Catia Part

Part Design Version 5 Release 15 Page 1
Part Design
Overview
Conventions
What's New?
Getting Started
Entering the Part Design Workbench
Creating a Pad
Drafting a Face
Filleting an Edge
Editing the Pad
Mirroring the Part
Sketching a Circle from a Face
Creating a Pocket
Shelling the Part
Basic Tasks
Opening a New CATPart Document
Sketch-Based Features
Creating Pads
Using the Sub-Elements of a Sketch
Creating Up to Next Pads
Creating Up to Last Pads
Creating Up to Plane Pads
Creating Up to Surface Pads
Creating Pads or Pockets from Surfaces
Creating Pads Not Normal to Sketch Planes
Creating Multi- Pads
Creating Drafted Filleted Pads
Creating Pockets
Creating Multi-Length Pockets
Creating Drafted Filleted Pockets
Creating Thin Solids
Creating Shafts
Creating Grooves
Creating Holes
Locating Holes
Creating Threaded Holes
Creating Ribs
Trimming Ribs and Slots
Creating Slots
Creating Stiffeners
Creating Multi-sections Solids
Creating Removed Multi-sections Solids
Creating Solid Combines
How Sketches are Located in the Specification Tree
Dress-Up Features
Creating Edge Fillets
Creating Variable Radius Fillets
Reshaping Corners
Creating Face-Face Fillets
Creating Tritangent Fillets
Creating Chamfers
Creating Basic Drafts
Creating Advanced Drafts
Creating Variable Angle Drafts
Creating Drafts with Parting Elements
Creating Drafts from Reflect Lines
Creating Shells
Creating Thicknesses
Creating Threads and Taps
Creating Remove Face Features
Creating Replace Face Features
Surface-Based Features
Creating Splits
Creating Thick Surfaces
Creating Close Surface Features
Creating Sew Surfaces
Transformation Features
Creating Translations
Creating Rotations
Creating Symmetries
Creating Mirrors
Creating Rectangular Patterns
Creating Circular Patterns
Creating User Patterns
Exploding Patterns
Creating Scalings
Reference Elements
Creating Points
Creating Lines
Creating Planes
Using Surfaces and Curves
Joining Surfaces or Curves
Extrapolating Surfaces
Extracting Geometry
Creating Intersections
Creating Projections
Creating Boundary Curves
Modifying Parts
Editing parts, bodies, features
Updating Parts
Deleting Features
Deleting Unreferenced Elements
Deactivating Elements
Reordering Features
Reordering Sketch-based Features
Setting Constraints
Setting 3D Constraints
Setting constraints
Modifying Constraints
Computing Mean Dimensions
Replacing Elements
Replacing Elements
Replacing a Body
Changing a Sketch Support
Displaying and Editing Properties
Part Properties
Bodies Properties
Features Properties
Creating Annotations
Creating a Text With Leader
Creating a Flag Note With Leader
Handling Parts in a Multi-Document Environment
Hybrid Design
Creating Bodies (Hybrid Design)
Visualization
How to Integrate the Surface World into Solid Modeling
Graphic Properties (Hybrid Design)
Deactivating Your Hybrid Design Environment
Advanced Tasks
Associating Bodies
Inserting a New Body
Inserting a Body into an Ordered Geometrical Set
Managing Geometrical Sets
Managing Ordered Geometrical Sets
Inserting Features into a New Body
Assembling Bodies
Intersecting Bodies
Adding Bodies
Removing Bodies
Trimming Bodies
Remove Lump
Changing a Boolean Operation Into Another One
Using Tools
Editing a List of Elements
Scanning the Part and Defining In Work Objects
Performing a Draft Analysis
Performing a Surfacic Curvature Analysis
Analyzing Taps and Threads
Creating Datums
Isolating Geometric Elements
Applying a Material
Extracting Geometry
Displaying Parents and Children
Defining an Axis System
Publishing Elements
Working with a 3D Support
Using PowerCopies
Creating PowerCopies
Instantiating PowerCopies
Saving PowerCopies into a Catalog
Instantiating Power Copies Using Step By Step Instantiation
Instantiating Power Copies Using Part Comparison Instantiation
Instantiating a Power Copy From a VB Macro
Reusing your Design
Cutting, Copying, Pasting
Optimizing Part Design Application
Managing User Defined Features
Introducing the User Feature Definition window
Creating a User Feature
Creating and Instantiating a NLS User Feature (UDF)
Saving a User Feature into a Catalog
Instantiating a User Feature
Instantiating a User Feature From a Catalog, From a Document, From a Selection
Instantiating a User Feature From a VB Macro
Using a Loop to Instantiate UDF Patterns
Assigning a Type to a User Feature
Referencing User Features in Search Operations
User Features: Useful Tips
User Features: Limitations
To know more about User Features ...
Managing Part and Assembly Templates
Introducing the Document Template Definition Window
Creating a Part Template
Instantiating a Part Template
Adding an External Document to a Document Template
To know more about Part and Assembly Templates...
Document Templates: Methodology
Document Templates: Limitations
Workbench Description
Part Design Menu Bar
Sketch-Based Features Toolbar
Dress-Up Features Toolbar
Surface-Based Features Toolbar
Transformation Features Toolbar
Reference Elements Toolbar
Boolean Operations Toolbar
Sketcher Toolbar
Constraints Toolbar
Analysis Toolbar
Annotations Toolbar
Tools Toolbar
Insert Toolbar
Part Design Specification Tree Icons
Miscellaneous Symbols
Symbols Reflecting an Incident in the Geometry Building
Referenced Geometry
Customizing
Display
General
Part Document
Tolerancing
Display
Manipulators
View/Annotation Plane
Glossary
Index
Overview
This book is intended for the user who needs to become quickly familiar with Part Design product. The Part
Design User's Guide has been designed to show you how to create a part. There are several ways of creating a
part and this book aims at illustrating the several stages of creation you may encounter.
This overview provides the following information:
● Part Design in a Nutshell
● Before Reading this Guide
● Getting the Most out of This Guide
● Accessing Sample Documents
● Conventions Used in this Guide
Part Design in a Nutshell
The Part Design application makes it possible to design precise 3D mechanical parts with an intuitive and
flexible user interface, from sketching in an assembly context to iterative detailed design. Part Design
application will enable you to accommodate design requirements for parts of various complexities, from simple
to advanced.
This application, which combines the power of feature-based design with the flexibility of a Boolean approach,
offers a highly productive and intuitive design environment with multiple design methodologies, such as post-
design and local 3D parameterization.
As a scalable product, Part Design can be used in cooperation with other current or future companion products
such as Assembly Design and Generative Drafting. The widest application portfolio in the industry is also
accessible through interoperability with CATIA Solutions Version 4 to enable support of the full product
development process from initial concept to product in operation.
Before Reading this Guide

Before reading this guide, you should be familiar with basic Version 5 concepts such as document windows,
standard and view toolbars. Therefore, we recommend that you read the Infrastructure User's Guide that
describes generic capabilities common to all Version 5 products. It also describes the general layout of V5 and
the interoperability between workbenches.
You may also like to read the following complementary product guides, for which the appropriate license is
required:
● Sketcher User's Guide: explains how to sketch 2D elements.
● Wireframe and Surface User's Guide: explains how to create wireframe geometry and surfaces.
Getting the Most out of this Guide
To get the most out of this guide, we suggest you start reading and performing the step-by-step tutorial
Getting Started. This tutorial will show you how to create a basic part from scratch.
Once you have finished, you should move on to the next sections dealing with the handling of CATPart data,
then the creation and modification of various types of features you will need to construct parts. This guide also
presents other Part Design capabilities allowing you to design complex parts. You can also take a look at the
sections describing the Part Design Workbench at the end of the guide.
Accessing Sample Documents

To perform the scenarios, you will be using sample documents contained in the online/prtug/samples
folder.
When samples belong to capabilities common to different products, those samples will be found in the
online/cfysm_XX/samples folder.
For more information about this, refer to Accessing Sample Documents in the Infrastructure User's Guide.
Conventions Used in this Guide

To learn more about the conventions used in this guide, refer to the Conventions section.
Conventions
Certain conventions are used in CATIA, ENOVIA & DELMIA documentation to help you recognize and
understand important concepts and specifications.
Graphic Conventions
The three categories of graphic conventions used are as follows:
● Graphic conventions structuring the tasks
● Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required
● Graphic conventions used in the table of contents
Graphic Conventions Structuring the Tasks
Graphic conventions structuring the tasks are denoted as follows:
This icon... Identifies...
estimated time to accomplish a task
a target of a task
the prerequisites
the start of the scenario
a tip
a warning
information
basic concepts
methodology
reference information
information regarding settings, customization, etc.
the end of a task

functionalities that are new or enhanced with this release
allows you to switch back to the full-window viewing mode
Graphic Conventions Indicating the Configuration Required
Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required are denoted as follows:
This icon... Indicates functions that are...
specific to the P1 configuration
Graphic Conventions Used in the Table of Contents
Graphic conventions used in the table of contents are denoted as follows:
This icon... Gives access to...
Site Map
Split View Mode
What's New?
Overview
Getting Started
Basic Tasks
User Tasks or Advanced Tasks
Interoperability
Customizing
Administration Tasks
Reference
Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary
Index
Text Conventions
The following text conventions are used:
● The titles of CATIA, ENOVIA and DELMIA documents appear in this manner throughout the text.
● File -> New identifies the commands to be used.
● Enhancements are identified by a blue-colored background on the text.
How to Use the Mouse

The use of the mouse differs according to the type of action you need to perform.
Use this
mouse button... Whenever you read...
● Select (menus, commands, geometry in graphics area, ...)

● Click (icons, dialog box buttons, tabs, selection of a location in the document window,
...)
● Double-click
● Shift-click
● Ctrl-click
● Check (check boxes)
● Drag
● Drag and drop (icons onto objects, objects onto objects)
● Drag
● Move
● Right-click (to select contextual menu)

What's New?
New Functionality
Work with a 3D Support
The Work On Support capability allows you to automatically reference surfaces or planes as supporting
elements whenever required.
Enhanced Functionalities
Interruptions of computations when creating or editing all types of fillets or Boolean operations
You can now interrupt geometry computations if needed, which lets you save time especially when
working on complex parts.
Boolean Operations
You can now modify specifications for Boolean operations
Previewing results prior to confirming operations is now possible for all Boolean features
Shaft
You can now select axes that are not included in the profile plane
Thread/Tap
The Thread/Tap capability now lets you specify whether you wish to create a thread or a tap just by
checking the appropriate option.
Rectangular Pattern
A new parameter lets you assign distinct spacings between each instance
Replace Face
Replacing faces with other faces belonging to the same body is now possible, which in many cases
simplifies geometry
Two new options are now available: Delete all children and Deleted aggregated elements
Rotations
Two new rotation modes are now available: Axis-Two Elements and Three Points
Point
Coordinates: you can now specify a current local axis system
On plane: if selecting an axis system as the plane, the reference point is automatically filled with the
origin of the axis system
On surface: you can now choose the dynamic positioning of the point: coarse (existing behavior) or fine
Plane
Angle/Normal to plane: a new option enables you to project the rotation axis onto the reference plane.
Equation: you can now specify a current local axis system
Customizing Settings
Create a Geometrical Set
Geometrical sets can now be located above Part Bodies in the specification tree.
Create an Ordered Geometrical Set
Available from the Part Document tab of the Options dialog box, the Create an Ordered Geometrical
Set option lets you create ordered geometrical sets (OGSs) when creating a new part.
Enable hybrid design inside part bodies and bodies
If in the course of your CATIA session you deactivate the Enable hybrid design inside part bodies
and bodies option, icons identifying existing bodies likely to include wireframe and surface elements
turn yellow. This new behavior ensures that both types of bodies (bodies and solid bodies) can be
quickly identified within the same document.
Getting Started
Before getting into the detailed instructions for using parts, the following tutorial aims at giving you a feel as
to what you can do with the product. It provides a step-by-step scenario showing you how to use key
functionalities.
The main tasks described in this section are:

Creating a Pad
Drafting a Face
Filleting an Edge
Editing the Pad
Mirroring the Part
Creating a Pocket
Shelling the Part
All together, the tasks should take about ten minutes to complete.
The final part will look like this:
Now, let's get to sketching the profile!


This first task shows you how to enter the Part Design workbench.
1. Select File -> New... (or click the New icon).

The New dialog box is displayed, allowing you to choose the type of document you need.
2. Select Part in the List of Types field.
3. Click OK.
The New Part dialog appears if your session is configured as explained in the Customizing chapter of this
guide. For more information, refer to the documentation related to the Part Document tab.
Hybrid Design
By default, the Enable hybrid design option is on, meaning that you are allowed to insert wireframe and
surface elements in bodies.
To facilitate your design, we recommend you never change this option during your session.
4. Click OK to validate your preferences and close the New Part dialog box.
The Part Design workbench is loaded and an empty CATPart document opens.
If the New Part dialog box does not appear, the Part Design workbench is immediately loaded and an
empty CATPart document opens.

The commands for creating and editing features are available in the workbench toolbar. Now, let's
perform the following task Creating a Pad.

Creating a Pad
This task shows you how to create a pad, that is extrude a profile sketched in the Sketcher
workbench. For more about this workbench, refer to Sketcher User's Guide Version 5.
Open the GettingStarted.CATPart document to open the required profile.
Your profile belongs to Sketch.1 and was created on plane xy. It looks like this:
1. Select the profile if not already selected and click the Pad icon .
The Pad Definition dialog box appears. Default options allow you to create a basic pad.
2. As you prefer to create a larger pad, enter 60 mm in the Length field.

The application previews the pad to be created.
3. Click OK.
The pad is created. The extrusion is performed in a direction which is normal to the sketch
plane. The application displays this creation in the specification tree:
The application lets you control the display of some of the part components. To know more
about the components you can display or hide, refer to the General section that describes
how to customizing the Tree and Geometry Views.
For more about pads, refer to Creating Pads, Creating 'Up to Next' Pads, Creating 'Up to Last' Pads,
Creating 'Up to Plane' Pads, Creating 'Up to Surface' Pads, Creating Pads not Normal to Sketch
Planes.
Drafting a Face
This task shows you how to draft a face.
1. Click the Draft Angle icon .

The Draft Definition dialog box appears. The application displays the default pulling direction on the part.
2. Select the face as shown by the arrow as the face to be drafted.
The application detects all the faces to be drafted. The selected face is now in dark red whereas the other
faces are in a lighter red.
3. Click the Selection field of the Neutral Element frame and select the upper face.
The neutral element is now displayed in blue, the neutral curve in pink.
4. Enter 9 degrees in the Angle field.
5. Click OK. The part is drafted:

For more about drafts, refer to Creating Basic Drafts, and to Creating Drafts with Parting Elements.
Filleting an Edge
In this task you will learn how to use one of the fillet commands designed to fillet edges.
1. Click the Edge Fillet icon .

The Edge Fillet Definition dialog box appears. It contains default values.
2. Select the edge to be filleted, that is, to be rounded.
The icon now available after the Objects to fillet field lets you edit the list of the faces to be
filleted. For more information about that capability, refer to Editing a List of Elements.
Clicking Preview lets you see what the default fillet would look like.
3. Enter 7 mm as the new radius value and click OK.
Here is your part:
For more about fillets, refer to Creating Edge Fillets, Creating Face-Face Fillets, Creating Tritangent
Fillets, Creating Variable Radius Fillets.
Editing the Pad

Actually, you would like the pad to be thicker. This task shows you how to edit the pad, then how to
color the part.
1. Double-click Pad.1.
You can do it in the specification tree if you wish.
2. In the Pad Definition dialog box that appears, enter 90 mm as the new length value.
3. Click OK.
The part is modified accordingly.
4. Now select Part Body.
5. Select Edit -> Properties and click the Graphic tab to change the color of your part.
6. Set the color of your choice in the Color combo box and click OK.
To have details about how to change graphic properties, refer to Infrastructure User's Guide
Version 5.
The part now looks like this:

Mirroring the Part
Now, you are going to duplicate the part using the Mirror capability. This task shows you how easy it is.
1. Select the reference face you need to duplicate the part. Select the face as shown:
2. Click the Mirror icon .

The name of this face appears in the Mirroring element field.
3. Click OK.
The part is mirrored and the specification tree indicates this operation.
For more information about mirroring, refer to Mirror.


In this task, you will learn how to:
● sketch a circle on an existing face
● use this circle in order to create a pocket
1. Select the upper face to define the working plane.
2. Click the Sketcher icon to enter the Sketcher workbench.
3. Once in the Sketcher workbench, click this Circle icon to create a basic circle.
4. Click the circle center in the middle of the face and drag the cursor to sketch the circle.
5. Click once you are satisfied with the size of the circle.
6. Click the Exit workbench icon to return to the 3D world. This is your part:
For more about Sketcher elements, refer to Sketcher User's Guide Version 5.
Creating a Pocket
In this task, you will learn a method to create a pocket using the profile you have just created.
1. Select the circle you have just sketched, if it is not already selected.
2. Click the Pocket icon .

The Pocket Definition dialog box is displayed and the application previews a pocket with default
parameters.
3. Set the Up to last option to define the limit of your pocket.
The application will limit the pocket onto the last possible face, that is the pad bottom.
4. Click OK.
This is your pocket:

For more about pockets, refer to Pocket.

Shelling the Part

To end the scenario, you will learn how to shell the part.
1. Select the bottom face of the part.
2. Click the Shell icon .

The selected face turns purple and the Shell Definition dialog box appears.
3. Enter 5mm as the inner thickness value.
4. Click OK to shell the part.
You have defined a positive value, which means that you are going to obtain a thin part
thickness.
For more information about shells, refer to Creating Shells.
You have finished the scenario. Now, let's take a closer look at the application.
Basic Tasks
The basic tasks you car perform in the Part Design workbench are mainly the creation of features and surfaces
you use to create your part. To create features you sometimes sketch profiles first or use existing features.
This section explains and illustrates how to create various kinds of features and surfaces. The table below lists
the information you can find.

Dress-Up Features
Reference Elements
Modifying Parts
Setting Constraints
Replacing Elements
Hybrid Design

This task shows you how to open a new CATPart document.
1. Select File -> New (or click the New icon).

The New dialog box is displayed, allowing you to choose the type of document you need.
2. Select Part from the List of Types field.
3. Click OK.
Customized Session
The New Part dialog appears if your session is configured as explained in the Customizing chapter of this
guide. For more information, refer to the documentation related to the Part Document tab.
4. Enter the name you want to assign to the part if the default one does not satisfy you.
5. Select the options you need for your design environment.
Hybrid Design
If you select Enable hybrid design, the capability then applies to all the bodies you will create in your
CATIA session (and not only to the new CATPart document you are opening). As a consequence, if your
session contains CATPart documents already including traditional bodies, the new bodies you will create
in these documents will possibly include wireframe and surface elements.
To facilitate your design, we recommend you never change your preferences during your session.
6. Click OK to validate your options and close the New Part dialog box.
The Part Design workbench is loaded and an empty CATPart document opens.
If the New Part dialog box does not appear, the Part Design workbench is immediately loaded and an
empty CATPart document opens.
The Part Design workbench document is divided into:
❍ the specification tree

❍ the geometry area
❍ specific toolbars: for information, refer to Workbench Description.
A number of contextual commands are available in the specification tree and in the geometry.
Remember that these commands can also be accessed from the menu bar.
You will notice that the application provides three planes to let you start your design. Actually, designing
a part from scratch firsts require designing a sketch. Sketching profiles is performed in the Sketcher
workbench which is fully integrated into Part Design. To open it, just click the Sketcher icon and
select the work plane of your choice.
The Sketcher workbench then provides a large number of tools allowing you to sketch the profiles you
need. For more information, refer to the Sketcher User's Guide.

Features are entities you combine to make up your part. The features presented here are obtained by applying
commands on initial profiles created in the Sketcher workbench (See Sketcher User's Guide) or in the
Generative Shape Design workbench (See Generative Shape Design User's Guide) as well as surfaces.
Some operations consist in adding material, others in removing material. In this section, you will learn how to
create the following features:
Create a Pad: Click this icon, select the profile to be extruded and enter the parameters you need in
the dialog box.
Using the Sub-elements of a Sketch: right-click the Selection field from the Pad or Pocket dialog box
and select Go to Profile Definition to display the Profile Definition dialog box.
Create an 'Up to Next' Pad: Click this icon, select the profile to be extruded, set the Type option to Up
to next and enter the parameters you need in the dialog box.
Create an 'Up to Last' Pad: Click this icon, select the profile to be extruded, set the Type option to Up
to last and enter the parameters you need in the dialog box.
Create an 'Up to Plane' Pad: Click this icon, select the profile to be extruded, enter the parameters
you need, set the Type option to `Up to plane' in the dialog box and select the required plane.
Create an 'Up to Surface' Pad: Click this icon, select the profile to be extruded, enter the parameters
you need, set the Type option to Up to surface in the dialog box and select the required surface.
Create a Pad from a Surface: Click this icon, select the surface to be extruded and enter the
parameters you need.
Create a Pad not Normal to Sketch Plane: Click this icon, select the profile to be extruded, expand the
dialog box, enter the required parameters, define a new reference for the extrusion direction.
Create a Multi-Pad: Click this icon, select the sketch to be extruded and specify a length value for
each domain.
Create a Drafted Filleted Pad: Click this icon, select the profile to be extruded and enter the
parameters you need in the dialog box.
Create a Pocket: Click this icon, select the profile and enter the parameters you need in the dialog
box.
Create a Pocket from a Surface: Click this icon, select the surface to be extruded and enter the
parameters you need.
Create a Multi-Pocket: Click this icon, select the sketch to be extruded and specify a length value for
each domain.
Create a Drafted Filleted Pocket: Click this icon, select the profile to be extruded and enter the
parameters you need in the dialog box.
Create a Thin Solid: Click one of these icons, check the Thick option and enter values to define the
thickness.
Create a Shaft: Click this icon, select the profile to be revolved about the axis and enter angle values.
Create a Groove: Click this icon, select the profile to be revolved about the axis and enter angle
values.
Create a Hole: Click this icon, select the face to locate the hole to be created and enter the required
parameters in the dialog box.
Locating Holes: To constrain the location of the hole, multi-select two edges of the face on which you
wish to position the hole, then that face.
Create a Threaded Hole: Click this icon, select the face to locate the hole, define the hole shape,
check Threaded, click Specifications and enter the required values in the Thread dialog box..
Create a Rib: Click this icon, select the profile to be swept along a center curve, select this center
curve and set the position option in the dialog box.
Trimming Ribs or Slots: If the rib or the slot cannot be trimmed by existing material, the only way of
obtaining a rib is by using the Thick Profile option.
Create a Slot: Click this icon, select the profile to be swept along a center curve, select this center
curve and set the position option in the dialog box.
Create a Stiffener: Click this icon, select the profile to be extruded, and specify whether this extrusion
is to be done in two or three directions.
Create a Multi-sections Solid: Click this icon, select the section curves, the guide curves and if
necessary the spine of your choice.
Remove a Multi-sections Solid: Click this icon, select the section curves, the guide curves, the closing
points and if necessary the spine of your choice.
Create a Solid Combine: Click this icon, select the components which intersections you want to
compute.
How Sketches are Located in the Specification Tree

Up to Part Design Version 5 release 14 the sketches used for creating sketch-based features were located
directly below the features in the specification tree. Now, to improve the visibility of your design process this
behavior has changed: new rules define the location of sketch entities in the specification tree. The How
Sketches are Located in the Specification Tree section covers this new behavior.
Creating Pads
Creating a pad means extruding a profile or a surface in one or two directions. The application lets you choose the
limits of creation as well as the direction of extrusion.
This task shows you how to create a basic pad using a closed profile, the Dimension and Mirrored extent options.
Open the Pad1.CATPart document.
1. Select Sketch.1 as the profile to be extruded.
About Profiles
● You can use profiles sketched in the Sketcher or planar geometrical elements created in the Generative Shape
Design workbench (except for lines).
● You can also select diverse elements constituting a sketch. For more information, refer to Using the Sub-Elements
of a Sketch.
● If you launch the Pad command with no profile previously defined, just click the icon available in the dialog
box. You then just need to select a sketch plane to enter the Sketcher and then create the desired profile.
As soon as you click the icon, the Running Commands window displays to show you the history of
commands you have run. This informative window is particularly useful when many commands have
already been used, in complex scenarios for example.
You can select Generative Shape Design surfaces, non-planar faces and even CATIA V4 surfaces. For more
information, refer to Pads from Surfaces.
● By default, if you extrude a profile, the application extrudes normal to the plane used to create the profile. To see
how to change the extrusion direction, refer to Pad not Normal to Sketch Plane.
● If you extrude a surface (for example created in the Generative Shape Design workbench), you need to select an
element defining the direction because there is no default direction.
2. Click the Pad icon .

The Pad Definition dialog box appears and the application previews the pad to be created.
● If you are not satisfied with the profile you selected, note that you can:
● click the Selection field and select another sketch.
● use any of these creation contextual commands available from the Selection field:
❍ Create Sketch: launches the Sketcher after selecting any plane, and lets you sketch the profile
you need as explained in the Sketcher User's Guide.
❍ Create Join: joins surfaces or curves. See Joining Surfaces or Curves.
❍ Create Extract: generates separate elements from non-connex sub-elements. See Extracting
Geometry.
If you have chosen to work in a hybrid design environment, the geometrical elements created on the fly via the
contextual commands mentioned above are aggregated into sketch-based features.
Limits
You will notice that by default, the application specifies the length of your pad (Type= Dimension option). But
you can use the following options too:
● Up to Next
● Up to Last
● Up to Plane
● Up to Surface
● If you set the Up to Plane or Up to Surface option, contextual commands creating new planes or surfaces
you may need are then available from the Limit field:
❍ Create Plane: see Create Planes
❍ XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limit.
❍ YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limit.
❍ ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limit.
❍ Create Extrapol: extrapolates surface boundaries. See Extrapolating Surfaces.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front of the field.
Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
If you have chosen to work in a hybrid design environment, the elements created on the fly via the contextual
commands mentioned above are aggregated into sketch-based features.
3. Enter 40 in the Length field to increase the length value.
You can increase or decrease length values by dragging LIM1 or LIM2 manipulators.
The length value cannot exceed 1 000 000 mm.

Clicking the icon opens the Sketcher. You can then edit the profile. Once you have done your modifications,
you just need to quit the Sketcher. The Pad dialog box then reappears to let you finish your design.
● The Thick option adds thickness to both sides of your profile. To know how to use it, refer to Thin Solids.
● The Reverse side button applies for open profiles only. This option lets you choose which side of the profile is
to be extruded. When designing thin solids, the option is meaningless.
4. Click the Mirrored extent option to extrude the profile in the opposite direction using the same length value.
If you wish to define another length for this direction, you do not have to click the Mirrored extent button.
Just click the More button and define the second limit.
5. Click Preview to see the result.
6. Click OK.
The pad is created. The specification tree indicates that it has been created.
A Few Notes About Pads

● The application allows you to create pads from open profiles provided existing geometry can trim the pads. The pad
below has been created from an open profile which both endpoints were stretched onto the inner vertical faces of the
hexagon. The option used for Limit 1 is Up to next. The inner bottom face of the hexagon then stops the extrusion.
Conversely, the Up to next option could not be used for Limit2.
Preview Result
● Pads can also be created from sketches including several profiles. These profiles must not intersect. In the following
example, the sketch to be extruded is defined by a square and a circle. Applying the Pad command on this sketch lets
you obtain a cavity:
Preview Result
● Before clicking the Pad command, ensure that the profile to be used is not tangent with itself.
Using the Sub-Elements of a Sketch
This task shows you how to select different elements belonging to the same sketch for creating pads.
The steps described here also apply for pockets, shafts, grooves, stiffeners, ribs and slots.
Sketch three rectangles in a Sketcher session.

The Pad Definition dialog box is displayed.
2. Click the Selection field from the dialog box.
3. Right-click and select Go to Profile Definition.
The Profile Definition dialog box is displayed.
4. You can define whether you need the Whole geometry, that is the whole sketch, or Sub-elements only.
For the purposes of our scenario, check Sub-elements if not already done.
5. Select an edge.
The sketch name as well as the edge name appear in the dialog box. The application also previews the
pad.
6. Click Add to add another element.
7. Select an edge belonging to another profile.
The application now previews this pad too.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 using an edge belonging to the third profile.
9. Select edge2 from the starting elements field and click Remove to remove the associated profile from the
selection.
10. Click OK to validate your selection.
The Pad Definition dialog box reopens. You then just have to enter the parameters of your choice to
extrude two profiles.
11. Optionally click Preview before confirming the creation.
If you encounter complex profiles causing ambiguity cases, the application lets you determine which lines you
want to use as illustrated below:
The application detects an ambiguity as shown by the red The user has defined the line he needs to end the
symbol : the user can determine three different lines selection.
from this point.
Creating 'Up to Next' Pads

This task shows you how to create a pad using the Up to Next option. This creation mode lets the
application detect the existing material to be used for trimming the pad.
1. Select the circle as the profile to be extruded.

The Pad Definition dialog box appears and the application previews a pad with a default
dimension value.
3. Click the arrow in the geometry area to reverse the extrusion direction (or click the Reverse
Direction button).
4. In the Type field, set the option to Up to next.
This option assumes an existing face can be used to trim the pad. The application previews the
pad to be created. The already existing body trims the extrusion.
Optionally, click Preview to see the result.

5. Click OK.
The pad is created. The specification tree indicates this creation.
By default, the application extrudes normal to the plane used to create the profile. To learn how to
change the direction, refer to Pad not Normal to Sketch Plane .
Creating 'Up to Last' Pads

This task shows how to create pads using the Up to last option.
1. Select the circle as the profile to be extruded.

The Pad Definition dialog box appears and the application previews a pad with 10 mm as the default
dimension value.
3. Click the arrow in the geometry area to reverse the extrusion direction (or click the Reverse Direction
button).
4. In the Type field, set the option to Up to last.
The last face encountered by the extrusion trims the pad.
Optionally, click Preview to see the result.

5. Click OK.
By default, the application extrudes normal to the plane used to create the profile. To see how to change the
direction, refer to Pad not Normal to Sketch Plane .
Creating 'Up to Plane' Pads

This task shows how to create pads using the Up to plane option.
1. Select the profile to be extruded.

The Pad Definition dialog box appears and the application previews a pad with 10 mm as the default
dimension value.
3. In the Type field, set the Type option to Up to plane.
4. Select Plane.1.
The application previews the pad to be created. The plane trims the extrusion. An Offset option is now
available.
Contextual commands creating the planes you need are available from the Limit field:
❍ Create Plane: see Creating Planes
❍ XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the trimming
element.
❍ YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the trimming
element.
❍ ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the trimming
element.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the plane icon in front of the Limit
field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
5. Enter -20 as the offset value. This offset is the distance between the plane and the top face of the pad to
be created.
Optionally click Preview to see the result.
6. Click OK.
'Up to Surface' Pads

This task shows you how to create pads using the Up to surface option.
1. Select the profile to be extruded.

The Pad Definition dialog box appears and the application previews a pad with a default dimension value.
3. In the Type field, set the Type option to Up to surface.
4. Select the vertical circular face. This face belongs to the same body as the existing pad.
Using the Up to surface option, you can select a face belonging to the same body as the sketch or a face
belonging to Part Body.
The face trims the extrusion.
Contextual commands creating the surfaces you need are available from the Limit field:
❍ Create Extrapol: extrapolates surface boundaries or curves. See Extrapolating Surfaces and
Extrapolating Curves.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the join or the extrapol icon in front of
the Limit field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
5. An Offset option is now available in the dialog box. Enter -30 as the offset value. This offset is the
distance between the surface and the top face of the pad to be created.
6. Click OK.
Creating Pads or Pockets from Surfaces

This task explains how to extrude surfaces in any direction. The scenario below shows you how to create
a pad, but the method and options described are also valid for creating pockets.
Open the ThickSurface.CATPart document.
1. Select Extrude.1 as the surface to be extruded.
The different surfaces you can select are:
❍ surfaces created in the Generative Shape Design workbench

❍ CATIA Version 4 surfaces
❍ non-planar faces.

The Pad Definition dialog box appears. You need to define an extrusion direction. To do so,
either you select a geometric element or set the Up to Plane limit and select the plane of your
choice. In that case, the direction will be given by the normal to that plane (for more, see
pockets).
3. Click the Reference field and select Plane.1 as the plane defining the extrusion direction.
The direction is the normal to the plane.

Make sure that the surface to be extruded is not tangent to the extrusion direction nor to the plane.
For both limits to be defined, you can use all the options described in the tasks showing the pad
creation:
● Dimension
● Up to Next
● Up to Last
● Up to Plane
● Up to Surface
5. Enter 21mm and 11mm as the first and second limit values respectively.
6. Click OK to confirm.
The new element identified as Pad.XXX is added to the specification tree.

Non-planar faces
If you create a pad or a pocket from a non-planar face, that face is displayed as a datum in the
specification tree.
Pockets
In the following example, two different types of limits are defined for trimming the material extruded
then removed from each side of the surface.
Initial part
Preview
The option used to define the first limit LIM 1 is Up

to plane (the white arrow points to the selected
plane). The extrusion direction is then defined by this
plane.
LIM2 is defined by a dimension type limit.

Result
Material has been removed from each side of the

surface.
The options for creating thin solids are not available when you select a surface as the element to be
extruded.
Creating Pads not Normal to Sketch Planes

This task shows how to create a pad using a direction that is not normal to the plane used to create the
profile.
1. Select the profile you wish to extrude.

The Pad Definition dialog box appears and the application previews the pad to be created.
3. Set the Up to plane option and select plane yz. For more about this type of creation, refer to
Up to Plane Pads.
4. Click the More button to display the whole dialog box.
5. Uncheck the Normal to profile option and select the line as shown to use it as a reference.
The application previews the pad with the new creation direction.
Contextual commands creating the directions you need are available from the Reference field:
❍ Create Line: for more information, see Creating Lines
❍ X Axis: the X axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the direction.
❍ Y Axis: the Y axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the direction.
❍ Z Axis: the Z axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the direction.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the line or the plane icon in
front of the Reference. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
When copying and pasting a pad using the As specified in Part document option (for more, see
Handling Parts in a Multi-Document Environment, note that if the extrusion direction used does not
belong to the same body as the pad, this direction is not taken into account by the Copy and Paste
commands.
6. Click OK to confirm the creation.

Creating Multi-Pads
This task shows you how to extrude multiple profiles belonging to a same sketch using different length values. The
multi-pad capability lets you do this at one time. At the end of the task you will see how to edit the resulting
feature.
● Creating a Multi-Pad
● Editing a Multi-Pad
❍ Adding an Extrusion Domain
❍ Deleting an Extrusion Domain
Creating a Multi-Pad
1. Click the Multi-Pad icon .
2. Select Sketch.2 that contains the profiles to be extruded. Note that all profiles must be closed and must not
intersect. In case a profile would be open, the application would not take it into account.
The Multi-Pad Definition dialog box appears and the profiles are highlighted in green. For each of them,
you can drag associated manipulators to define the extrusion value.
The red arrow normal to the sketch indicates the proposed extrusion direction. To reverse it, you just need
to click it.
The Multi- Pad Definition dialog box displays the number of domains to be extruded. In our example, the
application has detected seven extrusions to perform, as indicated in the Domains section.
3. Select Extrusion domain.1 from the dialog box.
Extrusion domain.1 now appears in blue in the geometry area.
4. Specify the length by entering a value. For example, enter 10mm.
5. You need to repeat the operation for each extrusion domain by entering the value of your choice. For
example, select Extrusion domain.2 and Extrusion domain.7 and enter 30mm and 40mm respectively.
For complex sketches, the Preview button proves to be quite useful.
6. Note that you can multi-select extrusion domains from the list before defining a common length: multi-
select Extrusion domain.3, Extrusion domain.4, Extrusion domain.5 and Extrusion domain.6, then
enter 50 as the common length value.
One length value is now defined for each profile of Sketch.2.

7. Click the More button to expand the dialog box.
8. In the Second Limit field, you can specify a length value for the opposite direction. For example, select
Extrusion domain.1 and enter 40mm in the Length field.
Note that the Thickness section displays the sum of the two lengths. Extrusion domain.1 's total length is
50 mm.
Unchecking the Normal to sketch option lets you specify a new extrusion direction. Just select the
geometry of your choice to use it as a reference.
9. Click OK to create the multi-pad.
The multi-pad (identified as Multi-Pad.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

Editing a Multi-Pad
The rest of the scenario shows you what happens when :
● Adding an Extrusion Domain
● Deleting an Extrusion Domain
Adding an Extrusion Domain
Example 1: the new profile is sketched outside existing extrusion domains
10. Double-click Sketch.2 to edit it: for example, sketch
a closed profile outside Extrusion domain.1.
11. Quit the Sketcher. A warning message informs you that the application has detected that the initial
geometry has been modified. Close the window.
12. Double-click MultiPad.1 . The Feature Definition Error window displays, providing the details of the
modification.
13. Click OK to close the window. The Multi-Pocket Definition dialog box reappears.
The new extrusion domain Extrusion domain.8 is indicated.
14. Select it and define the value of your choice.
15. Click OK to confirm. Multi-pad.1 is now composed of eight pads.
Example 2: the new profile is sketched inside an existing extrusion domain
15. Double-click sketch.2 and for example, add a
closed profile inside Extrusion domain.2.

16. Quit the Sketcher. A warning message informs you that the application has detected that the initial sketch
has been modified. Close this window.
17. Double-click MultiPad.1. The Feature Definition Error window displays, providing the details of the
modification.
When sketching a profile inside an existing extrusion domain, the application deletes that existing domain
and replaces it with a new one. This is why the message window displays :
❍ 1 extrusion domain deleted (Extrusion domain.2)

❍ 2 extrusion domains created (Extrusion domain.9, which replaces Extrusion domain.2 and
Extrusion domain.10)
18. Click OK to close the window.
The Multi-Pad Definition dialog box reappears. Extrusion domain.2 is no more displayed. On the
contrary, two new extrusion domains Extrusion domain.9 and Extrusion domain.10 are indicated with
0mm as their default thickness.
19. Select Extrusion domain.9 if not already done and define 30mm as the length value.
20. Select Extrusion domain.10, that is the circle, and define 60mm as the length value.
Multi-pad.1 is now composed of nine pads.

Deleting an Extrusion Domain
22. Double-click Sketch.2 and for example, delete
Extrusion Domain.6.
23. Quit the Sketcher: the application has detected that the initial sketch has been modified:
24. To tackle the problem, you can:

❍ edit or delete MultiPad.1.

❍ or you can edit or delete Extrusion domain.6
Make sure that MultiPad.1 is selected and click the Edit button. The Feature Definition Error window
displays, providing the details of the modification.
The Multi-Pad Definition dialog box reappears. Only eight extrusion domains are indicated in the
Domains category.
The new multi-pad feature is composed of eight pads.

Creating Drafted Filleted Pads
This task shows you how to create a pad while drafting its faces and filleting its edges.
We recommend you the use of this command to speed up your design.
Open the Hole1.CATPart document and sketch a profile similar to the one below.
1. Quit the Sketcher and select the profile to be extruded.
2. Click the Drafted Filleted Pad icon .

The Drafted Filleted Pad Definition dialog box appears and the application previews the pad to be created.
3. Enter 30 as the length value.
4. Selecting a second limit is mandatory. Select Pad1 top face as the second limit.
Note that planes can define second limits too.
5. Let's go on with the draft definition. Enter 7 as the draft angle value.
Drafting faces is optional. If you do not wish to use this capability, just uncheck the Angle option.
6. Check the Second limit option to define the neutral element. So, Pad1 top face is also used as the neutral element.
7. Enter a radius value for each edge type to define the three fillets.
❍ Lateral radius: defines the fillets on vertical edges

❍ First limit radius: defines the round corner fillets
❍ Second limit radius: defines the filets on the edges of the second limit.
Filleting edges is optional too. If you do not wish to use this capability, just uncheck the options.
Clicking Preview previews the pad, the draft and the fillets and display them in the specification tree. If you have
deactivated the draft or fillet options, the draft or the fillets are then displayed as deactivated features in the tree, i.e.
with red parentheses.
8. Click OK to create the features.
If you look at the specification tree, you will note that you have created:
❍ one pad
❍ one draft
❍ three fillets
This means that for edition purposes, you need to double-click the appropriate feature. This is your new part:
Creating Pockets
Creating a pocket consists in extruding a profile or a surface and removing the material resulting from
the extrusion. The application lets you choose the limits of creation as well as the direction of extrusion.
The limits you can use are the same as those available for creating pads. To know how to use them, see
Up to Next Pads , Up to Last Pads, Up to Plane Pads, Up to Surface Pads.
This task first shows you how to create a pocket, that is a cavity, in an already existing part, then you
will edit this pocket to remove the material surrounding the initial profile.
Open the Pocket1.CATPart document.
1. Select the profile to extrude, that is Sketch.2.
About Profiles
● You can use profiles sketched in the Sketcher workbench or planar geometrical elements created in
the Generative Shape Design workbench (except for lines).
● You can create pockets from sketches including several closed profiles. These profiles must not
intersect.
● You can select diverse elements constituting a sketch too. For more information, refer to Using the
Sub-Elements of a Sketch.
● Instead of selecting profiles, you can select surfaces created in the Generative Shape Design
workbench, non-planar faces and even CATIA V4. To know how to create a pocket from a surface,
refer to Pads or Pockets from Surfaces.
2. Click the Pocket icon .

The Pocket Definition dialog box is displayed and the application previews a pocket.
● If you launch the Pocket command with no profile previously defined, just click the icon to
access the Sketcher and sketch the profile you need.
● If you are not satisfied with the profile you selected, note that you can:
❍ click the Selection field and select another sketch.

❍ use any of these creation contextual commands available from the Selection field:
■ Create Sketch: launches the Sketcher after selecting any plane, and lets you sketch the
profile you need as explained in the Sketcher User's Guide.
■ Create Join: joins surfaces or curves. See Joining Surfaces or Curves.
■ Create Extract: generates separate elements from non-connex sub-elements. See

Extracting Geometry.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front of
the field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
If you have chosen to work in a hybrid design environment, the geometrical elements created on the fly
via the contextual commands mentioned above are aggregated into sketch-based features.
You can define a specific depth for your pocket or set one of these options:
● up to next
● up to last
● up to plane
● up to surface
If you wish to use the Up to plane or Up to surface option, you can then define an offset between the
limit plane (or surface) and the bottom of the pocket. For more information, refer to Up to Surface Pad.
3. To define a specific depth, set the Type parameter to Dimension, and enter 30mm.
Alternatively, select LIM1 manipulator and drag it downwards to 30.
Clicking the icon opens the Sketcher. You can then edit the profile to modify your pocket. Once you
have done your modifications, you just need to quit the Sketcher. The Pocket dialog box reappears to
let you finish your design.
About Directions
By default, if you extrude a profile, the application extrudes normal to the plane used to create the
profile. To specify another direction, click the More button to display the whole Pocket Definition dialog
box, uncheck the Normal to profile option and select a new creation direction in the geometry.
● When copying and pasting a pocket using the As specified in Part document option (for more, see
Handling Parts in a Multi-Document Environment), note that if the extrusion direction used does not
belong to the same body as the pocket, this direction is not taken into account by the Copy and
Paste commands.
● If you extrude a surface (for example created in the Generative Shape Design workbench), you need
to select an element defining the direction because there is no default direction.
Limits
If you set the Up to Plane or Up to Surface option, contextual commands creating new planes or
surfaces you may need are then available from the Limit field:
● Create Plane: see Creating Planes
● XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limit.
● YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limit.
● ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limit.
● Create Join: joins surfaces or curves. See Joining Surfaces or Curves.
● Create Extrapol: extrapolates surface boundaries. See Extrapolating Surfaces.
If you create any of these elements, the

application then displays the
corresponding icon in front of the
Reference field.
Clicking this icon enables you to edit the

element.
If you have chosen to work in a hybrid design environment, the elements created on the fly via the
To know how to use the Thick option, refer to Creating Thin Solids.
4. Optionally click Preview to see the result. Click OK to create the pocket.
The specification tree indicates this creation. This is your pocket:
5. Double-click Pocket.1 to edit it. As the application lets you choose the portion of material to be
kept, you are going to remove all the material surrounding the initial profile.
The Reverse side option lets you choose between removing the material defined within the
profile, which is the application's default behavior, or the material surrounding the profile.
6. Click the Reverse side button or alternatively click the arrow as shown:
The arrow now indicates the opposite direction.
The application has removed the material around the profile.

A Few Notes About Pockets

● The application allows you to create pockets from open profiles provided existing geometry can trim the
pockets.
● If your insert a new body and create a pocket as the first feature of this body, the application creates
material:
● Pockets can also be created from sketches including several profiles. These profiles must not intersect. In
the following example, the initial sketch is made of eight profiles. Applying the Pocket command on this
sketch lets you create eight pockets:
● The Up to next limit is the first face the application detects while extruding the profile. This face must
stops the whole extrusion, not only a portion of it, and the hole goes thru material, as shown in the figure
below:
Preview Result
● When using the Up to Surface option, remember that if the selected surface partly stops the extrusion,
the application continues to extrude the profile until it meets a surface that can fully stop the operation.
Creating Multi-Pockets
This task shows you how to create a pocket feature from distinct profiles belonging to a same sketch and this,
using different length values. The multi-pocket capability lets you do this at one time. At the end of the task,
you will see how to edit the resulting multi- pocket.
● Creating a Multi-Pocket
● Editing a Multi-Pocket
❍ Adding an Extrusion Domain
❍ Deleting an Extrusion Domain
Creating a Multi-Pocket
1. Click the Multi-Pocket icon .
2. Select Sketch.4 that contains the profiles to be extruded. Note that all profiles must be closed and
must not intersect. In case a profile would be open, the application would not take it into account.
The Multi-Pocket Definition dialog box appears and the profiles are highlighted in green. For each of
them, you can drag associated manipulators to define the extrusion value.
The red arrow normal to the sketch indicates the proposed extrusion direction. To reverse it, you just
need to click it.
The Multi-Pocket Definition dialog box displays the number of domains to be removed. In our
example, the application has detected six domains, as indicated in the Domains section.
3. Select Extrusion domain.1 from the dialog box.
Extrusion domain.1 now appears in blue in the geometry area.
4. Specify the length by entering a value. For example, enter 10mm.
5. You need to repeat the operation for each extrusion domain by entering the value of your choice. For
example, select Extrusion domain.2 and Extrusion domain.6 and enter 30mm and 40mm
respectively.
For complex sketches, the Preview button proves to be quite useful.
6. Note that you can multi-select extrusion domains
from the list before defining a common length:
multi-select Extrusion domain.3, Extrusion
domain.4, and Extrusion domain.5, then enter
50 as the common length value.

7. Click More to expand the dialog box.
In the Second Limit field, you can specify a length value for the direction opposite to the direction
previously defined.
Note that the Thickness section displays the sum of two lengths defined for a given extrusion domain.
Unchecking the Normal to sketch option lets you specify a new extrusion direction. Just select the
geometry of your choice to use it as a reference.
8. Click OK to create the multi-pocket.
The multi-pocket (identified as Multi-Pocket.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

Editing the Multi-Pocket

The rest of the scenario shows you what happens when :
● Adding an Extrusion Domain
● Deleting an Extrusion Domain
Adding an Extrusion Domain
Example 1: the new profile is sketched outside existing extrusion domains
9. Double-click Sketch.4 to edit it: for example,
sketch a closed profile outside Extrusion
domain.1.
The Multi-Pocket Definition dialog box reappears.
The new extrusion domain Extrusion domain.7 is indicated.
13. Select it and define the value of your choice.
Multi-pocket.1 is now composed of seven pockets.

Example 2: the new profile is sketched inside an existing extrusion domain
15. Double-click Sketch.4 to edit it: for example, add
a closed profile inside Extrusion domain.2.
16. Quit the Sketcher. A warning message informs you
that the application has detected that the initial
geometry has been modified. Close the window.
17. Double-click MultiPocket.1. The Feature Definition Error window displays, providing the details of
the modification:
When sketching a profile inside an existing extrusion domain, the application deletes that existing
domain and replaces it with a new one. This is why the message window displays:
❍ 1 extrusion domain deleted (Extrusion domain.2)

❍ 2 extrusion domains created (Extrusion domain.8 and Extrusion domain.9, that replaces
Extrusion domain.2)
The Multi-Pocket Definition dialog box reappears. Extrusion domain.2 is no more displayed. On the
contrary, two new extrusion domains Extrusion domain.8m Extrusion domain.9 are indicated with
0mm as their default thickness.
19. Select Extrusion domain.8 and define 40mm as the length value.
20. Select Extrusion domain.9, that is the rectangle, and define 30mm as the length value.
Multi-pocket.1 is now composed of eight pockets.

Deleting an Extrusion Domain
21. Double-click Sketch.4 and delete Extrusion
Domain.5.
22. Quit the Sketcher.
The application has detected that the initial geometry has been modified:
23. To tackle the problem, you can:
❍ edit, deactivate or even delete MultiPocket1.

❍ or you can edit or delete Extrusion domain.5
Make sure that MultiPocket.1 is selected and click the Edit button. The Feature Definition Error
window displays, providing the details of the modification.

The Multi-Pocket Definition dialog box reappears. Only seven extrusion domains are indicated in the
Domains category.
The new multi-pocket feature is composed of seven pockets.

Creating Drafted Filleted Pockets

This task shows you how to create a pocket while drafting its faces and filleting its edges.
We recommend you the use of this command to speed up your design.
1. Select the profile to be extruded, that is Sketch.2.
2.
Click the Drafted Filleted Pocket icon .
The Drafted Filleted Pocket Definition dialog box appears and the application previews the pocket
to be created.
3. Enter 22 as the pocket depth value.

4. Selecting a second limit is mandatory. Select Pad1 top face as the second limit.
Your specifications for creating the pocket are now defined.

5. Let's go on with the draft definition. Enter 7 as the draft angle value.
Drafting faces is optional. If you do not wish to use this capability, just uncheck the Angle option.
6. Check the Second limit option to define the neutral element. So, note that the pad top face is also
used as the neutral element.
7. Enter 4 as the radius value to define the three fillets.
● Lateral radius: defines the fillets on vertical edges

● First limit radius: defines the round corner fillets
● Second limit radius: defines the filets on the edges of the second limit.
Filleting edges is optional too. If you do not wish to use this capability, just uncheck the options.
Clicking Preview previews the pocket, the draft and the fillets and display them in the specification
tree. If you have deactivated the draft or fillet options, the draft or the fillets are then displayed as
deactivated features in the tree, i.e. with red parentheses.
8. click Preview to check if the application can compute the fillets properly.
In the specification tree red parentheses appear on EdgeFillet.1,

meaning that it cannot be computed by the application. Looking more
closely at this fillet you can see that due to the shape of the initial sketch,
it is effectively impossible to compute that fillet.
Note that there is a priority in the order of appearance of the fillets (from top to bottom) in the
specification tree. The first fillet corresponds to the Lateral radius option in the dialog box, the
second fillet to the First limit radius option and the last fillet to the Second limit radius option.
9. Click OK to create the features.
If you look at the specification tree, you will note that you have created:
● one pocket
● one draft
● two fillets
This means that for edition purposes, you need to double-click the appropriate feature.
This is your new part:

Creating Thin Solids

When creating pads, pockets and stiffeners, you can add thickness to both sides of their profiles. The
resulting features are then called "thin solids".
This task shows you how to add thickness to a pad. The method described here is also valid for pockets. To
know how to obtain a thin solid from a stiffener, refer to the task Stiffener.
You can create thin solids using the Shaft and Groove capabilities.
Open the GettingStarted.CATPart document and quit the Sketcher.
2. Select Sketch.1 if not already done.
3. Check the Thick option.
This opens the whole Pad Definition dialog box. You can now define your thin pad using the options
available in the Thin Pad frame.
The options for creating thin solids are not available when you select a surface as the element to be
extruded. For more information, refer to Creating Pads or Pockets from Surfaces.
4. Enter 18mm as Thickness1 's value, and click
Preview to see the result. A thickness has
been added to the profile as it is extruded. The
profile is previewed in dotted line.

5. Enter 10mm as Thickness2 's value, and click
Preview to see the result. Material has been
added to the other side of the profile.
6. To add material equally to both sides of the
profile, check Neutral fiber and click Preview
to see the result.
The thickness you defined for Thickness 1 is
evenly distributed: a thickness of 9mm has
been added to each side of the profile.
This capability can be applied to several profiles contained in the same sketch.
Thin Pad options let you extrude profiles from networks
Using the Thin Pad options you can extrude profiles from networks.
Thickness 1 and Thickness 2 are defined.

Checking the Merge Ends option trims extrusions to
existing material.
Keep in mind that the creation order of the different

elements constituting the profile never affects the
resulting extrusion.
If you decide to use the options Up to Plane or Up to Surface, the Merge ends capability is not available.
How Extrusions are Trimmed
In the following example, the network goes beyond the edges of the part.
The application trims extrusions to the faces of the

Initial profile is made of two intersecting lines
pocket
Creating Shafts
This task illustrates how to create a shaft, that is a revolved feature, by using an open profile.
Open the Revolution.CATPart document and make sure that PartBody is set as current.
1. Select Sketch.2 as the open profile to be extruded.
An open profile (not even closed by the revolution axis) cannot be be used as the first feature in a
body.
About Profiles
● You can create shafts from sketches including several closed profiles. These profiles must not
intersect and they must be on the same side of the axis.
● Moreover, you can define whether you need the whole sketch, or sub-elements only. For more
information, refer to Using the Sub-elements of a Sketch.
● You can use open profiles in geometrical sets provided you create a thin solid.
● If needed, you can change the sketch by clicking the field and by selecting another sketch in the
geometry or in the specification tree.
● You can also use any of these creation contextual commands available from the Selection field:
Geometry.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front
of the field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
● If you have chosen to work in a hybrid design environment, the geometrical elements created on the
fly via the contextual commands mentioned above are aggregated into sketch-based features.
● But you can also edit your sketch by clicking the icon that opens the Sketcher. Once you have
done your modifications, the Shaft Definition dialog box reappears to let you finish your design.
● If you launch the Shaft command with no profile previously defined, just click the icon and
select a plane to access the Sketcher, then sketch the profile you need.
● You can use wireframe geometry as your profile and axes created with the Axis System capability.
About Axes
● When the selected sketch both contains a profile and an axis, the latter is selected by default as the
revolution axis. This is the case in our scenario.
● From V5R15 onwards, you can select an axis belonging to a plane distinct from the profile plane. Just
make sure that the axis does not intersect the profile.
● Contextual commands creating the directions you need are available from the Selection field:
❍ Create Line: see Creating Lines
❍ X Axis: the X axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the axis.
❍ Y Axis: the Y axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the axis.
❍ Z Axis: the Z axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the axis.
the Selection. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
2. Click the Shaft icon .

A message is issued warning you that the application cannot trim the feature and that you need
to change the specifications.
3. Click OK to close the warning message and display the Shaft Definition dialog box.
The application displays the name of the selected sketch in the Selection field from the Profile
frame. In our scenario, the profile and the axis belong to the same sketch. Consequently, you do
not have to select the axis.

Reverse Side
The Reverse Side button lets you choose between creating material between the axis and the
profile or between the profile and existing material. You can apply this option to open or closed
profiles.
4. In our scenario, as our open profile cannot be trimmed if we use the default direction, that is in
the direction of the axis, click the Reverse Side button or alternatively click the arrow pointing to
360 degrees so as to obtain this preview:
The extrusion will be done in the direction opposite to the axis and it will be trimmed to existing
material.
There are three ways of reversing the revolution direction:

❍ clicking the Reverse Direction button, or
❍ using the Reverse direction contextual command available on the arrow or
❍ just clicking the arrow.
The application previews limits LIM1 that corresponds to the first angle value, and LIM2 that
corresponds to the second angle value. The first angle value is by default 360 degrees.
5. Enter the values of your choice in the First angle and Second angle fields.
Make sure that the sum of the two angles is less than 360 degrees.
Alternatively, select the LIM1 or LIM2 manipulator and drag them onto the value of your choice.
The shaft is created. The specification tree
mentions it has been created.
You can create shafts by selecting a surface as illustrated

in this example:
Thin Solids
You can add thickness to both sides of the profile used to create the shaft.
In the example below, the shaft is created using the Thick Profile option. Checking this option opens the
whole Shaft Definition dialog box, which lets you then define Thickness 1 and Thickness 2. To
perform the scenario, use Sketch.6.
Initial profile Resulting shaft
The profile is previewed in dotted line.

Thickness has been added to both sides of
the profile.
Additional Options
● The Neutral Fiber option adds material equally to both sides of the profile. The thickness defined for
Thickness 1 is evenly distributed to each side of the profile.
● The Merge Ends option attaches the profile endpoints to adjacent geometry (axis or if possible to
existing material) as illustrated below:
Initial profile Resulting shaft
The profile has been attached to the axis.
Restrictions
● Using the Thick Profile option, you can create shafts from open profiles but you cannot use the
Merge End option.
● The Thin Shaft capability does not allow you to extrude networks.
Groove
Grooves are revolved features that remove material from existing features. This task shows you how to
create a groove, that is how to revolve a profile about an axis (or construction line).
Open the Revolution.CATPart document and set Body.1 as the current body.
1. Click the Groove icon .
2. Select Sketch.3 as the profile to be used.
The Groove Definition dialog box is displayed.
The application previews a groove entirely revolving about the axis.

