Catia PDF

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CATIA Training
Foils
Sketcher
Version 5 Release 8
January 2002
EDU-CAT-E-SKE-FF-V5R8
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 1

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Course Presentation
Objectives of the course

In this course you will learn how to sketch, constrain, and edit 2D profiles.
These profiles are then used to generate solids and surfaces
Targeted audience
New users
1 day
Prerequisites
Course CATIA Basics

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Table of Contents
 Introduction to CATIA Sketcher p.4

 Sketching Simple Profiles p.13
 Sketching Pre-Defined Profiles p.52
 Editing Profiles p.58
 Operations On Profiles p.68
 Setting Constraints p.102
 Managing Sketches p.126

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Introduction to the CATIA Sketcher
In this lesson you will see the V5 CATIA Sketcher user interface and basic
functions

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Why Using the Sketcher?
•The Sketcher is a set of tools to help the user quickly generate 2D Geometry.
•The completed Sketch can then be used to generate Solids and Surfaces
•The capability to define Constraints between elements in the Sketcher allows for
quick modification of the Sketch and consequently the Solids or Surfaces that
are based on it.
•Other tools such as Animate Constraints enable the user to explore design
alternatives

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Sketcher Workbench
Select Start > Mechanical Design > Sketcher

then select a plane or a face on an object
You can also access the Sketcher by

selecting the Sketcher icon from any
Workbench where it is possible to do a
sketch

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Sketcher Interface (1/4): Sketcher Workbench general
A New Sketch will register in the Part Tree when entering the Sketcher Workbench
Standard tools
Part tree Exit to

3D Space
Tools & Operations
Constraints
Icons
New Sketch
Sketcher
Design tools...

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Sketcher Interface (2/4): Sketcher Tools Exit Sketcher
Profile
Rectangles, Keyholes, Polygons...
Circles, Ellipse, Arcs... Profiles

Spline
Ellipse
Line
Axis
Points...
Corner
Operations
Chamfer
Trim options...
Symmetry
Projection
Constraints dialog box

Constraints
Constraint
Auto Constraint
Animate Constraint
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Sketcher Interface (3/4):Toolbars Sketcher
Icons
Predefined Profiles
Insert menu or toolbars
Circles
Conic
Line
Point

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Sketcher Interface (4/4): Sketcher Plane
It is possible to do zoom panning

and rotation (using the mouse).
To reset a
sketch plane
rotation,
Once on the plane on which you want to select the
sketch has been selected, it is displayed Normal View
parallel to the screen (if Tools+ Option + icon
mechanical Design + Sketcher + Position
sketch plane parallel to screen is active)
If you select the Normal View icon when the sketch plane is
already displayed parallel to the screen, you will turn the sketch
plane and see its other side.

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Terminology
• The Sketch is the holding point for a group 2D elements on a
specific plane. There can be more than one Sketch using the same
plane as support.
• The V-H Axis is the 0,0 for the Sketch.
• Sketches generally consist of a Profile, Constraints, and

Dimensions (a type of Constraint).
Profile
Constraints
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 Dimensions 11

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General Process
1
2
Access the
Select a plane, Sketcher
a Solid Face, or a Planar Workbench
Surface to Sketch on
3
4 An In-Work Sketch
Create is added to the
Geometric Specifications Trees
Elements
5
Constrain the
Geometric
Elements
Use the Sketch

to Create a Solid
or Surface
6
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Sketching Simple Profiles
In this lesson you will learn how to create most of the Sketcher geometric
elements. You will also learn how to use the various work modes available
for the Sketcher Workbench.
The Sketcher Work Modes

Profile
Points
Lines
Spline
Circles and Arcs
Conics
Axis
Recap Exercise

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The CATIA Sketcher Work Modes
You will learn the Sketcher Work Modes by using
Grid/Snap
Standard/Construction Geometry
Value Fields
Automatic Constraints
Automatic Dimensions
Section View

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Why Sketcher Work Modes?
The Sketcher Work Modes aid you

while you sketch the geometry.
They facilitate input of values,
automate Geometrical/Dimensional
Constraints creation, help visualize
3D geometry etc ...

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Using Grid/Snap
When creating any lines ( profile, segment, circle,

arc, curve, …), you can activate or deactivate the
snap to point icon at any time.
• When the snap to point icon is active, the cursor
only snaps on the points of the grid (graphical
creation). If you enter coordinates when the snap to
point icon is active, the system does not take into
account the grid and place the point in accordance
with the coordinates you have entered.
• To modify the grid parameters, select

Tools + Options… from the top of the
screen, select Mechanical Design from
3
the dialog box then, select the Sketcher
tab.
1 5

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Standard/Construction Geometry
Two types of elements: Standard or Construction
Standard elements represent the most commonly

created elements
Construction elements aim at helping you in sketching

the required profile. They facilitate your design
Creating standard or construction elements is based

upon the same methodology.
Clicking the icon switches from one mode to the other
Standard + Construction
Elements

