Wireframe Surface

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Wireframe and Surface Site Map Preface What's New ? Getting Started Basic Tasks Advanced Tasks Workbench Description Glossary Index © Dassault Systèmes 1994-2001. All rights reserved. TOC http://berzet/FmoCXR7/WfsEnglish/wfsug.doc/src/wfsugCATIAtoc.htm [10/3/2001 10:35:01 AM]

Transcript of Wireframe Surface

Page 1: Wireframe Surface

Wireframe and Surface

Site Map

Preface

What's New ?

Getting Started

Basic Tasks

Advanced Tasks

Workbench    Description

Glossary

Index

  © Dassault Systèmes 1994-2001. All rights reserved.

TOC

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Site MapPreface                               Using This Guide                               More InformationWhat's New?Getting Started                               Entering the Workbench                               Creating Wireframe Geometry                               Creating First Loft                               Creating Swept Surfaces                               Creating Second Loft                               Joining the Surfaces                               Closing the SurfacesBasic Tasks                               Creating Wireframe Geometry                                                              Points                                                              Multiple Points                                                              Lines                                                              Planes                                                              Planes Between                                                              Circles                                                              Conic                                                              Spirals                                                              Splines                                                              Helix                                                              Corners                                                              Connect Curves                                                              Parallel Curves                                                              Projections                                                              Combined Curves                                                              Reflect Lines                                                              Intersections                               Creating Surfaces                                                              Extruded Surfaces                                                              Revolution Surfaces                                                              Spheres                                                              Offset Surfaces                                                              Fill Surfaces

Site Map

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                                                              Swept Surfaces                                                              Lofted Surfaces                                                              Blend Surfaces                               Performing Operations                                                              Joining                                                              Healing Geometry                                                              Restoring a Surface                                                              Dissembling Elements                                                              Splitting Geometry                                                              Trimming Geometry                                                              Boundary Curves                                                              Extracting Geometry                                                              Translating                                                              Symmetry                                                              Scaling                                                              Rotating                                                              Affinity                                                              Nearest Sub-element                                                              Extrapolating Curves                                                              Extrapolating Surfaces                               Using Tools                                                              Updating Your Design                                                              Working with a Support                                                              Creating Datums                                                              Selecting Bodies                                                              Creating Constraints                                                              Editing Definitions                                                              Selecting Implicit Elements                                                              Creating Elements From An External File                                                              Copying and Pasting                                                              Deleting Geometry                                                              Managing Open Bodies                                                              Managing Groups                                                              Checking Connections between Surfaces                                                              Checking Connections between Curves                                                              Repeating Objects                                                              Stacking Commands                                                              Applying MaterialsAdvanced Tasks                               Managing PowerCopy

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                                                              Creating PowerCopy                                                              Instantiating PowerCopy                                                              Saving PowerCopy                               Patterning                                                              Creating Rectangular Patterns                                                              Creating Circular PatternsWorkbench Description                               Menus                               Wireframe Toolbar                               Surfaces Toolbar                               Operations Toolbar                               ReplicationToolbar                               Tools Toolbar                               Constraints Toolbar                               Specification TreeGlossaryIndex

Site Map

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PrefaceCATIA Version 5 Wireframe and Surface allows you to create wireframe constructionelements during preliminary design and enrich existing 3D mechanical part design withwireframe and basic surface features. As a complement to CATIA Part Design,  thisproduct meets the requirements of solids-based hybrid modeling.

The features-based approach offers a productive and intuitive design environment tocapture and re-use design methodologies and specifications.

As a scalable product, CATIA Version 5 Wireframe and Surface can be used incooperation with companion products such as CATIA Part Design, CATIA AssemblyDesign and CATIA Generative Drafting. The widest application portfolio in the industryis also accessible through interoperability with CATIA Solutions Version 4 to enablesupport of the full product development process from initial concept to product inoperation.

The CATIA Wireframe and Surface User's Guide has been designed to show you howto create and edit wireframe and surface features as well as hybrid parts. There areoften several ways to reach the final result. This guide aims at illustrating these variouspossibilities.

Using This GuideMore Information

Preface

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Using This GuideThis guide is intended for the user who needs to become quickly familiar with theCATIA Wireframe and Surface product. The user should be familiar with basic CATIAVersion 5 concepts such as document windows, standard and view toolbars.

To get the most out of this guide, we suggest you start reading and performing thestep-by-step tutorial Getting Started. This tutorial will show you how to create a basicpart.

The next sections deal with the creation and modification of various types of wireframeand surface geometry you will need to construct parts.

You may also want to take a look at the section describing the Wireframe and Surfaceworkbench menus and toolbars. 

Using This Guide

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Where to Find More InformationPrior to reading this guide, we recommend that you read the Infrastructure User'sGuide.

The CATIA - Part Design User's Guide and CATIA - Assembly Design User's Guidemay prove useful.Conventions

 

More Information

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What's New? 

Creating Wireframe Geometry:New: Creating bisecting linesNew: Creating planes between other planesNew: Creating spiralsEnhanced: Creating a helix Creating Surfaces:New: Creating spherical surfaces Performing OperationsEnhanced: Joining surfaces or curvesEnhanced: Disassembling elementsEnhanced: Splitting geometryEnhanced: Trimming geometryEnhanced: Complementary mode when extracting geometry  Using ToolsNew: Checking connections between surfacesNew: Checking connections between curvesNew: Creating elements from an external fileNew: Selecting Implicit Elements

What's New?

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Getting StartedBefore getting into the detailed instructions for using CATIA Version 5 Wireframe andSurface, the following tutorial aims at giving you a feel about what you can do with theproduct. It provides a step-by-step scenario showing you how to use keyfunctionalities.

The main tasks described in this section are:

Entering the WorkbenchCreating Wireframe Geometry

Creating First LoftCreating Swept Surfaces

Creating Second LoftJoining the SurfacesClosing the Surfaces

This tutorial should take about ten minutes to complete.  

The final part will look like this:

 

Getting Started

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Entering the WorkbenchThis first task shows you how to enter the Wireframe and Surface workbench andopen a  design part.Before starting this scenario, you should be familiar with the basic commandscommon to all workbenches. These are described in the CATIA Version 5Infrastructure User's Guide.

Select Mechanical Design > Wireframe and Surface Design from the Startmenu.

1.

The Wireframe and Surface workbench is displayed.Select File > Open then select theGettingStartedWireframeAndSurface.CATPart document.

2.

The following  design part is displayed.

In the rest of this scenario, you will add to the existing elements of this part tocomplete the design.

 

Entering the Workbench

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Creating Wireframe ConstructionElements

This task shows you how create wireframe construction elements using thevertices of solids.

Click the Line icon .1.

The Line Definition dialog box appears.

Create a line by selecting a vertex onPad 1 and the corresponding vertexon Pad 2.

2.

Creating Wireframe Geometry

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Repeat this steps to create four linesas shown in the opposite figure.

3.

 

Creating Wireframe Geometry

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Creating a First Loft SurfaceThis task shows how to create a lofted surface.

Click the Loft icon .1.

The Lofted SurfaceDefinition dialog boxappears.

Select the curved edge oneach pad as sections forthe loft.Arrows must point the sameway on each side of the loft.

2.

Creating First Loft

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Click OK to create thesurface.

3.

 

Creating First Loft

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Creating Two Swept SurfacesThis task shows how to create two swept surfaces between opposite edges ofthe two pads.

Click the Sweep icon .1.

The Swept SurfaceDefinition dialog boxappears.

Select the vertical edge of Pad 2as profile.

2.

Select the bottom line as firstguide curve.

3.

Click the Second Guide tab thenselect  the inclined line assecond guide curve.

4.

Click OK to create the sweptsurface.

5.

Creating Swept Surfaces

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Repeat these steps on the otherside to create a second sweptsurface.

6.

In the opposite figure the previouslycreated lofted surface is hidden inorder to illustrate the swept surfacesbetter.

 

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Creating a Second Loft SurfaceThis task shows how to create the second lofted surface at the bottom of thepart.

In the illustrations below, the first loft and both sweeps have been hidden.

Click the Loft icon .1.

The Lofted SurfaceDefinition dialog boxappears.

Select the horizontal edgeson the pads as sections forthe loft.

2.

Make sure arrowspoint the same way.

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Click OK to create thesurface.

3.

The specification treeis updated to showthe created surfaces.

 

Creating Second Loft

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Joining SurfacesThis task shows how to join the lofted and swept surfaces.

Click the Join icon  .

The Join Definition dialog boxappears.

1.

Select the two lofted surfaces and thetwo swept surfaces.

2.

Click OK to create the joined surface3.

The specification tree is updated to includethe joined surface.

 

Joining the Surfaces

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Closing the SurfacesThis task shows you how to create a solid by closing the joined surface.

For this you must call up the Part Design workbench.Select Part Design from the Start -> Mechanical Design menu.1.

The Part Design workbench is displayed.

Click the Close Surface icon .2.

This icon is available from theSplit sub-toolbar:

Note that the Join elementshould be active in tree.

The CloseSurface Definitiondialog box appears.

Click OK to create the closed surfacefeature.

3.

The specification tree is updated.

 

Closing the Surfaces

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Basic TasksThe basic tasks you will perform in the Wireframe and Surface workbench are mainlythe creation of wireframe and surface geometry you will use to build your part design.

This section will explain and illustrate how to create and manage various kinds ofwireframe and surface geometry.

Creating Wireframe GeometryCreating Surfaces

Performing OperationsUsing Tools

Basic Tasks

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Creating Wireframe GeometryWireframe geometry is the geometry that helps you create features when needed.Creating this geometry is a simple operation you can perform at any time.

Two creation modes are available: either you create geometry with its history or not.Geometry with no history is called a datum. Please refer to Creating Datums for moreinformation.

Create points by coordinates: enter X, Y, Z coordinates.Create points on a curve: select a curve and possibly a reference point, and entera length or ratio.Create points on a plane: select a plane and possibly a reference point, then clickthe plane.Create points on a surface: select a surface and possibly a reference point, anelement to set the projection orientation, and a length.Create points as a circle center: select a circleCreate points at tangents: select a curve and a line.

Create multiple points: select a curve or a point on a curve, and possibly areference point, set the number of point instances, indicate the creation directionor indicate the spacing between points.Create lines between two points: select two pointsCreate lines based on a point and a direction: select a point and a line, thenspecify the start and end points of the line.Create lines at an angle or normal to a curve:  select a curve and its support, apoint on the curve, then specify the angle value, the start and end points of theline.Create lines tangent to a curve:  select a curve and a reference point, thenspecify the start and end points of the line.Create lines normal to a surface: select a surface and a reference point, thenspecify the start and end points of the line.Create bisecting lines: select two lines and a starting point, then choose asolution.

Create an offset plane: select an existing plane, and enter an offset value.Create a parallel plane through a point: select an existing plane and a point. Theresulting plane is parallel to the reference plane and passes through the point.Create a plane at an angle: select an existing plane and a rotation axis, thenenter an angle value (90° for a plane normal to the reference plane).

Creating Wireframe Geometry

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Create a plane through three points: select any three pointsCreate a plane through two lines : select any two linesCreate a plane through a point and a line : select any point and lineCreate a plane through a planar curve: select any planar curveCreate a plane normal to a curve: select any curve and a pointCreate a plane tangent to a surface: select any surface and a pointCreate a plane based on its equation: key in the values for the Ax + Bu + Cz = Dequation Create a mean plane through several points: select any three, or more, points

Create n planes between two planes: select two planes, and specify the numberof planes to be createdCreate a circle based on a point and a radius: select a point as the circle center, asupport plane or surface, and key in a radius value. For circular arcs, specify thestart and end angles.Create a circle from two points: select a point as the circle center, a passing point,and a support plane or surface. For circular arcs, specify the start and endangles.Create a circle from two points and a radius: select the two passing points, asupport plane or surface, and key in a radius value. For circular arcs, specify thearc based on the selected points.Create a circle from three points: select three points. For circular arcs, specify thearc based on the selected points.Create a circle tangent to two curves, at a point: select two curves, a passingpoint, a support plane or surface, and click where the circle should be created.For circular arcs, specify the arc based on the selected points.Create a circle tangent to two curves, with a radius: select two curves, a supportsurface, key in a radius value, and click where the circle should be created. Forcircular arcs, specify the arc based on the selected points.Create a circle tangent to three curves: select three curves. Create conics: select a plane, start and end points, and either passing points ortangentsCreate spirals: select a support plane, center point, and reference direction, thenset the radius, angle, and pitch as needed.Create splines: select two or more points, if needed a support surface, settangency conditions and close the spline if needed.

Create a helix: select a starting and a direction, then specify the helix parameters.

Creating Wireframe Geometry

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Create corners: select a first reference element (curve or point), select a curve, asupport plane or surface, and enter a radius value.  Creating connect curves: select two sets of curve and point on the curve, set theircontinuity type and, if needed, tension value.Create parallel curves: select the reference curve, a support plane or surface, andspecify the offset value from the reference. Create projections: select the element to be projected and its support, specify theprojection direction, Create combined curves: select two curves, possibly directions, and specify thecombine type

Create reflect lines: select the support and direction, and specify an angle

Create intersections: select the two elements to be intersected

 

Creating Wireframe Geometry

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PointsThis task shows the various methods for creating points:

by coordinateson a curveon a planeon a surfaceat a circle centertangent point on a curve.between point

Select the Points1.CATPart document.

Click the Point icon  .1.

The Point Definitiondialog box appears.

Use the combo to choose thedesired point type.

2.

Coordinates

Enter the X, Y, Z coordinates in the current axis-system.Optionally, select a reference point.

The corresponding point is displayed.When creating a point within a user-defined axis-system, note that theCoordinates in absolute axis-system check button is added to the dialog box,allowing you to be define, or simply find out, the point's coordinates within thedocument's default axis-system.

Points

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On curve

Select a curveOptionally, select areference point.

If this point is not on thecurve, it is projectedonto the curve.<If no point is selected,the curve's extremity isused as reference.Use the option button to determine whether the new point is to be created:

a given distance along the curve from the reference pointa given ratio between the reference point and the curve's extremity.

Enter the distance or ratiovalue.If a distance is specified, itcan be:

a geodesic distance:the distance ismeasured along thecurvea Euclidean distance:the distance ismeasured in relationto the reference point(absolute value).

The corresponding point is displayed.

You can also:click the Nearest extremity button to display the point at thenearest extremity of the curve.click the Middle Point button to display the mid-point of thecurve

use the Reverse Direction button to display:the point on the other side of the reference point (if a point wasselected originally)the point from the other extremity (if no point was selectedoriginally).

click the Repeat object after OK if you wish to create equidistant points onthe curve, using the currently created point as the reference, as describedin Creating Multiple Points.

Points

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If the curve is infinite and no reference point is explicitly given, by default,the reference point is the projection of the model's originIf the curve is a closed curve,  either the system detects a vertex on thecurve that can be used as a reference point, or it creates an extremumpoint, and highlights it (you can then select another one if you wish) or thesystem prompts you to manually select a reference point.

 On plane

Select a plane.Optionally, select a point to define a reference for computing coordinatesin the plane.

If no point is selected, the projection of local axis system's origin ontothe plane is taken as reference.Click in the plane to display a point.

On surface

Select the surface where thepoint is to be created.Optionally, select areference point.You can select an elementto take its orientation asreference direction or aplane to take its normal asreference direction.You can also use thecontextual menu to specifythe X, Y, Z components ofthe reference direction.Enter a distance along thereference direction to displaya point.

Circle center

Select a circle, circular arc,or ellipse.

A point is displayed atthe center of theselected element.

Points

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Tangent on curve

Select a planar curve and adirection line.

A point is displayed ateach tangent.

The Connexity Management dialog box is displayed because severalpoints are generated. Click YES: you can then select a reference element, to which only theclosest point is created as described in Creating the Nearest Entity of aMultiple Element Click NO: all the points are created.

Between

Select any two points.Enter the ratio, that is thepercentage of the distancefrom the first selected point,at which the new point is tobe.You can also click MiddlePoint button to create a pointat the exact midpoint (ratio =0.5).Use the Reverse directionbutton to measure the ratiofrom the second selectedpoint.

If the ratio value is greater than 1,the point is located on the virtualline beyond the selected points.

Click OK to create the point.3.

The point (identified as Point.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

 

Points

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Multiple PointsThis task shows how to create several points at a time:

Open the MultiplePoints1.CATPart document.Display the Points toolbar by clicking and holding the arrow from the Point icon.

Click the Point & PlanesRepetition icon  .

1.

Select a curve or a Point oncurve.

2.

The Multiple PointsCreation dialog boxappears.

Define the number or points tobe created (instances field).Here we chose 5 instances.

3.

You can choose the sideon which the points are tobe created in relation to theinitially selected point on acurve. Simply use theReverse Direction button,or clicking on the arrow inthe geometry.

Multiple Points

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If you check the With endpoints option, the last andfirst instances are thecurve end points.

Click OK to create the pointinstances, evenly spaced overthe curve on the directionindicated by the arrow.

4.

