xLM Solutions guides customers
in the most efficient and effective ways of using the various applications
available from Dassault Systèmes. This blog series looks at three main products
from DS: CATIA, ENOVIA and SIMULIA.
In this blog, we focus on
CATIA, the software suite that includes computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided
engineering, PLM and 3D modeling. It combines design, engineering and
manufacturing features with product creation tools.
Let’s
dig a little deeper into DS CATIA.
CATIA
Products
Dassault
Systèmes offers a wide range of functionality
in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE and CATIA V5 products. CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE is the latest offering
from DS. It is based on and fully integrated in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
CATIA V5 is based on V5 technology and is widely used across all industries.
CATIA
3DEXPERIENCE promotes the
work of engineers, designers and systems engineers. It:
- Incorporates intuitive search capabilities giving users a fast way to find what they need
- Offers collaboration via real-time brainstorming
- Gives developers ways to easily create multiple scenarios
- Promotes data integrity through a unified data model for design, FEA, and manufacturing processes
CATIA
V5 gives users tools for mechanical design,
product synthesis, analysis, infrastructure, machining, and equipment and
systems engineering, among others.
Other
CATIA programs include:
- Dymola for modeling integrated and complex systems
- Electre to product electrical schematics and diagrams
- Reqtify to coordinate requirement, traceability and impact analysis
- ControlBuild to model, simulate, test, validate, and deploy IEC 61131-3 control applications
- ICEM Surf to create class A and 3D digital surfaces for automotive and industrial design
- SFE Concept for early phase simulation-driven conceptual design
- Calelectre to build electromechanical models
- Autosar-Building for open authoring and simulation for modeling, definition, simulation and deployment of embedded systems to automotive electronic control units
Who is Using CATIA and How?
Manufacturers across the
spectrum of industries are using CATIA, from aerospace and defense, automotive,
and industrial equipment, to high tech, consumer goods, life sciences,
architecture and more. Users tend to fall into three categories: engineers, designers and systems
engineers.
Engineers use CATIA Engineering to develop mechanical
products using digital prototyping, analysis, and simulation. Mechanical
engineers use CATIA 3D Modeling early in product development. It includes
digital prototyping, digital analysis, and simulation for virtual product
creation to design any type of 3D assembly.
Designers use CATIA Design/Styling for 3D
sketching, reverse engineering, visualization, and subdivision surfacing with a
high level of sophistication. Working with physical and virtual prototypes,
designers also use CATIA for:
- Class-A modeling
- 3D printing
- Visualizations
- Product experience modeling
Systems
Engineers use CATIA Systems
Engineering to develop new products and systems using collaborative tools. It
gives systems engineers the means to manage the product development process by
integrating cross-discipline modeling, simulation, verification, and business
processes to develop complex products.
CATIA
Licensing, Packaging, Pricing
DS
offers great flexibility in CATIA licensing, packaging and pricing to meet the
needs of manufacturers. Users can acquire licenses with a one-time charge with
annual maintenance fees or on a quarterly or yearly lease. Different
configurations and packages will determine the pricing.
To
add specific tools and capabilities to a basic license, users can opt for
role-based modules, such as packages for layout, style, mechanical engineering,
equipment, and manufacturing. Role-based modules are often tailored for
specific industries and function.
Current
offers:
CATIA V5
Engineering Excellence
The offer brings
together a large set of CATIA V5 applications delivering collaboration
capabilities with CAD management capabilities. CATIA Engineering Excellence offers
three packages:
- CATIA Engineer Excellence (CATEE) is an entry-level package to perform basic 3D modeling and assemblies with a unique 2D/3D approach for conceptual design.
- CATIA Mechanical Engineer Excellence (CATMEE) is a powerful set of applications built to allow the creation and management of projects and parts, with one single 3D product definition.
- CATIA Mechanical and Shape Engineer Excellence (CATMSE) is a sophisticated and advanced mechanical and shape design package complementing the product definition and the high-quality surface operation process.
CATIA V6
Mid-Market Roles
3DEXPERIENCE
CATIA (V6) for Mid-Market Engineering has three packages:
- Sheet Metal Excellence Designer (SHLX) is an entry-level core engineering package that allows you to design some core mechanical and sheet metal parts.
- Mechanical Excellence Designer (M3KX) is a step higher in functionality for more advanced part design, 3DMaster annotations, mechanism and structural simulation.
- Mechanical and Shape Excellence Designer (M3SX) offers advanced surface design capabilities.
Before
You Buy
Before
purchasing or leasing CATIA options, answer these questions:
- Which OEMs do you need to support?
- Which CATIA applications do the OEMs use?
- Do you require CATIA V5 or CATIA 3DX with platform Cloud Collaboration tools
- Will you need advanced surface modeling or specific add-on tools in your Design Seat?
- Do you require workstations, CATIA training and HelpDesk support?
xLM
Solutions Services for CATIA Users
The
CATIA portfolio offers a wide variety of modules, roles and applications. xLM
Solutions offers PLM services related to CATIA software. We can help
you figure out which packages fit your unique needs with the best bundle at the
best price. xLM Solutions offers advice on implementation, customizations, upgrades
from CATIA V5 to CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE, CAD programming, customizing CATIA EKL
language, training, and more. We’ll help you make CATIA the most efficient
design tool to fit your requirements.
When you’re ready for a consultation with
CATIA, contact us.