CAD Tutorials

CATIA V5 - How to Generate G codes in NC mode

2012-02-03T08:51:00.000-05:00

The most important part about using CATIA V5 NC is to generate G-codes. In this demo we show how to create a sample program. There are certain steps required to to create the program successfully. You must specify the directory where the files go in the Tools>Options. Otherwise, your files will end up in the wrong folder and finding them will be a challenge.

Sample V5 file and program

CATIA V5 - Hide/Show Geometric sets quickly

2011-11-16T13:22:00.001-05:00

Some users need to hide show certain aspects of the design and some others. The Search tool allows you to do just that.

CATIA V5 - How to design in context (Top down design)

2011-09-16T11:21:00.001-04:00

This demo shows how you can develop a new part in the context of the assembly, also known as Top down design. The files are straight from the CATIA V5 help system. So anyone can try it out.

CATIA V5 Quick tip - How to unfold sheetmetal parts

2011-09-14T16:06:00.002-04:00

CATIA V5 Quick tip - How to drill a hole on a tapered cylindrical shaft

2011-05-13T13:33:00.000-04:00

Trying to add a hole on a tapered cylinder is usually a hard thing in CAD software, especially if you want the hole to be normal to the surface. This hidden trick shows how to do just that quickly in V5.

CATIA V5 Quick Tip - Simple Mold design approach

2011-04-14T15:39:00.001-04:00

I created this demo to illustrate how to make a part ready for molding in V5 using the Multi-Body approach. No real need for an assembly to be created here. Just use boolean operations to handle such parts. If you'd like to try to do it yourself, here's a link to the CATIA files:

Part Files

CATIA V5 - How to Simplify a Surface, then Flatten it in 2D

2011-03-30T14:37:00.003-04:00

More often than not, we get surfaces that are too complex for our needs. This video shows how to take a multifaceted surface and turn it into a simple, easier to deal with element. The rough Offset will do the trick as the standard offset tool does not know how to deal with this type of information. As a bonus, we also flatten the final result and place it into a 2D drawing.

CATIA V5 - How to import IGS surfaces into V5 then Thicken

2011-02-11T11:09:00.000-05:00

This is demo that shows how you can turn IGES surfaces into something usable. The idea is you join all the surfaces together and then copy them to a new part file so that you can thicken the model.

CATIA V5 - How to make equally spaced planes in one shot

2011-01-18T14:17:00.002-05:00

Creating planes can be very time consuming and a labourous task. In this video we show how to create 12 planes (or more) quickly for the purpose of sectioning thru the model.

CATIA V5 - How to create a Bent Tube

2010-11-22T11:17:00.000-05:00

This is quick demo that shows how to create a 3D sketch and use it for various purposes. In this case you don't need any fancy functions. Just simple and straight forward tools available to any CATIA user.

Convert PDF to AutoCAD for Free

2010-09-08T09:21:00.000-04:00

I can't count how many times I came across a 2D PDF drawing that I wish I can modify slightly. Over the years I looked at many different tools that would aid in turning a stale PDF into something usable. Enter ConvertPDFtoAutoCAD. I like how simple it is and how instant. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the output dwg file. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to turn those PDFs into dwg (or DXF by extension), then give this a shot. Of course, what really sold me on this service is that it's completely free and that's the best price.

CATIA V5 - Simplify Surfaces, then flatten them

2010-08-30T16:07:00.005-04:00

more often than not, we get surfaces that are too complex for our needs. This video shows how to take a multifaceted surface and turn it into a simple, easier to deal with element. The rough Offset will do the trick as the standard offset tool does not know how to deal with this type of information. As a bonus, we also flatten the final result and place it into a 2D drawing.

For more CAD related training and info, visit:
Maverick Solutions

Mastering Revit Architecture 2010

2010-07-30T11:51:00.002-04:00

This is the ultimate resource for anyone interested in Revit. It's has 819 pages and is made up of 24 chapters detailing everything you need to know. Since the demand for such a resource is high, I wont upload it as I have a limited bandwidth cap with my FTP site. I will, however, forward the PDF version of the book for free to those who are interested. email me at

For more training and consulting services goto:

www.maverick-solutions.com

Autodesk Revit demonstrations

2010-07-20T11:56:00.002-04:00

I have a collection of videos for Autodesk Revit that I've uploaded. They are all in high quality. They are very useful for those who want to have a quick overview of the software. Many of my students and colleagues have been asking about Revit. So, here it is, free of charge.

To view them:

- Download the zip file
- Extract it to your Hard drive
- Open one of the 14 sections
- Open the HTML file. This one retains the proper formatting

Download here

CATIA V5 - Smooth out bumps on Solid Faces

2010-05-26T11:16:00.002-04:00

This demo shows how to get rid of irregular surfaces that may show up on certain parts. the Sew surface tool is shown. The tool is great time saver as you don't need to redo the surfaces in question. No trimming or deleting is required of old faces.

visit Maverick Solutions for more CAD-related services and training.