The points (identified as Point.xxx asfor any other type of point) are addedto the specification tree.

If you selected a point on acurve, you can select a secondpoint, thus defining the area ofthe curve where points shouldbe created.Simply click the Second pointfield in the Multiple PointsCreation dialog box, then selectthe limiting point.If you selected the Point2created above as the limitingpoint, while keeping the samevalues, you would obtain thefollowing:

Multiple Points

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If the selected point oncurve already has aReference point (asdescribed in CreatingPoints - on curve), thisreference point isautomatically taken as thesecond point.By default, the Secondpoint is one of theendpoints of the curve. 

When you select a point on acurve, the Instances & spacingoption is available from  theParameters field.In this case, points will becreated in the given directionand taking into account theSpacing value.For example, three instancesspaced by 10mm.

Check the Create normalplanes also to automaticallygenerate planes at the pointinstances.Check the Create in a new openbody if you want all objectinstances in a separate OpenBody.A new Open Body will becreated automatically.

If the option is not checkedthe instances are createdin the current Open Body.

 

Multiple Points

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LinesThis task shows the various methods for creating lines:

point to pointpoint and directionangle or normal to curvetangent to curvenormal to surfacebisecting.

Open the Lines1.CATPart document.

Click the Line icon  .The Line Definition dialogbox appears.

1.

Use the combo to choosethe desired line type.

2.

A line type will be proposed automatically in some cases depending on your firstelement selection.Point - Point

Select two points.A line is displayed between the two points.Proposed Start and End points of the new line are shown.Specify the Start and End points of the new line, that is the line endpointlocation in relation to the points initially selected. These Start and Endpoints are necessarily beyond the selected points, meaning the linecannot be shorter than the distance between the initial points.Check the Mirrored extent option to create a line symmetrically in relationto the selected Start and End points.

Lines

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Point - Direction

Select a reference Point and a Direction line.A vector parallel to the direction line is displayed at the reference point.Proposed Start and End points of the new line are shown.Specify the Start and End points of the new line.The corresponding line is displayed.

Angle or normal to curve

Open the Lines2.CATPartdocument.

Select a reference curveand a support surfacecontaining that curve.Select a point on the curve.Enter an angle value.

A line is displayed at the given angle with respect to the tangent to the referencecurve at the selected point. These elements are displayed in the plane tangent tothe surface at the selected point.You can click on the Normal to Curve button to specify an angle of 90 degrees.Proposed Start and End points of the line are shown.Specify the Start and End points of the new line.The corresponding line is displayed.

Click the Repeat objectafter OK if you wish tocreate more lines with thesame definition as thecurrently created line. In this case, the ObjectRepetition dialog box isdisplayed, and you key inthe number of instances tobe created before pressingOK.

As many lines asindicated in the dialogbox are created, eachseparated from theinitial line by a multipleof the angle value.

Lines

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You can select the Geometry on Support check box if you want to create ageodesic line onto a support surface.The figure below illustrates this case.

Geometry on support option notchecked Geometry on support option checked

Lines

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Tangent to curve

Select a reference Curveand a Point or anotherCurve to define thetangency.

if a point is selected(mono-tangentmode): a vectortangent to the curveis displayed atthe selected point.If a second curve isselected (or a pointin bi-tangent mode),you need to select asupport plane. Theline will be tangent toboth curves.When severalsolutions arepossible, you canchoose one(displayed in red)directly in thegeometry, or usingthe Next Solutionbutton.

Line tangent to curve at a given point

Line tangent to two curves

Specify Start and End points to define the new line.The corresponding line is displayed.a

Normal to surface

Select a reference Surfaceand a Point.A vector normal to thesurface is displayed at thereference point.Proposed Start and Endpoints of the new line areshown.

Lines

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Specify Start and Endpoints to define the newline.The corresponding line isdisplayed.

Bisecting

 

Select two lines. Theirbisecting line is the linesplitting in two equals partsthe angle between thesetwo lines. Select a point as thestarting point for the line.By default it is theintersection of the bisectingline and the first selectedline.Select the support surfaceonto which the bisectingline is to be projected, ifneeded.Specify the line's length inrelation to its starting point(Start and End values foreach side of the line inrelation to the default endpoints).The correspondingbisecting line,  is displayed.You can choose betweentwo solutions, using theNext Solution button, ordirectly clicking thenumbered arrows in thegeometry.

Click OK to create the line.3.

The line (identified as Line.xxx) is added to the specification tree.Regardless of the line type, Start and End points are specified by enteringdistance values or by using the graphic manipulators.Check the Mirrored extent option to create a line symmetrically in relationto the selected Start point.

Lines

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In most cases, you can select a support on which the line is to be created.In this case, the selected point(s) is projected onto this support.You can reverse the direction of the line by either clicking the displayedvector or selecting the Reverse Direction button (not available with thepoint-point line type).

 

Lines

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PlanesThis task shows the various methods for creating planes:

from its equationthrough three pointsthrough two linesthrough a point and a linethrough a planar curvetangent to a surface

normal to a curveoffset from a planeparallel through pointat an angle to a planemean plane through several points.

Open the Planes1.CATPart document.

Click the Plane icon .1.

The Plane Definitiondialog box appears.

 

Once you have defined the plane, it is represented by a red square symbol,which you can move using the graphic manipulator.Equation  

Enter the A, B, C, D components of the Ax + By + Cz = D plane equation.Through three points

Select three points.

The plane passing through the three points is displayed.

Planes

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Through two lines

Select two lines.

The plane passingthrough the two linedirections isdisplayed.When these twolines are notcoplanar, the vectorof the second line ismoved to the firstline location to definethe plane's seconddirection.

Through point and line

Select a point and a line.

The plane passingthrough the pointand the line isdisplayed.

Through planar curve

Select a planar curve.

The plane containingthe curve isdisplayed.

Planes

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Tangent to surface

Select a referencesurface and a point.

A plane is displayedtangent to thesurface at thespecified point.

Normal to curve

Select a reference curve.You can select a Point.By default, the curve'smiddle point is selected.

A plane is displayednormal to the curveat the specifiedpoint.

Offset from plane

Select a reference planethen enter an offset value.

A plane is displayed offsetfrom the reference plane.

Use the ReverseDirection button to reverse the changethe offset direction,or simply click on thearrow in thegeometry.

Planes

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Click the Repeat objectafter OK if you wish tocreate more offset planes. In this case, the ObjectRepetition dialog box isdisplayed, and you key inthe number of instancesto be created beforepressing OK.

As many planes asindicated in thedialog box arecreated (includingthe one you werecurrently creating),each separated fromthe initial plane by amultiple of the Offsetvalue.

Parallel through point

Select a reference planeand a point.

A plane is displayedparallel to the referenceplane and passing throughthe selected point.

Angle or normal to plane

Select a reference Planeand a Rotation axis.This axis can be any lineor an implicit element.See Selecting ImplicitElements.Enter an angle value.

A plane is displayedpassing through theselected rotation axis. It isoriented at the specifiedangle to the reference

Planes

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plane.Click the Repeat object after OK if you wish to create more planes at anangle from the initial plane. In this case, the Object Repetition dialog box is displayed, and you key inthe number of instances to be created before pressing OK.

As many planes asindicated in thedialog box arecreated (includingthe one you werecurrently creating),each separated fromthe initial plane by amultiple of the Anglevalue.

Here we created fiveplanes at an angle of20 degrees.

Mean through points

Select three or morepoints to display themean plane throughthese points.

It is possible to editthe plane by firstselecting a point inthe dialog box listthen choosing abutton to either:

Remove theselected pointReplace theselected pointby anotherpoint.

Click OK to create the plane.2.

The plane (identified as Plane.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

 

Planes

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Creating Planes Between OtherPlanes

This task shows how to create any number of planes between two existingplanes, in only one operation:

Open the Planes1.CATPart document.

Click the Planes Repetition icon  .1.

The Planes Between dialog boxappears.

Select the two planes between which thenew planes must be created.

2.

Specify the number of planes to be created between the two selectedplanes.

3.

Click OK to create the planes.4.

The planes (identified as Plane.xxx) are addedto the specification tree.

Check the Create in a new Open Body button to create a new Open Bodycontaining only the repeated planes.

 

Planes Between

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CirclesThis task shows the various methods for creating circles and circular arcs:

center and radiuscenter and pointtwo points and radiusthree points

bitangent and radiusbitangent and pointtritangent

Open the Circles1.CATPart document.

Click the Circle icon .1.

The Circle Definition dialog boxappears.

Use the combo to choose the desiredcircle type.

2.

 

 

 

Center and radius

Select a point as circle center.Select the support plane or surfacewhere the circle is to be created.Enter a radius value.

Depending on the active CircleLimitations icon, thecorresponding circle or circular arc isdisplayed.For a circular arc, you can specifythe Start and End Angles of the arc.

If a support surface is selected, theplane tangent to the surface at theselected point is used.

Start and End Angles can bespecified by entering values or byusing the graphic manipulators.

Circles

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Center and point

Select a point as circle center.Select a point where the circle is to pass.Select the support plane or surfacewhere the circle is to be created.

Depending on the active CircleLimitations icon, thecorresponding circle or circular arc isdisplayed.For a circular arc, you can specifythe Start and End Angles of the arc.

Two points and radius

Select two points where the circle is topass.Select the support plane or surfacewhere the circle is to be created.Enter a radius value.

Depending on the active CircleLimitations icon, thecorresponding circle or circular arc isdisplayed.For a circular arc, you can specifythe trimmed or complementary arcusing the two selected points as endpoints.

You can use the SecondSolution button to display thealternative arc.

Three points

Select three points where the circle is topass.

Depending on the active CircleLimitations icon, thecorresponding circle or circular arc isdisplayed.For a circular arc, you can specifythe trimmed or complementary arcusing the two selected points as endpoints.In each of the methods above, you can select the Geometry on Support checkbox if you want thecircle to be projected onto a support surface.

3.

In this case, just select a support surface.

Circles

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Bitangent and radius

Select two elements (point or curve) to which the circle is to be tangent.Select a support surface.Enter a radius value.Several solutions may be possible, so click in the region where you want the circle to be.

Depending on the active Circle Limitations icon, the corresponding circle or circulararc is displayed.For a circular arc, you can specify the trimmed or complementary arc using the two tangentpoints as end points.

 Bitangent and point

Select point or a curve to which the circle is to be tangent.Select a curve and a point on this curve.Select a supporting plane or planar surface.Several solutions may be possible, so click in the region where you want the circle to be.

Depending on the active Circle Limitations icon, the corresponding circle or circulararc is displayed.

Complete circleFor a circular arc, you can specify thetrimmed or complementary arc using thetwo tangent points as end points.

Trimmed circle Complementary trimmed circle

Circles

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Tritangent

Select three elements to which the Select a supporting planar surface.Several solutions may be possible, soselect the arc of circle that you wish tocreate.

Depending on the active CircleLimitations icon, thecorresponding circle or circular arc isdisplayed.For a circular arc, you can specifythe trimmed or complementary arcusing the two tangent points as endpoints.Click OK to create the circle or circular arc.4.

The circle (identified as Circle.xxx) is added to the specification tree.When several solutions are possible, click the Next Solution button to move to another arc of circle, ordirectly select the arc you want in the geometry.

 

Circles

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Creating ConicsThis task shows the various methods for creating conics, that is curves definedby five constraints: start and end points, passing points or tangents. The resultingcurves are arcs of either parabolas, hyperbolas or ellipses.The different elements necessary to define these curves are either:

two points, start and end tangents, and a parametertwo points, start and end tangents, and a passing pointtwo points, a tangent intersection point, and a parametertwo points, a tangent intersection point, and a passing pointfour points and a tangentfive points.

Open the Conic1.CATPart document.

Click the Conic icon .1.

The Conic Definition dialog box opens.

Fill in the conic curve parameters, depending on the type of curve to becreated by selecting geometric elements (points, lines, etc.):

2.

Conic

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Support: the plane on which the resulting curve will lie

Constraint Limits:

Start and End points: the curve is defined from the starting point to the endpointTangents Start and End: if necessary, the tangent at the starting or endpoint defined by selecting a lineTgt Intersection Point: a point used to define directly both tangents fromthe start and end point. These tangents are on the virtual lines passingthrough the start (end) point and the selected point.

a. Selecting the support plane and starting point

b. Selecting the ending point

c. Selecting the tangent at the starting point

d. Selecting the tangent at the ending point

Conic

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Resulting conic curve

 If you check  the Tgt Intersection Point option, and select a point, the tangentsare created as passing through that point:

Using a tangent intersection  point

 

Resulting conic curve

Intermediate Constraints

Point 1, 2, 3: possible passing points for the curve. These points have tobe selected in logical order, that is the curve will pass through the startpoint, then through Point 1, Point 2, Point 3 and the end point.Depending on the type of curve, not all three points have to be selected.You can define tangents on Point 1 and Point 2 (Tangent 1 or 2).Parameter: ratio ranging from 0 to 1 (excluded), this value is used todefine a passing point (M in the figure below) and corresponds to the OMdistance/OT distance.If parameter = 0.5, the resulting curve is a parabolaIf parameter < 0.5, the resulting curve is an arc of ellipse,If parameter > 0.5, the resulting curve is a hyperbola.

Conic

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Click OK to create the conic curve.3.

The conic curve (identified as Conic.xxx) is added to the specificationtree.

 

Conic

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Creating SpiralsThis task shows how to create curves in the shape of spirals, that is a in 2Dplane, as opposed to the helical curves.

Open the Spiral1.CATPart document.

Click theSpiral icon 

.

1.

TheSpiralCurveDefinitiondialogboxappears.

Select asupportingplane and theCenter pointfor the spiral.

2.

Specify a Reference direction along which the Start radius value ismeasured and from which the angle is computed, when the spiral is definedby an angle.

3.

Spirals

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Thespiral ispreviewedwith thecurrentoptions:

Specify the Start radius value, that is the distance from the Center point,along the Reference direction, at which the spiral's first revolution starts.

4.

Define the spiral's Orientation, that is the rotation direction: clockwise orcounterclockwise

5.

Specify the spiral creation mode, and fill in the corresponding values:6. Angle &Radius: thespiral isdefined by agiven Endangle fromtheReferencedirection andthe radiusvalue, theradius beingcomprisedbetween theStart andEnd radius,on the firstand lastrevolutionsrespectively(i.e. the lastrevolutionends on apoint whichdistancefrom thecenter point

Ref. direction = Z, Start radius = 5mm, Angle = 45°,  End radius = 20mm, Revolutions = 5

Spirals

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is the Endradiusvalue). Angle &Pitch: thespiral isdefined by agiven Endangle fromtheReferencedirection andthe pitch,that is thedistancebetween tworevolutionsof the spiral.

Ref. direction = Z, Start radius = 5mm, Angle = 45°,  Pitch = 4mm, Revolutions = 5

Radius &Pitch: thespiral isdefined bythe Endradius valueand thepitch.The spiralends whenthe distancefrom thecenter pointto thespiral's lastpoint equalsthe Endradius value.

Ref. direction = Z, Start radius = 5mm,  End radius = 20mm, Pitch = 4mm

Depending on the selected creation mode, the End angle, End radius, Pitch, and Revolutions fields are available or not.

Spirals

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Click OK tocreate thespiral curve.

7.

The curve(identified asSpiral.xxx) is addedto the specificationtree.

 

 

Spirals

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SplinesThis task shows the various methods for creating spline curves.

Click the Spline icon  .1.

The Spline Definition dialogbox appears.

Select two or more points wherethe spline is to pass.

2.

An updated spline isvisualized each time a pointis selected.

It is possible to edit the spline by first selecting a point in the dialog box list then choosing a button to either:3. Add a point after the selected pointAdd a point before the selected pointRemove the selected pointReplace the selected point by another point.

 

You can select  the Geometry on support check box if you want the spline to be projected onto a support surface.In this case just select a support surface. It is better when the tangent directions belong to the support, that is when aprojection is possible.

4.

Select the Close Spline checkbox if you want to create a closed spline.5.

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Spline with Close Spline optionunchecked

Spline with Close Spline option checked

 If you want to set tangencyconditions, you can right-click onthe Tangent Dir. field to display acontextual menu. Using this menu,you can:

6.

Edit components (specify thetangent direction at the start andend points of the spline)Specify the line direction bychoosing the X, Y or Z axis.

You can select a plane or aline to create a tangent.

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Spline with a tangency constraint onendpoint (tension = 2)

Spline with reversed tangent

To specify a curvature constraint at any point of the spline, once a tangency constraint has been set, indicate a curvaturedirection and enter a radius value:

7.

The curvature direction is projected onto a plane normal to the tangent direction.If you use the Create line contextual menu, and want to select the same point as a point already used to define the tangentdirection, you may have to select it from the specification tree, or use the pre-selection navigator.

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Spline with tangency constraint Spline with tangency constraintand curvature constraint

 (radius = 50mm)

Spline with tangency constraint and curvatureconstraint 

(radius = 2mm)Note that for the Points Specifications, you must enter your information in the following order:

Tangent Dir. (tangent direction)Tangent TensionCurvature Dir. (curvature direction)Curvature Radius (to select it, just click in the field).

