Common CATIA V5 Shortcuts & Customization

Posted on September 30, 2020September 13, 2024 by Swapnil Deshmukh

For any CAD software, Model manipulation options are very important to improve the productivity & for ease of use. This article will introduce you to all these options below.

Model Manipulation with Mouse

Function	Options using your Mouse
Pan	Hold Middle Mouse B
Zoom	Hold Middle Mouse B + Click Right B or Hold Middle Mouse B + Click Left B
Rotate	Hold Middle Mouse B + Hold Right B or Hold Middle Mouse B + Hold Left B

Model Manipulation with Keyboard

Function	Option using your Keyboard
Pan	CTRL + RIGHT Arrow Key: Move the model to the right CTRL + LEFT Arrow Key: Move the model to the Left CTRL + TOP Arrow Key: Move the model to the Top CTRL + BOTTOM Arrow Key: Move the model to the Bottom
Zoom	CTRL + PAGE UP: ZOOM IN the model CTRL + PAGE DOWN: ZOOM OUT the model
Rotate	SHIFT + LEFT Arrow Key: rotate to the left SHIFT + RIGHT Arrow Key: rotate to the right SHIFT + UP Arrow Key: rotate upward SHIFT + DOWN Arrow Key: rotate downward

Listed below are the CATIA V5 shortcut keys that users need to know.

Esc: Abort the current process or exit the current dialog box (when there is one)

F1: Get CATIA V5 assistance by launching the contextual help documentation
F3: Toggle specification tree display on and off
SHIFT – F1: Context assistance (Get help on toolbar icons)
SHIFT – F2: Toggle the specification tree overview on and off – opens an overview on specifications tree in a new window.
SHIFT – F3: Structure tree activate around e.g. character size to modify (activate the graph if the model is active and inversely)
ALT + F8: Macros start
ALT + F11: Visual basic editor
CTRL + SHIFT + Right arrow: ROTATE the model Clockwise
CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT arrow: ROTATE the model Anti Clockwise
CTRL + Tab: switch between the different windows (swap active document windows)
CTRL + N: New document open
CTRL + O: Document open
CTRL + S: Document save
CTRL + P: Document print
CTRL + F: Search
CTRL + U: Update
CTRL + X: Cut out
CTRL + V: Insert
CTRL + Y: Redo
CTRL + Z: Undo
CTRL + G: Selection Sets
ALT + Enter: Properties

Did you know that you can improve your CATIA speed and efficiency by using both hands? One hand can work the mouse while the other can use keyboard shortcuts.

Customize the Commands:

You can also create your own shortcuts for the frequently required commands by customizing them.

Tools>Customize

Select the Command Tab. Select the appropriate Categories and select the command (Hide/Show) which you want to create short key.

Click Show Properties button. Type the key which you want to use as shortcut key. In this example space bar key is used in the Accelerator field.

Now whenever you will press Space Bar key it will allow you to Hide/Show the selected elements.

Power input mode

The power input box is located in the bottom right corner of the status bar:

Power input mode is a user-friendly productivity assistant allowing you to:

Enter numeric data more easily in editable fields and spinners (but cannot be used in combo lists); as such, it is intended as an alternative to typing values in dialog boxes (dialog boxes are however still available).
Enter commands directly (by typing the c: followed by the name of the command).
Entering selection queries using the query language available when using Edit > Search.

Power input is available in certain (but not all) application commands. Note also that prefixes used to run commands or selection queries vary according to the language.

To activate power input mode, select Tools > Options, click the General tab, and click the P2 option, then restart your session.

Activate Action Pad

This task explains how to set up pad options in order to perform viewing operations using the Tablet Pen on a Tablet PC. Note that you can use the pad to visualize both 2D and 3D objects

Tools>Options>General>Devices & Virtual Reality

If this option is selected, it means that the pad display is activated in the geometry area. By default, the pad is displayed to the right as shown below:

Launching CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE on CLOUD in the Administrative mode

Posted on September 29, 2020September 13, 2024 by Swapnil Deshmukh

To set drafting standards and set user default catsettings for 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA we need to launch CATIA in Administration mode (Admin mode). It can also allow us to lock certain software settings. For 3DEXPERIENCE CLOUD this can be accomplished using the following steps.

Click on the 3DEXPERIENCE/ IfWe Compass.
Select the small black/ grey arrow just to the right of one of the 3D Modeling apps (for example, Assembly Design).
A menu opens showing the available tenants as well as the 3DEXPERIENCE level being used.
From the menu, select the “Create Desktop Shortcut” icon (grey/ white arrow just to the right of the 3DEXPERIENCE level name).