CATIA V5 - How to flatten a dumb sheetmetal part

2010-05-09T15:28:00.003-04:00

Often, we receive files that are non-intelligent, with no history or any parametric dimensions and constraints. Sure, you can try to feature recognize or reverse engineer. However, those methods are laborious and tedious to say the least. One of the nice things about most sheetmetal designs is the constant thickness. This enables designers to import dumb (no history) 3D parts and turn them into usable sheetmetal parts that can be flattened. Not only that, but drawings can be generated from the 3D file. This way, the 2D representation can be dimensioned or sent to DXF for laser or waterjet cutting. In this demo, you can see how easy it is to take a part from any CAD software and convert it into a proper part.

For more training and consulting services goto:
www.maverick-solutions.com

CATIA V5 - Complex part reference creation

2010-04-30T13:37:00.001-04:00

When dealing with Complex parts, it is sometimes hard to find the right references to use. Also, what appears to be flat surfaces are not in reality planar. So, in this demo we show how to build axis systems to aid in locating and constraining the part in assembly mode.

Inventor - How to apply a decal (image) to a cylinder

2010-03-31T11:46:00.003-04:00

I created this video based on a request from a youtube user. it is an update to another one I made that shows how to bring an image to a flat face. However, this time, it is a cylinder. Keep your numbers positive, it will work better. This method also works on non-cylindrical shapes, namely organic or spline-based faces.

To see a video of how to do it using a flat face, click here.
To download the Inventor 2010 part, click here.

AutoCAD General Overview - Start to Finish

2010-03-23T20:41:00.005-04:00

Have you forgotten all about AutoCAD? Did you learn it years ago and need to remember how to use it again? Well, Fear not! This is the ultimate demo for anyone looking to review AutoCAD. We all have to use it at one point or another. This demo shows what is actually needed to use the software, without the marketing "fluff." The knowledge here can be applied to any AutoCAD verison. Below are some of the topics covered:
- How to enable Startup mode.
- New Ribbon Display vs. Classical
- Keyboard Shortcuts (Download PDF here)
- Help docs and Online resources
- Origin (UCS)

In the Full demo we cover these topics:
- Modifying geometry
- Blocks
- X-Refs
- Dynamic blocks
- Layers
- Model space vs. Paper Space
- Title Blocks
- DWF and PDF formats

Click here to download the Full HD video. Remember to install the included Techsmith codec in case you can't view the video.

If you would like to have the free Design Review DWF viewer, click here to download.

CATIA V5 - Create View from 3D annotation

2010-03-08T13:15:00.000-05:00

This demo shows how to create a 2D view from a 3D part model annotation. Since the standard Front view does not do the job. You need to use the View from 3D tool. The same tools works if you had dimensions and tolerances created in a part or an assembly.

CATIA V5 Change sketch Support - The Buick Style

2010-02-19T19:34:00.001-05:00

Here's a quick tip on how to re-establish a sketch to a new plane or face after creating it. This is not a well documented option in the help system.

CATIA V5 - Excel Driven Sheetmetal Parts

2010-02-01T21:46:00.000-05:00

In this demo, we show how you can design an excel-driven sheetmetal part. It starts from scratch and shows you how to build it from the beginning all the way to the stage when you can switch configurations in the design table. I've uploaded the final part along with the excel sheet. This way you can try out the tutorial yourself. Click here to download.

CATIA V5 - where did that icon go?

2010-01-26T10:21:00.004-05:00

Did you ever start to do something in CATIA V5 then suddenly find out that you can't see a certain icon? No need to worry. it's there, you're not blind. Here are some suggestions for how to hunt for it.

For those who are lazy, you can always find most commands in the Insert menu given you're in the right workbench.

In the View menu>Toolbars, you can enable any of the listed ones. Always keep it to a minimum so that you don't clutter your user interface.

Make sure that you don't see any double arrows (or Chevrons) in the bottom-right corner of your CATIA screen. If so, then you need to pull out all these toolbars out until you find it.

If all fails, go to Tools>Customize, Toolbars Tab. then click Restore Position button. This will bring CATIA back to the original factory UI settings.

For those who would like a reference page of most icons in their respective workbenches, I've uploaded a copy of icon screen shots. Click here to download.

CATIA V5 - How to Transfer 2D elements to Part Sketcher

2010-01-19T22:30:00.002-05:00

Some users have the need to bring 2D CAD data (say from AutoCAD or DXF) and import it into sketcher. It may seem like an easy thing at first. But, it does involve certain steps.

The drawing file (CATDrawing) is available for download here.

Is interaction with CAD/CAM software evolving?

2010-01-18T23:00:00.007-05:00

Many of us have seen the Iron Man movie. There was a scene where Tony Stark designs his suit of armor on a round digital table. What catches the attention is the ability to interact with the model without the use of any mouse or pointing device. He was "testing" the design on the fly, something that would take days or weeks to accomplish today. Some might look at it and say, "That's Sci-Fi." But over the years we've seen technology emerge from what we use to consider fiction 10 or 15 years ago.

Enter a new initiative by Apple. They are working on Head-Tracking for design and manufacturing. There is an interesting read at Manufacturing Software Advice website that I came across. . We have seen similar ones for gaming, but not for our industry.

The funny thing is that I've seen students do that with their screens in my CAD/CAM classes. I myself have done it once or twice before when I can't understand what's in front of me.

If you're wondering about the CAD software featured in the video it's Autodesk Inventor. An easy to learn CAD system made by Autodesk, the same company that makes AutoCAD.