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Value Fields
During sketching, you can enter exact
coordinates/lengths/angles in the Tools bar.
1 For the profile first point, you can define the Horizontal and Vertical
coordinates. By pressing the tab key you access the Horizontal coordinate
field, so you can enter it. By pressing the tab key once more, you access to the
Vertical coordinate field, so you can enter it
For example, in using the
Profile tool ...
For the profile second point, you can also use the tab key to enter a
coordinate, but you can also define the second point of the profile by entering
the length of the segment between the first and the second point and/or by
entering the angle between the Horizontal axis and the segment to be created.
When profiling an arc, the tools bar allows you to enter the H and
V coordinates of the last point of the arc but you can also enter a
radius. You can enter these coordinates by using the tab key. If you enter only one of the
coordinates (H, V, L, A or R)
you fix it, this means that the
other parameters can move
graphically but not the fixed
one.
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Automatic Dimensions
1 Multi-select
When activated:
- corner dimensions two edges of
- chamfer dimensions existing
- dimensions entered into rectangle
In sketcher, the value fields
select the are automatically created 2 3
Dimensional during geometry
Constraints construction.
Icon
Select Corner
icon
4
Move the
With Dimensional corner
Constraints on preview to
desired
location and
click
With Dimensional
Constraints off

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Automatic Constraints
In sketcher,
select the
Geometrical
1 Constraints Icon
2
In Tools/Options/Mechanical
Design/Sketcher/Constraint/SmartPick specify Notice that
which Constraints you want detected Tangency
Constraints are
created even when
Geometrical
Constraints is Off
With
Geometrical
Constraints 3
Off Start to sketch the geometry.
Variations of valid Constraints
will be proposed depending on
where the Mouse is with respect
to the existing geometry. When
you see the Constraint you
With
require, click on the Mouse to
Geometrical
store the Constraint (and the
Constraints
new geometry).
On

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Section View
In order to see a Section View of the part

while sketching, click on the Cutting Plane
command in the Cut By Plane Toolbar.
This is purely a visualization tool, no

intersection curves are created from the
intersection of the Solid with the Cutting
Plane.
If you need to Constrain to

(or Dimension off from) the intersected
outline of the Solid, use the Intersect 3D
Elements Tool

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Profiles
You will learn how to create a Profile element
Profile in the Sketcher Profile seen in 3D

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What are Profiles ?
• A profile is a series of adjacent planar geometric elements such as points, lines, and curves
• Profiles are used to extrude Sketch-Based Features
Closed or open ?
A profile can be:
• "Closed" (the last element connects up
with the first element in the series)
• or "Open" (the first and last elements in the
series are not in contact).
• If a profile is "Closed", it can have other
profiles contained inside its boundaries
Open profile
Inner profiles
• A profile, within a profile, is

shown here to illustrate how
"Inner Domains" work.
Notice the reversals of the
boolean operations between
addition and subtraction as
we progress from the
outside inwards
Inner profiles
3 Select the
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Creating Profiles tangent arc
Tangency
icon, select
constraint
Horizontal end point
constraint
In Sketcher, Select
Profile icon
2
Select the line icon
(default) and click on two
4
points to create line Select the Three Point Arc
icon and click on two
6 points to create arc
Drag horizontally and click to create line.
Rather than using the Tangent arc icon to
create the final arc, click, drag and release at
the beginning of the arc and CATIA goes into
the tangent arc mode automatically.
5
Select the line icon and
drag vertically to create
line and click
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Points
You will learn the various

methods to create points

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How are Points Created in the Sketcher ?
Points can be created in the Sketcher in two ways:
- By the user
- By the system
When the user creates a line, the line’s end points are
automatically created by the system. When the user creates a
circle, the center point is created.
The coordinates of these automatically created points can

later be modified by double-clicking and entering new values.
Alternatively, the user can first create the points directly. He

can then create a line or any other geometry by selecting
these points.

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Point by Identification
2
Click the
location where
In sketcher, select you want the
the Point by point
Clicking
Coordinates icon
For ease of placing the points,

select the Snap to Point icon so the
cursor will snap to the grid while
trying to locate the point

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Points by Coordinates
2
Fill in the desired
In sketcher, select the
Cartesian or
Point by clicking
Polar
Coordinates icon
coordinates
If the Dimensional Constraints

mode is on, Polar dimensions will
automatically be created in the case
of Polar input. (Cartesian
dimensions created in the case of
Cartesian input)

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Lines

methods to create lines

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What is a Line in CATIA V5?
In CATIA V5, a line segment is described in the

Specifications Tree by three nodes - two point
nodes (Point.1 and Point.2) and one line node
(Line.1).
The line is supported by its parents - the points.

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

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Lines Between Two Points
1
2
Click starting
point of the
…then click the
In sketcher, select line...
end point
Line icon
3
OR… you can type the line
specifications in the value fields
of the Tools pallet

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Bi-Tangent Lines
2
1
Select the two elements
you want the line to be
tangent to ...
In sketcher, select the Bi-
Tangent Line icon
The Bi-Tangent
line is created

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Splines
You will learn how to create a

Spline in the Sketcher

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Which Should I Use - Sketcher Spline or 3D Spline?
Since the 3D Spline Tool - available within the Wireframe&Surfaces (WFS) or Generative Shape
Design (GSD) Workbenches - can also be used in a 2D manner (with Geometry on Support being a
plane), when should you use the Sketcher Spline and when is the 3D Spline more appropriate?
In general, use the Sketcher Spline to create

Sketches for generating solid Sketch-Based
Features. (Although Pads and Pockets can
be generated from 3D Splines)
Use the 3D Spline when you need more

control over the Spline - i.e. Tangent
Tension, Curvature Direction, Curvature
Radius.
Surfaces can be generated from Splines

created by either method.

