3DEXPERIENCE CATIA (different from CATIA V5) was introduced in 2014 with the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. (We compare the differences between the two here.) In this article, we'll cover some of the features and tools in 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA for assembly design, part design, drawing creation, sheet metal tools, and more.
3DEXPERIENCE Platform
The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform is the backbone of 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA, giving it some advantage over the traditional CATIA V5. For smaller to medium-sized companies without ITAR requirements, a cloud version of the platform is a great option. Being on the cloud means Dassault Systemes hosts all of the licensing, platform, and storage space for you. For larger companies that want or need full control of their environment, an on-premise platform can be created. 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA includes two pre-requisite roles: Collaborative Business Innovator and Collaborative Industry Innovator.
The Collaborative Business Innovator is the primary role that grants any user in the company access to the Platform. The Collaborative Industry Innovator is an ENOVIA role with PDM/PLM capabilities and is essential for CAD data management users. Both roles can be accessed via a web browser anywhere and on any device, allowing quick availability to status updates, tasks, models, conversations, and more.
3DEXPERIENCE CATIA (different from CATIA V5) was introduced in 2014 with the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. (We compare the differences between the two here.) In this article, we'll cover some of the features and tools in 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA for assembly design, part design, drawing creation, sheet metal tools, and more.
3DEXPERIENCE Platform
The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform is the backbone of 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA, giving it some advantage over the traditional CATIA V5. For smaller to medium-sized companies without ITAR requirements, a cloud version of the platform is a great option. Being on the cloud means Dassault Systemes hosts all of the licensing, platform, and storage space for you. For larger companies that want or need full control of their environment, an on-premise platform can be created. 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA includes two pre-requisite roles: Collaborative Business Innovator and Collaborative Industry Innovator.
The Collaborative Business Innovator is the primary role that grants any user in the company access to the Platform. The Collaborative Industry Innovator is an ENOVIA role with PDM/PLM capabilities and is essential for CAD data management users. Both roles can be accessed via a web browser anywhere and on any device, allowing quick availability to status updates, tasks, models, conversations, and more.
Surface Design
3DEXPERIENCE CATIA surfacing is one of the big reasons other CAD users switch over and why most automotive, marine, and aerospace companies utilize the software.
The surfacing capabilities within 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA contain all the same functions as most other CAD packages but can resolve a lot of surfaces and surface combinations that others cannot. There are multiple levels of surfacing apps that users can utilize, even ICEM apps.
The robot and context-sensitive menus allow for quick surface modeling by utilizing drag and drop to create revolves, extrudes, fillets, trims, splits, and other typical operations based on selected entities. Modeling half of a model and then utilizing the Symmetry command can drastically speed up the design process.
Sheet Metal Design
Another powerful app within 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA is the Sheet Metal tool, which helps users quickly develop sheet metal parts with standard features.
After defining the default parameters of a sheet metal component, you are ready to go. With walls, rolled walls, bends, flanges, stiffeners, louvers, and more, users can quickly and easily model their sheet metal parts. Additionally, you can unfold the model to ensure it is manufacturable, then export a DXF file to send to your cutter.