The fields become active as you select valuesClick OK to create the spline.8.

The spline (identified as Spline.xxx) is added to the specification tree.To add a parameter to a point, select a line in the Points list. This list is highlighted.You have two possibilities:

extended parameters1. select any line or plane for the direction.2.

 

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Creating a HelixThis task shows the various methods for creating helical curves, such as coils and springsfor example.These curves are 3D curves, as opposed to the spirals.Open the Helix.CATPart document.

Click the Helix icon.

1.

The Helix CurveDefinition dialogbox appears.

Select a starting point and an axis.2.  

Set the helix parameters:3.

Helix

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Pitch: the distancebetween tworevolutions of thecurve

You can definethe evolution ofthe pitch alongthe helix using alaw.

  Click the Law button todisplay the LawDefinition dialog box.

1.

Choose type of law tobe applied to the pitch:It can stay Constant, orevolve according to aS type law

2.

For the S typepitch, you needto define asecond pitchvalue. The pitchdistance will varybetween thesetwo pitch values,over thespecified numberof revolutions.

Click OK to return tothe Helix CurveDefinition dialog box.

3.

Helix

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Height: the global height of the helical curve, in the case of a constant pitch type helixOrientation: defines the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise)Starting Angle: defines where the helical curve starts, in relation to the starting point.This parameter can be set only for the Constant pitch only.Taper Angle: the radius variation from one revolution to the other. It ranges from -90°to 90° excluded. For a constant radius, set the taper angle to 0.Way: defines the taper angle orientation.Inward: the radius decreasesOutward: the radius increases.Profile: the curveused to control thehelical curve radiusvariation. The radiusevolves according tothe distance betweenthe axis and theselected profile (herethe orange curve).Note that the Startingpoint must be on theprofile.

Starting Angle: defines where the helical curve starts, in relation to the starting point.This parameter can be set only for the Constant pitch only.

Click the Reverse Direction button to invert the curve direction.4. Click OK to create thehelix.

5.

The helical curve(identified asHelix.xxx) isadded to thespecification tree.

 

Helix

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CornersThis task shows you how to create a corner between two curves or between apoint and a curve.Open the Corner1.CATPart document.

Click the Corner icon  .1.

The Corner Definition dialogbox appears.

Select a curve or a point as first reference element.2.

Select a curve as second reference element.The corner will be created between these two references.

3.

Select the support plane or planar surface.Here we selected the zx plane.

4.

The reference elements must lie on this support, as well as the center of thecircle defining the corner.

Enter a Radius value.5. Several solutions may be possible,so click the Next Solution button tomove to another corner solution, ordirectly select the corner you want inthe geometry.

6.

Corners

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Not all four solutions arealways available, depending onthe support configuration (if thecenter of one of the cornersdoes not lie on the support forexample).

You can select  the Trim elementscheck box if you want to trim andassemble the two referenceelements to the corner.

7.

Click OK to create the corner.8.

The corner (identified as Corner.xxx) isadded to the specification tree.

Corners

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When the selected curves are coplanar, the default support is the backgroundplane. However, you can explicitly select any support.

 

Corners

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Connect CurvesThis task shows how to create connecting curves between two existing curves.

Open the Connect1.CATPart document.

Click the Connect Curve icon .

The Connect Curve Definitiondialog box appears.

1.

Select the first Curve and a Pointon the curve, then  the secondCurve and a Point on this secondcurve.

2.

Use the combos to specify thedesired Continuity type: Point,Tangency or Curvature.

3.

If needed, enter tension values.4.

The connect curve is displayed between the two selected points according to thespecified continuity and tension values.

Connect curve with point continuity atboth points. Connect curve with point continuity at

one pointand tangent continuity at the other.

Connect Curves

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Connect curve with point continuity atone point

and curvature continuity at the other.

Connect curve with tangent continuity atone point

and curvature continuity at the other.

Connect curve with curvature continuityat both points.

Connect curve with tangent continuity atboth points.

An arrow is displayed at each extremity of the curve. You can click thearrow to reverse the orientation of the curve at that extremity.

5.

A graphic manipulator also allows you to modify the tension at the extremity ofthe connect curve.

Connect Curves

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You can select  the Trim elements check box if you want to trim andassemble the two initial curves to the connect curve.

6.

Click OK to create the connect curve.7.

The curve (identified as Connect.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

 

Connect Curves

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Parallel CurvesThis task shows you how to create a curve that is parallel to a reference curve.

Open the ParallelCurve1.CATPart document.

Click the Parallel Curveicon  .

1.

The Parallel CurveDefinition dialog boxappears.

Select the reference curveto be offset.

2.

Select the support plane orsurface.

3.

Specify the offset byentering a value or usingthe graphic manipulator.

4.

The parallel curve is displayed on the support surface and normal tothe reference curve.

Parallel Curves

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Click OK to create theparallel curve.

5.

The curve (identified asParallel.xxx) is added to thespecification tree.

You can use the Reverse Direction button to display the parallel curve onthe other side of the reference curve.

Check the BothSides button tocreate two parallelcurves,symmetrically inrelation to theselected curve, andprovided, it iscompatible with theinitial curve'scurvature radius.

In this case, twoindependent parallelcurves are created.Use the Repeat objectafter OK checkbox tocreate several parallelcurves, each separatedfrom the initial curve by amultiple of the offsetvalue.Simply indicate in theObject Repetition dialogbox the number ofinstances that should becreated and click OK.When the selected curve is a planar curve, its plane is selected by default.However, you can explicitly select any support.

Parallel Curves

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ProjectionsThis task shows you how to perform projections.

The projection may be normal or along a direction.You can project:

a point onto a surface or wireframe supportwireframe geometry onto a surface support.

Generally speaking, the projection operation has a derivative effect, meaning thatthere may be a continuity loss when projecting an element onto another. If theinitial element presents a curvature continuity, the resulting projected elementpresents at least a tangency continuity. If the initial element presents a tangencycontinuity, the resulting projected element presents at least a point continuity.Open the Projection1.CATPart document.

Click the Projectionicon  .

1.

If you selectNormal asprojectiontype:

The ProjectionDefinitiondialog boxappears.

 

Select the elementto be projected.For example, in thisfigure select thespline.

2.

You canselect severalelements tobe projected.Select the support element.For example, in thisfigure select thesurface.

3.

Projections

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Use the combo to specify the direction type for the projection:4. Normal.In this case, projection is done normal to the support element.

Whenever several projections are possible, you can select the NearestSolution check box to keep the nearest projection.

5.

Click OK to createthe projectionelement.

6.

The projection(identified asProject.xxx) isadded to thespecificationtree.

If you select Along adirection as projectiontype:

Select the elementto be projected.

1.

Use the combo tospecify the directiontype for theprojection:

2.

Along a direction.In this case,projection is donealong the selecteddirection.

Select the direction, that is a line to take its orientation as the projectiondirection or a plane to take its normal as the projection direction.

3.

You can also specify the direction by means of X, Y, Z vectorcomponents by using the contextual menu on the Direction area.

Whenever several projections are possible, you can select the NearestSolution check box to keep the nearest projection.

4.

Projections

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Click OK to createthe projectionelement.

5.

The projection(identified asProject.xxx) isadded to thespecificationtree.

 

Projections

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Creating Combined CurvesThis task shows you how to create combined curves, that is a curve resultingfrom the intersection of the extrusion of two planar curves.

Open the Combine1.CATPart document.

Click the Combine icon  .1.

The Combine Definition dialog box appears.Choose the combine type: normal or along directions.2. Normal: the virtual extrusion are computed as normal to the curve planesAlong directions: specify the extrusion direction for each curve (Direction1and Direction2 respectively).

Normal Type

Successively select the two curvesto be combined.

3.

Using the Normal type, the combine curveis the intersection curve between theextrusion of the selected curves in virtualperpendicular planes.This illustration represent the virtualextrusions, allowing the creation of theintersection curve that results in thecombine curve. 

Combines

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Click OK to create the element.4.

The combine (identified as Combine.xxx)is added to the specification tree.

 

Along Directions Type

Successively select the two curvesto be combined and a direction foreach curve.

3.

Using the Along directions type, thecombine curve is the intersection curvebetween the extrusion of the selectedcurves along the selected directions, asillustrated here:

Combines

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Click OK to create the element.4.

The combine (identified as Combine.xxx)is added to the specification tree.

 

The Nearest solution option, allows to automatically create the curve closest tothe first selected curve, in case there are several possible combined curves.

Combines

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Reflect LinesThis task shows you how to create reflect lines, that is curves for which thenormal to the surface in each point present the same angle with a specifieddirection.Open the ReflectLine1.CATPart document.

Click the Reflect Lines icon  .

1.

The Reflect LinesDefinition dialog boxappears.

Successively select thesupport surface and adirection.

2.

Key in an angle, representingthe value between theselected direction and thenormal to the surface.Here we keyed in 15°.

3.

You can also use the displayed manipulators to modify the anglevalue (ANG manipulator) or to reverse its direction (Support arrow). Click OK to create theelement.

4.

The Reflect Line(identified asReflectLine.xxx) isadded to thespecification tree.A closed or open reflect line can be created.

Reflect Lines

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When several reflect linesare created, as for exampleon a cylinder as illustratedhere, you are prompted tochoose to either keep bothelements within theReflectLine object, or tochoose one as the reference,as described in Creating theNearest Entity of a MultipleElement.

Do not use a null angle value on a closed surface issued from a circle forexample.

 

Reflect Lines

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IntersectionsThis task shows you how to create wireframe elements by intersecting elements.

You can intersect:wireframe elementssurfaceswireframe elements and a surface.

Open the IntersectSurface1.CATPart and IntersectSurface2.CATPart  documents.

Click the Intersection icon  .1.

The Intersection Definition dialog boxappears.

Select the two elements to be intersected.2. Multi-selection is available on the first selection, meaning you can select several elements to beintersected, but only one intersecting element.

The intersection is displayed.This example shows the line resulting from theintersection of a plane and a surface.

This example shows the curve resulting from theintersection of  two surfaces.

Click OK to create the intersection element.3.

This element (identified as Intersect.xxx) is added to the specification tree.Click the With Confusion Zone button when, in the case of multi-intersection of elements, you wish to detectcommon segments. Once clicked the button changes to Without Confusion Zone, meaning that if you click it,you will detect only point intersections.

With Confusion Zone(the intersection results in a line segment)

Without Confusion Zone(the intersection results in two points)

 

Intersections

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Creating SurfacesCATIA allows you to model both simple and complex surfaces using techniques suchas extruding, lofting and sweeping.

Two creation modes are available: either you create geometry with its history or not.Geometry with no history is called a datum. Please refer to Creating Datums for moreinformation.

Extrude surfaces: select a profile, specify the extrusion direction, the start andend limits.Create surfaces of revolution: select a profile and a rotation axis, and key in anangleCreate spherical surfaces: select the center point of the sphere, the axis-systemdefining the meridian and parallel curves, and define the angular limits of thespherical surfaceCreate swept surfaces: select a guide curve, a planar profile, optionally a spineand second guide curve, and  position the profileOffset surfaces: select a surface, specify the offset value and choose the offsetdirectionCreate filling surfaces: select curves/surface edges to form a closed boundaryand specify the continuity typeLoft surfaces: select one or two planar section curves, optionally guide curvesand a spineBlend surface: select two curves, and possibly their support, specify the tension,continuity, closing point and coupling ratio, if needed.

 

Surfaces

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Extruded SurfacesThis task shows how to create a surface by extruding a profile along a givendirection.Open the Extrude1.CATPart document.

Click the Extrude icon    .1.

The Extruded Surface Definitiondialog box appears.

Select the profile to be extruded andspecify the desired extrusiondirection.

2.

You can select a line to take itsorientation as the extrusiondirection or a plane to take itsnormal as extrusion direction.

 You can also specify thedirection by means of X, Y, Zvector components by using thecontextual menu on theDirection area.

Enter numerical values or use thegraphic manipulators to define thestart and end limits of the extrusion.

3.

Extruded Surfaces

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You can click the Reverse Directionbutton to display the extrusion on theother side of the selected profile.

4.

Click OK to create the surface.5.

The surface (identified asExtrude.xxx) is added to thespecification tree.

 

Extruded Surfaces

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Surfaces of RevolutionThis task shows how to create a surface by revolving a planar profile about anaxis.Open the Revolution1.CATPart document.

Click the Revolve icon    .1.

The Revolution SurfaceDefinition dialog box appears.

Select the profile.2.

Select a line indicating the desiredaxis of revolution.

3.

Revolution Surfaces

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Enter angle values or use the graphic manipulators to define the limits ofthe revolution surface. For example, enter 360 as the Angle 1 value.

4.

Click OK to create the surface.5.

The surface (identified asRevolute.xxx) is added to thespecification tree.

There must be no intersection between the axis and the profile.If the profile is a sketch containing an axis, the latter is selected by defaultas the revolution axis. You can select another revolution axis simply byselecting a new line.

 

Revolution Surfaces

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Creating Spherical SurfacesThis task shows how to create surfaces in the shape of a sphere.The spherical surface is based on a center point, an axis-system defining themeridian & parallel curves orientation, and angular limits.Open the Sphere1.CATPart document.

Click the Sphere icon fromthe Extrude-Revolution toolbar.

1.

The Sphere SurfaceDefinition dialog box isdisplayed.

Select the center point of thesphere.

2.

Select an axis-system.3.

This axis-systemdetermines the orientationof the meridian and parallelcurves, and therefore of thesphere.

Spheres

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By default, if no axis-systemhas been previouslycreated in the document,the axis-system is thedocument xyz axis-system.Otherwise the defaultaxis-system is the currentone.Click Apply to preview thesurface.

4.

Modify the Sphere radius and  theAngular Limits as required. Here we choose -90° and 90° forthe parallel curves, and 240° and0° for the meridian curves, andleft the radius at 20 mm.

5.

Parallel angular limits are comprised within the -90° and 90° range.Meridian angular limits are comprised within the -360° and 360° range.

Click OK to create the surface.6.

The spherical surface (identified as Sphere.xxx) is added to the specificationtree.

Spheres

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You can also choose to create a wholesphere. In this case, simply click the

icon from the dialog box to

generate a complete sphere, based onthe center point and the radius. Theparallel and meridian angular valuesare then grayed.

 

Spheres

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Offset SurfacesThis task shows how to create a surface by offsetting an existing surface (P1 only) or aset of surfaces (P2 only).

Open the Offset1.CATPart document.

Click the Offset icon   .1.

The Offset Surface Definitiondialog box appears.

Select the surface to be offset.2.

Specify the offset by entering avalue or using the graphicmanipulator.

3.

The offset surface isdisplayed normal to thereference surface.An arrow indicates the proposed direction for the offset.You can invert the direction by clicking either the arrow or the Reverse Directionbutton.

4.

Click OK to create the surface.5.

The surface (identified as Offset.xxx) is added to the specification tree. 

Offset Surfaces

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Use the Repeat object after OK checkboxto create several offset surfaces, eachseparated from the initial surface by amultiple of the offset value.Simply indicate in the Object Repetitiondialog box the number of instances thatshould be created and click OK.

 

Offset Surfaces

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Creating Filling SurfacesThis task shows how to create fill surfaces between a number of boundary segments.

Open the Fill1.CATPart document.

Click the Fill icon .1.

The Fill SurfaceDefinition dialog boxappears.

Select curves or surfaceedges to form a closedboundary.

2.

You can select a support surface for each curve or edge. In this casecontinuity will be assured between the fill surface and selected supportsurfaces.Use the combo to specify thedesired continuity typebetween any selected supportsurfaces and the fill surface:Point or Tangent.

3.

The fill surface isdisplayed within theboundary.

You can edit the boundary by first selecting an element in the dialog box list thenchoosing a button to either:

4.

Fill Surfaces

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Add a new element after or before the selected oneRemove the selected elementReplace the selected element by another curveReplace the selected support element by another support surfaceRemove the selected support element.

Click in the Passing point field, and select a point (available in P2 mode only).5.

This point is a point through which the filling surface must pass, thusadding a constraint to its creation. However, you may need to alleviate thenumber of constraints by removing the supports.

This point should lie within the area delimited by the selected curves. If not, the resultsmay be inconsistent.

Click OK to create the fill surface.5. The surface (identified as Fill.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

Filling surface with specifiedsupports Filling surface with passing point (P2 only)

 

Fill Surfaces

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Swept SurfacesYou can create a swept surface by sweeping out a profile in planes normal to aspine curve while taking other user-defined parameters (such as guide curvesand reference elements) into account.

You can sweep an explicit profile:along one or two  guide curves (in this case the first guide curve is usedas the spine)along one or two guide curves while respecting a spine.

The profile is swept out in planes normal to the spine.

In addition, you can control the positioning of the profile while it is being swept bymeans of a  reference surface.

The profile position may be fixed with respect to the guide curve (positionedprofile) or user-defined in the first sweep plane (CATIA P2 only).This task shows how to create a swept surface that uses an explicit profile.