The application displays the name of the selected sketch in the Selection field from the Profile frame.
About Axes
● the Selection field in the Axis frame is reserved for the axes you explicitly select. For the purposes
of our scenario, the profile and the axis belong to the same sketch. Consequently, you do not have
to select the axis.
❍ Create Line: see Creating Lines
❍ X Axis: the X axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the axis.
❍ Y Axis: the Y axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the axis.
❍ Z Axis: the Z axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the axis.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front of the
Selection. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
About Profiles
● You can create grooves from sketches including several closed profiles. These profiles must not
intersect and they must be on the same side of the axis.
● You can define whether you need the whole sketch, or sub-elements only. For more information,
refer to Using the Sub-elements of a Sketch.
● If needed, you can change the sketch by clicking the Selection field and by selecting another sketch
in the geometry or in the specification tree.
● You can also use any of these creation contextual commands available from the Selection field:
Geometry.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front of the
If you have chosen to work in a hybrid design environment, the geometrical elements created on the fly
via the contextual commands mentioned above are aggregated into sketch-based features.
● Clicking the icon opens the Sketcher. You can then edit the profile. Once you have done your
modifications, the Groove Definition dialog box reappears to let you finish your design.
● You can use wireframe geometry as your profile and axes created with the Axis System capability.
● If you launch the Groove command with no profile previously defined, just click the icon and
select a plane to access the Sketcher, then sketch the profile you need.
● An open profile (not even closed by the revolution axis) cannot be be used as the first feature in a
body.
The application previews the limits LIM1 and LIM2 of the groove to be created.
You can select these limits and drag them onto the desired value or enter angle values in the appropriate
fields. For our scenario, select LIM1 and drag it onto 100, then enter 60 in the Second angle field.
3. Optionally click Preview to see the result.
Just a portion of material is removed now.
4. Click the Reverse Direction button to inverse the revolution direction, or use the Reverse
direction contextual command available from the arrow.
As an alternative, click the arrow to obtain the direction as shown:
5. Click OK to confirm the operation.
The application removes material around the cylinder. The specification tree indicates the groove
has been created. This is your groove:

6. Double-click the groove to edit it. Now, you are going to remove the material surrounding the
profile.
7. Click the Reverse Side button or alternatively click the arrow in the geometry.
The Reverse Side option lets you choose between creating material between the axis and the
profile, which is the default direction, or between the profile and existing material. You can apply
this option to open or closed profiles.
8. Enter 360 as the first angle value and 0 as the second angle value. The application previews the
new groove.
The material surrounding the profile has been removed.
You can create grooves by selecting a surface as

illustrated in this example:
Thin Solids
You can add thickness to both sides of the profile to be used to create the groove.
In the example below, the groove is created using the Thick option. Checking this option opens the
whole Groove Definition dialog box, which lets you then define Thickness 1 and Thickness 2. To
perform the scenario, use Sketch.8.
Initial profile Resulting groove
The profile is previewed in dotted line. Thickness

has been added to both sides of the profile.
The Merge Ends option is used: the application

attaches the profile endpoints to adjacent geometry
(axis or if possible to existing material).
Additional Options
● The Neutral Fiber option adds material equally to both sides of the profile. The thickness defined for
Thickness 1 is evenly distributed to each side of the profile.
Restrictions
● The Thin Groove capability does not allow you to extrude networks.
● Using the Thick Profile option, you can create grooves from open profiles but you cannot use the
Merge End option.
Hole
Creating a hole consists in removing material from a body. Various shapes of standard holes can be created.
These holes are:
Simple Tapered Counterbored
Countersunk Counterdrilled
In this section, you will find information about the main parameters you need for creating a hole:
● Extensions
● Tolerancing Dimensions
● Hole Bottom
● Directions
● Threads
● Hole Types
This task illustrates how to create a countersunk hole while constraining its location.
To create a hole in Part Design, just open the Hole1.CATPart document. Otherwise, to create a hole in
the Functional Molded Part workbench, sketch a rectangle in the Sketcher workbench then return to the
workbench and create a shellable prism.
1. Click the Hole icon to create a hole in Part Design.
2. Select the circular edge and upper face as shown.
The application can now define one distance constraint to position the hole to be created. The
hole will be concentric to the circular edge.
The Hole Definition dialog box appears and the application previews the hole to be created. The
Sketcher grid is displayed to help you create the hole.
Clicking the icon opens the Sketcher. You can then constrain the point defining the hole position.
Once you have quit the Sketcher, the Hole Definition dialog box reappears to let you define the hole
feature. For more about locating holes, refer to Locating Holes.
Extensions
For the Hole Bottom
Whatever hole you choose, you need to specify the bottom limit you want. There is a variety of limits:
Blind Up to Next Up to Last

Up to Plane Up to Surface
By default, the application previews a blind hole whose diameter is 10mm and depth 10mm. Keep the
Blind option.
● Contextual creation commands are available on the BOTTOM text:

❍ Blind
❍ Up to next
❍ Up to last
❍ Up to plane
❍ Up to surface
❍ Flat bottom
❍ V bottom
● The Limit field is available if you set the Up to Plane or Up to Surface option.
● If you wish to use the Up to Plane or Up to Surface option , you can then define an offset between
the limit plane (or surface) and the bottom of the hole. For more information, refer to Up to Surface
Pad in the Part Design User's Guide.
● The Up to next limit is the first face the application detects while extruding the profile, but this face
must stops the whole extrusion, not only a portion of it, and the hole goes thru material.
Preview Result
For the Hole Top
The hole top is trimmed in two ways depending on whether the hole is created in a positive body or not.
● If you create a hole in a positive body, that is a body containing material, the application always
trims the top of the hole using the Up to Next option. In other words, the next face encountered by
the hole limits the hole.
In this example, the hole encounters a fillet placed above the face initially selected. The application
redefines the hole's top onto the fillet.
● If you create a hole in a negative body, that is a body containing no material or a body with a
negative feature as its first feature, the application always trims the top of the hole using the Up to
Plane option and the plane used is the sketch plane.
3. Now, define the hole you wish to create. Enter 24mm as the diameter value and 25mm as the
depth value.
Tolerancing Dimensions
You can define a tolerancing dimension for the hole diameter just by clicking the icon to the right
of the Diameter field. This capability displays the Limit of Size Definition dialog box that enables you
to choose one method among three for defining your tolerance:
● Checking the Numerical values option: uses the values you enter to define the Upper Limit and
optionally, the value of the Lower Limit field if you unchecked the Symmetric Lower Limit option.
● Checking the Tabulated values option: uses normative references.
● Checking the Single limit option: just enter a minimum or maximum value. The Delta/nominal
option lets you enter a value in relation to the nominal diameter value. For example, if the nominal
diameter value is 10 and if you enter 1, then the tolerance value will be 11.
The Options frame displays options directly linked to the standard used in the application. To know or
change that normative reference, select Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Functional
Tolerancing and Annotations, and in the Tolerancing tab enter the new standard in the Default
Standard at creation option.
For more information, refer to the 3D Tolerancing and Annotations User's Guide.
After you set a tolerancing dimension, the icon turns red: . Toleranced holes are identified by a
specific icon in the specification tree.
Note that this capability is not available for countersunk and tapered holes and that a 3D Functional
Tolerancing and Annotation license is required to be able to access this capability.
Hole Bottom
To define the shape of the hole's end, you can choose between three options:
● Flat: the hole is flat.
Even if the hole is of the 'up to surface' or 'up to plane' type, and even if an offset value is set from
the target trimming element, the flat shape is never trimmed. The resulting geometry is therefore fully
compliant with mechanical specifications.
Before Release 13 From Release 13
● V-Bottom: the hole is pointed. You just need to define how much it is pointed by specifying an angle
value.
Even if the hole is of the 'up to surface' or 'up to plane' type , and even if an offset value is set from
the target trimming element, the V-bottom shape is never trimmed. The resulting geometry is therefore
fully compliant with mechanical specifications.
● Trimmed: this option can be used if the limit chosen for the hole is of the 'Up to Next, 'Up to Last',
'Up to Plane' or 'Up to Surface' type. The plane or surface used as the limit, trims the hole's bottom.
Note that hole features created with application releases anterior to Release 13 inherit the Trimmed
option when necessary. In that case, a warning message is issued by the application.
Example of a Counterbored Hole With a V-bottom Trimmed by a Surface (Section View)
Example of a Counterbored Hole Trimmed by a Surface (Section View)

4. Set the Bottom option to V-Bottom to create a pointed hole and enter 110 in the Angle field to
define the bottom shape.

Directions
By default, the application creates the hole normal to the sketch face. But you can also define a creation
direction not normal to the face by unchecking the Normal to surface option and selecting an edge or a
line.
● Contextual commands creating the directions you need are available from the Direction field:
❍ Create Line: for more information, see Creating Lines
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the line or the plane icon in front of
the Direction field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
Threads
You can also define a threaded hole by clicking the Thread Definition tab and check the Threaded button
to access the parameters you need to define.
Hole Types
5. Click the Type tab to access the type of hole you wish to create.
If you choose to create a...
❍ Counterbored hole: the counterbore diameter must be greater than the hole diameter and
the hole depth must be greater than the counterbore depth.
❍ Countersunk hole: the countersink diameter must be greater than the hole diameter and
the countersink angle must be greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees.
❍ Counterdrilled hole: the counterdrill diameter must be greater than the hole diameter, the
hole depth must be greater than the counter drill depth and the counterdrill angle must be
greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees.
6. You are going to create a countersunk hole.
To create such a hole you need to choose
two parameters among the following options:
❍ Depth & Angle

❍ Depth & Diameter
❍ Angle & Diameter
Set the Angle & Diameter parameters in
the Mode field.
You will notice that the glyph assists you in
defining the desired hole.
7. Enter 80 degrees in the Angle field.
The preview lets you see the new angle.
8. Enter 35 mm in the Diameter field.
The preview lets you see the new diameter.
9. Click OK.
The hole is created. The specification tree indicates this creation. You will notice that the sketch
used to create the hole also appears under the hole's name. This sketch consists of the point at
the center of the hole.
If working in the Functional Molded Part workbench, Hole.X is added to the specification tree in
the FunctionalBody.X node. By default, as a protected feature, holes are in no show mode. To
see the red protected area you have just created, set the Show mode.
Locating Holes
This task shows how to constrain the location of the hole to be created without using the Sketcher
workbench`s tools.
To perform the scenario in Part Design, just open the Hole1.CATPart document. Otherwise, to perform
the scenario in the Functional Molded Part workbench, sketch a rectangle in the Sketcher workbench
then return to the workbench, and then create a shellable prism.
1. Multi-select both edges as shown and the upper face which is the face on which you wish to
position the hole.
2. Click the Hole icon .

The preview displays two constraints defining the distances between the hole's center and the
edges.
3. Define the parameters in the dialog box to create the desired hole (see Creating Holes).
The application previews the constraints you are creating.
4. To access the constraint values, double-click the constraint of interest. This displays the
Constraint Definition dialog box in which you can edit the value.
5. Click OK to create the hole.
The application positions the hole using constraints.

The alternative way of accessing the constraints consists in double-clicking the sketch in the specification
tree to enter the Sketcher workbench. You can then edit the constraints if you wish to reposition the
hole.
Remember That...
● The area you click determines the location of the hole, but you can drag the hole onto desired location
during creation using the left mouse button. If the grid display option is activated, you can use its
properties.
● Selecting a circular face makes the hole concentric with this face. However, the application creates no
concentricity constraint.
● Multi-selecting a circular edge and a face makes the hole concentric to the circular edge. In this case, the
application creates a concentricity constraint.
● Remember that the Sketcher workbench provides commands to constrain the point used for locating the
hole. See Setting Constraints in the Part Design User's Guide.
● Selecting a line and a face positions the hole along the line.
● Editing the line modifies the hole accordingly.
● Selecting an edge and a face allows the application to create one distance constraint. While creating the
hole, you can double-click this constraint to edit its value.
Creating Threaded Holes

The Thread capability removes material surrounding the hole. To define a thread, you can enter the values of
your choice, but you can use standard values or personal values available in files too.
This task shows you how to create a threaded hole using values previously defined in a file.
Open the Hole1.CATPart document to create a threaded hole in the Part Design workbench. Otherwise, to
perform this scenario in the Functional Molded Part workbench, sketch a rectangle in the Sketcher
workbench then return to the Functional Molded Part workbench and create a shellable prism.
1. Click the Hole icon if you wish to create a hole in Part Design.
2. Select the face on which you wish to create the hole.
3. In the Hole Definition dialog box that displays, define the hole shape and enter the parameters
of your choice. For more information, refer to Creating Holes.
4. Click the Thread tab.
5. Check Threaded to access the thread definition options.

In the Type field, you can choose among three different thread types:
❍ No Standard: uses values entered by the user
❍ Metric Thin Pitch: uses ISO standard values
❍ Metric Thick Pitch: uses ISO standard values
In addition to these three types, you can add your personal standards as described in Reusing
Values Already Defined in a File
● Metric Thin Pitch: ISO standard
Refer to ( ISO 965-2 ). The application uses the minimum standard values.
Nominaldiam Pitch Minordiam
8.0 1.0 6.917

10.0 1.0 8.917
10.0 1.25 8.647
12.0 1.25 10.647
12.0 1.5 10.376
14.0 1.5 12.376
16.0 1.5 14.376
18.0 1.5 16.376
18.0 2.0 15.835
20.0 1.5 18.376
22.0 1.5 20.376
22.0 2.0 19.835
24.0 2.0 21.835
27.0 2.0 24.835
30.0 2.0 27.835
33.0 2.0 30.835
36.0 3.0 32.752
39.0 3.0 35.752
42.0 3.0 38.752
45.0 3.0 41.752
48.0 3.0 44.752
52.0 4.0 47.67
56.0 4.0 51.67
60.0 4.0 55.67
64.0 4.0 59.67
● Metric Thick Pitch: ISO standard
Refer to ( ISO 965-2 ). The application uses the minimum standard values.
1 0.25 0.729
1.2 0.25 0.929
1.4 0.3 1.075
1.6 0.35 1.221
1.8 0.35 1.421
2.0 0.4 1.567
2.5 0.45 2.013
3.0 0.5 2.459
3.5 0.6 2.850
4.0 0.7 3.242
5.0 0.8 4.134
6.0 1.0 4.917
7.0 1.0 5.917
8.0 1.25 6.647
10.0 1.5 8.376
12.0 1.75 10.106
14.0 2.0 11.835
16.0 2.0 13.835
18.0 2.5 15.294
20.0 2.5 17.294
22.0 2.5 19.294
24.0 3.0 20.752
27.0 3.0 23.752
30.0 3.5 26.211
33.0 3.5 29.211
36.0 4.0 31.670
39.0 4.0 34.670
42.0 4.5 37.129
45.0 4.5 40.129
48.0 5.0 42.587
52.0 5.0 46.587
56.0 5.5 50.046
60.0 5.5 54.046
64.0 6.0 57.505
● No Standard
If you keep the No Standard option, the field available below is Thread Diameter. You just need to
enter the values you need in this field as well as in the fields below.
The Edit formula... contextual command is available from the Thread Diameter field, meaning that
you can define formulas for managing diameters values.
● Reusing Values Already Defined in a File
There are two ways of accessing values listed in a file: either by navigating to the file of interest or by
making this data available prior to launching the Hole command. For more, see the file is already
available.
By navigating to the file you need
1. Simply click Add to access this file.
A dialog box displays, in which you can navigate to reach the file containing your own values.
This file may be of one of the following types:
❍ Microsoft Excel files (general format)
❍ Lotus files
❍ tabulated files (in Unix environment)
The file types supported are the same as those used for design tables.
The values defined in your file will apply specifically to the part of your CATPart document, not to
other documents.
2. Navigate to StandardGaz.txt file and click Open to get the values it contains.
The Hole Definition dialog box reappears. Your file looks like this:
The file was created as follows:
Nominal diameter Pitch Minor Diameter Key
❍ The first row contains no numerical values

❍ the other rows below are reserved for numerical values, except for the last column which
contains descriptions very often represented by letters.
❍ the mandatory items are keys that define the names associated with the values.
Moreover, the name of the standard is the same as the name of the file without the extension.
You should remember these recommendations for creating your own personal files.
3. Set the Type option to StandardGaz.
4. In the Thread Description field, set G7/8.
The Edit formula... contextual command is now available from the Thread Description field,
meaning that you can define formulas for managing diameters values.
You can note that the values associated with the G7/8 key (see the contents of the StandardGaz
file) appear in the Hole Diameter field as well as the Pitch field (distance between each crest) are
provided in the corresponding fields.
You cannot edit these fields.

By selecting the file from the Type list: the file is already available
This behavior is made possible only if the administrator has performed these operations:
● The administrator first needs to locate in a directory the source files used for the standards. For
example, he can select E:/user/standard as the directory containing the StandardGaz.txt file.
● Then, he has to concatenate this path with the official path in the CATReffilesPath environment
variable as follows: The result is the following: whenever the Hole command is launched, the
application identifies all standards provided by the administrator. The user does no need to navigate
to the file any longer.
Using the Remove function, you cannot remove standard files defined by the administrator.
10. If necessary, edit the thread depth then the hole depth if you need to modify the value you had
previously set in the Extension tab. This value must not exceed the thread diameter value.
11. Check the Left-Threaded option.
12. Click OK to confirm your operation and close the Hole Definition dialog box.
The application displays the hole in the geometry area but not the thread. Note also that an icon
specific to this feature is displayed in the specification tree.
A Few Words About Removing Files

The Remove button removes files containing user-defined values. You cannot remove files containing
standard values.
Clicking the Remove button displays the list of user-defined files. You then just need to select or multi-
select (using ctrl key) the files and click OK to confirm the operation.
Note also that you cannot remove a standard file if it is used for a hole created in the CATPart document.
Creating Ribs
This task shows you how to create a rib, that is how to sweep a profile along a center curve to create material.
To define a rib, you need a center curve, a planar profile and possibly a reference element or a pulling direction. You can
combine the different elements as follows:
Closed Profile Open Profile
(Thick Profile option, no

existing material)
Open Center
Curve
(Existing material)
(Thick Profile option,

existing material)
Closed Planar
Center Curve
(Thick Profile option, no existing material)
Closed 3D Center
Curve
(Thick Profile option)

Center Curves
Moreover, before using center curves, the following rules should be kept in mind:
● 3D center curves must be continuous in tangency

● If the center curve is planar, it can be discontinuous in tangency.
● center curves must not be composed of several geometric elements
Open the Rib.CATPart document.
1. Click the Rib icon .

The Rib Definition dialog box is displayed.
2. Select the profile you wish to sweep, i.e. Sketch.2 . Your profile has been designed in a plane normal to the plane
used to define the center curve. It is a closed profile.

About Profiles
● In some cases, you can define whether you need the whole sketch, or sub-elements only. For more information, refer to
Using the Sub-elements of a Sketch.
● Clicking the icon opens the Sketcher . You can then edit the profile. Once you have done your modifications, you just
need to quit the Sketcher. The Rib Definition dialog box then reappears to let you finish your design.
● If you launch the Rib command with no profile previously defined, just click the icon to access the Sketcher and
then sketch the profile you need.
● You can also create your profile by using any of these creation contextual commands available from the Profile field:
❍ Create Sketch: launches the Sketcher after selecting any plane, and lets you sketch the profile you need as
explained in the Sketcher User's Guide.
❍ Create Extract: generates separate elements from non-connex sub-elements. See Extracting Geometry.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front of the field. Clicking this
icon enables you to edit the element.
If you have chosen to work in a hybrid design environment, the elements created on the fly via the contextual commands
mentioned above are aggregated into sketch-based features.
● You can use an open profile provided existing material can trim the rib. For more information, refer to Trimming Ribs or
Slots.
● Ribs can also be created from sketches including several profiles. These profiles must be closed and must not
intersect. For example, you can easily obtain a pipe by using a sketch composed of two concentric circles:
Profiles Result
3. Select the center curve, i.e. Sketch.1.
The center curve is open. To create a rib you can use open profiles and closed center curves too. 3D Center curves
must not be discontinuous in tangency.
You can also use planar wireframe geometry as your profile or center curve.
The application now previews the rib to be created.

Clicking the icon opens the Sketcher to let you edit the center curve. Once you have done your modifications, you just
need to quit the Sketcher. The Rib Definition dialog box then reappears to let you finish your design.
Profile Control
You can control its position by choosing one of the following options:
● Keep angle: keeps the angle value between the sketch plane used for the profile and the tangent of the center curve.
● Pulling direction: sweeps the profile with respect to a specified direction. To define this direction, you can select a plane or
an edge. For example, you need to use this option if your center curve is a helix. In this case, you will select the helix axis
as the pulling direction.
● Reference surface: the angle value between axis h and the reference surface is constant.
❍ Create Line: For more information, see Creating Lines.
❍ Create Plane: see Creating Planes.
❍ Create Extrapol: extrapolates surface boundaries or curves. See Extrapolating Surfaces and Extrapolating Curves.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front of the Selection field.
If you have chosen to work in a hybrid design environment, the elements created on the fly via the contextual commands
mentioned above are aggregated into sketch-based features.
4. To go on with our scenario, let's maintain the Keep angle option. Remember, the angle value is 90 degrees.
5. Click OK.
The rib is created. The specification tree mentions this creation.
The Merge rib's ends option is to be used in specific cases. It create materials between the ends of the rib and existing
material provided that existing material trims both ends. For an example, refer to Trimming Ribs or Slots.
7. Delete this rib to create another one by using the Pulling direction option. After setting this option, select plane xy
to define z axis as the pulling direction. The plane used to define the profile will remain normal to plane xy.
The preview looks like this:

And the rib like this:
8. Delete this rib to create another rib by using the Reference surface option. First, display the loft in the Show space,
then set the Reference surface option and select the loft as the reference surface. The angle value between h axis
and the surface equals 0. It remains constant.
The preview looks like this:

And the rib like this:
Thin Solids
9. Check the Thick Profile option to add thickness
to both sides of Sketch.2. New options are then
available:
10. Enter 2mm as Thickness1's value, and 5mm as Thickness2's value, then preview the result.
Material is added to each side of the profile.
Checking the Merge Ends option trims the rib to exiting material. For more information, refer to Trimming Ribs.
10. To add material equally to both sides of the profile, check Neutral fiber and preview the result.
The thickness you defined for Thickness1 (2mm) is now evenly distributed: a thickness of 1mm has been added to
each side of the profile.
11. Click OK to create the rib.
The rib looks like this:
A Few Words about the Keep Angle Option

The position of the profile in relation to the center curve determines the shape of the resulting rib. When sweeping the
profile, the application keeps the initial position of the profile in relation to the nearest point of the center curve. The
application computes the rib from the position of the profile.
In the example below, the application computes the intersection point between the plane of the profile and the center curve,
then sweeps the profile from this position.
Trimming Ribs or Slots
This page illustrates two different cases of ribs obtained from open profiles, then the use of the Merge
rib's ends and Merge Ends options available in the Rib Definition dialog box.
● Open Profiles Trimmed by Existing Material
Initial Profile (in black) and Center Curve (in Resulting Rib
red)
The rib is obtained just by extending its open
profile onto existing material.
● Open Profiles with No Trimming Material
If the rib cannot be trimmed by existing material, the

only way of obtaining a rib is by using the Thick
Profile option:
To create this, thickness has been added to each side

of the profile
Resulting Rib
● Merge rib's ends Option
The Merge rib'ends option extends and trims the center curve to existing material. Each extremity of
the rib is then trimmed to existing material. The example below clearly shows how the blue rib is
trimmed.
Without using the Merge rib's ends option Using the Merge rib's ends option
● Merge Ends Option
The Merge Ends option is to be used for thin ribs (or

slots). It trims a set of profiles to themselves while
trimming them to existing material too.
If you consider this initial sketch composed of two

curves :
Without using the Merge Ends option, you obtain

this result:
Using the Merge Ends option, you obtain this result:

Creating Slots
This task shows you how to create a slot, that is how to sweep a profile along a center curve to remove
material.
To define a slot, you need a center curve, a planar profile, a reference element and optionally a pulling
direction.
To create slots you can combine the different elements as follows:
Closed Profile Open Profile
Open Center Curve
(Thick Profile Option)
Closed Planar Center

Curve
Closed 3D Center Curve

(Thick Profile Option)
Center Curves
Moreover, the following rules should be kept in mind:
● 3D center curves must be continuous in tangency.

● if the center curve is planar, it can be discontinuous in tangency.
● center curves must not be composed of several geometric elements
Open the Slot.CATPart document.

1. Click the Slot icon .

The Slot Definition dialog box is displayed.
2. Select the profile, i.e. Sketch.2.
The profile has been designed in a plane normal to the plane used to define the center curve. It is
closed.
About Profiles
● You can use wireframe geometry as your profile too.
● In some cases, you need to define whether you need the whole sketch, or sub-elements only. For
more information, refer to Using the Sub-elements of a Sketch.
● Slots can also be created from sketches including several profiles. These profiles must be closed and
must not intersect.
● If you launch the Slot command with no profile previously defined, just click the icon to access
the Sketcher and then sketch the profile you need.
● You can also create your profile by using any of these creation contextual commands available from
the Profile field:
Geometry.
the Selection field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
● You can use an open profile provided existing material can trim the slot. For more information, refer
to Trimming Ribs or Slots.
3. Click the icon to open the Sketcher. This temporarily closes the dialog box.
4. Edit the profile. For example, enlarge it.
5. Quit the Sketcher.
The Slot Definition dialog box reappears.
Profile Control
You can control the profile position by choosing one of the following options:
● Keep angle: keeps the angle value between the sketch plane used for the profile and the tangent of
the center curve.
● Pulling direction: sweeps the profile with respect to a specified direction. For example, you need to
use this option if your center curve is a helix. In this case, you will select the helix axis as the pulling
direction.
● Reference surface: the angle value between axis h and the reference surface is constant.
❍ Create Line: For more information, see Creating Lines
6. To go on with our scenario, let's maintain the Keep angle option. Now, select the center curve
along which the application will sweep the profile.
The center curve is open. To create a slot you can use open profiles and closed center curves too.
Center curves can be discontinuous in tangency.
The application previews the slot.
● Clicking the icon opens the Sketcher to let you edit the center curve.
● The Merge slot's ends option is to be used in specific cases. It lets the application create material
between the ends of the slot and existing material. For an example, refer to Trimming Ribs or Slots.
7. Check the Thick Profile option to add thickness to both sides of Sketch.2.
New options are then available:
8. Enter 2mm as Thickness1 's value, and 5mm as Thickness2 's value, then preview the result.
Material is added to each side of the profile.
Checking the Merge Ends option trims the slot to existing material. For an example, refer to
Trimming Ribs or Slots.
9. To add material equally to both sides of the profile, check Neutral fiber and preview the result.
The thickness you defined forThickness1 (2mm) is now evenly distributed: a thickness of 1mm
has been added to each side of the profile.
10. Click OK.
The slot is created. The specification tree indicates this creation.

Creating Stiffeners
This task shows you how to create a stiffener by specifying creation directions.
Open the Stiffener.CATPart document.
1. Select the profile to be extruded, that is Sketch.6 (located in the Part Body entity).
This open profile has been created in a plane normal to the face on which the stiffener will lie.
About Profiles
● You can use wireframe geometry as your profile.
● In some cases, you can define whether you need the whole profile, or sub-elements only. For more
information, refer to Using the Sub-elements of a Sketch.
● Clicking the icon opens the Sketcher. You can then edit the profile. Once you have done your
modifications, the Stiffener Definition dialog box reappears to let you finish your design.
● You can also create your profile by using any of these creation contextual commands available from
the Selection field:
Geometry.
● If you click the Selection field and select another sketch, the application immediately creates the
stiffener.
● Clicking the icon opens the Sketcher. You can then edit the profile to modify your stiffener.
Once you have done your modifications, you just need to quit the Sketcher. The dialog box is closed
and the icon is activated.

● If you have chosen to work in a hybrid design environment, the elements created on the fly via the
If you need to use an open profile, make sure that existing material can fully limit the extrusion of this
profile
2. Click the Stiffener icon .

The Stiffener Definition dialog box is displayed.
Two creation modes are available:
❍ From side: the extrusion is performed in the profile's plane and the thickness is added
normal to the plane.
❍ From top: the extrusion is performed normal to the profile's plane and the thickness is added
in the profile's plane.
From side is the default option. The application previews a stiffener which thickness is equal to
10mm. The extrusion will be made in three directions, two of which are opposite directions.
Arrows point in these directions.

3. Uncheck the Neutral Fiber option.
The extrusion will be made in two directions only. To obtain the directions you need, you can also
click the arrows. Note that you can access contextual menu items on these arrows. These
commands are the same as those available in the dialog box.
4. Check the Neutral Fiber option again.
This option adds material equally to both sides of the profile.

5. Enter 12 as the thickness value.
This thickness is now evenly distributed: a thickness of 6mm is added to each side of the profile.
6. Click OK.
The stiffener is created. The specification tree indicates it has been created.
"From Top" Stiffeners

The From top option lets you create stiffeners from a network as illustrated below. You can, if you wish,
create this stiffener by working on Body.2. Prior to doing so, ensure that Sketch.8 is the current
object).
Figure 1: Sketch.8 includes several lines.

Figure 2: With the From top option on, the extrusion is performed normal to the profile's plane and the
thickness is added in the profile's plane. Note also that the resulting stiffener is always trimmed to
existing material.
There are two ways of defining the thickness.
● The Neutral fiber option adds the same thickness to both sides of the profile. You just need to
specify the value of your choice in Thickness 1 field and this thickness is evenly added to each side
of the profile.
● Conversely, if you wish to add different thicknesses on both sides of the profile, just uncheck the
Neutral fiber option and then specify the value of your choice in Thickness 2 field.
The creation of "from top" stiffeners is never done with respect to the creation order of the profile.
Whatever the creation order of Line.1, Line.2 and Line.3....
....the stiffener looks like this:

Creating Multi-sections Solids

This task shows how to create a multi-sections solid.
You can generate it by sweeping one or more planar section curves along a computed or user-defined
spine. The feature can be made to respect one or more guide curves. The resulting feature is a closed
volume.
Open the Multi-sections.CATPart document.
1. Click the Multi-sections Solid icon .

The Multi-sections Solid Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select the three section curves as shown:
They are highlighted in the geometry area.

The Multi-sections Solid capability assumes that the section curves to be used do not intersect.
In P1 mode, you can select two sections only.
3. Click Preview to get an idea of the feature to be created.
You can note that by default, tangency discontinuity points are coupled:
Smooth Parameters
In the Smooth parameters section, you can check:
❍ the Angular Correction option to smooth the lofting motion along the reference guide
curves. This may be necessary when small discontinuities are detected with regards to the
spine tangency or the reference guide curves' normal. The smoothing is done for any
discontinuity which angular deviation is smaller than 0.5 degree, and therefore helps
generating better quality for the resulting multi-sections solid.
❍ the Deviation option to smooth the lofting motion by deviating from the guide curves.
If you are using both Angular Correction and Deviation parameters, it is not guaranteed that
the spine plane be kept within the given tolerance area. The spine may first be approximated
within this deviation tolerance, then each moving plane may rotate within the angular correction
tolerance.
Spine
In the Spine tab page, you can select the Spine check box to use a spine that is automatically
computed or select a curve to impose that curve as the spine.
Note that:
❍ It is strongly recommended that the spine curve be normal to each section plane and must be
continuous in tangency. Otherwise, it may lead to an unpredictable shape.
❍ If the plane normal to the spine intersects one of the guide curves at different points, it is
advised to use the closest point to the spine point for coupling.
❍ If the spine is automatically computed spine and one or two guide curves are selected: the
multi-sections solid is limited by the guide extremities. If there are more than two guide
curves, the spine stops at a point corresponding to the barycenter of the guide extremities. In
any case the tangent to the spine extremity is the mean tangent to the guide extremities.
Coupling
Several coupling types are available in the Coupling tab:
❍ Ratio: the curves are coupled according to the curvilinear abscissa ratio.
❍ Tangency: the curves are coupled according to their tangency discontinuity points. If they do
not have the same number of points, they cannot be coupled using this option.
❍ Tangency then curvature: the curves are coupled according to their curvature discontinuity
points. If they do not have the same number of points, they cannot be coupled using this
option.
❍ Vertices: the curves are coupled according to their vertices. If they do not have the same
number of vertices, they cannot be coupled using this option.
Guides
4. For the purpose of our scenario, you are going to use guide curves. Click the Guide field and
select the four joins. The curves to be used must be joined.
It is possible to edit the multi-sections solid reference elements by first selecting a curve in the
dialog box list then choosing a button to either:
❍ Remove the selected curve

❍ Replace the selected curve by another curve.
❍ Add another curve.
By default, the application computes a spine, but if you wish to impose a curve as the spine to be
used, you just need to click the Spine tab then the Spine field and select the spine of your
choice in the geometry.
Relimitation
The Relimitation tab lets you specify the feature relimitation type.
You can choose to limit the multi-sections solid only on the start section, only on the end section,
on both, or on none.
❍ when one or both are checked: the multi-sections solid is limited to corresponding section
❍ when one or both are when unchecked: the multi-sections solid is swept along the spine:
❍ if the spine is a user spine, the multi-sections solid is limited by the spine
extremities or by the first guide extremity met along that spine.
❍ if the spine is an automatically computed spine, and no guide is selected: the
feature is limited by the start and end sections
❍ if the spine is an automatically computed spine, and guides are selected, the
feature is limited by the guides extremities
5. Click OK to create the volume.
The feature (identified as Multi-sections Solid.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

Creating Removed Multi-sections Solids
This task shows how to remove a multi-sections solid.
The Removed Multi-sections Solid capability generates lofted material solid by sweeping one or
several planar section curves along a computed or user-defined spine then removes this material. The
material can be made to respect one or more guide curves.
Open the RemovedMulti-sections.CATPart document.
1. Click the Removed Multi-sections Solid icon .

The Removed Multi-sections Solid Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select both section curves as shown Sketch.3 and Sketch.4:

In P1 mode, you can select two sections only.
3. Select Closing Point 2 as shown on Section 2 to redefine the closing point.
4. Click Closing Point 2 arrow to reverse the direction.

It is possible to edit the feature reference elements by first selecting a curve in the dialog box
list then choosing a button to either:
❍ Remove the selected curve

❍ Replace the selected curve by another curve.
❍ Add another curve.
By default, the application computes a spine, but if you wish to impose a curve as the spine to
be used, you just need to click the Spine tab then the Spine field and select the spine of your
choice in the geometry.
Spine
In the Spine tab page, you can select the Spine check box to use a spine that is automatically
computed or select a curve to impose that curve as the spine.
Note that:
❍ It is strongly recommended that the spine curve be normal to each section plane and must
be continuous in tangency. Otherwise, it may lead to an unpredictable shape.
❍ If the plane normal to the spine intersects one of the guide curves at different points, it is
advised to use the closest point to the spine point for coupling.
❍ If the spine is automatically computed spine and one or two guide curves are selected: the
multi-sections solid is limited by the guide extremities. If there are more than two guide
curves, the spine stops at a point corresponding to the barycenter of the guide extremities.
In any case the tangent to the spine extremity is the mean tangent to the guide extremities.
Coupling
Several coupling types are available in the Coupling tab:
❍ Ratio: the curves are coupled according to the curvilinear abscissa ratio.
❍ Tangency: the curves are coupled according to their tangency discontinuity points. If they
do not have the same number of points, they cannot be coupled using this option.
❍ Tangency then curvature: the curves are coupled according to their curvature
discontinuity points. If they do not have the same number of points, they cannot be coupled
using this option.
❍ Vertices: the curves are coupled according to their vertices. If they do not have the same
number of vertices, they cannot be coupled using this option.
Relimitation
The Relimitation tab lets you specify the removed multi-sections solid relimitation type. You
can choose to limit the feature only on the Start section, only on the End section, on both, or
on none.
❍ when one or both are checked: the feature is limited to corresponding section
❍ when one or both are when unchecked: the feature is swept along the spine:
■ if the spine is a user spine, the feature is limited by the spine extremities
■ if the spine is an automatically computed spine, and no guide is selected: the feature is
limited by the start and end sections
■ if the spine is an automatically computed spine, and guides are selected, the feature is
limited by the guides extremities.
Smooth Parameters
In the Smooth parameters section, you can check:
❍ the Angular Correction option to smooth the lofting motion along the reference guide
curves. This may be necessary when small discontinuities are detected with regards to the
spine tangency or the reference guide curves' normal. The smoothing is done for any
discontinuity which angular deviation is smaller than 0.5 degree, and therefore helps
generating better quality for the resulting multi-sections solid.
❍ the Deviation option to smooth the lofting motion by deviating from the guide curves.
If you are using both Angular Correction and Deviation parameters, it is not guaranteed that
the spine plane be kept within the given tolerance area. The spine may first be approximated
within this deviation tolerance, then each moving plane may rotate within the angular correction
tolerance.
5. Click OK to create the removed multi-sections solid.
The feature (identified as Multi-sections Solid.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

Creating Solid Combines
This task shows you how to create a solid combine, that is a solid resulting from the intersection of two
or more extruded profiles.
Open the Solid_Combine.CATPart document.
1. Click the Solid Combine icon .

The Combine Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select Sketch.1 as the first component to be extruded.
Sketches must contain closed profiles. Note that if you launch the Solid Combine command with
no profile previously defined, just access the Sketcher by clicking the icon available in the
dialog box and sketch the profile you need.
Components
The components you can select are:
● Sketches
● Surfaces
● Sketches sub-elements: for this, use the Go to Profile definition contextual command. (for more
information, refer to Using the Sub-elements of a Sketch)
● 3D planar curves
● A sketch containing more than one domains cannot be selected for creating solid combine features.
● A sketch containing closed mono-domain or a single domain of multi-domain sketch (using go to
profile command) should be used to create Solid combine features.
● If needed, you can change the component by clicking the Profile field and by selecting another
sketch in the geometry or in the specification tree.
● You can also use any of these creation contextual commands available from the Profile field:
Geometry.
3. Select Sketch.2 as the second component to be extruded. This sketch contains only one profile,
namely a rectangle.
The Solid Combine capability computes the intersection between the profiles virtually extruded.
By default, each component is extruded in a plane normal to its sketch plane. The application
previews the result as soon as the second component has been selected.
Extrusion Directions
There are two types of directions you can specify to compute the intersection. For the first and the
second components, you can choose:
● The Normal to profile option: this is the default option

● Another direction indicated by a geometrical element you select.
4. For the purposes of our scenario, uncheck the Normal to profile option for the first component
and select the line created in Sketch.3 to indicate the extrusion direction.
5. Click OK to confirm and create the solid combine feature.
The new element (identified as Combine.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

How Sketches are Located in the Specification

Tree (Hybrid Design)
Up to Part Design Version 5 release 14 the sketches used for creating sketch-based features were
located directly below the features in the specification tree. Now, to improve the visibility of your design
process this behavior has changed: depending on how sketches are created, sketch entities are not
necessarily displayed below the features they support.
This page covers the following topics:
● Sketch Entities Aggregated by Sketch-based Features
● Sketch Entities Referenced by Sketch-based Features
● Specific Cases: Ribs, Slots and Solid Combines
● Specific Cases: Multi-section Solids
● Specific Cases: Power Copies and User-Defined Features
● Reordering Sketch Locations
Sketch Entities Aggregated by Sketch-based Features

The sketches used for creating sketch-based features are aggregated by, or to put it in another way,
located just below those features in the tree when:
● You are working in a hybrid design environment.
● You are using a sketch created prior to the feature

● The sketch is not already aggregated by another feature
Sketch Entities Referenced by Sketch-based Features

● Sketches are referenced by sketch-based features when these sketches are already aggregated by
previous features. In the example below, Pad.4 references Sketch.6 which is already use to create
Pad.3.
● Sketches are referenced by sketch-based features if these sketches are not directly located above the
node of the features you are creating. In the example below, Pad 4 created using Sketch.7 because
an intermediary feature, Draft.1 was created after the sketch.
Specific Cases: Ribs, Slots and Solid Combines

Ribs, slots and solid combines require the use of two sketches at least.
● If these sketches are successively located in the specification tree,
then, ribs, slots or solid combines created from

like this...
them aggregate them:
otherwise, each sketch is located according to the rules mentioned in the two previous paragraphs.
For example, you will obtain this:
Specific Cases: Multi-section Solids

Sketches used for creating multi-section solids are always located below multi-section solids entities in
the specification tree. Their locations are not affected by the design environment you choose.
Specific Cases: Power Copies and User Features

When selecting a sketch-based feature to define a Power copy or a User Feature, remember that:
● if the sketch is aggregated (placed just below the feature in the specification tree), that sketch is
included in the selection as shown under Inputs of components.
● otherwise, if the sketch is referenced, it is not therefore included in the definition of the power copy
or user feature. If you need to include it because it will be requested at instantiation, do select it.
Reordering Sketch Locations

The rules mentioned above apply when you are creating sketch-based features. But when you are editing
those features, at any time, you can modify the location of a sketch by using the Reorder capability.
This capability moves and repositions sketches at the location of your choice, provided that the location
you choose does not affect the integrity of your part. The application provides a quick help for that. For
more information, refer to Reordering Features and Reordering Sketch-Based Features.
Dress-Up Features
Dressing up features is done by applying commands to one or more supports. The application provides a large
number of possibilities to achieve the features meeting your needs. The application lets you create the
following dress-up features:
Create an Edge Fillet: Click this icon, select the edge to be filleted, enter the radius value and set
the propagation mode in the dialog box.
Create a Variable Radius Fillet: Click this icon, select the edge to be filleted, enter new radius
values for both of the detected vertices, click as many points as you wish on the edge and enter
appropriate radius values for each of them. If needed, define a new variation mode.
Create a Variable Radius Fillet Using a Spine: Click this icon, select the edges to be filleted, enter
an angle value for both vertices at the corner, check the Circle Fillet option and select the spine.
Reshaping Corners: click the More button in the Edge Fillet or in the Variable Radius Fillet dialog
box, click the Blend corners button to detect the corner to reshape.
Create a Face-Face Fillet: Click this icon, select the faces to be filleted and enter the radius value
in the dialog box.
Create a Tritangent Fillet: Click this icon, select the faces to be filleted then the face to be
removed.
Create a Chamfer: Click this icon, select the edge to be chamfered, set the creation mode then
define the parameters you have set.
Create a Basic Draft : Click this icon, set the Selection by neutral face selection mode or select
the face to be drafted, then enter the required parameters.
Create a Draft with a Parting Element: Click this icon, set the Selection by neutral face selection
mode or select the face to be drafted, expand the dialog box then enter the required parameters.
Create an Advanced Draft: Click this icon, specify the type of operation you wish to perform, then
define the parameters you have set.
Create a Variable Angle Draft: Click this icon, select the face to be drafted, click as many points as
you wish and then enter the required parameters.
Create a Draft from Reflect Lines: Click this icon, select the face to be drafted, then enter the
required parameters.
Create a Shell : Click this icon, select the faces to be shelled and enter the thickness values.
Create a Thickness: Click this icon, select the faces to be shelled and enter the thickness value.
Create a Thread/Tap: Click this icon, select the cylindrical surface you wish to thread, the planar
limit face and enter the required values.
Create a Remove Face Feature : Click this icon, select the face to be removed and the faces to
keep.
Create a Replace Face Feature: Click this icon, select the replacing face and the face to be
removed.
Creating Edge Fillets

A fillet is a curved face of a constant or variable radius that is tangent to, and that joins, two surfaces. Together,
these three surfaces form either an inside corner or an outside corner.
In drafting terminology, the curved surface of an outside corner is generally called a round and that of an inside
corner is normally referred to as a fillet.
Edge fillets are smooth transitional surfaces between two adjacent faces.
The purpose of this task is to fillet several edges. First you will fillet nine edges, then you will fillet a face and
trim this fillet to a plane. The cases illustrated here are simple. They use a constant radius: the same radius
value is applied to the entire edges. To see more complex fillets, refer to Variable Radius Fillet or Variable
Radius Fillet Using a Spine.
Open the Edge_Fillet1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Edge Fillet icon .

The Edge Fillet Definition dialog box appears.
The icon now available after the Objects to fillet field lets you edit the list of the faces to be filleted. For
more information about that capability, refer to Editing a List of Elements.
2. Select the edge as shown.
3. The edge selected then appears in the Objects to fillet field. The application displays the radius value.
Clicking Preview previews the fillet to be created. This capability is supported on Part Design P2 only.
4. Two propagation modes are available:
❍ Minimal: edges tangent to selected edges can be taken into account to some extent. The
application continues filleting beyond the selected edge whenever it cannot do otherwise. In our
example below, the fillet is computed on the selected edge and on a portion of tangent edges:
❍ Tangency: tangencies are taken into account so as to fillet the entire edge and possible tangent
edges.
5. For the purpose of our scenario, set the Tangency option. The preview clearly shows that the whole
edge will be filleted.

If you set the Tangency mode, the Trim ribbons option becomes available: you can then trim the
fillets to be created. For more, refer to Trimming ribbons.
6. Enter 15mm as the new radius value. The radius value is updated in the geometry area.
7. Select the eight vertical edges.
8. Click OK.
The edges are filleted. The creation of this fillet is indicated in the specification tree.
9. Click the Edge Fillet icon again and select the upper face as the new element to be filleted.
10. Enter 5mm as the radius value.
11. Click More to access four additional options.
To know how to use:

● the Edges to keep option, refer to Keeping Edges.
● the Blend corner(s) option, refer to Reshaping Corners.

Limiting Elements
12. Click the Limiting element field and select Plane.1 as the plane that will intersect the fillet.
An arrow appears on the plane to indicate the portion of material that will be kept. Clicking this arrow
reverses the direction and therefore indicates that the portion of material that will be kept will be the
opposite one.
This capability is supported on Part Design P2 only.
❍ It is possible to use one or more limiting elements.

❍ Contextual commands creating the limiting elements you need are available from the Limiting
elements field:
■ Create Point: For more information, see Creating Points
■ Create Midpoint: creates the midpoint of the line you select

■ Create Endpoint: creates the endpoint of the line you select
■ Create Plane: see Creating Planes
■ XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
■ YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
■ ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
■ Create Intersection: Creating Intersections
■ Create Projection: see Creating Projections
■ Create Join: joins surfaces or curves. See Joining Surfaces or Curves.
■ Create Extrapol: extrapolates surface boundaries or curves. See Extrapolating Surfaces and
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front
of the Limiting element(s) field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
❍ You can create limiting elements just by clicking on the edge to be filleted. The application
displays this element as a blue disk:
❍ You can select points as limiting elements. These points must be located on the edge to be filleted
and they must have been created using the On curve option available in the Point Definition
dialog box.
13. Click OK.
The second fillet is trimmed to Plane.1. Both fillets are displayed in the specification tree. The
final part looks like this:

Interrupting Fillet Computations

In case you made a mistake when defining a fillet (wrong radius value for example), you can interrupt the
feature computation launched after clicking OK, when the computation requires a few seconds to perform.
In concrete terms, if the computation exceeds a certain amount of time, a window appears providing a
Cancel option. To interrupt the operation, just click that Cancel button. This interrupts the process and then
displays an Update Diagnosis dialog box enabling you to edit, deactivate, isolate or even delete the feature.
This new capability is available for any types of fillet features you are creating or editing.
Keeping Edges
When filleting an edge, the fillet may sometimes affect other edges of the part, depending on the radius value you
specified. In this case, the application detects these edges and stops the fillet to these edges, as illustrated in the
example below:
Edge to be filleted The upper edge is not filleted

The application issues an error message asking you if you wish to select the edge you do not want to fillet. If you
click Yes, then you just need to click the Edit button from the Update Diagnosis dialog box that appears, click the
Edges to keep field from the Edge Fillet dialog box and select the edge in the geometry. The application then
displays the selected edge in pink meaning that the edge will not be affected by the fillet operation. The fillet is
eventually computed and does not affect the "keep" edge.
If you do not wish to explicitly select the edge you do not want to fillet, just click No in the Feature Definition Error.
The application then tries to find a solution.
Ignoring Edges
When the update process detects that sharp edges (edges are considered as sharp when the angle between the two
faces is greater than 0.5 deg) interrupt fillet operations, it is possible to continue filleting just by selecting an edge
adjacent to the edge to be filleted. In the example below, the application displays the edge causing trouble in
yellow:
An error message is issued, prompting you to select an edge adjacent to the filleted edge. Just by selecting both
edges to the right and the left of the previewed fillet, the application can then compute the whole fillet properly:
Trimming Ribbons
If you choose to use the Tangency propagation mode, you can also trim overlapping fillets. To do so, simply check
the "Trim ribbons" option.
Selected edges
Overlapping fillets are not trimmed
Both fillets are trimmed
Compare the above results to the fillets created with the Minimal propagation mode: The fillets are only trimmed.
Creating Variable Radius Fillets

Variable radius fillets are curved surfaces defined according to a variable radius. A variable radius corner means that at least
two different constant radii are applied to two entire edges.
This task shows how to create a standard variable radius fillet. After performing the scenario, see also Variable Radius Fillets
Using a Spine.
Open the VariableRadiusFillet1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Variable Radius Fillet icon .

The Variable Radius Fillet Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select the edge to be filleted.
You can define variable radius fillets on closed edges. See Variable Radius Fillets Using Closed Edges.
The application detects both vertices and displays two identical radius values.
The icon available after the Edges to fillet field lets you edit the list of the faces to be filleted. For more
information about that capability, refer to Editing a List of Elements.
Optionally, click Preview to see the fillet to be created.
3. Enter a new radius value to simultaneously change the radius of both vertices. For example, enter 12mm. The new
radius value is displayed on both vertices. The preview is modified accordingly.

Two propagation modes are available:
❍ Minimal: the application does not take any tangencies into account. If filleted edges overlap, the application
trims the fillets and creates a sharp edge.
❍ Tangency: tangencies are taken into account so as to fillet entire edges. If you set the Tangency mode, the
Trim ribbons option becomes available: you can then trim the fillets to be created. For more, refer to Trimming
ribbons.
Points
Contextual commands creating the points you need are now available from the Points field:
● Create Point: For more information, see Creating Points
● Create Midpoint: creates the midpoint of the line you select

● Create Endpoint: creates the endpoint of the line you select
● Create Intersection: see Creating Intersections
● Create Projection: see Creating Projections
● Create Plane: see Creating Planes
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front of the Points field. Clicking
this icon enables you to edit the element.
4. To add a point on the edge to make the variable radius fillet more complex, click the Points field. You can also add
points by selecting planes. For more information, refer to the end of the task. You can add as many points as you
wish.
5. Click the Points field then a point on the edge to be filleted.
The application displays the radius value on this point. Note that to remove a point from the selection, you just need
to click this point.
6. Enter a new radius value for this point: enter 4. The new radius value is displayed.
This is your preview:
7. The variation mode is set to Cubic: keep this mode. To see the Linear propagation mode, refer to More About
Variable Radius Fillets.

The edge is filleted. The specification tree indicates this creation.
9. To edit this fillet, double-click EdgeFillet.1 in the specification tree.
10. Expand the dialog box by clicking More.
Four additional options are available.
To know how to use:

● the Edges to keep option, refer to Keeping Edges.
● the Blend corner(s) option, refer to Reshaping Corners.
Limiting Elements
11. Click the Limiting elements field and select Plane.1 as the plane that will trim the fillet.
An arrow appears on the plane pointing to the portion of material that will be kept.
● This capability is supported on Part Design P2 only.

● It is possible to use one or more limiting elements.
● Contextual commands creating the limiting elements you need are available from the Limiting element(s) field:
❍ Create Point: For more information, see Creating Points
❍ Create Midpoint: creates the midpoint of the line you select

❍ Create Endpoint: creates the endpoint of the line you select
❍ XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting element.
❍ YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting element.
❍ ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting element.
❍ Create Intersection: Creating Intersections
❍ Create Projection: see Creating Projections
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in front of the Limiting
element(s) field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
● You can create limiting elements just by clicking on the edge to be filleted. The application displays this element as a
blue disk.
● You can select points as limiting elements. These points must be located on the edge to be filleted and they must have
been created using the 'On curve' option available in the Point Definition dialog box.
12. Click this arrow to reverse the direction and therefore specify that the portion of material to be kept will be the
opposite one.
13. Click OK.
The variable radius fillet is trimmed to Plane.1. The final part looks like this:

In case you made a mistake when defining a fillet (wrong radius value for example), you can interrupt the feature
computation launched after clicking OK, provided that the computation requires at least 5 seconds to perform.
When a computation exceeds 5 seconds, a progress bar appears and provides a Cancel option. To interrupt the operation,
just click that Cancel button. This interrupts the process and then displays an Update Diagnosis dialog box enabling you to
edit, deactivate, isolate or even delete the feature.
More About Variable Radius Fillets

● This is the fillet you would obtain using the Linear variation mode. Examine the
difference!
● To add additional points on the edge to be filleted, you can select planes. The application computes the intersections between
these planes and the edge to determine the useful points.
In this example, three planes were selected. Now, if you move these planes later, the application will compute the intersections
again and modify the fillet accordingly.
● Points can be added too by selecting 3D points.

● You can use the radius value R=0 to create a variable radius fillet.
Variable Radius Fillets Using a Spine

There may be times when you need to fillet consecutive edges with no tangent continuity but which you want to treat as a single
edge logically. You can do this by using a spine. Compare the fillets below:
Standard Fillet
Fillet Using a Spine
To fillet the edge, the application uses circles contained in planes normal to the spine. It is then possible to control the shape of
the fillet.
The spine can be a wireframe element or a Sketcher element.
the Generative Shape Designproduct license is required to access this capability.
●
Variable Radius Fillets Using Closed Edges
● The application defines a default vertex on closed edges when applying the Edge Fillet command. To define your fillet, first of
all you need to remove this vertex, and then use 3D points or planes only.
● The Linear propagation mode is not valid for closed edges and edges continuous in tangency.
Reshaping Corners
Sometimes, while filleting you can see that corners resulting from the operation are not satisfactory. The
"Blend Corners" capability lets you quickly reshape these corners.
Open the BlendCorner.CATPart document.
1. Click the Edge Fillet icon and fillet the four edges as shown using 5mm as the radius value.
Careful! When you select edges, the order of selection affects the final shape of the fillet. This
explains why you may sometimes encounter error messages when filleting.
To obtain the shape we need for our scenario, select the edges counter-clockwise.
Take a closer look at the resulting corner: the shape style is not satisfactory.
2. To round the corner again, double-click the fillet and in the dialog box click the More button to
access additional options.
3. Click the Blend corners button to detect the corner to reshape. In our present example, only
one corner is detected. The application shows it in the geometry area.

4. The setback distance determines for each edge a free area measured from the vertex along the
edge. In this area, the system adds material so as to improve the corner shape.
When the application detects several corners, it is not possible to reshape just a few of them: all of them
will be edited.
The Blend Corner option is available through the Variable Radius Fillet command too.
5. Enter a value in the setback distance field. For example, 13.
6. Click Preview to examine the result.
To edit the distance for the top edge, click 13 and enter 22 as the new value in the Setback
distance field.
7. Repeat the operation for the edge below using the same distance value.
The corner is reshaped.

Creating Face-Face Fillets

You generally use the Face-face fillet command when there is no intersection between the faces or when
there are more than two sharp edges between the faces.
This task shows how to create a basic face-face fillet then a face-face fillet using a hold curve.
Open the FaceFillet.CATPart document.
1. Click the Face-Face Fillet icon .

The Face-Face Fillet Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select the faces to be filleted.
3. Enter a radius value in the Radius field if you are not satisfied with the default one. For example,
enter 31mm.
4. Click Preview to see the fillet to be created.
5. Click the More button to access the Limiting element option.
Limiting Element
6. Click the Limiting element field and select plane zx as the trimming plane.
An arrow appears on the plane to indicate the portion of material that will be kept.
7. As you wish to keep the opposite portion of material, click this arrow to reverse the direction.
● Contextual commands creating the limiting elements you need are now available from the Limiting
element field:
❍ XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
❍ YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
❍ ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
If you create any of these elements, the

application then displays the
corresponding icon in front of the
Limiting element field. Clicking this icon
enables you to edit the element.
8. Click OK.
The faces are filleted. The fillet is trimmed by plane zx. This creation is indicated in the
specification tree.

In case you made a mistake when defining a fillet (wrong radius value for example), you can interrupt
the feature computation launched after clicking OK, provided that the computation requires at least 5
seconds to perform.
When a computation exceeds 5 seconds, a progress bar appears and provides a Cancel option. To
interrupt the operation, just click that Cancel button. This interrupts the process and then displays an
Update Diagnosis dialog box enabling you to edit, deactivate, isolate or even delete the feature.
Hold Curve
Instead of entering a radius value, you can use a "hold curve" to compute the fillet. Depending on the
curve's shape, the fillet's radius value is then more or less variable.
The Generative Shape Design product license is required to access this capability.
● Contextual commands creating the curves you need are available from the Hold Curve field:
❍ Create Boundary: see Creating Boundary Curves.
❍ Create Extract: see Extracting Geometry.
❍ Create Intersection: see Creating Intersections.
❍ Create Projection: see Creating Projections.
the Hold Curve field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
1. Prior to performing this task, ensure that Body.1 is set as the current object (to do so, use the
Define in work object command). Select both faces as shown then expand the dialog box to
access further options.

2. Select Join.2 as the hold curve. The curve must be sketched on one of the selected faces.
Spine
3. Select Sketch.7 as the spine. The spine provides a better control of the fillet.
The spine can be a wireframe element or a Sketcher element.
To compute the fillet, the application uses circles contained in planes normal to the spine. It is
then possible to control the shape of the fillet.

● Contextual commands creating the spines you need are available from the Spine field:
❍ Create Boundary: see Creating Boundary Curves.
❍ Create Extract: see Extracting Geometry.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding element in front
of the Spine field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
4. Preview the fillet.
5. Repeat the operation and select Copy of Sketch.3 as the spine.
The fillet has a different shape.

Creating Tritangent Fillets

The creation of tritangent fillets involves the removal of one of the three faces selected.
This task shows how to create a tritangent fillet.
You need three faces two of which are supporting faces.
Open the TritangentFillet.CATPart document.
1. Click the Tritangent Fillet icon .

The Tritangent Fillet Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select the faces to be filleted.
3. Select the face to be removed, that is the upper face. The fillet will be tangent to this face.
This face appears in dark red.

Optionally, click Preview to see the fillet to be created.
Limiting Elements
You can trim tritangent fillets to a plane, face or surface. To do so, expand the dialog box and click the
Limiting element field.
4. Select Plane.2 as the limiting element.
An arrow appears on the plane to indicate the portion of material that will be kept. Clicking this
arrow reverses the direction and therefore indicates the opposite portion of material.
● Contextual commands creating the limiting elements you need are available from the Limiting
element field:
❍ Create Plane: see Create Planes
❍ XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
❍ YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
❍ ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
the Limiting elements field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
5. Click OK.
The faces are filleted. The fillet is trimmed to Plane.2. The creation of this fillet is indicated in
the specification tree.


In case you made a mistake when defining a fillet (wrong radius value for example), you can interrupt
the feature computation launched after clicking OK, provided that the computation requires at least 5
seconds to perform.
When a computation exceeds 5 seconds, a progress bar appears and provides a Cancel option. To
interrupt the operation, just click that Cancel button. This interrupts the process and then displays an
Update Diagnosis dialog box enabling you to edit, deactivate, isolate or even delete the feature.
Multi-selecting three faces then clicking the Tritangent Fillet icon tells the application to remove
the third face.
Creating Chamfers
Chamfering consists in removing or adding a flat section from a selected edge to create a beveled
surface between the two original faces common to that edge. You obtain a chamfer by propagation
along one or several edges.
This task shows how to create two chamfers by selecting two edges. One case illustrates how material is
added, the other case shows how material is retrieved.
Open the Chamfer.CATPart document.
1. Click the Chamfer icon .

The Chamfer Definition dialog box appears. The default parameters to be defined are Length1
and Angle. You can change this creation mode and set Length1 and Length2.
2. Select the edges to be chamfered.
Chamfers can be created by selecting a face: the application chamfers its edges.
3. Keep the default mode: enter a length value and an angle value.
4. Optionally, click Preview to see the chamfers to be created.
The application previews the chamfers with the given values.
Propagation
Two propagation modes are available:
● Minimal: edges tangent to selected edges can be taken into account to some extent. The
application continues chamfering beyond the selected edge whenever it cannot do otherwise. In our
example below, the chamfer is computed on the selected edge and on a portion of tangent edges:
● Tangency: the application chamfers the entire selected edge as well as its tangent edges. It
continues chamfering beyond the selected edge until it encounters an edge that is non-continuous in
tangency as shown in our example:
In our scenario, because both selected edges imply no tangencies, the choice of a propagation
mode is unnecessary.
5. Click OK.
The specification tree indicates this creation. These are your chamfers:
Creating Basic Drafts
Drafts are defined on molded parts to make them easier to remove from molds. The characteristic elements
are:
● pulling direction: this direction corresponds to the reference from which the draft faces are defined.
● draft angle : this is the angle that the draft faces make with the pulling direction. This angle may be
defined for each face.
● parting element : this plane, face or surface cuts the part in two and each portion is drafted according to
its previously defined direction. For an example, refer to Draft with Parting Element.
● neutral element : this element defines a neutral curve on which the drafted face will lie. This element will
remain the same during the draft. The neutral element and parting element may be the same element, as
shown in Draft with Parting Element.
There are two ways of determining the objects to draft: either by explicitly selecting the object or by
selecting the neutral element, which makes the application detect the appropriate faces to use.
This task shows you how to create a basic draft by selecting the neutral element.
Open the Draft2.CATPart document.
The Draft Definition dialog box is displayed and an arrow appears on a plane, indicating the
default pulling direction. This dialog box displays the constant angle draft option as activated. If
you click the icon to the right, you then access the command for creating variable angle drafts.
The icon now available after the Faces to draft field lets you edit the list of the faces to be drafted.
For more information about that capability, refer to Editing a List of Elements.
2. Check Selection by neutral face to determine the selection mode.
3. Select the upper face as the neutral element. This selection allows the application to detect the
face to be drafted.
The neutral element is now displayed in blue, the neutral curve is in pink. The faces to be drafted
are in dark red.
The Propagation option can be set to:
❍ None: there is no propagation

❍ Smooth: the application integrates the faces propagated in tangency onto the neutral face to
define the neutral element.
For more about the neutral element, refer to A Few Notes about Drafts.
Pulling Direction
The pulling direction is now displayed on top of the part. It is normal to the neutral face.
The Controlled by reference option is now activated, meaning that whenever you will edit the element
defining the pulling direction, you will modify the draft accordingly.
Note that when using the other selection mode (explicit selection), the selected objects are displayed in
dark pink.
● Contextual commands creating the pulling directions you need are available from the Selection field:
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon next to the
Selection field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
4. The default angle value is 5. Enter 7 degrees as the new angle value.
The application displays the new angle value in the geometry.