A Shortcut for the selected app is now placed on the Windows desktop.

Open the contextual menu (Right-mouse-click) on the shortcut and select Properties.

Copy the entire text string from the ‘Target’ field, located on the Shortcut tab of the Properties menu.

Create a new Text file on the Desktop and name it with the extension of .bat, instead of .txt. Paste the contents from Step 7 into the .bat file.
Launch the Desktop Shortcut (not the .bat file at this point).
When the login window is presented, cancel it by selecting on the X in the upper right corner of the window.
Go to the CATTemp directory (for example, C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\DassaultSystemes\CATTemp).
Open the latest Session Info File (for example, SessionInfoFile_username_d070_h13m21_p13584_0.txt) from the CATTemp directory. Then scroll to the bottom of the Session Info File. Here, you will find the list of Arguments used for launching the application.
Add any missing flags/ arguments shown in the Session Info file that were not included in the shortcut target from Step 8 into the batch file from Step 9.
Note that steps 7-14 are required, that is, creation of a batch file (.bat), because the Desktop shortcut ‘Target’ field only allows 259 characters due to a Microsoft Windows hard coded limit.
In the Batch file add “-admin”, but without the quotes, just after exe of “3DEXPERIENCE.exe”
(for example, “C:\Program Files\Dassault Systemes\B423\win_b64\code\bin\CATSTART.exe” -run “3DEXPERIENCE.exe -admin” -object “-Url=https://tenant_name-tenant_path:port/enovia -MyAppsURL=https://tenant_path:port/enovia/resources/AppsMngt -tenant=tenant_name)
Save the Batch file ensuring that it remains as a .bat and not a .txt file.
Open the 3DEXPERIENCE CATEnv.txt file.
Enter a directory path for the “CATCollectionStandard=” variable. (for example, CATCollectionStandard=C:\Users\user_name\Documents\ My3DEXP_CATCollectionStandardDirectory). Enter a directory path for the “CATReferenceSettingPath=” variable (for example, C:\Users\user_name\LockSettings).
Double-click the Batch (.bat) file created in Step 9.
Specify the your 3DEXPERIENCE login credentials.
To be able to modify & create drafting standards you need to log in as owner role.
This will launch the 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA in Admin mode with the ability to set activity of locks in Me>Preferences and Me>Standards for setting drafting standards as per the requirement.

Role of Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing industries

Posted on August 30, 2020September 13, 2024 by Arun Kashyap

The manufacturing organizations are facing a number of challenges to sustain and grow due to the current crisis arising out of the pandemic. The organizations are looking at various options to tide over the crisis they face today. Some of them are looking within to improve the operational efficiency and customer quality by optimizing the resources, cautious investment, and utilizing the existing solutions & technologies effectively. Others are considering this as an opportunity to bring in new technologies and remove the inefficiencies in their systems.

The technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics & Shop floor simulation, etc. have started to play an important role in the day-to-day operations of manufacturing industries. Many organizations in India are investing in these technologies, especially the IoT platforms within the shop floor to streamline and automate the processes and deliver on goals. The Machine to Machine & Resource connectivity, Automation across the production/assembly line and Robotics & Shop Floor Simulation in a virtual environment are some of the important areas that are being addressed immediately across many of the customer sites in India.

Industries are validating the technology players across various parameters in their selection criteria with cost as the primary factor followed by technical capabilities, service provider capabilities, long term support, security, scalability, and flexibility that plays a significant role in choosing the IoT platform or ML or AI Technology.

Many IoT players in India are making a big impact on manufacturing industries right from the large scale to SME sectors, in recent times, with customers coming forward to embrace the technology. Several companies have started implementing the IoT platform and those who implemented are getting to realize the benefits greatly.

Some of the real values and benefits that manufacturing industries are getting to realize after adopting these renowned technologies are:

Achieve Customer Centricity

Customer satisfaction is the primary factor that every business must focus on. The IoT advancements like mobile card readers, smart trackers, etc., will help businesses to enhance their customer experience.

Increase Productivity

AI-driven robots work for 24-hours a day and minimize the manufacturing operational expenditure while increasing productivity. IoT helps to gather real-time data from multiple machines, which results in improved performance and reduced workload. IoT also helps in offering just-in-time training for employees, reduce mismatch of skills, and improve labor efficiency while enhancing productivity.

Cost Saving

These advanced technologies provide predictive analytics and real-time diagnostics which helps to drive down the maintenance costs. Predictive maintenance allows manufactures to predict the system or machine failures and helps in preventing manufacturing downtimes. The minimized downtimes, process efficiencies, and optimum asset utilization saves your investments.