Open the Sweep1.CATPart document.

Click the Sweep icon

.

1.

The SweptSurfaceDefinition dialogbox appears.

Swept Surfaces

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Select the planarprofile to be sweptout, that is the circle.

2.

Select a guide curve.3. If needed, select a spine.If no spine is selected, the guide curve is implicitly used as the spine.

4.

If needed, select a second guide curve.5.

If you want to control the position of the profile during the sweep, you canselect a reference surface. You can impose a reference angle on thissurface.

6.

By default, apositioned profile isused.  In CATIA P2only, if you want tomanually position theprofile, check  thePosition profile button and click theShow parameters >>button to access aset of positioningparameters.

7.

These parameters and the graphic manipulators will allow you to position theprofile in the first sweep plane.

Specify a positioning point in the first sweep plane by either enteringcoordinates or selecting a point.Specify the x-axis of the positioning axis system by either selecting a lineor specifying a rotation angle.Select the X-axis inverted check box to invert the x-axis orientation (whilekeeping the y-axis unchanged).Select the Y-axis inverted check box to invert the y-axis orientation (whilekeeping the x-axis unchanged).Specify an anchor point on the profile by selecting a point. This anchorpoint is the origin of the axis system that is associated with the profile.

If you want to go back to the original profile, uncheck  the Position profile button.

Swept Surfaces

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Click OK to createthe swept surface.

8.

The surface(identified asSweep.xxx) isadded to thespecificationtree.

Generally speaking, the sweep operation has a derivative effect, meaning thatthere may be a continuity loss when sweeping a profile along a spine. If the spinepresents a curvature continuity, the surface presents at least a tangencycontinuity. If the spine presents a tangency continuity, the surface presents atleast a point continuity.

 

Swept Surfaces

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Lofted SurfacesThis task shows how to create a lofted surface.

You can generate a lofted surface by sweeping one or two planar section curves along a computed or user-defined spine.The surface can be made to respect one or more guide curves.

Open the Loft1.CATPart document..

Click the Loft icon   .1.

The Lofted Surface Definition dialog box appears.

Select one or two planar section curves.2.

These sections may be tangent to support surfaces, provided they are not parallel.Closed section curves can have point continuity at each closing point.

If needed, select one or more guide curves.3.

In the Spine tab page, select the Spine check box to use an automatically computed spine or select a curve toimpose that curve as the spine. 

4.

It is possible to edit the loft reference elements byfirst selecting a curve in the dialog box list thenchoosing a button to either:

5.

Remove the selected curveReplace the selected curve by anothercurve.Add another curve.

Lofted Surfaces

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More possibilities are available with the contextual menuand by right-clicking on the red text or on the object. Forexample, it is possible to remove and replace tangentsurfaces and closing points.

Click OK to create the lofted surface.6.

The surface (identified as Loft.xxx) is added tothe specification tree.

You can impose tangency conditions onto sections and/or guides, by specifying a direction for the tangent vector(selecting a plane to take its normal, for example). This is useful for creating parts that are symmetrical withrespect to a plane. Tangency conditions can be imposed on the two symmetrical halves.Similarly, you can impose a tangency onto each guide, by selection of a surface or a  plane (the direction istangent to the plane's normal).  In this case, the sections must also be tangent to the surface.

Lofted Surfaces

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You can create lofted surfaces between closed section curves. These curves have point continuity at their closingpoint.This closing point is either a vertex or an extremum point automatically detected and highlighted by the system.By default, the closing points of each section are linked to each other.

The red arrows in the figures below represent the closing points of the closed section curves. You can change theclosing point by selecting any point on the curve. 

The surface is twistedA new closing point has been imposed

to get a non-twisted surface

The Relimitation tab lets you specify the loftrelimitation type. .You can choose to limit the loft only on the Startsection, only on the End section, on both, or onnone.

when one or both are checked: the loft is limited to corresponding sectionwhen one or both are when unchecked: the loft is swept along the spine:

if the spine is a user spine, the loft is limited by the spine extremitiesif the spine is an automatically computed spine, and no guide is selected:the loft is limited by the start and end sections if the spine is an automatically computed spine, and guides are selected:the loft is limited by the guides extremities.

Loft relimitation option checked on both Start and End section

Loft relimitation option unchecked on End section only

Use the Planar surface detection check button (Canonical Surfaces tab) to automatically convert planar surfacesinto planes.

Lofted Surfaces

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CouplingThis task presents the two kinds of coupling during the creation of the lofted surface:

coupling between two consecutive sectionscoupling between guides

These couplings compute the distribution of isoparameters on the surface.

Open the Loft2.CATPart document. To perform  the following scenario you will need to get some geometry locate

Coupling between two consecutive sections

This coupling is based on the curvilinear abscissa.

Click the Loft icon  .1.

The Lofted Surface Definition dialog box appears.

Select the two consecutive sections.2.

Click OK to create the loft.3.

To create a coupling between particular points, you can add guides ordefine the coupling type.

Lofted Surfaces

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Coupling between guides

This coupling is performed by the spine.If a guide is the concatenation of several curves, the resulting loft will contain as many surfaces as curves within theguide.

Several coupling types are available, depending on the sectionconfiguration:

Ratio: the curves are coupled according to the curvilinear abscissaratio.

Tangency: the curves are coupled according to their tangencydiscontinuity points. If they do not have the same number of points,they cannot be coupled using this option. 

Lofted Surfaces

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Tangency then curvature: the curves are coupled according to their tangency continuity first then curvaturediscontinuity points. If they do not have the same number of points, they cannot be coupled using this option. Vertices: the curves are coupled according to their vertices. If they do not have the same number of vertices, theycannot be coupled using this option. 

 

Manual Coupling (P2 only)

If the number of vertices differ from one section to another, you need to perform a manual coupling.Select the sections for the loft, and check their orientations.1.

In the Coupling tab, choose the Tangency option and click Apply.2.

An error message is displayed as the number of discontinuitypoints on the first section is greater than on the other twosections.

The points that could not be coupled, are displayed in the geometry with specific symbol depending on the selectedmode, along with coupling lines:

In Tangency mode: uncoupled tangency discontinuity points arerepresented by a square

In Tangency then curvature mode: uncoupled tangency discontinuity points are represented bya squareuncoupled curvatures discontinuity points are representedby a empty circle

 

In Vertices mode: uncoupled vertices are represented by a fullcircle

Click in the coupling list, or choose Add coupling in the contextualmenu, and manually select a point on the first section.

3.

The Coupling dialog box is displayed.

Lofted Surfaces

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Select a corresponding coupling point on each section of the loft.4.

The Coupling dialog box is updated consequently, and thecoupling curve is previewed, provided the Display couplingcurves option is active.

When a coupling point has been defined on each section, thisdialog box automatically disappears.

Click OK.5.

The loft is created as defined with the coupling specifications.

The same loft without coupling and with Ratio option would have lookedlike this:

Note the increased number of generated surfaces.

You can create coupling point on the fly, using the Create coupling point contextual menu item, instead ofselecting an existing point.To edit the coupling, simply double-click the coupling name in the list (Coupling tab) to display the Coupling dialogbox. Then you select the point to be edited from the list and create/select a replacing coupling point, then click OK

Lofted Surfaces

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Use the contextual menu on the coupling list to edit definedcouplings.

 

Lofted Surfaces

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Creating Blend SurfacesThis task shows how to create a blended surface, that is a surface between twowireframe elements, taking a number of constraints into account, such as tension,continuity, and so forth.

Several cases are worth surveying:blend between curvesblend between closed contours (P2 only)coupling blend (P2 only)

When working with a P1 configuration, curves with one edge only can be used to createblend surfaces.

Open the Blend1.CATPart document.

Click the Blend icon  .1.

The Blend SurfaceDefinition dialog boxappears.

When working with a P1 configuration,the Closing Points and Coupling tabsare not available.

Blend between curves:

Successively select the first curve and its support, then the second curve and itssupport.These can be surface edges, or any curve.

2.

Blend Surfaces

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Set the continuity type using theBasic tab.It defines the continuityconnection between the newlycreated surface and the curves onwhich it lies.

3.

The illustration above,shows the Tangencycontinuity, and the followingillustrations show the Pointand Curvature continuitytypes:

Point continuity on both limitsCurvature continuity on both limits

Blend Surfaces

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Activate the Trim support option,on one or both support surfaces totrim them by the curve andassemble them to the blendsurface:

4.

By default the blend surfaceborders are tangent to thesupport surface borders .Uncheck the Tangentborders option to releasethe tangency constraint.You can also specify whether and where the blend boundaries must betangent to the supports boundaries:Both extremities: the tangency constraint applies at both ends of the curveNone: the tangency constraint is disregarded Start extremity: the tangency constraint applies at the start endpoint of the curveonlyEnd extremity: the tangency constraint applies at the end endpoint of the curveonly

The Start and End extremities are defined according to the arrows in theblended surface's preview.Set the tension type using theTension tab.It defines the tension of the blendat its limits.

5.

It can be constant or linear,and can be set for each limitindependently.

Click OK.6.

Blend between closed contours (P2only):

Successively select two contours.2.

Blend Surfaces

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Click Apply.The surface to be generated istwisted.

3.

To avoid this you need todefine a closing point.

By default, the system detects and highlights a vertex on each curve that can be usedas a closing point, or it creates an extremum point, (you can also manually selectanother one if you wish).

Choose the Closing Point tab, and using the contextual menu, choose CreateProjection.

4.

The Projection Definition dialogbox is displayed.

5.

Select the closing point on thesecond contour, then the firstcurve onto which the point is to beprojected.

6.

Click OK in the ProjectionDefinition dialog box.

7.

Click OK in the Blend Definitiondialog box.

8.

The blend is correctlycreated.

 

Blend Surfaces

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Coupling blend (P2 only):

Select the elements to be blendedand click Apply.

2.

Select the Coupling tab anddefine the coupling type.

3.

Ratio: the curves are coupled according to the curvilinear abscissa ratio.Tangency : the curves are coupled according to their tangency discontinuitypoints. If they do not have the same number of points, they cannot be coupledusing this option. Tangency then curvature: the curves are coupled according to their tangencycontinuity first then curvature discontinuity points. If they do not have the samenumber of points, they cannot be coupled using this option. Vertices: the curves are coupled according to their vertices. If they do not havethe same number of vertices, they cannot be coupled using this option. 

Click in the coupling list, orchoose Add coupling in thecontextual menu, or using the Addbutton, and manually select apoint on the first section.

4.

The Coupling dialog box isdisplayed.

Blend Surfaces

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Select a corresponding couplingpoint on each section.

5.

The Coupling dialog box isupdated consequently, andthe coupling curve ispreviewed, provided theDisplay coupling curvesoption is active.

When a coupling point hasbeen defined on eachsection, this dialog boxautomatically disappears.

Click OK.6.

Selecting a support is not compulsory.You can create closing points using the contextual menu on the First or Secondclosing point fields in the dialog box, or using the contextual menu directly on oneof the selected curves.Use the Replace, Remove, or Reverse buttons, to manage the selected elements(curves, support, closing and coupling points).You can also use the contextual menu on the texts displayed on the geometry toset the continuities, trim the supports or manage the curves and support ingeneral.

 

Blend Surfaces

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Performing Operations on ShapeGeometry

CATIA - Wireframe and Surface allows you to modify your design using techniquessuch as trimming, translating and rotating.

Join geometry: select at least two curves or surfaces to be joined.

Heal geometry: select at least two surfaces presenting a gap to be healed.

Untrim an element: select a split element, and click the icon.

Disassemble elements: select a multi-cell element, and choose thedisassembling mode.

Split geometry: select the element to be split and a cutting element.

Trim geometry: select two elements to be trimmed and specify which side of element  Create boundary Curves: select a surface's edge, set the propagation type, andre-define the curve limits if needed.Extract geometry: select an element's edge or face and click the icon

Translate geometry: select an element, a translation direction (line, plane orvector), specify the translation distancePerform a symmetry: select an element, then a point, line, or plane as referenceelement  Transform geometry by scaling: select an element, then a point, plane, or planarsurface as reference element, and specify the scaling ratioTransform geometry by affinity: select an element to be transformed, specify theaxis system characteristics, and the enter the affinity ratio valuesRotate geometry: select an element, a line as the rotation axis, and specify therotation angleCreate the nearest sub-element: select the Insert > Operations > Near menuitem, the element made of several sub-elements, then a reference elementwhose position is close to the sub-element to be createdExtrapolate curves:  select a curve endpoint then the curve itself, specify theextrapolation limit (length value or limiting surface/plane), and specify thecontinuity constraints (tangent/curvature)

Performing Operations

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Extrapolate surfaces: select a surface boundary then the surface itself, specifythe extrapolation limit (value or limiting surface/plane), and specify theextremities constraints (tangent/normal)

 

Performing Operations

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Joining Surfaces or CurvesThis task shows how to join at least two surfaces or two curves.

The surfaces or curves to be joined must be adjacent.

Open the Join1.CATPart document.

Click the Join icon.1.

The Join Definition dialog boxappears.Select the surfaces or curves to bejoined.

2.

You can edit the list of elements to be joined:3. by selecting elements in the geometry:

Standard selection (no button clicked):when you click an unlisted element, it is added to the list when you click a listed element, it is removed from the listAdd Mode: when you click an unlisted element, it is added to the list when you click a listed element, it remains in the listRemove Mode: when you click an unlisted element, the list is unchanged when you click a listed element, it removed from the list

by selecting an element in the list then using the Remove\Replace contextualmenu items.

Joining

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If you double-click the Add Mode or Remove Mode button, the chosen mode ispermanent, i.e. successively selecting elements will add/remove them.  However ifyou click only once, only the next selected element is added or removed.You only have to click the button again, or click another one, to deactivate the mode.

  Click Apply.4.

The joined element ispreviewed, and its orientationdisplayed. Click the arrow toinvert it if needed.

The join is oriented according to the first element in the list. If you change thiselement, the join's orientation is automatically set to match the orientation of the newtopmost element in the list.

  Check the Check connexity buttonto find out whether the elements tobe joined are connex. If they arenot, and the button is checked, anerror message is issued indicatingthe number of connex domains inthe resulting join.When clicking Apply, the freeboundaries are highlighted, andhelp you detect where the joinedelement is not connex.

5.

  The Simplify the result check button allows the system to automaticallyreduce the number of elements (faces or edges) in the resulting joinwhenever possible.

  The Ignore erroneous elements check button lets the system ignoreelements that would not allow the join to be created.

  You can also set the tolerance at which two elements are considered as beingonly one using the Merging distance.

6.

Joining

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  Click the Sub-Elements To Removetab to display the list ofsub-elements in the join.

7.

These sub-elements areelements making up theelements selected to createthe join, such as separatefaces of a surface forexample, that are to beremoved from the joincurrently being created.

You can edit the sub-elementslist as described above for thelist of elements to be joined.

  Check the Create join with sub-elements option to create a second join, madeof all the sub-elements displayed in the list, i.e. those that are not to be joinedin the first join.This option is active only when creating the first join, not when editing it.

8.

Click OK to create the joined surface or curve.9.

The surface or curve (identified as Join.xxx) is added to the specificationtree.

Sometimes elements are so close that it is not easy to see if they present a gap ornot, even though they are joined. Check the Surfaces' boundaries option from theTools -> Options menu item, General, Display, Visualization tab.

 

Joining

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Healing GeometryThis task shows how to heal surfaces, that is how to fill any gap that may beappearing between two surfaces.This command can be used after having checked the connections betweenelements for example, or to fill slight gaps between joined surfaces.Open the Healing1.CATPart document.Display the Join-Healing toolbar by clicking and holding the arrow from the Join icon.

Click the Healing icon.1.

The HealingDefinition dialog boxappears.

Select the surfaces to behealed.

2.

You can edit the list ofelements in the definitionlist by means of theRemove and Replacebuttons.

3.

Define the distance belowwhich elements are to behealed, that is deformed sothat there is no more gap,using the Merging distanceas described in JoiningGeometry.Elements between whichthe gap is larger than theindicated value are notprocessed.

4.

In our example, weincrease it to 1mm.

Healing Geometry

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Click OK to create thehealed surfaces.

5.

Check the Surfaces' boundaries option from the Tools -> Options menuitem, General -> Display -> Visualization tab to display the boundaries.This may be especially useful when selecting, and also to identify gaps.

In some cases, depending on thegeometry configurationand the set parameters,the Multi-ResultManagement dialog box isdisplayed. Click No or refer toCreating the NearestEntity of a MultipleElement.

 

 

Healing Geometry

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Restoring a SurfaceIn this task you will learn how to restore the limits of a surface when it has been

split using the Break  icon (see Splitting Geometry).Open the Untrim1.CATPart document.

Click the Untrim icon in theJoin-Healing Modification toolbar.

1.

The Untrim dialog box is displayed.

Select the surface which limits should berestored.

2.

The dialog box is updatedaccordingly.

Click OK in the dialog box.3.

A progression bar is displayed, while the surface is restored.It automatically disappears once the operation is complete(progression at 100%). 

Restoring a Surface

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The initial surface is automaticallyrestored.