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Creating a Spline
1
3
2
…then click the
Click first second point of
In sketcher,
point to start the spline
select the
the spline
Spline Icon
5
Double-Click to specify
the spline End Point.
4
Double-Click on a Spline Control Point …then click for the third

to specify exact coordinates or to create point of the spline
a Tangency vector at that point. You
can later apply Constraints on this
vector (i.e. make it parallel to a line).
Double-Click on a Spline Control Point to specify exact coordinates
or to define a Curvature after a tangency vector
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Connecting curve
1 Select the
Connect icon
2 Select the
first curve
3
Select the
second curve
You get:

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Circles and Arcs

methods to create circles
and arcs.

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What are Circles and Arcs in CATIA ?
In CATIA V5, a Circle consists of two nodes:
Point.1 specifying the coordinates of the Circle Center

Circle.1 specifying the Radius of the Circle
The Arc will have two additional nodes:
Point.2 specifying the coordinates of one limit

Point.3 specifying the coordinates of the second limit
Note: When a Circle is Trimmed leaving only a portion of

the complete circle. Two additional points are added to
the Specifications Tree. In fact, the representation
becomes the same as that of an Arc.

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Basic Circles
2
Click once to define the center point of
1 the circle, then drag the cursor
In the sketcher, select the

Circle icon
…and click
again to define
the circle size

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Circles Through Three Points
1 Click three 2
times to
define 3
points. The
In sketcher, circle will
select Three pass through
Point Circle these points
icon 3

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Circle Using Coordinates
In sketcher, select
Circle using
Coordinates icon
3
2 Enter the size of
Enter the absolute the radius
coordinates of the
circle

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Three Points Arcs
1
2
Click first
point to start
the arc...
In sketcher, 3
select Three
Point Arc …then click the
icon second point of
the arc
4
Then click the end point of
the arc

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Conics

methods to create conics

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Which Are the Conics that Can Be Created?
Ellipse Parabola Hyperbola
Conic Required Inputs
Ellipse Center, Major Axis Limit, Point on Curve
Parabola Focus, Apex, Start Point, End Point
Hyperbola Focus, Center, Apex, Start Point, End Point

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Creating an Ellipse (1/2)
Click to indicate center
point of ellipse
3
2 …then click the
1 second point for
the major axis
endpoint
In sketcher,
select Ellipse The Tools Toolbar then displays
Icon values for defining the ellipse
major axis endpoint
Center point
coordinates can
also be input in
the Tools Toolbar

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Creating an Ellipse (2/2)
4 Click to indicate for

minor axis endpoint

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Creating a Parabola
2 Click to indicate the
Focus Point of the 3 …then click the
Parabola second point for
the Apex
1
In sketcher,
select the
Parabola Icon
4 Next indicate the two endpoints
As always, the Tools

Toolbar is contextual and
allows the user to input
specific point coordinates
during the creation steps

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Creating a Hyperbola
2 Click to indicate the
Focus Point of the 4 … click the third
Hyperbola point for the Apex
In sketcher,
select the
Hyperbola Icon
Next indicate the two endpoints

3 …then click the 5
second point for
the Center
As always, the Tools

Toolbar is contextual and
allows the user to input
specific point coordinates
during the creation steps

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Axis
You will learn the method to

create an Axis in Sketcher

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What is the Axis Used for?
An Axis element must be included

in a Sketch from which a Shaft or
Groove solid feature is created.
The Profile to be swept around
this axis must either be Closed or
have its endpoints Coincident to
the axis.
An Axis drawn into a Sketch can

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

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Creating an Axis
2
Click the first
location for
In sketcher, starting point
select Axis of the axis... …then click the end
icon location
You will need axes whenever using a

symmetry command or creating a grove
or shaft.
3
Using the shaft
command on our profile
sketch, CATIA produces
a shaft using the axis we
defined
Axes cannot be converted into construction

elements
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Sketching Pre-Defined Profiles
In this lesson you will learn how to Sketch the Pre-Defined Profiles

Recap Exercise

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You will learn the different ways to create pre-defined profiles

Rectangle
Oriented Rectangle
Parallelogram
Elongated Hole
Cylindrical Elongated Hole
Keyhole Profile
Hexagon
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What are Pre-Defined Profiles ?
Pre-Defined Profiles are tools to

facilitate the creation of standard
complex shapes with the minimal
number of inputs that can fully describe
all aspects of that shape.
It increases productivity by reducing
Mouse/Keyboard interactions

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Rectangles
1 2
Click the
starting
…then click the
corner of the
diagonal corner
rectangle...
In sketcher,
select
Rectangle
icon
3 OR… you can type the rectangle

of the Tools pallet
In creating all the Pre-Defined Profiles, it is

always useful to read the prompts at the bottom
left corner of the screen

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Parallelogram
3
…then click for the
1 2 second corner
Click the 4
… finally, click to
starting corner determine the width
of the and internal angles of
Parallelogram ... the Parallelogram
In sketcher, select
Parallelogram icon
OR… you can type the Parallelogram

specifications in the value fields of the
Tools pallet
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Elongated Hole
3
… indicate the
2 second center ... 4
1 Indicate the first … finally, click to
center of the determine the radius of
hole ... the Elongated Hole
In sketcher, select
the Elongated Hole
icon
OR… you can type the hole

of the Tools pallet
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Editing Profiles
In this lesson will learn tools to help you edit Sketcher elements
Modifying Profile Geometry