5. click Preview to see the draft to be created.
It appears in blue.
6. Click More to access additional options.
To know how to use the options Parting Element and Draft Form, refer to Draft with Parting Element.
Limiting Elements
7. Click the Limiting Element(s) field. While drafting a face, you can limit it by selecting one or
more faces or planes that intersect it completely.
8. Select Plane.1 as the limiting element.
The arrow points to the portion of material to be kept to perform the operation.
9. Select Plane.2 as the second limiting element.
Note that the number of limiting elements you select is indicated in the dialog box, just in front of
the Limiting Elements field.
10. Click the arrow to reverse its direction, and therefore retain the opposite side of the feature.
When using several limiting elements, make sure that they do not intersect on the face to be drafted.
Contextual commands creating the limiting elements you need are available from the Limiting
Element(s) field:
● Create Plane: for more information, see Creating Planes
● XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
● YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
● ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting
element.
● Create Extrapol: extrapolates surface boundaries or curves. See Extrapolating Surfaces and
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon next to
Limiting Element(s). Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
The faces are drafted but the part areas included between both limiting planes have not been
modified, as specified through the limiting element option.
A Few Notes about Drafts

Editing Drafts
● If you edit the sketch used for defining the initial pad, the
application integrates this modification and computes the
draft again. In the following example, a chamfer was added
to the profile.
● You can now transform a constant angle draft into a variable angle draft. To do so, double-click your draft,
then click the variable angle draft option in the dialog box to access the appropriate options. For more
information, refer to Variable Angle Draft.
Neutral Elements
● It is possible to select several faces to define the neutral element. By default, the pulling direction is given
by the first face you select. This is an example of what you can get:
Draft Definition Result
● You can use neutral elements that do not intersect the faces to be drafted. This is an example of what you
can get:
Draft Definition Result

Methodology
● If you need to draft several faces using a pulling direction normal to the neutral element, keep in mind the
following operating mode that will facilitate your design:
❍ Click and first select the neutral element of your choice. The pulling direction that appears is then
normal to the neutral element. Select the face to be drafted and click OK to create your first draft.
❍ Now, to create the other drafts in the same CATPart document, note that by default the application
uses the same pulling direction as the one specified for creating your first draft. As designers usually
use a unique pulling direction, you do not need to redefine your pulling direction.
● If you perform a difficult drafting, for example if you obtain twisted faces, use the Deactivate and Extract
Geometry commands to solve your difficulties. For more information, refer to Extracting Geometry.
Creating Advanced Drafts
The Advanced Draft command lets you draft basic parts or parts with reflect lines but it also lets you
specify two different angle values for drafting complex parts.
This task shows you how to draft two faces with reflect lines, and this by specifying two different angle
values and by using both modes available.
We recommend the use of this command to users already familiar with draft capabilities.
Open the Draft4.CATPart document..
1. Select View -> Toolbars -> Advanced Dress-Up Features to access the Advanced Dress-
Up toolbar.
2. Click the Advanced Draft icon .

The Draft Definition (Advanced) dialog box is displayed and you can see a default pulling
direction (xy plane) in the geometry.

3. Specify that you wish to draft two faces with reflect lines by clicking
both icons as shown:
Note that two modes are available :
❍ Independent: you need to specify two angle values.
❍ Driving/Driven: the angle value you specify for one face
affects the angle value of the second face.

If you have a Cast and Forged Part Optimizer license, the Fitted option is also available. This option lets
you perform a draft operation on two opposite sides of the part while adjusting the resulting faces on the
parting element you chose.
For the purposes of our scenario, ensure that the Independent option is on.
The icon available after the Faces to draft field lets you edit the list of the faces to be drafted. For
more information about that capability, refer to Editing a List of Elements.
Neutral Element
4. In the Neutral Element frame, click No Selection and select the fillet as shown.
Pulling Direction
● Contextual commands creating the reference elements you need are available from the Selection
field:
Selection field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
5. In the Pulling Direction frame, click Pulling Direction in the Selection field and select the
part's bottom face to specify a new pulling direction.
6. Enter 10 as the angle value.

Parting Element
7. Click the Parting Element tab to define the parting element.
8. Check the use parting element option and select the green surface as the parting element.
The Parting Line Adjustment option adjusts the smoothness of the transition zone on the draft
surface. A transition zone occurs when a neutral element that was driving becomes driven, or
vice versa. A zero parting line adjustment would yield a sharp edge on the draft surface. Usually,
the default value (0.1mm) proves to be efficient most of the time. For more information, refer to
More about the Parting Line Adjustment Option.
9. Click the 2nd Side tab to define the second face to be drafted.
10. In the Neutral Element frame, click No Selection from the combo list and select the second
fillet.
Both faces to be drafted are now selected. The application displays the reflect line in pink.
11. Enter 6 as the angle value.

Both faces are drafted using a distinct angle value, as specified.
Due to the use of the angle values you have set, this operation results in a "step" where both drafted
faces meet. To avoid such a result, you can use the Driving/Driven option as explained hereafter.
Using the Driving/Driven option
13. Double-click Draft.1 in the specification tree to edit it.
The Advanced Draft dialog box appears.
14. Set the Driving/Driven option. You can note that the Driving Direction option is checked,
meaning that the angle value you specified for the first face you selected (10 degrees) is the
driving value.
15. If you click the 2nd Side tab, you can notice that the angle value field is no longer available.
In concrete terms, the application will compute the value for the second face so as to avoid the
"step effect".
The application has adjusted the second drafted face.

● If you prefer to set the angle value you specified for the second face you selected (6 degrees) as the
driving value, just click the 2nd Side tab and check Driving Direction.
● Sometimes, some resulting faces of the "Driven draft" are not apt for being removed from molds. In
this case, we recommend you to check this using the Draft Analysis capability.
More about the Parting Line Adjustment Option

You will use the Parting Line Adjustment option to ensure that later on you will be able to apply
machining techniques onto the part. To illustrate that option, let's consider the part we used in the
scenario.
1. Keep 0.1mm as the parting line adjustment value, and enter 17 degrees to change the draft
angle value you previously set to the draft.
This excessive value does not reflect angle values designers usually use, but this lets us quickly
see what happens next. You obtain a draft which is not satisfactory. As indicated by the arrow,
the curvature radius would invalid any machining process because it is too small:
2. If you click the Top View icon from the View toolbar, the curvature radius causing trouble
for being too small, becomes more visible, as pointed to by the arrow:
3. Now, changing the parting line adjustment value to 1mm would add material up to the curve
pointed to by the arrow. Consequently, the curvature radius would be more acceptable.
4. Changing the parting line adjustment value to 2mm would let you obtain an even larger
curvature radius:
Concretely speaking, when setting the parting line adjustment parameter, you define a length
value that sets a maximum thickness to be added to the draft to enlarge the wrong curvature
radius. As illustrated in the case just above, that length is represented by L. The chosen value is
2mm, which means that L might be 2mm or even a little bit less.
Considering the rest of the curvatures of the draft feature, depending on the part shape, that
thickness will most often be thinner, but will never exceed the value you entered.
Methodology
This option thus adds material to the part. If then you decide to use it, you should keep in mind
that you need to enter reasonable values not to add too much material prior to machining
processes. Usually, 0.1mm set as the default value provided by the application, proves to be
efficient most of the time.
Concerning draft angle values, again make sure the value you enter does not add too much
material. In the worst cases, this would prevent you from removing parts from molds.
In other words, a successful draft operation requires a fine tuning between the draft angle value
you set and the parting line adjustment you may perform. The challenge being to add the
minimum material to the part.
Useful Tools
Remember that you can always check curvatures by performing Curvature Analyses and draft
validity by using the Draft Analysis capability.

Creating Variable Angle Drafts
Sometimes, you cannot draft faces by using a constant angle value, even if you set the Square mode.
This task shows you an another way of drafting: by using different angle values.
Open the Draft2.CATPart document..
1. Click the Variable Angle Draft icon .
As an alternative, you can use Draft Angle , then click the Variable Angle Draft icon
available in the dialog box. For more information, see Basic Draft.
The Draft Definition dialog box that appears, displays the variable angle draft option as
activated. If you click the icon to the left, you then access the command for performing basic
drafts.
2. Select the face to be drafted.
Multi-selecting faces that are not continuous in tangency is not allowed for this command.
The icon now available after the Faces to draft field lets you edit the list of the faces to be drafted.
For more information about that capability, refer to Editing a List of Elements.
3. Select the upper face as the neutral element.
An arrow appears on the part, indicating the default pulling direction. The application detects two
vertices and displays two identical radius values.
4. Increase the angle value: only one value is modified accordingly in the geometry.
5. To edit the other angle value, select the value in the geometry and increase it in the dialog box.
For instance, enter 9.
Alternatively, double-click this value to display the

Parameter Definition dialog box, then edit the value.
6. Click Preview to see the draft to be created.
7. To add a point on the edge, click the Points field.
Point
8. Click a point on the edge.
The application displays the angle value on this point.
❍ You can add as many points as you wish. You can also add points by selecting 3D planes or
3D points. In this case, the application computes the intersections between these planes and
the edge to determine the useful points or the projections onto the edge.
❍ If after clicking the points of interest, you decide to change the faces to draft or the neutral
element, the application removes the points and lets you define points again.
❍ Note that to remove a point from the selection, you just need to click this point.
❍ Contextual commands creating the points you need are available from the Points field:
■ Create Point: For more information, see Creating Points
■ Create Midpoint: creates the midpoint of the line you select

■ Create Endpoint: creates the endpoint of the line you select
■ Create Intersection: see Creating Intersections
■ Create Projection: see Creating Projections
■ Create Plane: see Creating Planes
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon in
front of the Points field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
9. Enter a new angle value for this point: for example, enter 17.
The new radius value is displayed.

Clicking the More button displays additional options. To know how to use the options:
❍ Parting Element, refer to Draft with Parting Element.
❍ Limiting Element(s), refer to Basic Draft
The final drafted part looks like this:
Closed Edges
The application defines a default vertex on closed edges when applying the Variable Angle Draft
command. To define your draft, first of all you need to remove this vertex, and then use 3D points
or 3D planes only.
Creating Drafts with Parting Elements

This task shows how to draft a part by using a parting element.
Prior to performing this task, refer to Basic Draft, then open the Draft1.CATPart document.
1. Select the face to be drafted.

The Draft Definition dialog box displays and an arrow appears on the part, indicating the default pulling direction.
The selected face is red and highlighted. The application detects that other faces are to be drafted and displays them
in light red.
The icon now available after the Faces to draft field lets you edit the list of the faces to be drafted. For more information
about that capability, refer to Editing a List of Elements.
3. Click the Selection field and select plane xy to define the neutral element.
The application displays the neutral curve in pink.
4. Enter 13 degrees as the new angle value.
For more information, see Angle Values.
5. Now click More to display the whole dialog box and access the Parting Element capability.
Parting Element
6. To define the parting element, you can check:
❍ Parting = Neutral to reuse the plane you selected as the neutral element,
or
❍ Define parting element and then explicitly select a plane or a planar face as the parting element.
7. Select Parting =Neutral. You then can also check the Draft both sides option as illustrated at the end of the
scenario.
To get information about the Draft form option, refer to Angle Values.
8. Click Preview: the draft is displayed in blue.
9. Click OK.
Material has been removed, the face is drafted.

● Contextual commands creating the parting elements you need are available from the Selection field:
❍ XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the parting element.
❍ YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the parting element.
❍ ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the parting element.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon next to the Selection field.
10. In the specification tree, double-click the draft to edit it.
11. Check Draft both sides to draft the pad in both opposite directions from the parting element.
The pad now looks like this:
Angle Values
● You can draft faces using a negative value.
● If the chosen angle value exceeds the angle value of the faces adjacent to the face to be drafted, an error message is
issued. To perform the draft, you then need to activate the Square option available from the Draft form drop list. The
use of the Square option does not guarantee that parts will be easily removed from their molds.
Here is an example of a drafted face obtained using the Square option:
Methodology
If you perform a difficult drafting, for example if you obtain twisted faces, use the Deactivate and Extract Geometry
commands to solve your difficulties. For more information, refer to Extracting Geometry.
Creating Drafts from Reflect Lines
This task shows you how to draft a face by using reflect lines as neutral lines from which the resulting faces will be
generated. In this scenario, you will also trim the material to be created by defining a parting element.
Open the Draft3.CATPart document.
1. Click the Draft Reflect Line icon .

The Draft Reflect Line Definition dialog box is displayed and an arrow appears, indicating the default
pulling direction.
Pulling Direction
● Contextual commands creating the pulling directions you need are available from the Selection field:
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon next to the Selection
2. Select the cylinder.
The application detects one reflect line and displays it in pink. This line is used to support the drafted faces.
The icon now available after the Faces to draft field lets you edit the list of the faces to be drafted. For more
information about that capability, refer to Editing a List of Elements.
3. Enter an angle value in the Angle field. For example, enter 11. The reflect line is moved accordingly.
4. Click Preview to get an idea of what the draft will look like.
5. Click the More button to expand the dialog box.
Parting Element
6. Check the Define parting element option and select plane zx as the parting element.
Contextual commands creating the parting elements you need are available from the Selection field:
● XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the parting element.
● YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the parting element.
● ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the parting element.

● Create Extrapol: extrapolates surface boundaries or curves. See Extrapolating Surfaces and Extrapolating
Curves.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon next to the Selection
Limiting Elements
The Limiting Element(s) option limits the face to be drafted by selecting one or more faces or planes that
intersect it completely. To know how to use this option, refer to Basic Draft.
Contextual commands creating the limiting elements you need are available from the Limiting Element(s) field:
● XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting element.
● YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting element.
● ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the limiting element.
● Create Extrapol: extrapolates surface boundaries or curves. See Extrapolating Surfaces and Extrapolating
Curves.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon next to the Limiting
Element(s) field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
7. Click OK to create the draft.

Using the command described in this task, you can draft faces after filleting edges, as illustrated in the example
below:
The application detects the reflect line on the selected

The face is drafted.
fillet.
Creating Shells
Shelling a feature means emptying it, while keeping a given thickness on its sides. Shelling may also
consist in adding thickness to the outside.
This task shows how to create a cavity.
Open the Shell.CATPart document.
1. Select the face to be removed.
2. Click the Shell icon . The Shell Definition dialog box appears.
The selected face becomes purple.
3. Enter 15mm in the Default inside thickness field.

4. Click OK.
The feature is shelled: the selected face is left open. This creation appears in the specification
tree.
5. Double-click the shell to edit it.
6. Decrease the inside thickness value. Enter 4mm.
7. Click OK.
The cylinder is now hollowed:

8. Double-click the shell again and click the Other thickness faces field.
9. Select the face as shown.
10. Double-click the thickness value displayed on this face.
11. In the dialog box that appears, enter 10mm.
12. Click OK to confirm and close the dialog box.
13. Click OK to create the shell feature.
The length between the selected face and the shell is 10mm.
A Few Notes About Shells
● In some specific cases, you may need to perform two shell operations consecutively. To avoid problems,
the value for the second shell should be lower by half than the value of the first shell.
● If you need to shell a multi-domain body, perform only one Shell operation : select one face by domain to
avoid problems. The specification tree then includes only one Shell feature as illustrated below.
Solving Problems
Ignoring Faces
In some specific cases, the application cannot shell the selected face. An error message appears informing you
that the body cannot be built properly. After closing that window, another message appears proposing you to
ignore the faces causing trouble. If you accept that solution, the shell is performed and the face causing
trouble is removed.
Later on if you edit the shell, the ignored face is previewed and the Reset ignored faces option is then
available in the Shell Definition dialog box.
By checking this option, the ignored face is reinitialized and the indication Ignored face in the geometry is
deleted. If the check box is unchecked, the previous ignored face is still taken into account for the next feature
definition.
Ignoring faces in many cases avoids a costly and difficult manual rework of the part.
Extracting Geometry
Sometimes, you will need to use Extract to be able to add thickness to a face. The Extract capability lets you
generate separate elements from initial geometry, without deleting geometry. This command is available after
clicking a dialog box prompting you to deactivate the shell and extract the geometry. Once the operation has
been done, the Extracted Geometry (Shell.1) node is displayed in the tree. This category includes the
elements created by the application.
The Extract capability is available if only one face was selected to perform the shell operation.
Note also that if you have Generative Shape Design installed, the geometry resulting from the Extract
operation is associative.
Creating Thicknesses
Sometimes, some thicknesses have to be added or removed before machining the part.
This task shows you how to add thickness to a part.
Open the Thickness.CATPart document..
1. Click the Thickness icon .

The Thickness Definition dialog box is displayed.
2. Select the faces to thicken, i.e. both faces as shown:
3. The faces become red and the application displays the thickness value in the geometry.
4. Enter a positive value. For example, enter 15 mm.
5. Click OK.
The part is thickened accordingly. This creation appears in the specification tree.
6. Double-click the thickness to edit it.
7. Click the Other thickness faces field and select the lateral face as shown.
8. Double-click the thickness value displayed on this face.
9. In the dialog box that appears, enter 25mm.
11. Click OK to create the thickness feature.
12. The length between the selected face and the resulting face is 25mm.
A Few Notes About Thickness

In some specific cases, the application cannot offset the selected face. An error message appears informing
you that the body cannot be built properly. After closing that window, another message appears proposing you
to ignore the faces causing trouble. If you accept that solution, the thickness is added to the selected face and
the face causing trouble is removed.
Ignoring faces in many cases avoids a costly and difficult manual rework of the part.
In the basic example below, the face causing trouble is the variable radius fillet.
After ignoring the fillet, the thickened body looks like this:
The fillet icon is still displayed in the specification tree.
If you edit the thickness, the ignored face is previewed:
The Reset ignored faces option is then available in the Thickness Definition dialog box.
By checking this option, the ignored face is reinitialized and the Ignored face indication in the geometry is
deleted. If the check box is unchecked, the previous ignored face is still taken into account for the next feature
definition.
Extracting Geometry
Sometimes, you will need to use the Extract command to be able to add thickness to a face. The Extract
capability lets you generate separate elements from initial geometry, without deleting geometry. This
command is available after clicking a dialog box prompting you to deactivate the thickness feature and extract
the geometry. Once the operation has been done, the Extracted Geometry (Thickness.1) node is displayed
in the tree. This category includes the elements created by the application.
The Extract capability is available if only one face was selected to perform the thickness operation.
Creating Threads and Taps
The Thread-Tap capability creates threads or taps, depending on the cylindrical entity of interest.
This task shows you how to thread a cylindrical pad.
Open the Thread.CATPart document.
1. Click the Thread/Tap icon .

The Thread/Tap Definition dialog box is displayed.
2. Select the cylindrical surface you wish to thread, that is Face.1.

From V5R15 onward, thread and tap definitions no longer depend on the polarity of the cylinder
geometry. The Thread/Tap capability now lets you specify whether you wish to create a thread
or a tap just by checking the appropriate option.
Because of the geometrical element type you have just selected, by default, the application
proposes you to create a thread. As shown below, the Thread option is now enabled and a new
help image is displayed in the dialog box:
However, if you prefer to create a tap, just check Tap.
3. Select the upper face as the limit face. Limit faces must be planar.
The application previews the thread.

In the dialog box, the Geometrical Definition frame displays the name of the faces you have
selected. The Reverse Direction button (as well as the arrow in the geometry area) lets you
reverse the thread direction if needed.
The Numerical Definition frame provides three different thread types:
❍ No Standard: if you keep the No Standard option, the field available below is Thread
Diameter. You just need to enter the values you need in this field as well as in the fields
below.
❍ Metric Thin Pitch: uses ISO standard values
❍ Metric Thick Pitch: uses ISO standard values
In addition to these three types, you can add your personal standards as described in Reusing
Values Already Defined in a File
● Metric Thin Pitch: ISO standard
Refer to ( ISO 965-2 ).
The application uses the minimum standard values.
8.0 1.0 6.917

10.0 1.0 8.917
10.0 1.25 8.647
12.0 1.25 10.647
12.0 1.5 10.376
14.0 1.5 12.376

16.0 1.5 14.376
18.0 1.5 16.376
18.0 2.0 15.835
20.0 1.5 18.376
22.0 1.5 20.376
22.0 2.0 19.835
24.0 2.0 21.835
27.0 2.0 24.835
30.0 2.0 27.835
33.0 2.0 30.835
36.0 3.0 32.752
39.0 3.0 35.752
42.0 3.0 38.752
45.0 3.0 41.752
48.0 3.0 44.752
52.0 4.0 47.67
56.0 4.0 51.67
60.0 4.0 55.67
64.0 4.0 59.67
● Metric Thick Pitch: ISO standard
Refer to ( ISO 965-2 ).
The application uses the minimum standard values.
1 0.25 0.729
1.2 0.25 0.929
1.4 0.3 1.075
1.6 0.35 1.221
1.8 0.35 1.421
2.0 0.4 1.567

2.5 0.45 2.013
3.0 0.5 2.459
3.5 0.6 2.850
4.0 0.7 3.242
5.0 0.8 4.134
6.0 1.0 4.917
7.0 1.0 5.917
8.0 1.25 6.647
10.0 1.5 8.376
12.0 1.75 10.106
14.0 2.0 11.835
16.0 2.0 13.835
18.0 2.5 15.294
20.0 2.5 17.294
22.0 2.5 19.294
24.0 3.0 20.752
27.0 3.0 23.752
30.0 3.5 26.211
33.0 3.5 29.211
36.0 4.0 31.670
39.0 4.0 34.670
42.0 4.5 37.129
45.0 4.5 40.129
48.0 5.0 42.587
52.0 5.0 46.587
56.0 5.5 50.046
60.0 5.5 54.046
64.0 6.0 57.505

● No Standard
4. For the purposes of our scenario, keep No Standard. As you are creating a thread, you cannot
modify the thread diameter value. If you were creating a tap, you could modify it.
Note that the Edit formula... contextual command is available from the Thread Diameter
field, meaning that you can define formulas for managing diameters values.
5. Enter 49 mm as the thread depth.
Note that the Support Diameter and Support height fields are grayed. They are merely
informative.
6. Enter 1.5 mm as the pitch value. The Pitch field defines the distance between each crest.
7. Check Left-Threaded.
8. Click Preview.
Red lines provide a simplified representation of the thread.
There is no geometrical representation is the geometry area, but the thread (identified as
Thread.xxx) is added to the specification tree. The corresponding icon is specific to this feature.
Diameter, depth and pitch values appear below Thread in the specification tree.
If you create a tap, the application identifies it as Thread.XXX too in the specification tree, but
displays a specific icon as shown below:
● Reusing Values Already Defined in a File
Instead of using the No Standard type, you can use predefined standards stored in a personal file.
There are two ways of accessing values listed in a file: either by navigating to the file of interest or by
making this data available prior to launching the Hole command. For more, see the file is already
available.
By navigating to the file you need
When creating taps, if you wish to use values already defined in one of your files, click the Add button
to access this file. A dialog box displays, in which you can navigate to reach the file containing your
own values. This file may be of one of the following types:
- Microsoft Excel files (general format)
- Lotus files
- tabulated files (in Unix environment)
The values defined in your file will apply specifically to the part of your CATPart document, not to other
documents. For more about using predefined values, refer to Creating Threaded Holes, steps 7 and 8.
The operating mode described in this task is valid for threads and taps too.
By selecting the file from the Type list: the file is already available
This behavior is made possible only if the administrator has performed these operations:
The administrator first needs to locate in a directory the source files used for the standards. For
example, he can select E:/uses/standard as the directory containing the StandardGaz.txt file. Then, he
has to concatenate this path with the official path in the CATReffilesPath environment variable as
follows:
Set CATReffilesPath=Officialpath ; E:/user/standard
● You can extract drawings from threads and taps in the Generative Drafting workbench. For more,
see Generative Drafting User's Guide Version 5.
● You obtain a hole, not a tapped hole, by removing a threaded cylinder from a body.
Cavities on cylindrical surfaces
● If the cavity is a hole, proceed using the options available in the Hole Definition dialog box as
described in Creating Threaded Holes.
● If the cavity is a groove or a pocket defined on a cylindrical surface, you must use a plane tangent
to the surface as the limit face.
Creating Remove Face Features
When parts are far too complex for finite elements analyses, there is a way of making them more
simple. This task shows you how to simplify a part by removing some of its faces.
Open the Update.CATPart document. As the Remove Face capability only deals with the geometry of
the part, not the history of its design, you can use it for imported parts, like in the following scenario,
or Version 4 parts.
1. Click the Remove Face icon .

The Remove Face Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select the inner face as the face to be removed.
The face turns purple indicating that it will be removed.
3. Click the Faces to keep field and select both faces as shown.
The faces turn blue, indicating that they will not be removed.
4. Check the Show all faces to remove option to preview all the faces adjacent to the purple
face that will be removed.
All of the faces have been removed. The new feature identified as RemoveFace.XXX is added
to the specification tree.

6. Launch the command again and select the faces as shown as the faces to be removed.
Two contextual commands are available from the Faces to remove field:
❍ Clear selection: removes all selected faces from the selection.

❍ Tangency propagation: includes all faces tangent to selected faces in the selection
From the Faces to keep option, only the Clear selection contextual command is available.
All selected faces have been removed. The new feature identified as RemoveFace.XXX is
added to the specification tree.

Creating Replace Face Features

The Replace Face capability lets you replace a face or a set of tangent faces with:
● a surface or,
● a face belonging to the same body as the selected face.
The last two scenario show you the benefits provided by the capability: you can align faces, which is
sometimes a way of simplifying volumes, but also adjust shapes prior to manufacturing operations.
The first scenario shows you how to modify the shape of a part by extruding one of its face up to an
external surface.
Open the Faces.CATPart document.
1. Click the Replace Face icon .

The Replace Face Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select the yellow surface as the replacing surface.
3. Click the arrow to reverse the indicated direction.
4. Select the part's bottom face.

The
Theface
faceturns
turnspurple
purpleindicating
indicatingthat
thatititwill
willbe
bereplaced.
replaced.
The part has been reshaped and the new feature (identified as ReplaceFace.xxx) is added to

Replacing Faces with Other Faces

From V5R15 onwards, you can:
● Align a face with another face as illustrated in this second scenario.

● Replace a set of tangent faces with a set of other tangent faces as illustrated in the last scenario.
Aligning Faces
To perform this scenario, you will use Body.3 that you will have previously set as the current body.
2. Select the horizontal face on the smaller pad.
The first face you select is always the replacing face. Once selected, it is shown in blue.
3. Select the horizontal face from the left pad.
Once selected, the face to be replaced is shown in purple.
Both faces are aligned.

Replacing Faces
To perform this scenario, use Body.2.
2. Select the horizontal face on the left.
This face, which is the replacing face is now displayed in blue. Because it is tangent to the face
produced by a fillet operation, that face is also selected and in turn includes the vertical face.
Three faces are then selected as indicated by the blue color.
3. Select the horizontal face on the right.
Three tangent faces are selected as the faces to be replaced and are shown in purple:
The result you obtain shows that replacing these faces affects the fillet radius value to the left.
Automatic Reroute
Automatic reroute of children takes place if you replace a face by a surface with only one face. In case of
complicated industrial CATPart documents containing several topological faces, manual reroute of children may
be required to be done, depending on the complexity of the document.
Create a Split: Click this icon, select the body to be split then the splitting element.
Create a Thick Surface: Click this icon, select the object to be thickened, define the offset
directions and enter offset values.
Create a Close Surface: Click this icon, select the body and select the object to be closed.
Create a Sew Surface: Click this icon, select the body and the surface to be sewn.
Creating Splits
You can split a body with a plane, face or surface. The purpose of this task is to show how to split a body
by means of a surface.
Open the Split.CATPart document.
1. Click the Split icon .
2. Select Surface.1 as the splitting surface.
The Split Definition dialog box is displayed.
An arrow appears indicating the portion of body that will be kept. If the arrow points in the wrong
direction, you can click it to reverse the direction.

Contextual commands creating the splitting elements you need are available from the Splitting
Element field:
● XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the splitting
element.
● YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the splitting
element.
● ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the splitting
element.
● Create Extract: See Extracting Geometry.
Splitting Element field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
4. Click OK.
The body is split. Material has been removed. The specification tree indicates you performed the
operation.
Avoid using input elements that are tangent to each other since this may result in geometric instabilities
in the tangency zone.
Hybrid Design
When adding a surface-based feature or a surface feature modifying another surface-based feature or
surface belonging to the same body, Part Design features based on that second feature then reference
the new added feature. In other words, a replace operation is automatically performed. Let's take an
example.
Open the AutomaticReplace.CATPart document.

1. Double-click Split.1 and note that this feature references Extrude.1.
2. Define Extrude.1 as the current object using Define in Word Object.
3. Go into Shape Design workbench and create an Edge Fillet onto the faces of Extrude.1 using this
Edge Fillet command .
4. If required, update Split.1 (local update).
5. Double-click Split.1 and note that it now references EdgeFillet.2.
This behavior differs from what happens in a non-hybrid design environment. In a traditional
environment, Split.1 would not have been affected by the insertion of EdgeFillet.2. and would still
reference Extrude.1.
Creating Thick Surfaces
You can add material to a surface in two opposite directions by using the Thick Surface capability.
This task shows you how to do so.
Open the ThickSurface.CATPart document.
1. Select the element you wish to thicken, that is the extrude element.
2. Click the Thick Surface icon .

The Thick Surface Definition dialog box is displayed.
In the geometry area, the arrow that appears on the extrude element indicates the first offset
direction. If you need to reverse the arrow, just click it.

3. Enter 10mm as the first offset value and 6mm as the second offset value .
Two contextual commands creating the object you need are available from the Object to offset field:
● Create Join: joins surfaces or curves. For more information, see Joining Surfaces or Curves.
Object to offset field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
4. Click OK.
The surface is thickened. The specification tree indicates you performed the operation. Note that
the resulting feature does not keep the color of the original surface.
Extracting Geometry
Sometimes, you will need to use the Extract command to be able to add thickness to a face. The
Extract capability lets you generate separate elements from initial geometry, without deleting geometry.
This command is available after clicking a dialog box prompting you to deactivate the Thick Surface
feature and extract the geometry. Once the operation has been done, the Extracted Geometry
(ThickSurface.1) node is displayed in the tree. This category includes the elements created by the
application.
The Extract capability is available if only one face was selected to perform the Thick Surface operation.
Hybrid Design
the new added feature. In other words, a replace operation is automatically performed. For an example,
refer to Split.
Creating Close Surface Features

This task shows you to close surfaces.
Open the CloseSurface.CATPart document.
1. Select the surface to be closed, i.e. Trim.3.
2. Click the Close Surface icon .

The Close Surface Definition dialog box is displayed.
Two contextual commands creating the object you need are available from the Object to close field:
Object to close field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
3. Click OK.
The surface is closed. The specification tree indicates you performed the operation.
Hybrid Design
the new added feature. In other words, a replace operation is automatically performed. For an example,
refer to Split.
Creating Sew Surfaces
Sewing is a Boolean operation combining a surface with a body. This capability adds or removes
material by modifying the surface of the solid.
You can sew all types of surfaces onto bodies. Depending on your geometry, two kinds of sewing
operations can be performed:
● If the surface has been designed so that its boundary entirely lays on the solid, you can sew it
using the surface boundary projection onto the solid. In this case you can use the Simplify
Geometry option or not (unchecked option).
Sewing features (in boundary projection mode) is more productive (CPU cost) and more stable
(geometric tangency condition) than creating a solid using the Close Surface command (when possible)
because no surface/surface intersections are computed.
● If the surface crosses the solid, you can make the application compute the intersection of the
surface with the solid prior to sewing the surface. In this case, you need to use the Intersect
body option.
This task shows you both methods.
Open the SewSurface.CATPart document.
1. The surface boundary is on the solid. Select Join.1 as the surface you wish to sew onto the
body.
2. Click the Sew Surface icon .

The Sew Surface Definition dialog box is displayed:
With topology simplification
Keep the Simplify geometry option active. Using this option, if in the resulting solid there are
connected faces defined on the same geometric support (faces separated by smooth edges),
these faces will be merged into one single face.
Arrows appear indicating the side where material will be added or kept. Note that clicking an
arrow reverses the given direction. The arrows must point towards the solid.
3. Click OK.
The surface is sewn onto the body. You may notice that the bottom of the solid is made of one
single face. The specification tree indicates you performed the operation.
4. To see the simplification, just hide Join.1.
Without topology simplification

5. Double-click SewSurface.1 in the specification tree to edit it and deactivate the Simplify
geometry option.
6. Click OK.
The bottom of the solid is made of three connected faces. The smooth edges resulting from the
sewing appear because no topological simplification has been performed.
Using the "Intersect body" option

You will use the Intersect body option when the surface straightly crosses the solid without being
tangent. The application then needs to compute the intersection between the surface and the solid, the
portions of surface with "free edges" being eventually removed.
Note that Intersect body should not be used in case of solids having Through holes or pockets and
where it is not possible for surface to add material for sew operation.
In the following example, the application can compute the intersection:

Checking Intersect body in the Sew Surface Definition dialog box automatically activates the
Simplify geometry option.
The arrow indicates the portion of material that will be kept:
The surface is sewn onto the body. Some material has been removed.
If you have a Cast and Forged Part Optimizer license, you can also remove faces while sewing surfaces
onto bodies.
Hybrid Design
the new added feature. In other words, a replace operation is automatically performed. For an
example, refer to Split.
Create a Translation: Click this icon, select the body to be translated, define the translation direction
and enter the distance value.
Create a Rotation: Click this icon, select the body to be rotated, define the rotation axis and enter
the angle value.
Create a Symmetry: Click this icon, select the body to be duplicated and define the symmetry
reference.
Create a Mirror: Click this icon, select the body to be mirrored and define the reference.
Create a Rectangular Pattern: Click this icon, select the feature to be duplicated, define the creation
directions, choose the parameters you wish to define and set these parameters.
Create a Circular Pattern: Click this icon, select the feature to be duplicated, define the axial
reference, the creation direction, choose the parameters you wish to define and set these
parameters.
Create a User Pattern: Click this icon, select the feature to be duplicated, set whether you keep the
original specifications or not and define the positions.
Exploding Patterns: Right-click the pattern you want to explode and select the RectPattern.1object -
> Explode... contextual command.
Create a Scaling: Click this icon, select the body to be scaled, define the reference and enter a factor
value.
Creating Translations
The Translate command applies to current bodies.
This task shows you how to translate a body.
To perform this task, open the CATPart of your choice.
1. Click the Translate icon .

The Translate Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select a line to take its orientation as the translation direction or a plane to take its normal as the
translation direction. For example, select zx plane.
You can also specify the direction by means of X, Y, Z vector components by using the contextual
menu on the Direction area.
3. Specify the translation distance by entering a value or using the Drag manipulator. For example,
enter 100mm.
4. Click OK to create the translated element.
The element (identified as Translat.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

Creating Rotations
This task shows you how to rotate geometry about an axis. There are different ways of calculating
rotation axes, depending on the reference geometry you select.
Open the Rotate.CATPart document.
1. Click the Rotate icon .

The Rotate Definition dialog box appears. The command applies to current bodies. Since
PartBody is the current body, the command does not affect Pad.2.
2. Define the rotation mode:
❍ Axis-Angle (default mode): the rotation axis is defined by a linear element and the angle is
defined by a value that can be modified in the dialog box or in the 3D geometry by using the
manipulators.
❍ Axis-Two Elements: the rotation axis is defined by a linear element and the angle is defined
by two geometric elements (point, line or plane)
■ Axis/point/point: the angle between the vectors is defined by the selected points and their
orthogonal projection onto the rotation axis.
■ Axis/point/line: the angle between the vector is defined by the selected point and its
orthogonal projection onto the rotation axis and the selected line.
■ Axis/line/line: the angle between the direction vectors of the projection is defined by the
two selected lines in the plane normal to the rotation axis.
In case both lines are parallel to the rotation axis, the angle is defined by the intersection
points of the plane normal to the rotation axis and these lines.
■ Axis/line/plane: the angle is defined between the selected line and the normal to the
plane.
■ Axis/plane/plane: the angle is defined between the line normal to the two selected planes.
❍ Three Points: the rotation is defined by three points.
■ The rotation axis is defined by the normal of the plane created by the three points passing
through the second point.
■ The rotation angle is defined by the two vectors created by the three points (between
vector Point2-Point1 and vector Point2-Point3):

The orientation of the elements (lines or planes) is visualized in the 3D geometry by a red arrow.
You can click the arrow to invert the orientation and the angle is automatically recomputed. By
default, the arrow is displayed in the direction normal to the feature (line or plane).
For instance, in the plane/plane mode, the arrow is displayed on each plane:
3. For the purpose of our scenario, set Three Points as the definition mode you want.
4. Select three vertices of Pad.2 as the three points required.
The application calculates the rotation axis from these points: altogether they create a plane. The
normal to that plane passing thru the second vertex you selected is the rotation axis that will be
used. The rotation angle is defined by the two vectors created by the three vertices (between
vector Point2-Point1 and vector Point2-Point3):
Example 1
Example 2
5. Click OK to create the rotated element.
The element (identified as Rotate.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

Symmetry
This task shows you how to transform geometry by means of a symmetry operation. The Symmetry
command applies to current bodies.
Open the Symmetry.CATPart document.
1. Click the Symmetry icon .

The Symmetry Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select a point, line or plane as reference element. For the purpose of our scenario, select plane
zx.
3. Click OK to create the symmetrical element.
The original element is no longer visible but remains in the specification tree. The new element
(identified as Symmetry.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

Mirror
Mirroring a body or a list of features consists in duplicating these elements using a symmetry. You can
select a face or a plane to define the mirror reference.
This task shows how to mirror a list of features.
Open the EdgeFillet3.CATPart document.
1. Multi-select both pads as the features to be mirrored.
2. Click the Mirror icon .

The Mirror Definition dialog box appears.
3. Select the lateral face to define the mirror reference.
The application previews the material to be created.
The pads are mirrored and the specification tree mentions this creation.
A Few Notes about Mirror
● Using a plane to mirror a body lets you obtain two

independent portions of material in a same body.
The following mirror is obtained by using plane zx
as the reference.
● When editing a mirror feature, contextual commands creating the mirror references you need are
now available from the Mirroring element field:
❍ Create Plane: for more information, see Creating Planes
❍ XY Plane: the XY plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the mirroring
element.
❍ YZ Plane: the YZ plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the mirroring
element.
❍ ZX Plane: the ZX plane of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the mirroring
element.
Mirroring element field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
Creating Rectangular Patterns
You may need to duplicate the whole geometry of one or more features and to position this geometry on a part. Patterns let you do so, and
by the way accelerate the creation process.
The application allows you to define three types of patterns:
● Rectangular
● Circular
● User patterns.
This document deals with the following:
● How to create a rectangular pattern (step-by-step scenario)
● Instances and Unequal Spacing
● Complex Patterns
● Patterning Current Solids
● Patterning User Defined Features (UDFs)
You can also find information about patterns and updates by reading Optimizing Part Design Application, Patterns.
This task shows you how to duplicate the geometry of one pocket right away at the location of your choice using a rectangular pattern.
Then, you will learn how to modify the location of the initial feature.
Open the RectangularPattern.CATPart document.
1. Select the feature you wish to copy, that is the pocket as shown:
2. Click the Rectangular Pattern icon .

The Rectangular Pattern Definition dialog box that appears displays the name of the geometry to pattern.
If you click the Rectangular Pattern icon prior to selecting any geometry, by default, the object to be patterned is the
current solid. For more information, refer to Patterning Current Solids.
If you change your mind and decide to pattern the current solid, click the Object field and use the Get current solid
contextual command.
Each tab is dedicated to a direction you will use to define the location of the duplicated feature. In this task, you will first set
your specifications for the first direction.
Keep Specifications Option
Checking the Keep specifications option creates instances with the limit Up to Next ( Up to Last, Up to Plane or Up to Surface)
defined for the original feature. In the example below, the limit defined for the pad, i.e. the Up to surface limit, applies to all
instances. As the limiting surface is not planar, the instances have different lengths.
But for the purposes of our scenario, as the pocket's height is specified, activating the Keep specifications option is meaningless.
The Keep specifications option is not available if you are patterning a pattern.
Reference Direction
3. Click the Reference element field and select the edge as shown below to specify the first direction of creation.
An arrow is displayed on the pad. If needed, click the Reverse button or click the arrow to modify the direction.
● To define a direction, you can select an edge or a planar face.
● Contextual commands creating the reference elements you need are available from the Reference element field:
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon next to the Reference element field.
4. Let the Instances & Spacing options to define the parameters you wish to specify.
The parameters you can choose are:
❍ Instances & Length

❍ Instances & Spacing
❍ Spacing & Length
❍ Instances & Unequal Spacing: distinct spacings can be assigned between instances.
Choosing Instances & Spacing dims the Length field because the application no longer needs this specification to space the
instances.
If you set Instances & Length or Spacing & Length parameters, note that you cannot define the length by using formulas.
5. Enter 3 as the number of instances you wish to obtain in the first direction.
Deleting the instances of your choice is possible when creating the pattern. In the pattern preview, just select the points materializing
instances. Conversely, selecting these points again will make the application create the corresponding instances.
6. Define the spacing along the grid: enter 14 mm.
Defining the spacing along the grid and length of your choice would make the application compute the number of possible instances
and space them at equal distances.
7. Now, click the Second Direction tab to define other parameters.
Note that defining a second direction is not compulsory. Creating a rectangular defining only one direction is possible.
8. Click the Reference element field and select the edge to the left to define the second direction.
9. Click the Reverse option to make the arrow point in the opposite direction.
10. Let the Instances & Spacing option: enter 3 and 10 mm in the appropriate fields.
11. Click Preview to make sure the pattern meets your needs.
Additional pockets will be aligned along this second direction.

12. Click OK to repeat the pocket's geometry nine times.
This is the resulting pattern. RectPattern.1 feature is displayed in the specification tree.
13. Let's now edit the pattern to make it more complex: double-click the pattern to display the dialog box.
14. Click the More button to display the whole dialog box.
The options available let you position the pattern.

15. To modify the position of the pockets, enter -5 degrees as the rotation angle value.
16. Click Preview.
You can notice that all pockets have moved slightly:
17. Now, modify the location of the initial pocket. To do so, enter 2 in the Row in Direction 1 field.
The application previews how the pattern will be moved. It will be moved along the direction as indicated:
18. Finally, enter 2 in the Row in Direction 2 field.
The application previews how the pattern will be moved. It will be moved along these two directions defined in steps 17 and
18:
The Simplified representation option lightens the pattern's geometry. What you need to do is just check the option and double-click
the instances you do not want to see. The instances are then represented in dashed lines during the pattern definition and then are no
longer visible after validating the pattern creation. The specifications remain unchanged, whatever the number of instances you view.
This option is particularly used for patterns including a large number of instances.
19. Click OK.
The application has changed the location of all pockets. Only four of them remain on the pad.
Instances and Unequal Spacing

You can assign specific spacing values between each instance by proceeding as follows:
1. Create a new pattern for the purpose of this task: select Pocket.1 as the object to pattern, and first set the Instances &
Length parameter using the length values as shown here:
2. Set the Instances & Unequal Spacing parameter for the first direction.
Spacing values are displayed between each instance.
3. To edit the values between each instance, you need to edit values individually. First, select the spacing of interest if not already
done.
4. Then, choose one of the methods described hereafter: For example, if you wish to change 10mm for 17mm for the selected
spacing, you can:
❍ double-click the length value in the geometry area. This displays the Parameter Definition dialog box in which you can
enter the new value.
❍ directly enter the new value in the Spacing field of the Rectangular Pattern Definition dialog box.
5. Repeat the operation for the other spacings.
6. Click OK when done.
Removing Instances
Remember that clicking an instance once removes the instance from the specifications. Clicking once or double-clicking an instance
does not lead to the same result then.
It is possible to create Cartesian patterns with variable steps. To do so, you need to define formulas. For more information, refer to
Knowledge Advisor User's Guide Version 5.
● During your design, you may need to rework instances specifically. You will then have to use the Explode contextual command to
delete your pattern while keeping geometry. For more information, refer to Exploding Patterns.
Complex Patterns
You can pattern a list of Part Design features by proceeding as follows:
1. Multi-select the features to be duplicated.
These features must belong to the same body.

The features are indicated in the Object field.
3. Set the parameters you need as shown in the task above.
These rules are to be kept in mind before patterning a list of features.
❍ When multi-selecting, the first feature you select must not be a dress-up feature.
❍ Your list of features cannot include any transformation features, nor shells, nor splits, nor associated bodies.
❍ Your list of features cannot include any body.
Editing a List of Features
Editing a list of features consists in adding or removing features from the list. To do so, you just have to click the Object field and
select the feature of interest to add it or remove it from the list.
Note however that adding a feature to a pattern is possible only if your pattern is already based on a feature list. In other words, you
cannot add any feature to a basic pattern created using a single feature.
Patterning Current Solids

A current solid is composed of one or more features belonging to the same body. It is the result of the operations as mentioned in the
specification tree, the last operation being the current one. For more about current features, see Scanning a part and defining local
objects.
To pattern a current solid, just click the Rectangular Pattern icon . There is no need to select any geometry. By default, the
object to pattern is the current solid. You then just have to enter your specifications in the dialog box.
Note that if you change your mind and decide to pattern a feature, you just have to click the Object field and select the feature of
your choice.
In the following example, the current solid is the result of one pad and one hole.
The instances created via the Pattern command are composed of pads and holes only.
You cannot transform a patterned list of features into a patterned current solid and vice-versa.
Patterning User Defined Features (UDFs)

There are two ways of patterning a User Defined Feature. The order of selection affects the availability of the Keep specifications
option as explained below:
1. Select the UDF.

The application treats the pattern feature as a complex pattern, that is a pattern made from a list of diverse features. The
Keep specifications option is enabled and dimmed. The created pattern you create keeps the UDF specifications.
Or
2. Select the UDF.
Here the pattern is treated as a single feature. You are free to enable or disable the Keep specifications option.
Note that:
● you can pattern only one UDF.

● patterning UDFs is allowed in Part Design, not in Generative Shape Design.
Creating Circular Patterns

The application allows you to define three types of patterns:
● Circular patterns
● Rectangular patterns
● User patterns
This task shows you how to duplicate geometry of one or more features right away at the location of your choice using a circular
pattern.
This document also deals with:
● Complex Patterns
● Patterning User Defined Features (UDFs)
You can also find information about patterns and updates by reading Optimizing Part Design Application, Patterns.
Make sure the item you wish to duplicate is correctly located in relation to the circular rotation axis.
Open the CircularPattern.CATPart document.
1. Select the pad whose geometry you wish to copy.
2. Click the Circular Pattern icon .

The Circular Pattern Definition dialog box is displayed and the feature's name appears in the Object field.
If you change your mind and decide to pattern the current solid, click the Object field and use the Get current solid
contextual menu item. For more information, refer to Patterning Current Solids.
Keeping Specifications
Checking the Keep specifications option creates instances with the limit Up to Next (Up to Last, Up to Plane or Up to Surface)
defined for the original feature. The example below shows you that the limit defined for the pad, that is the Up to surface limit,
applies to all instances. As the limiting surface is not planar, the instances have different lengths.
Parameters
The Parameters field lets you choose the type of parameters you wish to specify so that the application will be able to compute the
location of the items copied.
These parameters are:
● Instances & total angle: the application computes the angular spacing after you specified the number of instances you wish to
obtain and a total angle value.
● Instances & angular spacing: the application computes the total angle after you specified the number of instances you wish to
obtain and an angular spacing.
● Angular spacing & total angle: the application computes the instances you can obtain by specifying an angular spacing and a
total angle.
● Complete crown: the application computes the angular spacing between the instances you decide to obtain.
● Instances & unequal angular spacing: distinct angle values can be assigned between each instance.
● If you set Instances & total angle or Angular spacing & total angle parameters, note that you cannot define the total angle
when using formulas.
● The Keep specifications option is not available if you are patterning a pattern.
3. Set the Instances & Angular spacing options to define the parameters you wish to specify.
Choosing Instances & Angular spacing dims the Total angle field because the application no longer needs this specification to
space the instances.
4. Enter 7 as the number of pads you wish to obtain.
5. Enter 50 degrees as the angular spacing.
Reference Direction
6. Click the Reference element field and select the upper face to determine the rotation axis. This axis will be normal to the
face.
To define a direction, you can select an edge, a line, a planar face or a plane. After selecting an edge, a line or a planar face,
if necessary, you can also select a point to define the rotation center. If you select a plane, selecting a point is mandatory.
Two arrows are then displayed on the pad.
Clicking the Reverse button reverses the direction.
Contextual commands creating the reference elements you need are available from the Reference element field:
● Create Line: For more information, see Creating Lines.
● X Axis: the X axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the direction.
● Y Axis: the Y axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the direction.
● Z Axis: the Z axis of the current coordinate system origin (0,0,0) becomes the direction.
● Create Plane: see Creating Planes.
If you create any of these elements, the application then displays the corresponding icon next to the Reference element field.
If you modify the angular spacing, the application previews the result: arrows 1 and 2 are moved accordingly.
7. Click Preview: the pad will be repeated six times. The instances are green, just like the original feature.
Crown Definition
8. Now, you are going to add a crown to your part. To do so, click the Crown Definition tab.
9. Set the Circle & Circle spacing options to define the parameters you wish to specify.
10. Enter 2 in the Circles field.
11. Enter -18 mm in the Circle spacing field.
This figure may help you to define your parameters:

12. Click OK.
These are your new instances:
13. Now, you are going to modify the position of the initial pad. Such a modification will affect all instances too. Double-click the
pattern.
14. Extend the dialog box by clicking More.
15. Enter 20 in the Rotation angle field.
The application previews the rotation.

● Applying the Delete command on one instance deletes the whole pattern. However, deleting the instances of your choice is
possible when creating or editing the pattern. To do so, just select the points materializing instances in the pattern preview.
Selecting these points again will enable the application maintain the corresponding instances.
● The Simplified representation option lets you lighten the pattern geometry. What you need to do is just check the option and
double-click the instances you do not want to see. The instances are then represented in dashed lines during the pattern
definition and then are no longer visible after validating the pattern creation. The specifications remain unchanged, whatever the
number of instances you view. This option is particularly used for patterns including a large number of instances.
● Remember then that clicking once or double-clicking an instance does not lead to the same result.
15. Click OK.
All instances are moved accordingly.
The scenario above does not show the use of the Radial alignment of instances option. In addition to performing the steps
described, you could have used this option that allows you to define the instance orientations.
The option is checked: all instances have the same The option is unchecked: all instances are normal to the lines tangent to the
orientation as the original feature. circle.
The application offers the capability of creating polar patterns (for example, spiral patterns). To do so, you need to define formulas.
For more information about formulas, refer to the Knowledge Advisor User's Guide Version 5.
During your design, you may need to rework instances specifically. You will then have to use the Explode contextual menu item to
delete your pattern while keeping geometry. For more information, refer to Exploding Patterns.
Complex Patterns
You can pattern a list of Part Design features by proceeding as follows:
1. Multi-select the features to be duplicated.
These features must belong to the same body.

The features are indicated in the Object field.
3. Set the parameters you need as shown in the task above.
These rules are to be kept in mind before patterning a list of features.
❍ When multi-selecting, the first feature you select must not be

a dress-up feature.
❍ Your list of features cannot include any transformation

feature, nor shell, nor split, nor associated bodies.
❍ Your list of features cannot include any body.
Editing a list of features consists in adding or removing features from the list. To do so, you just have to click the Object field and select the
feature of interest to add it or remove it from the list.
Note however that adding a feature to a pattern is possible only if your pattern is already based on a feature list. In other words, you
cannot add any feature to a basic pattern created using a single feature.
Instances and Unequal Angular Spacing

You can assign specific angular spacing between each instance by proceeding as follows:
1. Set the Instances & unequal angular spacing parameter.
Angular spacing values are displayed between each instance.
2. To edit the values between each instance, you need to edit values individually. First, select the angular spacing of interest if not
already done.
3. Then, choose one of the methods described hereafter: For example, if you wish to change 50 degrees for 80 degrees for the angular
spacing selected as shown in our picture, you can:
❍ double-click the angle value in the geometry area. This displays the Parameter Definition dialog box in which you can enter
the new value.
❍ directly enter the new value in the Angular spacing field of the Circular Pattern Definition dialog box.
4. Repeat the operation for the other angular spacings.
Patterning User Defined Features (UDFs)

There are two ways of patterning a User Defined Feature. The order of selection affects the availability of the Keep specifications option
as explained below:
1. Select the UDF.

The application treats the pattern feature as a complex pattern, that is a pattern made from a list of diverse features. The Keep
specifications option is enabled and dimmed. The created pattern you create keeps the UDF specifications.
Or
2. Select the UDF.
Here the pattern is treated as a single feature. You are free to enable or disable the Keep specifications option.
Note that:
● you can pattern only one UDF.

● patterning UDFs is allowed in Part Design, not in Generative Shape Design.
Creating User Patterns

The User Pattern command lets you duplicate a feature, a list of features or a body resulting from an
association of bodies as many times as you wish at the locations of your choice.
Locating instances consists in specifying anchor points. These points are created in the Sketcher.
This task shows you how to duplicate a feature list including a pocket and a fillet at the points defined in
a same sketch plane.
You can also find information about patterns and updates by reading Optimizing Part Design Application,
Patterns.
Open the UserPattern.CATPart document.
1. Select the filleted pocket you wish to duplicate.
Note that whenever you are using a feature list, you need to multi-select the features in the
order they were created.
2. Click the User Pattern icon .

The User Pattern Definition dialog box is displayed. The pocket and the fillet appear in the
Object field.
● If you click the User Pattern icon prior to selecting any geometry, by default, the object to be
patterned is the current solid. For more information, refer to Patterning Current Solids.
● If you change your mind and decide to pattern the current solid, right-click the Object field and
select Get current solid.
● Checking the Keep specifications option creates instances with the limit Up to Next ( Up to Last,
Up to Plane or Up to Surface) defined for the original feature.
The Keep specifications option is not available for:
● feature lists
● patterning patterns.
3. Select Sketch 4 in the specification tree and click Preview. The sketch includes the nine points
you need to locate the duplicated pockets.

4. As you just need seven points, click both points you do not need to unselect them.
Anchor
By default, the application positions each instance with respect to the center of gravity or the element to
be duplicated. To change this position, use the anchor field: click the Anchor field and select a vertex or
a point.
Note that contextual commands creating the anchors you need are available from the Anchor field:
● Create Point: for more information, see Creating Points
● Create Midpoint: creates the midpoint of the line you select

● Create Endpoint: creates the endpoint of the line you select
● Create Intersection: see Creating Intersections
● Create Projection: see Creating Projections
Anchor field. Clicking this icon enables you to edit the element.
5. Click OK.
The pockets and fillets are created at the points of the sketch. The specification tree indicates this
creation.

Editing a list of features consists in adding or removing features from the list. To do so, you just have to
click the Object field and select the feature of interest to add it or remove it from the list.
Note however that adding a feature to a pattern is possible only if your pattern is already based on a
feature list. In other words, you cannot add any feature to a basic pattern created using a single feature.
Exploding Patterns
During your design, you may need to rework instances specifically. You will then have to use the
Explode contextual menu item to delete your pattern while keeping geometry. For more information,
refer to Exploding Patterns.
Note
The application does not allow you to cut, nor copy user patterns.
Exploding Patterns
During your design you may decide to perform specific operations on a certain number of instances
created via the Pattern command. Before performing such operations, you need to explode your
pattern, which makes each instance independent.
This task shows you how to delete a pattern while keeping geometry.
The Explode command can be applied to patterns created with features and feature lists, not with
bodies. This capability is available in P2 mode only.
Open the RectangularPattern.CATPart document and perform a basic pattern.
1. Right-click the pattern you want to explode.
2. Use the RectPattern.1object -> Explode... contextual command.
You obtain as many features in the specification tree as there were instances. The geometry
remains unchanged.
Note that:
● if the original element you patterned contains a dress-up feature, for instance a fillet, exploding the
pattern does not delete the fillet defined on each instance.
● However, if a dress-up feature has been defined on a pattern instance, exploding the pattern will
delete this dress-up feature.
3. You can now edit pockets individually. For example, you can move them to the location of your
choice.
Creating Scalings
Scaling geometry means resizing it to the dimension you specify, using points, planes or planar sufaces
as scaling references.
This task shows how to scale a body in relation to a point.
Open the Scaling.CATPart document.
1. Select the body to be scaled.
2. Click the Scaling icon .

The Scaling Definition dialog box appears.
3. Select the reference point located on the body.
A graphic manipulator is displayed on the body.
4. Enter a value in the Ratio field or select the manipulator and drag it. The ratio increases as you
drag the manipulator in the direction pointed by the right end arrow.
5. Click OK.
The body is scaled. The specification tree indicates you performed this operation.
You can also resize a body in relation to a face or plane. In the example below, the plane zx is the
reference element and the ratio is 1.6. You obtain then an affinity.
Reference Elements
You can display the Reference Elements toolbar using View -> Toolbars -> Reference Elements
(extended/compact).
Create Points: Click this icon, choose the creation method then define the required parameters.
Create Lines: Click this icon, choose the creation method then define the required parameters.
Create Planes: Click this icon, choose the creation method then define the required parameters.
Creating Points
This task shows the various methods for creating points:
● by coordinates
● on a curve
● on a plane
● on a surface
● at a circle/sphere center
● tangent point on a curve
● between
Open the Points3D1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Point icon .
The Point Definition dialog box appears.
2. Use the combo to choose the desired point type.
Coordinates
● Enter the X, Y, Z coordinates in the current axis-system.
● Optionally, select a Reference Point.
The corresponding point is displayed.
● When the command is launched at creation, the initial value in the Axis System field is the current
local axis system. If no local axis system is current, the field is set to Default.
Whenever you select a local axis system, the point's coordinates are changed with respect to the
selected axis system so that the location of the point is not changed. This is not the case with points
valuated by formulas: if you select an axis system, the defined formula remains unchanged.
This option replaces the Coordinates in absolute axis-system option.
If you create a point using the coordinates method and an axis system is already defined and set as
current, the point's coordinates are defined according to current the axis system. As a consequence, the
point's coordinates are not displayed in the specification tree.
The current local axis system must be different from the absolute axis.
On curve
● Select a curve
● Optionally, select a reference point.
If this point is not on the curve, it is projected onto the curve.

If no point is selected, the curve's extremity is used as reference.
● Select an option point to determine whether the new point is to be created:

❍ at a given distance along the curve from the reference point
❍ a given ratio between the reference point and the curve's extremity.
● Enter the distance or ratio value.

If a distance is specified, it can be:
❍ a geodesic distance: the distance is measured along the curve
❍ an Euclidean distance: the distance is measured in relation to the reference point (absolute
value).
The corresponding point is displayed.
It is not possible to create a point with an euclidean distance if the distance or the ratio value is defined
outside the curve.
You can also:
● click the Nearest extremity button to display the point at the nearest extremity of the curve.
● click the Middle Point button to display the mid-point of the curve.
Be careful that the arrow is orientated towards the inside of the curve (providing the curve is not closed)
when using the Middle Point option.
● use the Reverse Direction button to display:

❍ the point on the other side of the reference point (if a point was selected originally)
❍ the point from the other extremity (if no point was selected originally).
● click the Repeat object after OK if you wish to create equidistant points on the curve, using the
currently created point as the reference, as described in Creating Multiple Points in the Wireframe
and Surface User's Guide.
You will also be able to create planes normal to the curve at these points, by checking the
Create normal planes also button, and to create all instances in a new geometrical set by
checking the Create in a new geometrical set button.
If the button is not checked the instances are created in the current geometrical set.
● If the curve is infinite and no reference point is explicitly given, by default, the reference point is the
projection of the model's origin
● If the curve is a closed curve, either the system detects a vertex on the curve that can be used as a
reference point, or it creates an extremum point, and highlights it (you can then select another one if
you wish) or the system prompts you to manually select a reference point.
Extremum points created on a closed curve are aggregated under their parent command and put in no
show in the specification tree.
On plane
● Select a plane.
❍ If you select one of the planes of any local axis system as the plane, the origin of this axis system
is set as the reference point and featurized. If you modify the origin of the axis system, the
reference point is modified accordingly.
● Optionally, select a point to define a reference for computing coordinates in the plane.
❍ If no point is selected, the projection of the model's origin on the plane is taken as reference.
● Optionally, select a surface on which the point is projected normally to the plane.
❍ If no surface is selected, the behavior is the same.
Furthermore, the reference direction (H and V vectors) is computed as follows:

With N the normal to the selected plane (reference plane), H results from the vectorial product
of Z and N (H = Z^N).
If the norm of H is strictly positive then V results from the vectorial product of N and H (V =
N^H).
Otherwise, V = N^X and H = V^N.
Would the plane move, during an update for example, the reference direction would then be
projected on the plane.
● Click in the plane to display a point.

