Wireframe and Surface Design: CATIA Training

CATIA Training
Foils
Wireframe and
Surface Design
Version 5 Release 10
December 2002
EDU-CAT-E-WFS-FF-V5R10
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 1

Course Presentation
Objectives of the course

In this course you will see how to create wireframe construction elements and enrich
existing 3D mechanical part design with wireframe and basic surface features.
Targeted audience
New CATIA V5 users
Prerequisites
1 day Part Design, Sketcher

Table of Contents (1/2)
1. Introduction to Wireframe and Surface Design p. 5

2. Creating Wireframe Geometry p. 13
1. Creating Points in 3D p. 14
2. Creating Lines in 3D p. 22
3. Creating Planes in 3D p. 30
4. Creating Curves in 3D p. 41
3. Creating Basic Surfaces p. 52
1. Creating a Surface from a Profile p. 53
2. Creating a Spherical Surface p. 57
3. Creating a Swept Surface p. 59
4. Creating a Surface from Another Surface p. 63
5. Creating a Surface from Boundaries p. 69
6. Creating a Lofted Surface p. 77

Table of Contents (2/2)
4. Performing Operations on the Geometry p. 96
1. Joining Elements p. 97
2. Healing Elements p. 104
3. Restoring Elements p. 107
4. Disassembling Elements p. 109
5. Splitting Elements p. 111
6. Trimming Elements p. 118
7. Creating Elements from Surfaces p. 124
8. Transforming Elements p. 129
9. Extrapolating Elements p. 142
10. Creating Near Elements p. 148
5. Completing the Geometry in Part Design p. 155
1. Creating a Solid from Surfaces p. 156
6. Modifying the Geometry p. 163
1. Editing Surface and Wireframe Definition p. 164
7. Using Tools p. 169
1. Stacking Commands p. 170
2. Manipulating Elements p. 177
3. Creating Datum Features p. 183
4. Working on a Support p. 188
5. Updating a Part p. 195
6. Managing Open Bodies p. 199
7. Checking Connections Between Elements p. 205

Introduction to Wireframe and Surface Design
You will become familiar with the Wireframe and Surface Design workbench
Accessing the Wireframe and Surface Design Workbench

Wireframe and Surface Design Workbench user Interface
Wireframe and Surface Design Workbench Terminology
Wireframe and Surface Design Workbench General Process
To Sum Up

Accessing the Workbench (1/2)
To access the Wireframe and Surface Design Workbench

start CATIA, then select the Start menu choosing
Wireframe and Surface
Mechanical Design and Wireframe and Surface Design.
Design Workbench
icon
The first time you access the

Wireframe and Surface Design
Workbench, an Open body.1 is
created which contains geometric
elements.

Accessing the Workbench (2/2)
Once you are in the Wireframe and Surface Design
workbench the associated toolbars are displayed :
Wireframe Geometry Surface elements
Operations and
Replication Tools
Transformations
Tools

The User Interface (1/2)
You are in the Wireframe and
Surface Design Workbench
Part tree
You are creating You can work in 2D

elements in an Open using the Sketcher
body.
Wireframe and
surface Operations on
features wireframe elements
and surfaces
Standard tools
The User Interface (2/2) You also have access to the Wireframe and
Surface Design tools through the menus.

Terminology
Part2 is a combination of PartBody

and Open Body that means:
When you are in the Part Design workbench
• PartBody contains the features and you want to create Reference Elements
as points, planes, lines, an Open body is
used to create a solid
automatically created inside PartBody to
contain these elements.
• Open body.1 contains the features
used to create surface elements.
It includes wireframe elements,
sketch, etc...
When you enter the Wireframe and

Surface Design workbench an Open
body is activated or created to
contain wireframe and surface
elements.
At any time you can insert an Open body to

create wireframe and surface elements.

General Process
1
Enter the Create the
Wireframe and wireframe
Surface Design geometry
workbench
Enter the Part

Design Create the
workbench surfaces
2
Trim and join
the body
Create the part surfaces
body 3
4
5
Modify the
geometry

To Sum Up ...
You have seen CATIA V5 Wireframe and Surface Design User interface:
How to access the workbench

Its user interface and tools
The terminology that will be used
The general design process

Creating Wireframe Geometry
You will become familiar with the creation of wireframe geometric elements
Creating Points in 3D
Creating Lines in 3D
Creating Planes in 3D
Creating Curves in 3D
To Sum Up

Creating Points in 3D
You will learn the different ways to create points in 3D

Why Do You Need Points ?
To support creation of all geometrical elements and to

use them as reference for any creation.
What about points ?

- A point can be defined by its coordinates from a reference
Identification in tree point (origin or selected point).
- A point can be defined with respect to an element.
You can edit any type of point by double-clicking on its

Coordinates identifier in the tree or on the geometry. You will then
change its specifications in the Point Definition box.
Default color codes for points:

. Blue for point or projection of
On plane
point in creation
. White when created
. Green for reference
Between
In some cases you can reverse

the direction of creation of the
point, clicking either the red
On curve
arrow on point or the Reverse
Direction button in the Point
Definition box.

Creating Points…
1 Click on Point Icon
2 The Point Definition dialog box offers

you various methods to create points.
Select one of these Point type options.
The dialog box contents

changes according to the
selected Point Type option.
3 Enter point specifications

in the Point Definition
box and confirm.
Let ’s see now the different ways to create points ...

Creating a Point Giving its Coordinates
2 Enter the coordinates of the point.
2+ Select the reference point if you want

it different from the origin point.
Reference point
Created point
Origin point
(0,0,0)
3 Click OK to confirm point creation.

Creating a Point on a Curve (1/3)
1
If you click on one of these
buttons you directly create a
point on the nearest extremity or
2 Select the curve on which the point will be created. at the middle of the curve.
Distance to
reference = 50
3 Enter point specifications.
Curve
Extremity
Reference Point.3
Point.2 Created
Point.4
Extremity
Point.1
Geodesic
Euclidean
• If you do not select a reference point the default one

will be the curve extremity.
• If the reference point you select is not on the curve it
will be projected normally onto the curve.

4 If you want to create several points on the selected

curve check the option Repeat object after OK.
5 Click OK to continue.
The created point is defined as an Object, i.e.
the reference for creating the other points.
6.1 Define the number of points to be created.
• If no reference is selected for the Object point the

default second point is the nearest extremity of the
curve. In that case the arrow located on the Object
You can create
point can be inverted to choose on which side of
automatically the
the curve the points will be created.
planes normal to
• If a reference is defined for the Object point the
the curve at each
second point is identical to the reference point.
created point.
The point instances

are grouped in a new
Open Body (unless
you uncheck the
option).

6.2 You can also choose to define the number of points

to be created and the spacing between the points.
Repeated Point.5
and Point.6
Reference
Point.2 Object
Point.4

Creating a Point on a Surface
2 Select the surface on which the point will be created and enter point specifications.
• If you do not select a reference point, the
default one will be the surface center.
• If the reference point you select is not on the
surface, it will be projected onto the plane.
Created
Point.5
Reference
Point.3
‘Components’ means direction from the Distance = 50

reference point to the created point.
You can choose another direction by
selecting a line or a plane to get its normal.