Recap Exercise

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Modifying Profile Geometry
You will learn how modify 2D sketch elements to

propagate changes to 3D parts
Before After Change

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Why Modify Profile Geometry?
• Sketch-based features rely on profiles for their shape
• Especially if defined with the proper constraints that represent the

design intent of the part, the profile geometry can easily be changed for
downstream design changes
Modified cube
Corner removed from
Design change sketch
• Changing the sketch that defines a feature propagates that
change to all subsequent operations involving the feature
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Modifying Profile Element Coordinates
1
Double click line to edit it’s
coordinates
2
Alter the existing coordinates
of the line to new parameters
(V: 50mm)
H: -40
V: 50
This method works on most

construction entities, opening the
appropriate dialog for the entity
selected

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Editing Profile Shape and Size
1
Click and drag the
line downward to
it’s new location
2
The profile stretches based on
where you move the element
and the constraints you have
applied
You have modified the shape of

the profile without the use of any
intermediary menu options

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Deleting Sketcher Elements
1
Select sketching element to delete
2
Select Edit->Delete and the element
is erased. Now multi-select
additional elements to delete
3 Use the contextual menu

(select Mouse Button 3
while cursor is on one of
the selected elements) to
delete
Select the Undo command to restore deleted elements. The

Undo command will remember all changes up to the last time
the part was saved
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Editing a Spline (1/3)
You can edit a spline modifying, adding or Double click on the spline to be edited
removing the spline control points 1
2 Select the control point to be edited
You will see:

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Editing a Spline (2/3) 4 Select the control point to be edited
5 Select the Add Point After option
6 Click a point
You will see:
Using the same method, you can

add a point before the current
point or to replace the current
point by another one

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Editing a Spline (3/3)
You can also close the spine
You can also define a tangency

or/and a curvature on the current
point
Do not forget to select OK in the

dialog box to validate the
modifications
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Auto Search
Commands such as Auto Search that

1 are found in the Menubar can be added
Select one as an Icon into a Toolbar if desired
element in the
Profile
2
Drag down to Auto Search from
the Edit Menubar. All elements in
the Profile are selected.
Auto Search is a multi-selection tool.

Once selected, we can use the Contextual
menu to delete or change the properties of
all the elements in one go.

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Operations on Profiles
In this lesson you will learn how to reuse existing geometry
Re-limiting Operations
Transformation Operations
Offset
Operation on 3D Geometry
Recap Exercise

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Re-Limiting Operations
You will learn how to re-limit geometry using Corner,

Chamfer, Trim, and Break Operations
Before Relimitations After Relimitations

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Why Re-Limiting Geometry?
In general, there is much less need to re-limit geometry in V5.
Each one of the closed profiles below was completely sketched with a single activation of the
Profile tool. (Refer back to the Profile section for help in sketching these profiles)
In fact, using the Profile tool whenever possible is the preferred practice since it will cut down
on the number of user interactions.
For a large number of cases, however, re-limitation of sketched geometry using Trim or Break
is still necessary to achieve Design Intent.

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Corner
2 Select the Mode - Trim All, Trim First
1 Select the Element, or No Trim
Corner Icon
3
Select the two lines
4
Move the mouse around so
that the corner is visualized
in the correct quadrant
5
Type in the radius required
and hit Enter
If Dimensional Constraints is
activated , the radius dimension
will be created on the Sketch.

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Chamfer (1/3)
The chamfer command allows you to create a chamfer between two lines
trimming either all, the first or none of the elements
1 Select the Chamfer icon 2 Select the first line on which the 3 Select the second line on which the
chamfer will be created chamfer will be created
Select the desired chamfer trim 5 Select the desired chamfer

4 definition option
option
You get:
6 Using the TAB key, enter the

chamfer parameters
6 Press the Enter key to validate the

chamfer creation

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Chamfer (2/3)
Chamfer trim options
a a a
b b b
Trim all elements Trim first element No trim

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Chamfer (3/3)
Chamfer definition options
Length/Angle option:
Length1/Length2 option
Length1/Angle option:

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Trimming lines (1/5)
Use the trim icon to keep/erase segments before or after an intersection

point between two curves or lines
According to the selected trim option
1 Select the trim icon 2 Select the lines you want (Trim All or Trim First Element), you
to trim on the sides you will get :
want kept.
Trim all elements Trim the first element
Move the mouse around before selecting the second line - notice that the system
shows you the various solutions possible depending on where you select this
line.

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Trimming lines (2/5) - Quick Trim
Using Quick Trim when trimming lines and curves, allows
you quickly remove unwanted segments
3 Select the line (a) to be trimmed
2 Select the Quick trim option You get :
Deletes
1 Select the Quick Trim icon

You get :
Keeps
You get :
Breaks

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Trimming lines (3/5) - Close
Using Close allows you to close an
arc into a full circle.
1 Select the Close icon
2 Select the arc to be closed
You will get :

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You can close an opened ellipse using the
Close icon
1 Select the Close icon

from the Operation
toolbar
Select the part of the ellipse you want

2 to close
3 You get:

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You can also close an opened ellipse using the Select the Close command from the
contextual menu of the ellipse 1
ellipse contextual menu (MB3)
2 You get:

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Breaking
Use Break to split a line or curve into two parts.
1 Select the Break icon
2 Select the line to be broken (a) then You will get two lines (L1
select the breaking line (b) and L2) :
(a)
(b)

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Transformation Operations
You will learn how to perform transformations such as Rotation,

Translation, Scaling and Symmetry on Sketcher Geometry
7 X 45 Degrees
Rotation in Duplicate
Mode

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Why Transform Geometry?
Using Transformations helps the user avoid repetitive work by

enabling the user to reuse existing geometry to help define new
geometrically-related Sketcher elements.