On surface
● Select the surface where the point is to be created.

● Optionally, select a reference point. By default, the surface's middle point is taken as reference.
● You can select an element to take its orientation as reference direction or a plane to take its normal
as reference direction.
You can also use the contextual menu to specify the X, Y, Z components of the reference direction.
● Enter a distance along the reference direction to display a point.

● Choose the dynamic positioning of the point:

❍ Coarse (default behavior): the distance computed between the reference point and the mouse
click is an euclidean distance. Therefore the created point may not be located at the location of
the mouse click (see picture below).
The manipulator (symbolized by a red cross) is continually updated as you move the mouse over
the surface.
❍ Fine: the distance computed between the reference point and the mouse click is a geodesic
distance. Therefore the created point is located precisely at the location of the mouse click.
The manipulator is not updated as you move the mouse over the surface, only when you click on
the surface.
Sometimes, the geodesic distance computation fails. In this case, an euclidean distance might be used
and the created point might not be located at the location of the mouse click. This is the case with closed
surfaces or surfaces with holes. We advise you to split these surfaces before creating the point.
Circle/Sphere center
● Select a circle, circular arc, or ellipse, or

● Select a sphere or a portion of sphere.
A point is displayed at the center of the selected element.
Tangent on curve
● Select a planar curve and a direction line.
A point is displayed at each tangent.

The Multi-Result Management dialog box is displayed because several points are
generated. Refer to the Managing Multi-Result Operations chapter.
Between
● Select any two points.
● Enter the ratio, that is the percentage of the distance from the first selected point, at which the new
point is to be.
You can also click Middle Point button to create a point at the exact midpoint (ratio = 0.5).
Be careful that the arrow is orientated towards the inside of the curve (providing the curve is not closed)
when using the Middle Point option.
● Use the Reverse direction button to measure the ratio from the second selected point.
If the ratio value is greater than 1, the point is located on the virtual line beyond the selected points.
3. Click OK to create the point.
The point (identified as Point.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

● Parameters can be edited in the 3D geometry. For more information, refer to the Editing Parameters
chapter.
● You can isolate a point in order to cut the links it has with the geometry used to create it. To do so,
use the Isolate contextual menu. For more information, refer to the Isolating Geometric Elements
chapter.
Creating Lines
This task shows the various methods for creating lines:
● point to point
● point and direction
● angle or normal to curve
● tangent to curve
● normal to surface
● bisecting
It also shows you how to create a line up to an element, define the length type and automatically reselect
the second point.
Open the Lines1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Line icon .
The Line Definition dialog box is displayed.
2. Use the drop-down list to choose the desired line type.
A line type will be proposed automatically in some cases depending on your first element selection.
Defining the line type

Point - Point
This type is only available with the Generative Shape Design 2 product.
● Select two points.

A line is displayed between the two points.
Proposed Start and End points of the new line are shown.
● If needed, select a support surface.

In this case a geodesic line is created, i.e. going from one point to the other according to the shortest
distance along the surface geometry (blue line in the illustration below).
If no surface is selected, the line is created between the two points based on the shortest distance.
If you select two points on closed surface (a cylinder for example), the result may be unstable. Therefore,
it is advised to split the surface and only keep the part on which the geodesic line will lie.
The geodesic line is not available with the Wireframe and Surface workbench.
● Specify the Start and End points of the new line, that is the line endpoint location in relation to the
points initially selected. These Start and End points are necessarily beyond the selected points,
meaning the line cannot be shorter than the distance between the initial points.
● Check the Mirrored extent option to create a line symmetrically in relation to the selected Start and
End points.
The projections of the 3D point(s) must already exist on the selected support.
Point Direction
● Select a reference Point and a Direction line.

A vector parallel to the direction line is displayed at the reference point.
● Specify the Start and End points of the new line.

The corresponding line is displayed.
The projections of the 3D point(s) must already exist on the selected support.
Angle or Normal to curve

● Select a reference Curve and a Support surface containing that curve.

❍ If the selected curve is planar, then the Support is set to Default (Plane).
❍ If an explicit Support has been defined, a contextual menu is available to clear the selection.
● Select a Point on the curve.

● Enter an Angle value.
A line is displayed at the given angle with respect to the tangent to the reference curve at the selected
point. These elements are displayed in the plane tangent to the surface at the selected point.
You can click on the Normal to Curve button to specify an angle of 90 degrees.
Proposed Start and End points of the line are shown.
● Specify the Start and End points of the new line.
● Click the Repeat object after OK if you wish to create more lines with the same definition as the
currently created line.
In this case, the Object Repetition dialog box is displayed, and you key in the number of instances to
be created before pressing OK.
As many lines as indicated in the dialog box are created, each separated from the initial line by a multiple
of the angle value.
You can select the Geometry on Support check box if you want to create a geodesic line onto a support
surface.
The figure below illustrates this case.
Geometry on support option not checked Geometry on support option checked
This line type enables to edit the line's parameters. Refer to Editing Parameters to find out how to display
these parameters in the 3D geometry.
Tangent to Curve
● Select a reference Curve and a point or another Curve to define the tangency.
❍ if a point is selected (mono-tangent mode): a vector tangent to the curve is displayed at
the selected point.
❍ If a second curve is selected (or a point in bi-tangent mode), you need to select a support plane.
The line will be tangent to both curves.
■ If the selected curve is a line, then the Support is set to Default (Plane).
■ If an explicit Support has been defined, a contextual menu is available to clear the selection.
When several solutions are possible, you can choose one (displayed in red) directly in the geometry, or
using the Next Solution button.
Line tangent to curve at a given point Line tangent to two curves
● Specify Start and End points to define the new line.

Normal to surface
● Select a reference Surface and a Point.

A vector normal to the surface is displayed at the reference point.
If the point does not lie on the support surface, the minimum distance between the point and the surface
is computed, and the vector normal to the surface is displayed at the resulted reference point.
● Specify Start and End points to define the new line.
Bisecting
● Select two lines. Their bisecting line is the line splitting in two equals parts the angle between these
two lines.
● Select a point as the starting point for the line. By default it is the intersection of the bisecting line
and the first selected line.
● Select the support surface onto which the bisecting line is to be projected, if needed.
● Specify the line's length by defining Start and End values (these values are based onto the default
start and end points of the line).
The corresponding bisecting line, is displayed.
● You can choose between two solutions, using the Next Solution button, or directly clicking the
numbered arrows in the geometry.
3. Click OK to create the line.
The line (identified as Line.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

● Regardless of the line type, Start and End values are specified by entering distance values or by
using the graphic manipulators.
● Start and End values should not be the same.
● Check the Mirrored extent option to create a line symmetrically in relation to the selected Start
point.
It is only available with the Length Length type.
● In most cases, you can select a support on which the line is to be created. In this case, the selected
point(s) is projected onto this support.
● You can reverse the direction of the line by either clicking the displayed vector or selecting the
Reverse Direction button (not available with the point-point line type).
chapter.
● You can isolate a line in order to cut the links it has with the geometry used to create it. To do so, use
the Isolate contextual menu. For more information, refer to the Isolating Geometric Elements
chapter.
Creating a line up to an element

This capability allows you to create a line up to a point, a curve, or a surface.
● It is available with all line types, but the Tangent to curve type.
Up to a point
● Select a point in the Up-to 1 and/or Up-to 2 fields.
Here is an example with the Bisecting line type, the Length Length type, and a point as Up-to 2
element.
Up to a curve
● Select a curve in the Up-to 1 and/or Up-to 2 fields.
Here is an example with the Point-Point line type, the Infinite End Length type, and a curve as the
Up-to 1 element.
Up to a surface
● Select a surface in the Up-to 1 and/or Up-to 2 fields.
Here is an example with the Point-Direction line type, the Length Length type, and the surface as the
Up-to 2 element.
● If the selected Up-to element does not intersect with the line being created, then an extrapolation is
performed. It is only possible if the element is linear and lies on the same plane as the line being
created.
However, no extrapolation is performed if the Up-to element is a curve or a surface.
● The Up-to 1 and Up-to 2 fields are grayed out with the Infinite Length type, the Up-to 1 field is
grayed out with the Infinite Start Length type, the Up-to 2 field is grayed out with the Infinite End
Length type.
● The Up-to 1 field is grayed out if the Mirrored extent option is checked.
● In the case of the Point-Point line type, Start and End values cannot be negative.
Defining the length type

● Select the Length Type:
❍ Length: the line will be defined according to the Start and End points values
❍ Infinite: the line will be infinite
❍ Infinite Start Point: the line will be infinite from the Start point
❍ Infinite End Point: the line will be infinite from the End point
By default, the Length type is selected.

The Start and/or the End points values will be grayed out when one of the Infinite options is chosen.
Reselecting automatically a second point

This capability is only available with the Point-Point line method.
1. Double-click the Line icon .
The Line dialog box is displayed.
2. Create the first point.
The Reselect Second Point at next start option appears in the Line dialog box.
3. Check it to be able to later reuse the second point.
4. Create the second point.
5. Click OK to create the first line.
The Line dialog box opens again with the first point initialized with the second point of the first
line.
6. Click OK to create the second line.

To stop the repeat action, simply uncheck the option or click Cancel in the Line Definition dialog box.
Creating Planes
This task shows the various methods for creating planes:
● offset from a plane ● through a planar curve
● parallel through point ● normal to a curve
● angle/normal to a plane ● tangent to a surface
● through three points ● from its equation
● through two lines ● equation
● through a point and a line ● mean through points
Open the Planes1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Plane icon .
The Plane Definition dialog box appears.
2. Use the combo to choose the desired Plane type.
Once you have defined the plane, it is represented by a red square symbol, which you can move using
the graphic manipulator.
Offset from plane
● Select a reference Plane then enter an Offset value.
A plane is displayed offset from the reference plane.

Use the Reverse Direction button to reverse the change the offset direction, or simply click
on the arrow in the geometry.
● Click the Repeat object after OK if you wish to create more offset planes.
In this case, the Object Repetition dialog box is displayed, and you key in the number of instances
to be created before pressing OK.
As many planes as indicated in the dialog box are created (including the one you were
currently creating), each separated from the initial plane by a multiple of the Offset value.
Parallel through point
● Select a reference Plane and a Point.
A plane is displayed parallel to the reference plane and passing through the selected point.
Angle or normal to plane
● Select a reference Plane and a Rotation axis.

This axis can be any line or an implicit element, such as a cylinder axis for example. To
select the latter press and hold the Shift key while moving the pointer over the element,
then click it.
● Enter an Angle value.
The plane is displayed such as its center corresponds to the projection of the center of the
reference plane on the rotation axis. It is oriented at the specified angle to the reference
plane.
● Check the Project rotation axis on reference plane option if you wish to project the rotation axis
onto the reference plane. If the reference plane is not parallel to the rotation axis, the created plane
is rotated around the axis to have the appropriate angle with regard to reference plane.
● Check the Repeat object after OK option if you wish to create more planes at an angle from the
initial plane.
In this case, the Object Repetition dialog box is displayed, and you key in the number of instances to
be created before pressing OK.
As many planes as indicated in the dialog box are created (including the one you were
currently creating), each separated from the initial plane by a multiple of the Angle value.
Here we created five planes at an angle of 20 degrees.
This plane type enables to edit the plane's parameters. Refer to Editing Parameters to find out how to
display these parameters in the 3D geometry.
Through three points
● Select three points.

The plane passing through the three points is displayed. You can move it simply by dragging it
to the desired location.
Through two lines

● Select two lines.
The plane passing through the two line directions is displayed.

When these two lines are not coplanar, the vector of the second line is moved to the first line
location to define the plane's second direction.
Check the Forbid non coplanar lines button to specify that both lines be in the same plane.
Through point and line
● Select a Point and a Line.
The plane passing through the point and the line is displayed.
Through planar curve
● Select a planar Curve.
The plane containing the curve is displayed.

Normal to curve
● Select a reference Curve.

● You can select a Point. By default, the curve's middle point is selected.
It can be selected outside the curve.
A plane is displayed normal to the curve with its origin at the specified point. The normal is
computed at the point on the curve that is the nearest to the selected point.
Tangent to surface
● Select a reference Surface and a Point.
A plane is displayed tangent to the surface at the specified point.

Equation
● Enter the A, B, C, D components of the Ax + By + Cz = D plane equation.

● Select a point to position the plane through this point, you are able to modify A, B, and C
components, the D component becomes grayed.
● When the command is launched at creation, the initial value in the Axis System field is
the current local axis system. If no local axis system is current, the field is set to Default.
Whenever you select a local axis system, A, B, C, and D values are changed with respect
to the selected axis system so that the location of the plane is not changed. This is not the
case with values valuated by formulas: if you select an axis system, the defined formula
remains unchanged.
This option replaces the Coordinates in absolute axis-system option.
Use the Normal to compass button to position the plane perpendicular to the compass direction.
Use the Parallel to screen button to parallel to the screen current view.
Mean through points
● Select three or more points to display the mean plane through these points.
It is possible to edit the plane by first selecting a point in the dialog box list then choosing an
option to either:
● Remove the selected point

● Replace the selected point by another point.
3. Click OK to create the plane.
The plane (identified as Plane.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

chapter.
● You can isolate a plane in order to cut the links it has with the geometry used to create it. To do so,
use the Isolate contextual menu. For more information, refer to the Isolating Geometric Elements
chapter.
Join Surfaces or Curves: select at least two curves or surfaces to be joined.
Extrapolate Surfaces: select a surface boundary, specify the extrapolation type and value.
Extract Geometry: select an edge or the face of a geometric element, and set the propagation type.
Create Intersections: select the two elements to be intersected.
Create Projections: select the element to be projected and its support, specify the projection
direction.
Create Boundary Curves: select a surface's edge, set the propagation type, and re-define the curve
limits if needed.
Joining Surfaces or Curves

This task shows how to join surfaces or curves.
Open the Join1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Join icon .
The Join Definition dialog box appears.
In Part Design workbench, the Join capability is available as a contextual command named 'Create Join'
that you can access from Sketch-based features dialog boxes.
2. Select the surfaces or curves to be joined.

3. You can edit the list of elements to be joined:
● by selecting elements in the geometry:

❍ Standard selection (no button clicked):
when you click an unlisted element, it is added to the list
when you click a listed element, it is removed from the list
❍ Add Mode:
when you click an unlisted element, it is added to the list
when you click a listed element, it remains in the list
❍ Remove Mode:
when you click an unlisted element, the list is unchanged
when you click a listed element, it removed from the list
● by selecting an element in the list then using the Remove\Replace contextual menu items.
If you double-click the Add Mode or Remove Mode button, the chosen mode is permanent, i.e.
successively selecting elements will add/remove them. However, if you click only once, only the next
selected element is added or removed.
You only have to click the button again, or click another one, to deactivate the mode.
4. Right-click the elements from the list and choose the Check Selection command.
This lets you check whether an element to be joined presents any intersection (i.e. at least
one common point) with other elements prior to creating the joined surface. If this command
is not launched, possible intersections will not be detected.
The Checker dialog box is displayed, containing the list of domains (i.e. sets of connected
cells) belonging to the selected elements from the Elements To Join list.
5. Click Preview.
● An Information message is issued when no intersection is found.

● When an element is self-intersecting, or when several elements intersect, a text is displayed on the
geometry, where the intersection is detected.
6. Click Cancel to return to the Join Definition dialog box.
7. Right-click the elements again and choose the Propagation options to allow the selection of
elements of same dimension.
● G0 Propagate: the tolerance corresponds to the Merging distance value.
● G1 Propagate: the tolerance corresponds to the Angular Threshold value, if defined. Otherwise, it
corresponds to the G1 tolerance value as defined in the part.
Each new element found by propagation of the selected element(s) is highlighted and added to the
Elements To Join list.
Note that:
● The initial element to propagate cannot be a sub-element
● Forks stop the propagation
● Intersections are not detected
8. Click Preview in the Join Definition dialog box.
The joined element is previewed, and its orientation displayed. Click the arrow to invert it if
needed.
The join is oriented according to the first element in the list. If you change this element, the join's
orientation is automatically set to match the orientation of the new topmost element in the list.
9. Check the Check tangency option to find out whether the elements to be joined are tangent. If
they are not, and the option is checked, an error message is issued.
10. Check the Check connexity option to find out whether the elements to be joined are connex. If
they are not, and the button is checked, an error message is issued indicating the number of
connex domains in the resulting join.
When clicking Preview, the free boundaries are highlighted, and help you detect where the joined
element is not connex.
11. Check the Check manifold option to find out whether the resulting join is manifold.
● The Check manifold option is only available with curves.

Checking it automatically checks the Check connexity option.
● If two elements are not connex and the Check connexity option is deselected, the Multi-Result
Management dialog box is displayed.
In case one of the above checks fails, an error message is issued and elements in error are highlighted in
the 3D geometry.
● The Simplify the result check option allows the system to automatically reduce the number of
elements (faces or edges) in the resulting join whenever possible.
● The Ignore erroneous elements option lets the system ignore surfaces and edges that would not
allow the join to be created.
12. You can also set the tolerance at which two elements are considered as being only one using the
Merging distance.
13. Check the Angular Threshold option to specify the angle value below which the elements are to
be joined.
If the angle value on the edge between two elements is greater than the Angle Tolerance value,
the elements are not joined. This is particularly useful to avoid joining overlapping elements.
14. Click the Federation tab to generate groups of elements belonging to the join that will be
detected together with the pointer when selecting one of them.
For further information, see Using the Federation Capability.
15. Click the Sub-Elements To Remove tab to display the list of sub-elements in the join.
These sub-elements are elements making up the elements selected to create the join, such as
separate faces of a surface for example, that are to be removed from the join currently being
created.
You can edit the sub-elements list as described above for the list of elements to be joined.
16. Check the Create join with sub-elements option to create a second join, made of all the sub-
elements displayed in the list, i.e. those that are not to be joined in the first join.
This option is active only when creating the first join, not when editing it.
17. Click OK to create the joined surface or curve.
The surface or curve (identified as Join.xxx) is added to the specification tree.
Sometimes elements are so close that it is not easy to see if they present a gap or not, even though they
are joined. Check the Surfaces' boundaries option from the Tools -> Options menu item, General,
Display, Visualization tab.
Using the Federation Capability

This option is only available with the Generative Shape Design 2 product.
The purpose of the federation is to regroup several elements making up the joined surface or curve. This
is especially useful when modifying linked geometry to avoid re-specifying all the input elements.
Open the Join2.CATPart document.
1. Create the join as usual, selecting all elements to be joined.
(Make sure you do not select Sketch.1).

2. From the Join Definition dialog box click the Federation tab, then select one of the elements
making up the elements federation.
You can edit the list of elements taking part in the federation as described above for the list of
elements to be joined.
3. Choose a propagation mode, the system automatically selects the elements making up the
federation, taking this propagation mode into account.
● No federation: no element can be selected
● All: all elements belonging to the resulting joined curve/surface are part of the federation. Therefore,
no element can be explicitly selected.
● Point continuity: all elements that present a point continuity with the selected elements and the
continuous elements are selected; i.e. only those that are separated from any selected element is not
included in the federation
● Tangent continuity: all the elements that are tangent to the selected element, and the ones
tangent to it, are part of the federation
Here, only the top faces of the joined surface are detected, not the lateral faces.
To federate a surface and its boundaries in tangency, you need to select the face as well as the edges:
both face and edges will be federated.
● No propagation: only the elements explicitly selected are part of the propagation
4. Choose the Tangency Propagation federation mode as shown above.
5. Move to the Part Design workbench, select the Sketch.1, and click the Pad icon to create an
up to surface pad, using the joined surface as the limiting surface.
6. Select the front edge of the pad, and create a 2mm fillet using the Edge Fillet icon.
7. Double-click the Sketch.1 from the specification tree, then double-click the constraint on the
sketch to change it to 10mm from the Constraint Definition dialog box.

Sketch prior to modification lying over two Sketch after modification lying over one face only
faces
8. Exit the sketcher .
The up to surface pas is automatically recomputed even though it does not lie over the same faces of the
surface as before, because these two faces belong to the same federation. This would not be the case if
the federation including all top faces would not have been created, as shown below.
9. Double-click the joined surface (Join.1) to edit it, and choose the No propagation federation
mode.
10. Click OK in the Join Definition dialog box.
A warning message is issued, informing you that an edge no longer is recognized on the pad.
11. Click OK.
The Update Diagnosis dialog box is displayed, allowing you to re-enter the specifications for the
edge, and its fillet.

You then need to edit the edge and re-do the fillet to obtain the previous pad up to the joined surface.
12. Select the Edge.1 line, click the Edit button, and re-select the pad's edge in the geometry.
13. Click OK in the Edit dialog box.
The fillet is recomputed based on the correct edge.

Extrapolating Surfaces
This task shows you how to extrapolate a surface boundary.
Open the Extrapolate1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Extrapolate icon .
The Extrapolate Definition dialog box appears.
2. Select a surface Boundary.
3. Select the surface to be Extrapolated.
4. Specify the Limit of the extrapolation by either:
● entering the value of the extrapolation length

● selecting a limit surface or plane
● using the manipulators in the geometry.
5. Specify the Continuity type:
● Tangent
● Curvature
Tangent Curvature
The following options are not available with the Curvature continuity type: Up to element, Extremities and Internal Edges.
6. Specify Extremities conditions between the extrapolated surface and the support surface.
● Tangent: the extrapolation sides are tangent to the edges adjacent to the surface boundary.
● Normal: the extrapolation sides are normal to the original surface boundary.
Tangent Normal
7. Specify the Propagation type:
● Tangency continuity to propagate the extrapolation to the boundary's adjacent edges.
● Point continuity to propagate the extrapolation around all the boundary's vertices.
Tangent continuity Point continuity

8. Click OK to create the extrapolated surface.
The surface (identified as Extrapol.xxx) is added to the specification tree.
● Check the Constant distance optimization option to perform an extrapolation with a constant distance and create a surface without
deformation.
This option is not available when the Extend extrapolated edges option is checked.
1. Select Boundary.1 as the Boundary and Surface.1 as the surface to be Extrapolated.

2. Set a Length of 10mm.
3. Check the Constant distance optimization option.
4. Click OK to create the extrapolated surface.
Constant distance optimization option checked Constant distance optimization option unchecked
● The Internal Edges option enables to determine a privileged direction for the extrapolation. You can select one or more edges (in the
following example we selected the edge of Surface.1) that will be extrapolated in tangency. You can also select a vertex once you have
selected an edge in order to give an orientation to the extrapolation.
You can only select edges in contact with the boundary.
One edge selected Two edges selected
The Internal Edge option is not available with the Wireframe and Surface product.
● Check the Assemble result option if you want the extrapolated surface to be assembled to the support surface.
● Check the Extend extrapolated edges to reconnect the features based on elements of the extrapolated surface.
This option is especially useful if you work within an ordered geometrical set environment.
1. Set Extrude.1 as the current object.
2. Select the boundary of Extrude.1 and Extrapol.1 as the surface to be extrapolated.
Extrude.3 is automatically rerouted, as well as all edges based on Extrude.1.
This option is only available when both Continuity and Extremity types are specified as Tangent, and when the Assemble result
option is checked.
It is not available when the Constant distance optimization option is checked.
Extracting Geometry
This task shows how to perform an extract from elements (curves, points, surfaces, solids, volumes and
so forth).
This may be especially useful when a generated element is composed of several non-connex sub-
elements. Using the extract capability you can generate separate elements from these sub-elements,
without deleting the initial element.
Open the Extract1.CATPart document.
1. Select an edge or the face of an element.
The selected element is highlighted.
2. Click the Extract icon .
The Extract Definition dialog box is displayed.
In Part Design workbench, the Extract capability is available as a contextual command named Create
Extract that you can access from Sketch-based features dialog boxes.
3. Choose the Propagation type:
● Point continuity: the extracted element will not have a hole.

● Tangent continuity: the extracted element will be created according to tangency conditions.
● Curvature continuity: the extracted element (necessarily a curve) will be created according to
curvature conditions.
Define a Curvature Threshold value.

For a curvature discontinuity: the value is a ratio between 0 and 1 which is defined as follows:
if ||Rho1-Rho2|| / ||Rho2|| < (1-r)/r

where Rho1 is the curvature vector on one side of the discontinuity, Rho2 the curvature vector on the
other side, and r the ratio specified by the user;
then the discontinuity is smoothed.
For example, r=1 corresponds to a continuous curvature and r=0.98 to the model tolerance (default
value). A great discontinuity will require a low r to be taken into account.
● No propagation: only the selected element will be created.

4. Click OK to extract the element.
The extracted element (identified as Extract.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

● If you extract an edge that you want to propagate, and there is an ambiguity about the propagation
side, a warning is issued and you are prompted to select a support face. In this case, the dialog box
dynamically updates and the Support field is added.
● The Complementary mode option, once checked, highlights, and therefore selects, the elements
that were not previously selected, while deselecting the elements that were explicitly selected.
● Check the Federation option to generate groups of elements belonging to the resulting extracted
element that will be detected together with the pointer when selecting one of its sub-elements. For
further information, see Using the Federation Capability.
You can select a volume as the element to be extracted.

This capability is only available with Generative Shape Optimizer.
To do so, you can either:
1. select the volume in the specification tree, or

2. use the User Selection Filter toolbar and select the Volume Filter mode.
For further information, refer to the Selecting Using A Filter chapter in the CATIA Infrastructure
User's Guide.
In both cases, the result of the extraction is the same whatever the chosen propagation type.
● In a .CATProduct document containing several parts, you can use the extract capability in the current
part from the selection of an element in another part, provided the propagation type is set to No
Propagation.
In this case, a curve (respectively a surface or point) is created in the current part if the selected
element is a curve (respectively a surface or point); the Extract parent therefore being the created
curve (respectively the surface or point).
Note:
❍ if another propagation type is selected, the extraction is impossible and an error message is
issued.
❍ when editing the extract, you can change the propagation type providing the parent belongs to
the current part.
❍ in the current part, if you select an element using the Tangent, Point or Curvature continuity as
the propagation type, a warning is issued and you have to select No propagation instead.
● If the selected element is not tangent continuous and the propagation type is set to Tangent
continuity, an error message is issued.
● If the selected element is a wire that is not curvature continuous and the propagation type is set to
Curvature continuity, an error message is issued.
● If the selected element has a support face and is not a surface, even though the Complementary
mode option is checked, the Complementary mode will not be taken into account for the extraction
and the option will therefore be inactive. After the extraction, the option will be available again.
● When the result of an extract is not connex (during creation or edition) due to naming ambiguity, you
can now select the part to keep to solve the ambiguity.
● You cannot copy/paste an extracted element from a document to another. If you wish to do so, you
need to copy/paste the initial element first into the second document then perform the extraction.
Creating Intersections
This task shows you how to create wireframe geometry by intersecting elements.
You can intersect:
● wireframe elements
● surfaces
● wireframe elements and a surface.
Open the Intersection1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Intersection icon .
The Intersection Definition dialog box appears as well as the Multi-Selection dialog box allowing to perform multi-selection.
2. Select the two elements to be intersected.
The intersection is displayed.
Multi-selection is available on the first and second selection, meaning you can select several elements to be intersected as well as several
intersecting elements.
3. Choose the type of intersection to be displayed.
● A Curve (when intersecting two curves)

● Points (when intersecting two curves)
● A Contour: when intersecting a solid element with a surface
● A Face: when intersecting a solid element with a surface (we increased the transparency degree on the pad and surface)
4. Click OK to create the intersection element.
This element (identified as Intersect.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

The above example shows the line resulting The above example shows the curve resulting
from the intersection of a plane and a surface from the intersection of two surfaces
Several options can be defined to improve the preciseness of the intersection.
Open the Intersection2.CATPart document.
● The Extend linear supports for intersection option enables you to extend the first, second or both elements.
Both options are unchecked by default.
Here is an example with the option checked for both elements.
● The Extrapolate intersection on first element check box enables you to perform an extrapolation on the first selected element, in
the case of a surface-surface intersection. In all the other cases, the option will be grayed.
Intersection without the Extrapolation option checked Intersection with the Extrapolation option checked
● The Intersect non coplanar line segments check box enables you to perform an intersection on two non-intersecting lines. In all the
other cases, the option will be grayed.
When checking this option, both Extend linear supports for intersection options are checked too.
Intersection between the light green line and the blue line: the Intersection between the pink line and the blue line: the intersection is
intersection point is calculated after the blue line is extrapolated calculated as the mid-point of minimum distance between the two
lines
Avoid using input elements which are tangent to each other since this may result in geometric instabilities in the tangency zone.
The following capabilities are available: Stacking Commands and Selecting Using Multi-Output.
Creating Projections
This task shows you how to create geometry by projecting one or more elements onto a support. The
projection may be normal or along a direction.
You can project:
● a point onto a surface or wireframe support

● wireframe geometry onto a surface support
● any combination of points and wireframe onto a surface support.
Generally speaking, the projection operation has a derivative effect, meaning that there may be a continuity
loss when projecting an element onto another. If the initial element presents a curvature continuity, the
resulting projected element presents at least a tangency continuity. If the initial element presents a tangency
continuity, the resulting projected element presents at least a point continuity.
Open the Projection1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Projection icon .
The Projection Definition dialog box appears as well as the Multi-Selection dialog box allowing to
perform multi-selection.
2. Select the element to be Projected.
You can select several elements to be projected. In this case, the Projected field indicates: x
elements
3. Select the Support element.
4. Use the combo to specify the direction type for the projection:
● Normal: the projection is done normal to the support element.
● Along a direction: you need to select a line to take its orientation as the translation direction or a plane
to take its normal as the translation direction.
You can also specify the direction by means of X, Y, Z vector components by using the contextual menu on
the Direction field.
● Whenever several projections are possible, you can select the Nearest Solution check box to keep the
nearest projection.
The nearest solutions are sorted once the computation of all the possible solutions is performed.
● You can smooth the element to be projected by checking either:
❍ None: deactivates the smoothing result
With support surface: the smoothing is performed according to the support. As a consequence, the
resulting smoothed curve inherits support discontinuities.
❍ Tangency: enhances the current continuity to tangent continuity

❍ Curvature: enhances the current continuity to curvature continuity
You can specify the maximum deviation for G1 or G2 smoothing by entering a value or using the
spinners.
If the element cannot be smoothed correctly, a warning message is issued.
Moreover, a topology simplification is automatically performed for G2 vertices: cells with a curvature
continuity are merged.
Without support surface:
❍ 3D Smoothing: the smoothing is performed without specifying any support surface. As a
consequence, the resulting smoothed curve has a better continuity quality and is not exactly laid
down on the surface.

As a consequence, you may need to activate the Tolerant laydown option. Refer to the Customizing
General Settings chapter.
This option is available if you previously select the Tangency or Curvature smoothing type.
With 3D smoothing option checked With 3D smoothing option unchecked
Only small discontinuities are smoothed in order to keep the curve's sharp vertices.
5. Click OK to create the projection element.
The projection (identified as Project.xxx) is added to the specification tree.
The following capabilities are available: Stacking Commands and Selecting Using Multi-Output.
Creating Boundary Curves
This task shows how to create the boundary curve of a surface.
Open the Boundaries1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Boundary icon .
The Boundary Definition dialog box appears.
2. Use the combo to choose the Propagation type:
● Complete boundary: the selected edge is propagated around the entire surface boundary.
● Point continuity: the selected edge is propagated around the surface boundary until a point discontinuity is
met.
● Tangent continuity: the selected edge is propagated around the surface boundary until a tangent
discontinuity is met.
● No propagation: no propagation or continuity condition is imposed, only the selected edge is kept.
You can select the propagation type before selecting an edge.
3. Select a Surface edge.
The boundary curve is displayed according to the selected propagation type.
No propagation Tangent continuity

Point continuity Complete boundary
4. You can relimit the boundary curve by means of two elements.
If you relimit a closed curve by means of only one element, a point on curve curve for example, the closure vertex
will be moved to the relimitation point, allowing this point to be used by other features.
5. Click OK to create the boundary curve.
The curve (identified as Boundary.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

● If you select the surface directly, the Propagation type no longer is available, as the complete boundary is
automatically generated.
Provided the generated boundary curve is continuous, you can still select limiting point to limit the
boundary.
Using the red arrow; you can then invert the limited boundary.
If you select a curve which has an open contour, the Propagation type becomes available: choose the No
Propagation type and select the curve again. The extremum points will define the boundary result.
You cannot copy/paste a boundary from a document to another. If you wish to do so, you need to copy/paste the
surface first into the second document then create the boundary.
Modifying Parts
Redefine Feature Parameters Select the object to be edited, double-click it, then enter new
parameters in the dialog box that is displayed.
Update Parts: Click this icon. To resolve possible difficulties, click the Edit, Deactivate or Delete
button in the dialog box that appears.
Delete Features: Select the feature to be deleted and the Edit -> Delete... command. Optionally,
delete its exclusive parents or its children by checking the corresponding options.
Delete Unreferenced Elements: Select Tools-> Delete Useless Elements..., and confirm the
deletion by clicking OK in the dialog box that appears.
Deactivate Elements:
Reorder Features: Select the feature to be reordered, Edit -> xxx.object -> Reorder... and the
feature after which you wish to position your object.
Reordering Sketch-Based Features: Select the feature to be reordered, Edit -> xxx.object ->
Reorder... and the feature after which you wish to position your object.
For reference information, refer to Specification Tree Symbols.

Editing Parts, Bodies and Features

Editing a part may mean for example modifying the density of the part (See Displaying and Editing Properties
), but most often editing consists in modifying the features composing the part. This operation can be done at
any time.
There are several ways of editing a feature. If you modify the sketch used in the definition of a feature, the
application will take this modification into account to compute the feature again: in other words, associativity
is maintained.
Now, you can also edit your features through definition dialog boxes in order to redefine the parameters of
your choice.
Redefining Feature Parameters

This task shows how to edit a draft and a pad. The process described here is valid for any other feature
to be edited.
Open the Edit1.CATPart document.
1. Double-click the draft to be edited (in the specification tree or in the geometry area).
The Draft Definition dialog box appears and the application shows the current draft angle value.
Generally speaking, the application always shows dimensional constraints related to the feature
you are editing. Concerning sketch-based features, it also shows the sketches used for extrusion
as well as the constraints defined for these sketches.
Instead of double-clicking the element you wish to edit, you can also click this element and select the
XXX.object -> Definition... command which will display the edit dialog box.
2. Enter a new draft angle value.
3. Click OK.
This is your new feature:
4. Now, double-click the pad.
The Pad Definition dialog box appears and the application shows the pad only, not the next
operation.
You will notice that the pad was created in symmetric extent mode and that the application
displays information about the initial profile.
5. Enter a new length value.
6. Uncheck the Mirrored extent option.
7. Enter a length value for the second limit in the Length field.
Optionally, click Preview to see the new pad to be created.
8. Click OK.
The modifications are taken into account. Your part now looks like this:
You can also access the parameters you wish to edit in the following way:
1. Right-click the feature in the specification tree and select feature.n object -> Edit Parameters
You can now view the feature parameters in the geometry area.
2. Double-click the parameter of interest.
A small dialog box appears displaying the parameter value:
3. Enter a new value and click OK.
Note
If you wish to quit the Edit Parameters contextual command, just click the Select icon.
Updating Parts
The point of updating a part is to make the application take your very last operation into account. Indeed some
changes to a sketch, feature or constraint require the rebuild of the part. To warn you that an update is needed, the
application displays the update symbol next to the part's name and displays the geometry in bright red.
To update a part, the application provides two update modes:
● automatic update, available in Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure. If selected,
this option lets the application update the part when needed.
● manual update, available in Tools -> Options-> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure: lets you control
the updates of your part. What you have to do is just click the Update All icon whenever you wish to
integrate modifications. The Update capability is also available via Edit -> Update and the Update contextual
menu item. A progression bar indicates the evolution of the operation.
For more information about customizing updates, refer to General Settings.
Note that you can cancel or interrupt updates. You can also use the Update All command.
What Happens When the Update Fails?
Sometimes, the update operation is not straightforward because for instance, you entered inappropriate edit
values or because you deleted a useful geometrical element. In both cases, the application requires you to
reconsider your design. The following scenario exemplifies what you can do in such circumstances.
Open the Update3.CATPart document.
The part is shelled in this way:

1. Enter the Sketcher to replace the circular edge of the initial sketch with a line, then return to Part
Design.
The application detects that this operation affects the shell. A yellow symbol displays on the feature
causing trouble i.e. the shell in the specification tree. Moreover, a dialog box appears providing the
diagnosis of your difficulties and the preview no longer shows the shell:
To resolve the problem, the dialog box provides the following options. If you wish to rework Shell.1,
you can:
❍ edit it
❍ deactivate it (for more about deactivated features, refer to Displaying and Editing Features
Properties
❍ isolate it
❍ delete it
2. For the purposes of our scenario that is rather simple, click Shell.1 if not already done, then
Edit.
The Feature Definition Error window displays, prompting you to change specifications.
Moreover, the old face you have just deleted is now displayed in yellow.
The text Removed Face is displayed in front of the face, thus giving you a better indication of
the face that has been removed. Such a graphic text is now available for Thickness and Union
Trim features too.

The Shell Definition dialog box appears.
4. Click the Faces to remove field if not already done and select the replacing face.
5. Click OK to close the Shell Definition dialog box and obtain a correct part. The shell feature is rebuilt.
Canceling Updates
You can cancel your updates by clicking the Cancel button available in the Updating...dialog box.
Interrupting Updates
This scenario shows you how to update a part and interrupt the update operation on a given feature by means
of a useful message you previously defined.
Open the Update.CATPart document and ensure that the manual update mode is on.
1. Right-click Hole.1 as the feature from which the update will be interrupted and select the Properties
contextual menu item.
The Properties dialog box is displayed.
2. Check the Associate stop update option. This option stops the update process and displays the
memo you entered in the blank field. This capability is available in manual or automatic update mode.
3. Enter any useful information you want in the blank field. For instance, enter "Fillet needs editing".
The entity Stop Update.1 is displayed in the specification tree, below Hole.1, indicating that the hole
is the last feature that will be updated before the message window displays.
5. Edit Sketch.1, which will invoke an update operation.
When quitting the Sketcher, the part appears in bright red.
6. Run the update operation by clicking the icon.

The Updating... as well as the Stop Update message windows are displayed. The Stop Update
windows displays your memo and lets you decide whether you wish to stop the update operation or
continue it.
7. Click Yes to finish.
The part is updated. You can now edit the fillet if you consider it necessary.
Using this capability in automatic update mode, the Stop Update dialog box that displays is merely
informative.
8. If you decide not to use this capability any longer, you can either:
❍ right-click Hole.1, select the Properties contextual menu item and check the Deactivate stop
update option: the update you will perform will be a basic one. To show that the capability is
deactivated for this feature, red parentheses precede Stop Update.1 in the specification tree.
❍ right-click Stop Update.1 and select Delete to delete the capability.
Update All Command

The Update All command synchronizes copied solids linked to external references, but also updates the whole
geometry of the part. For information about external references, refer to Handling Parts in a Multi-document
Environment.
There are cases where the command also displays the Replace Viewer window. This window either helps you
redefine directions if needed or is merely informative and therefore lets you check the validity of your
geometry.
Deleting Features
Whenever you have to delete geometry, you do not necessarily have to delete the elements used to create it. The application
lets you define what you really want to delete.
If you wish to delete all unnecessary elements of a CATPart document, refer to Deleting Unreferenced Elements.
This section also deals with the following topics:
● Deleting Features Built upon Dress-up Features
● Deleting Patterns
● Deleting Aggregated Elements
This task shows how to delete a sketch on which geometry has been defined and what this operation involves.
Open the Delete.CATPart document.
1. Select the rectangle you wish to delete.
2. Select Edit -> Delete....
The Delete dialog box is displayed, showing the element to be deleted and three options.
❍ Delete exclusive parents: deletes the geometry on which the element was created. This geometry can be
deleted only if it is exclusively used for the selected element.
This option is already checked if you previously checked the Delete exclusive parents option in the Options
dialog box. For more information, refer to General to know how to customize appropriate settings.
❍ Delete all children: deletes the geometry based upon the element to be deleted, in other words, dependent
elements.
❍ Delete aggregated elements: deletes the geometry aggregated below the element to be deleted.
Here, the first option cannot be used because the rectangle has no parents. The third option cannot be used either
due to the fact that there is no aggregated geometry.
3. Click More.
Additional options and the elements affected by the deletion are displayed. If you can delete the sketch, you can also
replace it with another element.

4. Click ...PartBody/Sketch.2 to display Sketch.2 from the Replace section.
Sketch.2 appears in the Replace field.
5. Select Sketch4, that is the hexagon to replace Sketch 2 .
This operation is now displayed in the dialog box.
6. Click OK.
The sketch is deleted as well as its children: two pads one of which is filleted.
A Few Notes About Deletion
● Deleting Features Built upon Dress-up Features
If you delete a feature (dress-up or not) previously used to create a dress-up feature, the dress-up feature is
recomputed.
In this example, thickness was added to the pad, then material was removed from the whole part using the shell
capability. In other words, the existence of the shell depends upon the existence of the thickness.
You will notice that only the thickness has been deleted. The application
keeps the shell feature.
● Keep in mind you can apply the Undo command if you inadvertently deleted a feature.
● You are not allowed to delete a profile used to define a feature, unless you delete the profile to construct another one.
● Deleting Patterns
Concerning patterns, applying the Delete command on one instance deletes the whole pattern.
● Deleting Aggregated Elements

❍ Whenever you delete a feature, you can choose between deleting the corresponding aggregated element (element located
just below the feature based on it, in the specification tree. For example, a sketch) or not.
In concrete terms, you can activate or deactivate the Delete aggregated elements option. By default, the option is
checked.
❍ Deleting a surface or wireframe element may affect the specifications of a Part Design feature.
❍ When deleting a Boolean operation, by default all operated bodies (located below the Boolean operation node) are deleted
too: just deselect the Delete aggregated elements option if you wish to keep the bodies.
Deleting Unreferenced Elements

This task shows you how to delete un-referenced elements, i.e. elements not participating in the creation
of other geometrical elements.
Open the Delete.CATPart document.
1. Select the Tools-> Delete Useless Elements command.
The Delete Useless Elements dialog box appears.

It lists all the geometrical elements, datum or not, that are present in the document or in other
documents when working in context: in a CATProduct document referencing CATPart documents.
Elements used by a Part Design feature have the Keep, used by solid status meaning they cannot
be deleted.
In our scenario, three elements are mentioned with the Delete status.
Keeping Some Elements

2. If you do not wish to delete all possible elements, use the Keep contextual menu item. For instance,
apply that command onto PartBody\Sketch.4.
The list of un-referenced elements is automatically updated, indicating a new status for the selected
element (Keep).
Sometimes, for some kept elements, the application detects other elements that are to be kept as a
consequence. In that case, the status is "Keep, propagate".
In the bottom left corner of the dialog box, the global status is also updated.
3.
Click OK to confirm the deletion of all elements listed with the Delete status.
More About the Command
● The Delete contextual menu item is available to delete an element which status is Keep.
Also available in the contextual menu are the Center Graph and Reframe On items.
● Bodies, whether Geometrical Sets, Ordered Geometrical Sets or PartBodies located directly below
the main Part are not displayed in the list, as when creating a new document, they are
necessarily empty of geometric elements, and it does not make sense to delete them.
This task shows how to inactivate a geometric element: it acts as a temporary deletion.
This may be useful when, in a complex part, a branch of the part should not be affected by an update, or
is not updating correctly for instance.
This capability will let you work on the other elements present in the document while ignoring a specific
element.
Open the Deactivate1.CATPart document.
1. Right-click the element to be deactivated from the specification tree, and choose the Xxx object -
> Deactivate contextual command.
2. Click OK.
The selected element as well as its children and aggregated elements (if any and depending on
the selected options) are deactivated.
The ( ) symbol is displayed in the specification tree, and the corresponding geometry is
hidden. Also refer to Symbols Reflecting an Incident in the Geometry Building.
The selected element has no children nor aggregated elements

If the selected element does not have any children nor any aggregated elements (for instance Line.2), it
is directly deactivated. This is indicated by the symbol in the specification tree:
Other cases
For all the other cases, the Deactivate dialog box appears and the geometry to be deactivated is
highlighted.
● The selected element has children but no aggregated elements (for instance Extrude.4).
❍ The Deactivate all children is checked: it lets you deactivate the geometry based upon the
element to be deactivated, that is dependent elements.
By default, the option is checked, except for modification features when a reroute is possible (see
example below).
If you uncheck the option, a warning icon is displayed to inform you that there will be an update
error.
❍ The Deactivate aggregated elements is disabled.
● The selected element has aggregated elements but no children (for instance a Part Design feature
based on a sketch, such as Pad.1).
❍ The Deactivate all children is disabled.

❍ The Deactivate aggregated elements is checked: it lets you deactivate the geometry
aggregated below the element to be deactivated.
Whenever you deactivate a feature, you can choose between deactivating the corresponding
aggregated element (element located just below the feature based on it, in the specification tree)
or not (as shown below):
When deactivating a Boolean operation, by default all operated bodies (located

below the Boolean operation node) are deactivated too: just deselect the
Deactivate aggregated elements option if you wish to keep the bodies.
● The selected element has children and aggregated elements (for instance Line.1).
❍ Both Deactivate all children and Deactivate aggregated elements options are checked.
If you uncheck the Deactivate aggregated elements option, the Deactivate all children
option is automatically disabled. Indeed, the aggregated elements have children unlike Line.1.
● The selected element is a modification feature, has children and a reroute is possible (for instance
Join.1).
You can check the Deactivate all children option to avoid rerouting the element. All children
are deactivated.
When no reroute is possible, the Deactivate all children option is checked.
In case of multi-selection, the number of elements is displayed in the Selection field. You can click the
to display the list of elements.
There are two deactivation modes:

● Copy mode: the deactivation is performed on the modification operation of the feature (providing a
modification of a feature of same dimension). When selected, the feature can be seen in the 3D
geometry.
Here are the features concerned by this mode:
❍ Projection
❍ Curve Smooth
❍ Blend (with Trim option only)
❍ Corner (with Trim option only)
❍ Shape Fillet (with Trim option only)
❍ Connect Curve (with Trim option only)
❍ Parallel Curve
❍ Offset
❍ Variable Offset
❍ Rough Offset
❍ 3D Curve Offset
❍ Split (on the Element to cut)
❍ Trim (on the Element to cut)
❍ All transformations in creation and modification modes
❍ Sweep (tangent sweeps with Trim option)
❍ Surface Extrapolation (with Assemble Result option only)
❍ Curve Extrapolation (with Assemble Result option only)
❍ Join (copy of the first element)
❍ Healing (copy of the first element)
❍ Combine
❍ Invert
❍ Near
❍ Develop
❍ Wrap Curve
❍ Wrap Surface
❍ Bump
❍ Shape Morphing
❍ Diabolo
● Destructive mode: the deactivation makes the feature unusable. When selected, the feature cannot
be seen in the 3D geometry.
Here are the features concerned by this mode:
❍ Line
❍ Plane
❍ Circle
❍ Reflect Line
❍ Spiral
❍ Spline
❍ Helix
❍ Intersection
❍ Extrude
❍ Revolution
❍ Cylinder
❍ Sweep (except tangent sweeps with trim option)
❍ Multi-Sections Surface
● When elements are imported using multi-part links (external references) or using a Copy-Paste As
result with link, the deactivation concerns the link, not the feature. As a consequence, the feature
can still be selected.
● To re-activate the elements, right-click their name in the specification tree and choose the XXX
object -> Activate contextual command.
● It is not possible to deactivate datum elements as they do not have an history. Indeed, a
deactivation would destroy their geometry and a reactivation would therefore be impossible.
Reordering Features
Reordering Part Design or Generative Shape Design features means moving and repositioning these
features in the specification tree.
The Reorder capability allows you to reorganize your design, group features together, but also rectify
design mistakes and eliminate some problems.
This section includes two scenarios showing you how to:
● Reorder one feature
● Reorder several features at a time
Additionally, it provides reference information on the following issues:
● Yellow nodes
● What you can do
● Update operations
● In work objects
Reordering Sketch-Based Features
When reordering sketch-based features, your environment configuration affects the way sketches are
located in the specification tree. To know how sketches are located in the specification tree, refer to
Reordering Sketch-Based Features.
Reordering One Feature

Open the Reorder.CATPart document.
1. Your initial data consists of a pad that was mirrored and a second pad created afterwards. As
the order of creation is wrong, you are going to reorder the second pad so as to mirror the
whole part. Position your cursor on Pad.2. and select Edit -> Pad.2 object -> Reorder...
The Feature Reorder dialog box appears.
2. Select Pad.1 to specify the new location of the feature.
This name appears in the After field.
3. Click OK.
The part rebuilds itself completely or partially, depending on the chosen option for Update
operations.
4. When the update is complete, to see the resulting geometry, use Define in Work Object to set
Mirror.1 as the current feature.
The mirror feature appears after the creation of the second pad, which explains why this second
pad is now mirrored. T

Yellow Nodes
Non-available locations are indicated in yellow in the tree. A yellow feature indicates that the feature to
be reordered cannot be located below it. If you select one of these forbidden locations, an error
message is issued. In the example below, the user is trying to reorder Pad.1. As indicated by the yellow
color set on all of the nodes, this feature cannot be reordered.
What You Can Do

● You can reorder features located in a solid body (body that do not integrate wireframe nor
generative shape design geometry), part body, body or ordered geometrical set. The general rule is
that a feature must remain in the same branch under the part where the notion of order is defined,
but there are exceptions to that:
❍ Solid features can be moved from one body to another even if these bodies do not belong to the
same branch.
❍ Non-solid features (GSD features, sketches and datum features) can be moved from one
Ordered Geometrical Set (or body) to another (body) in another branch provided that it is
independent: it has no parents (except for XY, YZ or ZX planes or axis systems located just
below the part in the tree) and no children.
● A root OGS (Ordered Geometrical Set located directly under the Part) can be reordered to any
empty set. But the root OGS has to be reordered alone: if two root OGSs are selected, an error
message will be issued.
Specifying the new location
● In ordered structures, such as ordered geometrical sets or bodies, the Reorder command will
guaranty that the order is preserved.
● If you wish to reorder a Part Design feature in a distinct body located directly under the part, when
selecting that body node, the feature is located at the bottom of the body list.
● If you wish to reorder a feature within the same body or ordered geometrical set located directly
under the part, when selecting that body or geometrical set node, the feature is moved just below
the selected node.
Allowed Locations and Updates
Under some circumstances, the application anticipates geometry reconnections and update problems
and indicates them thru the display of yellow nodes. For example, let's consider this part :
EdgeFilet.1 highlighted above is based upon Trim.1 which itself is a modification feature based upon
Extrude.1 as the main input (the narrow rectangle) and Extrude.2 (the wider rectangle).
Taking a look at the yellow node analysis, we consider that a feature can move in its main input feature
chain (here we have EdgeFillet.1 - Trim.1 - Extrude.1 as a main input feature chain). The display of
yellow nodes reflects this rule.
What happens is that EdgeFillet.1 is constructed upon geometry that only exists after Extrude.2. This
means that moving EdgeFillet.1 after Extrude.1 cannot be done. Indeed, to ensure ordering rules are
respected, the application would connect EdgeFillet.1 on Extrude.1 which would reveal geometrically
impossible. Consequently, to facilitate your work, the application anticipates inconsistencies by
extending yellow nodes to a reasonable position where the fillet can rebuild itself.
To know more about reordering features in geometrical sets and ordered geometrical sets, refer to the
Managing Geometrical Sets and Managing Ordered Geometrical Sets tasks described in the Generative
Shape Design User's Guide.
Update Operations
● Manual Update
If the Manual update option is on, a warning message is issued to inform you that you need to
update the geometry.
● Automatic Update
If the Automatic update option is on, the whole part is updated.
We recommend you use Manual update for complex geometry. This will help you control the way
you gradually rebuild your geometry. Depending on your reorder operation, you will see more easily
how the different features of the part are affected.
In Work Objects
After reordering a feature in the specification tree, local objects are defined as follows: the application
sets the first feature that is not affected by the reorder operation as the new defined in work object.
This is convenient when using the Scan command after the reorder operation to update the modified
geometry step-by-step.
● When reordering upwards, the in work object is the feature positioned just before the new position
of the reordered feature.
● When reordering downwards, the in work object is the feature positioned just before the original
position of the reordered feature.
Reordering Several Features At a Time

You can reorder two or more features at a time as explained in the following second scenario.
Use the Reorder.CATPart document and add an edge fillet onto Pad.2.
1. Multi-select Pad.2. and EdgeFillet.1 then select Edit -> Selected objects -> Reorder....
Our selection includes two features consecutively positioned under the same tree node.
Non-Consecutive Features
If the features are not strictly consecutively positioned under the same tree node, you can
reorder them provided they are independent: with no parents (except for XY, YZ or ZX planes or
axis systems located just below the part in the tree) and with nor children.
Otherwise, the operation is not possible and an error message is issued.
In our scenario, the application detects non-available locations and display them in yellow.
2. The Feature Reorder dialog box appears. Select Pad.1 to indicate the new location for Pad.2
and EdgeFillet.1.
The dialog box shows that two elements are to be reordered after Pad.1.
The part rebuilds itself. Both Pad.2 and EdgeFillet.1 are now mirrored.
Reordering Sketch-Based Features

The way you configured your design environment affects the way the application locates sketches in the
specification tree after reordering sketch-based features. This section discusses the two possible
behaviors depending on whether you are reordering a sketch-based feature from:
● one solid body to another one
● one body to another one
To know how to activate or deactivate a hybrid design environment, refer to the Part Document section
of the Customizing chapter of this guide.
From One Solid Body to Another One

When working in a non-hybrid design environment, sketches are represented both in the Part Body and
under the target body after reordering features based upon them.
1. This part contains two bodies created in a non-hybrid design environment.
2. After reordering Pad.1 to locate it in Body.2, Sketch.1 on which it is based, is represented both
under PartBody and under Pad.1.

From One Body to Another One

1. This part contains two bodies created in a hybrid design environment.
2. After reordering Pad.1 to locate it in Body.2, Sketch.1 is represented under Pad.1 only.
Setting Constraints
Set Constraints: Click this icon, select the elements to be constrained then click where
you wish to position the constraint value.
Set Constraints Defined in Dialog Box: Multi-select the elements to be constrained, click
this icon and check the constraint type in the dialog box that appears.
Modify Constraints: Double-click the constraint to be modified and modify related data in
the Constraint Definition dialog box that displays.
Rename Constraints: Select the constraint to be renamed, the xxx.n.object -> Rename
contextual menu item.
() Deactivate/Activate Constraints: Select the constraint to be (de)activated and the

xxx.n.object -> Rename parameter contextual menu item and enter the desired name
in the dialog box that appears.
Change Constraint Appearance: Select your constraint and choose one of the contextual
menu items changing the display mode.
Compute Mean Dimensions: Click this icon, then update the part.
Setting 3D Constraints
3D constraints are defined by means of one of the two constraint commands available in this
workbench. Depending on the creation mode chosen for creating wireframe geometry and surfaces (see
Wireframe and Surface User's Guide), constraints set on these elements may react in two ways. You
create references if support elements were created with the Datum mode deactivated. Conversely, you
create constraints if you constrain datums. For more about datums, refer to Creating Datums.
The constraints you can set in Part Design workbench are:
● Distance
● Length
● Angle
● Fix/Unfix
● Tangency
● Coincidence
● Parallelism
● Perpendicularity
This task shows you how to set a distance constraint between a face and a plane, then a reference
between the face and another plane.
Open the Constraint1.CATPart document.
1. Select the face you wish to constrain and Plane.1. This plane is a datum (there are no links to
the other entities that were used to create that plane).
2. Click the Constraint icon .

The application detects the distance value between the face and the plane. Moving the cursor
moves the graphic symbol representing the distance.
3. Click where you wish to position the constraint value.
The constraint is created.
● The name of a constraint displays when passing the mouse over that constraint.
● The application does not display constraints when these are too small. More precisely, the constraints
visualization depends on the types of constrained elements. This means that when zooming out, a
constraint set between two points is more likely to disappear than a constraint between two lines.
4. Now, set another constraint between the same face and Plane.2. Plane.2 is not a datum. Repeat
the instructions described above using the face and Plane.2.
The application creates a reference. Creating a reference means that each time the application
integrates modifications to the geometry, this reference reflects the changes too.
The reference is displayed in parentheses as shown below:
You cannot set a distance constraint between two faces belonging to Part Design features linked by their
specifications. In the example below, the application creates a reference between the faces, not a driving
constraint.
To know how to modify a constraint, refer to Modifying Constraints.
Note
You cannot view constraints if the plane in which they are located is normal to the screen. In that case,
you just need to use the mouse, for example, to rotate the view and therefore make the constraints
visible.
Setting Constraints Defined in Dialog Box
This task shows you how to use this constraint command which detects possible constraints
between selected elements and lets you choose the constraint you wish to create. You are going to
constrain a hole.
Open the Hole1.CATPart document and create a hole anywhere on the pad top face.
1. Right-click the circular face and select Other Selection... to select the hole axis.
2. Use the Ctrl button to select the face as shown:
3. Click the Constraint Defined in Dialog Box icon .

The Constraint Definition dialog box is displayed.
The constraints you can set in Part Design workbench are:
❍ Distance
❍ Length
❍ Angle
❍ Fix/Unfix
❍ Tangency
❍ Coincidence
❍ Parallelism
❍ Perpendicularity
The application detects three possible constraints between the axis and the face:
❍ Distance
❍ Angle
❍ Fix
The other constraints are grayed out indicating that they cannot be set for the elements you
have selected.
4. Check the Distance option.
The distance constraint is created.

Modifying Constraints
Editing Constraints
You can edit constraints by:
● double-clicking on desired constraints and modify related data in the Constraint Definition dialog box that displays.
● selecting desired constraints and use the XXX.N.object -> Definition... contextual command.
...to display the Constraint Definition dialog box and modify related data.
About Diameter and Radius Constraints
● You can obtain a radius constraint by editing a diameter constraint. You just need to double-click the diameter constraint and
choose the radius option in the dialog box that displays.
● If you need to create a formula remember that :
● the parameter corresponding to the radius or diameter constraint is referred to as RadiusX.object.

● this parameter always contains the radius value.
For more about formulas, refer to Knowledge Advisor User's Guide Version 5.
Renaming Constraints
You can rename a constraint by selecting it and by using the XXX.N.object -> Rename parameter contextual command.... In the
dialog box that appears, you just need to enter the name of your choice.
Deactivating or Activating Constraints
You can deactivate a constraint by selecting it and by using the XXX.N.object -> Deactivate contextual menu item. Deactivated
constraints appear preceded by red parentheses ( ) .
Conversely, to activate a constraint, use the Activate contextual command.
Changing Constraint Appearance
Display mode
When setting constraints, four display mode are available as explained in Symbols. Later, you can
change display modes by selecting the constraint of interest and choose one of the following contextual commands.
● Value Display: only the constraint (or parameter) value is displayed.
● Name Display: only the constraint (or parameter) name is displayed.

● Name/Value Display: the constraint (or parameter) name and value are both displayed.
● Name /Value/Formula Display: the constraint (or parameter) name and value are displayed as well as the possible formula
defined for this constraint.
Permanent Display
It is possible to permanently display the parameters of Part Design features as well as the valued constraints of Sketcher elements
by using the XXX.object ->Edit Parameters contextual command.
Provided that the Parameters of features and constraints option has been previously checked in the Options dialog box, (for
more see Display), the following dialog box appears:
If you validate the option, parameters or constraints attached to the selected feature are permanently displayed in the 3D area.
Colors
To change the color of a given constraint, either you use the Properties contextual menu item or the Edit -> Properties ->
Graphic (tab) command. You then just need to choose a color from the list (or you can define your own colors by selecting the
More colors command at the bottom of the color list. To know more about defining personal colors, refer to Infrastructure User's
Guide).
If you wish to change the color for a given status, use Tools -> Options. For more, see the Infrastructure User's Guide.
Computing Mean Dimensions

This task shows you how to compute the mean dimensions of a part.
You must define the tolerances that you want before computing mean dimensions. For more about
tolerances, refer to Infrastructure User's guide Version 5.
Open the Mean_Dimensions.CATPart document.
1. Before computing mean dimensions, apply the Edit Parameters contextual menu item to Pad.1
to display parameters, then take a look at the part you have just opened. The part includes
three toleranced parameters as shown below.
Remember that to access tolerance values, you need to double-click the parameter of interest,
then use the Tolerance -> Edit... contextual menu item.
2. Click the Mean Dimensions icon .