Creating Lines in 3D
You will learn the different ways to create lines in 3D

Why Do You Need Lines ?
You can use lines as guide, reference, axis, direction or join to create other geometric elements.
What about lines ? * Vertices are visible neither in

A line can be created: the tree nor in the geometry ;
Identification in tree • from points or vertices* they are auto-detected and
• on a curve selectable when passing the
• on a support mouse over them.
Point-Point
Point- You can edit any type of line by double-clicking on its

Direction identifier in the tree or on the geometry. You will then
change its specifications in the Line Definition box.
Angle/Normal
to curve
This option allows
you to create the line
on a support surface.
Tangent to
curve
Normal to
surface

What about Lines ?
Modification of line parameters (length, orientation)
Graphic
manipulators

line, clicking either the red
arrow on line origin or the
Reverse Direction button in the
Line Definition box.
You can modify the line length
keying in start and end value in the
Line Definition box or dragging the
graphic manipulators. Line origin

Creating Lines…
1 Click on Line icon
2 The Line Definition dialog box offers

you various methods to create a line.
Select one of these Line type options.

selected Line Type option
3 Enter line specifications

in the Line Definition box
and confirm.
Let ’s see now the different ways to create lines ...

Creating a Line between Two Points (1/2)
2 Select two points or vertices.
Sketch vertex Point.1

Line.1 is created between a
vertex of Sketch.1 and Point.1.
3 Optional : extend the line at the start or/and end point(s).
The Mirrored extent option allows you

to impose the same extrapolation on
either end of the line.
Creating a Line between Two Points (2/2)
4 Optional : you can define a support (plane or

surface) onto which the line will be projected.
5 Click OK to confirm line creation.
Four vertices can be detected

on the created line : the two
initial points and the limit
point of each extrapolation.
Selectable vertices

Creating a Line from a Point and a Direction
2 Select a reference point and a direction line then key in the start and end
points of the line.
Optional:
You can define a
support element Reference point
onto which the line
will be projected
Line length
Direction
The Mirrored extent
option allows you to
impose the same
extrapolation on either
end of the line.

Creating a Line Normal to a Surface
Reference surface
2 Select a reference surface and a point.
A vector normal to the surface is displayed
at the reference point.
Line length
Reference point
2+ Check the Mirrored extent option to create the

symmetry of the line with respect to the
selected point.

Creating Planes in 3D
You will learn the different ways to create planes in 3D

Why Do You Need Planes ?
You can use planes as reference elements to create new geometry or as cutting elements.
What about planes ?

You can create a plane from:
• another plane
• points, lines or curves
Identification in tree • its equation
Offset
You can edit any type of plane by double-clicking on its

Angle/Normal identifier in the tree or on the geometry. You will then
to plane change its specifications in the Plane Definition box.
Through 3
points
Equation
You can modify the plane

location dragging it after
clicking on the Move label.

What About Planes ?
Modification of plane parameters (offset, orientation)

plane, clicking either the red
Graphic manipulator
arrow on plane origin or the
Reverse Direction button in the
Plane Definition box.
Plane origin
You can modify the plane offset

keying in the offset value in the
Plane Definition box or dragging
the graphic manipulator.

Creating Planes…
1 Click on Plane icon
2 The Plane Definition dialog box offers you various methods to create a plane.
Select one of these Plane type options.

selected Plane Type option.
3 Enter plane specifications in

the Plane Definition box and
confirm.
Let ’s see now the different ways to create planes ...

Creating an Offset Plane (1/2)
2 Select the reference element (plane, face, etc…).
Reference plane
3 Define the offset value, either in the Offset

field or using the graphic manipulators.
4 If you want to create several planes

separated by the same offset value,
check the option Repeat object after OK.

Creating an Offset Plane (2/2) Object plane
The created plane is defined as an Object, i.e.
the reference for creating the other planes.
6 Define the number of

planes to be created.
The plane instances are grouped
in a new Open Body (unless you
uncheck the option).
7 Click OK to confirm plane creation.
Object plane
Plane instances in
Open Body
• As many planes as indicated in the Object Repetition dialog box are created, in addition to the object plane.
• The planes are separated from the object plane by a multiple of the offset value.

Creating a Plane Parallel Through a Point
2 Select the reference element (plane or planar face) and the point .
The plane parallel to the reference and passing through the point is displayed.

Creating a Plane Through a Planar Curve
2 Select the planar curve.

The plane passing through the curve is displayed.
Planar curve

Creating a Plane Normal to a Curve
2 Select a reference curve and a point.

A plane is displayed normal to the curve at the specified point.
You can select any

point. By default the
middle point of the
curve is selected.

Creating a Plane Tangent to a Surface
2 Select a surface and a point.

The plane passing through the point and tangent to the surface is created.
Surface
Point

Creating Several Planes Between Two Planes
You can create plane instances between two existing planes.
2 Select two planes and key in the number of instances.
Plane.2
You can choose

to create the
plane instances in Plane.1
a new Open Body.

Creating Curves in 3D
You will learn the different ways to create curves in 3D

Why Do You Need Curves ?
You can use curves as guide or reference to create other geometric elements or as
limits of a surface.
What about curves ?

a curve can be created from:
points, other curves or surfaces
A spline is a curve passing

through selected points
with the option to set
tangency conditions at its
extremities.
You can edit any type of curve by

double-clicking on its identifier in the
tree or on the geometry. You will then
change its specifications in the
corresponding definition box.

Creating Curves…
1 Click on the icon corresponding to the

selected type of curve.
2 A dialog box is displayed for

each type of curve, e.g.:
3 Enter curve specifications in

the dialog box and confirm.
Let ’s see now the different ways to create 3D curves ...

Creating a Curve Projected onto a Support
2 Select the element(s) to project (Ctrl key if several elements) and the
support ; you can keep the Normal direction or select a direction.
Elements
to project
Projected
Support elements
2+ Using the right mouse button

on the ‘Projected’ field you can
access the list of elements to
be projected and modify it.
3 Click OK to confirm projection curve creation.

Creating a Circle (1/4)
2 According to the type of circle you want to create select the circle
support, creation points and if needed key in the radius.
2+ Define the circle limitations.
Center
Support
The support can be a plane or

a surface. If it is a non planar
surface the circle is projected
3 Click OK to confirm circle creation. normally onto the surface.

You can create a circle on a support (surface or

1 plane) from points and/or a radius value.
4 Three points
1 Center and
radius Support 4
3 Two points
and radius
2 Center and point
Solution 1 selected
3
When you create a circle from two

points and a radius, you can select
one of the solutions proposed
clicking the Next solution button. Solution 2 selected

You can create a circle on a support (surface or

plane) giving tangency conditions.
1
3
Support
When you create a circle with 1 2 3

tangency conditions, you can select
one of the solutions proposed
clicking the Next solution button.
Bitangent Bitangent
Tritangent You can now select a point
& radius & point
(not only a curve) to which
the circle is to be tangent.
2
Solution 1 Solution 2
selected selected
You can either create a complete circle or a circular

arc according to the selected limitation option.
Circular arc which limits Complete If several solutions are

are defined by start and circle available you can either
end angle values select one or click on the
Next solution button.
Circular arc trimmed

using two points or
tangency points
Complementary
circular arc trimmed
using two points or
tangency points
Creating a Spline Curve (1/2)
2 Select the points through which the Spline will pass.
You can add,

remove or replace
a point during or
after Spline
definition.
See on next screen the use of

the Add Parameters button. 3 Click OK to confirm Spline creation.
Creating a Spline Curve (2/2)
When you click on the Add Parameters button you
display additional options in the Spline Definition box.
1- Select the point on which you
want to impose a tangent
2- Click on this arrow to select the

tangent type you want :
3a- Explicit type : select a line or an

axis to define the tangency.
3b- From curve type : select a curve

containing the selected point to
define the tangency.
4- Confirm the new

Spline specifications

To Sum Up ...
You have seen CATIA V5 Wireframe and Surface Design Wireframe Geometry:
How to create points