If the surface has been trimmed several times, it is the initial surface which isrestored. To partially untrim the surface, you need to use the Undo commandright after the trim.

 

Restoring a Surface

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Disassembling ElementsIn this task you will learn how to disassemble multi-cell bodies into mono-cellbodies.Open the Disassembling1.CATPart document, or any document containing amulti-cell element.

Select the element to bedisassembled.You can select only an edge ofa surface, the systemrecognizes the whole element tobe disassembled.

1.

Here we selected the joinmade of three elements,each made of severalcells.Click the Disassemble icon in the Join-Healing toolbar.

2.

The Disassemble dialogbox is displayed.

Disassembling Elements

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  Choose the disassemblingmode: 

3.

All Cells: all cells aredisassembled, i.e. for all theselected element, a separatecurve is created for each cell.Domains Only: elements arepartially disassembled, i.e.each element is kept as awhole if its cells are connex,but is not decomposed inseparate cells. A resultingelement can be made ofseveral cells.

In the illustrations, we havecolored the resulting curves forbetter identification.

 

  Results when disassembling all cells(seven curves are created)

Results when disassembling domains only(three curves are created)

Click OK in the dialog box.4.

A progression bar is displayed, while the surface is beingdisassembled.It automatically disappears once the operation is complete(progression at 100%). 

Disassembling Elements

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The selected element is disassembled, that is to say independent elements arecreated, that can be manipulated independently.Multi-selection is available.

 

 

Disassembling Elements

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Splitting GeometryThis task shows how to split a surface or wireframe element by means of a cutting element.

You can split:a wireframe element by a point, another wireframe element or a surfacea surface by a wireframe element or another surface.

Open the SplitTrim1.CATPart document.

Click the Split icon .1.

The Split Definition dialog box appears.

  Select the element to be split.2.

You should make your selection by clicking on theportion that you want to keep after the split.

Select the cutting element.3.

A preview of the split appears. You can change theportion to be kept by selecting that portion.

You can also select the portion to be kept byclicking the Other side button.

You can select several cutting elements. In that case, note that the selection order is important as the areato be split is defined according to the side to be kept in relation to current splitting element.

In the illustrations below, the top-left line is the first splitting element. In the left illustration it defines an areathat  intersects with the other three  splitting curves, and in the illustration to the right, these three elementsare useless to split the area defined by the first splitting element.

Splitting

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Would you need to remove one of these cutting elements, select it from the list and click the RemoveCutting Element button.

Click OK to split the element.4.

The created element (identified as Split.xxx) isadded to the specification tree.

When necessary, the cutting element will be tangentially extrapolated in order to split a surface correctly (asshown in following figure). However, when this extrapolation leads to the intersection of the cutting elementwith itself prior to fully splitting the initial element, an error message is issued as there is an ambiguity aboutthe area to be split. In this case you need to manually extrapolate the cutting element to make sure it fullylies across the element to be split. 

Check the Keep both sides option to retain the split element after the operation. In that case itappears as a separate Split.xxx element in the specification tree.When splitting a wire (curve, line, sketch and so forth) by another wire, you can select a support todefine the area that will be kept after splitting the element. It is defined by the vectorial product of thenormal to the support and the tangent to the splitting element. This is especially recommended when splitting a closed wire. 

Splitting

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  Splitting with no support selected: first solution Splitting with no support selected: secondsolution

 

  Splitting with a selected support (xy plane): first solution Splitting with a selected support (xy plane):second solution

  You can create a Join as the splitting element, by right-clicking in the Cutting Elements field andchoosing the Create Join item.

 

Splitting

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Trimming GeometryThis task shows how to trim two surfaces or two wireframe elements.

Open the SplitTrim1.CATPart document.

Click the Trim icon .1.

The Trim Definition dialogbox appears.

Select the two surfaces or twowireframe elements to betrimmed.

2.

A preview of the trimmedelement appears. You canchange the portion to bekept by selecting thatportion.

You can also select theportions to be kept byclicking the Other side ofelement 1 and Other sideof element 2 buttons.

Trimming

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Click OK to trim the surfaces orwireframe elements.

3.

The trimmed element(identified as Trim.xxx) isadded to the specificationtree.

You should make your selections by clicking on the portions that you wantto keep after the trim.

  When necessary, the trimming element will be tangentially extrapolated inorder to trim surfaces correctly. However, when this extrapolation leads tothe intersection of the trimming element with itself prior to fully trimmingthe initial element, an error message is issued as there is an ambiguityabout the area to be trimmed. In this case, you need to manuallyextrapolate the trimming element to make sure it fully lies across theelement to be trimmed. When trimming wires (curve, line, sketch and so forth) by another wire,you can select a support to define the area that will be kept after trimmingthe element. It is defined by the vectorial product of the normal to thesupport and the tangent to the trimming element.

This is especially recommended when trimming a closed wire. 

In our example, the Sketch composedof two lines (Sketch.11) is trimmed bythe circle (Sketch.10).

Trimming

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  Resulting trimmed element withoutsupport selection

Resulting trimmed element with supportselection

  Check the Result simplification button to allow the system to automaticallyreduce the number of faces in the resulting trim whenever possible.When trimming wires (curve,line, sketch and so forth) byanother wire, you can select asupport to define the area thatwill be kept after trimming theelement. It is defined by thevectorial  product of the normalto the support and the tangentto the trimming element. This is especially recommendedwhen trimming a closed wire, asillustrated here (the circle istrimmed by the line):

Check the Result simplification buttonto allow the system to automaticallyreduce the number of faces in theresulting trim whenever possible.

 

Trimming

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Boundary CurvesThis task shows how to create boundary curves.

Open the Boundary1.CATPart document.

Click the Boundary icon  .1.

The Boundary Definition dialog box appears.

Select the edge curve of a surface.2.

Use the combo to choose the Propagation type:3. Complete boundary: the selected edge is propagated around the entire surface boundary.Point continuity: the selected edge is propagated around the surface boundary until a pointdiscontinuity is met.Tangent continuity: the selected edge is propagated around the surface boundary until a tangentdiscontinuity is met.No propagation: no propagation or continuity condition is imposed, only the selected edge is kept.

The boundary curve is displayed according to the selected propagation type.

No propagation Tangent continuity

Point continuity Complete boundaryYou can relimit the boundary curve by means of two elements, a point on the curve for example.4.

Click OK to create the boundary curve.5.

The curve (identified as Boundary.xxx) is added to the specification tree.If you select the surface directly, the Propagationtype no longer is available, as the completeboundary is automatically generated. 

Boudary Curves

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Provided the generated boundary curve iscontinuous, you can still select limiting point tolimit the boundary.

Using the arrows you can then invert thelimited boundary.

  You cannot copy/paste a boundary from a document to another. If you wish to do so, you need to copy/pastethe surface first into the second document then create the boundary.

 

Boudary Curves

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Extracting GeometryThis task shows how to perform an extract from elements (curves, points, solids,and so forth.).

This may be especially useful when a generated element is composed of severalnon-connex sub-elements. Using the extract capability you can generateseparate elements from these sub-elements, without deleting the initial element.Open the Extract1.CATPart document.

Select an edge or the face of anelement.

1.

The selected element ishighlighted.

Click the Extract icon .2.

The Extract Definition dialog boxis displayed.

Choose the Propagation type: Pointcontinuity, No propagation,  orTangent continuity.

3.

With Point continuity, theextracted element would be likethis:

Click OK to extract the element.4. The extracted element (identified as Extract.xxx) is added to the specificationtree.

Extracting Geometry

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If you extract an edge that you wantto propagate, and there is anambiguity about the propagationside, a warning is issued and you areprompted to select a support face. Inthis case, the dialog box dynamicallyupdates and the Support field isadded.

The Complementary mode option,once checked, highlights, andtherefore selects,  the elements thatwere not previously selected, whiledeselecting the elements that wereexplicitly selected.

 You cannot copy/paste an extracted element from a document to another.If you wish to do so, you need to copy/paste the initial element first into thesecond document then perform the extraction.

 

Extracting Geometry

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Translating GeometryThis task shows you how to translate one, or more, point, line or surface element.

Open the Translate1.CATPart document.

Click theTranslate icon

.

1.

TheTranslateDefinitiondialog boxappears.

Select theelement to betranslated.

2.

Select a line totake itsorientation as thetranslationdirection or aplane to take itsnormal as thetranslationdirection.

3.

You canalso specifythedirection bymeans of X,Y, Z vectorcomponentsby usingthecontextualmenu onthe

Translating

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Directionarea.

Specify thetranslationdistance byentering a valueor using the Dragmanipulator.

4.

Click OK to create the translated element.5.

The element (identified as Translat.xxx) is added to the specificationtree.The original element is unchanged.

Use the Repeatobject after OKcheckbox tocreate severaltranslatedsurfaces, eachseparated fromthe initialsurface by amultiple of theDistance value.Simply indicatein the ObjectRepetition dialogbox the numberof instances thatshould becreated andclick OK.

You can translate several elements at a time.

 

Translating

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Performing a Symmetry on GeometryThis task shows you how to transform geometry by means of a symmetry operation.

Open the Transform1.CATPart document.

Click the Symmetry icon  .1.

The Symmetry Definition dialogbox appears.

Select the element  to be transformed by symmetry.2.

Select a point, line or plane as reference element.3. The figure below illustrates the resultingsymmetry when the line is used as referenceelement.

The figure below illustrates theresulting symmetry when the point is used as reference element.

Click OK to create the symmetrical element.4.

The element (identified as Symmetry.xxx) is added to the specification tree.The original element is unchanged

You can perform a symmetry on several elements at a time.

 

Symmetry

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Transforming Geometry by ScalingThis task shows you how to transform geometry by means of a scaling operation.

Open the Transform1.CATPart document.

Click the Scaling icon .1.

The ScalingDefinition dialog boxappears.

Select the element to be transformed by scaling.2.

Select the scaling reference point, plane or planar surface.3.

Specify the scaling ratio by entering a value or using the Drag manipulator.4.

 The figure below illustrates theresulting scaled element whenthe plane is used as referenceelement (ratio = 2).

The figure below illustrates the resulting scaledelement when the point is used as referenceelement (ratio = 2).

 

Click OK to create the scaled element.5.

The element (identified as Scaling.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

Scaling

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The original element  is unchanged.

Use the Repeat objectafter OK checkbox tocreate several scaledsurfaces, each separatedfrom the initial surface bya multiple of the initial Ratio value.Simply indicate in theObject Repetition dialogbox the number ofinstances that should becreated and click OK.

You can perform a scaling operation on several elements at a time.

 

Scaling

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Rotating GeometryThis task shows you how to rotate geometry about an axis.

Open the Transform1.CATPart document.

Click the Rotate icon .1.

The Rotate Definitiondialog box appears.

Select the element to berotated.

2.

Select a line as the rotationaxis.

3.

Enter a value or use the Dragmanipulator to specify therotation angle.

4.

Click OK to create the rotated element.5.

The element (identified as Rotate.xxx) is added to the specification tree.The original surface is unchanged.

Rotating

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Use the Repeat object afterOK checkbox to createseveral rotated surfaces,each separated from theinitial surface by a multiple ofthe Angle value.Simply indicate in the ObjectRepetition dialog box thenumber of instances thatshould be created and clickOK.

You can rotate several elements at a time.

 

Rotating

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Transforming Geometry by AffinityThis task shows you how to transform geometry by means of an affinityoperation.

Open the Transform1.CATPart document.

Click the Affinity icon .1.

The Affinity Definition dialog boxappears.

Select the element to be transformed by affinity.2.

Specify the characteristics of the axis system to be used for the affinityoperation:

3.

the originthe xy planethe x-axis.

Specify the affinity ratios by entering the desired X, Y, Z values.4.

Affinity

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The figure below illustrates the resulting affinitywith ratios X = 2, Y =1 and Z=1.

 

The figure below illustrates the resulting affinitywith ratios X = 2, Y =1 and Z=2.

 

Affinity

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The figure below illustrates the resulting affinitywith ratios X = 2, Y =2.5 and Z=2

 Click OK to create the affinity element.5.

The element (identified as Affinity.xxx) is added to the specification tree.The original element  is unchanged.

You can perform an affinity on several elements at a time.

 

Affinity

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Creating the Nearest Entity of aMultiple Element

This task shows you how to create the nearest entity of an element that is madeup from several sub-elements.Open the Near1.CATPart document.

Select the Insert > Operations> Near  command.

1.

The Near Definitiondialog box appears.

Select the element that is made up from several sub-elements.2.

Select a reference element whose position is close to the sub-element thatyou want to create.

3.

This example shows a parallel curvecomprising three sub-elements.

 

This example shows the sub-element that isnearest to the reference point.

Click OK to create the element.4.

This element (identified as Near.xxx) is added to the specification tree.The Near Definition dialog box is automatically displayed, when a non-connexelement is detected at creation time so that you can directly choose whichelement should be created.

Nearest Sub-element

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Extrapolating CurvesThis task shows you how to extrapolate a curve.

Open the Extrapolate2.CATPart document.

Click the Extrapolate icon .1.

The Extrapolate Definitiondialog box appears.

Select an endpoint on  a curve.2.

Select the curve to be Extrapolated:3. entering the value of the extrapolation length.In Curvature mode, this length actually is the distance on the tangentextrapolation at which a plane normal to the curve is located. This plane isused to split the extrapolated curve.selecting a limit surface or plane.

Specify Continuity conditions:4. Tangent: the extrapolation side is tangent to the curve at the selectedendpoint.Curvature: the extrapolation side complies with the curvature of theselected curve.

Extrapolation in Curvature mode Extrapolation in Tangent mode

Extrapolating Curves

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If needed, and provided you are working in with a tangency continuity, and the initial curve lies on a plane or surface, you can select this support. In this casethe extrapolated curve lies on the surface too, and is relimited by the supportboundary.

Extrapolation without a support Extrapolation with a support

Click OK to create the extrapolated curve.5. The Curve (identified as Extrapol.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

 

Extrapolating Curves

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Extrapolating SurfacesThis task shows you how to extrapolate a surface boundary .

Open the Extrapolate1.CATPart document.

Click the Extrapolateicon .

1.

The ExtrapolateDefinition dialogbox appears.

Select a surfaceBoundary.

2.

Select the surface to beExtrapolated.

3.

Specify the Limit of the extrapolation by either:4. entering the value of the extrapolation lengthselecting a limit surface or planeusing the manipulators in the geometry.

Extrapolating Surfaces

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Specify Extremitiesconditions:

5.

Tangent: theextrapolation sides aretangent to the edgesadjacent to the surfaceboundary.Normal: theextrapolation sides arenormal to the originalsurface boundary.

Select the Assemble result check box if you want the extrapolated surfaceto be assembled to the support surface.

6.

Click OK to create the extrapolated surface.7.

The surface (identified as Extrapol.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

 

Extrapolating Surfaces

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Using ToolsCATIA - Wireframe and Surfaces provides powerful tools to help you manage yoursurfaces and wireframe geometry.

Update your design: select the element and click the icon or use thecontextual menu

Work with a support: click the icon and select a plane or surface assupport element.

Snap on a point: snap to the nearest intersection point when workingwith a support 

Create Datums: click the icon to deactivate the History mode

Select Bodies using the Body Selector: click the combo, choose abody, release the combo

Create constraints: select the element to be constrained, and set thespecific options.

Edit geometry: double-click on the element in the tree and modify itsparameters 

Create elements from an external file: key in space coordinates ofelements into an Excel file containing macros, then run the macro.

Select implicit elements: Press and hold the Shift key while clickingthe element to which the implicit element belongs.

Copy and paste: select the element(s) to be copied, click the Copyicon, select the target Open Body, then click the Paste icon.

Using Tools

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Delete geometry: select the element, choose the Delete command,set the deletion options

Manage open bodies: select an open body in the specification tree,use the Insert > Open Body menu command, or Remove Open Bodyor Change body contextual menus.

Create groups: choose the Create Group contextual menu on anopen body and select the group's elementsEdit groups: choose the Edit Group contextual menu on a groupCollapse/Expand groups: choose the Collapse/Expand Groupcontextual menu on a groupMove groups: choose the Change Body contextual menu and select anew Open Body

Check connections between surfaces: select the surfaces, and set theanalysis type and parameters

Check connections between curves: select two curves, specify thetype of analysis (distance, tangency, curvature) and set the analysisparameters.

Repeat objects: select an object, choose the Object Repetition...menuitem and key in the number of object instances

Stacking commands: right-click an editable field, choose thecontextual menu item allowing the creation of another element.

Apply a material: select an object, click the icon, and select amaterial.

 

Using Tools

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Updating Your DesignThis task explains how and when you should update your design.

The point of updating your design is to make the application take your lastoperation into account. Indeed some changes to geometry or a constraint mayrequire rebuilding the part. To warn you that an update is needed, CATIAdisplays the update symbol next to the part name and displays the correspondinggeometry in bright red.To update a part, the application provides two update modes:

automatic update, available in Tools -> Options -> Shape, General tab. Ifchecked, this option lets the application update the part when needed.manual update, available in Tools -> Options -> Shape, General tab, itlets you control the updates of your part. You simply need to click theUpdate icon whenever you wish to integrate modifications. 