A dialog box appears informing you that the operation is performed. You then just need to
update the part to observe the result.
3. Click the Update All icon to integrate the modifications to the part. Note that the update
options set for your session (for more see General) do not affect the Mean
Dimensions command behavior: you always have to explicitly update your part.
Mean dimensions are displayed around the part.
Bear in mind that if parameters are driven by formulas, the application deactivates these formulas to
compute mean dimensions.
4. If you wish to go back to the previous state, click the Mean Dimensions icon again.
A dialog box appears informing you that the part will be resized to nominal dimensions.
An additional message appears to inform you that the operation is performed and prompts you
to update the part.
6. Click OK to close the message window.
7. Click the Update All icon to resize the part to nominal dimensions.
Replacing or Moving Elements
Replace Elements: Right-click the element to be replaced and select Replace... Select the replacing element
and optionally, select Delete to delete the replaced element as well as its exclusive parents.
Replace a Body: Right-click the attached body and select Replace... Select the replacing body.
Change the Sketch Support: Select the Sketchx.object -> Change Sketch Support command then the
replacing plane or face.
See also Creating Replace Face Features, Reordering Features, and Reordering Sketch-Based Features.
Replacing Elements
The Replace command lets you replace sketches, faces, planes and surfaces by other appropriate elements.
This task shows you how to replace a surface used for creating geometry with another surface.
The operating mode described here is valid for replacing the geometrical elements used in the definition of any Part Design features.
Open the Replace.CATPart document.
1. Select Extrude.1, that is the red surface used for trimming both the pocket and the hole.
2. Right-click and select Replace....
The Replace dialog box is displayed, indicating the name of the surface to be replaced.
3. Select Extrusion 2 as the replacing surface.
Extrusion 2 now appears in the With field of the dialog box.
4. Check the Delete replaced elements and exclusive parents option to delete Extrusion1.
The pocket and the hole are now trimmed by Extrusion 2. Extrusion 1 has been deleted.
Replacing a Body
You can replace only bodies that underwent Boolean operations (for more see Associating Bodies).
This task shows you how to replace a trimmed body with a basic body. As this basic body is not
trimmed, during the operation you will have to redefine the Union Trim operation.
Open the ReplaceBody.CATPart document.
1. Select Body. 3 as the body to be replaced.
2. Right-click and select Replace....
The Replace dialog box is displayed.

3. Select Body.4 as the replacing body.
Note that:
❍ replacing bodies cannot be used for previous Boolean operations.

❍ they can belong to the Part under study or to an external part.
4. A Replace Viewer windows displays to help you select the replacing face. Select
Face/Pad.3/Body.4 as the replacing face, directly from the geometry.
Body.3 has been replaced with Body.4.

Changing a Sketch Support

This task shows you how to change the position of a sketch by changing its support. Changing a sketch support amounts to editing the
absolute axis definition of the sketch.
Open the Change_Sketch_Support.CATPart document.
In this scenario, you will edit the absolute axis definition of Pocket.2/Sketch.3 by making it associative to Pocket.1. This will ensure
that, when moving Pocket.1, Pocket.2 follows Pocket.1 without requiring you to edit the geometry of Sketch.3.
1. From the specification tree, right-click Sketch.3.
2. In the contextual menu which is displayed, select Sketch.3 object -> Change Sketch Support....
If a message appears, informing you that if you change its position, the sketch may become inconsistent or over-constrained,
simply click OK.
The Sketch Positioning dialog box appears.

3. If the Move Geometry option at the bottom of this dialog box is checked, uncheck it. This will prevent the geometry from moving
when performing the next operations in the dialog box.
In the Type field in the Sketch Support area, three options are available:
❍ Positioned: positions the sketch using the origin and orientation of the absolute axis.
❍ Sliding: default type used for non-positioned sketches (i.e. when you edit a non-positioned sketch, this option will be selected
by default, as is the case in our example). This option is mainly used for compatibility purposes, and to enable you to turn non-
positioned sketches into positioned ones.
With the Sliding option, the sketch is not positioned, i.e. the origin and orientation of the absolute axis is not specified. As a
result, its absolute axis may "slide" on the reference plane when the part is updated.
❍ Isolated: isolates the sketch in order to break all absolute axis links (support, origin and orientation links) with the 3D or to
solve update errors. Only the 3D position will be kept, to ensure that the sketch does not move. With the Isolated option, you
cannot define the sketch support, origin and orientation.
4. Select the Positioned option, and make sure Pad.1/Face is selected as the reference element for the sketch support (Reference
field).
5. At this point, check the Move Geometry option to specify that, from now on, the geometry should be moved when the sketch
position is modified.
6. Check the Swap box to swap H and V directions. The new sketch position is previewed in the geometry area.
You are now going to make the absolute axis associative with Pocket.1.
7. Uncheck the Move Geometry option once again to ensure that the geometry does not move according to the newly defined axis.
8. In the Type field in the Origin area, select Intersection 2 lines.
9. You will now specify the reference element for the origin. To do this, make sure the Reference field is active, and select a
horizontal edge of Pocket.1 as shown below.

10. Now, select a vertical edge of Pocket.1 as shown below.
11. In the Orientation areas, leave the Type field set to Implicit and the Reference field set to No Selection. For more information on
the other options available in the Origin and in the Orientation areas, refer to Creating a Positioned Sketch in the Sketcher User's
Guide.
12. Click OK.
The absolute axis definition of Sketch.3 is modified and the position of the pocket is changed.
13. From the specification tree, double-click Sketch.2 to edit it.

14. On the sketch, double-click the value of Offset.57.
15. In the Constraint Definition dialog box which is displayed, enter a new value, 90 for example, and click OK. The constraint is
updated, and Sketch.2 is moved accordingly.
16. Exit the Sketcher workbench. As you can see, Pocket.1 has been moved, and Pocket.2 is still positioned according to the
absolute axis you defined for Sketch.3.


Displaying and Editing Parts Properties: Right-click the part then select Edit -> Properties. Click the
Mass tab, edit the density, click the Product tab and enter information describing the part.
Displaying and Editing Bodies Properties: Right-click the body then select Edit -> Properties. Click
the Feature Properties tab, edit the name and click the Graphic tab to change the color of the
body.
Displaying and Editing Features Properties: Right-click the feature then select Edit -> Properties.
Check Deactivate to deactivate the feature and define the impacted elements to keep activated.
Click the Feature Properties tab and edit the feature's name. Click the Graphic tab to change the
color of the feature.
Displaying and Editing the Part Properties

Gathered in a same dialog box, the part properties consist of different indications you need
sometimes to refer to. This task explains how to access and if needed, edit this information.
To perform this scenario, for example you can open the Stiffener.CATPart document.
1. Select Part1 in the specification tree.
2. Select Edit->Properties or select the Properties contextual command.
The Properties dialog box displays, containing the three tabs dealing with the part:
❍ Mass
❍ Product
❍ Name
Mass
1. Click the Mass tab to display technical information.
You cannot edit the density of the part. However,when a material is applied to the part, you can
edit the density and the volume of the Part Body. If no material is applied to the part but if a
material is applied to the PartBody, this material will be taken into account for the density
calculation. If both the part and the PartBody have a material applied, the part material will
have priority.
To know how to apply materials to parts, refer to Real Time Rendering User's Guide Version 5.
● The mass of the part is null if its part body contains no geometry.
● Deactivating features does not affect the mass of the part.
Product
4. Click the Product tab.
5. Enter a new name for the part, for example Stiffener in the Part Number field.
The new name appears in the specification tree.
6. The other fields allow you to freely describe the part. Enter the information describing your part
in the context of your company.
7. Set the Source option. You can choose between:
❍ Unknown
❍ Made
❍ Bought
8. Use the Description frame to enter additional information.

Define Other Properties

9. Click the Define other properties... button to access options enabling you to define parameters
and assign values to them.
10. The New Parameter of type button lets you create a user parameter. This parameter can be
assigned a single value. To create a parameter, just choose the one you need from the list. Then,
click the button.
11. The Edit name and value field becomes available. You can edit the parameter's name and
assign a value to it.
The Delete Parameter button operates only for user parameters.
The External properties... button allows you to import parameters and parameter values from a
text file or from an Excel file (Windows).
12. Click OK to confirm the operation and close the Define other properties dialog box.
You can then note that the parameter you defined is displayed in the Product tab as illustrated
here:
Name
13. Click the More button to access the Name tab and enter the name of your choice for the part.
14. Once you are satisfied with your operation, click OK to confirm the operation and close the dialog
box.
Displaying and Editing Bodies Properties

This task shows how to display and edit bodies properties. To know how to edit the graphic properties of
a body refer to the Infrastructure documentation, Displaying and Editing Graphic Properties.
To perform this scenario, for example you can open the Assemble.CATPart document.
1. Select Body.1 in the specification tree.
2. Select Edit->Properties or select the Properties contextual command.
The Properties dialog box displays.
Two tabs deal with bodies:
❍ Feature Properties
❍ Graphic
The Feature Properties tab displays the body's name. This name is editable if the part is not
read only. Enter Assemble1 in the Name field. The new name appears in the specification tree.
The application also displays the date of creation and of the last modification.
3. Click the Graphic tab to change the color of the body.
The graphic properties available for editing are:

❍ Fill Color (colors the current object) and Transparency
❍ Edge Color, Line type and Thickness
❍ Global Properties
To have details about how to change graphic properties, refer to Infrastructure User's Guide.
Before applying a color to a body, remember that:

● The features you create within a body take on the color of this body, whatever it is.
● When applying a color to a feature, all the faces of this feature take on this color.
● The color you apply to a face prevails over the other colors defined for features and bodies.
These three rules apply when associating bodies.
● The faces generated by any transformation take on the color of the body, as shown in the following
example.
Before After
The body is composed of a pink pad and of a Both faces the pattern has generated, i.e. the front
yellow pocket face and the cylindrical face take on the color of the
body which was the application default color.
5. Click OK.
The application takes these modifications into account and displays the new body name.
Technical information about bodies, such as mass, is not available. The application provides this type of
information for the part. For more details, refer to Displaying and Editing the Part Properties.
Displaying and Editing Features Properties

This task shows how to display and edit the properties of a pad.
To perform this scenario, for example you can open the Properties.CATPart document.
1. From the specification tree, select the feature, that is Pad2.
2. Select Edit->Properties or right-click Properties.
The Properties dialog box appears. It contains these tabs:
❍ Mechanical
❍ Feature Properties
❍ Graphic
The Mechanical tab displays the update status of the pad. The following attributes characterize
features:
❍ Deactivated: checking this option will prevent the application from taking deactivated
features into account during an update operation.
❍ To Update : indicates that the selected feature is to be updated.
❍ Unresolved : indicates that the selected feature cannot be computed by the application.
You cannot control the last two options. The symbol displayed in front of each attribute may
appear in the specification tree in some circumstances. For more about updates, refer to
Updating Parts.
3. Check the Deactivated option to deactivate the pad.
You will note that a new frame is displayed, providing additional information. The application
actually warns you that the operation will affect the only child of the pad, that is the hole.
In certain cases, features may have several children. What you need to do is select the children
from the list and check the first option if you wish to deactivate them or just check the second
option to deactivate all of the children affected.
4. Click the Feature Properties tab.
5. Enter New Pad as the new name for the pad in the Name field.
6. Click Apply to display the new name in the specification tree.

7. Click the Graphic tab to change the color of the feature.
The graphic properties available for editing are:

❍ Fill Color (colors the current object) and Transparency
❍ Global Properties
To have details about how to change graphic properties, refer to Infrastructure User's Guide.
8. Click OK to confirm the operation and close the dialog box.
The geometry no longer shows the deactivated features and the specification tree displays red
parentheses on them to symbolize their status.

Creating Texts with Leaders: click this icon, select a face and enter your text in the dialog box.
Creating Flag Notes with Leaders: click this icon, select the object you want to represent the
hyperlink, enter a name for the hyperlink and the path to the destination file.
Creating a Text with a Leader

This task shows you how to create an annotation text with leader
A text is assigned an unlimited width text frame.

You can set graphic properties (anchor point, text size and justification) either before or after you
create the free text.
You can change any text to another kind at any time.
Open the Common_Tolerancing_Annotations_01.CATPart document.

● Improve the highlight of the related geometry, see Highlighting of the Related Geometry for 3D
Annotation.
1. Double-click the Front View.1 annotation plane to activate it.
2. Click the Text with Leader icon:
3. Select the face as shown to define a location for the arrow end of the leader.
If the active view is not valid, a message appears informing you that you cannot use the
active view.
Therefore, the application is going to display the annotation in an annotation plane normal to
the selected face.
For more information, see View/Annotation Planes.
The Text Editor dialog box appears.
4. Enter your text, for example "New Annotation" in the dialog box.
5. Click OK to end the text creation. You can click anywhere in the geometry area too.
The text appears in the geometry.

The text (identified as Text.xxx) is added to the specification tree.
The leader is associated with the element you selected. If you move either the text or the
element, the leader stretches to maintain its association with the element.
Moreover, if you change the element associated with the leader, application keeps the
associativity between the element and the leader.
Note that using the Text Properties toolbar, you can define the anchor point, text size and
justification.
You can move a text using either the drag capability.

Note also that you can resize the manipulators
For more information, refer to Customizing for 3D Functional Tolerancing & Annotations.
Creating a Flag Note with Leader
This task shows you how to create an annotation flag note with Leader.
A flag note allows you to add links to your document and then use them to jump to a variety of
locations, for example to a marketing presentation, a text document or a HTML page on the intranet.
You can add links to models, products and parts as well as to any constituent elements.
A flag note is assigned an unlimited width text frame.

You can set graphic properties (anchor point, text size and justification) either before or after you
create the free text.
You can change any flag note to another kind at any time.
Open the Common_Tolerancing_Annotations_01.CATPart document.

● Improve the highlight of the related geometry, see Highlighting of the Related Geometry for 3D
Annotation.
1. Double-click the Front View.1 annotation plane to activate it.
2. Click the Flag Note with Leader icon:
3. Select the face as shown to define a location for the arrow end of the leader.
If the active view is not valid, a message appears informing you that you cannot use the
active view.
Therefore, the application is going to display the annotation in an annotation plane normal to
the selected face.
For more information, see View/Annotation Planes.
The Manage Hyperlink dialog box appears.
You may specify the flag note's name link in the Name field.
You may specify one or several links associated with the flag note in the URL field clicking the
Browse... button.
In the Link to File or URL list you can see the list of links.
To activate one of them, select it and click the Go to button.
To remove one of them, select it and click the Remove button.
To edit one of them, select it and click the Edit button.
4. Enter your flag note name, for example "New Annotation" in the dialog box and specify a link:
www.3ds.com
5. Click OK to end the flag note creation. You can click anywhere in the geometry area too.
The flag note appears in the geometry.

The leader is associated with the element you selected. If you move either the text or the
element, the leader stretches to maintain its association with the element.
Moreover, if you change the element associated with the leader, application keeps the
associativity between the element and the leader.
Note that using the Text Properties toolbar, you can define the anchor point, text size and
justification.
The flag notes (identified as Flag Note.xxx and its name between brackets) are added to the
specification tree in the Notes group.
You can move a flag note using either the drag capability.
Note also that you can resize the manipulators
For more information, refer to Customizing for 3D Functional Tolerancing & Annotations.

In this task, you are going to copy a part body from one CATPart document to another, then edit the
initial part body. This scenario shows you how the application harmonizes this type of ulterior
modifications. Thanks to the underlying methodology, you can work in concurrent engineering.
Open the MultiDocument.CATPart document.
This scenario assumes there are two CATPart documents. Part3.CATPart is the target document,
MultiDocument.CATPart contains the part body that will be copied, then edited in Part3.
The part body to be copied looks like this:
1. Select Part Body.
2. Select Edit -> Copy to copy the part body.
3. Open a new CATPart document 'Part3.CATPart' and position the cursor anywhere in the
specification tree.
4. Select Edit -> Paste Special....
The Paste Special dialog box appears. Three paste options are available:
❍ As specified in Part document: the object is copied as well as its design specifications
❍ As Result With Link: the object is copied without its design specifications and the link is
maintained between the reference and the copy.
❍ As Result: the object is copied without its design specifications and there is no link between
the reference and the copy.
5. For our scenario, select the As Result With Link option if not already selected, and click OK.
Part Body is copied into the Part3.CATPart document. You will notice that the specification tree
displays it under the name of Solid.1.
A cube represents this solid.
6. Now, if you wish, you can fillet four edges. You can actually perform any modification you need.
7. Return into the first document.
8. Use Remove to remove material from the part body.
9. In the Part3.CATPart document, the cube graphic symbol used for Solid.1 in the tree now
contains a red point. This means that the initial Part Body underwent transformations.
You can also notice that the update symbol is

displayed next to Part3.
10. What you need to do is synchronize the copied object with its reference. Just right-click Solid.1
in the specification tree and select Synchronize.
The Synchronize command synchronizes copied geometry with its external references.
11. Update the geometry.
The solid now reflects the change: material is removed. The specification tree indicates that the
part body has integrated the modifications made to the original part body.
Synchronize All
If your document contains several solids linked to external references to be synchronized, you just need
to select the part and right-click Synchronize All.
The command also synchronizes knowledge parameters.
Opening Pointed Documents

The Open Pointed Document contextual command is available for external references. If you apply it
onto Solid.1 for example, MultiDocument.CATPart opens (if closed of course) in your session.
Hybrid Design
Version 5 Release 14 introduces major enhancements to help you design parts. The underlying idea is to
provide you with capabilities developed for gathering bi-dimensional and tri-dimensional elements within the
same work environment. This is what is referred to as Hybrid Design.
Working in a hybrid design environment concretely means that from now on you can create wireframe and
surface features within the same body. This capability aims at having a quick understanding of parts creation.
This new way of designing therefore induces interfaces homogeneity between Part Design and Generative
Shape Design, which makes the use of these products much easier.
In this section, the following is discussed:
● Creating Bodies
❍ Terminology
❍ Graphic Representations
❍ What Are Bodies Made Of ?

■ What Bodies Do Not Contain
❍ Specific Mechanisms Locate Features
❍ Impacts on Existing Capabilities

■ How Sketches are Located in the Specification Tree
■ Reorder
■ Delete
■ Visualization
■ Surface and Wireframe Elements Created on the Fly
■ Surface-based Features
■ Boolean Operations: Assemble, Intersect, Add, Remove, Union Trim
■ Power Copies
❍ New Capability: Insert Added Volumes
● How to Integrate the Surface World into Solid Modeling

❍ Using Surface-based Features to Integrate Surface Modeling into Solid Modeling
❍ Using Boolean Operations to integrate Volume Design into Solid Design
❍ Inserting Added Volumes
● Graphic Properties
● Deactivating Your Hybrid Design Environment

❍ Accessing the Hybrid Design Setting
❍ Recommendation
❍ Identifying Bodies and Solid Bodies

Creating Bodies (Hybrid Design)

In this section, the following is discussed:
● Terminology
● Graphic Representations
● What Are Bodies Made Of ?

❍ What Bodies Do Not Contain
● Specific Mechanisms Locate Features
● Impacts on Existing Capabilities

❍ Sketch Location in the Specification Tree
❍ Reorder
❍ Delete
❍ Visualization
❍ Surface and Wireframe Geometrical Elements Created on the Fly
❍ Surface-based Features
❍ Boolean Operations: Assemble, Intersect, Add, Remove, Union Trim
❍ Power Copies
● Insert Added Volumes
Terminology
A Body created from V5R14 onward is still referred to as Body. Likewise, when creating a new part, the
default body is referred to as Part Body.
Conversely, bodies created using application versions prior to V5R14 are no longer referred to as bodies but as
Solid bodies in applications user's guides, not in specification trees.
Graphic Representations
● A Body or PartBody you create in a hybrid design environment is identified with a green wheel icon in the
specification tree:
.
● Solid bodies are identified with gray icons:
However, from V5R15 onward the green icons identifying existing bodies turn yellow if you change the
type of design environment to a non-hybrid design type:
For further information, refer to Graphic Representations of Bodies and Solid Bodies.
PartBody created in a Hybrid Design Solid body (here PartBody) in a Hybrid
Environment Design Environment
What Are Bodies Made Of ?

A body has only one solid result. It can contain the following entities:
● All Shape Design features

● Ordered geometrical sets (OGSs): this is possible by using the Insert -> Ordered Geometrical Sets
command. For more information, refer to Inserting Bodies into Ordered Geometrical Sets.
Creating an OGS within a body is the same as creating an OGS within an OGS. Inserting Part Design
Features in OGSs is not allowed.
● Sketches
● Boolean Operations
● Solid bodies: you can integrate them into bodies thru Boolean operations and Copy/Paste mechanisms.
Example of a PartBody
What Bodies Do Not Contain

A body cannot contain the following:
● Bodies
● Geometrical Sets
● Volumes: they cannot be created in a body but they can be created in an ordered geometrical set (OGS)
contained in body. To see an example, refer to Inserting Added Volumes.
Specific Mechanisms Locate Features

Up to Version 5 release 14, bodies displayed their contents according to two major principles: ordering and
absorption. Now that they can include additional feature types, namely surface and wireframe features, both
mechanisms apply to them too. All features in a body are displayed in the tree so as to show a succession of
steps defining the design. In other words, the order of apparition of features in the specification tree is
consistent with the steps of creation of the design.
Unlike features within a solid body, features in a body can be set as current: a given step of the design
creation is chosen and what is located after it is not accessible nor visible.
Impacts on Existing Capabilities

Because of new rules to be followed, a certain number of existing capabilities have been upgraded so as to
reflect the changes. Here are the new behaviors you now need to be familiar with:
● Sketch Location in the Specification Tree
● Reorder
● Delete
● Surface and Wireframe Geometrical Elements Created on the Fly
● Surface-based Features
● Visualization
● Boolean Features
● Power Copies
Insert Added Volumes

The Insert Added Volumes command lets you change from the volume design to solid modeling.
Visualization
In a hybrid design environment, features are visualized in the same way as in a traditional environment: if you
apply the Hide/Show command onto Part Design features within a body, only the Part Design features
belonging to that body are affected by the operation. Conversely, if you apply the Hide/Show command onto
Shape Design features within the same body, only the Shape Design features belonging to that body are
affected by the operation.
In the example below, applying the Hide/Show command onto Hole.1 hides all Part Design features.
Conversely, applying the Hide/Show command onto EdgeFillet.2 hides all Shape Design features.
Hiding or Showing All the Features of a Body

If you wish to show or hide all the Part Design and Shape Design features belonging to the same body, you
need to select the body and then apply the Hide/Show capability.
How to Integrate the Surface World into Solid

Modeling
This section discusses the different ways of integrating surface modeling into solid modeling.
● Using Surface-based Features to Integrate Surface Modeling into Solid Modeling
● Using Boolean Operations to Integrate Volume Design into Solid Design
● Using Insert Added Volume to Integrate Volume Design into Solid Design
Using Surface-based Features to Integrate Surface

Modeling into Solid Modeling
Using surface-based features (Split , Thick Surface , Close Surface , Sew Surface ) is not a
new way of integrating surfaces into solid modeling. However, what hybrid design changes is the fact that
surfaces can now be included in the same body as the features they support. Here is an example of what you
can now obtain:
In such a case, surfaces are necessarily defined prior to defining the feature. Indeed, this is because that the
order principle inherent to hybrid design must be respected. If you modify these surfaces, the solid features
located after the modifications will be affected by those modifications.
Using Boolean Operations to Integrate Volume Design Into

Solid Design
You can use Boolean operations (Assemble , Intersect , Add , Remove ) to integrate
volumes into bodies. Boolean features are the only features that can reference volumes.
This task shows you how to integrate a volume via an Intersection operation.
Open the HybridDesign.CATPart document.
1. Select Insert -> Boolean Operations -> Intersect...
The Intersect dialog appears.
2. Select Volume Extrude.1. to create the intersection between the volume and the solid.
3. Click OK to compute the result:
The intersection is visible, and you can note that Intersect.1 has no children, it references
Volume Extrude1. If you wish to, just use the Parents/Children command onto it to
Using Insert Added Volume to Integrate Volume Design into

Solid Design
This task shows you how it is now possible to apply Part Design capabilities onto volumes created in
Generative Shape Optimizer product. Prior to applying these capabilities, you need to perform just one
operation as illustrated in this scenario.
To perform this scenario, create the volume of your choice.

1. Select the extrude volume you have just created.
2. Right-click and select the Volume Extrude.1 object-> Insert Added Volume... contextual
command.
The result is immediate. The Add.3 entity has been created. It contains a body on which you can
apply Part Design capabilities.
3. Now set Body.2 as the current object by using the Define in Work Object capability.
.
4. For example, you can now chamfer the volume using the Part Design Chamfer capability
Graphic Properties
By default, solid features are gray, surface and shape features yellow, volumes light purple.
A body is assigned Fill, Edges, Line and curves, Points properties. The body's default Fill color property is the
gray color. Solids integrated into a body inherits the default Fill color property. If you want to change the color
of the whole solid, you need to change the property color of the body.
Shape Design Features
Shape design features color properties are stored on the leaf feature.
The color property is automatically propagated to all modification features. For example, Extrude.1 and Split.1
are always assigned the same color property.
If you change the color of Extrude.1, Split.1 inherits from this color.
Solid Features
Each element included in a solid feature has its own property color. This behavior enables you to colorize the
faces generated from Pad.1 with the color of Pad.1 and those generated from Pad.2 with the color of Pad.2.
This is the same behavior as in solid bodies.
What You Should Know

● As a consequence to the behaviors detailed above, if you modify the body's color, this only affects the solid
situated in the body. To modify the color of all the shape design features included in a body, you need to
modify the color of shape design features. Colors applied to Part Design features are not propagated to
shape design features.
● Applying a specific color to any feature is possible, whatever the feature type.
Restoring Graphic Properties
In case you need to restore graphic properties, you can use the Reset Property contextual command
available from bodies. It resets the default fill property of the body to gray color. If the Apply to children
option is checked, the properties of Shape Design Features and Solids are reset.
Deactivating an Hybrid Design Environment

For specific industrial scenarios, you may prefer to work in a traditional environment so as to restrict the
location of surface and shape features to geometrical sets or ordered geometrical sets. To restore a
traditional environment, you just need to deactivate a dedicated setting as explained below:
Accessing the Hybrid Design Setting

To access and deactivate the Hybrid Design setting :
1. Select Tools -> Options.
The Options dialog box is displayed.
2. From the Infrastructure category, select the Part Infrastructure sub-category in the left-
hand box.
3. Click the Part Document tab and go to the Hybrid Design category.
4. Just deselect Enable hybrid design inside part bodies and bodies which is the default
option.
You can now work in a non-hybrid design environment.
Recommendation
If you select Enable hybrid design inside part bodies and bodies, the capability then applies to all the
bodies you will create in your CATIA session (and not only to the new CATPart document you are opening).
Consequently, if your session contains CATPart documents already including traditional bodies, the new bodies
you will create subsequently in these documents will possibly include wireframe and surface elements.
To facilitate your design, It is therefore recommended that you do not change this setting during your session.
Graphic Representations of Bodies and Solid Bodies

The colors of body and solid body icons change when you switch from a design environment to a non-
hybrid design one and vice versa. Such a behavior ensures that the types of bodies you are handling can
be quickly identified.
Although it is preferable not to change your environment type in the course of your session, you should
keep in mind both cases discussed below:
● Case 1: activating a hybrid design environment
● Case 2: deactivating a hybrid design environment
Case 1: activating a hybrid design environment
When activating a hybrid design environment in the course of your session:
● the bodies you create subsequently are identified with green icons in the specification tree.
● If your CATPart document already contains solid bodies (bodies that cannot include wireframe nor
surface elements), the application changes the green icons to gray icons:
Case 2: deactivating a hybrid design environment
When deactivating a hybrid design environment in the course of your session:

● the solid bodies you create subsequently are identified with green icons in the specification tree.
● If your CATPart document already contains bodies, the application changes the green icons to yellow
icons.
Hybrid environment
Non-hybrid environment
As a solid body, PartBody's icon is identified with

Body.1's icon turns yellow
the gray color
Advanced Tasks
This section will explain and illustrate how to perform operations on bodies and will provide recommendations
about how to optimize the use of the application. The table below lists the information you will find.
Associating Bodies
Using Tools
Using PowerCopies
Reusing your Design
Managing User Defined Features
Associating Bodies
You must use bodies as entities you will eventually associate to the Part Body using the capabilities described
below to finish the design of your part.
Insert a New Body: Click the icon or select Insert -> Body.
Insert a Body into an Ordered Geometrical Set: Click the icon and fill in the fields of the dialog box
that appears.
Insert a Geometrical Set: Click the icon and fill in the fields of the dialog box that appears.
Insert a Body into an Ordered Geometrical Set: Click the icon and fill in the fields of the dialog box
that appears.
Insert Features into a New Body: Click the icon or select Insert -> Insert in new body.
Assemble Bodies: Select the required body, Insert -> Boolean Operations -> Assemble and the
target body.
Intersect Bodies: Select the first body, Insert -> Boolean Operations -> Intersect and the
second body.
Add Bodies: Select the body to be added, Insert -> Boolean Operations -> Add and the target
body.
Remove Bodies: Select the body to be removed, Insert -> Boolean Operations -> Remove and
the target body.
Trim Bodies: Select the body to be trimmed and Insert -> Body.1.object -> Union Trim... . Click
the Faces to remove field and select the desired faces. Click the Faces to keep field and select the
desired faces.
Remove Lumps: Select Part Body and right-click Part Body object -> Remove Lump.... Click the
Faces to remove field and select the desired faces.
Change a Boolean Operation into Another One: use the contextual menu item.
Inserting a New Body
This task shows you how to insert a new body into the part. When your part includes several bodies, you
can then associate these bodies in different ways (refer to the tasks showing the different ways of
attaching bodies in the Part Design User's Guide: Adding Bodies, Assembling Bodies, Intersecting Bodies,
Removing Bodies, Trimming Bodies) to obtain the final shape of the part.
Open any CATPart document.
This is the initial part, composed of Part Body and two bodies:
1. Click the Body icon .

If the icon is not visible in the application, you can display the required toolbar by using View ->
Toolbars -> Insert.
The result is immediate. the application displays this new body referred to as Body.3 in the
specification tree. It is underlined, indicating that it is the active body.
Now, the image associated with bodies in the tree differs from the image representing the part
body. A blue gear as well as a yellow plus or minus sign have been added to the green gear.
These signs indicate the polarity of the body.
This new image lets you quickly tell a body from a part body especially if that one has been
renamed.
You can construct this new body using the diverse commands available in this workbench or in other
workbenches.
You will notice that Part Body and Body.3 are autonomous. The operations you would accomplish on
any of them would not affect the integrity of the other one. Now, if you wish to combine them, refer to
the tasks showing the different ways of attaching bodies in the Part Design User's Guide: Adding Bodies,
Assembling Bodies, Intersecting Bodies, Removing Bodies, Trimming Bodies.
Showing or Hiding Bodies
To hide all the features, even the sketches, of a current or non-current body, simply use the Hide
components contextual menu item.
Conversely, use the Show components contextual menu item to restore the view.
Inserting a Body into an Ordered Geometrical

Set
This task shows you how to insert a body into an ordered geometrical set.
Open the OrderedGeometricalSets1.CATPart document.
1. Select the Insert -> Body in a Set... command.
The Insert body dialog box is displayed.
2. Enter the name of the body you wish to insert into the ordered geometrical set. Our part contains
no bodies, so enter a name as you are creating the body. For example, enter New Body.
3. Use the Father drop-down list to choose the body where the new ordered geometrical set is to be
inserted. In our example, set Ordered Geometrical Set.1. All destinations present in the
document are listed allowing you to select one to be the father without scanning the specification
tree. They can be:
❍ ordered geometrical sets
❍ parts
By default the destination is the father of the current object. By default the body is created
after the current feature.
4. Set the Father option to the name of the ordered geometrical set you need. In our example, set
Ordered Geometrical Set.1.
Possible destinations are the part and all Ordered Geometrical Sets already defined in the part.
By default the destination is the father of the current object. By default the body is created after
the current feature.
5. It is possible to select elements of the Ordered Geometrical Set to put these elements inside the
body when creating it. Only consecutive elements can be selected. Volumes and bodies cannot be
selected. In case of selection of elements, the destination became automatically the father of the
selected elements and cannot be changed any more. Select for example, Split.1 and Offset.1.
The result is immediate.
You can now create the features you need in the new body inserted into the Ordered Geometrical Set.
Managing Geometrical Sets

Geometrical sets enable to gather various features in a same set or sub-set and organize the
specification tree when it becomes too complex or too long. You can put any element you wish in the
geometrical set, it does not have to be structured in a logical way. The order of these elements is not
meaningful as their access as well as their visualization is managed independently and without any rule.
This task shows how to manage geometrical sets within the specification tree. This involves:
● inserting a geometrical set
● removing a geometrical set
● changing body
● sorting the contents of a geometrical set
● reordering elementts
You will find other useful information in the Managing Groups and Hiding/Showing chapters.
● You can insert and manipulate geometrical sets in the specification tree in much the same way as
you manage files in folders. For instance, you can copy/paste elements from a geometrical set to a
target geometrical set.
● These management functions have no impact on the part geometry.
● When loading the Generative Shape Design workbench, a Geometrical Set automatically becomes the
current body.
This also means that only the results of the Hybrid Body, i.e. the result of all the operations
performed on geometry, is visible and not any intermediate state of the Hybrid Body.
● You can define the Generative Shape Design feature that is to be seen when working with another
application, such as Generative Structural Analysis for example.
To do this, while in the Generative Shape Design workbench:
1. Choose the Tools -> External View... menu item

The External View dialog box is displayed.
2. Select the element belonging to a Geometrical Set that should always been seen as the
current element when working with an external application.
3. Click OK in the dialog box.
The selected element will be the visible element in other applications, even if other elements
are created later in the .CATPart document, chronologically speaking.
To check whether an external view element has already been specified, choose the Tools ->
External View... menu item again. The dialog box will display the name of the currently
selected element. This also allows you to change elements through the selection of another
element. Note that you cannot deselect an external view element and that only one element
can be selected at the same time.
Open any .CATPart document containing Geometrical Sets.

You can also open the GeometricalSets2.CATPart document.
Inserting a Geometrical Set
1. In the specification tree, select an element as the location of the new geometrical set.
This element will be considered as a child of the new geometrical set and can be a geometrical
set or a feature.
2. Select the Insert -> Geometrical Set menu command.
The Insert Geometrical Set dialog box is displayed.
The Features list displays the elements to be contained in the new geometrical set.
3. Enter the name of the new geometrical set.
4. Use the Father drop-down list to choose the body where the new geometrical set is to be
inserted. All destinations present in the document are listed allowing you to select one to be the
father without scanning the specification tree. They can be:
❍ geometrical sets
❍ parts
5. Select additional entities that are to be included in the new geometrical set.
If all selected entities belong to the same geometrical set, the father of the new geometrical set is
automatically set to the father of these entities.
6. Click OK to create the geometrical set at the desired location.
The result is immediate. CATIA displays this new Geometrical Set.x, incrementing its name in
relation to the pre-existing bodies, in the specification tree. It is created after the last current
geometrical set and is underlined, indicating that it is the active geometrical set. The next
created element is created within this geometrical set.
● You cannot create a geometrical set within an ordered geometrical set and vice versa.
● This Insert Geometrical Set dialog box is only available with the Generative Shape Design 2 product.
You can check the Create a Geometrical Set when creating a new part option in Tools -> Options -
> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> Part Document tab if you wish to create a geometrical
set as soon as you create a new part. For more information about this option, please refer to the
Customizing section of the Part Design User's Guide.
Removing a Geometrical Set

Two methods are available:
● If you want to delete the geometrical set and all its contents:
1. Right-click the geometrical set then select the Delete contextual command.
● If you want to delete the geometrical set but keep its contents:
This is only possible when the father location of the geometrical set is another geometrical set. This is
not possible when the father location is a root geometrical set.
1. Right-click the desired geometrical set then select the Geometrical Set.x object -> Remove
Geometrical Set contextual command.
The geometrical set is removed and its constituent entities are included in the father
geometrical set.
You cannot delete a feature within a geometrical set created on the fly. Indeed this geometrical set is
considered as private and can only be deleted globally.
Moving Elements of a Geometrical Set to a New Body
1. From the specification tree, select the element then choose the Geometrical Set.object ->
Change Geometrical Set... item from the contextual menu.
Multi-selection of elements of different types is supported. However, note that in this case, the
contextual menu is not available, and that you can access this capability using the Edit menu item.
The Change geometrical set dialog box is displayed, listing all the possible destinations.
2. Select the Destination body where the geometrical set is to be located.
Here we selected GeometricalSet.3.
You can do so by selecting the body in the specification tree, or using the drop-down list from
the dialog box.
By default, if you select a body, the geometrical set is positioned last within the new body.
However, you can select any element in the new body, before which the moved geometrical
set will be located.
3. Select the element above which the one you already selected is to be inserted.
You can directly select this positioning element. In this case the Destination field is automatically
updated with the Body to which this second element belongs.
4. Click OK to move the geometrical set to the new body.
The element selected first is moved to its new location in the specification tree, but geometry
remains unchanged.
● Check the Move unshared parents option to move all parents of the first selected element to its
new location, provided these parents are not shared by any other element of the initial body.
In this case, all the unshared parents are highlighted prior to the move.
● Check the Move all parents option to move all parents of the first selected element to its new
location, regardless of whether these parents are used (shared) by any other element of the initial
body.
In this case, all the parent elements are highlighted prior to the move.
● You can move a whole branch, i.e. a whole body and its contents, at a time.
Here we moved GeometricalSet.3 last in GeometricalSet.1.
You cannot move some elements of a multi-output alone to another body: only the whole multi-output
can be moved.
Sorting the Contents of a Geometrical Set
You may need to sort the contents of a Geometrical Set, when the geometric elements no longer appear
in the logical creation order. In that case, use the Auto-sort capability to reorder the Geometrical Set
contents in the specification tree (geometry itself is not affected).
The GeometricalSet.1 contains two extruded surfaces based on point-point lines. The specification tree
looks like this:
1. Right-click the GeometricalSet.1 from the specification and choose the GeometricalSet.1 object
-> AutoSort command.
Instantly, the contents of the Geometrical Set are reorganized to show the logical creation
process.
The geometry remains unchanged.
Reordering Elements within a Geometrical Set

This capability enables you to reorder elements inside the same geometrical set.
1. Right-click the GeometricalSet.1 from the specification tree and choose the Ordered
Geometrical Set.1 object -> Reorder Children command.
The Reorder Children dialog box is displayed.
2. Select an element.
3. Use the arrows to move an element up or down.

Reordering Features
The Reorder command allows you to move a feature in a Geometrical Set. These features can be:
● solids
● shape features
● sketches
Replacing Features
This capability is only available on shape features.
Please refer to the Replacing or Moving Elements chapter in the Part Design User's Guide.
To manage this capability, the Do replace only for elements situated after the In Work Object
option is available in Tools -> Options -> Part Infrastructure -> General tab. It allows you to make
the Replace option possible only for features located below the feature in Work Object and in the same
branch.
Managing Ordered Geometrical Sets

Geometrical sets enable to gather various features in a same set or sub-set. The order of these features is not meaningful as their access
as well as their visualization is managed independently and without any rule. However flexible, this structure does not fit the design
process.
That is why ordered geometrical sets introduced notions of succession of steps that define the design, and absorption.
Creation features create a new object and modification features create a new state in an existing object as well as absorb the preceding
state(s). Absorbed features are no longer visible nor accessible, as if ''masked'' by their absorbing feature.
In an ordered geometrical set, the order of apparition of features in the specification tree is consistent with the steps of creation of the
design.
Unlike features within a geometrical set, features in an ordered geometrical set can be set as current: a given step of the design creation
is chosen and what is located after it is not accessible nor visible.
This task shows how to manage ordered geometrical sets within the specification tree. This involves:
● inserting an ordered geometrical set
● defining an in work object
● visualizing features within an ordered geometrical set
● removing an ordered geometrical set
● removing a feature within an ordered geometrical set
● sorting the contents of an ordered geometrical set
● reordering components within an ordered geometrical set
● reordering features
● modifying children
● replacing features
● inserting and deleting inside and ordered geometrical set
● editing features within an ordered geometrical set
You will find other useful information in the Managing Groups and Hiding/Showing chapters.
You can define the Generative Shape Design feature that is to be seen when working with another application, such as Generative
Structural Analysis for example.
To do this, while in the Generative Shape Design workbench:
1. Choose the Tools -> External View... menu item.

The External View dialog box is displayed.
2. Select the element belonging to a Geometrical Set that should always been seen as the current element when working
with an external application.
The selected element will be the visible element in other applications, even if other elements are created later in the .CATPart
document, chronologically speaking.
To check whether an external view element has already been specified, choose the Tools -> External View... menu item
again. The dialog box will display the name of the currently selected element. This also allows you to change elements through
the selection of another element. Note that you cannot deselect an external view element and that only one element can be
selected at the same time.
Open any .CATPart document containing Geometrical Sets.

You can also open the OrderedGeometricalSets1.CATPart document.
Inserting an Ordered Geometrical Set

1. In the specification tree, select an element as the location of the new ordered geometrical set.
This element will be considered as a child of the new ordered geometrical set.
Inserting an Ordered Geometrical Set does not break the succession of steps as the order applies to all the elements of a same
root ordered geometrical set.
2. Select the Insert -> Ordered Geometrical Set menu command.
The Insert ordered geometrical set dialog box is displayed.
The Features list displays the elements to be contained in the new ordered geometrical set.
3. Enter the name of the new ordered geometrical set you wish to insert.
4. Use the Father drop-down list to choose the body where the new ordered geometrical set is to be inserted. All destinations present
in the document are listed allowing you to select one to be the father without scanning the specification tree. They can be:
❍ ordered geometrical sets
❍ parts
By default the destination is the father of the current object. By default the ordered geometrical set is created after the current feature.
5. Select additional entities that are to be included in the new ordered geometrical set.
If all selected entities belong to the same ordered geometrical set, the father of the new ordered geometrical set is automatically set to the
father of these entities.
6. Click OK to create the ordered geometrical set at the desired location.
The result is immediate. CATIA displays this new Ordered Geometrical Set.x, incrementing its name in relation to the pre-
existing bodies, in the specification tree. It is created after the last current ordered geometrical set and is underlined, indicating
that it is the active ordered geometrical set.

● You can insert an ordered geometrical set after the current feature.
● You cannot create an ordered geometrical set within a geometrical set and vice versa.
You can now insert a body into an ordered geometrical set.

For further information, refer to the Inserting a Body into an Ordered Geometrical Set chapter.
This Insert ordered geometrical set dialog box is only available with the Generative Shape Design 2 product.
Defining an In Work Object

The next created element is created after the In Work object.
If the new feature to be inserted is a modification feature, features after the In Work object may be rerouted to the new created feature.
Visualizing features in an Ordered Geometrical Set

It can be useful to temporarily see its future geometry.
To do so, you can check the Future geometry option in Tools -> Options -> Part Infrastructure -> Display tab. It allows you to also
display the geometry located after the current feature.
● Only features that come before the current object and that are not absorbed by any feature preceding the current object are visualized
in the specification tree.
● A color assigned to a feature is propagated to all the features that successively modify this feature and so on.
This is why it is possible to set a specific color only on creation features.
Therefore, changing the color of a modification feature modifies the color of the initial state.
Here Extrude.1 is absorbed by Split.1. Therefore the color of Extrude.1 is propagated onto Split.1.
The same behavior applies on Show/No show attributes.

Selecting Features within an Ordered Geometrical Set

The selection of features located after the current feature or absorbed features is not possible.
Here, for instance, when editing Extrude.1, the selection of Offset.1 is not possible because Offset.1 is located after Extrude.1 which is the
current object. A black sign indicates that this selection is not possible. Additionally, the application displays a tooltip explaining why it is
not possible.
To ensure the consistency between the visualization in the 3D geometry and the selection in the specification tree, features that cannot be
visualized in the 3D geometry cannot either be selected in the specification tree.
Removing an Ordered Geometrical Set
1. Right-click the ordered geometrical set then select the Delete contextual command.
The ordered geometrical set and all its contents are deleted.
Removing a Feature within an Ordered Geometrical Set
1. Right-click the feature then select the Delete contextual command.
● deletion of a modification feature: the system reroutes the children on the element that is modified. Therefore the deleted feature will
be replaced by the modified feature of upper level.
In our scenario, Split.1 is deleted. As a consequence, Offset.1 now points Extrude.1.
● deletion of a creation feature: no reroute is possible.

Sorting the Contents of an Ordered Geometrical Set
You may need to sort the contents of an ordered geometrical set, when the geometric elements no longer appear in the logical creation
order. It may be the case if you enabled the selection of drawn or future geometry options. In that case, use the Auto-sort capability to
reorder the ordered geometrical set contents in the specification tree.
The Ordered Geometrical Set.1 contains a line based on two points lines. The specification tree looks like this:
1. Right-click the Geometrical_Set.1 from the specification and choose the Ordered Geometrical Set.1 object -> AutoSort
command.
Instantly, the contents of the Ordered Geometrical Set are reorganized to show the logical creation process.
The geometry remains unchanged. Datum features are put first in the specification tree.
Reordering Components within an Ordered Geometrical Set

This capability enables you to reorder elements inside the same ordered geometrical set.
Reordering a creation feature based upon a modification feature
Open the Reorder1.CATPart document.
The Ordered Geometrical Set contains Split.1 (in blue) that splits Fill.1 by a purple vertical plane, and Offset.1 (in red) is an offset of
Split.1.
1. Right-click the Ordered Geometrical Set.1 from the specification tree and choose the Ordered Geometrical Set.1 object ->
Reorder Children command.
2. Select the element to be rerouted.
Here we chose to reorder Offset.1 (creation feature) before Split.1 (modification feature).
3. Use the arrow to move Offset.1 up.
4. Click OK.
Offset.1 is now located before Split.1 in the specification tree.
If you define Split.1 as the In Work object, you can see that Offset.1 is now based upon Fill.1.
Split.1 was not rerouted since Offset.1 does not modify Fill.1.
Reordering a modification feature based upon a modification feature
Open the Reorder2.CATPart document.
The Ordered Geometrical Set contains Split.2 (in blue) that splits Split.1 by a vertical plane. Split.1 itself splits Fill.1 (delimited by Sketch.1
in purple).
Reorder Children command.
2. Select the element to be rerouted.
Here we chose to reorder Split.2 (modification feature) before Split.1 (modification feature).
3. Use the arrow to move Split.2 up.
4. Click OK.
Split.2 is now located before Split.1 in the specification tree.
Split.2 is rerouted onto the input feature modified by Split.1, that is Fill.1 (in blue).
Otherwise Split.2 would still split Split.1 which comes after in the specification tree.
Indeed, when you edit Split.2, you can notice that the Split.2 was rerouted onto Fill.1.
And since Split.2 now modifies Fill.1, Split.1 was rerouted onto Split.2.
An error message is issued if you try to move an element towards a position that breaks the order rules.
Note that the feature defined as the In Work object after the Reorder operation is not affected by this operation from an update point of
view:
● when reordering upward, the feature located just before the new position of the reordered feature becomes the In Work object.
● when reordering downward, the feature just before the original position of the reordered feature becomes the In Work object.
You can use the Scan command after the Reorder operation to see what moved step by step.
Reordering Features
The Reorder command allows you to move a feature in an Ordered Geometrical Set. These features can be:
● Generative Shape Design features
● sketches
For further information, please refer to the Reordering Features chapter in the Part Design User's Guide.
You cannot move an element from a geometrical set to an ordered geometrical set as it may break the order rules.
Modifying Children
The Modify Children command allows you to modify the contents of an ordered geometrical set by selecting its first and last component, as
well as destroy it.
This command is only available on sub-ordered geometrical sets.
1. Right-click the sub-ordered geometrical set from the specification tree and choose the Ordered Geometrical Set.x object ->
Modifying children.
The Edit dialog box opens with the First Element and Last element fields automatically valuated with the first and last elements
of the ordered geometrical set.
2. Select the elements you wish to place first and last.
In our scenario, we chose Line.1 as the first element and Split.1 as the last element.
3. Click OK.
The specification tree is modified consequently.
Elements before or after the first and last elements are rerouted in the father ordered geometrical set.
The Modify children command also allows you to remove the sub-ordered geometrical set. As a consequence, elements are rerouted in
the father ordered geometrical set.
Replacing Features
Please refer to the Replacing or Moving Elements chapter in the Part Design User's Guide.
The Do replace only for elements situated after the In Work Object option is available in Tools -> Options -> Part
Infrastructure -> General tab. It restricts the Replace capability only on features located before the feature in Work Object and in the
same branch.
As a consequence, the succession of steps of the ordered geometrical set is no longer respected. We advise you not to check this option
but rather work in a geometrical set environment.
Switching From Ordered Geometrical Set to Geometrical Set

While in an ordered geometrical set environment, you may want to switch to a geometrical set environment (for instance, if you do not
want to work in an ordered environment any more).
Switch to geometrical set command.
The Ordered Geometrical Set.1 becomes Geometrical Set.1.
Features after the current object that were not visualized in the ordered geometrical set are put in no show in the geometrical set.
● This command is only available on a root ordered geometrical set.

● Switching from geometrical set to ordered geometrical set is not possible.
● Colors may be modified.
Inserting and Deleting Inside an Ordered Geometrical Set

Inside an ordered geometrical set, the Insert and Delete commands may have impacts that result in replace actions based on absorption
rules.
Here, the edge fillet (Edge Fillet.1) is the current object.
A split feature (Split.1) is inserted just after EdgeFillet.1. This new feature absorbs EdgeFillet.1 and therefore the latter is no more
displayed and cannot be referenced by any feature located after the Split.1 in the specification tree.
To ensure the ordering rule, the links to the absorbed feature (EdgeFillet.1) must be rerouted to the inserted feature (Split.1). This
replacement applies to all the features inside the root ordered geometrical set (Ordered Geometrical Set.1) located after the inserted
feature and to all the features located inside other ordered geometrical sets roots (here, Ordered Geometrical Set.2).
This replace action may not be applicable; in this case a warning message is issued.
Using our example, had we selected the other side of Split.1, the replacement of the edge to extrapolate (defined in Extrapol.1 feature)
would not have been possible.
As a consequence of the replace action, the affected features (that is Extrapol.1 and Offset.1) become "not updated". The update following
the insertion may also produce an error and in this case the design will have to be modified so that the inserted feature is compatible with
the entire design.
The replace actions performed by the Delete command are generally the opposite of the replace actions performed by Insert command.
Using our example, deleting Split.1 leads to the replacement of Split.1 by EdgeFillet.1. Nevertheless, bear in mind that deleting a feature
can lead to a configuration different from the one preceding the insertion of a feature (for instance, if inserting a Trim feature, all inputs
will be replaced by this feature but if deleting it, the Trim feature will be replaced by its main input).
Based on this mechanism stand two methodologies for:

● multiple references to an intermediate state of design inside an ordered geometrical set,
● external links to the "end design" specified inside an ordered geometrical set.
Multiple references
Inside a root ordered geometrical set, a feature can be the input of several features (all creation features, except for the last feature,
according to the order in the specification tree, which can be a modification feature). In some cases, the design may require to create
several modification states of a same feature. To do so, it is necessary to create copies (Copy/Paste As Result With Link).
This example shows how to allow multiple modifications of EdgeFillet.1 feature, considered as an "intermediate state of design". A copy of
the feature, representing the exported view, is inserted just after it. In the beginning of every sub-set where this state of design will be
used, a copy of the copy is created, representing the imported view.
Using this construction, modifications applied to EdgeFillet.1 or to the copies of the copy (imported views) will affect only the design in Sub
OGS.1.
External Links
The replace actions due to design modifications (insertion and deletion) do not affect external links (that is the links between an external
element from the .CATPart document and a feature inside an ordered geometrical set). To ensure that the links will always reference the
last state of design, it is necessary to create a copy (Copy/Paste As Result With Link) of the last current feature in a new ordered
geometrical set. This copy can possibly be published. As a consequence, the external link will have to reference this copy or its publication.
In this example, Surface.2 is a copy of EdgeFillet.1.

The external link has to reference Surface.2 or its publication.
A split feature is inserted after EdgeFillet.1. As a consequence, Surface.2 is rerouted to Split.1 and so is the external link.
Editing Features Within an Ordered Geometrical Set

A feature can be created within an OGS using different feature types (creation or modification) depending on the options selected to create
it.
If a feature is created as a modification feature, then when editing it, you are prevented from changing the options that were used to
define its type.
Here is the list of commands whose options lead to a modification of the feature type:
Command Name Panel options

Blend Trim First Support, Trim Second Support
Extrapol Assemble Result
Shape Fillet - BiTangent Fillet Trim Support 1, Trim Support 2
Shape Fillet - TriTangent Fillet Trim Support 1, Trim Support 2
Edge fillet, Variable edge fillet, tritangent fillet, face-face
Trim Support
fillet
Corner Trim element 1, Trim element 2
Circle-Bitangent and Radius Trim element 1, Trim element 2
Circle-Bitangent and Point Trim element 1, Trim element 2
Circle-Tritangent Trim element 1, Trim element 3
Connect Trim elements
Sweep-Segment (With Tangency Surface) Trim with tangency surface
Trim with first tangency surface, Trim with second tangency
Sweep-Segment (With Two Tangency Surfaces)
surface
Sweep-Circle (One guide and tangency Surface) Trim with tangency surface
Mating Flange Trim, Trim and Split
Bead Base surface Relimitation
Let's take an example with the Corner.
Open the CornerOGS.CATPart document.

1. Click the Corner icon .
The Corner Definition dialog box opens.
2. Choose the Corner On Support type from the combo list.
3. Deselect the Corner on Vertex option.
4. Select Line.1 as Element 1 and Line.2 as Element 2.
5. Check the Trim element 1 and Trim element 2 options to trim and assemble the two reference elements to the corner.
By selecting the Trim options, the corner is now considered as a modification feature.
6. Click OK to create the corner.
7. Double-click the corner (in the specification tree or in the 3D geometry) to edit it.
The Corner Definition dialog box opens.
Both Trim options are disabled.

Inserting Features into a New Body
These tasks show you how to restructure your specifications tree by gathering two or more features into
a new body. Depending on your geometry, this operation may affect the part's final shape or not.
For example, open the Publish.CATPart document.
1. Multiselect Pad.1, Pad.2 and Draft.1 as the features you want to group in a new body.
These features must belong to the same body or part body and they must be consecutive in the
tree. The selection order does not matter.
2. Select Insert->Insert in new body.
Likewise, you can use the Insert in new... contextual command or simply click the icon
available in the Insert toolbar.
The new body is created at the location of the feature that was first on the list. You can edit the
properties of this new body that behaves like any other body.
A Few Recommendations
Contextual Features
● Among the features you select, you cannot select a contextual feature as the first feature in the tree.
'Contextual features' refer to features whose geometry depend on other features. For example, fillets
depend on other features.
● If your selection includes a contextual feature but not its parent (or 'support'), you cannot use the
Assemble in New Body capability.
'Up to ...' Features
● Among the features you select, you cannot select an 'up to ...' feature as the first feature in the tree.
● If your selection includes an 'up to ...' feature but not its parent, the application warns you that you
can either quit the command or validate the selection bearing in mind that the capability can modify
the geometry. To perform the scenario illustrating that, open the Insert.CATPart document.
The part is composed of three pads, one of which 'Pad.3' was created using the Up to next option.
1. Multiselect Pad.2 and Pad.3.
2. Select Insert->Assemble in New Body.
A warning message is issued indicating that the operation may result in an update error or
modifications to the geometry.
3. If you wish to give up, click No. For the purposes of our scenario, click Yes.
You obtain a modified part.

Assembling Bodies
Assembling is a Boolean operation integrating your part specifications. It allows you to create complex
geometry. This task shows you two assemble operations. You will see then how the resulting parts look
different depending on your specifications.
When working in a CATProduct document, it is not necessary to copy and paste the bodies belonging to
distinct parts before associating them. You can directly associate these bodies using the same procedure
as described in this task.
Structuring Your Design

Generally speaking, using Boolean Operations is a good way of structuring your part. Prior to designing,
you can actually define the part's structure by associating a body containing geometry or not with empty
bodies. Once these specifications are done, you can then concentrate on the geometry.
In this page, you will find the following information:
● Bodies You Can Assemble
● Notes
● Empty Bodies and Polarity
● Optimizing Your Design
● Interrupting Boolean Operations Computations

Open the Assemble.CATPart document and make sure Part Body is the current body.
First, you are going to assemble a pocket to Part Body. You will note that as this pocket is the first
feature of the body, material has been added (see Creating Pockets).
1. To assemble them, select Body 2 and click the Assemble...icon .

The Assemble dialog box that appears displays the name of the selected body, the Part Body
and the feature (EdgeFillet.1) after which the Assemble feature is to be located.
By default, the application proposes to assemble the selected body to Part Body. For the purpose
of our scenario, we keep this location.
From V5R15 onward, you can get an idea of the result just by clicking the Preview button.
During the operation, the application removes the material defined by the pocket from Part
Body.
The new Part Body looks like this:
In the specification tree, Part Body now includes the Assemble.1 feature under which Body.2 is
located.
3. Now delete the assemble operation to go back to the previous state. You are going to perform
the second assemble operation.
4. Select Body.2 and Edit -> Body2.object -> Assemble.

The Assemble dialog box displays again.
5. Select Body.1 in the specification tree to edit the To: field.
Body.1 appears in the field, indicating that you are going to assemble Body.2 on Body.1.
6. Click OK.
The material defined by the pocket from Body1 has been removed during the operation.
Bodies You Can Assemble

● A body can be assembled to another body provided
that it is directly located below the part node.
In the example opposite, you cannot assemble
Body.2 to PartBody because it is included in
● Assembling a set of bodies (multi-selected via the Ctrl key) is possible. This capability will increase your
productivity.
● Assembling a body to a solid body and vice versa is possible. In that case, the second body you select
remains at the same location in the specification tree once the Boolean operation is done. In the example
below, Body.2 is the body selected first to perform the Assemble operation.
Body.2 and Body.1 are two different body

types. Body.2 is created in a hybrid design Body.1 being the second body selected, it remains
environment whereas as Body.1 is a solid at its initial location in the tree.
body.
->
Notes
● If assembling bodies results in an interruption of the sequential construction of the geometry, the second
body you selected to perform the Boolean operation remains at its initial location in the tree when the
operation is complete.
In the example below, Pad.2 located in Body.2 was created using Extrude.1, located in PartBody, as one of
its limits. When assembling Body.2 to PartBody, the sequential construction is broken and Body.2
consequently remains at its initial location in the tree.
->
● You cannot re-apply the Assemble, Add, Trim, Intersect, Remove and Remove Lump commands to bodies
already associated to other bodies. However, if you copy and paste the result of such operations elsewhere
in the tree you can then use these commands.
● Avoid using input elements that are tangent to each other since this may result in geometric instabilities in
the tangency zone.
● Contrary to other Boolean operations, you cannot edit an Assemble feature. If you wish to change your
specifications, just proceed as explained in the task above.
Empty Bodies and Polarity

By default, assemble operations have a positive polarity (plus sign in front of the body icon in the specification
tree). If the assemble operation is the first feature of the body and if the assembled body is empty, the body
has a positive polarity.
Optimizing your Design
The Only Current Body option displays only the features of the current body and greatly improves the
application performances whenever you edit these features. For more information, refer to Display in Geometry
Area.
Interrupting Boolean Operations Computations

In case you made a mistake when performing a Boolean operation, you can interrupt the feature computation
launched after clicking OK, when the computation requires a few seconds to perform.
In concrete terms, if the computation exceeds a certain amount of time, a window appears providing a Cancel
option. To interrupt the operation, just click that Cancel button. This interrupts the process and then displays
an Update Diagnosis dialog box enabling you to edit, deactivate, isolate or even delete the Boolean operation
in progress.
This new capability is available for any types of Boolean operations you are creating or editing.
Intersecting Bodies
The material resulting from an intersection operation between two bodies is the material shared by these
bodies. This tasks illustrates how to compute two intersections via a Boolean operation.
When working in a CATProduct document, it is not necessary to copy and paste the bodies belonging to
distinct parts before associating them. You can directly associate these bodies using the same steps as
described in this task.

you can actually define the part's structure by associating a body containing geometry with empty
● Location of Bodies Once the Boolean Operation is Complete
● Notes
Open the Intersect.CATPart document.
1. The initial part is composed of three bodies. Each body contains one pad. To compute the
intersection between the Part Body and Body 2, select Body.2.
Intersecting a set of bodies (multi-selected via the Ctrl key) is possible. This capability will
increase your productivity.