How to create lines
How to create planes
How to create curves

Creating Basic Surfaces
You will become familiar with the creation of basic surfaces
Creating a Surface from a Profile

Creating a Spherical Surface
Creating a Swept Surface
Creating a Surface from Another Surface
Creating a Surface from Boundaries
Creating a Lofted Surface
To Sum Up

Creating a Surface from a Profile
You will learn about the various types of surfaces created from a profile

Creating a Surface from a Profile…
The extruded surface is

created from an open or
closed profile, giving a
direction and limits.
A surface of revolution is
created from an open or
closed profile, giving an axis
of revolution and an angle.
Let ’s see now how to create those surfaces ...

Creating an Extruded Surface
1
Direction can be
specified by a line, a
plane or components.
2 Select a profile, a direction and enter limits value
(or use the graphic manipulators).
Limits
Profile
3 Click OK to confirm extruded surface creation.

Creating a Surface of Revolution
2 Select a profile, an axis of revolution and key in the angle limits.
Profile
Axis of revolution
3 Click OK to confirm surface creation.

Creating a Spherical Surface
You will learn how to create a complete or partial sphere
Complete
sphere
Partial sphere

Creating a Sphere
2 Select the sphere center point and key in the sphere radius.
Choose to create a complete sphere or

3 a partial sphere.
Complete Sphere
You can modify the partial

sphere parameters in the
Sphere Surface dialog box
or dragging and dropping Partial Sphere
the arrows on geometry.

Creating a Swept Surface
You will learn how to create an explicit-type swept surface

Creating a Swept Surface…
A swept surface is created

from an open or closed
profile, giving a guide curve
and a reference surface or
two guide curves.

Creating an Explicit-type Swept Surface (1/2)
2 Select the guide curve and the profile.

You can then choose to give a reference plane or surface (Reference tab) or to select
another guide curve and if needed anchor points (Second Guide tab).
Guide curve
Profile
Reference Guide
plane curve 1
Anchor
point 1
Guide
curve 2
Anchor
If no spine is selected the
Profile point 2
guide curve is used as spine.
3 Confirm swept surface creation.

Creating an Explicit-type Swept Surface (2/2)
Reference surface
You can define a reference surface controlling the position of the profile during the
sweep. Guide curve
Profile
Reference
plane
Second guide
You can select a second guide curve to define the sweep. You may also select an
anchor point for each guide curve. The anchor points lie on the guide curves from
the beginning to the end of the sweep.
Anchor Guide
point 1 curve 1
Guide
curve 2
Anchor
Profile point 2
Creating a Surface from Another Surface
You will learn how to create an offset surface
Repeat
Single

Creating a Surface from Another Surface…
The offset surface is

created from an existing
surface, giving an offset
value and a direction. The
resulting surface is parallel
to the initial one.
You can create

several offset
surfaces at the
same time.

Creating an Offset Surface (1/3)
2 Select the reference surface and key in

the offset value.
Reference surface
3 If you want to create several surfaces

separated by the same offset check the
option Repeat object after OK.
Object surface
4 Click OK to continue. Reference surface

The created offset surface is defined
as an Object, i.e. the reference for
creating the other surfaces.
5 Define the number of offset surfaces to be created.
The surface instances are

grouped in a new Open Body
(unless you uncheck the option).
6 Click OK to confirm surface creation.
Object surface
Surface instances
in Open Body
• As many offset surfaces as indicated in the Object Repetition dialog box are created, in addition to the object surface.
• The surfaces are separated from the object surface by a multiple of the offset value.

The resulting offset surface is parallel to the reference surface.
Side view
Offset value
between two
surfaces : 20mm

Additional Information about Offset Surface
You can remove from the offset surface the faces that can not be offset: the erroneous elements.
This face can not be offset:
The erroneous face is added in the

list of the sub-elements to remove :

Creating a Surface from Boundaries
You will learn about the types of surfaces created from boundaries

Creating a Surface from Boundaries…
The fill surface is created between

joined curves which may lie on a
support ; the evolution of the
surface inside the contour is The blend surface is created
defined by parameters. between two curves lying each on a
support ; the evolution of the
surface between the two curves is
defined by parameters.

Creating a Fill Surface (1/2)
2 Select the boundaries of the fill surface and, if needed, the support(s) associated
with one or more boundary(ies).
Support for B1 B2
B4 B1
B3
Support for B3
The result of the selections
must be a closed boundary.
During or after creation you can edit

a fill surface, adding, replacing or
removing a boundary or a support.
The type of continuity between the support

surface(s) and the fill surface can be chosen
from the Continuity combo.

Creating a Fill Surface (2/2)
3 You can also define a point through which the surface will pass.
The result depends on the selected type of continuity (Tangent or Point)
between the support surfaces and the fill surface.
Tangency continuity
Point continuity
If you do not select any support or

passing point the fill surface is simply
created between the boundaries.
4 Confirm fill surface creation.

Creating a Blend Surface (1/4)
2 Select the two curves between which you

will create the blend surface and, if needed,
the support associated with each curve.
Note:
The two selected curves have to
be single edge curves and cannot
be closed.
3 If you have selected one or more support surface(s) define the type of continuity
(Tangency, Curvature or Point) between each support surface and the blend surface.
You can use the combo to

You can choose to trim define a different type of
the support to expand the continuity on each side of
blend surface up to the the blend surface.
limits of the support.
Tangency Curvature Point

continuity continuity continuity

4 If you have selected one or more support surface(s) you can choose to make the
borders of the blend surface tangent to the borders of the supports.
For each border of the blend

surface you can choose the
extremity(ies) that will be
tangent to the corresponding
border of the support.
2nd border,
Second support end
1st border,
start
First support
First tangent border : None First tangent border : Both extremities First tangent border : Start extremity
Second tangent border : None Second tangent border : Both extremities Second tangent border : End extremity

5 Select the Tension tab to define the tension at the limits of the blend surface.
You can keep the default

tension or define a constant
or linear tension at each limit
of the blend surface.
Default Constant tension Linear tension

tension of 2.5 from 1 to 2.5

You will learn how to create lofted surfaces

Several parameters can be set to define a lofted surface :

Tangency
Closing
point
Coupling Guide curve
Manual coupling
Spine
Let ’s see now how to create lofted surfaces ...

Creating a Lofted Surface – Tangent Option
For the start and end sections of the loft you can define
a surface (containing the corresponding section curve)
to which the lofted surface will be tangent.
Section 2
Section 2
Extrude 1
Extrude 2
Section 1
Section 1
No tangency condition is
imposed between the loft and The loft is tangent to the
the two extruded surfaces. two extruded surfaces.

Creating a Lofted Surface - Closing Points (1/3)
When you create a loft from closed sections a closing point can be defined for each section.
The closing points are linked to each other to define the loft orientation. You can also change
the closing point of one or more section(s) to modify the loft orientation.
User defined
Default closing closing points
points defined
The closing points are

linked to each other.