Increase Business Opportunities

IoT enables new business opportunities and allow organizations to benefit from the revenue streams generated by exceptional business models and services. These emerging technologies empower companies to build strong business cases, minimize their time to market, and boost ROIs. They have the potential to transform the way businesses approach the world and open doors for numerous opportunities.

New revenue streams

The time to roll out new products or services in the market is always swift and efficient with the help of the latest technologies. They help businesses predict customer behaviour and interests, which enables them to quickly plan and deliver the new revenue-generating offerings.

EDS Technologies, a platinum partner of Dassault Systemes is helping companies to discover ways to overcome their manufacturing challenges owing to the current pandemic and market conditions to rebound back stronger, leaner and with increased agility utilizing the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. You can leave a message at edst@edstechnologies.com in case you wish to talk to our industry consultant on this.

Enhancing the Additive Manufacturing Process with Dassault Systemes Solutions

Posted on August 29, 2020September 13, 2024 by Goutham S R

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has the capability to redefine manufacturing in your organization in multiple aspects effectively. Manufacturing companies of various sizes are looking at AM as an alternative and/or complimentary solution.

Additive Manufacturing can significantly reduce material waste and the typical multiple steps of production. It helps in reducing the part weight and manufacturability of components with complex design, which drives any company to be more competitive and adopt quick go-to-market strategies. AM eliminates the traditional process of the prototype, which directly removes the need for complex manufacturing setup, more time on production setups, huge investments, resource allocation, and more.

With the help of Dassault Systemes’ Additive manufacturing solutions, manufacturing companies are able to achieve their production excellence along with a multi-discipline approach that covers Design, Analysis, and Manufacturing. Topology optimization is one of the key areas where all the manufacturers are looking to reduce the part weight while keeping the design intent un-compromised. This is where an innovative & sustainable solution is required. CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE has a rich set of functionalities which can address end to end needs of any Additive Manufacturing process. It has a powerful set of capabilities that not only addresses the design optimization but also the manufacturability of the optimized design.

CATIA, powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, delivers unmatched capabilities of integration with the existing processes and tools of any organization. 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a single source of truth Dashboard to the entire business line of a company. The solution empowers organizations to manage changes and introduce disruptive approach. Lesser number of iterations for the New Developed Products means faster launches, lesser wastage, and more profitability.

Both CATIA and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform together can take the innovation, adaptability, profitability, and efficiency to a whole new level.

When the target is excellence, the processes and tools must be perfect.

Ways to Avoid “Click Ok to Terminate” Error in CATIA V5

Posted on August 29, 2020September 13, 2024 by Swapnil Deshmukh

This is a default runtime exception message which appears when CATIA terminates abruptly. This message can be changed by changing the text file content of file in installation directory:

installation directory\win_b64\resources\msgcatalog\CATAfrErrorCatcher.CATNls

There can be several reasons that trigger CATIA crash or ‘Click Ok to Terminate’ error. Below are some of the reasons of this error and the tips & ways on how to avoid this error.

Loading too much data (Memory Errors) : Whenever huge data is loaded in the system then CATIA may crash citing this error. It is a good practice to always load the required files only & close the files which are not required. You need to ensure to use the recommended RAM & recommended Graphics Cards. The list of recommended hardware is given in Dassault Systemes website.

DS supported workstation: Dassault Systemes has listed certified workstations which are already tested and published in this link : https://www.3ds.com/support/hardware-and-software/

It is recommended to use DS Certified hardware to get good performance.

Recommended driver: Use recommended Drivers for Graphics Cards.
Large files can be loaded in visualization mode by turning Cache Activation mode on.

Corrupted CATSettings: This could be resolved by deleting the CATSettings or using your correct back up CATSettings. The default path for CATSettings is as below.

C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\DassaultSystemes\CATSettings

Corrupt Geometry or Data: If you were performing certain tasks on part or assembly and CATIA crashes, there is a possibility that the data was not clean. In that case, you need to use CATDUA utility to clean the files by going to File>Desk. With right mouse click on the part you will see CATDUA V5 window. Once you click on CATDUA, you need to click run to clean the files with required priority. Check the below screen shots for more clarity.

Corrupt Drafting Standards XML file: Drafting Standards need to be changed in this scenario

Missing Drafting Standards XML file while creating a drawing: in this case, proper drafting standards files need to be specified.

CATIA Bugs: There could be certain bugs in the application which may also cause problems. Please ensure to update Service Packs regularly.

Random weird stuff: It can be data specific error.