● You can make a body intersect with another body provided

that it is directly located below the part node. In the
example opposite, you cannot compute the intersection
between Body.2 to PartBody because it is included in
2. Click the Intersect... icon.

The Intersect dialog box displays to let you determine the second body you wish to use. By
default, the application proposes to intersect the selected body to Part Body.
From V5R15 onwards, you can get an idea of the result just by clicking the Preview button.
The application computes the intersection between the two bodies.
Part Body now looks like this:

4. Now delete the intersection to go back to the previous state. You are going to create a new
intersection.
5. Select Body 2 and right-click Edit -> Body2.object -> Intersect.

This displays the Intersect dialog box.
6. Select Body1 in the specification tree to edit the To: field.
7. Click OK.
Body1 now looks like this:
● From V5R15, editing an Intersect feature is possible. To do so, you just need to double-click that
feature and then select the new body you wish to intersect.
Location of Bodies Once the Boolean Operation is Complete

● Making a body and a solid body intersect and vice versa is possible. In that case, the second body you
select remains at the same location in the specification tree once the Boolean operation is done. To see an
example, refer to Bodies You Can Assemble in Assembling Bodies.
● If intersecting bodies results in an interruption of the sequential construction of the geometry, the second
operation is complete. To see an example, refer to the Notes paragraph of Assembling Bodies.
Notes
the tangency zone.
Optimizing Your Design
Area.

in progress.
Adding Bodies
This task illustrates how to add a body to another body. Adding a body to another one means uniting
them via a Boolean operation.
When working in a CATProduct document, it is no longer necessary to copy and paste the bodies
belonging to distinct parts before associating them. You can directly associate these bodies using the
same procedure as described in this task.

● Notes
Open the Add.CATPart document and make sure Part Body is the current body.
1. This is your initial data: the Add part is composed of three bodies. Each body includes a pad.
These pads are therefore independent. To add Body.1 to Part Body, select Body.1.
● You can add a body to another body provided that it is

directly located below the part node. In the example
opposite, you cannot add Body.2 to PartBody because it is
included in Ordered Geometrical Set.1.
● Adding a set of bodies (multi-selected via the Ctrl key) is possible. This capability will increase your
productivity.
2. Click the Add icon .

The Add dialog box that appears displays the name of the selected body, the Part Body and the
feature after which the Add feature is to be added.
By default, the application proposes to add the selected body to Part Body. For the purpose of
our scenario, we keep this location. Note however that you could add Body.1 to Body.2 one just
by selecting Body.2.
From V5R15 onward, you can get an idea of the result just by clicking the Preview button.
3. Click OK.
The specification tree and Part Body now looks like this:
You will note that:
❍ the material common to Part Body and Body.1 has been removed
❍ both pads keep their original colors.
4. Double-click Add.1 to edit the Boolean operation.
The Add dialog box is displayed.
5. Select Body.2 from the specification tree or from the geometry area.
PartBody and Body.2 are associated. The material common to Part Body and Body.2 is
retrieved.

● Adding a body to a solid body and vice versa is possible. In that case, the second body you select remains
at the same location in the specification tree once the Boolean operation is done. To see an example, refer
to Bodies You Can Assemble in Assembling Bodies.
● If adding bodies results in an interruption of the sequential construction of the geometry, the second body
you selected to perform the Boolean operation remains at its initial location in the tree when the operation
is complete. To see an example, refer to the Notes paragraph of Assembling Bodies.
Notes
the tangency zone.
Area.

In case you made a mistake when performing a Boolean operation, you can interrupt the computation
launched after clicking OK, provided that the computation requires at least 5 seconds to perform.
When a computation exceeds 5 seconds, a progress bar appears and provides a Cancel option. To interrupt
the operation, just click that Cancel button. This interrupts the process and then displays an Update Diagnosis
dialog box enabling you to edit, deactivate, isolate or even delete the Boolean operation in progress.
Removing Bodies
This tasks illustrates how to remove a body from another body via a Boolean operation.
When working in a CATProduct document, it is no longer necessary to copy and paste the bodies
belonging to distinct parts before associating them. You can directly associate these bodies using the
same steps as described in this task.

● Notes
Open the Remove.CATPart document.
1. The part is composed of two bodies. To remove Body.1 from Part Body, select Body.1.
● You can remove a body from another body provided that

it is directly located below the part node. In the example
opposite, you cannot remove Body.2 from PartBody
because it is included in Ordered Geometrical Set.1.
● Removing a set of bodies (multi-selected via the Ctrl key) is possible. This capability will increase
your productivity.
2. Click the Remove... icon .
● When the part is made of more than two bodies, the Remove dialog appears to let you determine
the operation you wish to perform. By default, the application proposes to remove the selected body
from the Part Body. To change that, just select another body from which you want to remove the
selected body. The dialog will show the new selected body.
From V5R15 onwards, you can:
● get an idea of the result just by clicking the Preview button.

● edit a Remove feature. To do so, you just need to double-click the feature and then select the new
body to be removed.

● Removing a body from a solid body and vice versa is possible. In that case, the second body you select
remains at the same location in the specification tree once the Boolean operation is done. To see an
example, refer to Bodies You Can Assemble in Assembling Bodies.
● If removing a body results in an interruption of the sequential construction of the geometry, the second
operation is complete. To see an example, refer to the Notes paragraph of Assembling Bodies.
Notes
the tangency zone.
application performances whenever you edit these features. For more information, refer to Display in
Geometry Area.

in progress.
Trimming Bodies
Applying the Union Trim command on a body entails defining the elements to be kept or removed while performing the
union operation.
The following rules are to be kept in mind:
Rule 1
REMOVE: Selected bodies ONLY are removed
Rule 2
KEEP: selected body is kept. All other bodies are removed
Rule 3
REMOVE is not necessary if KEEP specification exists

Concretely speaking, you need to select the required bodies and specify the faces you wish to keep or remove.
This task illustrates how to use the Union Trim capability.
When working in a CATProduct document, it is no longer necessary to copy and paste the bodies belonging to
distinct parts before associating them. You can directly associate these bodies using the same steps as described in
this task.
Open the UnionTrim.CATPart document.
1. Select the body you wish to trim, i.e. Body.2.
2. Click the Union Trim icon .

The Trim Definition dialog box is displayed. The faces you cannot select are displayed in red.
3. Click the Faces to remove field and select Body.2 's inner face.
The selected face appears in pink, meaning that the application is going to remove it.
4. Click the Faces to keep field and select Part Body. 's inner face.
This face becomes blue, meaning that the application is going to keep it.
Clicking the Preview button lets you check if your specifications meet your needs or not.
The application computes the material to be removed. The operation (identified as Trim.xxx) is added to
already associated to other bodies. However, if you copy and paste the result of such operations elsewhere in
the tree you can then use these commands.
● Avoid using input elements that are tangent to each other since this may result in geometric instabilities in the
tangency zone.
● As much as possible, avoid selecting faces trimmed by the operation. In some cases, defined trimmed faces
have the same logical name: the application then issues a warning message requiring a better selection.
● You can apply the command to any body provided

that it is directly located below the part node. In the
example opposite, the Union Trim command is not
available the body is included in Ordered
Geometrical Set.1.

option. To interrupt the operation, just click that Cancel button. This interrupts the process and then displays an
Update Diagnosis dialog box enabling you to edit, deactivate, isolate or even delete the Boolean operation in
progress.
Keeping and Removing Faces
The Remove Lump command lets you reshape a body by removing material. To remove material,
either you specify the faces you wish to remove or conversely, the faces you wish to keep. In some
cases, you need to specify both the faces to remove and the faces to keep.
Using this command is a good way to get rid of cavities you inadvertently created.
This task illustrates how to reshape a body by removing the faces you do not need. Depending on the
faces you select for removal, you will obtain two distinct bodies.
Open the RemoveLump.CATPart document.
1. Select the body you wish to reshape, that is Part Body.
2. Click the Remove Lump icon .

The Remove Lump Definition dialog box appears. The application prompts you to specify the
faces you wish to remove as well as the faces you need to keep.
3. Click the Faces to remove field and select the colored face.
From V5R15 onwards, you can get an idea of the result just by clicking the Preview button.
The selected face appears in pink, meaning that it will be removed during the operation.
4. Click OK.
The new body looks like this:
5. Now, delete Trim.1 in the specification tree and repeat steps 1 and 2.
6. In the dialog box that appears, click the Faces to remove field and select the bottom face.
This face appears in pink.
7. Click OK.
The new body looks like this :
The faces selected as the faces to be kept are displayed in blue.
You cannot re-apply Assemble, Add, Trim, Intersect, Remove and Remove Lump commands to bodies
already associated to other bodies. However, if you copy and paste the result of such operations
elsewhere in the tree you can then use these commands.
Cavities
Remove Lump allows you to delete cavities, which is a good way to control the quality of the part. As
shown in the example below, the initial part includes a cavity resulting from a shell operation.
Applying Remove Lump and selecting the face to be kept...

reshapes the part. The application has removed the faces that are not adjacent to the selected face.

In case you made a mistake when performing a Boolean operation, you can interrupt the feature
computation launched after clicking OK, when the computation requires a few seconds to perform.
In concrete terms, if the computation exceeds a certain amount of time, a window appears providing a
Cancel option. To interrupt the operation, just click that Cancel button. This interrupts the process
and then displays an Update Diagnosis dialog box enabling you to edit, deactivate, isolate or even
delete the Boolean operation in progress.
Changing a Boolean Operation into Another One
This task shows you how to change a Boolean operation (Add, Assemble, Remove and even Union Trim)
into another one and this, very quickly. This capability largely increases your productivity, since it is no
longer necessary to restructure your design from scratch.
Open the Intersect.CATPart document.
1. The initial part is composed of three bodies. Assemble Body.1 to Part Body.
2. Remove Body.2 from Assemble.1.You obtain Remove.1:

3. Fillet Pad.3 's top edge.
4. Select Remove.1 and right-click Remove.1 object -> Change to Assemble....
The Change to Add...contextual command is available too.
You obtain Assemble.2. Note that the fillet is still defined on Pad.3's top edge.
5. Select Assemble.2 and right-click Assemble.2 object -> Change to Union Trim...
The Change to Add... and Change to Remove...contextual menu items are

available too.
You obtain Trim.1:

6. Double-click Trim.1 and select the cylinder's top face as the face to keep. You obtain this part :
Using Tools
Edit a List of Elements: Click the icon to display the Element list
dialog box. Remove any element clicking the Remove button or
Replace any element using the Replace button.
Scan the Part and Define Local Objects: Select Edit -> Scan or Define
in Work Object..., click the buttons to move from one local feature to
the other, then the Exit button.
Define in Work Object Defining a feature as local without scanning the whole part is possible
using the Define in Work Object contextual command.
Perform a Draft Analysis: Define a direction using the compass, click

this icon, select the part, and enter the minimum draft angle value in
the field below the green frame.
Perform a Surface Curvature Analysis: Select a body, click this icon and
enter new values in the color range.
Analyze Thread/Tap: Click this icon and check or uncheck display

options.
Create Datums: Click this icon to deactivate the History mode.
Isolate Geometric Elements: Select the element to be isolated and right-

click XXXobject -> Isolate.
Apply a Material: Select the element on which the material should be

applied, click this icon, select any material and click Apply Material.
Extract Geometry: the capability is proposed when an update operation

detects difficulties in building the part.
Display Parents and Children: Select the feature under study, Tools ->
Parent/Children... and use the diverse contextual commands to
display parents and children.
Define an Axis System: Click this icon, enter coordinates or select

geometry to define the three axes.
Publish Elements: Select Tools -> Publication, select the element to

be published then rename it.
Work on 3D Support: click the icon and select a define the 3D support
type: Reference or Local.
Editing a List of Elements

This task shows you how to edit a list of elements within any command allowing multi-selection for input
elements, when the list is not already explicitly available from the dialog box.
To see an example of this capability, open the VariableRadiusFillet1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Variable Radius Fillet icon .
2. Select any edge for filleting.
The application detects both vertices and displays them as 2 elements in the Points field.
3. Close to the Points field, click the icon to display the Point Elements dialog box.
This dialog box allows you to:
❍ view the selected elements

❍ remove any element clicking the Remove button
❍ replace any element using the Replace button and selecting a new one in the geometry or
5. Select two additional points on the edge.
The Point Elements dialog box now displays four points.
6. Select PointOnEdge.2 from the list and click the Remove button.
The point is removed from the list.
7. Select PointOnEdge.3 from the list and click the Replace button.
8. Select a new point on the edge: PointOnEdge.3 has been replaced with PointOnEdge.5.
9. Click Close in the Element list dialog box to return to the initial command: Variable Radius
Fillet in this case. The Variable Radius Fillet dialog box is updated accordingly: only 3
elements are identified as being selected.

Scanning a Part and Defining In Work Objects

This task shows how to scan the part and define a current object without taking the complete part into
account. Therefore, it is useful for the analysis of the better understanding of the part design.
Both geometrical sets and ordered geometrical sets can be scanned.
Open the Scan1.CATPart document.
1. Select the Edit -> Scan or Define in Work Object... command or click the icon from the
Select toolbar.
The Scan toolbar appears enabling you to navigate through the structure of your part. Moreover, the
part can be updated feature by feature.
You actually need to click the buttons allowing you to move from one current feature to the other.
Sketch elements are not taken into account by the command.
2. Select the Scan mode to define the way of scanning:
Structure
All features of the part are now scanned in the order of display in the specification tree.
The current position in the graph corresponds to the in work object.
Internal elements of sketches, part bodies and bodies, ordered geometrical sets, and elements
belonging to a geometrical set are not taken into account by this mode.
1. Click the Display Graph icon .
The Scan Graph dialog box appears and displays all the features belonging to
Scan1 part.
Update
All features of a part are scanned in the order of the update (which is not necessarily the order of the
specification tree).
The current position in the scan graph does not correspond to the in work object: indeed the
underlined object in the graph is not necessarily the one underlined in the specification tree.
● Datum features appear first; geometrical sets and ordered geometrical sets do not appear in the
Scan Graph.
● Deactivated features appear in the Scan Graph.
● The part is put in no show, so is its 3D display, in order to build a new 3D display that contains the
same features but in a different order.
As a consequence, if a geometrical set or an ordered geometrical set is in no show, it is ignored and its
elements are considered as being in show.
To put the contents of this geometrical set or ordered geometrical set in no show, use the
Geometrical_Set.x object -> Hide components contextual command.
Refer to the Hiding/Showing Geometrical Sets or Ordered Geometrical Sets and Their Contents chapter
for further information.
1. Click the Display Graph icon .
The Scan Graph dialog box appears and displays all the features belonging to
Scan1 part.
The Update mode is not available with Power Copies.
3. Select a feature in the Scan Graph or in the specification tree. The application highlights the
feature in question in the specification tree as well as in the geometry area and make it current.
In our example, we chose EdgeFillet.1.
● A preview of the current object's parents is available:

❍ if the parents are visible: the thickness of lines and points is increased and the surfaces' edges
are in dotted lines; faces and edges are highlighted.
❍ if the parents are not visible: the surfaces appear as transparent; lines and points are in yellow
dotted lines.
● If a parent of the in work object is in no show, it is temporarily shown when its child is the in work
object.
4. Click the Previous arrow to move to the previous feature, that is Pad.1.
5. Click the First arrow to move to the first feature, that is Plane.1 (the first feature after
the two datum points).
In case there are several datum features, the application highlights the last one as there are all
scanned at the same time.
6. Click the Next arrow to move to the next feature, that is Point.1.
Scanning Next and Previous skip datum and deactivated features.
7. Click the Last arrow to move to the last feature, that is EdgeFillet.3.
Moving to the next or last feature enables to update elements that are not up-to-date.
8. Click the First to Update icon to move to the first element to be updated and
consequently update it.
If both geometry and part are up-to-date, an information panel appears.
9. Click this icon again to find the next element to be updated and so on until an information
panel appears to inform you that both geometry and part are up-to-date.
10. Click the Play Update icon to replay the update of the geometry.
A progression bar is displayed, while the scenario is being replayed.
In case there are update errors, the replay stops at the first error. The Update Error dialog box opens.
11. Click the Exit button to exit the command.
In the geometry area and the specification tree, the application highlights the current object.
If the object was in no show, it is put in show as long as it stays current.
● Defining a feature as current without scanning the whole part is possible using the Define in Work
Object contextual command on the desired feature. This feature is put in show if needed, and
keeps its status even if another feature is defined as the in work object.
● When clicking a sub-element in the 3D geometry, it is in fact the feature used to generate this sub-
element which is selected as the in work object. Likewise, this feature is edited when double-
clicking a sub-element.
● When a collapsed contextual element is highlighted, it is the node of its set that is highlighted in
the Scan Graph.
To display 3D parameters attached to Part Design features, check the Parameters of features and
constraints option in the Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> Display.
Performing a Draft Analysis
● This command is not available with the Generative Shape Design 1 product.
● Used in Part Design workbench, this command requires the configuration mode.
This task shows how to analyze the draft angle on a surface.

The Draft Analysis command enables you to detect if the part you drafted will be easily removed.
This type of analysis is performed based on color ranges identifying zones on the analyzed element where the deviation from
the draft direction at any point, corresponds to specified values.
These values are expressed in the unit as specified in Tools -> Options -> General -> Parameters -> Unit tab.
You can modify them by clicking on their corresponding arrow or by entering a value directly in the field.
Open the FreeStyle_12.CATPart document.
● The visualization mode should be set to Shading With Edges in the View -> Render Style command
● The discretization option should be set to a maximum: in Tools -> Options -> Display -> Performances, set the 3D
Accuracy -> Fixed option to 0.01.
● Check the Material option in the View -> Render Style -> Customize View command to be able to see the analysis
results on the selected element. Otherwise a warning is issued.
● Uncheck the Highlight faces and edges option in Tools -> Options -> Display -> Navigation to disable the highlight
of the geometry selection.
1. Select a surface.
It is highlighted.
2. Click the (Feature) Draft Analysis icon .
The Draft Analysis dialog box is displayed. It gives information on the display (color scale), the draft direction and the
direction values.
The Draft Analysis.1 dialog box showing the color scale and identifying the maximum and minimum values for the analysis is
displayed too.
Mode option
The mode option lets you choose between a quick and a full analysis mode. These two modes are completely independent.
The default mode is the quick mode. It simplifies the analysis in that it displays only three color ranges.
Quick mode Full mode
In P1 mode, only the quick mode is available.
● You can double click on a color in the color scale to display the Color dialog box in order to modify the color range:
● You can also double-click on the value to display the Value Edition dialog box:
Enter a new value (negative values are allowed) to redefine the color scale, or use the slider to position the
distance value within the allowed range, and click OK.
The value is then frozen, and displayed in a green rectangle.
The color scale settings (colors and values) are saved when exiting the command, meaning the same values will be set next
time you edit a given draft analysis capability.
However, new settings are available with each new draft analysis.
Display option
● Uncheck the Color Scale checkbox to remove the Draft Analysis.1 dialog box.
This dialog box only appears in edition mode.
● Activate the On the fly checkbox and move the pointer over the surface.
This option enables you to perform a local analysis.
Arrows are displayed under the pointer, identifying the normal to the surface at the pointer location (green arrow), the
draft direction (red arrow), and the tangent (blue arrow). As you move the pointer over the surface, the display is
dynamically updated.
Furthermore, circles are displayed indicating the plane

tangent to the surface at this point.
The displayed value indicates the angle between the draft direction and the tangent to the surface at the current point.
It is expressed in the units set in using the Tools -> Options -> General -> Parameters -> Units tab.
The On the fly analysis can only be performed on the elements of the current part.
Note that you can activate the On the fly option even when not visualizing the materials. It gives you the tangent plane and
the deviation value.
● Click the Inverse button to automatically reverse the draft direction:
When several elements are selected for analysis, the draft direction is inverted for each element when the button is
clicked.
In case of an obviously inconsistent result, do not forget to invert locally the normal direction via the Inverse button.
The manipulator on the draft direction allows you to materialize the cone showing the angle around the direction.
Direction in the cone Direction out of the cone
● Right-click the cone angle to display the Angle Tuner dialog box.
When you modify the angle using the up and down arrows, the value is automatically updated in the color scale and in
the geometry.
Note that you cannot modify the angle below the minimum value or beyond the maximum value.
Full mode
Quick mode
● Right-click the Direction vector to display the contextual menu.
It allows you to:
● hide / show the cone
● hide / show the angle
● hide / show the tangent
● lock / unlock the analysis position
● keep the point at this location
A Point.xxx appears in the specification tree.

In P1 mode, the Keep Point option is not available.
Direction
By default the analysis is locked, meaning it is done according to a specified direction: the compass w axis.
In P1 mode, the default analysis direction is the general document axis-system's z axis.
● Click the Locked direction icon , and select a direction (a line, a plane or planar face which normal is used), or use
the compass manipulators, when available.
Using the compass manipulators Selecting a specific direction
● Click the Compass icon to define the new current draft direction.
The compass lets you define the pulling direction that will be used from removing the part.
You can display the control points by clicking the Control Points icon, yet the draft analysis is still visible, then allowing
you to check the impact of any modification to the surface on the draft analysis.
3. Once you have finished analyzing the surface, click OK in the Draft Analysis dialog box.
The analysis (identified as Draft Analysis.x) is added to the specification tree.
This capability is not available in P1 mode.
● Note that settings are saved when exiting the command, and redisplayed when you select the Draft Analysis icon again.
● Be careful, when selecting the direction, not to deselect the analyzed element.
● A draft analysis can be performed just as well on a set of surfaces.
● If an element belongs to an analysis, it cannot be selected simultaneously for another analysis, you need to remove the
current analysis by deselecting the element to be able to use it again.
● In some cases, even though the rendering style is properly set, it may happen that the analysis results are not visible.
Check that the geometry is up-to-date, or perform an update on the involved geometric element(s).
● The analysis results depend of the current object. May you want to change the scope of analysis, use the Define in Work
object contextual command.
Performing a Surface Curvature Analysis
This task shows how to analyze the mapping curvature of a surface.
● This command is not available with the Generative Shape Design 1.

● This command is available with the Part Design in configuration mode P2.
● Surfacic curvature analyses can be performed on a set of surfaces.

● If an element belongs to an analysis, it cannot be selected simultaneously for another analysis, you
need to remove the current analysis by deselecting the element to be able to use it again.
● In some cases, even though the rendering style is properly set, it may happen that the analysis results
are not visible. Check that the geometry is up-to-date, or perform an update on the involved
geometric elements.
● The analysis results depend of the current object. May you want to change the scope of analysis, use
the Define in Work object contextual command.
Open the FreeStyle_02.CATPart document:

● The discretization option should be set to a maximum: in Tools -> Options -> Display ->
Performances, set the 3D Accuracy -> Fixed option to 0.01
● Uncheck the Highlight faces and edges option in Tools -> Options -> General -> Display ->
Navigation to disable the highlight of the geometry selection.
● Check the Material option in the View -> Render Style -> Customize View command to be able to
see the analysis results on the selected element. You can now perform an analysis On the Fly even if
the Material option is not checked, see On the Fly option. No warning message is issued as long as no
element is selected.
1. Select Surface.1
2. Click the Surfacic Curvature Analysis icon:
The Surfacic curvature dialog box is displayed, and the analysis is visible on the selected
element.
The Surfacic curvature dialog box displays the following information:
● Type analysis option allows you to make the following analyses:
❍ Gaussian
❍ Minimum
❍ Maximum
❍ Limited
❍ Inflection Area
● Display Options are:
❍ Color Scale option allows you to display the Surfacic Curvature Analysis.n dialog box
associated with the current analysis.
❍ On the Fly option allows you to make a local analysis:
■ The On the fly analysis can be performed on the elements, selected or not, of the
current part only. It is not available with the Inflection Area analysis type.
■ The curvature and radius values are displayed at the cursor location (for Gaussian
analysis radius value is not displayed), as well as the minimum and maximum curvature
values and the minimum and maximum curvature directions. As you move the pointer
over the surface, the display is dynamically updated.
■ The displayed values may vary from the information displayed as the Use Max/Use
Min values, as it is the precise value at a given point (where the pointer is) and does
not depend on the set discretization.
■ You cannot snap on point when performing an On the Fly analysis.
■ Click a location and right-click the On the Fly curvature/radius label to display the
contextual commands.
These commands are not available in P1 mode:
■ Keep Point: create the point at the clicked location.

■ Keep Min Point: create the point corresponding to the minimum value.
■ Keep Max Point: create the point corresponding to the maximum value.
■ 3D MinMax option allows you to locate the minimum and maximum values for the
selected analysis type, except for Inflection Area analysis type.
● Analysis Options are:
❍ Positive only option allows you to get analysis values as positive values, available with
Gaussian, Minimum and Maximum analysis types only.
❍ Radius Mode option allows you to get analysis values as radius values, available with
Minimum and Maximum analysis types only.
The Surfacic Curvature Analysis.1 dialog box showing the color scale and identifying the
maximum and minimum values for the analysis is displayed too.
You can right-click on a color rectangle in the color scale to display the contextual menu:
● Edit command allows you to modify the values in the color range to highlight specific areas of
the selected surface. The Color dialog box is displayed allowing the user to modify the color
range.
● Unfreeze command allows you to perform a linear interpolation between non defined colors.
● No Color command can be used to simplify the analysis, because it limits the number of
displayed colors in the color scale. In this case, the selected color is hidden, and the section of
the analysis on which that color was applied takes on the neighboring color.
You can also right-click on the value to display the contextual menu:
● Edit command allows you to modify the edition values.

The Value Edition dialog box is displayed: enter a new value (negative values are allowed) to
redefine the color scale, or use the slider to position the distance value within the allowed
range, and click OK.
The value is then frozen, and displayed in a green rectangle.
● Unfreeze command allows you to perform a linear interpolation between non defined
values. This command is available for all values except for maximum and minimum values.
The unfreezed values are no longer highlighted in green.
● Use Max/Use Min commands allow you to evenly distribute the color/value interpolation
between the current limit values, on the top/bottom values respectively, rather than keeping it
within default values that may not correspond to the scale of the geometry being analyzed.
Therefore, these limit values are set at a given time, and when the geometry is modified after
setting them, these limit values are not dynamically updated.
❍ These commands are available for maximum and minimum values only.
❍ The Use Max command is available if the maximum value is higher or equal to the medium
value, otherwise you need to unfreeze the medium value first.
❍ The Use Min command is available if the minimum value is lower or equal to the medium
value, otherwise you need to unfreeze the medium value first.
The Surface Curvature Analysis.1 in created in the specification tree under the Free Form
Analysis.1
Analysis Types and Display Options

3. Select the Gaussian analysis type and the On the Fly option.
4. Set the maximum and minimum values in the Surfacic Curvature Analysis.1 dialog box, see Use
Max/Use Min commands.
Maximum and minimum values are set according to the computed values displayed below the color
scale.
5. Move the cursor on the surface.

You can also right-click On the Fly curvature/radius label to display the contextual commands, see
On the Fly option.
Case of a Ruled Surface
6. Select Surface.2
Values are equal to 0.

9. Select Surface.1
10. Select the Minimum analysis type.
Minimum curvature and radius values are displayed.

The color scale in the Surfacic Curvature Analysis.1 dialog box corresponds to the previous type
analysis (Gaussian).
The color scale doesn't change when you select another analysis type or element. This behavior
allows you keep a reference when you compare curvature values.
13. Select the Maximum analysis type.

Maximum curvature and radius values are displayed.
16. Select the Limited analysis type.

In the Surfacic curvature dialog box, you are able to modify the radius value. The value is
automatically updated in the color scale.
The Surfacic Curvature Analysis.1 dialog box has been modified.
17. Edit the top color and the edition values in the Surfacic Curvature Analysis.1 dialog box as
follow, see Edit color and Edit edition values.

18. Select the Inflection Area analysis type.
In the Surfacic curvature dialog box only the Color Scale option is available.
The Surfacic Curvature Analysis.1 dialog box has been modified.
This analysis enables to identify the curvature orientation:
● In green: the areas where the minimum and maximum curvatures present the same
orientation.
● In blue: the areas where the minimum and maximum curvatures present opposite orientation.
See also Creating Inflection Lines. Note that these inflection lines are always created within the
green area, i.e. when the curvature orientation is changing.
19. Select the Minimum analysis type and the 3D MinMax option.

Maximum and minimum values are displayed and located on the selected element according to the
computed values displayed below the color scale.
Analysis Options
21. Select the Positive only option and keep unselected the Radius Mode option.
22. Set the minimum value in the Surfacic Curvature Analysis.1 dialog box, see Use Max/Use Min
commands.
Minimum value is set to 0 below the color scale
Only positive values are displayed and located on the selected element. Minimum value is set to 0
below the color scale
23. Select the Radius Mode option and unselect the Positive only option.
25. Edit the last value in the Surfacic Curvature Analysis.1 dialog box as follow, see Edit edition
values.
Maximum and minimum radius values are displayed and located on the selected element according
to the computed values displayed below the color scale.
26. Click OK in the Surfacic curvature dialog box.

27. Select the Gaussian analysis type and the On the Fly option.
29. Click the Control Points icon:
You can display the control points still viewing the surfacic curvature analysis. This allows you to
check any modification which affect the surface.
30. Click Cancel in the Control Points dialog box.

Analyzing Taps and Threads
This task shows you how to display and filter out information about threads and taps contained in a
CATPart document.
Open the ThreadAnalysis.CATPart document.
1. Click the Tap/Thread Analysis icon .

The Thread/Tap Analysis dialog box is displayed, providing display options already checked by
default:
❍ Show symbolic geometry: shows the representations of the threads and taps in the
geometry area. The representation's color can be customized via the Tools -> Options ->
General (Display) command (you just need to access the Visualization tab and the
Selected elements option).
❍ Show numerical value: shows three values defined for threads and taps as follows:
diameter x depth x pitch
The dialog box also displays the total number of threads and taps contained in your document.
Two threads and one tap have been detected, as indicated in the Numerical Analysis frame.
2. Click Apply to display the representations and the values of the threads and tap contained in the
document.
The representations and the values (diameter x depth x pitch) are displayed in orange and
yellow respectively:
Unchecking Show symbolic geometry lets you display numerical values only. In the same
way, unchecking Show numerical values lets you display representations only.
3. Click More to access display filters.
4. By default, the Show thread and Show tap options are on. Uncheck Show thread to display
taps only.
5. Click Apply to run the analysis.
Only one tap has been detected and is therefore displayed:

6. Check Show thread again to continue the scenario.
7. Check the option Diameter and enter 70 as the diameter value in the Value field.
8. Click Apply.
The application displays only one thread with 70 as diameter value.
9. Click Close when done.

Creating Datums
This task shows how to create geometry with the History mode deactivated.
In this case, when you create an element, there are no links to the other entities that were used to
create that element.
1. Click the Create Datum icon to deactivate the History mode.
It will remain deactivated until you click on the icon again.
If you double-click this icon, the Datum mode is permanent. You only have to click again the
icon to deactivate the mode.
A click on the icon activates the Datum mode for the current or the next command.
The History mode (active or inactive) will remain fixed from one session to another: it is in fact a
setting.
Isolating Geometric Elements
This task shows you how to isolate a geometric element, that is how to cut the links the feature has with
the geometry used to create it.
To perform this task, create a plane using an offset of 20mm from a pad's face.
1. Prior to isolating the plane, note that if you edit the offset value...
...you can obtain this kind of result:

2. Right-click the plane as the element you want to isolate. The element you can isolate can be:
❍ a plane
❍ a line
❍ a point
❍ a circle
3. Select the xxx object -> Isolate command from the contextual menu.
The geometrical link between the plane and the face is no longer maintained. This means that the
face is no longer recognized as the reference used to create the plane, and therefore, you can no
longer edit the offset value.
The way the plane was created is ignored. You can check this by double-clicking the plane: the
Plane Definition dialog box that appears indicates that the plane is of the explicit type.
In the specification tree, the application indicates isolated elements via a red symbol in front of
the geometrical element.
An isolated feature becomes a datum feature. For more information, refer to Creating Datums.
Applying a Material
This task explains how to apply a pre-defined material as well as to interactively re-position the mapped material.
A material can be applied to:

● a PartBody, Surface, Body or Geometrical Set (in a .CATPart document). You can apply different materials to
different instances of a same CATPart.
● a Product (in a .CATProduct document)

● instances of a .model, .cgr, .CATPart (in a .CATProduct document).
Materials applied to .CATPart, .CATProduct and .cgr documents can be saved in ENOVIAVPM.
For detailed information on ENOVIAVPM, refer to the ENOVIAVPM User's Guide on the ENOVIAVPM Documentation
CD-ROM.
Keep in mind that applying materials onto elements affects the physical and mechanical properties, such as the
density, of these elements.
Within a CATProduct, you should not apply different materials to different instances of a same part because a
material is part of the specific physical characteristics of a part. Therefore, this could lead to inconsistencies.
Open the ApplyMaterial.CATProduct document.
To visualize the applied material, select the Shading with Material icon from the View Toolbar.
1. Select the element(s) on which the material should be applied.
If you want to apply a material simultaneously to several elements, simply select the desired elements
(using either the pointer or the traps) before applying the material.
2. Click the Apply Material icon .
The Library dialog box opens. It contains several pages of sample materials from which to choose.
For a complete description of the families provided with the default material library, refer to "Material
Sample Library" in this guide.
Each page is identified either by a material family name on its tab (each material being identified by an
icon) if you select the Display icons mode...
...or by a material family name in a pulldown list if you select the Display list mode:
Clicking the Open a material library icon opens the File Selection dialog box which lets you
navigate through the file tree to your own material libraries.
You can, of course, use the default library (see What You Should Know Before You Start in this guide)
by choosing "Default Material Catalog".
The pulldown list displays the list of previously opened material libraries. When you reopen the dialog
box, the last chosen material library is placed on top of the list and used by default unless you select
another one.
Depending on the document environments (i.e. the method to be used to access your documents) you
allowed in the Tools->Options->General->Document tab, an additional window such as the one
displayed below may appear simultaneously to the File Selection dialog box to let you access your
documents using an alternate method:
In our example, four document environments have been allowed among which the DLName
environment. If you want to access your texture files using DLNames, for instance, just click the
Logical File System button: this will open a specific dialog box dedicated to the DLName environment.
For detailed information on this dialog box, refer to Opening Existing Documents Using the Browse
Window.
3. Select a material from any family, by a simple click.
Once a material is selected, you can drag and drop or copy/paste it onto the desired element directly
from the material library.
Unless you select in the specification tree the desired location onto which the material should be
mapped, dragging and dropping a material applies it onto the lowest hierarchical level (for instance,
dragging and dropping onto a part in the geometry area will apply the material onto the body and not
onto the part itself).
However, note that a material applied onto a body has no impact on the calculation of the part physical
properties (mass, density, etc.) since only the physical properties of the part, and not those of the
body, will be taken into account.
4. Activate the "Link to file" checkbox if you want to map the selected material as a linked object and have it
automatically updated to reflect any changes to the original material in the library.
Two different icons (one with a white arrow and the other without ) identify linked and non-
linked materials respectively in the specification tree.
Another method is to use the Paste Special... command which lets you paste a material as a linked
object. You can copy both unlinked and linked materials. For example, a linked material can be pasted
onto two different elements in the same document or onto the same element in two different
documents.
For more information, see Copying & Pasting Using Paste Special... in this guide.
When no object is selected in the specification tree, you can select the Edit->Links... command to
identify the library containing the original material. You can then open this library in the Material Library
workbench if desired.
5. Click Apply Material to map the material onto the element.
The selected material is mapped onto the element and the specification tree is updated. In our
example, the material was mapped as a non-linked object.
A yellow symbol may be displayed next to the material symbol to indicate the inheritance mode. For
more information, refer to Setting Priority between Part and Product in this guide.
Material specifications are managed in the specification tree: all mapped materials are identified.
To edit materials (for more information, see Modifying Materials), simply right-click the material and
select Properties from the contextual menu (or use one of the other methods detailed in About
Material Properties).
6. Click OK in the Library dialog box.
The object looks the following way:

7. Right-click the material just mapped in the specification tree and choose the Properties item.
The Properties dialog box is displayed:

8. Choose the Rendering tab to edit the rendering properties you applied on the element.
9. If necessary, change the material size to adjust the scale of the material relative to the element.
10. Click OK in the Properties dialog box, when you are satisfied with the material mapping on the element.
Do not forget that appropriate licenses are required to use the Analysis and Drafting tabs.
11. Use the 3D compass to interactively position the material:
Note that material positioning with the 3D compass is only possible in the Real Time Rendering, Product
Structure, Part Design and DMU Navigator workbenches.
● Select the material in the specification tree:
The compass is automatically snapped and the mapping support (in this case, a cylinder)
appears, showing the texture in transparency.
If necessary, zoom in and out to visualize the mapping support which reflects the material
size.
● Pan and rotate the material until satisfied with the result. You can:
❍ Pan along the direction of any axis (x, y or z) of the compass (drag any compass axis)
❍ Rotate in a plane (drag an arc on the compass)
❍ Pan in a plane (drag a plane on the compass)
❍ Rotate freely about a point on the compass (drag the free rotation handle at the top of
the compass):
● Use the mapping support handles to stretch the material texture along u- and v- axes (as you can
do it with the slider in the Scale U, V fields displayed in the Texture tab):
For more information on manipulating objects using the 3D compass, refer to the Version 5 -
Infrastructure User's Guide.
More about Materials

● You can run searches to find a specific material in a large assembly (for more information, see Finding
Materials in this guide) or use the copy/paste or drag/drop capabilities.
● If you are working in "Materials" visualization mode (i.e. the "Materials" option is checked in the Custom View
Modes dialog box) with no material applied to your object, this object is visualized using default parameters
that only take into account the color defined in the object graphic properties.
As a consequence, an object with no mapped material appears as if made of matte plastic, non-transparent
and without any relief.
● Contrary to materials with no texture (such as "Gold"), materials with a texture (such as "Teak") are applied
with an external link to their texture image. Therefore, this link is displayed when using the File->Desk, Edit-
>Links... or File->Send To command.
In the example below, "Italian Marble" has been applied onto Chess.CATPart and the link to the corresponding
.jpg image appears when displaying the Links dialog box:
Extracting Geometry
The Extract capability lets you generate separate elements from initial geometry, without deleting
geometry. This operation may be especially useful to solve drafting difficulties, as illustrated below.
The angle value used for drafting the face generates a twisted face. The application then informs you
via an error message window that the operation cannot be properly performed.
Closing the error message window displays a new dialog box providing with a solution: you can
deactivate the draft and extract its geometry.
After clicking Yes to confirm these operations, Draft.1 appears as deactivated in the specification tree.
A node Extracted Geometry (Draft.1) is displayed in the tree too. This category includes the
elements created by the application, namely two surfaces.
You then just have to fillet these surfaces (for more information, refer to Generative Shape Design
User's Guide) and use Thick Surface, Split and Add capabilities available in Part Design workbench to
complete the draft.
Displaying Parents and Children

The Parent and Children command enables you to view the genealogical relationships between the
different components of a part.
It also shows links to external references and explicitly provides the name of the documents containing
these references.
If the specification tree already lets you see the operations you performed and re-specify your design,
the graph displayed by the Parent and Children capability proves to be a more accurate analysis tool. We
recommend the use of this command before deleting any feature.
Open the Parent_R9.CATPart document.
1. Select the feature of interest, that is Pad1.

2. Select the Tools -> Parent/Children... command (or the Parent/Children... contextual
command).
A window appears containing a graph. This graph shows the relationships between the different
elements constituting the pad previously selected.
If you cannot see the element of interest in the specification tree because you have created a large
number of elements, right-click this element in the graph then select the Center Graph contextual
command: the element will be more visible in the specification tree.
3. Position the cursor on Pad 1 and select the Show All Children contextual command.
You can now see that Sketch 2 and Sketch 3 have been used to create two additional pads.
Here is the exhaustive list of the diverse contextual commands allowing you to hide parents and
children. These commands may prove quite useful whenever the view is overcrowded.
● Show Parents and Children
● Show Children
● Show All Children
● Hide Children
● Show Parents
● Show All Parents
● Hide Parents
4. Position the cursor on Sketch.1 and select the Show Parents and Children contextual command.
We can see that Sketch.1 has been created on xy plane.
Moreover, you can see that it is a published element.
5. Now, select EdgeFillet1 in the graph.
The application highlights the fillet in the specification tree, in the graph and in the geometry area.
6. Position the cursor on EdgeFillet1 and select the Show Parents and Children contextual command.
The parent Pad.1 is displayed.
● Double-clicking on the components alternately shows or hides parents and children.

● The Edit contextual command can be accessed from any element. For example, right-click
EdgeFillet.1 and select Edit. The Edge Fillet dialog box appears. You can then modify the fillet. When
done, the Edge Fillet dialog box closes as well as the Parents and Children window close and the fillet
is updated.
7. Close the window and select MeasureEdge3 from the specification tree.
8. Select the Tools -> Parent/Children... command.
The graph that displays shows Pad.2 as MeasureEdge3's parent.
9. Select the Show All Parents contextual command.
Sketch.2 as Pad.2's parent is now displayed. In turn, Sketch.2's own parent Pad.1 is displayed and
so on.
Defining an Axis System

This task explains how to define a new three-axis system locally. There are two ways of defining it: either by
selecting geometry or by entering coordinates.
Open the PowerCopyStart1.CATPart document.
1. Select the Insert -> Axis System command or click the Axis System icon .
The Axis System Definition dialog box is displayed.
An axis system is composed of an origin point and three orthogonal axes. For instance, you can start by
selecting the vertex as shown to position the origin of the axis system you wish to create. The application then
computes the remaining coordinates. Both computed axes are then parallel to those of the current system. The
axis system looks like this:
It can be right or left-handed. This information is displayed within the Axis System Definition dialog box.
You can choose from different types of axis system:
Origin
Instead of selecting the geometry to define the origin point, you can use one of the following contextual
commands available from the Origin field:
● Create Point: for more information, refer to Points
● Coordinates: for more information, refer to Points
● Create Midpoint: the origin point is the midpoint detected by the application after selection of a
geometrical element.
● Create Endpoint: the origin point is the endpoint detected by the application after selection of a
geometrical element
Axis System Types

You can choose from different types of axis systems:
● Standard: defined by a point of origin and three orthogonal directions.
If an axis system is selected before launching the command, the new axis system is a copy of the pre-
selected axis system. Moreover, if the compass is attached to the 3D geometry, the new axis system
orientations are the same as the compass'. Otherwise, the new axis system orientations are as per the
current axis system's.
Here only the point was selected and nothing specified for the axes.
● Axis rotation: defined as a standard axis system and a angle computed from a selected reference.
Here the Y axis was set to the standard axis system Y axis, and a 15 degrees angle was set in relation to an
edge parallel to the X axis.
● Euler angles: defined by three angle values as follows:
Angle 1= (X, N)
a rotation about Z transforming vector X into vector N.
Angle 2= (Z, W)
a rotation about vector N transforming vector Z into vector W.
Angle 3= (N, U)
a rotation about vector W
2. Select the point as shown to position the origin of the axis system you wish to create. The application
then computes the remaining coordinates. Both computed axes are then parallel to those of the current
system. The axis system looks like this:
3. If you are not satisfied with x axis, for instance click the X axis field and select a line to define a new
direction for x axis.
The x axis becomes collinear with this line.

● It can be a line created along the surface edge, for example, using the Create Line contextual menu on the
selection field, and selecting two surface vertices.
Similarly you can create points, and planes.
● You can also select the Rotation contextual menu, and enter an angle value in the X Axis Rotation dialog
box.
4. Click the y axis in the geometry to reverse it.
Checking the Reverse button next to the Y Axis field reverses its direction too.
5. You can also define axes through coordinates. Right-click the Z Axis field and select the Coordinates
contextual command. The Z Axis dialog box appears.
6. Key in X = -1, retain the Y and Z coordinates, and click Close.
The axis system is modified accordingly, and is now left-handed.
7. Click More... to display the More... dialog box.
The first rows contains the coordinates of the origin point. The coordinates of X axis are displayed in
the second row. The coordinates of Y and Z axis are displayed in the third and fourth row respectively.
● If no value is selected, the new axis system matches the current one.
● If the origin is selected, the new axis system origin is set to the origin.
● The first specified axis defines the corresponding axis of new axis system.
i.e., if the x-axis is specified by Line.1, then the x-axis of new system is a vector along Line.1.
● The second specified axis defines the plane between the corresponding first and second axes of the new axis
system.
i.e., if the z-axis is specified by Line.2, then the xz plane is defined by the plane between vectors along
Line.1 and Line.2.
● The third specified axis defines the orientation of the corresponding axis of new axis system.
i.e., if the y-axis is specified by Line.3, then Line.3 defines which side of the xz plane the y-axis of new
system lies.
● The order of selection of the axes is important: to change the order, select the No Selection contextual
item on the appropriate axes.
For instance, if the axes have been selected in the order x, y, z and you wish to change the order to x, z, y,
you must select the No Selection contextual item on y, and select it again.
8. Uncheck the Current option if you do not want to set your axis as the reference. The absolute axis at
the bottom right of the document then becomes the current three axis system.
9. Uncheck the Under the axis system node option if you do not want the axis system to be created
within the Axis system node in the specification tree.
It will be created either in the current geometrical set or right after the current object in an ordered geometrical
set. In this case, the axis system becomes the new current object.
10. Click OK.
The axis system is created.
When it is set as current, it is highlighted in the specification tree.

11. Right-click Axis System.1 from the specification tree and select the Axis System.1 object -> Set as
current contextual command. Axis System.1 is now current. You can then select one of its plane, to
define a sketch plane for example.
● You can change the location of the axis system and put it in a geometrical set.
To do so, select it in the specification tree, right-click and select Axis System.1 object -> Change
Geometrical Set. Choose the destination of the axis system using the drop-down list.
Please refer to the Managing Geometrical Sets chapter to have more information.
● If you create a point using the coordinates method and an axis system is already defined and set as current,
the point's coordinates are defined according to current the axis system. As a consequence, the point's
coordinates are not displayed in the specification tree.
● You can contextually retrieve the current local axis direction.

Refer to the Stacking Commands chapter to have further information.
● There is an associativity between the feature being created and the current local axis system. Therefore
when the local axis system is updated after a modification, all features based on the axis direction are
updated as well.
● Local axes are fixed. If you wish to constrain them, you need to isolate them (using Isolate contextual
command) before setting constraints otherwise you would obtain over-constrained systems.
The display mode of the axes is different depending on whether the three-axis system is right-handed
or left-handed and current or not.
THREE-AXIS SYSTEM CURRENT AXIS DISPLAY MODE
right-handed yes solid
right-handed no dashed
left-handed yes dotted
left-handed no dot-dashed
Editing an Axis System

You can edit your axis system by double-clicking it and entering new values in the dialog box that appears. You
can also use the compass to edit your axis system.
Note that editing the geometrical elements selected for defining the axes or the origin point affects the definition
of the axis system accordingly.
Right-clicking Axis System.X object in the specification tree lets you access the following contextual commands:
● Definition...: redefines the axis system

● Isolate: sets the axis system apart from the geometry
● Set as Current/Set as not Current: defines whether the axis system is the reference or not.
The Under the axis system node option is not available when editing an axis system.
Publishing Elements
Publishing geometrical elements is the process of making geometrical features available to different users. This
operation is very useful when working in assembly design context
This task shows you the method for making elements publicly available: you will publish a plane, a sketch then a
parameter not visible in the specification tree.
In this page, you will also find information about the following subjects:
● Publishing Part Design Features
● Assembly Constraints and Published Generative Shape Design Geometry
● Publishing in Assembly Design
● Replacing a Published Element
● Publishing Parameters
● Importing and Exporting Published Names
● What Happens When Deleting a Published Element?
Open the Publish.CATPart document or if you are working in Assembly Design, for example open the
AssemblyTools01.CATProduct document, and ensure that the component containing the element you wish to publish
is active.
1. Select Tools -> Publication.
The Publication command lets you:
❍ Publish a geometric element

❍ Edit the default name given to the published element
❍ Replace the geometric element associated with a name
❍ Create a list of published elements
❍ Import a list of published elements
❍ Delete a published element.
The Publication dialog box appears.

If you are working in Assembly Design, the dialog box also displays a Browse button. For more information, refer to
Publishing in Assembly Design.
2. Select the element to be published. For example, select Plane.1.
You can publish the following elements:
❍ points, lines, curves, planes

❍ sketches
❍ bodies (selecting a feature selects the body it belongs to)
❍ Generative Shape Design features (Extrudes Surfaces, Offsets, Joins etc.)
❍ Free Style Features (Planar patches, curves etc.)
❍ parameters
❍ sub-elements of geometrical elements: when switched on, the option Publish a face, edge, vertex or
extremity lets you directly select faces, edges, vertices. axes. extremities.
❍ Part Design features.
To select axes, select cylindrical faces and use the Other Selection contextual command. For more
about this command, please refer to CATIA Infrastructure User's Guide.
The dialog box displays the name and status of the selected element as well as "Plane.1", that is the default name
given to the published element

3. Click Plane.1 in the dialog box. The plane
is highlighted in the geometry.
4. Rename it as New plane.
The plane is published as New plane. However, you can notice that the geometric element
Open_body.1/Plane1 has not been renamed.
5. Before publishing another element, click Options to access rename options.
When using the Publication command, you can actually decide to rename or not the elements you are
publishing. Prior to renaming, you can set one of the three following work modes:
❍ Never: the application will not allow you to rename the published element. This is the default option.
❍ Always: the application will always allow you to rename the published element
❍ Ask: the application will ask you what you decide to do, namely rename or not the published element.
Note that:
❍ You can rename any element except for axes, edges and faces.
❍ Some characters, such as the exclamation mark, are not allowed for renaming elements.
6. Check Ask and click OK to exit.

7. Prior to selecting the element to be published, deselect New plane if not already done.
8. Select Sketch.1 as the new element to be published.
9. Rename it as "New sketch". A message is issued asking you whether you wish to rename the published
element "Sketch.1" as "New sketch".
10. Click Yes to confirm. The published element's name is "New sketch" and the geometric element is renamed
too.
Notes
● Pointing at or selecting published elements simultaneously highlights the geometry, the element node and the
publication node.
● The Publish capability lets you give a specific name to a geometrical element in a given context (for example,
in a "defined in work object"). If this geometrical element is to be used in a different context (another "defined in
work object"), the application does not recognize this element from its published name. In short, you need to
select this object from the geometrical area, not from the Publication node in the specification tree.
Publishing Part Design Features

Publishing Part Design Features requires that the Enable to publish the features of a body capability available in
the Options dialog box is on. If your administrator did not lock the option, you can activate the option yourself.
Assembly Constraints and Published Generative Shape Design

(GSD) Geometry
Depending on your geometry, there are cases where constraints pointing to a certain type of published GSD features
do not reconnect if, for example, you replace constrained parts. What happens is that links between constraints and
the geometry do not take advantage of the publication. You can notice this behavior even if you selected the
geometry through the Publication node.
GSD features concerned are those whose geometrical results depend on the number and type of the parents used for
the result. This is the case of features such as Intersect or Project.
The solution to this, is to publish the geometrical result, not the feature itself. In concrete terms, rather than
publishing the Intersect feature, you recommend you publish the vertex, not the point.
The application reminds you of this behavior when you are setting constraints on published features through the
following warning message:
Publishing in Assembly Design

When publishing geometry in the Assembly Design workbench, the Browse button is available in the Publication
dialog box. Clicking the button launches the Component Publication dialog box that displays only the published
elements belonging to the levels inferior to the active level.
In the following example, the user is publishing an element of CRIC_BRANCH_1. When clicking the Browse button,
the Component Publication dialog box displays published faces belonging to CRIC_BRANCH_3.
This capability works as a filter: it does not display the whole publications of the assembly. Thus, you will use it as an
help for selecting already published elements whenever you wish to replace published elements.
Replacing a Published Element

11. Click "Geometrical Set.1/Plane.1" to replace it with another geometric element.
12. Select "Plane.2" as the replacing element.
The orientation of both elements is displayed. The green arrow indicates the orientation for the new element,
the red arrow indicates the orientation of the published element. A message is issued asking you to confirm
the change.
13. Click Yes to confirm.
Plane.2 has been published.Plane.1 is not published any more. The dialog now displays the following
information:
Publishing Parameters
14. You can publish the parameters of a part that are not displayed in the specification tree. To do so, click the
Parameter... button available in the Publication dialog box. This displays a new window listing all
parameters defined for the feature previously selected in the specification tree.
15. If the list of parameters is too long, you can filter out the parameters by entering a character string in the
Filter Name field. For example, enter "offset".
The list now displays only the parameters including the string "offset".
16. Select the parameter of interest. You can also use one of the following filter types:
❍ All
❍ Renamed parameters
❍ Hidden
❍ Visible
❍ User
❍ Boolean
❍ Length
❍ Angle
❍ String
This closes the dialog box. The selected parameter is displayed in the Publication dialog box.
Importing and Exporting Published Names

Published names can be gathered in ASCII .txt files.
To export published names to an ASCII .txt file,
● click the Export button.

● enter a name for the file you are creating in the Export dialog box that displays.
● click Save : the file is created: it contains the list of all published elements as specified in the Publication dialog
box.
To import published names to an ASCII .txt file,
● click the import button.

● navigate to the file of interest in the Import dialog box that displays.
● select the file containing the list of published elements.
● click Open: the names are added to the list of the Publication dialog box
18. Click OK when satisfied.
The Publication entity has been added to
the specification tree. The three published
elements are displayed below Publication
node:
What Happens When Deleting a Published Element?

When deleting a published element, the application informs you that this element is published. What you need to do is
confirm the deletion (Yes) or cancel it (No).
Working with a 3D Support
To access this command in the Part Design workbench, ACA, ABT or FSO licenses are required
This task shows how to create a 3D support. It is composed of three regular grid of lines, generally set
on the three main planes of the part, that aggregates 3 selectable work on supports.
It allows you to create reference points on the fly on each support, whenever you need a reference point
to create other geometric elements. You will no longer have to explicitly select the support element.
It also allows you to create sub-elements of the grid on the fly (points, edges). These features do not
appear neither in the specification tree nor in the 3D geometry but are aggregated under the feature
using them.
Open the WorkOnSupport1.CATPart document.
1. Click the Work on Support 3D icon .
The Work on Support 3D dialog box appears.
Part Design default configurations do not provide this icon in the standard toolbar. If you wish to access
it, simply use the Customize capability to add this icon to the toolbar of your choice. Otherwise, select
the Tools -> Work on Support item from the menu bar.
● Each of three grid lines has one default primary spacing of 100mm for each direction. The three
directions of the main axis system define the grids directions.
You can edit the spacing values by clicking on the spacing tag to edit and modify them.
Note that you can modify these values at creation, not at edition, and that there can only be one
value per grid.
Grids are used both as an input to create geometry as well as visual help.
● You can also modify the name of the labels of the main directions by clicking on the direction tag.
Labels' directions and primary spacing are defined in Tools -> Options -> Shape -> Generative
Shape Design.
Refer to the Customizing section for further information.
2. Choose the Labels position:
❍ Full screen: labels are displayed all around the screen
❍ Bottom/Left: labels are displayed on the bottom left of the screen
❍ None: no label is displayed
3. Define the Support Type:
❍ Reference: the 3D support is created according to the main axis system. There can be only
one reference 3D work on support.
❍ Local: a local axis system must be specified. There can be as many local 3D works on
support as desired..
Here is an example with a reference and a local 3D work on support.
The elements (identified as Working support 3D.xxx) are added to the specification tree under
the Working supports node.

5. Select the Top View icon from the Quick View toolbar.
The active work on support is visualized and labels are displayed on each straight line.
● The work on support must be parallel to one of the three planes to be visualized. As a
consequence, the active 3D work on support may be seen independently in each view of
the same document.
● If you move the compass, the 3D work on support is no longer parallel to the screen.
Note:
● There can only be one active 3D work on support at the same time.
● When the local axis system is modified, all related features are updated.
Setting a work on support as current

By default, the last created working support is displayed in red in the specification tree.
Use the Set As Current/Set As Not Current contextual menu on the working support features, or the
Working Supports Activity icon to define which is the default current support that will be
automatically selected when entering a command that requires a working support.
You can also set the axis system as not current to reactivate the three planes and define the reference
3D support as the current support.
Snapping to a point
Click the Snap to point icon to snap the point being created onto the nearest intersection point on
the grid.
Switching the featurization to lines or planes

Use the Support Featurize Line icon to create featurized lines on the grid lines.
Conversely, use the Support Featurize Plane icon to switch and create featurized planes on the
grid lines. Featurized planes are created normal to the current grid.
● Use the Get Features on Support contextual menu on the working support features to retrieve the
features created from a single or a multi-selection works on support. As a result, the retrieved
features are selected in the current editor and highlighted in the specification tree, therefore allowing
you to use them more easily.
● Activate the Work on Support Selection State icon in the User Selection Filter toolbar to be
able to select sub-elements from the grid.
For further information, refer to the Selecting Using A Filter chapter in the CATIA Infrastructure
User's Guide.
● Once you choose to work on the 3D support, you can directly click onto the support to create points.
This capability is available with commands such as point, line, spline, polyline, and most commands
where you need to select points as inputs.
The created points using a support are aggregated under the parent command that created them and
put in no show in the specification tree.
● Each 3D working support can be edited, updated, or deleted just as any other feature.
● In case you are working in a CATProduct environment, and providing there are several parts, you can
only see the 3D working support whose part is active.
● The Work on Support 3D command can now be used along with the Drafting workbench and the
Measure between command.
Refer to the Integration With Drafting and Using the Measure Between Command With a 3D Support
chapters for further information.
Using Powercopies
A PowerCopy is a set of features (geometric elements, formulas, constraints and so forth) that are grouped in
order to be used in a different context, and presenting the ability to be re-specified according to the context
when pasted.
This PowerCopy captures the design intent and know-how of the designer thus enabling greater reusability
and efficiency.
This chapter includes the following tasks:
Create Powercopies: Select Insert ->Knowledge Templates -> PowerCopy..., the elements
making up the Powercopy from the specification tree, define a name for the Powercopy and its
reference elements then choose an icon for identifying it.
● Instantiate Powercopies: Select Insert -> Instantiate From Document..., select the document
or catalog containing the powercopy, complete the Inputs within the dialog box selecting
adequate elements in the geometric area.
● Instantiating Power Copies Using Step By Step Instantiation
● Instantiating Power Copies Using Part Instantiation Comparaison
● Instantiating a Power Copy From a VB Macro
Save Powercopies into a Catalog: Select the Powercopy from the specification tree, the Insert ->
Knowledge Templates -> Save In Catalog... , enter the catalog name and click Open.
Creating PowerCopies
This task shows how to create PowerCopy elements, to be reused later.
A PowerCopy is a set of features (geometric elements, formulas, constraints and so forth) that are
grouped in order to be used in a different context, and presenting the ability to be completely redefined
when pasted.
This PowerCopy captures the design intent and know-how of the designer thus enabling greater
reusability and efficiency.
Open the PowerCopyStart.CATPart document.
1. Select Insert ->Knowledge Templates -> Power Copy... .
The Powercopy Definition dialog box is displayed.
2. Select the elements making up the PowerCopy from the specification tree. For the purposes of
our scenario, select Part Body.

The dialog box is automatically filled with information about the selected elements.
3. Define the PowerCopy as you wish to create it:
The Definition tab lets you assign a name to the powercopy and presents its components in the
3D viewer. For example, enter Test in the Name: field.