To create the lofted surface you will select and orient the
sections then define the closing point for each of them.
To define a closing point on a section, select

the section then click on the adequate point.
The point is mentioned in the Closing Point
list in front of the corresponding section.

Changing a closing point on a section
Right click on the Select a point on

default closing point the section to
1 Select the sections. 2 3 define the new
and select “Replace”:
closing point:
For each section the starting

point of the arrow defines the
default closing point.

Creating a Lofted Surface – Guide Curve
To define the evolution of the lofted surface between two

consecutive sections you can select one or more guide curve(s).
The guide curve(s) must intersect the two sections of the loft.
Section 2
Section 1
Without Guide Curve
Guide curve 2
Guide curve 1
With Two Guide Curves

Creating a Lofted Surface – Spine
The spine guides the section orientation. You can either

keep the default spine (automatically computed) or choose
a user-defined spine selecting a line or a curve.
Section 1
Section 2
Spine
With a Computed Spine With a User-Defined Spine

Creating a Lofted Surface - Coupling (1/6)
The coupling tab in the loft function is used to compute the loft using the total
length of the sections (ratio), between the vertices of the sections, between the
curvature discontinuity points of the sections or between the tangency Vertices,
discontinuity points of the sections. Curvature
Discontinuity,
Tangency
Discontinuity
Ratio option
Vertices,
Curvature
Discontinuity
Curvature
discontinuities
option
Vertex

Creating a Lofted Surface – Coupling (2/6)
What types of points can CATIA use to split the These two points are tangency
sections when creating a loft using coupling ? and curvature discontinuity
points. They are also vertices.
To have a look at the different discontinuities,

we have sketched a profile as shown below :
Segments
These two points are
curvature discontinuity
points. They are also
vertices.
This point is a tangency and

curvature continuity point.
This point is a pure vertex.
Two arcs

Ratio-type coupling :
to compute the loft using the total length of the sections
The surface crosses the sections and

the variation between the sections is
computed by a ratio corresponding to
the length of each section.

Tangency-type coupling :
to compute the loft between the tangency discontinuity points of the sections
The surface crosses the sections and

each section is split at each tangency
discontinuity point. The surface is
computed between each split section.

Tangency then Curvature-type coupling :

to compute the loft between the curvature discontinuity points of the sections
The surface crosses the sections

and each section is split at each
curvature discontinuity point. The
surface is computed between
each split section.

Vertices-type coupling :
to compute the loft between the vertices of the sections
The surface crosses the sections

and each section is split at each
vertex. The surface is computed
between each split section.

Creating a Lofted Surface – Manual Coupling (1/3)
When the sections of the lofted surface do not have the same number of
vertices you need to define a manual coupling.
1 Define the sections and guide curves if needed.
2 Select the Coupling tab from the Lofted

Surface Definition window.
3 Double-click in the blue Coupling field to display the Coupling window.

4 For each section select the vertex to be

taken into account in the coupling then
click OK to end coupling definition.
You can visualize the coupling curve if
the corresponding option is checked.
5 To refine the shape of the lofted

surface you can define another
coupling curve : select the first
coupling and click on the Add button,
then define the new coupling curve as
explained above.
6 Click OK to end lofted surface definition.
At any time you can edit a coupling by

double-clicking on the coupling name
in the list and changing the coupling
points using the contextual menu.
You will find below various cases of manual coupling with
one or more coupling curves.
One coupling curve (1) One coupling curve (2) Two coupling curves

Creating a Lofted Surface – Limitation
By default the lofted surface is limited by the start and end sections. However you can
choose to limit it only on one of the sections, on the spine or on the guide extremities.
When the limitation options are checked, the

loft is limited to the start and/or end sections.
Start section Start section

Guides Guides
End section End section
When the limitation options are unchecked,

the loft is swept along the spine.
Start section Spine Start section
Start section
Guides End section
End section
If the spine is an automatically If the spine is a user

computed spine and no guide is spine the loft is
End section limited by the spine
selected the loft is limited to the
start and end sections. extremities.
If the spine is an automatically
computed spine and guides
are selected the loft is limited
by the guide extremities.
To Sum Up ...
You have seen CATIA V5 Wireframe and Surface Design Basic Surfaces:
How to create surfaces from a profile

How to create a sphere
How to create a swept surface
How to create surfaces from boundaries
How to create surfaces from another surface
How to create lofted surfaces

Performing Operations on the Geometry
You will learn how to perform operations on the geometry
Joining Elements
Healing Elements
Restoring Elements
Disassembling Elements
Splitting Elements
Trimming Elements
Creating Elements from Surface
Transforming Elements
Extrapolating Elements
Creating Near Elements
To Sum Up

Joining Elements
You will learn how to join wireframe or surface elements
Element 2 Join result

Element 1

Why Do You Need Joining Elements ?
You can join elements to use two or more elements as a single element in a
further operation.
What about joined elements ?

You can create joined elements from:
- adjacent curves
- adjacent surfaces
Join result
Two adjacent
splines.
Four adjacent
surfaces.
Join result

Joining Elements…
You will select one by one

these four adjacent surfaces
to join them together.
The original surfaces

are transferred to the
Hide space.
The four adjacent surfaces are

joined into one single surface
identified as Join element in
the specification tree.
Let ’s see now the way to join elements ...

Joining Elements (1/2)
To modify the join definition you

2 Select one by one the elements to be joined together. can edit it and remove elements or
replace an element by another.
Element 1 This option checks

the connexity
between the elements
in the resulting join.
CATIA will:
- reduce the number
of resulting elements
Element 2 - ignore the elements
that do not allow the
join to be created.
You can define a merging

distance, i.e. the maximum
distance below which two
elements are considered
as only one element.
3 Click OK to confirm join operation.

Joining Elements (2/2)
While joining elements you can exclude some sub-element from the joined
surface.
Face to be
removed
You can also select sub-

elements to exclude from
the joined surfaces.
You can create another

join surface with the
excluded sub-elements.

Additional Information on Joining (1/2)
While joining surfaces or curves, you can specify an angle tolerance.
If the angle value between two elements is greater than the Angle Tolerance value,
the elements are not joined :
Select the elements to be

joined. The tangency
discontinuity between these
surfaces is 6deg :
CATIA refuses to create the join

surface because the tangency
discontinuity between the
surfaces is greater than the
specified angle tolerance:
Activate the option

Angle Tolerance.

Additional Information on Joining (2/2)
While joining curves, you can detect and forbid non manifold configurations
What is a non Manifold configuration :

A wireframe element is said “manifold” when at least one of its
vertex point join at least 3 edges : 1 Vertex point
3 Edges
CATIA refuses to create the join

surface because the configuration
is not manifold
Activate the “Check

manifold” option

Healing Elements
You will learn how to fill gaps between surfaces
Surface 1 Healing result
Gap
Surface 2

Healing Elements (1/2)
Select the surfaces to be healed.

2 You can also select a Join that needs to be healed.
Sweep.1
Gap
Sweep.2
Define the Merging distance.

3 The merging distance is the maximum distance between the surfaces
below which the gap will be filled.

Healing Elements (2/2)
4 Define the Distance objective.

The distance objective is the threshold below which the gap will be ignored
by the heal operation.
5 Click OK to confirm the healing operation.

