CATIA V5 Design Fundamentals

Book excerpt: This textbook explains how to create models with freeform surfaces using CATIA V5. CATIA is a three dimensional CAD/CAM/CAE software developed by Dassault Systèms, France. This textbook is based on CATIA V5-6R2014. Users of earlier releases can use this book with minor modifications. We provide files for exercises via our website. All files are in CATIA V5R20 so readers can open the files using later releases of CATIA V5. It is assumed that readers of this textbook have no prior experience in using CATIA V5 for modeling 3D parts. This textbook is suitable for anyone interested in learning 3D modeling using CATIA V5. Each chapter deals with the major functions of creating 3D features using simple examples and step by step self-paced exercises. Additional drawings of 3D parts are provided at the end of each chapter for further self exercises. The final exercises are expected to be completed by readers who have fully understood the content and completed the exercises in each chapter. Topics covered in this textbook - Chapter 1: Basic component of CATIA V5 software, options and mouse operation. - Chapter 2: Basic step by step modeling process of CATIA V5. - Chapter 3 through 6: Creating sketches and sketch based features. - Chapter 7: Usage of reference elements to create complex 3D geometry. - Chapter 8: Dress-up features such as fillet, chamfer, draft and shell. - Chapter 9: Modification of 3D parts to take advantage of parametric modeling concepts. - Chapter 10: Creating complex 3D parts by creating multiple bodies and applying boolean operations. - Chapter 11: Copying or moving geometrical bodies. - Chapter 12: Advanced functions in creating a solid part such as a rib, stiffener and multi-sections solid. - Chapter 13: Usage of formulas. - Chapter 14 and 15: Constructing assembly structures and creating or modifying 3D parts in the context of assembly. - Chapter 16 and 17: Creating drawings for parts or assemblies.