Equivalent to Solidworks Hole Wizard Callouts in Drafting?

[Albigger]

Hello,

Just wondering if there is an "equivalent" to solidworks hole wizard callouts in CATIA drafting mode. For instance, with one click, solidworks drafting will give you the hole size and depth, and any associated counterbores etc... and even the number of holes (if they were done as a pattern).

From what I gather, there is no such equivalent, but I'm hoping someone will prove me wrong. I also found 2 similar threads, but they are a bit aged and neither presented a complete solution:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=259693

in this thread, if I have 10 holes that were done as a userpattern, CATIA will put the diameter on all 10 holes, instead of calling out 1 hole x 10 places.

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=178717

in this thread, solid7 suggests having manipulators turned on, which I do, but only threaded holes will allow me to add the true depth symbol after the text. For regular unthreaded holes this option is greyed out. Also, even if I could get the symbol but have to manually type the depth, it is non-associative, which still doesn't really help if there are updates to the model.


Thanks for any suggestions or workarounds.

 

[Albigger]

So I guess no one has any more current thoughts or ideas on this?

 

[jackk]

I have no idea how the Hole Wizard works in SW, but based on your description it sounds like it would be a nice improvement to CATIA. As far as I know, there is not an easy quick & way to dimension multi-featured holes with CATIA Drafting.

As I recall, the FT&A workbench does a better job of dimensioning 3D Hole features. Have you tried it? In my opinion, the 3D FT&A workbench is much better for dimensioning than the 2D Drafting workbench.

 

[Albigger]

Jackk,

Thanks for the response. Is the FT&A a separate workbench (separate license) required in order to dimension and put GD&T on the 3D model? We currently have HD2 (Hybrid Design) with Part Design/Generative Shape Design/Assembly and I know we can put text leaders on the model, but I'm not sure about actual dimensions and hole callouts etc...

If so, do you know how much this additional add-on costs (ballpark)?


Regarding the larger topic at hand, I've used CATIA for a number of years and have come to like it and defend it. But I must say that now a number of other software suites have really caught up to the main functionality we use (mechanical/mold design) and getting drawings to the floor sure seems like it would be much easier with a number of other software packages.