Restoring Elements
You will learn how to restore the limits of surfaces or curves which have been split before
Restored
surface
Split surface
Cutting
elements

Restoring a Surface
You can rebuild the limits of a surface which has been split one or several time(s).
Initial surface Second split
First split
The surface limits will be restored from the second split.
2 Select the surface which limits will be restored.

The Untrim window displays the number of selected
elements and the number of resulting elements.
Second split
3 Click OK to restore the surface.
The resulting surface

is a datum feature : it You can also restore
cannot be modified. the limits of a curve
which was split before.

Disassembling Elements
You will learn how to disassemble multi-cell surfaces or curves into mono-cell elements
Thee mono-
cell surfaces
One multi-cell
extruded surface

Disassembling a Surface
2 Select the element to be disassembled.

The Disassemble window displays the number of selected elements
and the number of resulting elements.
Extruded
surface
3 Click OK to disassemble the surface.
The resulting surfaces

are datum features : they You can also
cannot be modified. disassemble a
multi-cell curve.

Splitting Elements
You will learn how to split a wireframe or surface element using one or more cutting elements
Cutting
elements
Split result
Element
to be cut

Why Do You Need Splitting Elements ?
You can split an element when you need only part of this element in your model.
You need the element to be cut and one or more cutting element(s).
What about splitting elements ?

You can split :
- a wireframe element by points, other wireframe elements or surfaces
- a surface by wireframe elements or other surfaces.
Cutting
elements
Element to cut
Cutting element
Element
to be cut
Split result
Wireframe Surface
elements elements
Split result

Splitting Elements…
Cutting element
You can also select

the portion to be
kept by clicking the
Other side button.
Element to be cut
You should make

your selection by
clicking on the
portion that you
The result is a Split
want to keep after
type element.
the split.
Let ’s see now how to split elements ...

Splitting Elements (1/3)
2 Select the element to cut.
3 Select the cutting element(s).

You can split an element with several cutting elements at the same time.
Cutting elements
Element to cut
If you select only one cutting element

you can check this option to keep the
two sides of the element to cut. In that You can create the intersection
case two split features are created. between the cut element and the
cutting elements.
4 For each selected cutting element check the side to be kept on the
element to cut ; if you want to change it select the cutting element in the
list and click on the Other side button.
The cutting elements
and their orientation
are defined.
5 Click OK to confirm the split operation.
The initial cut element is

transferred to the ‘hide’ space.

If the cutting element is a closed curve you may need to define more precisely the side
of the cutted element you want to keep.
Cutting
Principle: element
- Vn : Vector normal to support Support
- Vt : Vector tangent to cutting element
- V=Vn*Vt (Vectorial product); indicates
the side of the cutted element to keep Vn
V Vt
Element
to split
Split result
without support Split result
with a support
Support

Additional Information about Split
The “Elements to remove” or “Elements to keep” options allows you
to indicate clearly what to keep or remove when you perform a split
operation:
When splitting a surface using a tangent … you always get the following warning
element … message due to the tangency :
Element to split
Tangency area
Splitting element
You can select the

part of the split
element you want to
keep :

Trimming Elements
You will learn how to trim a wireframe or surface element
Trim result
Element 1
Element 2

Why Do You Need Trimming Elements ?
You can trim elements between each other to only keep part of them in your
model. You need two intersecting elements.
What about trimming elements ?

You can trim :
- two wireframe elements,
- two surfaces.
Trim result
Surface
Wireframe elements
elements
Trim result

Trimming Elements…
You can also select

the portions to be
kept by clicking the
Other side button
for each element.
You should make

your selection by
clicking on the
portions that you
The result is a Trim
want to keep after
type element.
the trim.
Let ’s see now how to trim elements ...

Trimming Elements (1/2)
Element 1
2 Select the elements to trim, clicking on the portions

that you want to keep after the operation.
Element 2
Click on one of these

buttons to change
the side to be kept
for each element.
The initial trimmed elements are

3 Click OK to confirm trim operation. transferred to the ‘hide’ space.

Trimming Elements (2/2)
While trimming closed wires, you may need to define more
precisely the side of the elements you want to keep.
Principle:
The side of the trimmed elements to keep is Elements to
given by the vectorial product between : trim lying on
- The vector tangent to the elements to trim. the support
- The vector normal to the support.
Using no support
Using a support
Additional Information about Trim
The “Elements to remove” or “Elements to keep” options allows you
to indicate clearly what to keep or remove :
When trimming a surface using a tangent … you always get the following warning
element … message due to the tangency :
Element to trim
Tangency area
Second element to trim
You can select the

part of the trim
element you want to
keep :

Creating Elements from Surfaces
You will learn how to create the boundaries of a surface and extract edges or faces from
surfaces.
Boundary Edge Face

with limits extraction extraction

Creating the Boundaries of a Surface (1/2)
You can create the external or internal boundaries of a surface, with or without limits.
2 Choose the propagation type and select the surface edge from which you
want to create a boundary curve. You may also want to define limits to the
created boundary curve.
Limit points
Selected Edge
See next screen to display the

various propagation types.
3 Click OK to confirm boundary creation.

Creating the Boundaries of a Surface (2/2)
1. Complete boundary
2. Point continuity
You will select a propagation 3. Tangent continuity

type to create exactly the
necessary portion of curve.
4. No propagation

Extracting an Edge from a Surface
You can extract one or several edges of a surface which can be either boundaries or
limiting edges of faces. You cannot define limit points.
2 Select a surface edge and

choose the propagation type.
Selected
edge
3 Click OK to confirm edge extraction.

Here there is an ambiguity
about the propagation side
you are prompted to select
According to the selected propagation type you get : a support face. In this case,
the dialog box dynamically
updates and the Support
field is added.
Selected
support
face
1- No propagation 2- Tangent continuity 3- Point continuity
Extracting a Face from a Surface
You can extract one or several faces of a surface with or without propagation.
1
Selected
face
2 Select a face and choose
the propagation type.
3 Click OK to confirm face extraction. The initial and the extracted

faces are superimposed.
According to the selected propagation type you get :
1- No propagation 2- Point continuity 3- Tangent continuity

Transforming Elements
You will learn the various transformations you can apply to elements :

Why Do You Need Transformations ?
Transformations are used to modify the size, location, orientation, etc. of a

wireframe or a surface element.
What about transformations ?

Six transformation types are available:
Translation
Affinity
Rotation
Scaling
Symmetry Axis-to-Axis

Applying Transformations…
1 Click on any Transformation icon.
2 For each type of transformation a dialog

box is displayed.
The dialog box

contents changes
according to the
selected type of
transformation.
3 Enter transformation specifications in

the dialog box and confirm.
Let ’s see now the different ways to apply transformations ...

Translating an Element (1/3)
2 Select the element to be translated and

define the translation direction or
components and the distance.
Transformed element
You can click this 3 If you want to create several

button to hide or translated elements check the
show the initial
element.
Object element
Transformed element
The created translated element is defined
as an Object, i.e. the reference for
creating the other translated elements.

5 Define the number of translated elements to be created.
The element instances are

6 Click OK to confirm element creation.
Object element
Element instances in
Open Body
• As many translated elements as indicated in the Object Repetition dialog box are created, in
addition to the object element.
• The translated elements are separated from the object element by a multiple of the distance.

You can also define translations using two points, or coordinates:
2 Select the Point to Point

vector definition :
3 Select the element to translate.
4 Select the Start Point and the End Point.