To update the part, click the Update icon .1.

A progression bar indicates the evolution of the operation.

You can cancel the undergoing update by clicking the Cancel button available inthe Updating... dialog box.

Keep in mind that some operations such as confirming the creation offeatures (clicking OK) do not require you to use the update command. Bydefault, the application automatically updates the operation.The Update capability is also available via Edit -> Update and the Updatecontextual command. To update the feature of your choice, just select that feature and use theLocal  Update contextual command.

Updating Your Design

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Besides the update modes, you can also choose to visualize the updateon the geometry as it is happening by checking the Activate LocalVisualization option from the Tools -> Options -> Shape, General tab.In this case, as soon as you have clicked the Update icon :

the geometry disappears from the screen1. each element is displayed as it is updated, includingelements in No Show mode. Once they have beenupdated, they remain in No Show mode.

2.

Interrupting UpdatesThis tasks explains how to update a part and interrupt the update operation on agiven feature by means of a useful message you previously defined.Open any document containing geometric elements.

Right-click an element from the specification tree and choose theProperties contextual menu item.

1.

The Properties dialog box is displayed. From the Mechanical tab, check the Associate stop update option.2.

Enter the text to be displayed when the updating process will stop whenreaching this element.

3.

Click OK to confirm and close the dialog box.4. The Stop Update.1 feature is displayed in thespecification tree, below the element forwhich it was defined.

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Whenever it is needed, click the Update icon to update the whole part.5.

The updating process stops after having updated the elementselected above, and issues the message as has been defined earlier:

Click Yes or No, depending on what you intend to do with the geometrycreated based on the selected element.

6.

Would you no longer need this capability, you can:right-click the element for which the stop was defined, choose theProperties contextual command and check the Deactivate stop updateoption from the Mechanical tab: the update will no longer at this element.You notice that when the capability is deactivated, the Stop Update iconchanges to: in the specification tree.right-click Stop Update.1 from the specification tree, and choose theDelete contextual command.

 

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Working with a SupportThis task shows how to create a support. It may be either a plane or a surface.This will allow you to automatically reference a surface or plane as the supportingelement whenever you need one, when creating Lines for example. You will nolonger have to explicitly select the support element.It will also allow you to create reference points on the fly on the support,whenever you need a reference point to create other geometric elements.Open the WorkOnSupport1.CATPart document.

Creating a support from a surface

Click the Work on Supporticon  .

1.

The Work onSupport dialog boxappears.

Select the surface to be used as support element.2.

If a plane is selected, a grid is displayed to facilitate visualization.Select a point.3.

By default thesurface's midpoint isselected.

Click OK in the dialog box. 4.

The element (identified as WorkingSupport.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

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Click the Point icon  .5.

The Point definitiondialog box isdisplayed. TheReference Pointfield is automaticallyfilled in with thepoint selected whendefining thecurrently activeworking support.

 Creating a support from a plane

Click the Work on Support icon  .1. Select the plane to be used as support element.2.

The Work on Support dialog box is displayed, allowing you to definethe plane:

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By default, the Grid type is set to Cartesian, to define a Cartesianplane.

A grid can also be displayed to facilitate visualization. You can hide it bychecking the Hide grid option.

Select a point, as the support plane's origin.3. By default the plane's origin is selected. Beware of the plane representation notbeing located at the plane's origin. In this case, the default point, really isdisplayed at the origin and therefore not necessarily onto the planerepresentation.

Define the First direction scale (H for horizontal), by setting Primaryspacing and Graduations values.

4.

If needed, select a direction to specify the H direction.You can right-click in the editable field to display the contextual menu anddefine the direction (by defining its vector, creating a line, and so forth).

5.

If you wish, you can define another scale for the Second direction scale (Vfor vertical), thus allowing distortions of the grid. Check the Allow distortionsoption to activate the Primary spacing and Graduations fields of the seconddirection.

6.

Check the Shade grid plane option to visualize the support plane as a solidgeometric element.This is possible only if the View mode is adequate.

7.

Check the Position grid plane parallel to screen to reset the gridvisualization parallel to the screen.

8.

Click OK in the dialog box. 

The element (identified as WorkingSupport.xxx) is added to thespecification tree.

9.

By default the lastcreated working supportis displayed in red in thespecification tree.Use the Set AsCurrent/Set As NotCurrent contextualmenu, or the  WorkingSupports Activity icon, to define which isthe default currentsupport that will beautomatically selectedwhen entering a

Working with a Support

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command that requires aworking support.Working supports can be edited, updated, or deleted just as any otherfeature.Click the Snap to point icon to snap the point being created onto thenearest intersection point on the grid.

 

Working with a Support

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Creating DatumsThis task shows how to create geometry with the History mode deactivated.

In this case, when you create an element, there are no links to the other entitiesthat were used to create that element.

 Click the Create Datum icon to deactivate the History mode.1.

It will remain deactivated until you click on the icon again.

 The History mode (active or inactive) will remain fixed from one session toanother: it is in fact a setting.

 

Creating Datums

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Selecting BodiesThis task shows how rapidly select a specific Body, whether an OpenBody or PartBody, using the Body Selector. This is especially useful when thespecification tree is hidden or too large to be easily manipulated, in the case of alarge document for example.

This command is available in P2 mode only.Open the PowerCopyStart1.CATPart document.

From the Tools toolbar, click the arrow on the combo, to display the list ofBodies present in the document.

1.

Choose the body you want to work in, from the list.2.

The selected body is displayed in the BodySelector's field, and underlined in thespecification identifying it as the current body.

All Bodies are displayed in the list, whether they are in Show or No Showmode.This command is equivalent to selecting the Body in the specification treeusing the icon, right-clicking it and choosing the Define In WorkObject command, with the added capability of renaming the object.This renaming would have had to be done in the five steps:

Select the object from the specification tree1. Choose the Properties contextual menu2. Click the Feature Properties tab in the Properties dialog box3. Key in a new Name4. Click OK in the Properties dialog box.5.

 

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Creating ConstraintsThis task shows how to set geometric constraints on geometric elements.

Such a constraint  forces a limitation. For example, a geometric constraint mightrequire that two lines be parallel.To set aconstraintbetweenelements:

Multi-selectthe two orthreeelements tobeconstrained.

1.

Click theConstraintwith dialogbox icon

.

2.

The ConstraintDefinition dialogbox appearsindicating thetypes ofconstraint youcan set betweenthe selectedelements.

 

Select an available option to specify that the corresponding constraint is tobe made.

3.

Click OK.4.

The corresponding constraint symbol appears on the geometry.

 

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To set ageometricconstraint on asingle element:

Select theelement tobeconstrained.

1.

Click theConstrainticon .

2.

Thecorrespondingconstraint symbolappears on thegeometry.

 

 

Creating Constraints

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Editing Surface and WireframeDefinitions

This task shows how to edit the definition of an already created geometricelement.

Activate the Definition dialog box of the element that you want to edit in oneof the following ways:

1.

Select the element then choose the xxx.object > Definition command fromthe contextual menuSelect the element then choose the Edit > xxx.object > DefinitioncommandDouble-click on the element identifier in the specification tree.

Modify the definition of the element by selecting new reference elements orby entering new values.

2.

Click OK to save the new definition. 3.

 

Editing Definitions

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Selecting Implicit ElementsThere are many ways of selecting geometrical elements, either in the geometryas described in the Infrastructure User's Guide,  Selecting Objects section, or inthe specification tree.

However, specific to wireframe and surface elements are some implicit elements,such as the axis of a cylinder, or the vertex of a cone for example,  participatingin the creation of a feature yet not directly selectable as a separate element.

This task shows how to select these implicit elements.Open the Cylinder1.CATPart document.

Click the Splineicon andsuccessively selectthe four points.

1.

The SplineDefinitiondialog boxlooks likethis:

Select Point.3 from the list, to impose a tangency constraint on this point.2.

Note that you cannot select the cylinder's surface.

Selecting Implicit Elements

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Press and hold theShift key, thenmove the pointerover the cylinder.The cylinder's axisis automaticallydetected as aselectable elementto indicate adirection, anddisplayed.

3.

Click anywhere onthe cylinder'ssurface, still holdingthe Shift keypressed down.

4.

The tangencyconstraintdirection,based on thecylinder'saxis, isdisplayed atthe selectedpoint.

Click OK to createthe spline tangentto the cylinder atthe selected point.

5.

 

Selecting Implicit Elements

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Creating Elements From AnExternal File

You can create points, curves, and lofted surfaces from a Microsoft ®  Excelspreadsheet containing macros, and in which you define:

 the points space coordinatesthe points through which the curves passthe curves used as profiles for the lofted surface.

Only Excel sheets created with Excel 97 and subsequent versions are supported.Therefore this capability is available with WindowsTM only.Open any .CATPart document containing an Open Body (automatically createdwhen entering the Wireframe and Surface Design workbench).

Open the PointSplineLoftFromExcel.xls file from the Samples directory intoExcel, and enable the macros.

1.

The document looks like this:

Creating Elements From An External File

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It contains:instructions, such as StartLoft and EndLoft, StartCurve and EndCurvebetween which other instructions or numerical data are given. numerical data that are point space coordinates: X, Y, Z respectively fromthe left to the righta final End instruction

In the above example, a loft is to be created based on three curves. The first andsecond curve pass through four points, and the third curve passes through fivepoints.

The elements will be created from top to bottom, i.e. the four points of the firstcurve will be created, then the curve itself, then the points making up the secondcurve and the latter itself, and so forth.You can add rows to create more elements or delete rows to edit elements ordelete them (point), then save the spreadsheet.

Creating Elements From An External File

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FromExcel,select theTools ->Macro ->Macrosmenu item.

3.

TheMacrodialogboxisdisplayed.

Select the Feuil1.Mainmacro andclick Run.

4.

The User Infodialog box isdisplayed.

Key in the type of element to be generated:5. 1: to generate only the point(s)2: to generate the points and the curve(s)3: to generate the points, curves and lofted surface(s)

Click OK.6.

The elements (points, curves, and lofted surface) are created in thegeometry. The specification tree is updated accordingly.

Creating Elements From An External File

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The Generative Shape Design workbench needs not to be loaded, provided aCATIA session is running and a .CATPart document is loaded.

 

 

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Copying and PastingThis task shows how to copy and paste open body entities in your part design.

Select the elements that you want to copy either directly in the partgeometry or in the specification tree.

1.

Select the Edit > Copy command.2.

Click the Open Body entity in the tree where you want to paste the selectedelements.

3.

Select the Edit > Paste command.The elements are then copied into the target Open Body.

4.

The identifiers of copied elements are incremented with respect to theoriginal elements.The original elements and copied elements can be edited independently.

  A few elements cannot be copied/pasted as such. They need their parentelement to be copied as well. This is the case with boundaries, andextracts, for example.In this case, you may also consider using PowerCopies.

 

Copying and Pasting

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Deleting Surfaces and WireframeGeometry

This task shows how to delete geometry from your design.

Select the entity you wantto delete. 

1.

Select the Deletecommand either from thethe Edit menu or thecontextual menu.

2.

The Delete dialogbox appears.

Set your desired options for managing the deletion of Parent and Childentities.

3.

Two options are available:Delete exclusive parents: deletes the geometry on  which theelement was created. This geometry can be deleted only if it isexclusively used for the selected element

1.

Delete all children: deletes the geometry based upon theelement to be deleted, in other words, dependent elements

2.

Click OK to confirm the deletion.4.

 

Deleting Geometry

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Managing Open Bodies in the Specification Tree

This task shows how to manage the specification tree. This involves;inserting open body entitiesremoving open body entitieschanging body.

You will find other useful information in the Managing Groups section.You can insert and manipulate open bodies in the specification tree inmuch the same way as you manage files in folders.These management functions have no impact on the part geometry.You should refer to the Copying and Pasting section for information abouthow open bodies can be used in a part edition context.When loading the Generative Shape Design workbench, an Open Bodyautomatically becomes the current body. This also means that only the results of the Part Body, i.e. the result of allthe operations performed on geometry, is visible and not any intermediatestate of the Part Body.

Open any .CATPart document containing OpenBodies.You can also open the OpenBodies1.CATPart document.Inserting an Open Body

In the specification tree, select the branch where you want the new openbody to be inserted.This branch is known as a father location which can be a part, a body oranother open body entity.

1.

Select the Insert > Open Body menu command.2.

The result is immediate. CATIA displays this new Open_body.x,incrementing its name in relation to the pre-existing bodies, in thespecification tree. It is underlined, indicating that it is the active  openbody.

Managing Open Bodies

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Removing an Open Body

This is only possible when the father location of the open body is another openbody.

Right-click the desired open body then select the Remove Open Bodycontextual command.The open body is removed and its constituent entities are included in thefather open body.

1.

Moving an open body to a new body

Right-click the desired open body in thespecification tree and select the ChangeBody command from the contextual menu.The Change Body dialog box appears.

1.

Select the new body where the open body isto be located.

2.

Click OK to move the open body to the newbody.

3.

 

Managing Open Bodies

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Managing GroupsThis task shows how to manage groups of elements in an Open Body entity as follows:

creating a groupediting a groupcollapsing and expanding a groupmoving a group to a new body.

 Creating a group

Right-click the desired Open Body entity in the specification tree.1.

Choose the Create Group command from the contextual menu.2.

The Group dialog box appears.The Support area indicates thename of the Open Body entity wherethe group is to be created.

If needed, modify the proposeddefault group name thatappears in the Name area.

3.

Select entities to beincluded in the groupand remain visible inthe tree.

4.

Click OK to createthe group

5.

Managing Groups

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In the Group dialog box you can:click the check box to specify whether the group is to be expanded or collapsed.click the Remove Group button to reset the group definition.

 Editing a group

Right-click the desired group in the specification tree and select the  Edit Groupcommand from the contextual menu.

1.

You can then:2. rename the groupremove the groupadd entities to the group.

 Collapsing and expanding a group

To collapse a group, right-click the desired group in the specification tree and selectthe  Collapse Group command from the contextual menu.

1.

The portion of the specification tree related to the group appears reduced.

To expand a collapsed group, right-click the desired group in the specification tree andselect the  Expand Group command from the contextual menu.

2.

All the entities belonging to the group are then visible in the specification tree.Moving a group to a new body

Right-click the desired group in thespecification tree and select the ChangeBody command from the contextualmenu.

1.

A dialog box entitled Change Bodyappears.

Select the new body where the group isto be located.

2.

Click OK to move the group to the newbody.

3.

 

Managing Groups

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Managing Groups

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Checking Connections Between SurfacesThis task shows how to analyze how two surfaces are connected, following a blend, match or fill operationfor example.

Three types of analyses are available:Distance: the values are expressed in millimeters1. Tangency: the values are expressed in degrees2. Curvature: the values are expressed in percentage.3.

Open the ConnectChecker1.CATPart document.

Select both surfaces to be analyzed.1.

Click the Connect Checker icon .2.

The Connect Checker dialog box isdisplayed, identifying by color rangesthe maximum and minimum values forthe analysis. The color range can belinear, sharp left, sharp right or center.

The analysis representation in the colorrange varies according to the chosenoption.

The number of selected elements and the number of detected connections are displayed below the colorrange.

Choose the type of analysis to be performed:Distance, Tangency or Curvature.

3.

Set the Maximum gap below which noanalysis will be performed. All elements apartfrom a greater value than specified in thisfield are considered as not being connected,therefore do not need to be analyzed.

4.

Check the analysis results on the geometry.5.

Here you are analyzing the distancebetween the surfaces. Each colorsection indicates on the geometry thedistance between the surfaces.

Checking Connections between Surfaces

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From the Connect Checker dialog box, you can choose a number of visualization and computationoptions:

the comb: that is the spikes corresponding to the distance in each point.the envelope:  that is the curve connecting all spikes togethersome information: the minimum and maximum values

Finally, the scaling option lets you define the visualization of the comb. In automatic mode, thecomb size is zoom-independent and always visible on the screen, otherwise you can define acoefficient multiplying the comb exact value.

Check the Information button:6.

Two texts are displayed on thegeometry localizing the minimum andmaximum values of the analysis asgiven in the Connect Checker dialogbox.

You can also choose the discretization,that is the numbers of spikes in thecomb  (check the Comb option to seethe difference):

Coarse: 15 spikes are displayedMedium: 30 spikes aredisplayedFine: 45 spikes are displayed.

Switch to Linear mode and check the Finediscretization then compare with the previousresults.

7.

Click the Quick... button in the ConnectChecker dialog box to obtain a simplifiedanalysis taking into account tolerances(either distance, tangency, or curvature).

8.

The comb is no longer displayed.The Connect Checker dialog boxchanges to the Quick ViolationAnalysis dialog box :

You can use the check button to switchfrom one analysis type to another.The Maximum gap and information areretained from the full analysis.The maximum deviation value is alsodisplayed on the geometry.

In P1 mode, only the quick analysis is available.