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Symmetry
2
Select the Symmetry Icon
1
Select (or Multi-Select) the
element(s) to apply the
Symmetry
Remember that there are a variety of Multi-

Selection Tools available 3
Select a line or Axis
to specify the Line of
Symmetry

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Translation In general, once a value is entered, it is temporarily fixed.
The remaining values continue to float. In the example
below, if the length of translation is entered, the user is
still capable of moving the mouse around to change the
direction of the translation.
Number of Copies
1 Select (or Multi-Select) the

element(s) to apply the Translation
2 Select the Translation Icon
Select a first point on the Grid to

3
define the origin of the translation
4 Options:
A) Select a second point of the Grid to

define the distance and direction for
the translation
B) Type in the coordinates of the

second point into the Tools Toolbar
C) Make the Translation Definition

window active and type in the Length of
translation. Indicate the preferred
direction. (Press the TAB key to go
between fields)

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Rotation
When Snap Mode is active (as in the Rotation Definition
window), the angle values that are proposed as the user
moves the mouse around will take on Integer increments

element(s) to apply the Rotation
2 Select the Rotation Icon
Select the Center Point for the

3
Rotation
4 Options:
A) Select two points on the Grid with

respect to the center to define the angle
B) Type in the coordinates of the two

points into the Tools Toolbar
C) Make the Rotation Definition window

active and type in the Angle of Rotation
(Press the TAB key to go between
fields)

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Scaling
When Duplicate Mode is not active, the geometry selected
is transformed (no new elements are created)

element(s) to apply the Scaling
2 Select the Scaling Icon
3 Options:
A) Select the Center Point and a second

point on the Grid with respect to the
center to define the magnitude of the
Scaling
B) Type in the coordinates of these two

points into the Tools Toolbar
C) Select a center point. Make the Scale

Definition window active and type in the
Scaling Factor (Press the TAB key to go
between fields)

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Offset
You will learn how the Offset tool is used

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What is the Offset Operation?
Offset is a local operation which allows you to duplicate

one or several elements of a profile. These elements
will be duplicated keeping the parallelism between the
selected elements and the duplicated ones
The offset can be positive

or negative to determine
on which side of the
profile the offset profile
will be created

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Offsetting Element (1/2)
The Offset command allows you to duplicate one or several elements in the
sketcher. These elements will be duplicated keeping the parallelism between
the selected elements and the duplicated ones
1 Once in the sketcher, select one 2 Select the Offset icon 3 In order to select the connected
of the element to be offset element of the profile, select the
Point Propagation icon

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Offsetting Element (2/2)
The Offset command allows you to duplicate one or several elements in the
sketcher. These elements will be duplicated keeping the parallelism between
the selected elements and the duplicated ones
4 In the Tools bar, enter the Offset

value: 2
You get:
5 Press the Enter key
6 To validate, click on the side you

want to get the offset profile

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Additional Information
Different options to define an offset
Instead of entering an offset value,

you can define a point the offset
profile will pass through by entering
its coordinates
To offset only the selected element
To define several instances
To offset only in both directions

To offset only the tangent elements

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Operations on 3D Geometry
You will learn what tools operate on 3D Geometry from

Sketch Mode and why they are important

What are the Tools that Operate on 3D Geometry and why are they
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Important?
Project - projects elements that are off the current Sketch plane into the Sketch.
- Projection is associative to the parent 3D geometry
Intersect - intersects 3D elements with the Sketch plane

- Intersection is associative to the parent 3D geometry
Isolate - Breaks the links that Projected and Intersected elements have with their parent
3D geometry so that they may be edited independently
The Profile of the Tray is linked

to the Profile of the Support
through a Projection
Tray
Support

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Project 3D Element
2
1 Select (or Multi-Select) the elements to Select the Projection Icon
project into the Sketch plane. (Selecting
Solid Faces or Surfaces will project the
boundary curves of these elements)
Here … a projected Solid Edge (a Spline

contour) is used as part of the closed
profile for the current Sketch

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Intersect 3D Element
1 Select (or Multi-Select) the 2 Select the Intersection Icon

elements to intersect with the
Sketch plane.
If the shape of the Here … the curve generated

surface should change, by intersecting the surface
this contour will also with the Sketch plane can be
change accordingly used as part of the closed
profile for the current Sketch
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Project 3D Silhouette Edges
The Project 3D Silhouette Edges command shows how to create silhouette edges to be
used in sketches as geometry or reference elements.
Limitations are same as Projection/Intersection command, as far as associativity is
concerned.
You can only create a silhouette edge from a canonical surface whose axis is parallel to
the Sketch plane.
Select the Project 3D 2 Select the element to be
1 Silhouette Edges icon projected
You get:

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Isolate
The Isolate command breaks the links that Projected and
Intersected elements have with their parents 3D geometry so
that they may be edited independently
2 Activate the Isolate command from the
Menubar - Insert/Operation/3D Geometry
1 Select (or Multi-Select) the elements

to be isolated (Here … two of the
edges from the projected face)
The isolated lines turn white to

indicate that they are no longer
linked. The user can now drag
these lines to new locations or A Projected or Intersected
change them in any way he curve does not need to be
chooses isolated in order for it to be
re-limited (position is not
modified)
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Edit Mark Definition
You can see the mark characteristics and you can transform the mark in a
construction element. The mark can come from a projection or an
intersection
In the sketcher, double click on the 2 In the dialog box, select the 3 Select OK
1 Construction element button
projection
You get:
The mark is now a
construction element

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Edit and Modify Import Properties
You can edit Projections and Intersections
1 Double click on Projection.4 2 Select a new edge to be

projected, then select OK
New edge
When leaving the

sketcher, you will get:
Double click

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Editing Parents Children and Constraints (1/2)
You can edit an element Parents/Children and
Constraints from the Parents
1 Select Parent/Children from

the constraint contextual 2 Select Show All Parents from
menu Offset.12

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Editing Parents Children and Constraints (2/2)
3 Select Edit from Pad.1
You can, now, edit the pad

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Setting Constraints
In this lesson, you will learn how to use dimensional and geometric constraints
in order to precisely define your sketch
Introduction to Constraints
Quick Constraints
Modification of Constraints
Auto Constraint
Animating Constraints
Relations Between Dimensions
Recap Exercise

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Introduction to Constraints
You will learn the different ways to create constraints
•What are Constraints and why do we need them?
•Sketching in Context

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Why Constraints?
Without Constraints, geometry can be moved freely just by using the mouse to drag them. If
Sketcher profiles are moved, so do the solids that are supported by them. In the context of an
assembly, if one part moves, another part that is related to it may also move.
Although in CATIA V5 geometry will remain in place when put there, without Constraints any
subsequent movement of elements by the user may go unnoticed and affect Form Fit and
Function of entire assemblies.
Hence, Constraints serve to mathematically fix geometry in space.
They also can specifically relate one element to another and serve as visual feedback to the user
on what these relationships are.
After Constraints are created, they are easily modified by merely changing their values or
placement. From the ease at which Constraints may be modified and from the inherent
downstream associativity of V5, the user can quickly explore alternative designs.
Movement of 4
Unconstrained Lines

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What are Geometric and Dimensional Constraints ?
Geometric constraints
• A Geometric constraint is a specification of how two
geometric elements are related to one another: are the
elements coincident (located at the same place), are they
concentric, tangent, perpendicular or parallel to one
another?
Geometric constraint
(here concentricity)
Dimensional constraints
• A Dimensional Constraint, one type of Geometric

Constraint, specifies the distance between two elements.
This distance can be specified as a linear
distance, an angular distance, or a radial distance
depending on the type of geometric elements involved
Dimensional constraint
(here distance)
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What Does Sketching in Context Mean ?
• Sketching in context is using existing geometry to create new geometry

• When sketching with CATIA V5 space geometry is visualized. You can
use it to guide your sketch
From rough to precise sketch
• At first, the sketch has to only be made

to conform to the spatial intent i.e. the
left or right of a hole, on the inside or
outside of a pocket, on the top or
bottom of a pad, etc.
• Later, the exact dimensions or precise
geometric constraints (concentricity,
parallelism, coincidence...) can be
applied to the sketch (or profile) to
define it precisely
3D geometry used to
sketch and constrain profiles

You can add constraints between the active sketch
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Sketching in Context and any part edges, vertices or other sketches.
1 Activate the constraint icon
2 Select the edge of the part

then the segment to be
constrained 3 Select the Distance 4 Place the constraint and
constraint from the modify it if necessary)
contextual menu (MB3)

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Quick Constraints
Dimension Constraints
Contact Constraints

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Why Quick Constraints?
Dimension constraints and Contact

Other constraints are chosen from
constraints are frequently used. Hence, they
a Constraint Definition Box
are made accessible with just one click.

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Setting Dimensional Constraints
3
Select location
of dimension
2
1 Select
Select sketch Constraint
Select
line to apply icon
Constraint
dimensional
icon
constraint 3
4
Post selecting the circle
produces a diameter
dimension...
5
…but then selecting the
line tells CATIA to
reconsider the
dimension and put in a
distance dimension

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Setting Contact Constraints
2 Select the two elements to be

made in contact
1 Select the Contact

Quick Constraints
Generally, the first element selected will remain in

its current position. The second element selected
will move. For more control, use the Fix Constraint
beforehand.