These two points will define the translation
vector.
5 Click OK to confirm the translation:

Rotating an Element (1/2)
2 Select the element to be rotated and define

the rotation axis and the angle.
Initial
element
You can click

this button to
hide or show the 3 If you want to create several
initial element.
rotated elements check the
Object
element
The created rotated element is defined as Initial
an Object, i.e. the reference for creating element
the other rotated elements.

Rotating an Element (2/2)
5 Define the number of rotated elements to be created.

6 Click OK to confirm element creation.
Object element
Open Body
• As many rotated elements as indicated in the Object Repetition dialog box are created, in
• The rotated elements are separated from the object element by a multiple of the angle value.
Applying a Symmetry to an Element
2 Select the element and a point, line or plane as reference.
Transformed
element
Reference point
You can click

this button to
hide or show the
initial element. Reference plane
Symmetry along plane

Symmetry by point
3 Click OK to confirm symmetry creation.

Scaling an Element (1/2)
2 Select the element to be scaled and define

the reference and the ratio.
Initial
element
You can click this
button to hide or
show the initial 3 If you want to create several
element.
scaled elements check the
Object
element
The created scaled element is defined as
an Object, i.e. the reference for creating
the other scaled elements.
Initial
element
Scaling an Element (2/2)
5 Define the number of scaled

elements to be created.

Object element (unless you uncheck the option).
Open Body
6 Click OK to confirm
element creation.
• As many scaled elements as indicated in the Object Repetition dialog box are created, in
• The scaled elements are separated from the object element by a multiple of the ratio value.
Creating an Affinity
2 Select the element, define the reference axis-system

and key in a ratio for each direction.
Affinity
You can click this

button to hide or
show the initial
element.
Point 1 origin of Initial

reference element
axis-system
3 Click OK to confirm affinity creation.

Applying an Axis-to-Axis Transformation
2 Select the element to transform.
Select the reference axis-system.

3
4 Select the target axis-system.
Click OK to create the transformed

5
surface.
Extrapolating Elements
You will learn how to create extrapolated curves and surfaces.
Curve extrapolation
Surface extrapolation

Why Do You Need Extrapolating Elements ?
You may have to extrapolate a curve or surface to extend it to other geometry and
thus be able to later trim, split or intersect these elements.
What about extrapolating elements ?

You can extrapolate :
- any type of curve or line,
- any type of surface.
Two extrapolation modes are available:
- giving a length,
- giving a limit (up to…).
Curve
elements
Surface
elements

Extrapolating Elements…
First select the element

boundary which will be
extrapolated, then the
element itself.
You will then choose the Finally you will define

extrapolation mode : the type of continuity
length or limit. and transition.
Let ’s see now the way to extrapolate elements ...

Extrapolating Elements (1/3)
2 Select the edge representing the boundary you want to extrapolate.

For a curve the boundary is one of the curve extremities.
Surface boundary
3 Select the surface to be extrapolated.

For a curve select the curve itself.
A temporary extrapolated
surface is displayed. The
default extrapolation
mode is ‘Length’.
Temporary extrapolated surface

4 Choose the extrapolation mode.

- Length : key in the length of the extrapolated surface or curve,
- Up to element : define the limit surface or plane.
5 Choose the type of continuity (for a curve) and the type of transition
(for a curve or a surface).
Refer to table on next page.
6 Check the ‘Assemble result’ option if you want the extrapolated surface to be
assembled to the support surface.
7 Click OK to create the

extrapolated surface.

Extrapolation mode
Options
Length Up to Element
Extrapolating a curve
Tangent: the extrapolation is tangent to the selected curve.

Continuity Curvature: the extrapolation keeps the curvature of the N/A
selected curve.
Extrapolating a surface
Tangent: the extrapolation is tangent to the selected surface.

Continuity Curvature: the extrapolation keeps the curvature of the N/A
selected surface.
Only if tangent continuity:

Tangent: the extrapolation is tangent to the edges adjacent
Tangent: the extrapolation is tangent to the edges adjacent to the surface boundary.
Extremities to the surface boundary.
Normal: the extrapolation is normal to the original surface
Normal: the extrapolation is normal to the original surface boundary.
boundary.

Creating Near Elements
You will learn how to create a ‘near’ element from a multi-entity element
Entity 2 of
extruded
surface
Near element created
from entity 2 of
extruded surface
Entity 1 of
extruded
surface

Why Do You Need Near Elements ?
Some construction elements are made up of several entities. You may need to use only
part of a multi-entity element.
What about near elements ?

You can create near elements from:
- sketches
- surfaces
Near element
created for
one entity of
the sketch.
Near element
created for
one entity of
the surface.

Creating Near Elements…
You will select the multiple

element from which you want
to create the Near element.
The original element is

transferred to the Hide
space.
You will then select a reference

element, i.e. a point located
next to the entity to be defined
as Near element.
Let ’s see now the way to create Near elements ...

Creating a Near Element (1/3)
This operation allows you to quickly extract a sub-element from multi-element geometry.
1 Access the Near operation from the menu bar
2 Select an element composed of two disconnected entities.
3 Select a point located next to the entity you want to define as Near element.
Select point
4 Click OK to create the The initial element

Near element. is transferred into
the Hide space.

When you use an element composed of disconnected entities as construction

elements, you can either keep all the entities or choose one of them.
2 Select an element composed of two disconnected

entities to define the profile to extrude.
3 Click OK to create the extruded surface : the Multi-Result Management

window is displayed

4.1 If you click No the extruded

surface is created from the
two entities of the element.
4.2 If you click Yes you have to choose the entity on which you want to create
the extruded surface; the portion of extruded surface created from this
entity will be defined as a Near element.
Select point
5 Click OK to create the extruded surface and the Near element.
The initial extruded

surface is transferred
into the No Show.

To Sum Up
You have seen CATIA V5 Wireframe and Surface Design Operations on

Geometry:
How to join elements

How to heal elements
How to restore the limits of elements
How to disassemble elements
How to split elements
How to trim elements
How to create elements from surfaces
How to transform elements
How to extrapolate elements
How to create Near elements

Completing the Geometry in Part Design
You will learn how to complete the surface geometry in Part Design
Creating a Solid from Surfaces

To Sum Up

Creating a Solid from Surfaces
You will learn how to create a solid from surfaces

Why Do You Need to Create a Solid from Surfaces ?
You may need to create a surface just for using it in a solid body. The surface is
integrated into the body design.
What about solids created from surfaces ?

You can use a surface to:
- split a solid body
- create a solid body by thickening the surface
- close it into a solid body
Close Surface
Split Body
Thicken Surface

Creating a Solid from a Surface …
1 Click on any Surface-Based Features icon.
2 For each type of feature a dialog box is displayed.
Select the surface

to be processed.
3 Confirm feature creation.
Let ’s see now the different ways to create surface-based features ...
Splitting a Body with a Surface
2 Select the surface used as splitting element and orient the arrow
towards the material to be kept.
Material to Splitting
be kept surface
3 Click OK to split the body.

Thickening a Surface
2 Select the surface to be thickened.

Surface to be
thickened
Offset
direction
3 Click OK to thicken the surface.

Closing a Surface into a Body
2 Select the surface to be closed.

Surface to
be closed
3 Click OK to close the surface.

To Sum Up ...
You have seen CATIA V5 Wireframe and Surface Design Solids from Surfaces:
How to split a body with a surface

How to thicken a surface
How to close a surface into a body

Modifying the Geometry
You will learn how to modify the geometry after creation
Editing Surface and Wireframe Definition

To Sum Up

Editing Surface and Wireframe Definition
You will learn how to edit the definition of wireframe or surface elements
Element to edit

Why Do You Need Editing Elements ?
You can edit elements after part creation to change some of the parameters and
thus make a new version of the part.
What about editing elements ?

You can edit in the same way:
- wireframe elements
- surface elements
Editing the surface

parameters.
Editing the definition of

some points modifies
the associated spline.

Editing Elements…
You will modify the axis

and the angle of
revolution of this surface.
The surface is updated

according to the new
parameters.
You can modify parameters

either entering new values or
making new selections.
Let ’s see now the different ways to edit elements ...

Editing Elements
1 Activate the Definition box of the element:

• Select the element then choose the xxx.object > Definition command.
• Double-click on the element or on the element identifier in the specification tree.
2 Modify the definition of the element by selecting new references or changing values.
3 Confirm element modification.

To Sum Up ...
You have seen CATIA V5 Wireframe and Surface Design Geometry

modification:
How to edit the definition of wireframe and surface elements

Using Tools
You will become familiar with some tools used for managing wireframe and
surfaces.
Stacking Commands
Manipulating Elements
Creating Datum Features
Working on a Support
Updating a Part
Managing Open Bodies
Checking Connections Between Elements
To Sum Up

Stacking Commands
You will learn how to stack commands while creating wireframe elements.

Why Do You Need to Stack Commands ?
Stacking commands allows you to create construction elements while creating an

element which requires those construction elements.
What about stacking commands ?

You can create the following construction elements:
- points, - planes, - intersections.
- lines, - projections,
You have access to the stacking commands capability while creating:
- points, - circles, - translations,
- lines, - conics - rotations,
- planes, - corners, - symmetry.
Using mouse button 3 you display

a contextual menu listing all the
elements you can create using the
stacking commands capability.

Stacking Commands…
While creating an element you
may need a construction
element that you will create
on the fly.
You define the parameters of

the construction element.
The construction element is

created and selected at the
same time.
When using the stacking command
capability you can check the status
of the stack in the Running
Commands window.
Let ’s see now the way to stack commands...

Stacking Commands (1/4)
When you create some wireframe elements (point, line, plane, circle, corner, conic) or when
you perform a translation, a rotation or a symmetry on an object you can create on the fly the
missing construction elements, i.e. points, lines, planes, intersections or projections.
In the following example you will see how to create a plane from scratch.
2 Select the type of plane you want to create.
3 Using mouse button 3 click in the Point

field and select the Create Point option.
The Point Definition window is displayed.

4 Define the parameters to create the point.

The status of the stacking commands is
also displayed in the Running Commands
window.
5 Click OK to accept point creation.

The Plane Definition window is
displayed again with Point.1 in the
Point field.
The Point button next to the
Point field allows you to edit
the point parameters.
6 Using mouse button 3 click in the Line

field and select the Create Line option.
The Line Definition window is displayed.

7 Define the parameters to create the line.

The status of the stacking commands is
also displayed in the Running Commands
window.
8 To create the points needed for the

line you can also use the stacking
commands.
In that case the Running Commands
window will look like this:

9 Once the two points are created click OK

to accept the line creation.
The Plane Definition window is displayed
again with Line.1 in the Line field.
The Line button next to the

Line field allows you to edit
the Line parameters.
10 Click OK to accept the plane creation.
Point.3
If you want to modify a parameter of the

Line.1 plane you can also double-click on its
identifier in the specification tree.
Point.1
Plane.1
Point.2

Manipulating Elements
You will learn how to cut/copy and paste elements and how to delete one or several elements.

Why Do You Need to Cut, Copy, Paste or Delete Elements ?
When you are building a part you may need the same element several times with
different parameters ; you may also have to erase some unused elements.
What about manipulating elements ?

• Cut : you remove an element and store it in the clipboard ; you can use it afterwards.
• Copy : you keep the original element and store a copy to the clipboard ; you can use
it afterwards.
• Paste : you take an element from the clipboard and paste it in the specification tree.
• Delete : you remove an element from the specification tree or the geometry.
The tools used to cut, copy,

paste and delete elements are
located either in the Edit menu,
in the contextual menu or in the
Standard toolbar. You can select
the element in the geometry or
in the specification tree.

Cutting, Copying, Pasting and Deleting Elements…
You will cut or copy one

You can also delete
or several elements.
an element from the
specification tree.
or
Then select the element

after which you want to
position the cut/copied
elements and paste them.
Let ’s see now the ways to manipulate elements ...

Cutting, Copying, Pasting and Deleting Elements (1/3)
1 Select the elements you want to copy, here the circle and its center point.
You can select the elements from the geometry or the specification tree.
2 Select the Copy icon either in the Standard toolbar or from the contextual menu.
or
3 Select the element after which you want to paste the copied elements.

4 Select the Paste icon either in the Standard toolbar or from the contextual menu.
or
The elements are duplicated. You can check

the result in the specification tree. However
the pasted elements cannot be visualized in
the geometry since they are located on the
initial elements.
5 Modify the position of the created point on the surface.

The point is moved together with the duplicated circle.

6 Now select the initial circle either in the geometry or in the specification tree.
7 Select the Delete option from the contextual menu.
8 If needed check some of the options proposed in the dialog box.
Check this option to

delete also the
geometry used to
create the circle only.
Check this option to

delete also all the
elements created
from the circle.
9 Click OK to delete the circle.

Creating Datum Features
You will learn how to create datum features

Why Do You Need to Create Datum Features ?
A datum feature is an element which has no link (history) with the elements used to
build it (parent elements).
What about datum features ?

A datum feature is a non-modifiable element. Even
if you change the definition of its parent element(s)
the datum feature remains unchanged.
If you click on the Create Datum icon

only the element to be created will be
defined as datum feature.
If you double-click on the Create

Datum icon all the elements will be
defined as datum features until you
click the icon again to de-activate it.
Creating Datum Features…
Clicking on the Create

Datum icon de-activates
the History mode.
You will then create the

datum feature element…
… and finally modify

one of its parents.
Let ’s see now the way to create datum features...

Creating Datum Features (1/2)
3 Define the surface parameters : profile, direction and limits.
Note that the identifier of the extruded

surface in the specification tree is not
‘Extrude.1’ but ‘Surface.1’ and that the
datum symbol is visible.
4 Click OK to create the surface.

Creating Datum Features (2/2)
5 Modify one of the points defining the spline.
The spline passing through

this point is modified but the
surface created from the
spline remains unchanged.
6 Click OK to accept point modification.
The surface does not follow

the spline modification.

Working on a Support
You will learn how to define a planar or non-planar support, work on it with or without a grid
and snap to a point.

Why Do You Need to Work on a Support ?
You can select a plane or a surface to use it as a support for further element creation.
What about support ?

• If you define a plane as a support a grid is displayed and
positioned in the plane of the screen. In that case you have access
to the ‘Snap to Point’ capability.
• If you define a surface as a support the elements created after
selection of the surface will be located on the surface by default.
Support plane = YZ
With the ‘Snap to Point’
capability the created points
are located at the nearest
intersection of the grid.
Support surface = Extrude.1

When you create a point after
selecting the surface as a
support the Point Definition
window automatically displays
the option ‘On surface’.