In case your CATIA application happens to crash, here is a tip on how you can protect and retrieve the data you been working on just before the crash

It is painful that you lose hours of work just because of a CATIA crash or a timed-out session. Voila, don’t worry! Here is what you need to do to avoid losing your data next time. In your CATIA session, go to CATIA tools option in the small windows popup, click General>General Tab Enable (select automatic backup) and adjust the interval XX (time in minutes).

By doing this, CATIA will perform an automatic backup each XX minute for you while you work in your CATIA session. In case CATIA crashes next time, when you restart the application you will be prompted “would you like to retrieve your unsaved data previously”. If you click yes, CATIA will retrieve last unsaved data.

PLM Readiness Check for your Organization

Posted on August 29, 2020September 13, 2024 by Arun Kashyap

PLM Readiness Check for your Organization

During the current challenging times, identifying the right solutions & technologies and adopting them in the organization is arduous and tricky. Moreover, your organization needs to be ready to adapt the changes that the technologies bring into your process, resources, and the work culture. Therefore, your organization must plan ahead before deciding and investing on any software and implementing it. It applies the same for every specific business functions of an organization as well with R&D, Design & Development, Engineering in particular as these are important & core functions of any discrete manufacturing organization across multiple industry verticals.

It is observed that many organizations find it difficult to have a defined process set within an R&D function due to various factors like customer dynamics, unpredictable demands, market changes, product complexities, etc., which leads organizations to look for technologies & solutions that can address these challenges to a major extent. Although ERP and other enterprise solutions are in use in many organizations, the R&D function is left out of this connected ecosystem for some reason and/or limitation of these systems in addressing their challenges. R&D departments still works in a silo with limited connectivity and using legacy or outdated systems like excel, PDM systems, etc.

This led to the evolution of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) applications specific to R&D businesses (like what ERP is for operations) to address their challenges with a whole lot of configurable solutions within it based on the best practices adopted by successful organizations.

Now, there arise the questions – is your company ready for a PLM solution to help increase efficiency and improve collaboration? What are the steps to be taken before you push the PLM start button?

Organizations have to carry out an assessment or readiness check and understand what is needed out of the PLM system implementation for their business in the near term and in the long term. Below are some of the business drivers which are common and your company may have a few or a combination of them.

Your company is diversifying and increasing the product variants and so is the production, workflow and data. In this situation, PLM is needed. PLM helps to scale your business as it acts as a central repository of data and manages all the information flow from concept, through production, and end of the product life cycle.

PLM supports global collaboration and international manufacturing. So, if you are planning to expand your business in international markets, PLM helps you monitor in real-time from anywhere. PLM smoothens your operations and data validation processes and helps you meet quality assurance standards efficiently, which eventually results in an improved brand name. Increased product complexities & design changes with multiple authoring tools in use.
Improve time to market & contain innovation cycle times thus lowering development cost while delivering more transparent and reliable results.
Deliver new and innovative products to the market in short cycles at a competitive price to meet consumers demand
Optimize product costs early in design
Gain market share by collaborating with customers and suppliers to deliver targeted products quickly

If any or all of the above are your business drivers, it is the right time for an organization to invest on PLM system to remain competitive and profitable and look at a systematic way of approaching it through strategic planning to follow a roadmap that produces tangible results over a period of time in terms of profitability and competitiveness. The following points have to be considered that we recommend to all organizations planning to invest on & implement the right PLM system.

Form a PLM committee
Identify your business drivers
Create AS IS and TO BE business processes
Identify the right PLM solution
Form an implementation team
Introduce Change Management
Choose the right PLM partner
Implement PLM Software
Training Plan
Test the Software and Go Live
Measure Success

Once the PLM readiness check is assessed and you have decided to embark on the PLM journey, the primary & most important factor for any successful PLM implementation is selecting the right PLM software & the partner/vendor which undoubtedly requires a lot of investor’s time and energy, but is worth that time. PLM software system will stay with the company for many years, so too will the PLM partner.

EDS Technologies has helped multiple organizations in sizing the requirement and configuring it for multiple customers in India starting from the initial assessment. EDS Technologies is the platinum partner to Dassault Systemes and which is a market leader in PLM solution. It has the right blend of solutions to address end to end requirements for all R&D processes. Below are the set of Dassault Systemes suite of PLM solutions & offerings – industries-specific & process-specific solutions.

Solutions

Specific Industry Solution Experiences which addresses the below and much beyond:
- CAD-authoring tools integration
- Program & Project management
- Document Management
- Change management
- Bill of Material management
- Variant Configuration
- Collaborative Product Development

Category: Blog