4. The Inputs tab lets you define the reference elements making up the PowerCopy. You can
rename these elements for a clearer definition by selecting them in the viewer and entering a
new name in the Name field. In parentheses you still can read the elements' default name
based on its type. For example, select xy plane and rename it as "Plane1".
The Parameters tab lets you define which of the parameter values used in the PowerCopy you
will be able to modify at instantiation time. This can be a value, or a formula for example.
5. Simply select the parameters and check the Published Name button. In case of a formula, you
can set it to false or true. For example, select PartBody/Hole.1/Diameter.
Use the Name field to give a more explicit name to this element. For example, enter Hole.1.
The Documents tab shows the complete path and role of Design tables that are referenced by
an element included in the Power Copy.
6. The Icon tab lets you modify the icon identifying the PowerCopy in the specifications tree. A
subset of icons is available from the Icon choice button. If you click ... the Icon Browser opens,
.
showing all icons loaded on your application session. Click the envelope icon
7. The Grab screen button lets you capture an image of the PowerCopy to be stored with its
definition. Click the Grab screen button. You can zoom in or out the image to adjust it.
8. Click the Remove preview button if you do not need this image.
9. Click OK to create the PowerCopy.
The PowerCopy is displayed close to the top of the specification tree.

● Double-click Test in the specification tree to display the PowerCopy Definition dialog box and edit
its contents.
● A formula is automatically included in a Power Copy definition when all its parameters are included.
Otherwise, i.e. if at least one parameter is not selected as part of the Power Copy, you have to
manually select the formula to make it part of the definition. If you do so, all the formula's
parameters that have not been explicitly selected, are considered as inputs of the Power Copy.
● Measures and user features cannot be used as elements making up powercopies.

A Few Recommendations
● As far as possible, minimize the number of elements making up the Powercopy.
● Once your power copy is created, do not delete the referenced elements used to make up the PowerCopy.
● Avoid access to sketch sub-elements.
Sketches
● Before creating your powercopies, make sure that your sketch is not over-constrained.
● It is preferable not to use projections nor intersections in your sketch if you want to use your sketch in a
Powercopy.
● Avoid constraints defined with respect to reference planes.
If you are using positioned sketches
Generally speaking we recommend the use of positioned sketches instead of sliding sketches.
● If you are using positioned sketches, constrain your geometry with respect to HV absolute axis.
● Avoid constraining elements with respect to external references such as faces, edges, reference or explicit
planes.
If you are using sliding sketches
● When defining Powercopies including sliding sketches, use profiles constrained with respect to edges or
faces rather than to planes. Additionally, set the Create geometrical constraints option off before
sketching.
● Generally speaking, it is always preferable to use profiles both rigid and mobile. Make sure that your
sketch is iso-constrained (green color). You can use non-iso-constrained sketches, but it will be more
difficult to understand and control the result after instantiation.
● Avoid constraining your 2D elements with respect to HV absolute axis. The result you obtain after
instanciating the powercopy could be unstable. Actually, you cannot control the position of the origin of the
absolute axis nor its orientation.
● Constrain elements with respect to external references such as faces, edges, reference or explicit planes:
Knowledgeware
● Formulas are automatically included if you select all the parameters.
● For complex design, integrate knowledge rules.
Managing inputs
● Always rename your inputs to help the end user to understand what he needs to select.
● A formula is automatically included in a Power Copy definition when all its parameters are included.
Otherwise, i.e. if at least one parameter is not selected as part of the Power Copy, you have to manually
select the formula to make part of the definition. If you do so, all the formula parameters that have not
been explicitly selected are considered as inputs of the Power Copy.
● Note that when including parameters sets containing hidden parameters in a PowerCopy, the hidden
parameters are automatically instantiated when instantiating the PowerCopy.
Preview
● In a CATPart document, create only one PowerCopy reference. It is not a technical restriction, but there
are at least two reasons for this: the cost of an instantiation will be smaller in the document is smaller. The
end user can more easily understand the feature to be instantiated.
● Put in 'show mode' only the input and the result (to help the end user to understand what he needs to
select).
● Use colors to differentiate inputs (put transparency on results for example).
● Choose a pertinent viewpoint before saving the CATPart document reference, default viewpoint in preview
during instantiation will be the same.
Hybrid Design
● In hybrid design environments, bodies that underwent Boolean operations are located below the nodes
corresponding to these operations. Consequently, they cannot be selected to define a powercopy. If, for
example, you try to select Body.5 as an input element making up a powercopy, a warning message
displays warning you that because Body.5 is aggregated into Assemble.3, you cannot select it as an input
component.
Instantiating PowerCopies
This task shows how to instantiate Power Copies once they have been created as described in Creating
PowerCopies.
There are two ways of doing this:
● using the PowerCopy Instantiate From Document command
● using a catalog
Open the PowerCopyDestination.CATPart document.
Using the PowerCopy Instantiate From Document command
1. Select Insert -> Instantiate From Document....
The Select PowerCopy dialog box is displayed allowing you to navigate to the document or
catalog where the powercopy is stored. Navigate to C:/Program Files/Dassault
Systemes/B14doc/online/prtug/samples directory.
2. Select the document containing the Powercopy, i.e. PowerCopyResults.CATPart.
The Insert Object dialog box is displayed.
Use the Reference list to choose the correct PowerCopy when several have been defined in the
document.
3. Complete the Inputs within the dialog box by selecting the adequate element in the geometric
area: select Pad1's upper face as the planar element replacing Plane1.
4. Click on the Use identical name button to automatically select all the elements with the same
name. This command searches for features, publications, sub-elements or parameters having the
name of the input. If a feature, publication, sub-element or parameter with the input name is
found, this element is automatically used as input.
Here, zx plane and yz plane are selected. This is especially useful when the input is the same
one repeated several time.
5. Click on the Parameters button to display the Parameters dialog box.
6. Enter 18mm as the new diameter value.
You can use the Create formulas button to automatically create a formula on every parameters
with the same name provided there are any.

7. Click Close to confirm the operation and close the dialog box.
The Documents button lets you access the list of documents (such as design tables) pointed by
one of the elements making up the Power copy.
If there are documents, the Documents dialog box opens and you can click the Replace button
to display the File Selection dialog box and navigate to a new design table to replace the initial
one.
When no document is referenced, the Documents button is grayed within the Insert Object
dialog box.
8. Click OK to create the PowerCopy instance.
The PowerCopy is instantiated in context, meaning its limits are automatically re-defined taking
into account the elements on which it is instantiated.
Check the Repeat option to be able to repeat the instantiation. In this case, once you have clicked OK
in the Insert Object dialog box, the latter remains open, the PowerCopy's Inputs are listed and ready
to be replaced by new inputs, as described above. To exit the command, uncheck the Repeat button or
click Cancel.
Once instantiated, powercopies are no more linked to the original PowerCopies used to define them.
Using a catalog
You need to have a catalog available, created either:
● using the Catalog capability, see the Infrastructure User's Guide.

● using Insert -> Knowledge Templates -> Save In Catalog...
1. Click the icon .

If accessing a catalog for the first time, you need to navigate to the catalog location. This location
is stored in the settings for faster access later on.
2. Select the catalog containing the PowerCopy you wish to instantiate.
3. Select the PowerCopy to be instantiated, then you can:
❍ double-click the PowerCopy

❍ or right-click on the PowerCopy in the dialog box and use the Instantiate contextual menu.
From then on, you instantiate the PowerCopy as described above starting on step 3.
To know more about the Insert Object dialog box...

● The Comments & URLs icon is available with user features and document templates only. It is
always grayed out when instantiating Power Copies. If a URL was added to a user feature or a
Document template, click this icon enables the user to access the URL. To know more about this
function, see the Knowledge Advisor User's Guide.
● The Name field enables the user to change the name of the user feature instance.
Recommendations
● Prior to instantiating a powercopy containing a draft created with versions before V5R14, we strongly
recommend you to open the CATPart document containing the powercopy, edit the draft, update it
and then save the CATPart document in your session.
● Here is a list of the elements you can select for instanciating PowerCopies:
Object Ordered
Geometrical
Geometrical Body Solid Body Part
Set
Can include Set
Geometrical Set YES YES YES
Ordered
YES YES YES
Geometrical Set
Body YES YES
Solid Body YES
Solid YES YES
From
YES
GS
Volume
From
YES
OGS
From
YES
Surface, GS
Wireframe,
From
Point YES YES
OGS
Sketch YES YES YES YES

Saving Power Copies into a Catalog

This task shows you how to store Power Copy elements into a catalog, for later use as described in
Instantiating PowerCopies.
Open the PowerCopyResults.CATPart document.
1. Select the PowerCopy from the specification tree for example.
2. Choose Insert -> Knowledge Templates-> Save In Catalog....
The Catalog Save dialog box is displayed:
When creating a catalog for the first time, click the ... button to display the Open dialog box,
and navigate to the location where you wish to create a catalog.
3. Then simply key in the catalog name and click Open.
If you wish to add a PowerCopy to an existing catalog, simply activate the Update an existing
catalog option in the Catalog Save dialog box.
By default, the Catalog Save dialog box recalls the catalog accessed last.
4. Click OK.
The PowerCopy has been stored in the catalog.

Instantiating Power Copies

Using Step By Step Instantiation
This command is only available with the Generative Shape Design 2 product and providing you have the TK1 and PKT licenses.
This task shows how to instantiate Power Copies using Step by step instantiation once they have been created as described in
Creating Power Copies.
This instantiation mode is only available providing the Power Copy to be created is ordered and the chosen destination (that is
the current feature) respects ordering rules.
Open the PowerCopyDestination2.CATPart document.
1. Click the Instantiate From Document icon or select the Insert -> Instantiate From Document menu item.
The File Selection dialog box is displayed allowing you to navigate to the document where the PowerCopy is stored.
2. Select the document containing the Powercopy, and click Open.
Here we selected the PowerCopyReference2.CATPart document.
Use the Reference list to choose the correct Power Copy when several have been defined in the document.
3. Select the Step by step instantiation mode.

The Inputs field is grayed out.
3. Click OK.
A PowerCopy Instances node is automatically created in the specification tree of the current document, the Comparison Window
opens and the Scan command is launched.
The Power Copy instance feature stores several information:

● A link to the referenced Power Copy. This link will be later used to retrieve the referenced CATPart and the inputs' geometry.
● The list of inputs to valuate in the current CATPart as well as their role.
● The list of parameters published by the Power Copy during its creation.
● The mapping between referenced objects and instantiated objects.
You cannot delete the Power Copy instance feature as long as instantiated features inputs are not valuated. An error message is
displayed if you do so. Deletion is possible only when instantiated features have all their inputs valuated, i.e. when the
instantiation is completed, or when all instantiated features are deleted.
4. Click the First or the First to update icon in the Scan toolbar to update the features instantiated by the
PowerCopy.
Only the Structure mode is available here.
Each time the scan finds a feature that needs inputs, a dialog box is launched to valuate them. Only the necessary inputs are
requested.
Here Circle.1 is the first instantiated feature that need inputs.
Note that:
● The visualization is automatically synchronized on Circle.1 (in the right viewer). It lets you visualized the reference model
with the exact display during the circle creation.
● Indicators are displayed in the right viewer to identify the previous inputs and each input is highlighted.
● After the inputs are selected, the scan command is still active.
You must select inputs in the order they appear in the dialog box.
5. Select the value for each input.
After each selection, an indicator is displayed in the left viewer, with orientation when necessary. Click on the green arrow to
reverse orientation if needed.
6. Click OK.
Circle.1 is updated.
7. Click the Next or the Play update icon to continue the inputs valuation.
8. Once the update is finished, you can close the Scan command as well as the Comparison Window.
● The Scan command can be interrupted at any step if you need to create or modify a feature to valuate an input. You can do
so while the Comparison window is still active: simply re-launch the Scan command once the creation or modification is
done.
● The Power Copy instance feature that contains all the information is persistent. Therefore you can save the CATPart before
(or during) the Scan update, close your session, launch a new session and launch the Scan command again to valuate the
inputs. Step by step instantiation is completed when all inputs are correctly selected.
● If you skip some steps (by direct selection in the tree during the Scan command or by using Go To Last button for
instance), you will still need to valuate the inputs of all intermediate steps and a warning message is issued.
Indeed the Scan command stops as soon as a feature needs inputs valuation and this feature is then defined as the in work
object, in order to prevent the selection of inputs which are below it.
● If the reference CATPart is not found, the scan and the input valuation can be performed but the Comparison Window is not
available and the old inputs (with reference orientation) cannot be displayed.
Nested Power Copies
It lets you perform several Power Copies instantiation at the same time.
Perform steps 1 to 4 of the Step by step instantiation.
In this scenario, we are not going to select the point as input for Circle.1: indeed the center of the circle is to be created using
another Power Copy.
5. Click Cancel in the dialog box.
6. Click the Instantiate From Document icon (or select the Insert -> Instantiate From Document menu item)
and navigate to the PowerCopyReference3.CATPart document in the File Selection dialog box.
7. Select the Step by step instantiation mode.
8. Click OK.
A new Comparison Window is created with the destination CATPart on the left and the TwoPointOnASurface PowerCopy reference
on the right. You can either work from this window or switch to the initial window containing the destination CATPart.
The new instantiated features are inserted after the current one: here after Point.2.
The scan command is launched.

A new Power Copy instance is added under the PowerCopy Instances node:
9. Click the the First or the First to update icon in the Scan toolbar to update the features instantiated by the
Power Copy.
Each time the scan finds a feature that needs inputs, a dialog box is launched to valuate the inputs. Here Point.3 is the first
instantiated feature that need inputs.
5. Select the value for the Reference Surface.
6. Click OK.
Point.3 is updated.
The instantiation of TwoPointsOnASurface Power Copy is now completed. All instantiated features are updated and you may
delete the Power Copy instance feature if desired and the corresponding Comparison Window can be closed.
7. Click the Next or the Play update icon.
The next feature that needs inputs is Circle.1.
● As this feature belongs to the first instantiated Power Copy, the Comparison Window automatically changes to display the
CATPart containing the right Power Copy reference.
● Even if the previous Comparison Window (corresponding to the TwoPointsOnASurface Power Copy instance) has not been
closed, the Comparison Window corresponding to the right Power Copy instance (TwoSurfacicHoles) appears in the right
viewer.
● Indicators are displayed in the right viewer to identify the previous inputs and each input is highlighted.
8. Select the value for each input.
The first input can now be valuated with one of the two previously created features.
9. Click OK.
Circle.1 is updated.
10. Click the Next or the Play update icon.
An input is requested for Circle.2.
10. Select the other created point and click OK.
Circle.2 is now updated and all inputs of TwoSurfacicHoles are valuated.

11. Close the Comparison Window.
Once all Power Copies have been instantiated, you can close the comparison windows that are still open and delete the Power
Copy instance features.
Instantiating Power Copies

Using Part Comparison Instantiation
This command is only available with the Generative Shape Design 2 product and providing you have the TK1 and PKT licenses.
This task shows how to instantiate Power Copies using Part comparison instantiation once they have been created as described
in Creating Power Copies.
Open the PowerCopyDestination2.CATPart document.
1. Click the Instantiate From Document icon or select the Insert -> Instantiate From Document menu item.
The File Selection dialog box is displayed allowing you to navigate to the document where the Power Copy is stored.
2. Select the document containing the Powercopy, and click Open.
Here we selected the PowerCopyReference2.CATPart document.
Use the Reference list to choose the correct PowerCopy when several have been defined in the document.
3. Select the Part comparison instantiation mode.

4. Complete the Inputs within the dialog box by selecting the adequate element in the geometric area.

5. If needed, click on the Use identical name button to automatically select all the elements with the same name.
This is especially useful when the input is the same one repeated several time.
6. You can also click on the Parameters button to display the Parameters dialog box and modify values.
Here we increased the Radius1 value to 25 mm.
7. Use the Create formulas button to automatically create a formula on every parameters with the same name provided
there are any.
8. Click Close.
9. Click OK to create the Power Copy instance.
A PowerCopy Instances node is automatically created in the specification tree of the current document, the Comparison Window
opens and the Scan command is launched.
Note that:
● All the inputs must have been provided before launching the instantiation. Otherwise, the OK button is grayed out.
● Instantiated features are not updated to let you update them one by one and check the consistency of the result.
● The current feature is not yet synchronized at this step. It allows you to see the result of the Power Copy on the right side.
● A new PowerCopy Instances node has been created in current document. This node allows the mapping between referenced
objects and instantiated objects.
10. Click the the First or First to update icon.
The Scan command is automatically launched.
11. Then click the Next or the Play update icon to scan the instantiated features and update them.
All inputs of TwoSurfacicHoles are valuated.

12. Close the Comparison Window.
Once the Power Copy has been instantiated, you can close the comparison window and delete the Power Copy Instance
features.
The feature defined as the current object corresponds to the last instantiated component of the Power Copy.
Instantiating a Power Copy From a VB Macro
This topic provides you with information about the instantiation of Power Copies using macros.
Until now it was possible to instantiate Power Copies only interactively. It is now possible to instantiate Power
Copies from VB macros. (Note that this method is also a new way to instantiate a User Feature by macro. To
know more, see Instantiating a User Feature Using a VB Macro.)
To instantiate a Power Copy from a VB macro, proceed as follows:
1. Develop your macro in an editor and save it with the CATScript extension. (Read carefully the
instructions below to know how to structure your script.)
2. From the Tools->Macro->Macros... command, access the Macros dialog box in CATIA. Click the
Macro libraries... button.
3. In the Macro libraries dialog box, select the Directories option in the Library type scrolling list.
4. In the Open a directory of macros dialog box, select the directory that contains the VB script you've
just created. Click OK when done. Click Close in the Macro libraries dialog box: The macro contained
in this directory is displayed in the Macros dialog box.
5. Click the Run button. Your macro is launched and your Power Copy is instantiated.
Note that:
● The instantiation has to be done entirely from the beginning to the end, following the steps indicated
below. The final step of the instantiation cannot be performed unless all the required inputs are correctly
valuated. Trying to do so will lead to an error message and the script execution will stop. Moreover, as
the duplication of the Power Copy components has already been performed, the duplicated components
will have to be erased manually.
● As the instantiation is performed programmatically, there is no possibility to intervene using the interface
during the instantiation. Thus, manual reroute and orientation-handling are not possible.
It is also impossible to modify a Design Table associated to the Power Copy.
The Repeat mode is unavailable. Nevertheless this can be simulated by inserting a loop inside the script.
● Inputs and published parameters are referenced by name in the methods and not by position.
● The instantiation is always performed just after the position of the current feature (the In-work object).
From the Instance Factory (A), the instantiation process can be broken down into 3 major steps, the second
step itself being broken down into 5 different steps.
● Initialization: It is the step where you define which Power Copy is to be instantiated. To perform several
instantiations in a loop, the reference document is locked in session. It will be unlocked in the final step.
● Instantiation: It is the major step in which data are duplicated. This step can be repeated several times in
a loop for example without doing the steps 1 and 3 again.
❍ Begin of instantiation: All the data are initialized.
❍ Inputs valuation: Each input of the Power Copy has to be valuated with a feature of the
destination document.
❍ Parameter modification: If needed, published parameters can be modified.
❍ Instantiation: All the components of the Power Copy are duplicated.
❍ End of instantiation: After this call, the instantiation is ended, and all the links to the
reference are broken.
● Conclusion: This is the last step: The reference document is unlocked and released from the session.
' Instantiation of a Power Copy Reference called ● Initialization (1): Use the
"TwoSurfacicHole" BeginInstanceFactory method of the
' TwoSurfacicHole is stored in the CATPart CATIAInstanceFactory interface. The first
PowerCopyReference.CATPart" argument should be the name of the Power
' It has 3 inputs: FirstHole, Support,and SecondHole Copy. The second argument is the name of the
' and 2 published parameters: Radius1 and Radius2 document where this reference is stored.
'-------------------------------------------------------------- For example:
InstanceFactory.BeginInstanceFactory
'-------------------------------------------------------------- ("name_of_reference","name_of_document")
-
Catia.SystemService.Print "Retrieve the current part" ● Instantiation: It is the most important part. It
is broken down into 5 other steps that must be
Dim PartDocumentDest As PartDocument executed in the following order:
Set PartDocumentDest = CATIA.ActiveDocument
❍ Begin of instantiation: Use the
Dim PartDest As Part
BeginInstantiate method (2) of the
Set PartDest = PartDocumentDest.Part
CATIAInstanceFactory interface.
'--------------------------------------------------------------
For example:
-
InstanceFactory.BeginInstantiate
Catia.SystemService.Print "Retrieve the factory of the
current part"
❍ Valuation of inputs: Use the PutInputData
Dim factory As InstanceFactory (A) method (3) of the CATIAInstanceFactory
Set factory = interface.
PartDest.GetCustomerFactory("InstanceFactory") For example:
'-------------------------------------------------------------- InstanceFactory.PutInputData "input1",
- selected_feature1
Catia.SystemService.Print "BeginInstanceFactory" (1)
factory.BeginInstanceFactory "TwoSurfacicHole",
"e:\tmp\PowerCopyReference.CATPart"
'--------------------------------------------------------------
-
Catia.SystemService.Print "Begin Instantiation"
factory.BeginInstantiate (2)
'--------------------------------------------------------------
-
Parameter modification: Retrieve the
Catia.SystemService.Print "Set Inputs"
❍
published parameter using the

Dim FirstHole As Object GetParameter method (4) of the
Set FirstHole = PartDest.FindObjectByName("Point.1") CATIAInstanceFactory interface.
Then, modify its value using the
Dim Support As Object ValuateFromString method of the
Set Support = CATIAParameter interface.
PartDest.FindObjectByName("Extrude.1") For example: Set param =
InstanceFactory.GetParameter
Dim SecondHole As Object ("published_parameter1")
Set SecondHole = param.ValuateFromString ("length1")
PartDest.FindObjectByName("Point.2")
Instantiation: Use the Instantiate method
factory.PutInputData "FirstHole", FirstHole (3)
❍
(5) of the CATIAInstanceFactory

factory.PutInputData "Support", Support
interface. Nothing is returned by this
factory.PutInputData "SecondHole", SecondHole
method when instantiating a Power Copy.
'--------------------------------------------------------------
For example: Set Instance =
-
InstanceFactory.Instantiate
Catia.SystemService.Print "Modify Parameters"
Dim param1 As Parameter ❍ End of instantiation: Use the

Set param1 = factory.GetParameter("Radius1") (4) EndInstantiate method (6) of the
param1.ValuateFromString("25mm") CATIAInstanceFactory interface.
For example:
Dim param2 As Parameter InstanceFactory.EndInstantiate
Set param2 = factory.GetParameter("Radius2")
param2.ValuateFromString("15mm") ● Conclusion: Use the EndInstanceFactory
'-------------------------------------------------------------- method (7) of the CATIAInstanceFactory
- interface.
Catia.SystemService.Print "Instantiate" (5) For example:
InstanceFactory.EndInstanceFactory
Dim Instance As ShapeInstance
Set Instance = factory.Instantiate
'--------------------------------------------------------------
-
Catia.SystemService.Print "End of Instantiation"
factory.EndInstantiate (6)
'--------------------------------------------------------------
-
Catia.SystemService.Print "Release the reference
document"
factory.EndInstanceFactory (7)
'--------------------------------------------------------------
-
Catia.SystemService.Print "Update"
PartDest.Update
To carry out the scenario described below, you will need the following files:
● PktInstantiatePowerCopyVB.CATScript This is the macro. Open this script and edit the path
referencing the PowerCopyReference.CATPart file (Line 24).
● PowerCopyReference.CATPart This is the file that contains the Power Copy that is going to
be instantiated. Note that the inputs of the Power Copy are 2
points and an extrude.
● PktDestinationPart.CATPart This is the part that will host the instantiated Power Copy. It
also contains 2 points and an extrude, which are the inputs of
the Power Copy.
1. Open the PktDestinationPart.CATPart file. Note that this file is made up of an Extrude and of 2 points.
These are the inputs of the Power Copy stored in the PowerCopyReference.CATPart file.
3. In the Macro libraries dialog box, select the Directories option in the Library type scrolling list. Click
the Add existing library... button.
4. In the Open a directory of macros dialog box, select the directory that contains the
PktInstantiatePowerCopyVB.CATScript file that you have just modified. Click OK when done. Click
Close in the Macro libraries dialog box: The macro contained in this directory is displayed in the
Macros dialog box.
5. Click the Run button. Your macro is launched and your Power Copy is instantiated.
Reusing Your Design
Capabilities Purposes
Provides a quick way of reusing simple features or bodies. This
command is to be used when you need to rework one specification or
Copy and Paste
no specifications at all.
Provides a quick way of reusing simple features or bodies. This

command is to be used when you need to rework one specification or
Cut and Paste
no specifications at all.
Drag and Drop Provides a quick way of copying simple features or bodies at different
locations.
Paste Special Reuses bodies with or without their specifications.
● Paste as Result with Link If this option is used, only the geometry is copied, not the
specifications. Pasted bodies reflect the changes to the initial bodies.
This command is mostly used in a multi-model environment.
● As specified in Part Document If this option is used, bodies are pasted as well as their design
specifications. The capability is the same as the commonly used Copy
and Paste command
Creates several identical features from one feature or more or even

Rectangular Pattern from bodies, and simultaneously positions them on an part.
You position instances with respect to a rectangular or circular grid, or

Circular Pattern using sketched points.
User Pattern
Creates a set of features (geometric elements, formulas, constraints

PowerCopy and so on) that are grouped in order to be used in a different context.
You can completely redefine these entities when you paste them. As it
captures the design intent and know-how of the designer, it enables
greater reusability and efficiency. We recommend you to use this
command for bodies, features, sketches and design tables that require
new specifications.
To benefit from the best level of performance in the long term, use
this capability to enrich your feature catalogs.
User Defined Feature Creates hybrid features, intended to be stored in catalogs and
instantiated later on. For more information, refer to Product
Knowledge Template User's Guide Version 5.
Cutting, Copying and Pasting
The steps below describe how to cut and paste or how to copy and paste Part Design features.
We recommend you to use these commands when you do not need to re-specify the features you paste
or if you do so, these features should not require too many specifications. Basically, you should use
these commands for simple features.
1. Select the element you want to cut or copy.
Cutting
To cut, you can either:
❍ click the Cut icon

❍ select Edit->Cut
❍ right-click and select Cut, or
❍ in the geometry area or the specification tree, drag the selection (although not a graphical
cut, this is equivalent to the cut operation).
This places what you cut in the clipboard.
Copying
To copy, you can either:
❍ click the Copy icon

❍ select Edit->Copy
❍ right-click and select Copy, or
❍ in the geometry area or the specification tree, press and hold down the Ctrl key and drag the
selection.
This places what you copy in the clipboard.
Pasting
To paste, you can either:
❍ click the Paste icon

❍ select Edit->Paste
❍ right-click and select Paste , or
❍ in the geometry area or the specification tree, drop what you are dragging (see above).
Dragging and dropping objects (features or bodies) onto objects (features or bodies) is a quick way to
copy objects too. Note however, that the Enable Drag-Drop option must be on to use the capability.
In the example below, the second body is a copy of Part Body. The user just modified the profile.
Here are some tips and tricks for making your design easier.
● How to Improve Update Operations
● How to Improve Performances when Editing
● How to Improve Performances when Using the Preselection Navigator
● How to Reduce Data Size when Positioning Pasted Bodies
How to Improve Update Operations
● Generally speaking, using the manual update mode improves the application performances. To
activate this option, select Tools -> Options, then in the Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure
category, check Manual from the General tab.
● When working on large parts, you can improve the time necessary for updating your geometry by
customizing the Undo command . What you need to do is restrict the number of commands that
can be undone for the current CATPart document. To do so, just select Tools -> Options, then in
the General category, click the Performances tab. In the Stack size field, enter 0 to make sure
that only local transactions of the current command can be undone. This considerably reduces the
time of update operations.
General Recommendations For Part Design Features

Pad, Pocket, Hole, Shaft, Groove
To improve update performances, especially if you are working on complex and large documents, we
recommend you to:
● Set parameterized limits (Dimension option) for Pad, Pocket and Hole features, as far as
possible, instead of Up to Next, Up to Last, Up to Plane, Up to Surface options.
● Use closed profiles, as much as possible.
Patterns
Moreover, when working on patterns with a large number of instances, to reduce update times :
● Remember that applying the Keep Specifications Option is meaningless when you set the
Dimension option for the feature to be patterned.
● We recommend you to create the feature to be patterned as well as the pattern feature
into a new Body, then assemble the new Body with the Part Body. Patterns created in that
way are not affected by the updates of previous operations.
The following scenarios illustrate the traditional method, then the method we recommend.
Traditional Method
The user designed an up to surface pocket, then patterned it: updates of the document take a long time.
Recommended Method
Using the recommended method, the user created a new body, set a dimension for the pocket, patterned
it, then assembled the body to the Part Body: update times are greatly reduced because the update
process does not re-compute the new body (the application performs calculations again if the geometry
within the body is linked to the geometry outside of the body, which is the case of constraints or use
edges for example).
How to Improve Performances when Editing

You can improve performances when editing features by acting on the application visualization settings:
● Activate the Only the current body option available via Tools -> Options, or just click the Only
Current Body icon available in the Tools toolbar. For more information on the capability,
refer to the Display documentation of the Customizing section.
● Set values larger than the default ones to define 2d and 3D accuracy for the geometry visualization.
To do so, select Tools -> Options, then in the General -> Display category, click the
Performances tab. Set the settings as explained in the documentation of the Customizing Display
section in the Infrastructure User's Guide.
● When filleting, for example, it is often unnecessary to display smooth edges. Therefore, hide them by
clicking the Customize View Parameters icon from the View toolbar and checking the No smooth
edges option from the dialog box that appears. For more information, refer to Customizing the View
Mode in the Infrastructure User's Guide.
How to Improve Performances when Using the Pre-

selection Navigator
● If you decide to use the Pre-selection Navigator for selecting hidden elements, for example, you can
improve the application performances by checking the Display the pre-selection navigator
after... seconds option and setting the time delay to 2 or more seconds. To access the option, select
Tools -> Options, then in the General-> Display category, click the Navigation tab. For more
information, refer to the documentation of the Customizing Display section in the Infrastructure
User's Guide.
How to Reduce Data Size when Positioning Pasted

Bodies
There are two ways of positioning bodies you copied and then pasted using the As Result With Link
option.
1. By defining the position of the part within a product (reference-instance link).
When the body is pasted, you cannot modify its position since it inherits the position of the part.
Consequently, to define a particular location for the pasted body, you can apply transformation on it
afterwards.
2. By defining its location in relation to its reference (reference-reference link).
At creation, not in a product context, it is possible to position the pasted geometry in a non-associative
way and this at a location different from its reference. Using the compass does this.
In both ways, transformations are applied on the pasted bodies. The problem is that each transformation
duplicates the geometry data, which may considerably increase the data size. To solve this problem, we
recommend the use of one of the following contextual commands:
● Add Position: creates a set called "Positioning Set" associated with the pasted body, just below the
Solid.x entity. In this set, an axis system is added as a parameter. When you are applying isometric
transformations (such as Rotation, Translation, Symmetry etc.) onto the pasted geometry, apply in
GSD workbench a similar transformation onto this axis system. From a geometrical point of
view, the result is the same. This is just a way of reducing the data size as well as maintaining the
associativity of the pasted body's position.
● Add Position...: in addition to performing the same operations as described just above, it also
reroutes existing transformations. We recommend then the use of that command on existing parts.
Before applying the Add Position... After applying the Add Position...
command command
Deleting a Positioning Set
Deleting a positioning set as well as its content resets the import's position.
Managing User Features (UDFs)
Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of interactions to be carried out on user
features. Refer to To know more about User Features to know more about these features.
Create User Features: Select the Insert -> UserFeature -> UserFeature Creation ... command,
select the elements making up the User Feature from the specification tree, define a name for the User
Feature and its reference elements then choose an icon for identifying it.
Instantiate User Features from Document: Select the Insert -> Instantiate From Document
command, select the document or catalog containing the User Feature, complete the Inputs within the
dialog box selecting adequate elements in the geometric area or from the specification tree.
Save User Features into a Catalog: Select the User Feature from the specification tree, select the Insert -
> Save in Catalog command, enter the catalog name and click Open.
Introducing the User Feature Definition window

Creating and Instantiating a NLS User Feature (UDF)
Saving a User Feature in a Catalog
Referencing User Features in Search Operations
To know more about user features...
Introducing the User Feature Definition Window
The Userfeature Definition window is accessed when selecting the Insert->UserFeature->UserFeature
Creation... command or when clicking the Creates a UserFeature icon ( ).
Reference file: PktModifyingMainResult.CATPart
The Definition tab

● The Definition tab lets you define the User Feature as you wish to create it.
● The Definition tab lets you assign a name to the User Feature and presents its components in the viewer.
● The tree structure displayed in the Definition tab under Components differs from the structure of the
selected feature. The Body.1 object does not appear as an Assemble.1 child.
● The components displayed under Inputs of components are the features which are not aggregated to the
selected object but are required to build it. These are the inputs that will be requested at instantiation.
The Inputs tab

● The Inputs tab shows you the inputs (elements to be selected at instantiation) of the User Feature. You can
rename these elements for a clearer definition by selecting them in the viewer and entering a new name in
the Name: field. In parentheses you still can read the elements' default name based on its type. When the
Inputs tab is selected, the User Feature inputs are indicated by red arrows in the geometry area. To know
more, see Renaming an input.
The Parameters tab

● The parameters tab lets you define which of the parameter values used in the User Feature you will be able
to modify at instantiation. This can be a value or a formula.
Simply select the parameters and check the Published button. Use the Name: field to give another name to
this element. To publish parameters, see Publishing parameters.
The Documents tab

● The Documents tab shows the complete path and role of Design tables referenced by an element included
in the User Feature. This tab exhibits no document because only design tables belonging to the selected
object are displayed. When instantiating or editing the User Feature, you will be able to change the
document pointed by the internal design table.
The Icon tab

● The icon tab lets you modify the icon identifying the User Feature in the specifications tree. A subset of
icons is available from the Icon choice button. If you click ... the Icon Browser opens, showing all icons
loaded on your CATIA session.
The Grab screen button allows you to capture an image of the User Feature to be stored with its definition.
Click the Grab screen button. You can zoom in or out the image to adjust it. Click the Remove preview
button if you do not need this image.
The Outputs tab

● The Outputs tab provides you with a way to define the result to be carried forward from the User Feature to
another document during the instantiation process. To know more, see Modifying the Main Result.
Note that the dimension of the secondary outputs should always be inferior to the Main result.
The Type tab

●
The Type tab provides you with a way to associate a type to a User Feature. You will be able to use
this type in search operations, Expert checks, and in Product Knowledge Template.
The User Type name is the one that you indicated in the Definition tab.
Instance Type Enables you to define the name of the type.

The first box should contain a string of at least 3 characters and should be
used to enter an identifier/keyword.
It is highly recommended not to use special characters in those fields (they
are not supported.)
The string to be entered in the second box is not limited.
The third box contains the generated Instance Type name that will be see as
the type.
Manage Type Enables you to access the Manage Type window where you can:
button - Select the Super Type from which the type you created will inherit. It is
possible to select the MechanicalModeler, the GSD and the Part Design
packages.
- Select the package it will belong to.
- Click Create type and Close if you want to use the created type in the
current session only.
- Click Create type, Save, and Close if you want to use the created type in
another session. In this case, a Generative Script file (File field) containing the
User Feature definition is created.
If you want to reuse the generated type in another Catia session, proceed as
follows:
● save the CATGScript file in the Directory indicated in the Reference
Directory for Types field (see Tools->Options->Parameters and
Measure->Language tab)
● check the Load extended language libraries check box and select the
package containing the type you created.
Creating a User Feature (UDF)
The scenario below describes in detail how to create a User Feature. A first User Feature has
already been created. A new User Feature is now created.
Note that datums (features that cannot be calculated) cannot be inputs of User Features. To
know more about the UDF limitations, click here.
1. Open the PktcreateaUDF.CATPart file. Note that this file already contains a UDF located
below the KnowledgeTemplates node.
2. From the Start->Knowledgeware menu, access the Product Knowledge Template
workbench.
3. Click the Create a UserFeature icon ( ). The UserFeature Definition dialog box is
displayed.
Replace the default User Feature name with Pad2, then select the Assemble.2 object in
the specification tree. The dialog box looks like the one below:
When creating the UDF, the Selected components view

shows the components you selected in the geometry
and that make up the UDF (see picture above).
If, after creating the UDF, you double-click it, the dialog
box that is displayed shows the Internal components of
the UDF, i.e, the instances of the selected components.
4. Select the Outputs tab. By default, the Assemble.2 object is displayed as the main
result.
5. Click OK in the dialog box. The Pad2 User Feature is added to the specification tree.
6. Save your file.
7. Keep this document open and proceed to Saving a User Feature in a Catalog.
To know more about the User Feature definition window, see Introducing the Userfeature
Definition window. Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the
interactions that can be carried out on User Features.
Creating and Instantiating a NLS User Feature

(UDF)
The scenario below describes how to create a NLS User Feature. The following features can now
be displayed in your language at instantiation:
● The input role ● The parameters (names and string

multiple values)
● The output role after the instantiation ● The update error message
In the scenario below, the input role and the parameters are NLS.
To create a NLS User Feature, proceed as follows:

● Create the User Feature and click the Type tab in the User Feature definition window to
create the type associated to the User Feature as well as the associated .CATGScript file.
● Create the CATNls file (See below).
● Close CATIA and relaunch it.
● In CATIA, open the file into which the template will be inserted.
● Instantiate the User Feature.
The created CATNls file:

● Should be stored in the installation directory in the resources\msgcatalog directory.
● Should have the following name: CATTypeTypeName.CATNls. If the type name is Wheel, the
CATNls name will be: CATTypeWheel.CATNls.
● Should be structured as follows (Note that the role corresponds to the role assigned to each
input in the Inputs tab of the User Feature Definition window):
❍ Role1="NlsRole";
❍ Role2="NlsRole"; ...
❍ Optionally for an NLS error message: UpdateErrorMessage = "Message";
Please find below the example of a .CATGscript file and its corresponding .CATNLS file.
GSDPackage isa Package In the .CATGscript opposite, the Point, the

{ Plane, the Configuration, the Distance, and the
CATWheel isa SkinFeature Radius are the inputs of the User Feature. These
{ inputs will be required when instantiating the
NLSName = UserFeature1; User Feature. Note that these inputs can be the
Fill = 0 , Type : Feature ; roles you assigned to the inputs.
`Main result` = 0 , Type : Feature
NLSName :`Main result` ;
Point = 0 , Type : Feature ;
Plane = 0 , Type : Feature ;
Configuration = 0 , Type : String ;
Distance = 0 , Type : LENGTH ;
Radius = 0 , Type : LENGTH ;
}
}
Point = "Input point"; The inputs of the .CATGscript file are listed in
Plane = "Support"; the opposite cell along with their NLS names:
Configuration = "Distance configuration"; Point = "Input Point".
Configuration.Item1="Short";
Configuration.Item2="Normal";
Note that:
Configuration.Item3="Long";
Distance = "Wheel distance";
Radius = "Wheel radius"; ● Inputs names should not contain blank
Fill = "Fill"; spaces.
//For the Nls message of update error
UpdateErrorMessage = " UPDATE ERROR ● All NLS names are indicated between quotes
MESSAGE IN ENGLISH" "" and are separated by ;.
● It is possible to add an error message that
will be launched if an update error occurs.
● The name of the file is:
CATTypeCATWheel.CATNls
1. From the Tools->Options->General menu, click Parameters and Measure, and
select the Language tab. Check the Load extended language libraries option, click
the button and select the directory that will contain the types file (.CATGScript
file). Click OK when done.
2. Open the PktcreateaUDF.CATPart file. Note that this file already contains a User Feature
located below the KnowledgeTemplates node.
workbench.
displayed. Replace the default User Feature name with NLSUDF, then click the
Assemble.2 object in the specification tree. The dialog box now looks like the one below:
5. Click the Inputs tab and assign a role to each input:
❍ Click Point.2 in the User Feature Definition window, and enter First_input in
the Name field.
❍ Click Point.3 in the User Feature Definition window, and enter

Second_input in the Name field.
❍ Click Extract.1 in the User Feature Definition window, and enter

Third_input in the Name field.
Note that the role you assign in this tab is the one that will be used to
create the .CATNls file (step 9.)
6. Click the Parameters tab and select the `Body.2\OpenBody.1\Circle.2\Circle center
radius.1\Radius` parameter. Click Published Name and assign it a name:
Cylinder_Radius.
7. Assign a type to the User Feature. To do so, proceed as follows:
❍ Click the Type tab.

❍ In the Instance Type field, enter UDF and Assembly, and hit the Enter
key.
❍ Click the Manage type button.
❍ In the Manage Type window, click the Create type

button. (Click the graphic opposite to enlarge it.)
The type is created as well as the associated
.CATGScript file which is saved in the directory you
previously selected (Step 1.)
❍ Click Save and Close when done.
❍ Click OK to exit the User Feature definition window.
8. Save your file and Close CATIA.
9. Open a Text Editor and enter the following text to create the .CATNls file:
First_input ="Select 1st Note that Point.2, Point.3, and Extract.1 are the inputs
Point"; of the User Feature.
Second_input ="Select
2nd Point";
Third_input ="Select the
surface";
Cylinder_Radius="Radius
Japanese users should use Japanese characters
of the UDF";
in this file.
10. Save your file under the following name: CATTypeCATWheel.CATNls in the
resources\msgcatalog directory. Close the Text Editor.
11. Open CATIA and open the PktForInstantiation.CATPart file.
12. In the PKT workbench, click the Instantiate From Document icon ( ). The File
Selection window is displayed. Select the PktcreateaUDF.CATPart file that you have just
saved and click Open. The following image is displayed:

13. Select the first point, the second point, and the surface: The User Feature is instantiated.
To know more about the User Feature definition window, see Introducing the User Feature
Definition window. Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions
that can be carried out on User Features.
Saving a User Feature in a Catalog
The task below explains how to store User Features in a catalog. This task is not actually a Product
Knowledge Template task, but in the context of the Product Knowledge Template product, you will have to
carry it out quite often.
You have just created two User Features (Pad1 and Pad2). The main interest of User Features lies in the
instantiation process whereby a User Feature stored in a catalog can be reused in a document.
The PktcreatedUDF.CATPart document containing both User Features should be open.
Using the Save Object in a Catalog Command
1. Click the Save object in a catalog icon ( ) from the standard menu bar in the PKT workbench.
The 'Catalog save' dialog box is displayed.
Note that this command is also available from the Part Design and the GSD
workbenches.
2. Select the Create a new catalog option and click the button on the right-hand side of the Catalog
name field. The dialog box which is displayed allows you to specify a .catalog file where to store the
created User Features. Enter a file name and click Open. Then click OK in the Catalog save dialog
box.
3. Open the catalog you have just created (File->Open from the standard menu bar). The catalog
which is displayed looks like the one below (depending on the name assigned to the catalog):
The left pane displays the two User Features created within a tree structure (Pad1 has two inputs
while Pad2 has three inputs). Selecting a User Feature (3 inputs for example) displays in the right
pane the characteristics of the User Feature.
About the Reference tab
The User Feature name as well as the document it originates from is displayed.
About the Keywords tab
The User Feature name as well as its inputs are displayed.
About the Preview tab
The icon you have associated with the User Feature (if any) is displayed.
About the Generative Data tab
The resolved queries: A resolved query is relevant for parts with design tables only since it aims at
storing a filtered view of the design table data.
To know more about the Catalog Editor, see the Infrastructure User's Guide.
Using the Catalog Editor

1. From the Start->Infrastructure menu, access the Catalog Editor.
2. Double-click Chapter.1 and click the Add Family icon ( ). The Component Definition Family is
displayed.
3. Change the name of the family: Pads in this scenario and click OK.
4. Double-click the Pads family and click the Add Component ( ) icon.
5. In the Description Definition dialog box, click the
button, go back the PktCreateaUDF.CATPart

file and select the Pad1 User Feature in the specification tree and click OK.
6. Repeat the previous step to insert the Pad2 User Feature into the catalog.
7. Save your catalog and proceed to the next task: Instantiating a User Feature.
Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions that can be carried out on
User Features.

This section describes the different methods available to instantiate a User Feature.
Instantiating a User Feature: From a Catalog

Instantiating a User Feature: From a Document
Instantiating a User Feature: From a Selection
Instantiating a User Feature from a VB Macro
Instantiating a User Feature From a Catalog, From a

Document, From a Selection
The scenario described below shows how to instantiate a User Feature

● from a catalog
● from a document containing a User Feature and
● from a selection
From a Catalog
1. Open the PktForInstantiation.CATPart document. The following screen is displayed.
2. In the standard toolbar, click the icon. The catalog browser is displayed.
3. Click the icon. In the dialog box which is displayed, select the catalog containing the User Features you
want to instantiate. Click Open to open the selected catalog. The dialog box which is displayed next enables
you to navigate through the chapters and the families of the catalog until you can access the desired User
Feature.
4. Double-click the '3 inputs' object and the 'Pad.2' object. The Insert Object dialog box is displayed.
To know more about the Insert Object dialog box,
click here.
Note that in some cases, when instantiating a User
Feature, the replacing element does not present the
same sub-elements as the replaced element.
Therefore you need to clearly indicate in a specific
dialog box, the Replace Viewer, how to rebuild the
geometry from the replacing element.
5. To instantiate Pad2 into the document, proceed as follows:
a. If need be, select Point.2 in the Insert Object dialog box, then select the Point.2 object in the
document geometry area or in the specification tree.
b. Select Point.3 in the Insert Object dialog box, then select the Point.3 object in the document geometry
area or in the specification tree.
c. Select Extract.1 in the Insert Object dialog box, then select the face highlighted on the graphic below.
6. Click OK to instantiate the Pad2 User Feature and exit the Insert Object dialog box. The User Feature Pad2 is
instantiated into the document. This is what you can see on screen.
From a Document
1. Open the PktForInstantiation.CATPart document.
2. Click the Instantiate an element stored in a document icon ( ). The File Selection dialog box is
displayed.
3. Select the PktInstantiateUDFfromDocument.CATPart file and click Open.
4. The Insert Object dialog box is displayed.
❍ In the Reference scrolling list, select the
User Feature that you want to instantiate
(Pad2 in this scenario).
❍ If need be, select Point.2 in the Insert Object
dialog box, then select the Point.2 object in
the document geometry area or in the
specification tree.
❍ Select Point.3 in the Insert Object dialog
box, then select the Point.3 object in the
document geometry area or in the
specification tree.
❍ Select Extract.1 in the Insert Object dialog
box, then select the face highlighted on the
figure below.
5. Click OK when you are done. The User
Feature is instantiated.
Click here to know more about the Insert Object Dialog box.
From a Selection
1. Open the PktInstantiateUDFfromDocument.CATPart and the PktForInstantiation.CATPart files.
2. Tile the window vertically.
3. Expand the KnowledgeTemplates node in the PktInstantiateUDFfromDocument.CATPart file and click the Pad2
User Feature.
4. Go to the PktForInstantiation.CATPart file and click the Instantiate from Selection icon ( ). The Insert
Object dialog box is displayed.
5. Click the Use identical name button and click the face highlighted in the picture below.
6. Click OK when done. The User Feature is instantiated.
Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions that can be carried out on User
Features.
Instantiating a User Feature From a VB Macro
This topic provides you with instructions concerning the instantiation of User Features from VB Macros. Two different
protocols are available to instantiate User Features.
● Reminder
● First instantiation protocol
● Second instantiation protocol
Reminder
To instantiate a User Feature from a VB macro, proceed as follows:
1. Develop your macro in an editor and save it with the CATScript extension. (Read carefully the instructions
below to know how to structure your script.)
2. From the Tools->Macro->Macros... command, access the Macros dialog box in CATIA. Click the Macro
libraries... button.
3. In the Macro libraries dialog box, select the Directories option in the Library type scrolling list.
4. In the Open a directory of macros dialog box, select the directory that contains the VB script you've just
created. Click OK when done. Click Close in the Macro libraries dialog box: The macro contained in this
directory is displayed in the Macros dialog box.
5. Click the Run button. Your macro is launched and your User Feature is instantiated.
Note that:
● The instantiation has to be done entirely from the beginning to the end, following the steps indicated below. The
final step of the instantiation cannot be performed unless all the required inputs are correctly valuated. Trying to do
so will lead to an error message and the script execution will stop.
● As the instantiation is performed programmatically, there is no possibility to intervene using the interface during
the instantiation. Thus, manual reroute and orientation-handling are not possible.
It is also impossible to modify a Design Table associated to the User Feature.
The Repeat mode is unavailable. Nevertheless this can be simulated by inserting a loop inside the script.
● Inputs and published parameters are referenced by name in the methods and not by position.
● The instantiation is always performed just after the position of the current feature (the In-work object).
First instantiation protocol

The first protocol is dedicated to User Feature instantiation only. It is defined by a single method:
AddInstance (To know more about this method, refer to the Automation documentation).
Note that:
● This method is to be used when you want to perform only one instantiation of the reference.
● As the document containing the reference is released from the session at the end of the instantiation, it
is not recommended to use this method if you want to perform several instantiations of the same
reference in a loop. To perform a loop, use the second protocol.
The instantiation process can be broken down into the following steps:
'Instantiation of a User Feature Reference

"UserFeature2"
' UserFeature2 is stored in the CATPart ● Instantiation: The current part is first retrieved
"e:\UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart" then the Part is read. Use the FindObjectByName
' It has ' 2 inputs: Center and Surface method to retrieve the inputs.
' 2 published parameters: Height and Radius Then the User feature is instantiated using the
' 1 output: Direction AddInstance method.
'---------------------------------------------------------
--- ● Valuation of inputs: Use the FindObjectByName
---------------------------------------------------------- method to retrieve the inputs and the PutInput
---- method to valuate the inputs
Catia.SystemService.Print "Retrieve the current
part"
● Parameter modification: Use the
Dim PartDocumentDest As PartDocument ValuateFromString method to modify the
Set PartDocumentDest = CATIA.ActiveDocument parameters.

● Checking the instantiation: Use the GetInput
method to retrieve the valuated inputs.
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
Catia.SystemService.Print "Retrieve the User
Feature Reference"
CATIA.DisplayFileAlerts = False
Dim PartDocumentStart As PartDocument

Set PartDocumentStart = CATIA.Documents.Read
("e:\UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart")
Dim PartStart As Part

Set PartStart = PartDocumentStart.Part
Dim reference As Object

Set reference =
PartStart.FindObjectByName("UserFeature2")
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
Catia.SystemService.Print "Instantiate the
reference in the current part"
Dim factory As InstanceFactory

Set factory =
PartDest.GetCustomerFactory("InstanceFactory")
Dim instance As ShapeInstance

Set instance = factory.AddInstance(reference)
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
Catia.SystemService.Print "Set Inputs"
Dim Center As Object

Set Center =
PartDest.FindObjectByName("Point.1")
Dim Surface As Object

Set Surface =
PartDest.FindObjectByName("Surface.1")
instance.PutInput "Center", Center

instance.PutInput "Surface", Surface
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
Dim param1 As Parameter

Set param1 = instance.GetParameter("Height")
param1.ValuateFromString("40mm")

Set param2 = instance.GetParameter("Radius")
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
PartDest.Update
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
Catia.SystemService.Print "Retrieves Inputs and
Outputs"
Dim inputCenter As Object

Set inputCenter = instance.GetInput("Center")
Dim inputSurface As Object
Set inputSurface = instance.GetInput("Surface")
Catia.SystemService.Print "Recuperation des

outputs"
Dim outputDirection As Object
Set outputDirection =
instance.GetOutput("Direction")
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
Catia.SystemService.Print "Close the CATPart
containing the reference"
PartDocumentStart.Close
● InstantiateUDFFromVB.CATScript This is the macro. Open this script and edit the path referencing
the UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart file (Line 24).
● UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart This is the file that contains the User Feature that is going to be
instantiated. Note that the inputs of the User Feature are a point
and an extrude.
● PktDestinationPart.CATPart This is the part that will host the instantiated User Feature. It also
contains 2 points (select one of them when instantiating) and an
extrude, which are the inputs of the User Feature.
1. Open the PktDestinationPart.CATPart file. Note that this file is made up of a surface and of 2 points.
They are the inputs of the User Feature stored in the UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart file.
InstantiateUDFFromVB.CATScript file that you have just modified. Click OK when done. Click Close in
the Macro libraries dialog box: The macros contained in this directory are displayed in the Macros
dialog box.
5. Select InstantiateUDFFromVB.CATScript (if need be) and click the Run button. The macro is launched
and the User Feature is instantiated.
Second instantiation protocol

The second protocol is dedicated to User Features and Power Copies instantiation. It is defined by several
methods that must be called in order.
Note that it is recommended to use this protocol to perform several instantiations of the same reference in a
loop.
From the Instance Factory (A), the instantiation process can be broken down into 3 major steps, the second
step itself being broken down into 5 different steps.
● Initialization: It is the step where you define which User Feature is to be instantiated. To perform several
instantiations in a loop, the reference document is locked in session. It will be unlocked in the final step.
This step must be called once at the beginning of the instantiation whatever the number of instantiations.
● Instantiation: It is the major step in which the data are copied/instantiated. It is made up of 5 different
steps that must be called in the order given below.
❍ Begin of instantiation: All the data are initialized.
❍ Inputs valuation: Each input of the User Feature has to be valuated with a feature of the
destination document.
❍ Parameter modification: If needed, published parameters can be modified.
❍ Instantiation: The User Feature is instantiated.
❍ End of instantiation: After this call, the instantiation is ended, and all the links to the
reference are broken.
● Conclusion: This is the last step: The reference document is unlocked and released from the session.
' Instantiation of a User Feature Reference ● Initialization (1): Use the BeginInstanceFactory
"MyUserFeature2" method of the CATIAInstanceFactory interface. The
' MyUserFeature2 is stored in the CATPart first argument should be the name of the User
"e:\tmp\UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart" Feature. The second argument is the name of the
' It has document where this reference is stored.
' 2 inputs: Center and Surface For example:
' 2 published parameters: Height and Radius InstanceFactory.BeginInstanceFactory
' 1 output: Direction ("name_of_reference","name_of_document")
----------------------------------------------------------
--- ● Instantiation: It is the most important part. It is
broken down into 5 other steps that must be
---------------------------------------------------------- executed in the following order. These steps can be
----- called in a loop in order to perform several
Catia.SystemService.Print "Retrieve the current instantiations:
part"
❍ Begin of instantiation: Use the
Dim PartDocumentDest As PartDocument BeginInstantiate method (2) of the
Set PartDocumentDest = CATIA.ActiveDocument CATIAInstanceFactory interface to initialize
the data of the reference.
For example:
InstanceFactory.BeginInstantiate
'---------------------------------------------------------
----
Catia.SystemService.Print "Retrieve the factory of ❍ Valuation of inputs: Use the PutInputData
the current part" method (3) of the CATIAInstanceFactory
interface to set a value to any input of the
Dim factory As InstanceFactory reference.
Set factory = For example: InstanceFactory.PutInputData
PartDest.GetCustomerFactory("InstanceFactory") "input1", selected_feature1
'---------------------------------------------------------
----- ❍ Parameter modification: Retrieve the
Catia.SystemService.Print "BeginInstanceFactory" published parameter using the GetParameter
method (4) of the CATIAInstanceFactory
factory.BeginInstanceFactory "MyUserFeature2", interface in order to modify its value using the
(1) "e:\tmp\UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart" ValuateFromString method of the
'--------------------------------------------------------- CATIAParameter interface.
----- For example: Set param =
Catia.SystemService.Print "Begin Instantiation" InstanceFactory.GetParameter
("published_parameter1")
factory.BeginInstantiate (2)
param.ValuateFromString ("length1")
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
Catia.SystemService.Print "Set Inputs" ❍ Instantiation: Use the Instantiate method (5)
of the CATIAInstanceFactory interface. It
Dim Center As Object returns the created instance when it exists.
Set Center = For example: Set Instance =
PartDest.FindObjectByName("Point.1") InstanceFactory.Instantiate
Dim Surface As Object ❍ End of instantiation: Use the EndInstantiate

Set Surface = method (6) of the CATIAInstanceFactory
PartDest.FindObjectByName("Surface.1") interface to indicate that the instantiation is
done.
factory.PutInputData "Point.1", Center (3)
For example: InstanceFactory.EndInstantiate
factory.PutInputData "Surface.1", Surface
'---------------------------------------------------------
● Conclusion: Use the EndInstanceFactory method
-----
(7) of the CATIAInstanceFactory interface to end
the instantiation and clean the InstanceFactory.
Dim param1 As Parameter When performing several instantiations in a loop,
Set param1 = factory.GetParameter("Height") (4) this step must be called just once at the end of all
param1.ValuateFromString("40mm") instantiations.
For example: InstanceFactory.EndInstanceFactory
Set param2 = factory.GetParameter("Radius")
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
Catia.SystemService.Print "Instantiate"
Dim Instance As ShapeInstance

Set Instance = factory.Instantiate (5)
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
Catia.SystemService.Print "End of Instantiation"
factory.EndInstantiate (6)
'---------------------------------------------------------
----
Catia.SystemService.Print "Release the reference
document"
factory.EndInstanceFactory (7)
'---------------------------------------------------------
-----
PartDest.Update
● PktInstantiateUserFeatureVB2.CATScript This is the macro. Open this script and edit the paths
referencing the UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart file (Line
25).
● UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart This is the file that contains the User Feature that is going
to be instantiated. Note that the inputs of the User Feature
are a point and an extrude.
● PktDestinationPart.CATPart This is the part that will host the instantiated User Feature.
It also contains 2 points (select one of them when
instantiating) and an extrude, which are the inputs of the
User Feature.
1. Open the PktDestinationPart.CATPart file. Note that this file is made up of an Extrude and of 2 points.
They can be used as inputs of the User Feature stored in the UserFeatureStartSweep.CATPart file.
PktInstantiateUserFeatureVB2.CATScript file that you have just modified. Click OK when done. Click
Close in the Macro libraries dialog box: The macros contained in this directory are displayed in the
Macros dialog box.
5. Select PktInstantiateUserFeatureVB2.CATScript (if need be) and click the Run button. The macro is
launched and the User Feature is instantiated.

Using a Loop to Instantiate User Feature Based

Patterns
The task below illustrates how to interactively apply a loop to an existing document.
The PktLoop1.CATPart is made up

of a surface (2) and a solid (1)
that symbolizes a hole. This hole is
inserted into a User Feature (UDF)
for a later instantiation. The User
Feature (UDF) has 3 different
inputs (a point, an axis and a
surface). 2 parameters of the User
Feature (UDF) are published (3).
● Clearance=4mm
● Diameter=8mm
The PktLoop2.CATPart is made up

of a surface (1) and of 12 points
(3) inserted into a list. The Line.7
is the instantiation axis (2).
The aim of this scenario is to instantiate as many holes as existing points. It is divided into the
following steps:
● You create a loop.
● You instantiate the User Feature (UDF) from the existing .CATPart file.
● You valuate the required inputs to instantiate the holes.
To carry out this scenario, you will need the following files:
● PktLoop1.CATPart
● PktLoop2.CATPart
1. Open the PktLoop2.CATPart
Creating a Loop
2. From the Start->Knowledgeware menu, access the Knowledge Advisor workbench.
3. Click the Loop icon ( ) in the Control Features bar. The Loop Edition window is
displayed.
4. In the specification tree, select the inputs of the loop.

Expand the Parameters node and select the List_Extract list. In the Input
❍
name field, enter the name of the list: PointsList.
Expand the Surface node and select the Revolute.1 feature. In the Input
❍
name field, enter the name of the list: SurfRef.
Expand the Result_Body node and select the Line.9 feature. In the Input
❍
name field, enter the name of the list: LineAxis.
Note that the name indicated in the Input name field is the one that will be
used in the loop body.
5. Select the context, that is to say, in this scenario, the feature that will contain the
instantiated holes.
❍
Click the Context field.
❍
Click Result_PartBody in the specification tree.
6. Indicate the number of holes that you want to instantiate into the surface.
❍
In the From field, indicate 1.
❍
Right-click the To... field and select the Edit formula... command. The
Formula Editor is displayed.
❍
In the specification tree, click ListSize=12. Click OK when done. The number
of instantiated holes is now valuated by a formula based on the list, that is to
say on the number of points contained in the list.
7. Enter the following action script into the Editor.

