Doing an Assembly

Catias Answer
IE 1225 Introduction to Design &
Manufacturing
Dr. Richard Lindeke, Ph.D.

Issues we will explore:

Using

the Product Tree

Part Command allows parts can be inserted into

the tree and designed on the fly
Components which are coupled into the
CATProduct but dont exist as a separate entity in
its own file
Existing Component is used to insert an existing
part or assembly into the current Product
Sub-Assemblies are previously developed
Assembled Products that can be inserted into a
current product all at once

Considering Assembly Constraints:

Coincidence

Constraints: aligns axes, planes

and points
Contact Constraints: a tool for creating
contacts between 2 planes or surfaces
Offset Constraint: defines a desired offset
distance between two elements
Angle Constraints: A way to define an angular
relationship between two elements

Considering Assembly Constraints:

Fix

Component: A way to FIX a part in space

so that it will always remain there. Other parts
can be constrained relative to a Fixed
component
Fix Together: Fixes two parts together
(forever)
Flexible/Rigid Subassembly: in a flexible sub,
parts and components can be moved
regardless of the fact if it (or they) are the
active component

More Considerations:
Use

Save Management commands because

of the several links within the root tree

Save or save-as individuals in the Save

Management window
We can also just Save All for a full update

When

modeling because of constraining

issues, parts must have tolerenced
dimensions added

We Finish with an Assembly:

From Which we Make an Exploded Product

Drawing

Note: The
Product is
highlighted
We can
explode and
assemble!

Building An Assembly

Start Work in the Assembly Workbench

We begin with a Root CATProduct
We can create Components of the assembly that exist
only within the Root Files
We can inport Existing Components to the Assembly (parts
or sub-assemblies created earlier) W/ or W/O positioning
We can create Parts for the Assembly on the Fly
We can create Instances or duplicates of parts
We can create Numbers or Letters to Identify parts of an
Assembly for BOM needs
We can Manage Representation (names, associations,
etc.) of the components of an assembly
We can Bring in Catalog or standard components to
our assemblies like bolts/nuts/pins, etc.

Because Assemblies are Multi-component

products get in the habit of SaveManaging
them and consider using Folders to save all
of the components and parts required

Lets Get Started:

Using Assbly I & properties to name it then Add

Part ICON to create Part1.1 under it & then
Properties/ set Instance Name to ToolPostBody

Draw a Profile on ZX plane as seen

Pad the Sketch to Dimension on Pg 5.1-7

Add Fillets to
Sides as
specified in
Drawing Pg. 5.1-7
too!

Draw & Contrain the Profile on Large side to

pocket

Add Main Thru Hole Toleranced: .502 -.504;

Positioned as seen

Clicking Tolerance ICON (on hole) lets us

set the dimensions

Add 2 Threaded Holes Finally Counterbored Hole

Positioned as seen:

Make Face Threaded Holes and Add

Material (Cast Iron)

This Part Is Finished Save Manage!!

Add a Second Part (to ToolPost Assembly)

Draw a Profile for the Wedge as Specified note

Angle is 160!

Before Setting Slot Width enter Tools

Options: Set Tolerance Default to +0 -.012
Then set Slot Width 0.19;
Then turn Default Tolerance Off!

After Resetting Def.

Toler.; Exit Sketcher and
Pocket Up to Last Then
Save Manage

After Saving: Show Part 1 Attach the Compass to

The Wedge and Move it Away from the Tool Post
Body Part

Note: The
Compass is
Attached to the
Wedge only it is
moving! When we
finish Click on the
Red Box and drag
it Home (upper
Right Corner of
View)

Make a 3rd Part BOLT- Make it as a Shaft; Careful

of Tolerance Then Sketch and Pad the Head

Then Thread the End: x 13 UNC for 1.25

After Chamfer its End and Save Managing for the

Bolt; Un-Hide The Body & Wedge and Reposition
the Bolt

Standard Parts can be added We highlight the Assembly

Then Click Tool and Mech Std Parts ASME, ANSI Inch
Catalogs

The set screws are inch Size Screws use x 20 1.73

headless modify for proper length and End Form (Edit
Formulas)

After Adding it We can change its Name Set

Screw 1 (or not) then save manage

A Second Headless Set Screw can be added By Copying

this: Rt. Click it .. Copy Then Rt. Click Tool Post Product and
Paste Move it where we desire

Add The ASME Nut (washer type) and Washer position

them

Then Draw in the Rest of

the Components: The Tool
Post Screw (and make a
copy); Then Adj. Screw;
Finally Slotted Washer and
Adjustor Nut

Once all components are Drawn and Saved We add

Assembly Constraints The Heart of the Task!

First A Contact
Constraint Between
The Bottom of the
Wedge and The top of
the Sloped Surface in
the T.Post Body

After Contact Constraint Between Wedge and T.P. Face A

very Useful Offset Constraint Between the Front Face of the
Body and The Wedge

Anchor (FIX) the Tool Post Body Then Up Date

to Bring the Wedge into Position

Apply Coincidence Constraints to the Axes of the

Set Screws and Body Holes And Offset
Constraint To Back of Body and Screw Slots

Add The Rest of The Components & Their

Constraints for Assembly on Your Own

I had previously made and saved the ToolPost Screws So I

added them as components w/ Positioning

They need to have coincidence

and Offset Constraints applied for
proper Posing

After the Copied Screw was constrained: