Sketcher

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 1
Sketcher
Version 5 Release 8
January 2002
EDU-CAT-E-SKE-FF-V5R8
CATIA Training
Foils
Course Presentation
Objectives of the course
In this course you will learn how to sketch, constrain, and edit 2D profiles.
These profiles are then used to generate solids and surfaces

Targeted audience
New users

Prerequisites
Course CATIA Basics
1 day
Table of Contents

1. Introduction to CATIA Sketcher p.4
2. Sketching Simple Profiles p.13
3. Sketching Pre-Defined Profiles p.52
4. Editing Profiles p.58
5. Operations On Profiles p.68
6. Setting Constraints p.102
7. Managing Sketches p.126
Introduction to the CATIA Sketcher
In this lesson you will see the V5 CATIA Sketcher user interface and basic
functions

The Sketcher is a set of tools to help the user quickly generate 2D Geometry.

The completed Sketch can then be used to generate Solids and Surfaces

The capability to define Constraints between elements in the Sketcher allows for
quick modification of the Sketch and consequently the Solids or Surfaces that
are based on it.

Other tools such as Animate Constraints enable the user to explore design
alternatives

Why Using the Sketcher?
You can also access the Sketcher by
selecting the Sketcher icon from any
Workbench where it is possible to do a
sketch
Select Start >Mechanical Design >Sketcher
then select a plane or a face on an object
Sketcher Workbench
Sketcher
Design tools...
Exit to
3D Space
Part tree
Standard tools
New Sketch
A New Sketch will register in the Part Tree when entering the Sketcher Workbench
Constraints
Icons
Tools & Operations
Sketcher Interface (1/4): Sketcher Workbench general
Exit Sketcher
Profile
Rectangles, Keyholes, Polygons...
Circles, Ellipse, Arcs...
Spline
Ellipse
Line
Axis
Points...
Corner
Chamfer
Trim options...
Symmetry
Projection

Constraints dialog box
Constraint
Auto Constraint
Animate Constraint
Profiles

Operations

Constraints
Sketcher Interface (2/4): Sketcher Tools
Insert menu or toolbars
Sketcher
Icons
Predefined Profiles
Circles
Conic
Line
Point
Sketcher Interface (3/4):Toolbars
Once on the plane on which you want to
sketch has been selected, it is displayed
parallel to the screen (if Tools+ Option +
mechanical Design + Sketcher + Position
sketch plane parallel to screen is active)
It is possible to do zoom panning
and rotation (using the mouse).
To reset a
sketch plane
rotation,
select the
Normal View
icon
If you select the Normal View icon when the sketch plane is
already displayed parallel to the screen, you will turn the sketch
plane and see its other side.
Sketcher Interface (4/4): Sketcher Plane
The Sketch is the holding point for a group 2D elements on a
specific plane. There can be more than one Sketch using the same
plane as support.

The V-H Axis is the 0,0 for the Sketch.

Sketches generally consist of a Profile, Constraints, and
Dimensions (a type of Constraint).
Profile
Constraints
Dimensions
Terminology
Access the
Sketcher
Workbench
Create
Geometric
Elements
Use the Sketch
to Create a
Solid or Surface
Constrain the
Geometric
Elements
Select a plane,
a Solid Face, or a Planar
Surface to Sketch on
An In-Work Sketch
is added to the
Specifications Trees
1
2
3
4
5
6
General Process
Sketching Simple Profiles
In this lesson you will learn how to create most of the Sketcher geometric
elements. You will also learn how to use the various work modes available
for the Sketcher Workbench.

The Sketcher Work Modes
Profile
Points
Lines
Spline
Circles and Arcs
Conics
Axis
Recap Exercise
Grid/Snap
Standard/Construction Geometry
Automatic Constraints
Automatic Dimensions
Section View
Value Fields
You will learn the Sketcher Work Modes by using
The CATIA Sketcher Work Modes
Why Sketcher Work Modes?
The Sketcher Work Modes aid you
while you sketch the geometry.
They facilitate input of values,
automate Geometrical/Dimensional
Constraints creation, help visualize
3D geometry etc ...
To modify the grid parameters, select
Tools + Options from the top of the
screen, select Mechanical Design from
the dialog box then, select the Sketcher
tab.
When creating any lines ( profile, segment, circle,
arc, curve, ), you can activate or deactivate the
snap to point icon at any time.
When the snap to point icon is active, the cursor
only snaps on the points of the grid (graphical
creation). If you enter coordinates when the snap to
point icon is active, the system does not take into
account the grid and place the point in accordance
with the coordinates you have entered.
1
2
3
4
5
Using Grid/Snap
Standard + Construction
Elements
Standard/Construction Geometry
Two types of elements: Standard or Construction

Standard elements represent the most commonly
created elements

Construction elements aim at helping you in sketching
the required profile. They facilitate your design

Creating standard or construction elements is based
upon the same methodology.