❍ Use the import
keyword to indicate
the path of the file
containing the User
Feature (UDF) to be
instantiated. To
indicate the path of
the file, it is
recommended to use
the Insert File Path
command available in
the contextual menu
to import
KwrLoop1.CATPart.
(1)
❍ UDF_$i$ is the name
that will be attributed
to each instance of the
hole. At each iteration,
$i$ is replaced with the
current iterator. (2)
❍ Clearance_Hole_UDF is
the name assigned to
the User Feature (UDF)
in the
KwrLoop1.CATPart file.
(2)
❍ Position is a point and is also the first input that needs to be valuated when
instantiating the holes. PointsList is the name of the List. (3)
❍ Clearance_Surface is the second input required and defined when creating the User
Feature (UDF) and SurfRef is the revolute into which the holes will be instantiated.
(3)
❍ Axis is the third input required and defined when creating the User Feature (UDF)
and LineAxis is Line.9, that is to say the instantiation axis. (3)
To know more about the syntax to be used (;, {}, $i$) in the loop body, see Using the
Scripting Language in this manual.
8. Click OK when done. The 12 holes are instantiated. (See picture below.)
This task explains how to reference User Features like any other existing types.
To assign a type to a User Feature, proceed as follows:
1. Select a Reference Directory For Types in the Tools->Options->General->Parameters and
Measure->Language tab. This directory will contain the created user types (.CATGScript files).
This way, user types will be persistent from a CATIA V5 session to another.
2. Declare your type in the Type tab of the User Defined Feature Definition window.
We call:
❍ User Type, the name attributed to the UDF in the Definition tab.
❍ Instance Type, the new type you are declaring.
Note that:
● It is recommended to insert a project prefix in the type name: my_project_hole.

● You can manage your user type by:
❍ Storing it in the following CATIA packages: Mechanical Modeler, GSD Package or

PartDesign.
❍ Assigning it a super type.
● When pushing the button Create Type, the new user type becomes available in the session.
● User Features can define new types of objects created by you and can therefore be searched for like
any other type. They are also available in the Knowledge Expert browser.
● If you want other users to use the User Feature you created, you will have to provide them with the
User Feature, the catalog in which it is stored (if stored in a catalog), and the CATGScript file.
1. Open the Pktudfcreateatype.CATPart document.
Pay attention to the Assemble.2 object. This object is the one we are going to use to create a User
Feature.
2. Select the Insert->Userfeature->Userfeature Creation... command from the standard menu
bar if you are currently working with the Part Design or Generative Shape Design workbenches or
click the Create a User Feature icon ( ) if you are in the PKT workbench.
3. The Userfeature definition window opens.
a) In the Definition tab, replace the default
User Feature name (enter Pad2 as a new name
for example) then select the Assemble.2 object
in the specification tree.
(Click the graphic opposite to enlarge it.)
b) In the Parameters tab, publish the
parameter that will be published. To do so,
proceed as follows:
❍ Select
`Body.2\Open_body.1\Circle.2\Circle
center radius.1\Radius`, click the
Published Name check box and change the
name of the parameter (Radius for example)
(Click the graphic above to enlarge it.)

c) In the Type tab, enter the name of the
instance type: Enter the first part of the type in
the first box, the second part in the second box
and hit the Enter key.
Click the Manage Type button.
Indicate the Super Type and the Package.
Click Create Type, Save, and Close.
Note that if you want to publish (Click the graphic above to enlarge it.)
parameters later, you will have to re-
generate the CATGScript in the Manage
Type window.
❍ Note that only the MechanicalModeler, the GSD and the Part Design packages are available
here.
❍ Part Design is the default package.
4. Click OK to exit the User Feature dialog. The Pad2 User Feature is added to the specification tree
right below the KnowledgeTemplates node. Click here to display the part containing the generated
part and here to open the generated .CATGScript file.
Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions that can be carried out on
User Features.
Referencing User Features in Search

Operations
This task explains how to reference User Features like any other existing types and how to
perform search operations on these types.
● User Features can define new types of objects you created and can therefore be searched for
like any other type.
● If you want other users to use the type you created, you will have to provide them with the
User Feature, the catalog in which it is stored (if stored in a catalog), and the CATGScript
file.
Prior to carrying out this scenario, indicate the reference directory for types (Tools->Options-
>General->Parameters and Measure->Language tab).
1. Open the Pktudfcreatedtype.CATPart document and access the Product Knowledge
Template workbench (if needed).
displayed.
Replace the default User Feature name with Pad2, then select the Assemble.2 object in
3. Click the Parameters tab, select the 4th line in the list of available parameters, click the
Published Name check box and enter the new name: Radius.
4. Click the Type tab, enter UDF+Pad in the Instance Type field, and hit the Enter key. The
Manage type dialog box is displayed.
5. Click the Create type button, Save, Close, and OK to close the UDF dialog box. Your type
is now created.
6. Select the Insert->UserFeature->Save In Catalog... command from the standard
menu bar or click the Save object in a catalog icon ( ). The 'Catalog save' dialog box
is displayed.
7. Select the Create a new catalog option and click the button on the right-hand side of the
Catalog name field. The dialog box displayed allows you to specify a .catalog file where to
store the created User Features. Enter a file name and click Open. Click OK in the Catalog
save dialog box.
10. Open the PktForInstantiation.CATPart document. The following screen is displayed.
11. In the standard toolbar, click the icon. The catalog browser is displayed.
12. Click the icon. In the dialog box which is displayed, select the catalog which contains
the User Features you want to instantiate. Click Open to open the selected catalog. The
dialog box displayed next depends on your last interaction on this catalog. Double-click
the object displayed in the left pane until you get Pad2 on screen:
13. Double-click the 'Pad2'
object. The Insert Object
dialog box is displayed.
To know more about the

Insert Object dialog box, click
here.
14. Instantiate Pad2 in the document. To do so, proceed as follows:
a.
Select Point.2
in the "Insert
Object" dialog
box, then select
the Point.2
object in the
document
geometrical
area or in the
specification
tree.
b.
Select Point.3
in the "Insert
Object" dialog
box, then select
the Point.3
object in the
document
geometrical
area or in the
specification
tree.
c.
Select Extract.1
in the "Insert
Object" dialog
box, then select
the face
highlighted on
the figure
below.
d.
Click OK and
Close. Pad2 is
instantiated.
15. Select the Edit-
>Search
(CTRL+F)
command. The
Search
window opens.
16. Select the
Advanced tab.
17. Select Part Design under Workbench.
18. Select UDFPad (this is the type assigned to the User Feature, see the generated
CATGscript) under Type.
19. Select Radius under Attribute. The Attributes' criterium dialog box opens. Enter
20mm in the = field. Click OK.
Note that Pad1 and Pad2 are now considered like any other types and
can therefore be searched for.
20. Click Search: the Pad2 instance (Pad2.1) is displayed in the Object found field and is
highlighted both in the specification tree and in the geometrical area (click the graphic
below to enlarge it.)

Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions that can be carried
out on User Features.

Note that the limitations that apply to Power Copies also apply to User Features.
● As far as possible, minimize the number of elements making up the User Feature.
● When defining User Features including sketches, use profiles constrained with respect to edges or faces
rather than to planes. Additionally, set off the option Create geometrical constraints before sketching.
Generally speaking, it is always preferable to use profiles both rigid and mobile.
● It is preferable to constrain elements with respect to external references such as faces, edges, reference
or explicit planes.
● It is preferable not to use projections nor intersections in your sketch if you want to use your sketch in a
User Feature.
● Avoid using constraints defined with respect to reference planes.
● Before creating your User Features, make sure that your sketch is not over-constrained.
● Make sure that your sketch is iso-constrained (green color). You can use non-iso-constrained sketches,
but it will be more difficult to understand and control the result after instantiation.
● To create a User Feature, create first a Power Copy, and try it in different contexts. When the
instantiation is OK, create the User Feature by selecting the Power Copy. It is easier to understand and
modify a Power Copy.
● Provide basic and full User Features on the same geometry (with or without final Trim for example). If an
update error occurs, you can try the basic User Feature and perform the last operations manually.
● When working with Knowledgeware relations, make sure you rename those relations. For example, if you
work with formulas and you don't rename them, since the instances are shown, they will all have the
same name.
Managing inputs:
● Always rename your inputs to help the end user understand what he needs to select.
● A formula is automatically included in a User Feature definition when all its parameters are included.
Otherwise, if at least one parameter is not selected as part of the User Feature, you have to select the
formula manually to make it part of the definition. If you do so, all the formula parameters that have not
been explicitly selected, are considered as inputs of the User Feature.
● Note that when including parameters sets containing hidden parameters in a User Feature, the hidden
parameters are automatically instantiated when instantiating the User Feature.
Preview:
● In a Part document, create only one User Feature reference. It is not a technical restriction, but there are
at least two reasons for this: The cost of an instantiation will be reduced if the Part document is smaller.
The end user can understand the feature to be instantiated more easily.
● Put in "show" mode only the input and the result (to help the end user understand what he needs to
select).
● Use colors to differentiate inputs (put transparency on result for example).
● Choose a pertinent view point before saving the Part document reference, default view point in preview
during instantiation will be the same.
Geometry:
● Create sketches on an axis system, in order to better control the Sketch position.
● Avoid constraining your 2D elements with respect to HV absolute axis. The result you obtain after
instantiating the Power Copy could be unstable. Actually, you cannot control the position of the origin of
the absolute axis nor its orientation.
Catalog:
● Do not forget catalog integration if you want to provide several User Features.

● Always check the orientation of curves and surfaces.
● If you need to instantiate a User Feature several times on the same input, rename your inputs and use
the "Use identical name" option.
● Note that datums (features that cannot be calculated) cannot be inputs of User Features.
● Note that sub-elements cannot be inputs of User Features. For example, the face of a pad cannot be an
input.
● Note that when creating the User Feature, it is not possible to edit (add/remove) inputs after leaving the
Definition tab. Click the Cancel button and create a new User Feature.
● UDF graphical properties (such as color, show/hide status, ...) depend on the graphical properties of its
components at creation. As soon as the UDF is created, i.e. as soon as the components are defined and
validated (either by clicking OK in the definition window or by changing tabs), the graphical properties of
the UDF are "frozen" and thus independent from the graphical properties of its components.
The reason why the UDF graphical properties are independent from its internal graphical properties is that
the UDF is a feature with its own graphical properties. Those properties can be modified using the
Properties contextual command. If the UDF properties were dependant from the UDF internal components,
you would not be able to modify the UDF graphical properties using the Properties contextual command, or
the graphical properties available from the contextual command and graphical properties defined by
parameter would not match.
So it is highly recommended not to use Knowledge parameters inside the UDF to drive its graphical
properties.
To know more about User Features ...

Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions that can be carried out on User
Features.
The UserFeature command can be accessed by selecting the Insert->UserFeature command from the
following workbenches:
● Part Design
● Generative Shape Design
and by clicking the Create a User Feature icon ( ) from the Product Knowledge Template workbench.
A User Feature is a template that works at the part level. From a collection of features (geometry, literals,
formulas, constraints, etc.), you can create your own feature. The result is a Part Design feature or a Shape
Design feature that can be reused in the design of another part. The created feature can be saved in a
catalog.
A User Feature:
● Allows you to create applicative features
● Allows you to hide design specifications and preserve confidentiality (for instance to sub-contractors)
User Features (like a line for Drafting or a check for Knowledge Advisor) are open and shareable objects. This
capability significantly increases the potential application of User Features since it enables you to:
● Find User Features by attributes.
● Generate User Features with the Scripting language to simplify the process of creating scripts .
● Define expert rules working on User Features with Knowledge Expert (to know more, see the Knowledge
Expert User's Guide).
● Use User Features in Knowledge Advisor reactions.
● Develop CAA functions based on user defined variables.

Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of interactions to be carried out on
part and assembly templates. Refer to To know more about Part and Assembly Templates to know
more about these features.
Creates a Document Template: Select the Insert -> Document Template Creation ...
command, select the elements making up the document template from the specification tree,
define a name for the document template and its reference elements then choose an icon for
identifying it.
Introducing the Document Template Definition Window

Instantiating a Part Template
Adding an External Document to a Document Template
To know more about Part and Assembly Templates...
Introducing the Document Template Definition

Window
The Document Template Definition window can be accessed by selecting the Insert->Document
Template Creation... command from the following workbenches:
● Product Structure
● Part Design
● Assembly Design
● Wireframe and Surface Design
You can access the Product Knowledge Template workbench from the Part Design and the Product
Structure workbenches.
The Documents tab

The Documents tab shows the complete path and Action of the files referenced in the
Template. The Action status can be either:
● Same Document or
● New Document.
If the document is seen as New Document, it is then duplicated and does not have any
link with the original component (equivalent of the New from... command.)
If the document is seen as Same Document, a link is maintained with the original file.
The button enables you to modify

the Action of the components.
The buttons of the External documents sections enable you to

select external documents and insert them into the template.
It is now possible to associate non CATIA (ENOVIA LCA, ...) documents to a

template. To do so, make sure you have enabled the desired environment in
the Document Environments field (Tools->Options->General-
>Document.) Your documents will be accessible via the Document Chooser.
The Inputs tab

The Inputs tab enables you to define the reference elements making up the Template
by selecting them in the geometry or in the specification tree.
The Accept instantiation even if not all inputs are filled option enables
users to determine if the template can be instantiated even if not all inputs are
valuated. If all inputs are not valuated, old inputs will be kept and isolated at
instantiation. This option can be useful if there is more than one way to
position the template in context, if you want all these combinations to be
available but you want to use only one of them at the same time. To see an
example, see Creating a Part Template and lnstantiating a Part Template.
For a clearer definition, you can select these items in the viewer and enter a new name
in the Role field.
The Role field enables you to select one of the items displayed in the window and to
rename it. It is used at instantiation through the Use identical name button in the
Insert object window.
The Type column indicates if the input is manual or automatic. The inputs are
considered as
● Manual if they are added manually
● Automatic if they are external references that point an object defined outside the
template.
The Published Parameters tab
The Published Parameters tab enables you to define which parameter value used in
the Template you will be able to modify when instantiating it.
The Edit List... button enables you to access the list of parameters, and to select
those you want to publish. These parameters are displayed in the Part Numbers
viewer.
The Auto modify part numbers with suffix check box, if checked, automatically
modifies the part numbers at instantiation if the part numbers already exist.
● Note that if you want to manage the way part numbers are modified at
instantiation, you just need to uncheck this option and click, at
instantiation, the Parameters button in the Insert Object dialog box. This
way you can access the part numbers that you want to modify.
● The unicity of part numbers is now ensured when instantiating document

templates into different documents or when the document template is
used by different users. When the part numbers renaming mode is set to
automatic, a suffix parameter is automatically published by the document
template. At instantiation, after valuating the inputs of the document
template, suffixes can be changed by clicking the Parameters button in
the Insert Object window. Note that it is not possible to "unpublish" the
suffix or to change its role.
The Icon tab

The Icon tab enables you to modify the icon identifying the Template in the
specifications tree. A subset of icons is available when clicking the Icon choice
button.
Clicking ... displays the Icon Browser, showing all icons loaded in your CATIA session.
The Grab screen button enables you to capture an image of the template to be stored
along with its definition.
The Remove preview button enables you to remove the image if you do not need it.
The assembly structure of the documentation template should not be modified after the document
template definition (you cannot add or remove documents for example.)
This scenario explains how to create a part template containing a keypad that will be instantiated into a
CATProduct document. In this scenario, you:
● Create 2 document templates. When creating the first document template, you do not check the Accept
instantiation even if not all inputs are filled option (Steps 1 to 4). When creating the second document
template, you check the Accept instantiation even if not all inputs are filled option (Steps 5 to 8). To
know more about this option, see Introducing the Document Template Definition Window.
● Save both document templates in a catalog.
Creating the first template
1. Open the
PktMobilePhoneKeypad.CATPart file.
The opposite image is displayed.
2. From the Insert menu, select the Knowledge Templates->Document Template ... command (in the
Part Design workbench) or, if in the Product Knowledge Template workbench, click the Create a
Document Template icon ( ). The Document Template Definition window is displayed.
3. In the Document Template Definition window, click the Inputs tab to select the inputs. To do so,
proceed as follows:
❍ In the geometry, select the following features:
- Arrow_up_Sketch.8
- Curve.8
- Cancel_Sketch.9
- Sharp_Sketch.3
- Surface.3
- Arrow_down_Sketch.6
- Ok_Sketch.7
❍ In the Inputs tab, select the Curve.8 feature and assign it a role in the Role field. Repeat the same
operation for the features you selected. The final Inputs tab should look like the picture below.
4. Click the Published Parameters tab to publish parameters. To do so, proceed as follows:
❍ Click the
button. The Select
parameters to insert
window is displayed.
❍ Use the arrow to select the
Button_Offset and the
Button_top_angle
parameters in the
Parameters to publish
column.
❍ Click OK twice. The
Document template is
added to the
KnowledgeTemplates node.
❍ Right-click DocumentTemplate.1 and select the Properties command to rename the document
template.
❍ In the Feature Name field, enter Keypad1. Click OK to validate.
Creating the second template
1. From the Insert menu, select the Knowledge Templates->Document Template ... command (in the
Part Design workbench) or, if in the Product Knowledge Template workbench, click the Create a
Document Template icon ( ). The Document Template Definition window is displayed.
2. In the Document Template Definition window, click the Inputs tab and select the following inputs in the
specification tree:
❍ Curve.8 ❍ Arrow_up_Sketch.8
❍ Sharp_Sketch.3 ❍ Cancel_Sketch.9
❍ Arrow_down_Sketch.6 ❍ Surface.3
❍ Ok_Sketch.7
3. Check the Accept instantiation even if not all inputs are filled check box.
4. Click the Published Parameters tab to publish parameters. To do so, proceed as follows:
❍ Click the button.

The Select parameters to
insert window is displayed. In
the Parameters to publish
column, click the
Button_Offset and the
Button_top_angle
parameters and use the arrow
to select them.
❍ Click OK twice. The Document template is added to the KnowledgeTemplates node.
❍ Right-click DocumentTemplate.2 and select the Properties command to rename the document
template.
❍ In the Feature Name field, enter Keypad2. Click OK to validate.
❍ Save your file.
5. Store the document template in a catalog. To do so, proceed as follows:
❍ If not already in the Product Knowledge Template workbench, from the Start-
>Knowledgeware menu, access the Product Knowledge Template workbench.
❍ Click the Save in catalog icon ( ). The Catalog save dialog box is displayed.
❍ Click OK to create a new catalog or the ... button to change the name of the catalog. The
catalog is created.
❍ Click here to display the result catalog file. Click here to display the result .CATPart file.
6. Close your file and proceed to the next task: lnstantiating a Part Template.
Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions that can be carried on Document
Templates.
lnstantiating a Part Template
This scenario explains how to instantiate a template into a CATProduct file. It is divided into 2
different parts:
● You instantiate Keypad1, a document template saved in the PktKeypadscatalog.catalog.
● You instantiate Keypad2, a document template saved in the PktKeypadscatalog.catalog.
To carry out this scenario, you need the following files:

● PktMobilePhoneSupport.CATProduct that is made up of the following CATPart and
CATProduct files:
PktBottomcase.CATPart PktBattery.CATPart
PktBody.CATPart PktLens.CATPart
PktIndus.CATPart PktLCD30-28.CATPart
PktFrontShell.CATPart PktElectronic.CATProduct
PktPlanarCard.CATProduct PktSpeaker.CATPart
InteractiveBoard.CATPart PktCapacitor_500.CATPart
PktCapacitor_700.CATPart PktChip_AC30.CATPart
PktChip_AC110.CATPart PktChip_AC20.CATPart
Screen2.jpg
● PktKeypadscatalog.catalog: This catalog contains 2 document templates: Keypad1 and
Keypad2. When creating Keypad1, the Accept instantiation even if not all inputs are
filled option was unchecked. When creating Keypad2, the Accept instantiation even if
not all inputs are filled option was checked.
Working with the Cache system: Till R14 the previous instantiation behavior was to load the
whole assembly when the instantiation occurs, that is to say, at the very beginning of the
instantiation. Now this loading is performed only when you enable the Use Identical Name
option.
If the Part is not loaded in the current selection, you can now click this part to load it.
Instantiating Keypad1
1. Open the PktMobilePhoneSupport.CATProduct file.
2. Click the Open Catalog icon ( )

and select the
PktKeypadscatalog.catalog that you
created in the Creating a Part Template
topic. The Catalog Browser opens.
3. Double-click DocumentTemplate, 7
inputs and Keypad1. The Insert
Object window opens. (Click the
graphic opposite to enlarge it).
To know more about the Insert Object

dialog box, click here.
4. Value the Inputs by selecting the publications located below the Industrial Design
node in the specification tree or click the Use Identical Name button in the Insert
Object window.
5. Make the appropriate selections in the Replace Viewer window (see picture below)
and click OK when done.

Note that in some cases, when instantiating a part or assembly template, the
replacing element does not present the same sub-elements as the replaced element.
Therefore you need to clearly indicate in a specific dialog box, the Replace Viewer,
how to rebuild the geometry from the replacing element.
6. Click OK in the Check warning box, then Close. The keypad is instantiated (see
picture below.)
7. Close your file.
Instantiating Keypad2
1. Open the PktMobilePhoneSupport.CATProduct file.
2. Click the Open Catalog icon and select the PktKeypadscatalog.catalog that you
created in the Creating a Part Template topic. The Catalog Browser opens.
3. Double-click Document Template, 7 inputs and Keypad2. The Insert Object window
opens.
4. Click OK in the Insert Object window. The keypad is instantiated. Note that you do not
have to value the inputs since the Accept instantiation even if not all inputs are
filled option was checked when creating the Keypad2 part template.
Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions that can be
carried on Part Templates.
Adding an External Document to a Document

Template
This task shows how to insert a drawing into a part template and how it is updated at
instantiation. The scenario is divided into the following steps:
● Creating a drawing from an existing part
● Creating the part template
● Instantiating the part template and updates the generated drawing.
Note that the document(s) that can be added to part and assembly templates must belong to
one of the following types:
● .CATDrawing
● .CATProcess
● .CATAnalysis
Prior to carrying out this scenario, make sure that the Keep link with selected object is
checked (Tools->Options...->Infrastructure->Part Infrastructure->General).
1. Open the PktPadtoInstantiate.CATPart file. The following image is displayed.

2. From the Start->Mechanical Design menu, access the Drafting workbench. The
New Drawing Creation Window is displayed.
3. Select the All views configuration and click OK.
4. The drawing corresponding to the pad is generated.

4. Save your drawing and close the file. Click here to see the generated drawing.
5. Go back to the PktPadtoInstantiate.CATPart file to create a part template. To do so,
proceed as follows:
❍ Select the Knowledge Templates->Document Template ... command. The
Document Template Definition window is displayed.
❍ Click the Add... button in the External documents field and select the
.CATDrawing file you have just created in the File Selection window (or use
the PktPadDrawing.CATDrawing). Click Open.
❍ Click the Inputs tab and select Sketch.1 and Sketch.2 in the geometry or in

❍ Click the Published Parameters tab and click the Edit List... button. The
Select parameters to insert window is displayed. Select the following
parameters using the arrow button:
❍ PartBody\Pad.1\FirstLimit\Length
❍ PartBody\Pad.2\FirstLimit\Length
❍ In the Published Parameters tab, select PartBody\Pad.1\FirstLimit\Length
and rename it to Pad_Width in the Name: field, then select
PartBody\Pad.2\FirstLimit\Length and rename it to Pad_Length.
❍ Click OK to validate. Save your file and close it.
6. Open the PktProduct.CATProduct file.
workbench (if need be).
8. Click the Instantiate From Document icon ( ) and select the

PktPadtoInstantiate_result.CATPart containing the document template. Click Open.
9. Expand the PartBody\Pad.1 node in the specification tree, select Sketch.1, and make
the appropriate selections in the opening Replace Viewer window (see graphic
below). Click Close when done.

10. Select Sketch.2 in the geometry or in the specification tree.
11. Click the Parameters button and enter 10mm in the Pad_Width field and 90 in the
Pad_Length field.
12. Click Close and OK to validate. A message is fired indicating that the external
document was regenerated. Click OK. The document template was instantiated. (see
picture below).
13. From the Window menu, access the generated .CATDrawing file. Right-click
CATDrawing2 in the left part of the window and select the Update Selection
command. The drawing is updated and matches the new product.

Refer to the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions that can be
carried out on document templates.
To know more about Part and Assembly

Templates...
Part and Assembly Templates are templates that work at the part or at the assembly level.
The Document Template Definition window can be accessed by selecting the Insert->Document
Template Creation... command from the following workbenches:
● Part Design
● Wireframe and Surface Design
● Assembly Design
● Product Structure
Working with Part Templates
A part created in Catia may contain user parameters and geometry data. It is not a contextual part. You can
create a part template that references that part. This template is a feature that is created in the CATPart
document itself (very similar to the PowerCopy definition) and stored in a catalog. Several part templates may
be defined in the same CATPart document.
To create a part template, you:
● select parameters and geometry data that will be considered as the template inputs (you can assign a role
and a comment to each input).
● publish some internal parameters (name and comment). The part number is automatically published.
● give a name, comment, URL, icon to this template.
In product structure context, the part is inserted as a component of the current product.
Working with Assembly Templates
You create an assembly interactively and you want to create an assembly template that references the root
product of this assembly.
To create an assembly template, you:

● select parameters and geometry data that will be considered as the template inputs (you can assign a
name to each input).
● publish some internal parameters (name and comment).
● choose if:
- the part numbers of replicated components are automatically published.
- for each part or each sub-assembly, this sub-component will be replicated at instantiation or if
only a reference to this sub-component will be created (a standard component).
- you want to select external documents (Drawings / Analysis) that references elements of the
product structure. Those elements will be replicated at instantiation.
● assign a name, comment, URL, icon to this template.
The template definition is a feature located in the CATProduct document itself. Several assembly
templates may be defined in the same CATProduct document.
● It is possible to define document templates based on contextual products and parts or on isolated parts and
products. It is highly recommended to work with isolated documents: not so many documents will be
instantiated (when working with contextual products, the context products are needed for instantiation).
● The assembly structure of the documentation template should not be modified after the document template
definition (you cannot add or remove documents for example.)
A publication cannot point an object already published more than once. When creating the import link, the
published object is looked for and the import is created on the first publication found which might not be the
one that has the same name as the input.
The only information that the Document Template can provide is the final object itself (infrastructure does not
allow you to specify the publication, but only the pointed object). The publication is then automatically
retrieved by the link infrastructure.
The Part Design window looks like this:
Click the sensitive areas to see the related documentation.

Sketcher Toolbar
Constraints Toolbar
Analysis Toolbar
Annotations Toolbar
Tools Toolbar
Insert Toolbar
Symbols Used in the Specification Tree

Symbols Reflecting an Incident in the Geometry Building
Referenced Geometry Symbols


This section presents the main menu bar tools and commands dedicated to Part Design.
Start File Edit View Insert Tools Windows Help
Edit
For... See...
Update Updating Parts
Cut
Cutting, Copying, Pasting
Copy
Paste
Handling Parts in a Multi-Document

Environment
Paste Special...
Specification Tree
Delete Deleting Features
Properties Displaying and Editing Properties
Scan or Define in Work Scanning a Part and Defining in Work Objects

Object...
XXX object... Redefining Feature Parameters
Reordering Features
Insert For... See...
Body Inserting a New Body
Body in a Set... Inserting a Body into an Ordered

Geometrical Set
Geometrical Set... Inserting a Geometrical Set
Ordered Geometrical Set... Inserting an Ordered Geometrical Set
Insert in new body Inserting Features into a New Body
Annotations Creating Annotations
Constraints Setting Constraints
Sketcher... Sketcher User's Guide
Axis System... Axis System
Sketch-Based Features Sketch-Based Features
Dress-Up Features Dress-Up Features
Surface-Based Features Surface-Based Features
Transformation Features Transformation Features
Boolean Operations Associating Bodies
Advanced Replication Tools PowerCopy
Knowledge Templates Managing User Features (UDFs)
Managing Part and Assembly

Templates
Instantiate From Document... Instantiating PowerCopies

Tools For... See...
Parent/Children Parents and Children
Options... Customizing
Publication... Publishing Elements

The Sketch-Based Features toolbar is available in extended or compact display mode. To choose your
display mode, use View -> Toolbars -> Sketch-Based Feature (Extended/Compact).
See Creating Pads
See Creating Drafted Filleted Pads
See Creating Pockets
See Creating Drafted Filleted Pockets
See Creating Shafts
See Creating Multi-Pads
See Creating Multi-Pockets
See Creating Grooves
See Creating Holes
See Creating Ribs
See Creating Slots
See Creating Solid Combines

See Creating Stiffeners
See Creating Multi-sections Solids
See Creating Removed Multi-sections Solids

See Creating Edge Fillets
See Creating Variable Radius Fillets
See Creating Face-Face Fillets
See Creating Tritangent Fillets
See Creating Chamfers
See Creating Basic Drafts
See Creating Draft from Reflect Lines
See Creating Variable Angle Drafts
See Creating Advanced Drafts
See Creating Shells
See Creating Thicknesses
See Creating Threaded Holes
See Creating Replace Face Features
See Creating Remove Face Features

The Surface-Based Features toolbar is available in extended or compact display mode. To choose your display mode, use View ->
Toolbars -> Surface-Based Feature (Extended/Compact).
See Creating Splits
See Creating Thick Surfaces
See Creating Close Surface Features
See Creating Sew Surfaces

See Creating Translations
See Creating Rotations
See Symmetry
See Mirror
See Creating Rectangular Patterns
See Creating Circular Patterns
See Creating User Patterns
See Creating Scalings

You can display the Reference Elements toolbar using View -> Tool bars -> Reference Elements
(extended/compact).
See Creating Points
See Creating Lines
See Creating Planes

These toolbars are optional. You can display them using View -> Toolbars.
See Assembling Bodies
See Adding Bodies
See Removing Bodies
See Intersecting Bodies
See Trimming Bodies
See Keeping and Removing Faces

Sketcher Toolbar
See Sketcher User's Guide.
See Changing a Sketch Support.

Constraints Toolbar
See Setting 3D Constraints
See Setting Constraints Defined in Dialog Box

Analysis Toolbar
See Performing a Draft Analysis
See Performing a Surface Curvature Analysis
See Analyzing Taps and Threads

Annotations Toolbar
See Creating a Text With Leader
See Creating a Flag Note

Tools Toolbar
See Updating Parts
See Axis System
See Computing Mean Dimensions
See Creating Datums
See Display in the Geometry Area
See Optimizing Part Design Application
See Component Catalog Editor User's guide Version 5.

Insert Toolbar
See Inserting a New Body
See Inserting a Body into an Ordered Geometrical Set
See Inserting a Geometrical Set
See Inserting an Ordered Geometrical Set
See Inserting Features into a New Body

Body, Part Body

Body
Solid Bodies (bodies created with versions up

to Version 5 Release 14).
Pad
Drafted Filleted Pad
Pocket
Drafted Filleted Pocket
Shaft
Multi-Pad
Multi-Pocket
Groove
Hole
Rib
Slot
Stiffener
Loft
Remove Lofted Material
Edge Fillet
Variable Radius Fillet

Face-Face Fillet
Tritangent Fillet
Chamfer
Basic Draft
Draft from Reflect Lines
Variable Angle Draft
Advanced Draft
Shell
Thickness
Thread
Split
Thick Surface
Close Surface
Sew Surface
Translation
Rotation
Symmetry
Mirror
Rectangular Pattern
Circular Pattern
User Pattern
Scaling
Points
Lines
Planes
Draft Analysis
Curvature Analysis
Tap-Thread Analysis
Textual Annotations
Flag Notes
Bodies and PartBodies
Depending on the chosen environment type, icons representing bodies (and partbodies) are assigned distinct
colors as summarized in this table:
Environment type Solid body Body Insert Body command
Solid body
Body
Note
When creating a new body (using Insert->Body or Insert->Body in a Set), the icon associated to the inserted body
is assigned the green color in the specification tree.
A Part Body. This type of partbody can include solids, wireframe and
surface elements.
PartBody
The icon identifying part bodies is:
● green in a hybrid environment (default environment).

● yellow in a non-hybrid environment.
A solid PartBody. This type of Part Body cannot include wireframe nor
surface elements.
PartBody
The icon identifying solid part bodies is:
● gray in a hybrid environment (default environment)

● green in a non-hybrid environment.
A Body. This type of body can include solids, wireframe and surface
elements.
Body.3
The icon identifying bodies is:
● green in a hybrid environment (default environment).

● yellow in a non-hybrid environment.
A solid body. This type of body cannot include wireframe nor surface
elements.
Body.1
The icon identifying solid bodies is:
● green in a non-hybrid environment.

● gray in a hybrid environment (default environment).
Miscellaneous
xy plane, yz plane or zx plane. You can click the desired reference plane
xy plane either in the geometry area or in the specification tree.
A model with a geometrical representation.
Body.1
Sketch. For more information about Sketcher Workbench, refer to :

Entering the Sketcher Workbench in Sketcher User's Guide.
Sketch.1
Absolute Axis: contains information about Origin, HDirection and

VDirection.
AbsoluteAxis
Origin.
Origin
HDirection or VDirection.
HDirection
Geometry (Point, Line,...): Wireframe and Surfaces features.
Geometry
Constraints: Parallelism, Perpendicularity, etc.
Constraints
Publication : a CATPart or CATProduct element is published that is to say

its geometrical data is exposed. For more information refer to Managing a
face
Product Publication in Assembly User's Guide.
Assembly hole. For detailed information about Assembly features, refer to

Assembly Design User's Guide Version 5.
Hole.1
External references branch of the part : external geometry (a face, a point

or a line) is copied/imported from driving parts to contextual parts that are
Open_body.1 being driven (Design in context). You can customize External References
as follows: select Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part
Infrastructure, click the General tab and check the Keep links with
selected object option.
A product in NO SHOW mode. For information about the SHOW/NO SHOW

modes, see Displaying Hidden Objects in Infrastructure's User Guide.
Product4
A part in NO SHOW mode. For information about the SHOW/NO SHOW

modes, see Displaying Hidden Objects in Infrastructure's User Guide.
Part5
The Sketcher symbol is by default in NO SHOW mode.

Symbols reflecting an incident in the Geometry building

Miscellaneous Incidents
Incidents on Constraints
Miscellaneous Incidents
Part to be updated
Part1
No visualization of the product or the part. The product's reference cannot be found. The geometry of
Product1 the component disappears.
A broken link. The access to this product is impossible because the link with the root document has been
PartBody lost.
A broken shaft.
Shaft.1
The pocket's representation is deactivated.

Pocket.1
Isolated plane (can no longer be edited)

Plane.1
Incidents on Constraints
A broken constraint. The access to this product and the information about its constraints cannot be
Offset.1 retrieved.
A deactivated constraint (a parallelism constraint).

Parallelism.1
A constraint to be updated (a perpendicularity constraint).

Perpendicularity.1
Referenced Geometry
Referenced Geometry
Geometry copied from a document different from the

CATPart document in which it is pasted.
Initial geometry has undertaken modifications in the

original CATPart document: solid to be synchronized.
Initial geometry has been deleted in the original CATPart

document or the original CATPart document has not
been found
Pointed document found but not loaded (use the Load

contextual command or the Edit -> Links command)
External link deactivated so that geometry cannot be

synchronized during the update of the part (even if the
option "Synchronize all external references for update" is
on).
Geometry pasted (using the As Result with Link option)

within the same CATPart document from which it is has
been copied
Point referenced in the CATPart document is a published

element.
Sketch referenced in the CATPart document is a

published element. The published point has undertaken
modifications so that a synchronization is required.
Customizing
A certain number of settings is available to let you customize your Part Design workbench.
The customization you perform is stored in permanent setting files, meaning that these settings are not lost when you end
your session.
To access them, proceed as follows:
1. Select Tools -> Options.
The Options dialog box displays.
2. From the Infrastructure category, select the Part Infrastructure sub-category in the left-hand box.
The General, Display and Part Document tabs appear.
The General tab provides options dealing with:
❍ External References
❍ Update
❍ Delete Operation
❍ Replace
The Display tab provides option dealing with:
❍ Display in Specification Tree
❍ Display in Geometry Area
❍ Checking Operation When Renaming
The Part Document tab provides option dealing with:
❍ When Creating Parts
❍ Hybrid Design
3. To access settings about annotations, select the 3D Annotations Infrastructure category.
Click the tabs of interest.
● Tolerancing
● Display
● Manipulators
● Annotation
● View/Annotation Plane
4. Change these options according to your needs.
5. Click OK when done to validate your settings.

Display
This tab deals with these categories of options:
● Display in Specification Tree
● Display in Geometry Area
● Checking Operation When Renaming
Display in Specification Tree
There are six types of elements you can display or not in the Specification tree. If you want them to be
displayed, just select them.
● External References
● Constraints
● Parameters
● Relations
● Bodies under operations
● Sketches
External References
Copies with links of geometry from other documents:
By default, this option is selected.

Constraints
Dimensional and geometrical constraints created in the CATPart document:
By default, this option is not selected.
Parameters
Parameters created using the Knowledge Advisor capability:
If you wish to know what parameters and relations are, refer to the CATIA Knowledge Advisor Users Guide
Version 5.
Relations
Relations (formulas) created using the Knowledge Advisor capability:
If you wish to know what relations are, refer to the CATIA Knowledge Advisor Users Guide Version 5.
Bodies under operations
Bodies attached to other bodies in different ways (Add, Assemble, Remove, Intersect, Union Trim).
The option is selected: The option is not selected:
This option is available only with Part Design application. For more, refer to "Associating Bodies" in the CATIA
Part Design Users Guide Version 5.
Sketches
If the Expand sketch-based feature nodes at creation option is selected, sketch-based features nodes are
expanded so as to display sketch nodes. If not selected, sketch nodes are present in the tree but you need to
click the plus sign to the left of features to expand them.
Display in Geometry Area
There are five options available for customizing the geometry display:
● Only the current operated solid
● Only current body
● Geometry located after the current feature
● Parameters of features and constraints
● Axis system display size
Only the current operated solid
This option is used when editing features belonging to attached bodies (bodies that underwent Boolean
operations) only. It displays
● only the features of the current body,

● all the other bodies and geometrical sets directly aggregated to the part.
In the following example, the option is on: you can see Body.2 and Set.1.
This setting can greatly improve the application performances whenever you edit these features.
Note: Instead of accessing this option via Tools -> Options, you can click this icon available in the
Tools toolbar.
Only Current Body
This option displays the geometry of the current part body or open body only. In the example above, we could
not see Set.1.
Geometry located after the current feature
This option is reserved for Ordered Geometrical Sets (OGSs) and bodies that can include both Part Design
features and GSD features (for more information, refer to Hybrid Design in the CATIA Part Design Users Guide
Version 5.). If selected, the application displays:
● the geometry of the current feature and

● only the GSD and wireframe geometry located after the current feature.
In the example below, since the option is on, you cannot see EdgeFillet.1 nor Hole.1 in the geometry area:
Parameters of features and constraints
This option permanently displays parameters attached to Part Design features and Sketcher constraints.
Axis system display size (in mm)
This option lets you define the size of axis systems in mm.
Checking Operation When Renaming

Three options let you define rules for renaming geometric elements (using the Properties command).
No name check
Use this option if you wish to allow all types of rename operations whatever the locations of the elements in
By default, this option is checked.
Under the same tree node
Check this option to prevent two elements belonging to a common node from having the same name. If you
are giving an identical name, a warning message is issued informing you that the element you are renaming
will be suffixed as 'Renamed'. The check operation in case-insensitive.
In the main object
Check this option to prevent two elements belonging to the same main node from having the same name. The
check operation in case-insensitive.

General
● External References
● Update
● Delete Operation
● Replace
External References
Keep link with selected object
Checking this option lets you maintain the links between external references, (copied elements and imported
elements), and their origins when you are editing these elements. This option is used as you are editing parts
included in assemblies. For more about designing parts in assembly context, refer to the CATIA Assembly
Design Users Guide Version 5. If later on you need to cut the link between external references and their origin,
you just need to use the Isolate command.
In the example below, the option is selected:

Now, when the option is not selected:
Create external elements as shown elements
If this option is selected, all external references you create from the moment the option is on, are visible in the
geometry area. The option does not affect external references created before the option was active.
Confirm when creating a link with selected object
Selecting this option enables you to be warned that links are created when you are pasting or importing
elements from a separate part. This is the warning message that is displayed:
This option is valid if Keep link with selected object is selected as well.
Use root context in assembly
Check this option to ensure that the root of the assembly is the context used. Uncheck this option if you prefer
to use the minimal context. For more about changing contexts, please refer to the task describing the Define
Contextual Links command in the Product Structure User's Guide.
Only use published elements for external selection keeping link
Check this option if you want to allow only published elements to be selected as external geometry. This
restricts and therefore controls the selections that can be made when selecting elements belonging to a
different part.
If Keep link with selected object is not on, although selected, this option has no effect.
Publish a face, edge, axis, vertes or extremity
Selected, this option enables you to directly select faces, edges, vertices, axes extremities when defining a
Publication.

Update
Automatic/Manual
Check Automatic if you want parts to be updated automatically. Conversely, check Manual if you wish to
control your update operations.
By default, the Automatic option is selected.
Stop Update on first error
Check this option to stop the update process as soon as the application finds an error when building the
geometry.
Synchronize all external references for update
Check this option to make sure that the application updates elements copied from other parts. Synchronizing
assumes that all modifications to the other parts affect external references included in your part. If this option
is deactivated, the application will update your part only.
Activate local visualization
Check this option to visualize features as they are being rebuilt during the update process.
Delete Operation
Display the Delete dialog box
Check this option if you wish to access filters for deletion (see "Deleting Features" in the Part Design Users
Guide Version 5).
Delete exclusive parents
Check this option if you wish to delete the parents of the features you are deleting. The parents will be deleted
only if they are exclusive, in other words, if they are not shared by other features. Conversely, if they are
shared by other features they will not be deleted.
When this setting is active, the option is selected in the Delete dialog box. Even if the option is selected in the
Delete dialog box, you can uncheck it if you wish to. If Display the Delete dialog box is not selected, this
setting has no effect. For more information, refer to Deleting Features in the Part Design Users Guide Version
5.
Replace
Do replace only for elements situated after the In Work Object
Checking this option makes the Replace... operation possible only for features located below the feature in
Work Object and in the same branch.

Part Document
● When Creating Parts
● Hybrid Design
When Creating Parts
Create an axis system
Select this option if you wish to create a three-axis system which origin point is defined by the intersection of
the three default planes that is plane xy, plane yz, and plane zx. When the CATPart document is open, the axis
system is displayed both in the geometry and in the specification tree. For more information about Axis
System, refer to the Part Design User's Guide.

Create a geometrical set
Check this option if you wish to create a geometrical set as soon as you create a new part. From V5R15
onward, geometrical sets created with this option on, are located above Part Bodies in the specification tree.
For more information about geometrical sets, refer to Generative Shape Design User's Guide.
Note: data contained in the CGR format are saved within the CATPart format when you are saving your part in
order to improve performances when working in Assembly Design workbench.
Create an ordered geometrical set
Check this option if you wish to create an ordered geometrical set as soon as you create a new part. For more
information about ordered geometrical sets, refer to Generative Shape Design User's Guide.
Create a 3D work support
Check this option if you wish to create a 3D work on support as soon as you create a new part.
Display the New Part dialog box
Check this option if you wish to display the New Part dialog box as soon as you create a new part (using Start-
>Mechanical Design or File-> New... part).
This dialog box lets you name the new part and access options defining whether you wish to:
● work in a hybrid design environment

● create a geometrical set
● create an ordered geometrical set
Note that you can also access these options by using Tools->Options as described above. For more
information about the New part dialog box, refer to Part Design User's Guide.
Hybrid Design
Enable hybrid design inside part bodies and bodies

Check this option if you wish you to work in a hybrid design environment, that is with bodies that can include
wireframe and surface elements.
Note:
If your CATPart document already contains traditional bodies, that is bodies that cannot include surface nor
wireframe elements, the application identifies them with a gray icon:

If the option is deactivated, then on insertion of a traditional body (body not allowed to contain
wireframe nor surface elements), icons identifying existing bodies likely to include wireframe and surface
elements turn yellow.
See hybrid design for reference information. See also the Miscellaneous list identifying icons available in the
Part Design workbench.
Locate wireframe and surface elements

When the option described above is on, meaning that you have chosen to work in a hybrid environment, you
still can then choose between inserting wireframe and surface elements within bodies by checking In a body,
or within geometrical sets by checking In a geometrical set. For more information about geometrical sets,
refer to the Generative Shape Design User's Guide.
By default, the In a body option is selected.

Tolerancing
This page deals with the options concerning:

● The Tolerancing Standard.
● The Leader associativity to the geometry.
Tolerancing Standard
Defines conventional standard options:
Default standard at creation

● ASME: American Society for Mechanical Engineers
● ASME 3D: American Society for Mechanical Engineers
● ANSI: American National Standards Institute
● JIS: Japanese Industrial Standard
● ISO: International Organization for Standardization
By default, the ISO standard is selected.
Leader associativity to the geometry
Defines the leader associativity options:
● Free: specifies that leader annotations are freely positioned relative to their geometrical elements.
● Perpendicular: specifies that leader annotations are positioned perpendicular to their geometrical elements.
By default, the Free option is selected.

Display

● The Grid.
● The Annotations in Specification Tree.
Grid
Defines the grid options:
Display
Defines whether the grid is displayed.
Snap to point
Defines whether annotations are snapped to the grid point.
Allow Distortions
Defines whether grid spacing and graduations are the same horizontally and vertically.
H Primary spacing
Defines the grid horizontal spacing.
By default, the value is 100mm.
H Graduations
Defines the grid horizontal graduations.
By default, the number of graduation is 10.
V Primary spacing
Defines the grid vertical spacing, available only if Allow Distortions is selected.
By default, the value is 100mm.

V Graduations
Defines the grid vertical graduations, available only if Allow Distortions is selected.
By default, the number of graduation is 10.
Annotations in Specification Tree
Defines the annotations in specification tree options:
Under Geometric Feature nodes

Defines that 3D annotations should be displayed under the geometric feature nodes in the specification tree. This lets you view 3D
annotations under the Part Design or Generative Shape Design feature nodes to which they are applied.
Under View/Annotation Plane nodes

Defines that 3D annotations should be displayed under the view/annotation plane nodes in the specification tree. This lets you view
3D annotations under the view node to which they are linked.
Under Annotations Set node

Defines that 3D annotations should be displayed under the annotation set node in the specification tree, available only if Under
View/Annotation Plane nodes is selected.

Manipulators

● The Manipulators.
Manipulators
Defines the manipulator options:
Reference size
Defines the annotation manipulator's size.
By default, the reference size is 2mm.
Zoomable
Defines whether the annotation manipulator is zoomable or not.


● The View/Annotation Plane Associativity.
● The View/Annotation Plane Display.
View/Annotation Plane Associativity
Defines the View/Annotation Plane associativity options:
Create views associative to geometry

Creates views associative to the geometry, so that views and their annotations are automatically updated when the geometry is
modified.
View/Annotation Plane Display
Defines the View/Annotation Plane display options:
Current view axis display

Defines whether the active annotation plane axis system is displayed.
Zoomable
Defines whether the annotation plane axis is zoomable.
Visualization of the profile in the current view

Defines whether the view/annotation plane profile on the part/product is displayed.

Glossary
A
Coordinates that specify a location in relation to the current coordinate system origin
absolute coordinates
(0,0,0).
The collecting of features or sketches into a Part Design feature in the specification
aggregation
tree.
annotation An entity that provides information for the drawing. Texts are annotation entities.
associativity The interdependent relationships between entities.
B
body See part body.
C
chamfer A cut through the thickness of the feature at an angle, giving a sloping edge.
child A status defining the genealogical relationship between a feature or element and
another feature or element. For instance, a pad is the child of a sketch. See also
parent.
constraint A geometric or dimension relation between two elements. These relations are
restrictions for these elements.
D
deactivate To suppresses the behavior of a feature, visually and geometrically.
draft angle A feature provided with a face with an angle and a pulling direction.
F
feature A component of a part. For instance, shafts, fillets and drafts are features.
fillet A curved surface of a constant or variable radius that is tangent to, and that joins
two surfaces. Together, these three surfaces form either an inside corner or an
outside corner.
G
groove A feature corresponding to a cut in the shape of a revolved feature.
H
hole A feature corresponding to an opening through a feature. Holes can be simple,
tapered, counterbored, countersunk, or counterdrilled.
M
mirror A feature created by duplicating an initial feature. The duplication is defined by
symmetry.
O
origin The 3D point having the location 0,0,0 in any coordinate system.
P
pad A feature created by extruding a profile.
parent A status defining the genealogical relationship between a feature or element and
another feature or element. For instance, a pad is the parent of a draft.
part A 3D entity obtained by combining different features.
part body A component of a part made of a combination of several features. From Version 5
Release 14, bodies and part bodies include shape design features.
pattern A set of similar features repeated in the same feature or part.
pocket A feature corresponding to an opening through a feature. The shape of the opening
corresponds to the extrusion of a profile.
profile An open or closed shape including arcs and lines created by the profile command in the
Sketcher workbench.
R
reorder An operation consisting in reorganizing the order of creation of the features.
rib A feature obtained by sweeping a profile along a center curve.
S
scaling An operation that resizes features to a percentage of their initial sizes.
shaft A revolved feature

shell A hollowed out feature
sketch A set of geometric elements created in the Sketcher workbench. For instance, a sketch
may include a profile, construction lines and points.
slot A feature consisting of a passage through a part obtained by sweeping a profile along a
center curve.
solid body A body created with application versions prior to Version 5 Release 14. Such a body
contains no shape design features.
split A feature created by cutting a part or feature into another part or feature using a plane
or face.
stiffener A feature used for reinforcing a feature or part.

Index
A
absolute axis definition
Activate
contextual menu item
activating elements
Add
command
Advanced Draft
command
Analysis
toolbars
analyzing
curvature
draft
Annotations
toolbars
annotations
Apply Material
command
Apply Material command

applying
material
Assemble
command
assigning a type to a user feature

associating
body
Auto modify part numbers with suffix option

AutoSort Geometrical Set
command
axis
Axis System
command
B
blue
Body
command
body
associating
editing
inserting
name
Boolean operation
Boolean operation computation
interrupting
Boolean Operations
toolbars
Boundary
command
boundary
C
canceling
Update
catalog
CATPart documents
cavity
Chamfer
command
Change to XXX
changing a sketch support

Circular Pattern
command
Clear selection

Close Surface
command
color scale
command
Add
Advanced Draft
Apply Material
Assemble
AutoSort Geometrical Set
AutoSort Ordered Geometrical Set
Axis System
Body
Boundary
Chamfer
Change a Sketch Support
Change Body
Circular Pattern
Close Surface
Constraint
Constraint Defined in Dialog Box
Copy
Create a User Feature
Create Datum
Cut
Delete...
Draft Analysis
Draft Angle

Edge Fillet
Extract
Extrapolate
Face-Face Fillet
Flag Note with Leader
Groove
Hole
Hole Feature
Insert Body in a Set
Insert Geometrical Set
Insert Ordered Geometrical Set
Intersect
Intersection
Isolate
Join
Line
Local Axis
Mean Dimensions
Mirror
Multi-Pad
Multi-Pocket
Multi-sections Solid
Pad
Parent Children
Paste
Plane
Pocket
Point
PowerCopy Creation
PowerCopy Instantiate From Document
PowerCopy Instantiation
PowerCopy Save in Catalog
Projection
Publication
Rectangular Pattern
Remove
Remove Face
Remove Geometrical Set
Remove Lump
Remove Ordered Geometrical Set
Removed Multi-sections
Reorder Body
Replace Face
Rib
Rotate
Scaling
Scan or Define in Work Object
Sew Surface
Shaft
Shell
Slot
Solid Combine
Split
Stiffener
Surfacic Curvature Analysis
Symmetry
Tap/Thread Analysis
Text with Leader
Thick Surface
Thickness
Thread/Tap
Translation
Tritangent Fillet
Union Trim
Update
User Pattern
Work on Support 3D
commands
Apply Material
Edit-Links
complex profile
Constraint
command
constraint
deactivating/activating
editing
hole
name
reference
renaming
setting
type
Constraint Defined in Dialog Box
command
Constraints
toolbars
contextual command
Reset Properties
Show Parents and Children

Activate
Change to XXX
Clear selection
Deactivate
Define in Work Object
Definition
Edit Parameters
Explode Pattern
Go to Profile
hide components
open pointed document
Paste Special
Properties
Reorder
Replace
Show All Children
show components
Synchronize
Synchronize All
Tangency propagation
contextual part
controlled by reference
Copy
command
corner
reshaping
counterbored
Hole
counterdrilled
Hole
countersunk
Hole
Create Datum
command
creating
boundary
curves
datum
elements by intersection
elements by projection
feature
hole features
line
plane
creating a loop
creating a NLS user feature
creating a part template
creating a user feature
creating point
cube
Cut
command
D
datum
datums
Deactivate

deactivating
features
deactivating elements
deactivating/activating
constraint
Define in Work Object
define in work object

defining
local axis-system
Definition

Delete...
command
deleting
feature
pattern
un-referenced features
density
part
difficulties
Draft Angle
document chooser
document template
external document
methodology
part template
window
document template window
auto modify part numbers with suffix option
automatic input
edit list button
manual input
new document
same document
Draft Analysis
command
draft analysis
Draft Angle
command
difficulties
neutral element
parting element
command
parting element
command
drafting
filleting
neutral element
command
drafting
filleting
drafting

Dress-Up Features
toolbars
dress-up features
E
Edge Fillet
command
inside corner
Edit List... button

Edit Parameters

editing
body
constraint
feature
part
pattern
Edit-Links command
elements
extracting
isolate
entering
Part Design workbench

Explode Pattern

exploding
User Pattern
external document
external reference
Extract
command
extract
extracting
propagation
extrapolate
extrapolating
surfaces
extrusion
F
Face-Face Fillet
command
face-face fillet
spine
feature
creating
deleting
editing
parameter
positioning
feature list
features
deactivating
file
fillet computation
interrupting
filleting

Flag Note with Leader
command
flat end
Hole
G
Go to Profile

graphic properties
hybrid design
graphical properties
Groove
command
H
helix
hide components

Hole
command
counterbored
counterdrilled
countersunk
flat end
locating
pointed end
simple
tapered
threading
toleranced
up to plane
up to surface
V-bottom
hole
constraint
hole features
hybrid design
graphic properties
I
improving
Update
insert a body in a set

Insert Geometrical Set
command
inserting
body
body in an ordered geometrical set
geometrical sets
inside corner
Edge Fillet
instance
instantiating
Power Copies
Power Copies using part comparison instantiation

instantiating a power copy
from a VB macro
instantiating a user feature
from a catalog
from a document
from a selection
from a VB macro
interrupting
Boolean operation computation
fillet computation
Update
Intersect
command
intersection
isolate
J
join
joining
curves
surfaces
L
limiting element
line
bisecting
normal to surface
point-direction
point-point
tangent to curve
up to a curve
up to a point
up to a surface
link
material
Link to file option
list of elements
Local Axis
command
local axis-system
defining
locating
Hole
loop
creating a loop
M
macro
managing
geometrical sets
ordered geometrical sets

mapping
material
material
applying
link
mapping
positioning
properties
Mean Dimensions
command
Mirror
command
moving
geometrical sets
multi-document environment
Multi-Pad
command
Multi-Pocket
command
Multi-sections Solid
command
N
name
body
constraint
part
neutral element
Draft Angle
New Document
NLS user feature
nominal dimension
not normal
Pad
O
offset
open pointed document

ordered geometrical set
insert and delete
inserting
modify children
removing
removing a feature
reorder
reorder features
replace features
select features
sort
switch to geometrical set
visualize features
ordered geometrical sets
managing
P
Pad
command
not normal
up to last
up to next
up to plane
up to surface
parameter
feature
Parent Children
command
parentheses
part
density
editing
name
Part Design workbench
entering
part template
creating
instantiating
parting element
Draft Angle

Paste
command
Paste Special

pattern
deleting
editing
permanent display
pink
plane
angle-normal to plane
equation
from equation
mean through points
normal to curve
offset from plane
parallel through point
tangent to surface
through planar curve
through point and line
through three points
through two lines

Pocket
command
up to last
up to plane
up to surface
Pocket command
point
creating
pointed end
Hole
positioning
feature
material
power copy
instantiating from a vb macro

PowerCopy Creation
command
PowerCopy Instantiate From Document
command
PowerCopy Save in Catalog
command
profile
projection
propagation
extracting
Properties
properties
material
Publication
command
pulling direction
purple
R
Rectangular Pattern
command
red
reference
constraint
reference element
Reference Elements
toolbars
referencing a user feature in a search operation

Remove
command
Remove Face
command
Remove Geometrical Set
command
Remove Lump
command
Removed Multi-sections
command
removing
geometrical sets
renaming
constraint
Reorder

Reorder Body
command
reordering
geometrical sets
Replace

Replace Face
command
replace viewer
Reset Properties
contextual command
reshaping
corner
Rib
command
Rotate
command
Running Commands window
S
Same Document
Scaling
command
scan
Search
setting
constraint
settings
Sew Surface
command
Shaft
command
sharp edges
Shell
command
Show All Children

show components

Show Parents and Children
contextual command
simple
Hole
sketch
changing the support
sketch-based features
Sketched-Based Features
toolbars
Sketcher
toolbars
Sketcher command
Slot
command
solid
solid bodies
Solid Combine
command
sorting
geometrical sets
specification tree
spine
face-face fillet

Split
command
standards
Stiffener
command
support 3D
surface
toolbars
surface-based features
Surfacic Curvature Analysis
command
surfacic Curvature Analysis
symbols
Symmetry
command
Synchronize

Synchronize All
T
Tangency propagation

Tap/Thread Analysis
command
tapered
Hole
Thick Surface
command
Thickness
command
thin solids
Thread/Tap
command
threading
Hole
tolerance
toleranced
Hole
toolbars
Analysis
Annotations
Boolean Operations
Constraints
Dress-Up Features
Reference Elements
Sketched-Based Features
Sketcher
Tools
Tools
toolbars
Tools Options - 3D Annotations Infrastructure
Display
Manipulators
Tolerancing
Tools Options - Functional Tolerancing and Annotation
toolbars
transformation features
Translation
command
Tritangent Fillet
command
type
constraint
U
Union Trim
command
un-referenced features
deleting
up to last
Pad
Pocket
up to next
Pad
up to plane
Hole
Pad
Pocket
up to surface
Hole
Pad
Pocket
Update
canceling
command
improving
interrupting
user feature
assigning a type
creating
instantiating from a catalog

instantiating from a vb macro
limitations
referencing in search operation
storing in a catalog
useful tips
User Pattern
command
exploding
V
command
spine
V-bottom
Hole
W
wireframe geometry
working with a 3D support

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Part Design Version 5 Release 15 Page 1

This overview provides the following information:

● Part Design in a Nutshell

● Before Reading this Guide

● Getting the Most out of This Guide

● Accessing Sample Documents

● Conventions Used in this Guide

Part Design in a Nutshell

Before Reading this Guide

Getting the Most out of this Guide

Accessing Sample Documents

Conventions Used in this Guide

● Graphic conventions structuring the tasks

● Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required

● Graphic conventions used in the table of contents

Graphic Conventions Structuring the Tasks

Graphic conventions structuring the tasks are denoted as follows:

This icon... Identifies...

estimated time to accomplish a task

the start of the scenario

information regarding settings, customization, etc.

the end of a task

functionalities that are new or enhanced with this release

allows you to switch back to the full-window viewing mode

Graphic Conventions Indicating the Configuration Required

Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required are denoted as follows:

This icon... Indicates functions that are...

specific to the P1 configuration

specific to the P2 configuration

specific to the P3 configuration

Graphic Conventions Used in the Table of Contents

Graphic conventions used in the table of contents are denoted as follows:

This icon... Gives access to...

Split View Mode

User Tasks or Advanced Tasks

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use the Mouse

● Select (menus, commands, geometry in graphics area, ...)

● Right-click (to select contextual menu)

The main tasks described in this section are:

Entering the Part Design Workbench

The final part will look like this:

Now, let's get to sketching the profile!

Entering the Part Design Workbench

1. Select File -> New... (or click the New icon).

2. Select Part in the List of Types field.

surface elements in bodies.

empty CATPart document opens.

perform the following task Creating a Pad.

Open the GettingStarted.CATPart document to open the required profile.

2. As you prefer to create a larger pad, enter 60 mm in the Length field.

The application previews the pad to be created.

plane. The application displays this creation in the specification tree:

how to customizing the Tree and Geometry Views.

1. Click the Draft Angle icon .

2. Select the face as shown by the arrow as the face to be drafted.

faces are in a lighter red.

4. Enter 9 degrees in the Angle field.

5. Click OK. The part is drafted: