10 Commandments for Effective CATIA V5R16+ Users 1

[mberceli]

Help!

I am looking to compile a list of 10 (or so) guidelines for designers to adhere to. Please comment or add, only constructively please!

1. In Part Design do not create features in the default Part Body. Assemble to the Part Body as the last operation

2. Name Bodies and features as you proceed with meaningful descriptions

3. Position sketches and fully constrain them

4. Use multi bodies unless the part is very simple. Group similar operations using Assemble.

5. Use a methodology that mimics the manufacturing process. Not always necessary but helps you to organize your part and think about Design for Manufacture.

6. Do not use Hybrid Design.

 

[jackk]

I understand the need for a list of rules and guidelines, but it really depends on your particular company's methodology and standards.

I can argue for and against 5 of your 6 rules.

Why do you have rule #1?

 

[ferdo]

Hi

See also

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=95243&page=14

Regards
Fernando

 

[catiajim]

I also can make arguements both ways. For a couple of them, I disagree more than agree. For others I agree more than disagree, but again, it all depends on your circumstances.

Here's my rule number 1:

Take a formal training class. Take as many of them as you can.

 

[itsmyjob]

Jim is (again) right.

You have to understand what you are doing. Nothing else but proper training will give you what you need to start with CATIA V5.

Also, follow methodology, and do not be surprised if you have to modify your methodology each time you update your system. New features / functions / bugs will make your CATIA level different from one release to another.

I like number 2, but i will not rename everything.

Eric N.
indocti discant et ament meminisse periti ​

 

[solid7]

Your rule #1 is completely off-track. There is value in using Assemble to PartBody, if you're using Copy -> Paste -> As Result With Link. It's easier to replace an object in this instance. But it does NOT have to be the last operation. I use it all the time to create files for FEA analysis, where I have to add surfaces for distribution of pressure. I assemble the pasted object first, and then perform all subsequent operations. The PartBody is where the analysis MUST be based, so this is my only option. I'm not sure why you would want to do this in any (many) other cases.

Rule #4 violates the very foundation of Catia V5 design methodology.

Rule #5 is valid, if your company has a "design as built" policy. Some people don't care how a part is built - they only want the final product. (or multiple suppliers build using multiple methods)

Rule #6 is a good idea, but hybrid design is there for a reason. If you don't know what it is, or why it's there, probably not a good idea to use it. I can give you a perfect example of people who COULD use it, though. (like anyone coming to Catia from Pro/E, SolidWorks, or UG)

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