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Modification of Constraints

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What Kind of Modifications Can be Done on Constraints?
•All geometric and dimensional constraints may be deleted using the

Contextual Menu (third mouse button)
•Values of dimensions may be

changed by double-clicking on
them
•The location of dimensions
and the extension lines can
be modified by dragging with
•The type of Constraints applied on an the left mouse button
element can be modified by reentering
the Constraints Dialog Box and making
modifications there
•A geometric or dimensional constraint

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

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Modification in the Constraints Dialog Box
1 Select the two lines linked

with the Perpendicularity
constraint
2
Select Constraint
Dialog Box icon
4 3 Deselect the
Select a new Perpendicularity Box
constraint i.e.
Verticality
5 Click OK to Exit
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Reconnecting a Constraint
1 Double Click on the
Tangency Constraint
2
Click on More
6 Click OK to save and exit
5
Select the unassociated line in
the Sketcher window
3
Select the Line
component
4 Select Reconnect
4 3

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Additional Information ...
Dimension value:
To modify the position of a dimension's value:
• Click the icon

• Select the value text of the dimension
• Drag the value text to the new position Dimension line:
To modify the position of the dimension line:
• Click the icon

• Select the dimension line
• Drag the line to the new position

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Auto-Constraint

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What is Auto-Constraint?
The AutoConstraint Tool:
The AutoConstraint tool automatically detects

possible constraints between selected elements
and imposes these constraints once detected
Elements to be constrained
Fixed Elements (Independent elements from which

other elements can be constrained from - normally
the Sketcher Axes)
Symmetry Lines (If selected will cause Symmetry

Constraints to be created between elements
symmetrical to these lines - the symmetry lines
themselves will not be constrained)

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Auto-Constraint
1 Multi-Select the lines in this closed profile.
2
Select the Auto-Constraint
Icon
3 Select the elements to

be constrained
4
Select the Reference
Elements Field then
select the Vertical and
Horizontal Axes
5
Click OK to create
Constraints
Auto-Selection tools such as Auto-Search and

Trap can be helpful

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What is Animating Constraints?
The Animate Constraint Tool:
The Animate Constraints tool allows you to see how a

constrained system reacts when you decide to make
one constraint vary.
In this way, it is a tool for understanding the

limitations imposed on the geometry by the current
set of constraints.
It can be a very useful tool for exploring design

alternatives.

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1
Select the
dimension you
2 would like to vary
Select the Animate
Constraint Icon
3 Input the initial and final

values and the number of
intermediate steps to
display
4
Press the Play button.
Cancel when done
The Animate Constraint panel works like a

tape-recorder panel. The user can play
forward and backwards, rewind, or play in
cyclic repeat mode.

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Relations Between Dimensions

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What are Relations Between Dimensions?
Relations between Dimensions:
Dependencies can be established between

dimensions (For example, A=B+C/2)
Originally a part of the Knowledgeware set of

products, this functionality has been incorporated
into the V5 infrastructure and is generally accessible
from all Workbenches.
In CATIA V5, in addition to relationships between

dimension values, dimensions can be made
dependent on other parameters such as Forces,
Temperature, Time, or Material Properties etc ...

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Creating a Relation Between Dimensions
1
Select the
dimension you
2 would like to be
made dependent
Use the Contextual Menu (third mouse button)

and drag down to Edit Formula
3
1) Select the 40 dimension
2) Type in “+”
3) Select the 10 dimension
4) Type in “/2”
When required, open “(“ and

Close “)“ parentheses can be
used to indicate the order of
evaluation for the expression
4 Select OK to create the

relation
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Managing Sketches
In this lesson, you will learn ways to manage Sketches within a 3D environment
Creating Planes
Replacing a Sketch
Changing Sketch Support
Sketch Analysis
Change Body
Recap Exercise

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Creating Planes
You will learn how to create Planes in space for use

as sketching planes
Planes

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Why Creating Planes ?
• Sometimes we will need to create Planes to use as Sketching Planes
Offset planes Angled planes

• Offset Planes sometimes will need to be • Angled Planes are used to define Sketch-Based
created to help define the extrusion extents Features that are angled with respect to the
of a Sketch-Based Feature other features
Offset planes Angled planes

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Creating an Angled Plane
Select Plane Icon

(Available from the
WireFrame&Surfaces
(WFS) or the
Generative Shape
Design (GSD) 2
For “Angle to Plane”
Workbenches
creation type, select edge
as reference to rotate
4 resulting plane about
The resulting plane (Plane.3) is
45deg to the face, rotated about the
selected edge
3
Select the upper face as the
reference plane to rotate from.
A preview plane that can be
dragged to a new location is
shown

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Creating an Offset Plane
1
Select
Face Select Plane Icon
(Available from the
WireFrame&Surfaces
(WFS) or the Generative
Shape Design (GSD)
Workbenches
3
The offset distance from the
reference face can be set by
typing the value in the dialog or
dragging the circular “handle” on
the graphic screen

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Additional Information ...
Different planes:
• The plane definition dialog box provides

various methods for creating a plane:
Different planes

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Replacing a Sketch
You will learn how to replace a Sketch

being used to support a Solid or Surface
element with a different Sketch

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Why Replace a Sketch ?
Replacing a Sketch is quick way to modify solids or surfaces using that Sketch
for their definition.
The user creates a new Sketch with the new profile that he requires. He then
merely replaces the old Sketch with the new one. The solids or surfaces that
depended on the previous Sketch do not have to be re-created since they will
be modified automatically and pointed to the new Sketch.