Clicking the icon switches from one mode to the other
For the profile first point, you can define the Horizontal and Vertical
coordinates. By pressing the tab key you access the Horizontal coordinate
field, so you can enter it. By pressing the tab key once more, you access to
the Vertical coordinate field, so you can enter it
During sketching, you can enter exact
coordinates/lengths/angles in the Tools bar.
For the profile second point, you can also use the tab key to enter a
coordinate, but you can also define the second point of the profile by entering
the length of the segment between the first and the second point and/or by
entering the angle between the Horizontal axis and the segment to be created.
When profiling an arc, the tools bar allows you to enter the H and
V coordinates of the last point of the arc but you can also enter a
radius. You can enter these coordinates by using the tab key.
If you enter only one of the
coordinates (H, V, L, A or R)
you fix it, this means that the
other parameters can move
graphically but not the fixed
one.
1
2
3
Value Fields
For example, in using the
Profile tool ...
Automatic Dimensions
When activated:
- corner dimensions
- chamfer dimensions
- dimensions entered into
the value fields
are automatically created
during geometry
construction.
In sketcher,
select the
Dimensional
Constraints
Icon
Multi-select
two edges of
existing
rectangle
2
Select Corner
icon
Move the
corner
preview to
desired
location and
click
4
With Dimensional
Constraints on
With Dimensional
Constraints off
1
3
Automatic Constraints
2
With
Geometrical
Constraints
On
With
Geometrical
Constraints
Off
1
Start to sketch the geometry.
Variations of valid Constraints
will be proposed depending on
where the Mouse is with respect
to the existing geometry. When
you see the Constraint you
require, click on the Mouse to
store the Constraint (and the
new geometry).
Notice that
Tangency
Constraints are
created even when
Geometrical
Constraints is Off
In Tools/Options/Mechanical
Design/Sketcher/Constraint/SmartPick specify
which Constraints you want detected
In sketcher,
select the
Geometrical
Constraints Icon
3
Section View
In order to see a Section View of the part
while sketching, click on the Cutting Plane
command in the Cut By Plane Toolbar.

This is purely a visualization tool, no
intersection curves are created from the
intersection of the Solid with the Cutting
Plane.

If you need to Constrain to
(or Dimension off from) the intersected
outline of the Solid, use the Intersect 3D
Elements Tool
You will learn how to create a Profile element
Profile in the Sketcher
Profile seen in 3D
Profiles
A profile can be:
"Closed" (the last element connects up
with the first element in the series)
or "Open" (the first and last elements in
the series are not in contact).
If a profile is "Closed", it can have other
profiles contained inside its boundaries
A profile, within a profile, is
shown here to illustrate how
"Inner Domains" work.
Notice the reversals of the
boolean operations between
addition and subtraction as
we progress from the
outside inwards
Open profile
What are Profiles ?
Closed or open ?
A profile is a series of adjacent planar geometric elements such as points, lines, and curves
Profiles are used to extrude Sketch-Based Features
Inner profiles
Inner profiles
In Sketcher, Select
Profile icon
Select the line icon
(default) and click on two
points to create line
2
Select the
tangent arc
icon, select
end point
3
Horizontal
constraint
Tangency
constraint
Select the line icon and
drag vertically to create
line and click
5
Select the Three Point Arc
icon and click on two
points to create arc
4
Drag horizontally and click to create line.
Rather than using the Tangent arc icon to
create the final arc, click, drag and release at
the beginning of the arc and CATIA goes into
the tangent arc mode automatically.
6
1
Creating Profiles
You will learn the various
methods to create points
Points
How are Points Created in the Sketcher ?
Points can be created in the Sketcher in two ways:

- By the user

- By the system

When the user creates a line, the lines end points are
automatically created by the system. When the user creates
a circle, the center point is created.

The coordinates of these automatically created points can
later be modified by double-clicking and entering new values.

Alternatively, the user can first create the points directly. He
can then create a line or any other geometry by selecting
these points.

Click the
location where
you want the
point
2
In sketcher, select
the Point by
Clicking
Coordinates icon
For ease of placing the points,
select the Snap to Point icon so the
cursor will snap to the grid while
trying to locate the point
1
Point by Identification
Fill in the desired
Cartesian or
Polar
coordinates
2
In sketcher, select the
Point by clicking
Coordinates icon
1
If the Dimensional Constraints
mode is on, Polar dimensions will
automatically be created in the
case of Polar input. (Cartesian
dimensions created in the case of
Cartesian input)
Points by Coordinates
methods to create lines
Lines
What is a Line in CATIA V5?
In CATIA V5, a line segment is described in the
Specifications Tree by three nodes - two point
nodes (Point.1 and Point.2) and one line node
(Line.1).

The line is supported by its parents - the points.
When the position of a point is modified (either by
double-clicking and entering new coordinates; or
by dragging), the position of the line will change
accordingly.

In sketcher,
select Line icon
Click starting
point of the
line...
then click the
end point
OR you can type the line
specifications in the value fields
of the Tools pallet
3
2
1
Lines Between Two Points
In sketcher, select the Bi-
Tangent Line icon
1
Select the two elements
you want the line to be
tangent to ...
2
The Bi-Tangent
line is created
Bi-Tangent Lines
You will learn how to create a
Spline in the Sketcher
Splines
Which Should I Use - Sketcher Spline or 3D Spline?
Since the 3D Spline Tool - available within the Wireframe&Surfaces (WFS) or Generative Shape
Design (GSD) Workbenches - can also be used in a 2D manner (with Geometry on Support being
a plane), when should you use the Sketcher Spline and when is the 3D Spline more appropriate?

In general, use the Sketcher Spline to create
Sketches for generating solid Sketch-Based
Features. (Although Pads and Pockets can
be generated from 3D Splines)

Use the 3D Spline when you need more
control over the Spline - i.e. Tangent
Tension, Curvature Direction, Curvature
Radius.

Surfaces can be generated from Splines
created by either method.

Click first
point to start
the spline
2
Double-Click to specify
the spline End Point.
4
then click the
second point of
the spline
In sketcher,
select the
Spline Icon
3
5
then click for the third
point of the spline
4
Double-Click on a Spline Control Point
to specify exact coordinates or to create
a Tangency vector at that point. You
can later apply Constraints on this
vector (i.e. make it parallel to a line).
1
Double-Click on a Spline Control Point to specify exact coordinates
or to define a Curvature after a tangency vector
Creating a Spline
Select the
first curve
2
Select the
second curve
Select the
Connect icon
3
1
You get:
Connecting curve
methods to create circles
and arcs.
Circles and Arcs
What are Circles and Arcs in CATIA ?
In CATIA V5, a Circle consists of two nodes:

Point.1 specifying the coordinates of the Circle Center
Circle.1 specifying the Radius of the Circle

The Arc will have two additional nodes:

Point.2 specifying the coordinates of one limit
Point.3 specifying the coordinates of the second limit

Note: When a Circle is Trimmed leaving only a portion of
the complete circle. Two additional points are added to
the Specifications Tree. In fact, the representation
becomes the same as that of an Arc.

Click once to define the center point of
the circle, then drag the cursor
2
and click
again to define
the circle size
In the sketcher, select the
Circle icon
1
3
Basic Circles
In sketcher,
select Three
Point Circle
icon
Click three
times to
define 3
points. The
circle will
pass through
these points
2
4
1
3
Circles Through Three Points
In sketcher, select
Circle using
Coordinates icon
1
Enter the absolute
coordinates of the
circle
2
Enter the size of
the radius
3
Circle Using Coordinates
Click first
point to start
the arc...
2
Then click the end point
of the arc
4
then click the
second point of
the arc
In sketcher,
select Three
Point Arc
icon
3
1
Three Points Arcs
methods to create conics
Conics
Which Are the Conics that Can Be Created?
Conic Required Inputs

Ellipse Center, Major Axis Limit, Point on Curve

Parabola Focus, Apex, Start Point, End Point

Hyperbola Focus, Center, Apex, Start Point, End Point

Ellipse

Parabola

Hyperbola

Click to indicate center
point of ellipse
2
The Tools Toolbar then displays
values for defining the ellipse
major axis endpoint
then click the
second point for
the major axis
endpoint
In sketcher,
select Ellipse
Icon
3
Center point
coordinates can
also be input in
the Tools Toolbar
1
Creating an Ellipse (1/2)
Click to indicate for
minor axis endpoint
4
Creating an Ellipse (2/2)
Click to indicate the
Focus Point of the
Parabola
2
Next indicate the two endpoints
then click the
second point for
the Apex
In sketcher,
select the
Parabola Icon
3
As always, the Tools
Toolbar is contextual and
allows the user to input
specific point coordinates
during the creation steps
4
1
Creating a Parabola
Click to indicate the
Focus Point of the
Hyperbola
2
Next indicate the two endpoints
then click the
second point for
the Center
In sketcher,
select the
Hyperbola Icon
3
As always, the Tools
Toolbar is contextual and
allows the user to input
specific point coordinates
during the creation steps
5
click the third
point for the Apex
4
1
Creating a Hyperbola
You will learn the method to
create an Axis in Sketcher
Axis
What is the Axis Used for?
An Axis element must be included
in a Sketch from which a Shaft or
Groove solid feature is created.
The Profile to be swept around
this axis must either be Closed or
have its endpoints Coincident to
the axis.

An Axis drawn into a Sketch can
also be used (but not required) to
generate a Surface of Revolution.
A separate Line or Solid Edge can
also serve to specify the axis of
revolution. Also, the Profile need
not be Closed nor Coincident to
the axis in this case.

Axes cannot be converted into construction
elements
In sketcher,
select Axis
icon
Click the first
location for
starting point
of the axis...
2
then click the end
location
You will need axes whenever using a
symmetry command or creating a grove
or shaft.
Using the shaft
command on our profile
sketch, CATIA produces
a shaft using the axis we
defined
3
1
Creating an Axis
Sketching Pre-Defined Profiles
In this lesson you will learn how to Sketch the Pre-Defined Profiles
Recap Exercise
You will learn the different ways to create pre-defined profiles
Rectangle
Oriented Rectangle
Elongated Hole
Cylindrical Elongated Hole
Keyhole Profile
Parallelogram
Hexagon
Pre-Defined Profiles are tools to
facilitate the creation of standard
complex shapes with the minimal
number of inputs that can fully describe
all aspects of that shape.
It increases productivity by reducing
Mouse/Keyboard interactions
What are Pre-Defined Profiles ?
In creating all the Pre-Defined Profiles, it is
always useful to read the prompts at the bottom
left corner of the screen
OR you can type the rectangle
of the Tools pallet
3
In sketcher,
select
Rectangle
icon
Click the
starting
corner of the
rectangle...
2
then click the
diagonal corner
1
Rectangles
OR you can type the Parallelogram
specifications in the value fields of the
Tools pallet
3
In sketcher, select
Parallelogram icon
1
Click the
starting corner
of the
Parallelogram ...
2
then click for the
second corner
finally, click to
determine the width
and internal angles of
the Parallelogram
4
Parallelogram
OR you can type the hole
of the Tools pallet
3
In sketcher, select
the Elongated Hole
icon
1
Indicate the first
center of the
hole ...
2
indicate the
second center ...
finally, click to
determine the radius of
the Elongated Hole
4
Elongated Hole
Editing Profiles
In this lesson will learn tools to help you edit Sketcher elements

Modifying Profile Geometry
Recap Exercise
You will learn how modify 2D sketch elements to
propagate changes to 3D parts
Modifying Profile Geometry
After Change Before
Sketch-based features rely on profiles for their shape

Especially if defined with the proper constraints that represent the
design intent of the part, the profile geometry can easily be changed for
downstream design changes
Modified cube
Why Modify Profile Geometry?
Corner removed from
sketch
Changing the sketch that defines a feature propagates that
change to all subsequent operations involving the feature
Design change
Alter the existing coordinates
of the line to new parameters
(V: 50mm)
2
H: -40
V: 50
This method works on most
construction entities, opening the
appropriate dialog for the entity
selected
Double click line to edit its
coordinates
1
Modifying Profile Element Coordinates
You have modified the shape of
the profile without the use of any
intermediary menu options
The profile stretches based on
where you move the element
and the constraints you have
applied
2
Click and drag the
line downward to
its new location
1
Editing Profile Shape and Size
Select the Undo command to restore deleted elements. The
Undo command will remember all changes up to the last time
the part was saved
Select sketching element to delete
1
Select Edit->Delete and the element
is erased. Now multi-select
additional elements to delete
2
Use the contextual menu
(select Mouse Button 3
while cursor is on one of
the selected elements) to
delete
3
Deleting Sketcher Elements
Double click on the spline to be edited
1
Select the control point to be edited 2
You will see:
3
You can edit a spline modifying, adding or
removing the spline control points
Editing a Spline (1/3)
Select the Add Point After option
4 Select the control point to be edited
5
You will see:
6
Click a point
Using the same method, you can
add a point before the current
point or to replace the current
point by another one
Do not forget to select OK in the
dialog box to validate the
modifications
You can also close the spine
You can also define a tangency
or/and a curvature on the current
point
Auto Search is a multi-selection tool.
Once selected, we can use the Contextual
menu to delete or change the properties
of all the elements in one go.
Commands such as Auto Search that
are found in the Menubar can be added
as an Icon into a Toolbar if desired
Drag down to Auto Search from
the Edit Menubar. All elements in
the Profile are selected.
2
Select one
element in the
Profile
1
Auto Search
Operations on Profiles
In this lesson you will learn how to reuse existing geometry
Re-limiting Operations
Transformation Operations
Offset
Operation on 3D Geometry
Recap Exercise
You will learn how to re-limit geometry using Corner,
Chamfer, Trim, and Break Operations
After Relimitations Before Relimitations
Re-Limiting Operations
In general, there is much less need to re-limit geometry in V5.

Each one of the closed profiles below was completely sketched with a single activation of the
Profile tool. (Refer back to the Profile section for help in sketching these profiles)

In fact, using the Profile tool whenever possible is the preferred practice since it will cut down
on the number of user interactions.

For a large number of cases, however, re-limitation of sketched geometry using Trim or Break
is still necessary to achieve Design Intent.
Why Re-Limiting Geometry?
Select the two lines
2
Select the
Corner Icon
1
Select the Mode - Trim All, Trim First
Element, or No Trim
3
Move the mouse around so
that the corner is visualized
in the correct quadrant
Type in the radius required
and hit Enter
4
5
If Dimensional Constraints is
activated , the radius dimension
will be created on the Sketch.
Corner
Chamfer (1/3)
1
Select the Chamfer icon
The chamfer command allows you to create a chamfer between two lines
trimming either all, the first or none of the elements
2 Select the first line on which the
chamfer will be created
You get:
3 Select the second line on which
the chamfer will be created
4
Select the desired chamfer trim
option
5
Select the desired chamfer
definition option
6
Using the TAB key, enter the
chamfer parameters
6
Press the Enter key to validate the
chamfer creation
Chamfer (2/3)
Chamfer trim options

a
b
a
b
a
b
Trim all elements Trim first element No trim
Chamfer (3/3)
Chamfer definition options
Length/Angle option:
Length1/Length2 option
Length1/Angle option:
Select the trim icon 1
Use the trim icon to keep/erase segments before or after an intersection
point between two curves or lines
Select the lines you want
to trim on the sides you
want kept.
2
According to the selected trim option
(Trim All or Trim First Element), you
will get :
Trim all elements Trim the first element
Move the mouse around before selecting the second line - notice that the
system shows you the various solutions possible depending on where you
select this line.
Trimming lines (1/5)
Deletes
Keeps
Select the Quick Trim icon 1
Select the line (a) to be trimmed
2 Select the Quick trim option
3
Using Quick Trim when trimming lines and curves, allows
you quickly remove unwanted segments
Breaks
You get :
You get :
You get :
Trimming lines (2/5) - Quick Trim
Using Close allows you to close an
arc into a full circle.
2 Select the arc to be closed
You will get :
Select the Close icon 1
Trimming lines (3/5) - Close
Select the Close icon
from the Operation
toolbar
Select the part of the ellipse you want to
close
You can close an opened ellipse using the
Close icon
1
2
You get:
3
You can also close an opened ellipse using the
contextual menu of the ellipse
Select the Close command from the
ellipse contextual menu (MB3)
1
You get:
2
Select the Break icon 1
Use Break to split a line or curve into two parts.
Select the line to be broken (a) then
select the breaking line (b)
2
You will get two lines (L1
and L2) :
(a)
(b)
Breaking
You will learn how to perform transformations such as Rotation,
Translation, Scaling and Symmetry on Sketcher Geometry
Transformation Operations
7 X 45 Degrees
Rotation in Duplicate
Mode
Using Transformations helps the user avoid repetitive work by
enabling the user to reuse existing geometry to help define
new geometrically-related Sketcher elements.
Why Transform Geometry?
Remember that there are a variety of
Multi-Selection Tools available
Select a line or Axis
to specify the Line of
Symmetry
2
Select (or Multi-Select) the
element(s) to apply the
Symmetry
1
Select the Symmetry Icon
3
Symmetry
In general, once a value is entered, it is temporarily fixed.
The remaining values continue to float. In the example
below, if the length of translation is entered, the user is
still capable of moving the mouse around to change the
direction of the translation.
Select a first point on the Grid to
define the origin of the translation
2
element(s) to apply the Translation
1
Select the Translation Icon
3
4
Options:

A) Select a second point of the Grid to
define the distance and direction for
the translation

B) Type in the coordinates of the
second point into the Tools Toolbar

C) Make the Translation Definition
window active and type in the Length
of translation. Indicate the preferred
direction. (Press the TAB key to go
between fields)
Number of Copies
Translation
When Snap Mode is active (as in the Rotation Definition
window), the angle values that are proposed as the user
moves the mouse around will take on Integer increments
Select the Center Point for the
Rotation
2
element(s) to apply the Rotation
1
Select the Rotation Icon
3
4
Options:

A) Select two points on the Grid with
respect to the center to define the
angle

B) Type in the coordinates of the two
points into the Tools Toolbar

C) Make the Rotation Definition window
active and type in the Angle of Rotation
(Press the TAB key to go between
fields)
Rotation
When Duplicate Mode is not active, the geometry selected
is transformed (no new elements are created)
2
element(s) to apply the Scaling
1
Select the Scaling Icon
3 Options:

A) Select the Center Point and a
second point on the Grid with respect
to the center to define the magnitude of
the Scaling

B) Type in the coordinates of these two
points into the Tools Toolbar

C) Select a center point. Make the Scale
Definition window active and type in
the Scaling Factor (Press the TAB key
to go between fields)
Scaling
You will learn how the Offset tool is used
Offset
Offset is a local operation which allows you to
duplicate one or several elements of a profile. These
elements will be duplicated keeping the parallelism
between the selected elements and the duplicated ones
What is the Offset Operation?
The offset can be positive
or negative to determine
on which side of the
profile the offset profile
will be created
Offsetting Element (1/2)
Once in the sketcher, select one
of the element to be offset
1 3
In order to select the connected
element of the profile, select the
Point Propagation icon
The Offset command allows you to duplicate one or several elements in the
sketcher. These elements will be duplicated keeping the parallelism between
the selected elements and the duplicated ones
Select the Offset icon
2
Offsetting Element (2/2)
4
In the Tools bar, enter the Offset
value: 2
The Offset command allows you to duplicate one or several elements in the
sketcher. These elements will be duplicated keeping the parallelism between
the selected elements and the duplicated ones
5 Press the Enter key
You get:
6 To validate, click on the side you
want to get the offset profile
Instead of entering an offset value,
you can define a point the offset
profile will pass through by entering
its coordinates
Additional Information
Different options to define an offset
To offset only the selected element
To offset only the tangent elements
To offset only in both directions
To define several instances
You will learn what tools operate on 3D Geometry from
Sketch Mode and why they are important
Operations on 3D Geometry
Project - projects elements that are off the current Sketch plane into the Sketch.
- Projection is associative to the parent 3D geometry

Intersect - intersects 3D elements with the Sketch plane
- Intersection is associative to the parent 3D geometry

Isolate - Breaks the links that Projected and Intersected elements have with their parent
3D geometry so that they may be edited independently
What are the Tools that Operate on 3D Geometry and why are they
Important?
The Profile of the Tray is linked
to the Profile of the Support
through a Projection
Tray
Support
Here a projected Solid Edge (a Spline
contour) is used as part of the closed
profile for the current Sketch
2
Select (or Multi-Select) the elements to
project into the Sketch plane. (Selecting
Solid Faces or Surfaces will project the
boundary curves of these elements)
1
Select the Projection Icon
Project 3D Element
2
elements to intersect with the
Sketch plane.
1
Select the Intersection Icon
If the shape of the
surface should change,
this contour will also
change accordingly
Here the curve generated
by intersecting the surface
with the Sketch plane can be
used as part of the closed
profile for the current Sketch
Intersect 3D Element
The Project 3D Silhouette Edges command shows how to create silhouette edges to be
used in sketches as geometry or reference elements.
Limitations are same as Projection/Intersection command, as far as associativity is
concerned.
You can only create a silhouette edge from a canonical surface whose axis is parallel to
the Sketch plane.
Select the Project 3D
Silhouette Edges icon
1
Select the element to be
projected
2
You get:
Project 3D Silhouette Edges
The isolated lines turn white to
indicate that they are no longer
linked. The user can now drag
these lines to new locations or
change them in any way he
chooses
The Isolate command breaks the links that Projected and
Intersected elements have with their parents 3D geometry
so that they may be edited independently
2
Select (or Multi-Select) the elements
to be isolated (Here two of the
edges from the projected face)
1
Activate the Isolate command from the
Menubar - Insert/Operation/3D Geometry
A Projected or Intersected
curve does not need to be
isolated in order for it to be
re-limited (position is not
modified)
Isolate
You can see the mark characteristics and you can transform the mark in
a construction element. The mark can come from a projection or an
intersection
In the sketcher, double click on the
projection
1
The mark is now a
construction element
In the dialog box, select the
Construction element button
2
Select OK
3
You get:
Edit Mark Definition
You can edit Projections and Intersections
Double click on Projection.4
1
Double click
New edge
Select a new edge to be
projected, then select OK
2
When leaving the
sketcher, you will get:
Edit and Modify Import Properties
You can edit an element Parents/Children and
Constraints from the Parents
Select Parent/Children from
the constraint contextual
menu
1
Select Show All Parents from
Offset.12
2
Editing Parents Children and Constraints (1/2)
Select Edit from Pad.1
3
You can, now, edit the pad
Editing Parents Children and Constraints (2/2)
Setting Constraints
In this lesson, you will learn how to use dimensional and geometric constraints
in order to precisely define your sketch

Introduction to Constraints
Quick Constraints
Modification of Constraints
Auto Constraint
Animating Constraints
Relations Between Dimensions
Recap Exercise
What are Constraints and why do we need them?

Sketching in Context
Introduction to Constraints
You will learn the different ways to create constraints
Without Constraints, geometry can be moved freely just by using the mouse to drag them. If
Sketcher profiles are moved, so do the solids that are supported by them. In the context of an
assembly, if one part moves, another part that is related to it may also move.

Although in CATIA V5 geometry will remain in place when put there, without Constraints any
subsequent movement of elements by the user may go unnoticed and affect Form Fit and
Function of entire assemblies.

Hence, Constraints serve to mathematically fix geometry in space.

They also can specifically relate one element to another and serve as visual feedback to the user
on what these relationships are.

After Constraints are created, they are easily modified by merely changing their values or
placement. From the ease at which Constraints may be modified and from the inherent
downstream associativity of V5, the user can quickly explore alternative designs.

Why Constraints?
Movement of 4
Unconstrained Lines
A Geometric constraint is a specification of how two
geometric elements are related to one another: are the
elements coincident (located at the same place), are they
concentric, tangent, perpendicular or parallel to one
another?
Dimensional constraint
What are Geometric and Dimensional Constraints ?
A Dimensional Constraint, one type of Geometric
Constraint, specifies the distance between two elements.
This distance can be specified as a linear
distance, an angular distance, or a radial distance
depending on the type of geometric elements involved

Geometric constraint
Geometric constraints
Dimensional constraints
(here distance)
(here concentricity)
Sketching in context is using existing geometry to create new geometry
When sketching with CATIA V5 space geometry is visualized. You can
use it to guide your sketch
3D geometry used to
sketch and constrain profiles
What Does Sketching in Context Mean ?
At first, the sketch has to only be
made to conform to the spatial intent
i.e. the left or right of a hole, on the
inside or outside of a pocket, on the top
or bottom of a pad, etc.
Later, the exact dimensions or precise
geometric constraints (concentricity,
parallelism, coincidence...) can be
applied to the sketch (or profile) to
define it precisely
From rough to precise sketch
You can add constraints between the active sketch
and any part edges, vertices or other sketches.
Activate the constraint icon
Select the edge of the part
then the segment to be
constrained
Select the Distance
constraint from the
contextual menu (MB3)
1
2
3
Place the constraint and
modify it if necessary)
4
Sketching in Context
Quick Constraints
Dimension Constraints
Contact Constraints
Dimension constraints and Contact
constraints are frequently used. Hence, they
are made accessible with just one click.

Why Quick Constraints?
Other constraints are chosen from
a Constraint Definition Box

Post selecting the
circle produces a
diameter dimension...
4
Select
Constraint
icon
Select sketch
line to apply
dimensional
constraint
1
Select location
of dimension
3
Select
Constraint
icon
3
but then selecting the
line tells CATIA to
reconsider the
dimension and put in a
distance dimension
5
2
Setting Dimensional Constraints
Generally, the first element selected will remain in
its current position. The second element selected
will move. For more control, use the Fix
Constraint beforehand.
Select the Contact
Quick Constraints
2
Select the two elements to be
made in contact
1
Setting Contact Constraints
Modification of Constraints
All geometric and dimensional constraints may be deleted using the
Contextual Menu (third mouse button)

What Kind of Modifications Can be Done on Constraints?
Values of dimensions may be
changed by double-clicking on
them

The location of dimensions
and the extension lines can
be modified by dragging with
the left mouse button

The type of Constraints applied on an
element can be modified by reentering
the Constraints Dialog Box and making
modifications there

A geometric or dimensional constraint
attached to an element (i.e. line, circle
etc ) can be reconnected to a different
element. The geometry will change to
conform to the new Constraint setup

Select a new
constraint i.e.
Verticality
1
5
Select Constraint
Dialog Box icon
2
Deselect the
Perpendicularity Box
3
Click OK to Exit
Select the two lines linked
with the Perpendicularity
constraint
4
Modification in the Constraints Dialog Box
Click on More
3
2
Select the Line
component
3
Select Reconnect
Select the unassociated line in
the Sketcher window
4
Double Click on the
Tangency Constraint
1
4
5
Click OK to save and exit
6
Reconnecting a Constraint
To modify the position of a dimension's value:
To modify the position of the dimension line:
Click the icon
Select the dimension line
Drag the line to the new position
Click the icon
Select the value text of the dimension
Drag the value text to the new position
Dimension line:
Dimension value:
Additional Information ...
Auto-Constraint
What is Auto-Constraint?
The AutoConstraint Tool:

The AutoConstraint tool automatically detects
possible constraints between selected elements
and imposes these constraints once detected

Elements to be constrained

Fixed Elements (Independent elements from which
other elements can be constrained from - normally
the Sketcher Axes)

Symmetry Lines (If selected will cause Symmetry
Constraints to be created between elements
symmetrical to these lines - the symmetry lines
themselves will not be constrained)
Auto-Selection tools such as Auto-Search
and Trap can be helpful
Multi-Select the lines in this closed profile.
2
Select the Auto-Constraint
Icon
1
Select the Reference
Elements Field then
select the Vertical and
Horizontal Axes
4
Click OK to create
Constraints
5
Select the elements to
be constrained
3
Auto-Constraint
What is Animating Constraints?
The Animate Constraint Tool:

The Animate Constraints tool allows you to see how a
constrained system reacts when you decide to make
one constraint vary.

In this way, it is a tool for understanding the
limitations imposed on the geometry by the current
set of constraints.

It can be a very useful tool for exploring design
alternatives.

The Animate Constraint panel works like a
tape-recorder panel. The user can play
forward and backwards, rewind, or play in
cyclic repeat mode.
Select the
dimension you
would like to vary 2
Select the Animate
Constraint Icon
1
Input the initial and final
values and the number
of intermediate steps to
display
3
Press the Play button.
Cancel when done
4
Relations Between Dimensions
What are Relations Between Dimensions?

Relations between Dimensions:

Dependencies can be established between
dimensions (For example, A=B+C/2)

Originally a part of the Knowledgeware set of
products, this functionality has been incorporated
into the V5 infrastructure and is generally accessible
from all Workbenches.

In CATIA V5, in addition to relationships between
dimension values, dimensions can be made
dependent on other parameters such as Forces,
Temperature, Time, or Material Properties etc ...

When required, open ( and
Close ) parentheses can be
used to indicate the order of
evaluation for the expression
Select the
dimension you
would like to be
made dependent
2
Use the Contextual Menu (third mouse
button) and drag down to Edit Formula
1
1) Select the 40 dimension
2) Type in +
3) Select the 10 dimension
4) Type in /2
3
Select OK to create the
relation
4
Creating a Relation Between Dimensions
Managing Sketches
In this lesson, you will learn ways to manage Sketches within a 3D environment

Creating Planes
Replacing a Sketch
Changing Sketch Support
Sketch Analysis
Change Body
Recap Exercise
You will learn how to create Planes in space for use
as sketching planes
Creating Planes
Planes
Sometimes we will need to create Planes to use as Sketching Planes
Angled planes
Why Creating Planes ?
Offset planes
Offset Planes sometimes will need to be
created to help define the extrusion extents
of a Sketch-Based Feature
Angled Planes are used to define Sketch-Based
Features that are angled with respect to the
other features
Offset planes Angled planes
Select Plane Icon
(Available from the
WireFrame&Surfaces
(WFS) or the
Generative Shape
Design (GSD)
Workbenches
1
For Angle to Plane
creation type, select edge
as reference to rotate
resulting plane about
2
Select the upper face as the
reference plane to rotate from.
A preview plane that can be
dragged to a new location is
shown
3
The resulting plane (Plane.3) is
45deg to the face, rotated about the
selected edge
4
Creating an Angled Plane
Select Plane Icon
(Available from the
WireFrame&Surfaces
(WFS) or the Generative
Shape Design (GSD)
Workbenches
2
Select
Face
1
The offset distance from the
reference face can be set by
typing the value in the dialog or
dragging the circular handle on
the graphic screen
3
Creating an Offset Plane
The plane definition dialog box provides
various methods for creating a plane:
Different planes
Different planes:
Additional Information ...
You will learn how to replace a Sketch
being used to support a Solid or Surface
element with a different Sketch
Replacing a Sketch
Replacing a Sketch is quick way to modify solids or surfaces using that Sketch
for their definition.

The user creates a new Sketch with the new profile that he requires. He then
merely replaces the old Sketch with the new one. The solids or surfaces that
depended on the previous Sketch do not have to be re-created since they will
be modified automatically and pointed to the new Sketch.
Why Replace a Sketch ?
Replacing a Sketch
1
4
Check what plane the original
sketch lies on. You can use the
Parent/Children analysis from the
Contextual Menu (third mouse
button on the Sketch) if you like
Create the new sketch on the same
plane (Note: although this is normally
the case - it is not a requirement)
2
Right click on the the
original sketch and drag
down to Replace. Click
on your new sketch as the
replacing sketch
3
What is Changing a Sketchs Support?

Changing a Sketchs Support:

By changing its supporting plane, a
Sketch can be moved to a new plane
without having to recreate the Sketch

Copies of a Sketch can be moved onto
different planes in this way

Naturally, any Solid or Surface elements
attached to the Sketch will also be
moved accordingly
1
While outside the Sketcher mode,
use the Contextual Menu on the
Sketch to be modified and drag
down to Change Sketch Support
Select the new plane for the Sketch
2
Sketch Analysis
You will learn how to analyze sketched geometry, projection and
intersection. You will be provided either a global or individual status and
will be allowed to correct any problem
What is Analyzing a Sketch (Geometry)?
Most of the time, we draw a sketch in order to use it to build a sketch based feature (e.g.: a
pad). Sometimes, when we try to use the sketch, CATIA refuses to build the feature because
the sketch is not closed (or overlapping) and it is sometimes quiet difficult to see where the
sketch is opened (or overlapping).
The Tools + Sketch Analysis command allows us to check if a sketch can be used to create a
sketch based feature
What is Analyzing a Sketch (Geometry)?
During the sketch analysis, it is possible to do Corrective Actions:
Set in Construction Mode
Close Opened Profile
Delete Geometry
What is Analyzing a Sketch (Projection/Intersection)?
The Sketch Analysis command can be used to check projection or intersection with 3d
elements
What is Analyzing a Sketch (Projection/Intersection)?
During the sketch analysis, it is possible to do Corrective Actions:
Isolate Geometry
Activate / Deactivate
Delete Geometry
Replace 3D Geometry
Analyzing a Sketch: Geometry (1/2)
In order to edit the
sketcher, double click on
Sketch.1 in the tree
1
2
Select the Tools+ Sketch Analysis
command
The Tools +Sketch Analysis command allows us
to check if a sketch can be used to create a
Analyzing a Sketch: Geometry (2/2)
If necessary, select the
Geometry tab in the dialog
box
3 4 In order to better see the sketch, select
the Hide constraints button, the
constraints will be hidden
You can now see where the sketch
is opened and you can correct it
Analyzing a Sketch: Projection/Intersection (1/2)
In order to edit the
sketcher, double click on
Sketch.3 in the tree
1
2
Select the Tools+ Sketch Analysis
command
Analyzing a Sketch: Projection/Intersection (2/2)
If necessary, select the
Projection/Intersection tab in the
dialog box
3 4 You can now check if the intersections
and projections contained in the
sketcher are valid or not
Intersection between 3d elements
Projection of 3d elements
Different Corrective Actions that can be done when analyzing a sketch:
Set in Construction Mode
Close Opened Profile
Delete Geometry
Analyzing a Sketch: Geometry
Different Corrective Actions that can be done when analyzing a sketch:
Isolate Geometry: When using this icon, the selected projected or
intersecting element is separated from its 3d components
Activate/Deactivate: When using this icon, the selected element
(of the sketch) is no more taken into account when creating a
sketch based feature, but the element still exists
Delete Geometry: When using this icon, the selected
element is remove from the sketch
Replace 3d Geometry: When using this icon with a
projected or intersecting element (intersection or projection
with 3d objects), you can select another 3d element to
modify the projection or the intersection
Analyzing a Sketch: Projection/Intersection
Change Body
You will learn how to move one sketch from a body to another one
Why Moving one Sketch from a Body to Another one ?
When working with several bodies, you may want to create a sketch base feature (a pad for
example) and the necessary sketch has been created in a body different from the active one. In
this case you may want to transfer the sketch from its body of creation into the active one (it is
not mandatory but it is helpful to understand the part structure
Change Body
You can move one sketch from a body to
another one
Select the Change body
command from the sketch
contextual menu
1
You get:
2
Select the body in which you
want to move the sketch, then
select OK

Sketcher

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