Checking Connections between Surfaces

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Use the spinners to define the tolerances.9.

For example, the red area indicates allpoints that are distant of more than 0.1mm.

The maximum deviation values on thecurrent geometry are displayed to theright of the dialog box.

Click OK to create the analysis as an element in the specification tree.10.

This allows the automatic update of the analysis when you modify any of the surfaces, usingthe control points for example.

If you do not wish to create the analysis, simply click Cancel.You can edit the color range in both dialog boxes by double-clicking the color range manipulators(Connect Checker) or color areas (Quick Violation Analysis) to display the Color chooser.If you wish to edit the Connection Analysis, simply double-click it from the specification tree.If you no longer need the Connection Analysis, right-click on Connection Analysis in thespecification tree then choose Delete.

You can analyze internal edges of a surfacicelement, such as a Join for example, byselecting only one of the initial elements:

This analysis is permanent in P2 mode only, i.e. it is retained in the specification tree for lateredition and on the geometry till you reset or delete it, whereas in P1 mode, it is present at a time,but not retained when exiting the command.

 

Checking Connections between Surfaces

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Checking Connections BetweenCurves

This task shows how to analyze how two curves are connected, following ablend, or match operation for example.Three types of analyses are available.

Distance: the values are expressed in millimetersTangency: the values are expressed in degreesCurvature: the values are expressed in percentage.

Open the ConnectChecker2.CATPart document.

Select both curves to beanalyzed.

1.

Click the Curve ConnectChecker icon in theShape Analysis toolbar.

2.

The ConnectChecker dialog boxis displayed. At thesame time a text isdisplayed on thegeometry, indicatingthe value of theconnectiondeviation.

You can choose thetype of analysis tobe performed usingthe combo:distance, tangencyor curvature.

In P1 mode, only this mode is available (no quick mode available).

Checking Connections between Curves

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Press the Quick button.3.

The dialog boxchanges along withthe text on thegeometry.

In this case, thedistance criterionbeing fulfilled, a textis displayed on agreen backgroundto indicate that theTangency criterionis not respected,because the firsttext displayed is theone for which theset tolerance is notcomplied with.Modify the tolerancevalues, or the geometry tocomply with thetolerances.

4.

For example, if youmodify theTangency value toset it to 16 degrees,the geometryinstantly reflects thecompliance with thenew value. 

The maximum deviation values on the current geometry are displayed to the rightof the dialog box.

Click OK to create the analysis as an element in the specification tree.This allows the automatic update of the analysis when you modify any ofthe curves.If you do not wish to create the analysis, simply click Cancel.

5.

Double-click the Curve Connection Analysis from the specification tree toedit it.

Checking Connections between Curves

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You can analyze internaledges of a element,such as a Join forexample, by selectingonly one of the initialelements:This analysis is permanent in P2 mode only, i.e. it is retained in thespecification tree for later edition and on the geometry till you reset ordelete it, whereas in P1 mode, it is present at a time, but not retainedwhen exiting the command.

 

Checking Connections between Curves

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Repeating ObjectsThis task shows how to create several instances of objects as you are currentlycreating one object.This command is available for:

points on a curvelines at an angle or normal to a curveplanes at an angleoffset planesparallel curvesoffset surfacesor when performing a translation, a rotation or a scaling on an object.

Select an object, as listed above.1.

Click the Object Repetition icon or selectthe Insert -> Advanced Replication Tools ->

Object Repetition... menu item.

2.

The Object Repetition dialog box isdisplayed.

Key in the number of instances of the object you wish to create.3. Check the Create in a new open body if you want all object instances in aseparate Open Body.A new Open Body will be created automatically.

4.

If the option is not checked the instances are created in the currentOpen Body.Click OK.The object is created as many times as required in the Object Repetitiondialog box.

5.

See each specific object creation for further details on the  what parameter istaken into account for the repetition.

 

Repeating Objects

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Stacking CommandsThis task shows how to stack commands, that is create another basic objectwithout leaving the active. The elements  you can create, are:

pointslinesplanesintersectionsprojections

This capability  is available with the these commands:Creating pointsCreating LinesCreating planesCreating circlesCreating conicsCreating cornersPerforming a translation, a rotation or a symmetry on an object.

Open the Corner2.CATPart document.

Click the Corner icon  .1.

The Corner Definition dialog boxappears.

Stacking Commands

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Select the line.The Element 1 field is automaticallyfilled with the name o f the selectedelement, here: Line.2

2.

Right-click in field Element 2.The Create Line contextual menu isdisplayed.

3.

Click on the contextual menu.The Line Definition dialog box isdisplayed, allowing you to create anytype of line, as described in Creatinglines along with the RunningCommands dialog box.

4.

Once the line is created, here by selecting point5 and 6, click OK in theLine Definition dialog box.The Running Commands dialog box disappears as you return to the maincommand.

5.

Continue filling in the Corner Definition dialog box as described in CreatingCorners, then click OK.

6.

While creating the line, you could also fill inthe empty fields using the same method.The Running Commands dialog box wouldthen reflect the new stack of commands, asillustrated:

 

Stacking Commands

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Applying Materials Onto SurfacesThis task shows how to apply materials onto surface type elements created usingthe Generative Shape Design workbench.See Applying a Material.Open the ApplyMaterial1.CATPart document.Set the View mode to Apply customized view, either using the View -> RenderStyle -> Apply customized View, or by selecting the icon from the View

toolbar. Make sure that the Shading and Materials options are on in the CustomView Modes dialog box. The latter is not displayed if it has been previouslyactivated during the current session.

Select the element on which the material should be applied.1.

You can select an element in the geometric area, or in the specification tree. Youcan also apply a material to a whole OpenBody.

Click the Apply Material icon  .2.

The Library dialog box is displayed. It contains several pages ofsample materials from which to choose. Each page is identified by amaterial family name on its tab:

Applying Materials

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Select a material from any family, by a simple click.Here we choose the Wall of Bricks from the Construction family.

3.

For analysis purposes, double-click on a material to display its properties.

Applying Materials

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Click the Link to file checkbox if you want to map the selected material as alinked object and have it automatically updated to reflect any changes tothe original material in the library.

4.

Two different icons (one with and one without a link)identify linked and unlinked materials respectively in the specificationtree.

Note: You can edit linked materials. Doing so will modify the originalmaterial in the library. If you want to save changes made to theoriginal material, use the File->Save All command.

Select the Edit->Links... command to identify the library containing the originalmaterial. You can then open this library in the Material Library workbench ifdesired.You can also use the Paste Special... command to paste material as a linkedobject. You can copy both unlinked and linked materials. You can, for example,paste a linked material on a different element in the same document as well ason an element in a different document.

Click Apply Material to map thematerial onto the element.

5.

From the specification tree,double-click the material (Wall ofBricks) item.

6.

The material Properties dialog box is displayed.

Applying Materials

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In the Material size field, decrease the value to 15mm, to set a value inrelation to the geometric element's size.

7.

Click OK in the Properties dialog box.8.

The material mapping isrecomputed and displayed onthe geometry.

You can apply different materials onto different geometric elements.

Applying Materials

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However, note that if a material is applied onto the OpenBody or thePartBody, or Part, the highest level material in the specification treetakes precedence over the material applied to a geometric element.You can use the 3D compass to interactively position the material:

Drag and drop the compass onto the part: the compass snapsto the part

1.

Select the material in the specification tree:The mapping support (in this case, a box) appears.If necessary, zoom in and out to visualize the mapping supportwhich reflects the material size.

2.

Pan and rotate the material until satisfied with the result. Youcan:

3.

Pan along the direction of any axis (x, y or z) of the compass(drag any compass axis)Rotate in a plane (drag an arc on the compass)Pan in a plane (drag a plane on the compass)Rotate freely about a point on the compass (drag the freerotation handle at the top of the compass).

Applying Materials

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Applying Materials

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Advanced TasksThe advanced tasks you will perform in the CATIA - Wireframe and Surface Designworkbench include managing higher level entities than single geometric elements, thatis the PowerCopies.

Managing PowerCopyPatterning

Advanced Tasks

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Managing Power CopiesCreate PowerCopies: Select the Insert ->Advanced Replication Tools ->PowerCopy Creation command, select the elements making up the PowerCopyfrom the specification tree, define a name for the PowerCopy and its referenceelements then choose an icon for identifying it.Instantiate PowerCopies: Select the Insert -> Instantiate From Documentcommand, select the document or catalog containing the  powercopy, completethe Inputs within the dialog box selecting adequate elements in the geometricarea.Save PowerCopies into a Catalog: Select the PowerCopy from the specificationtree, select the Insert -> Advanced Replication Tools -> PowerCopy Save InCatalog... command, enter the catalog name and click Open.

  

Managing PowerCopy

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Creating Power CopiesThis task shows how to use create PowerCopy elements, to be reused later.A PowerCopy is a set of features (geometric elements, formulas, constraints andso forth) that are grouped in order to be used in a different context, andpresenting the ability to be completely redefined when pasted.This PowerCopy captures the design intent and know-how of the designer thusenabling greater reusability and efficiency.

Open the PowerCopyStart1.CATPart document.

Click the PowerCopy Creation icon, or select the Insert ->AdvancedReplication Tools -> PowerCopy Creation menu item.The PowerCopy Definition dialog box is displayed. 

1.

Select, from the specification tree, the elements to be included in thePowerCopy. 

2.

ThePowerCopyDefinitiondialog boxisautomaticallyfilled withinformationabout theselectedelements. 

Define thePowerCopy asyou wish tocreate it:

3.

TheDefinitiontab letsyou assigna name tothePowerCopyandpresentsitscomponents

Creating PowerCopy

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in the 3Dviewer.The Inputstab letsyourenamethereferenceelementsmaking upthePowerCopy.

You cando that forclarificationpurposesas to theirroles,  byselectingtheelementsin theviewer andentering anew namein theNamefield.In thisexample,werenamedall threeelementsand inbracketsyou stillcan readtheelements'defaultnamebased ontheir type.

Creating PowerCopy

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TheParameterstab letsyou definewhich oftheparametervaluesused in thePowerCopyyou will beable tomodify atinstantiationtime.

Simplycheck thePublishedbutton.

Use theName fieldto give amoreexplicitname totheelement.The Icontab letsyou modifythe iconidentifyingthePowerCopyin thespecificationstree. Asubset oficons isavailablefrom theIconchoice

Creating PowerCopy

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button.If you click... the IconBrowseropens,giving youaccess toall thegraphiciconsinstalledwith theCATIAsoftware.Use theGrabscreenbutton to capture animage ofthePowerCopyto bestored withitsdefinitionin thecatalog(seeSavingPowerCopiesinto aCatalog).

Use the Remove preview button to delete the image captured with the Grabscreen button.

Click OK to create the PowerCopy.4.

The PowerCopy is displayed close to the top of the specification tree.Double-click the PowerCopy in the specification tree to display the PowerCopyDefinition dialog box and edit its contents.

 

Creating PowerCopy

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Instantiating Power CopiesThis task shows how to instantiate PowerCopies once they have been created as described in Creating  PowerCopies.There are two ways to do this:

using the PowerCopy Instantiation menu item1. using a catalog2.

Open the PowerCopyDestination1.CATPart document.

Using the menu item: 

Click the PowerCopy Instantiation icon or select the Insert -> Instantiate From Document menu item.The Select PowerCopy dialog box is displayed allowing you to navigate to the document or catalog where the  powercopy is stored.

1.

Instantiating PowerCopy

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Select the document containing the Powercopy.Here we selected thePowerCopyStartResults1.CATPart document.

2.

The Insert dialog box is displayed.

Use the Reference list to choose the correctPowerCopy when several have been defined inthe document.

Complete the Inputs within the dialog box by selectingthe adequate element in the geometric area.

3.

If needed, click on the Use identical name button toautomatically select all the elements with the samename.This is especially useful when the input is the sameone repeated several time.

4.

You can also click on the Parameters button to displaythe Parameters dialog box and modify values.Here we increased the Radius1 value to 25 mm.

5.

Use the Create formulas button to automatically createa formula on every parameters with the same nameprovided there are any.

6.

Click OK.7.

Instantiating PowerCopy

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Click OK to create the PowerCopy instance.8.

The PowerCopy is instantiated in context,meaning its limits are automatically re-definedtaking into account the elements on which it isinstantiated.

Check the Repeat option to be able to repeat the instantiation.In this case, once you have clicked OK in  the Insert Object dialog box, the latter remains open, the PowerCopy's Inputs arelisted and ready to be replaced by new inputs, as described above.Double-clicking the Repeat option allows to perform multiple instantiations one after the other.Using the catalog: 

You need to have a catalog available, created either:using the Catalog capability, see CATIA Infrastructure User's Guideusing the Insert -> Advanced Replication Tools -> PowerCopy Save In Catalog... menu item.

Click the icon.If accessing a catalog for the first time, you need to navigate to the catalog location. This location is stored in thesettings for faster access later on.

1.

Select the catalog containing the PowerCopy you wish to instantiate.2. Select the PowerCopy to be instantiated, then you can:3. drag and drop it onto the reference elementdouble-click the PowerCopy or right-click on the PowerCopy in the dialog box and use the Instantiate contextual menu.

From then on, you instantiate the PowerCopy as described above starting on step 3.

 

Instantiating PowerCopy

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Saving PowerCopies into a CatalogThis task shows how to use store Power Copy elements into a catalog, for later use asdescribed in Instantiating a PowerCopy.

Open the PowerCopyStartResults1.CATPart document.

Select the PowerCopy from the specification tree for example.1.

Click thePowerCopySave InCatalog

icon or

choose theInsert ->AdvancedReplicationTools ->PowerCopySave InCatalog...menu item.TheCatalogSavedialog boxisdisplayed: 

2.

Whencreating acatalog forthe firsttime, clickthe ...button todisplaythe Opendialogbox, andnavigateto thelocationwhere youwish tocreate a

Saving PowerCopy

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catalog.Thensimply keyin thecatalogname andclickOpen.

If you wish to add a PowerCopy to an existing catalog, simply activate theUpdate an existing catalog option in the Catalog Save dialog box

By default, the Catalog Save dialog box recalls the catalog accessed last.Click OK.3.

The PowerCopy has been stored in the catalog.

 

Saving PowerCopy

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PatterningCreate rectangular patterns: select the element to be duplicated, define thecreation directions, choose the parameters you wish to define and set theseparameters.Create circular patterns: select the element to be duplicated, define the axialreference, the creation direction, choose the parameters you wish to define andset these parameters

 

Patterning

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Creating Rectangular PatternsThis task shows how to use create rectangular patterns, that is to duplicate an original wireframe or surface-type elementat the location of your choice according to a rectangular arrangement.This means that you will need to define a 2-axis system using two directions.

Open the Pattern1.CATPart document.

Click the Rectangular Pattern icon.1.

Select the element you wish to copy.2. The Rectangular Pattern Definition dialog box is displayed. Each tab is dedicated to a direction you will use to define thelocation of the duplicated element.

Click the Reference element field and select adirection to specify the first direction of creation.

3.

To define a direction, you may select a line, a planar face or surface edge.You can reverse this direction by clicking the Reverse button.

Set the duplication parameters by choosing the number of instances, the spacing between instances, or the totallength of the zone filled with instances.Three options are available:

4.

Instances & Length: the spacing between instances is automatically computed based on the number ofinstances and the specified total length

1.

Instances & Spacing: the total length is automatically computed based on the number of instances andthe specified spacing value

2.

Spacing & Length: the number of instances is automatically computed to fit the other two parameters.3.

For each of these cases only two fields are active, allowing you to define the correct value.

Creating Rectangular Patterns

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Click the Second Direction tab to define the sameparameters along the other direction of the rectangle.

5.

You can delete instances of your choice when creating orediting a pattern. To do so, just select the pointsmaterializing instances in the pattern preview.

The instance is deleted, but the point remains, as you maywish to click it again to add the instance to the patterndefinition again.

Click the  More>> button to display further options.These options let you position the instances in relationto the first selected element.

6.

Increase the Row in direction 2 to 2.You notice that the first selected pattern now is thesecond instance in the vertical direction, as this wasthe second selected direction.

7.

The Simplified representation option lets you lighten the pattern geometry, when more than 15 instances are generated.What you need to do is just check the option, and click Preview. The system automatically simplifies the geometry:

Creating Rectangular Patterns

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Previewed simplified geometry Simplified geometry

 You can also specify the instances you do not want to see by double-clicking them . These instances are thenrepresented in dashed lines during the pattern definition and then are no longer visible after validating the patterncreation. The specifications remain unchanged, whatever the number of instances you view. This option is particularlyuseful for patterns including a large number of instances.

Click OK to create the pattern.8.

The pattern (identified as RectPattern.xxx) isadded to the specification tree.

 

Creating Rectangular Patterns

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Creating Circular PatternsThis task shows how to use create circular patterns, that is to duplicate an original wireframe or surface-typeelement at the location of your choice according to a circular arrangement.

Open the Pattern2.CATPart document.

Click the Circular Pattern icon.1.

Select the element to replicate as apattern.Here we selected the loft.

2.

The Circular Pattern Definitiondialog box is displayed.

Click the Reference element field to definethe reference direction, that is the rotationaxis (Line.2).

3.

To define a direction, you can select aline, an edge or a planar face.Should you select a face, the rotationaxis would be normal to that face.You can click the Reverse button toinverse the rotation direction.

Define the Axial Reference by choosing the Parameters type:4. Instance(s) & total angle: the number ofpatterns as specified in the instancesfield are created, in the specifieddirection, and evenly spread out over thetotal angle.

Creating Circular Patterns

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Instance(s) & angular spacing: thenumber of patterns as specified in theinstances field are created in thespecified direction, each separated fromthe previous/next one of the angularangle value.

Angular spacing & total angle: as manypatterns as possible are created over thetotal angle, each separated from theprevious/next one of the angular anglevalue.

Complete crown: the number of patternsas specified in the instances field arecreated over the complete circle (360°). 

Creating Circular Patterns

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Now you are going to add a crown to thispattern.

 Click the Crown Definition tab, andchoose which parameters you wish todefine the crown.

5.

This figure may help you definethese parameters:

Circle(s) and crown thickness: you define the number of circles and they are spaced out evenly over thespecified crown thicknessCircle(s) and circle spacing: you define the number of circles and the distance between each circle, thecrown thickness being computed automaticallyCircle(s) spacing and crown thickness: you define the distance between each circle and the crownthickness, and the number of circles is automatically computed.

For example, using the valuesdescribed above for the Angularspacing & total angle option, youcould define the crown as: 

Note that a few patterns are created beyond thesurface. 

You can delete instances of your choice whencreating or editing a pattern. To do so, justselect the points materializing instances in thepattern preview.

The instance is deleted, but the point remains,as you may wish to click it again to add theinstance to the pattern definition again.

Creating Circular Patterns

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Click the more button to display furtheroptions:

6.

Using these options, you can change theposition of the selected element within thecrown. For example, if you set the Rotationangle parameter to 30° and you uncheck theRadial alignment of instance(s) option, this iswhat you obtain: the initially selected elementhas moved 30° from its initial location, based onthe rotation direction, and all instances arenormal to the lines tangent to the circle.

The Simplified representation option lets you lighten the pattern geometry, when more than 15instances are generated. What you need to do is just check the option, and click Preview. The systemautomatically simplifies the geometry:

Not Simplified geometry

 You can also specify the instances you do not want to see by double-clicking them . These instances are thenrepresented in dashed lines during the pattern definition and then are no longer visible after validating thepattern creation. The specifications remain unchanged, whatever the number of instances you view. Thisoption is particularly useful for patterns including a large number of instances.

When checking the Radial alignment of instances, all instances have the same orientation as theoriginal feature. When unchecked, all instances are normal to the lines tangent to the circle.

Creating Circular Patterns

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Click OK to create the pattern.7.

The pattern (identified as CircPattern.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

 

 

Creating Circular Patterns

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Workbench DescriptionThis section describes the menu and icon commands that are specific to the Wireframe and Surface workbench, which isshown below.

You can click the hotspots on this image to see the related documentation.

MenusWireframe ToolbarSurfaces Toolbar

Operations ToolbarReplicationToolbar

Tools ToolbarConstraints Toolbar

Workbench Description

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Wireframe and Surface Menu BarHere we will present the various menus and menu commands that are specific toCATIA - Wireframe and Surface Version 5.

Start File Edit View Insert Tools Windows Help

Tasks corresponding to general menu commands are described in the InfrastructureUser's Guide.

 

EditPlease note that most of the Edit commands available here are common facilitiesoffered with the Infrastructure.

The specific Wireframe and Surface Edit commands depend on the type of objectbeing edited:  Open Body or other entity.

  Command... Description...Undo Cancels the last action

Repeat Repeats the lastperformed action

UpdateSee Updating YourDesign

CutCopyPastePaste Special

Performs cutcopypaste andspecial paste operations

Delete Deletes selectedgeometry

Search Allows searching andselecting objects

Selection SetsDefine Selection Sets

Allows to define andmodify selected objectsas sets

Links Manages links to otherdocuments

Menus

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Properties Allows displaying andediting object properties

Scan or Define inWork Object

Allows to designfeatures without takingthe complete Part intoaccount

XXX object >Definition

XXX object >Show /Hide

Allows editing selectedgeometry

Allows showing a hiddenobject or hiding  a visibleobject

XXX object >Change BodyXXX object >Expand GroupCollapse GroupEdit Group

Allows Changing Body

 

See Managing Groups

Menus

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Insert t For... See...

Sketcher Refer to the SketcherUser's Guide.

Open body See Managing OpenBodies

Axis System Allows the creation of localaxis-system

Wireframe Insert > Wireframe

Surfaces Insert > Surfaces

Operations Insert > Operations

Constraints Insert > Constraints

Analysis Insert > Analysis

Advanced ReplicationTools

Insert > AdvancedReplication Tools

Instantiate FromDocument Instantiating PowerCopies

Insert -> Wireframe

For... See...Point Points

Line Lines

Plane Planes

Projection Creating Projections

Combine Creating Combine Curves

Reflect Line Reflect Lines

Intersection Creating Intersections

Parallel Curve Creating Parallel Curves

Menus

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Circle Circles

Corner Corners

Connect Curve Connect Curves

Conic Creating Conics 

Spline Creating Splines

Helix Creating Helices

Spiral Creating Spirals

Insert -> Surfaces

For... See...Extrude Creating Extruded Surfaces

Revolve Creating Revolution Surfaces

Sphere Creating Spherical Surfaces

Offset Creating Offset Surfaces

Sweep Creating Swept Surfaces

Fill Creating Filling Surfaces

Loft Creating Lofted Surfaces

Blend Creating Blend Surfaces

Menus

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Insert -> Operations

For... See...Join Joining Geometric Elements

Healing Healing Geometry

Untrim Restoring a Surface

Disassemble Disassembling Surfaces

Split Splitting Geometry

Trim Trimming Geometry

Boundary Creating Boundary Curves

Extract Extracting GeometryTranslate Translating Geometry

Rotate Rotating Geometry

Symmetry Performing Symmetry on GeometryScaling Transforming Geometry by Scaling

Affinity Transforming Geometry by Affinity

Near Creating Nearest Entity of a Multiple Element

ExtrapolateExtrapolating Curves and ExtrapolatingSurfaces

Insert -> Constraints

  For... See...ConstraintConstraint Defined inDialog Box

Creating Constraints

Insert -> Analysis

For... See...

Menus

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Connect Checker Checking Connections BetweenSurfaces

Curve ConnectChecker

Checking Connections BetweenCurves

 

Insert -> Advanced Replication Tools

For... See...Object Repetition Repeating ObjectsPoints CreationRepetition

Multiple Points

Planes Between Creating Planes BetweenOther Planes

Rectangular Patterns  Creating RectangularPatterns

Circular Patterns  Creating Circular PatternsPowerCopy Creation Creating PowerCopiesPowerCopy Save inCatalog

Saving PowerCopies

 

ToolsPlease note that most of the Tools commands available here are common facilitiesoffered with the Infrastructure.

Specific Wireframe and Surface Tools commands are described in the presentdocument.

Command... Description...Formula Allows editing parameters and

formula.Image Allows capturing images.

Macro Allows recording, running and editingmacros.

Menus

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Parent/Children Allows viewing the parents andchildren of a selected object.

Work on Support See Working with a SupportSnap to point See Working with a SupportOpen Catalog  Allows the opening of catalogs, for

PowerCopies for exampleCustomize Allows customizing the workbench.Visualization Filters Allows to manage layer filtersOptions Allows customizing settings.

Conferencing Allows setting up of communicationtools

PublicationAllows to make documents publiclyavailable

 

Menus

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Wireframe ToolbarThis toolbar contains the following tools for creating wireframe geometry.

 

 See Points

See Multiple Points

See Lines

See Planes

See Projections

See Combined Curves

See Reflect lines

See Intersections

See Parallel Curves

See Circles

See Corners

See Connect curves

See Conics

See Spirals

See Splines

See Helix

See Spiral

 

Wireframe Toolbar

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Surfaces ToolbarThis toolbar contains the following tools for creating surface geometry.

See Extruded Surfaces

See Surfaces of Revolution

See Spherical Surfaces

See Offset Surfaces

See Swept Surfaces

See Filled Surfaces

See Lofted Surfaces

See Blend Surfaces

 

Surfaces Toolbar

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Operations ToolbarThis toolbar contains the following tools for performing operations on surface andwireframe elements.

See Joining Geometry

See Healing Geometry

See Restoring a Surface

See Disassembling Surfaces

See Splitting Geometry

See Trimming Geometry

See Boundary CurvesSee Extracting Geometry

See Translating Geometry

See Rotating Geometry

See Performing a Symmetry onGeometry

Operations Toolbar

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See Transforming Geometry byScaling

See Transforming Geometry byAffinitySee Extrapolating Curves andExtrapolating Surfaces

 

Operations Toolbar

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Replication ToolbarThis toolbar contains the following tools to help you model your part designs.

See Repeating Objects

See Multiple Points

See Creating Planes Between Other Planes

See Creating Rectangular Patterns

See Creating Circular Patterns

See Creating PowerCopies

See Saving PowerCopies into a Catalog

 

ReplicationToolbar

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Generic Tools ToolbarThese toolbars contain the following tools to help you design and analyze your parts.

See Updating Your Design

See Axis-System

See Working with a Support

See Working with a Support

See Working with a Support

See Creating Datums

See Instantiating PowerCopies

See Instantiating PowerCopies

See Selecting Bodies

See Checking Connections Between Surfaces

See Checking Connections Between Curves 

Tools Toolbar

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Constraints and Analysis ToolbarsThese toolbars contain the following tools to help you manage constraints betweengeometric elements and to apply materials onto surfaces for analysis purposes.

See Creating Constraints.    

See Applying Materials Onto Surfaces

 

Constraints & Analysis Toolbars

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Specification TreeWithin the Wireframe And Surface workbench, you can generate a number ofelements that are identified in the specification tree by the following icons.

Sketch Join

Point Healing

Multiple Points Surface

Line Split

Plane Trim

Projection Boundary

Combine Extract

Reflect Line Translate

Intersection Rotate

Parallel Curve Symmetry

Circle Scaling

Corner Affinity

Connect Curve Near

Conic Extrapol

Spline Multiple Planes

Helix Circular Pattern

Spiral Rectangular Pattern

Extrude Open Body

Revolve Power Copy

Sphere Working support

Offset Surface Connection Analysis

Sweep Curve Connection Analysis

Specification Tree

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Fill

Loft

Blend

 

Specification Tree

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GlossaryA

affinity An operation in which an element is transformed by applying X, Y,Z affinity ratios with respect to a reference axis system.

Cchild A status defining the hierarchical relation between a feature or

element and another feature or element.constraint A geometric or dimension relation between two elements.

Eextruded surface A surface that is obtained by extruding a profile along a specified

direction.

Ffeature A component of a part.

Jjoin An operation in which adjacent curves or adjacent curves can be

joined.

Llofted surface

A surface that is obtained by sweeping one or more planar sectioncurves along a spine, which may be automatically computed oruser-defined. The surface can be made to follow one or moreguide curves.

Ooffset surface A surface that is obtained by offsetting an existing surface a

specified distance.

Glossary

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Pparent A status defining the hierarchical relation between a feature or

element and another feature or element.part A 3D entity obtained by combining different features. It is the

content of a CATPart document.part body A component of a part made of one or several features.

profile An open or closed shape including arcs and lines.

Rrevolution surface A surface that is obtained by revolving a profile around an axis.

rotate An operation in which an element is rotated by a specified angleabout an given axis.

Sscaling An operation that resizes an element to a percentage of its initial

size.sketch A set of geometric elements created in the Sketcher workbench.

For instance, a sketch may include a profile, construction lines andpoints.

split An operation in which one element is cut by another element.

swept surface A surface obtained by sweeping a profile in planes normal to aspine curve while taking other user-defined parameters (such asguide curves and reference elements) into account.

symmetry An operation in which an element is transformed by means of amirror symmetry with respect to a reference plane, line or point.

Ttranslate An operation in which an element is displaced a specified distance

along a given direction.trim An operation in which two element cut each other mutually.

Glossary

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Wwireframe element Elements such as points, lines or curves that can be used to

represent the outline of a 3D object. 

Glossary

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Index

AAffinity

defining affinity

command analyzing

curve connection

surface connection Apply Material

command applying

materials

Bbetween curves

blending bisecting

lines Blend

command

blended surfaces blending

between curves

closed contours

Index

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coupling bodies

selecting

boundaries Boundary

command

CChange Body

command checking connections

curves

surfaces Circular Pattern

command circular patterns

creating Close Surface

command closed contours

blending

closed section curves Collapse Group

command collapsing

groups Combine

command combined curves

Index

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creating command

Affinity

Apply Material

Blend

Boundary

Change Body

Circular Pattern

Close Surface

Collapse Group

Combine

Conic

Connect Checker

Connect Curve

Constraint

Constraint with dialog box

Copy

Corner

Create Datum

Create Group

Curve Connect Checker

Delete

Disassemble

Edit Group

Expand Group

Extract

Extrapolate

Index

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Extrude

Fill

Healing

Helix

Insert Open Body

Intersection

Join

Loft

Object Repetition

offset

Parallel Curve

Paste

Plane

Planes Repetition

Point

Point & Planes Repetition

PowerCopy Creation

PowerCopy Instantiation

PowerCopy Save in Catalog

Projection

Rectangular Pattern

Reflect Line

Remove Open Body

Revolve

Rotate

Scaling

Snap to Point

Index

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Sphere

Spiral

Spline

Split

Sweep

Symmetry

Translate

Trim

Untrim

Update

Work on Support commands

stacking Conic

curves conic

command conic curves

creating Connect Checker

command Connect Curve

command connecting

curves connecting curves

creating Constraint

command

Index

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Constraint with dialog box

command constraints

creating Copy

command copying

elements Corner

command corners

creating

curves coupling

blending

loft

manual Create Datum

command Create Group

command creating

circular patterns

combined curves

conic curves

connecting curves

constraints

corners

curves

Index

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datum

elements

groups

helical curves

multiple points

parallel curves

planes

points

Power Copies

rectangular patterns

reflect lines

spheres

spirals

splines

surfaces

wireframe elements Curve Connect Checker

command curve connection

analyzing curves

checking connections

conic

connecting

corners

creating

extrapolating

helical

Index

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joining

reflect lines

Ddatum

creating defining

affinity

supports Delete

command deleting

surfaces

wireframe elements Disassemble

command disassembling

elements

Eedges

extracting Edit Group

command editing

elements

groups

Index

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material elements

copying

creating

disassembling

editing

intersecting

pasting

projecting

repeating

rotating

transforming

translating Expand Group

command expanding

groups Extract

command extracting

edges Extrapolate

command extrapolating

curves

surfaces Extrude

command extruding

Index

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surfaces

FFill

command

filling between elements

Ggroups

collapsing

creating

editing

expanding

managing

moving

HHealing

surfaces healing

command helical

curves helical curves

creating

Index

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Helix

command

IInsert Open Body

command inserting

open bodies instantiating

Power Copies intersecting

elements Intersection

command

JJoin

command joining

curves

surfaces

Llines

bisecting Loft

Index

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coupling loft

command

lofted surfaces

Mmanaging

groups

open bodies

Power Copies manual

coupling material

editing materials

applying modifying

splines moving

groups

open bodies multiple points

creating

N

non-associative element

Index

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OObject Repetition

command offset

command

offset surfaces open bodies

inserting

managing

moving

removing

selecting

PParallel Curve

command parallel curves

creating Paste

command pasting

elements

patterning Plane

support plane

command

Index

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planes

creating Planes Repetition

command Point

command Point & Planes Repetition

command points

creating Power Copies

creating

instantiating

managing

saving PowerCopy Creation

command PowerCopy Instantiation

command PowerCopy Save in Catalog

command projecting

elements Projection

command

RRectangular Pattern

command

Index

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rectangular patterns

creating Reflect Line

command reflect lines

creating

curves Remove Open Body

command removing

open bodies repeating

elements restoring

surfaces

revolution surfaces Revolve

command Rotate

command rotating

elements

Ssaving

Power Copies

Scaling scaling

command

Index

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selecting

bodies

open bodies Snap to Point

command Sphere

command spheres

creating Spiral

command spirals

creating Spline

command splines

creating

modifying Split

command splitting

surfaces

wireframe elements stacking

commands stopping

updating support

plane

surface

Index

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supports

defining surface

support surface connection

analyzing surfaces

checking connections

creating

deleting

extrapolating

extruding

healing

joining

restoring

splitting

trimming

untrimming Sweep

command

swept surfaces Symmetry

command

Ttransforming

elements Translate

Index

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command translating

elements Trim

command trimming

surfaces

trimming

UUntrim

command untrimming

surfaces Update

command updating

stopping

updating

Wwireframe elements

creating

deleting

splitting

wireframe elements Work on Support

Index

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command

Index

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