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Replacing a Sketch
3
Right click on the the
original sketch and drag
2 Create the new sketch on the same plane down to “Replace”. Click
1
(Note: although this is normally the case on your new sketch as the
- it is not a requirement) replacing sketch
Check what plane the original
sketch lies on. You can use the
Parent/Children analysis from the
Contextual Menu (third mouse
button on the Sketch) if you like

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What is Changing a Sketch’s Support?
Changing a Sketch’s Support:
By changing its supporting plane, a

Sketch can be moved to a new plane
without having to recreate the Sketch
Copies of a Sketch can be moved onto

different planes in this way

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1
While outside the Sketcher mode,
use the Contextual Menu on the
Sketch to be modified and drag Naturally, any Solid or Surface elements
down to Change Sketch Support attached to the Sketch will also be
moved accordingly
2 Select the new plane for the Sketch

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Sketch Analysis
You will learn how to analyze sketched geometry, projection and

intersection. You will be provided either a global or individual status and
will be allowed to correct any problem

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What is Analyzing a Sketch (Geometry)?
Most of the time, we draw a sketch in order to use it to build a sketch based feature (e.g.: a
pad). Sometimes, when we try to use the sketch, CATIA refuses to build the feature because
the sketch is not closed (or overlapping) and it is sometimes quiet difficult to see where the
sketch is opened (or overlapping).
The Tools + Sketch Analysis command allows us to check if a sketch can be used to create a
sketch based feature

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What is Analyzing a Sketch (Geometry)?
During the sketch analysis, it is possible to do Corrective Actions:
• Set in Construction Mode

• Close Opened Profile
• Delete Geometry

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What is Analyzing a Sketch (Projection/Intersection)?
The Sketch Analysis command can be used to check projection or intersection with 3d
elements

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What is Analyzing a Sketch (Projection/Intersection)?
During the sketch analysis, it is possible to do Corrective Actions:
• Isolate Geometry
• Activate / Deactivate
• Delete Geometry
• Replace 3D Geometry

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Analyzing a Sketch: Geometry (1/2)
The Tools + Sketch Analysis command allows us
to check if a sketch can be used to create a
In order to edit the

1 2 Select the Tools+ Sketch Analysis
sketcher, double click on
command
Sketch.1 in the tree

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Analyzing a Sketch: Geometry (2/2)
3 If necessary, select the 4 In order to better see the sketch, select

Geometry tab in the dialog the Hide constraints button, the
box constraints will be hidden
You can now see where the sketch

is opened and you can correct it

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Analyzing a Sketch: Projection/Intersection (1/2)
In order to edit the
1 sketcher, double click on
Sketch.3 in the tree
2 Select the Tools+ Sketch Analysis
command

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Analyzing a Sketch: Projection/Intersection (2/2)
3 If necessary, select the 4 You can now check if the intersections

Projection/Intersection tab in the and projections contained in the sketcher
dialog box are valid or not
Intersection between 3d elements
Projection of 3d elements
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Different Corrective Actions that can be done when analyzing a sketch:
Analyzing a Sketch: Geometry
Set in Construction Mode
Close Opened Profile
Delete Geometry

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Different Corrective Actions that can be done when analyzing a sketch:
Analyzing a Sketch: Projection/Intersection
Isolate Geometry: When using this icon, the selected projected or

intersecting element is separated from its 3d components
Activate/Deactivate: When using this icon, the selected element

(of the sketch) is no more taken into account when creating a
sketch based feature, but the element still exists
Delete Geometry: When using this icon, the selected

element is remove from the sketch
Replace 3d Geometry: When using this icon with a

projected or intersecting element (intersection or projection
with 3d objects), you can select another 3d element to
modify the projection or the intersection

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Change Body
You will learn how to move one sketch from a body to another one

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Why Moving one Sketch from a Body to Another one ?
When working with several bodies, you may want to create a sketch base feature (a pad for
example) and the necessary sketch has been created in a body different from the active one. In
this case you may want to transfer the sketch from its body of creation into the active one (it is
not mandatory but it is helpful to understand the part structure

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Change Body
You can move one sketch from a body to
another one
Select the body in which you

1 Select the Change body 2 want to move the sketch,
command from the sketch
contextual menu then select OK
You get:

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Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 1

Objectives of the course

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 2

 Introduction to CATIA Sketcher p.4

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 3

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 4

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 5

Select Start > Mechanical Design > Sketcher

You can also access the Sketcher by

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 6

Part tree Exit to

Tools & Operations

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 7

Rectangles, Keyholes, Polygons...

Circles, Ellipse, Arcs... Profiles

Constraints dialog box

Insert menu or toolbars

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 9

It is possible to do zoom panning

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 10

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

• Sketches generally consist of a Profile, Constraints, and

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 Dimensions 11

Use the Sketch

The Sketcher Work Modes

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 13

You will learn the Sketcher Work Modes by using

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 14

The Sketcher Work Modes aid you

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 15

When creating any lines ( profile, segment, circle,

• To modify the grid parameters, select

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 16

Two types of elements: Standard or Construction

Standard elements represent the most commonly

Construction elements aim at helping you in sketching

Creating standard or construction elements is based

Clicking the icon switches from one mode to the other

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 17

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 19

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 20

In order to see a Section View of the part

This is purely a visualization tool, no

If you need to Constrain to

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 21

You will learn how to create a Profile element

Profile in the Sketcher Profile seen in 3D

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 22

• A profile, within a profile, is

You will learn the various

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 25

Points can be created in the Sketcher in two ways:

The coordinates of these automatically created points can

Alternatively, the user can first create the points directly. He

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 26

For ease of placing the points,

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 27

If the Dimensional Constraints

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 28

You will learn the various

Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 29

In CATIA V5, a line segment is described in the