CATIA V5
3-D CAD DESIGN SOFTWARE
What is CATIA V5?
CATIA is a parametric 3-D CAD design software package that was developed by Dassault Systemes in the early 1980's and quickly emerged as an industry leader. CATIA V5 is different from V4 and earlier versions because it was programmed to take advantage of the MS Windows capability while maintaining the UNIX power and stability.
The CATIA Acronym
The CATIA acronym stands for: “Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application”. V5 stands for version 5.
CATIA V5 Configuration
CATIA V5 is configured into three different platforms. The platform defines a technical capability. Within each platform there are Application Tools. These Application Tools contain workbenches that are organized into categories dependent on their application. For example, the NC Manufacturing Application Tools contain workbenches that support NC applications like Lathe Machining, Prismatic Machining and Surface Machining. Workbenches contain toolbars and tools that are specific to that workbench. For example, metaphorically speaking, a woodshop contains tools for woodworking and a weld shop contains tools for welding. This is similar to CATIA V5's workbenches; the Part Design Workbench contains toolbars and tools for creating parts. Toolbars within workbenches can also be broken down into specific functions. Some particular toolbars and tools show up in numerous workbenches.
CATIA V5 Platforms
CATIA V5 is configured into three different platforms. The platforms P1, P2 and P3 designate the design level available to the user.
- The P1 Platform is the starting point for smaller companies that do not require the process oriented tools. The functionality is limited to the design tools.
- The P2 Platform provides the extended design tools as well as additional process oriented tools. The process tools are fully interchangeable and scaleable.
- The P3 Platform has the look and feel of the P2 Platform but can be customized to fit a particular industry and is highly specialized.
CATIA V5 Application Tools
The Application Tools are where all of the Workbenches are organized and made available to the user. The following Application Tools are available in the P2 Platform:
- Infrastructure – This Application Tool contains workbenches that apply to all other Applications.
- Mechanical Design – This Application Tool contains workbenches that apply to design, solid modeling, assembly & drafting.
- Shape – This Application Tool contains workbenches that apply to surfaces and surface design.
- Analysis & Simulation – This Application Tool contains workbenches that apply to Analysis and Simulation.
- NC Manufacturing – This Application Tool contains workbenches that apply to Numeric Control applications.
- Digital Mock-Up – This Application Tool contains workbenches that apply to digital recreation of the real world.
- Knowledgeware – This Application Tool contains workbenches that allow the user to incorporate intelligence into CATIA V5 documents.
CATIA V5 In The Upstate of South Carolina
CATIA V5 has become the CAD design software of choice in the automotive industry and the aerospace industry. Therefore, several companies in the Upstate of South Carolina associated with these industries are using CATIA V5. These include: Michelin Tire, BMW, Lockheed Martin, Electorlux Home Products, Freight Liner, KLM Solutions, 3-D Technologies, and other tier 2 suppliers in the automotive and tire industry.
CATIA V5 Offerings at Greenville Technical College
On the college curriculum side of the house, CATIA V5 is taught in a course called EGT 245 – Principles of Parametric Design. This course can be taken by students as a stand alone course, or as part of the CATIA CAD Design certificate, CCD6.
We can also offer CATIA V5 as a professional development course thru the Buck Mickel Center at Greenville Tech. In this format, the course can be customized in length and/or content, based on the needs of the students involved.