Working on a Support – Plane Support (1/3)
The Work on Support window is displayed. A Working support.1 feature is added to

the specification tree under the Working supports entry.
By default the last created working
support (current) is displayed in red
in the specification tree. The ‘not
current’ working supports are
displayed in blue.
2 Select the plane you want to define as a support, here the YZ plane.

The Work on Support window changes and displays several options to define the grid.
Selected plane
Define the number

Define the total length of steps in a grid
of the grid subdivision subdivision
Define which axis is

taken as H direction
in the 2D plane
Check this option if

Set the grid
you want a different
visualization
primary spacing in
parallel to the
the second direction
screen
3 Click OK to confirm grid creation.
4 If you want your cursor to

move directly to an intersection
point of the grid click on the
If you enter coordinates when the ‘Snap to point’ icon is
Snap to Point icon. active, the system does not take the grid into account.
5 Create an element on the support.
Here you are creating a point. Note that :

- the point type is automatically set to ‘On plane’,
- the cursor points only on the grid intersection points.
6 Exit the working support :
Using the Working Using the Set as Not Current

Supports Activity icon option in the contextual menu

Working on a Support – Surface Support (1/2)
The Work on Support window is displayed. A Working support.1 feature is added to

the specification tree under the Working supports entry.
By default the last created working
support (current) is displayed in red
in the specification tree. The ‘not
current’ working supports are
displayed in blue.
2 Select the surface you want to define as a support, here the extruded surface.

Working on a Support – Surface Support (2/2)
3 Click OK to confirm grid creation.
4 Create an element on the support.
Here you are creating a point. Note

that the point type is automatically
set to ‘On surface’.
5 Exit the working support :
Using the Working Using the Set as Not Current

Supports Activity icon option in the contextual menu
Updating a Part
You will learn how to update your part in case you have chosen the manual update mode.
Part to be updated

Why Do You Need to Update a Part ?
You can choose to work in the Automatic or Manual update mode. If you work in the
Automatic mode your part is automatically updated. If you work in the Manual mode
you can update your part whenever you want.
What about update ?

In the Manual mode you know that
the part needs to be updated when:
The Update symbol

appears next to the
part name.
The Update icon is

available.
The part is displayed

in bright red.

Updating a Part…
The Automatic Update mode is the default mode set in the Options.
You can change the default

update mode in Tools +
Options +
Infrastructure+Part
Infrastructure.
Note that the chosen update mode

is the same in Wireframe and
Surface Design and in Part Design.
Let ’s see now the way to update a part...

Updating a Part
1 Set the update mode to Manual.
2 Perform a modification for which an update is required.
Here the spline and the

surface need to be updated.
Modification
Initial part
of a point
3 Update the part to display the new spline and surface:

• click on the Update icon in the
Tools toolbar
• select Edit + Update in the menu bar

Resulting part
• select the Local Update option from the contextual menu

positioning the cursor on the Part identifier
If you position the cursor on a feature and select Local update
from the contextual menu only the feature is updated.
Managing Open Bodies
You will learn how to insert and select an open body and how to manage the elements
belonging to an open body.

Why Do You Need Open Bodies ?
Open bodies are useful to show clearly the structure of your part.
What about open bodies ?

• When you enter the Wireframe and Surface Design
workbench an open body is automatically created.
• You can create as many open bodies as you need.
• Once you make an open body current, all the elements

created in the part will belong to this open body.
• You can move elements within an open body or from

an open body to another without modifying the
geometry.
Elements belonging to
the Wireframe open body
Current open body (underlined) ; you

define an open body as ‘current’ :
- clicking on it with mouse button 3
and selecting ‘Define in Work Object’,
- selecting it in the body selector
available in the Tools toolbar.

Managing Open Bodies… … and move
some of them
to the relevant
open body.
… then rename it…
You will first insert a

new open body… … create new
elements in the
current open
body…
Let ’s see now the ways to manage open bodies201

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...
Inserting and Renaming an Open Body
1
Create a new open body.
The new open body is created after the last element of the current open body in the
specification tree and is automatically made current.
2 In the properties rename Open_Body.4 into Operations.

Moving an Element to another Open Body
You can move an element to another open body without modifying the geometry.
1 Select the element to be moved using mouse button 3, display its contextual
menu then choose the Change Body option in the element object menu.
The Change Body window is displayed.
2 In the specification tree select the open body to

which you want to move the selected element.
To place the element precisely you can select the
element above which you want to move it.
3 Click OK to move the element in the specification tree.

Moving an Element within an Open Body
You can move an element to another location within an
open body without modifying the geometry.
1 Select the element to be moved using mouse button 3, display its contextual
menu then choose the Change Body option in the element object menu.
The Change Body window is displayed.
2 In the specification tree select the element above

which you want to locate it, here Sketch.2.
3 Click OK to move the element in

the specification tree.

Checking Connections Between Elements
You will learn how to check connections between surfaces or between curves.

Checking Connections Between Surfaces
1 Multi-select the two surfaces between which

you want to check the connection
2 Select the Connect Checker Icon
3 Choose the Analysis Type :

Distance, Tangency or Curvature
Note the Maximum values

between the two surfaces.

Checking Connections Between Curves
This tool allows you to detect the point, tangency and curvature discontinuities on curves.
Distance analysis
The point discontinuities are displayed on the

analyzed curve.
Curvature analysis Tangency analysis
The curvature discontinuities are displayed on The tangency discontinuities are displayed on
the analyzed curve. the analyzed curve.
To Sum Up ...
You have seen CATIA V5 Wireframe and Surface Design Tools:
How to stack commands while creating wireframe geometry,

How to cut, copy, paste or delete elements,
How to create datum features,
How to work on a support and snap to a point,
How to update a part manually,
How to manage Open Bodies,
How to check connections between curves or surfaces.

Wireframe and Surface Design: CATIA Training

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Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES 2002 1

Objectives of the course

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1. Introduction to Wireframe and Surface Design p. 5

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Accessing the Wireframe and Surface Design Workbench

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To access the Wireframe and Surface Design Workbench

The first time you access the

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You are creating You can work in 2D

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Part2 is a combination of PartBody

When you enter the Wireframe and

At any time you can insert an Open body to

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Enter the Part

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How to access the workbench

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You will learn the different ways to create points in 3D

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To support creation of all geometrical elements and to

What about points ?

You can edit any type of point by double-clicking on its

Default color codes for points:

In some cases you can reverse

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1 Click on Point Icon

2 The Point Definition dialog box offers

Select one of these Point type options.

The dialog box contents

3 Enter point specifications

Let ’s see now the different ways to create points ...

2 Enter the coordinates of the point.

2+ Select the reference point if you want

3 Click OK to confirm point creation.

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• If you do not select a reference point the default one

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4 If you want to create several points on the selected

6.1 Define the number of points to be created.

• If no reference is selected for the Object point the

The point instances

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6.2 You can also choose to define the number of points

7 Click OK to confirm point creation.

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‘Components’ means direction from the Distance = 50

3 Click OK to confirm point creation.

You will learn the different ways to create lines in 3D

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What about lines ? * Vertices are visible neither in

Point- You can edit any type of line by double-clicking on its

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Modification of line parameters (length, orientation)

In some cases you can reverse

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1 Click on Line icon