Introduction to CATIA V5

CATIA (Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application)  is a multi-platform CAD/CAM/CAE commercial software suite developed by the french company Dassault systems. Written in the C++ programming language.

History of CATIA

CATIA (Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application) started as an in-house development in 1977 by French aircraft manufacturer AVIONS MARCEL DASSAULT, at that time customer of the CAD/CAM software to develop Dassault's Mirage fighter jet. It was later adopted in the aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, and other industries.

Initially named CATI (Conception Assistee Tridimensionnelle Interactive-French for Interactive Aided three-dimensional Design), it was renamed CATIA in 1981 when Dassault created a subsidary to develop and sell the software and signed non-exclusive distribution agreement with IBM.

Versions of CATIA Software

• The older version of this software are CATIA V3, CATIA V4.
• Now the latest versions of the softwares are CATIA V5, CATIA V6.

In each version we are having series like CATIA V5R18, CATIA VR19 etc., here V5 indicates that Version5 and R18,R19,R20..etc., indicates the series.

Applications of CATIA in Mechanical Engineering

CATIA enables the creation of 3D parts, from 3D sketches, sheetmetal, composites, molded, forged or tooling parts up to the definition of mechanical assemblies. The software provides advanced technologies for mechanical surfacing . It provides tools to complete product definition, including functional tolerances as well as kinematics definition. CATIA provides a wide range of applications for tooling design, for both generic tooling and mold and die.

Basic Modules in CATIA V5

Module means the work Environment. In catia we are having so many modules. In our Mechanical design the Basic modules are

• sketcher
• part design
• assembly design
• drafting
• Generative sheet metal design
• DMU Kinematics

Advanced modules in CATIA V5

• Wireframe and surface modelling
• Freestyle
• Sketch Tracer.

Now we will see one by one

1.SKETCHER

In sketcher we will Develop the Complete 2D outline of the product with the help of tools available in sketcher module.

2.PART DESIGN

In part Design we will convert 2D sketch into 3D solid by adding thickness to the sketch using the tools available in part design.

3.ASSEMBLY DESIGN

In assebly design we will assemble the individual parts using the tools available in this module to get the required component.

4.DRAFTING

It is a Technical drawing developed using the Drafting module in CATIA. It is the final output of our Design.

5.GENERATIVE SHEET METAL DESIGN

Here We will Develop the shape Using Thick Sheets with the help of tools available in Generative sheet metal Design.

6.DMU Kinematics

Here We Will Create the simulation of mechanism.mechanism will be created by adding mechanical joints like revelute joint, screw joint, gear joint..etc. using the tools available in DMU Kinematics.

ADVANCED MODULES IN CATIA V5

wire frame and surface modelling, Free style, Sketch traces comes under Advanced modules. Catia is mainly used for Surface modelling only. Here We will Create the 3D shape of the product with surfaces.

This is all about introduction to CATIA. In next page We will start with the sketcher Module. If you have any queries regarding this page mention them in coments.

Thank you...