reordered tree
Product Structure Reordering (1/2)
This tool allows you to reorder components in the specification tree under
selected product to your needs
Select the Graph Tree Reorder tool by the menu

1
“Edit/Components/Graph Tree Reordering” or by clicking on the icon
2 Select the Product in which

(2) you want to reorder
components
3a Select the Component you

want to reorder
4a
(3) Click one of these arrows to

move the selected component
up or down in the tree

Product Structure Reordering (2/2)
There is another way available to reorder components in the tree
Select another component

3b
to reorder
4b
Click this icon and click the
component above which you
want to place the selected
component
6 Here is the reordered tree
5
Click Ok to get the
reordered tree
To Sum Up ...
You have seen how to Work with Components by :
deleting components
duplicating components
replacing components
restructuring components
reordering Product Structure

Flexible Sub-Assemblies
What can you Do with Flexible Sub-Assemblies?
Managing Flexible Sub-Assemblies with Several Levels
Propagating Position to Reference

You will learn to make an assembly “flexible” thus allowing you to change the
position on the fly of its parts without changing the stored assembly

What Are Flexible Sub-Assemblies?
A flexible Sub-Assembly is a Sub-assembly whose child components can be moved
disregarding the fact it is not the active component. Relative positions of its child
components can be different than those stored in the reference CATProduct File.
There you can see 4 instances of the

Leg sub-Assembly : notice that the
The purple little wheel components of leg are not positioned
to the left corner of the same way in each instance ; this is
the CATProduct icon possible because all instances of Leg
identify a flexible sub- Assembly are flexible
assembly
Leg.1
Leg.3
Leg.4
Leg Leg.2
Relative positions of
components in the
reference of the Sub-
Assembly
Making a Sub-Assembly Flexible
Rigid/Flexible sub-Assembly tool is a switch : you click once to make an assembly
flexible and you click on it again to make the assembly rigid
Select the Sub-Assembly Flexible/Rigid Selected Sub-Assembly

1 2 3
Sub-Assembly is now Flexible
(1) Purple wheel means

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

rigid again with the same icon
Positioning Components Of a Flexible Sub-Assembly (1/2)
You can position components by freely moving them with the compass or by
constraining them. In both cases the Rigid/Flexible state is important.
Freely moving Components
In this case the compass has

been put on a component of a
Flexible Sub-Assembly.
In this case the compass has

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

Root assembly is active, so the the sub-Assembly is flexible, the
compass will drag the whole compass will only move the
Rigid Sub-Assembly
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 selected component 193
Positioning Components Of a Flexible Sub-Assembly (2/2)
Relative Positions of components of a Flexible Sub-Assembly are stored with
instance information in containing CATProduct.
Constraining Components
When you create a When you create a
constraint between : constraint between :
flexible
instance a component of the
a component of the
active assembly … active assembly …
And a component of a
Flexible sub-assembly …
… And a component of
a rigid sub-assembly …
Constraint involves the component

and the selected component of the
Flexible sub-assembly
Constraint involves the

component and the whole
Rigid Sub-Assembly

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

assemblies and sub-assemblies shows what components you
Parts and constraints belong to can constrain together (they are
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 at the same level) 195
Viewing Mechanical Structure
There are two types of structure when you use flexible Sub-Assemblies
Activate the Assembly or Select Mechanical Structure
1 2
Sub-Assembly you want from Analyze menu
to analyze Combo
box
Mechanical
Structure of the
instance
Mechanical
Structure of the
reference

What Can You Do with Flexible
Sub-Assemblies?
You will learn to manipulate Flexible Sub-Assemblies

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

Activate / Deactivate Status
flexible Sub-Assembly
Concerning methodology using flexible sub-assemblies, you can change the

Activity Status on a constraint

Driven / Driving Property
flexible Sub-Assembly
Concerning methodology using flexible sub-assemblies, you can toggle the driven / driving
status on a contraint.

Numerical Value
Rigid Sub-Assembly
Flexible Sub-Assembly
On a flexible sub-assembly, you can modify numerical values without

impacting others instances
Managing Flexible Sub-Assemblies with
Several Levels
You will learn how to use and see impacts of flexible / rigid command on a large
assembly which contains several levels of sub-assemblies

Description Of the Root Assembly (1/3)
We start describing and explaining each level of the Root Assembly
in order to see impacts of the Flexible/Rigid command :
Angular constraint
Components of the first level:
This assembly contains three parts:

A driving angular constraint was
created

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

Hierarchy structure of the Root Level:
This assembly contains two instances of the level 2 .CATProduct and one part.
x2

Use Flexible/Rigid Command On the Ass_Level2 Assembly
Use the Flexible / Rigid Command to overload position of child components of

one product instance (Ass_Level1). You can modify value of angular constraint
and change the sub-assembly configuration.
The other instances stay in the same relative position as in the reference
CATProduct (Rigid Sub-Assembly)
rigid sub-
assemblies

Use Flexible/Rigid Command On the Root Assembly
Using the Flexible/Rigid Command to overload position of child

components of one product instance ( Ass_Level2) does not impact
mechanical structure of its child instances.
All product instances of inferior levels stay rigid ( in the same relative
position as in the respective reference CATProduct).
rigid sub-
assemblies
We can drive constraints of the ‘Ass_Level2 (1)’ instance without impacting mechanical
structure of the ‘Ass_Level2 (2)’ instance.By default, all ‘Ass_Level1’ stay rigid.

When you make flexible a sub-assembly When you make rigid a sub-
whose parent assembly is rigid, both assembly, all its child
assemblies will become flexible. assemblies will become rigid
When you copy and paste a component, pasted component will have same Flexible/Rigid state as the copied one
(it is a property of the instance).

Propagating Position to Reference

Propagating Position (1/2)
1 Modify position of the Flexible Base

Instance.
This Product contains 2 : flexible instance

sub-assemblies :
Base.CATProduct
Base_unit.CATProduct : rigid instance

Propagating Position (2/2)
2 Apply overloaded position to reference
Select the flexible Base instance

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

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

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Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 1

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 2

3. Positioning Components Using Constraints p. 44

4. Analyzing an Assembly p. 102

6. Working with Components p. 146

7. Flexible Sub-Assemblies p. 189

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 4

You will learn about the Assembly Design Workbench by:

Accessing the workbench

Exploring its user interface

Learning its terminology

Understanding the general process to use it

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 5

When entering the Assembly Design Workbench, a new empty

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 6

1 Select Tools / Customize

3b The icon is added In the

Manage Representation Change Constraint

Fast Multi-Instantiation Reuse Pattern

Component that is a part A “selected component”

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

• An Assembly is a collection of components and constraints between them. An Assembly is also a

• Selected items are highlighted.

Design parts in the

Capture various states of

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 11

To introduce you to CATIA Assembly Design workbench, you have seen:

How to access the workbench

Its user interface and tools

The terminology that is used

The general design process

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 12

Creating a New Assembly Document

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 13

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 14

An Assembly or Product is a collection of components stored in a document that

The assembly is called “Clamp”

In this example, the “Clamp”

A blank sheet behind a component icon means

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 16

Type the Part Number and all

1 Right-click the assembly

The default “Product1” name of the

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 18

The root assembly

Components existing only in their “parent”

V4 model (MODEL) Component

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 19

2 Most visible way is to select the

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 20

2 Select “Existing Component…”

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

3b Double-click on the document to add

You can add more than one component at

If you pressed YES, select a point or a component to

Key a Part Number for the new part. This

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 22

4 Activate Manual input

Insert a New Part

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 23

1 Right-click the assembly

2 Select “New Product”