CATIA (Computer Aided Three-dimensioning Interactive Application) is a
computer aided design tool programmed in C++ language by Dassault Systems and
marketed by IBM. CATIA is widely appreciated as a 3D designing platform for its
detailed interface, tools and workspace. It offers a wide variety of detail
oriented design tools enabling the user to create complex designs productively
with real time rendering.
Being one of the most frequently used software for product designing,
CATIA provides advanced state-of-the-art three dimensional design suite, used
for conceptualization of commercial products that require high design
standards. Apart from creating concepts, this software is also used at various
industrial levels from design process to manufacturing level of various
products for which it is also called as 3D ‘Product Lifecycle Management’
software.
CATIA requires a detailed training and understanding of how a 3D
software works. An elaborate CATIA
training provides the user with understanding of tools used and their
functions that enable maximum productivity. CATIA covers around all aspects of
CAD (Computer Aided Design), CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) and CAE
(Computer Aided Engineering). For students, CATIA provides a Student Homework
and Project Enabler (SHaPE) with CATIA V5 license. This is a student version
that basically allows the use of this software for academic CATIA
training institutions or on a personal computer (of a student). API
(Application Programming Interfaces) makes this software customizable.
A fully equipped suite can be purchased at www.3ds.com. Student version
can be purchased at www.academy.3ds.com.
Applications of the Software
CATIA is generally used to present the products aesthetically as well as
functionally. Market success of a product design is determined by how well it
is presented and how well is it perceived by the consumer. This software equips
creative designers with tools to help fill in the gap between design and client
needs.
CATIA has witnessed extensive use in Class A, aerospace, automotive
engineering, industrial product
designing, engineering, system architecture and equipment design fields. Also fields
like electronics, HVAC systems have been observing an increase in the usage of
this software.
The functions include creating, modifying, surfacing and styling of
three dimensional designs of products, concept models, from creating visual
elements to functional mechanical parts, complex defined shapes of advanced
structures, reverse engineering and assembling. Advanced understanding of
behavior and kinematics and fluid mechanics of a model is an elite function
that this software provides. These functions have benefitted most of the design
concerned market undoubtedly, which gives CATIA a high ranking place in the
market.
CATIA not only provides its users with graphic surface modeling
requirements, but also with an interactive ability at conceptual level – which
means a better designer-client relationship. Use of CATIA for Class-A surface modeling
has boomed in fields like aerospace and automotive engineering. The software
provides the designs with high-end visualization, high standards in terms of
surfacing workflow, analysis by digital simulation and collaboration between
aesthetics and functional properties of the designs.
CATIA has majorly benefited in the field of mechanical engineering. Most
of the products that are created by mechanical engineers, have to go through
digital prototype testing during development phase. This involves digital test
analysis by creating a virtual simulation of the mechanical product. A
mechanical engineer that has also pursued CATIA
training has multiple
benefits and value in the market, increasing his/her employment prospects in
mechanical engineering.
CATIA provides a Piping/Tubing design application that enables ease in
designing major Fluid Systems that are used in industries. Standardized
varieties of pipings and tubings with different specifications are built-in in
the software to collaborate with custom Fluid Systems.
Being a PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software, CATIA is used for
different industrial levels from conceptualization, designing, manufacturing. A
basic summary of use of CATIA in the diverse industries is as follows:
·
Class-A
Industrial level – Aerospace, Automotive, Ship-building
·
Mechanical
Prototyping, Simulation
·
Fluid Systems,
HVAC Systems
·
Industrial
equipment
·
Systems
Architecture
·
Miscellaneous
use - Product Designing, Architecture.
Rise in use of the software has also consequently increased the demand
for academic institutions providing CATIA
training.
CATIA Training
The applications of CATIA are penetrating the manufacturing industry at
a fast pace, as is its popularity in diverse design fields. With more companies
taking on the software, there is a considerable rise in demand for candidates
with good skills in the software. Reputed CATIA
training institutes offer live projects along with training.
As it is more than just a traditional primary CAD software suite, CATIA
requires training of a higher level. There is much scope for CATIA designers
around the globe compared to other CAD programs.
·
Advanced
modeling/surface skills, Parts modeling.
·
Ability
to create the most complex models.
·
Knowledge
of performing stress analysis/FEA.
·
Knowledge
of techniques involved in manufacturing processes.
·
Command
over CATIA VBA Macros, NC programming.
·
Real
time rendering skills.
·
Attention
to detail, trouble shooting and time saving techniques.
Apart from these, a candidate looking forward to a career in CATIA has
to have good organizational and interpersonal skills. He should also possess good
command over English, with proper communication and soft skills. He should have the adaptability to any work
environment, and most importantly he has to have the ability to manage strict
deadlines and work stress. Acquiring these skills could make a CATIA
professional completely invaluable to companies in search of skilled designers.
CATIA Career Opportunities
There are numerous attractive career opportunities for CATIA designers
with good salary packages and benefits with all career options being dynamic. However,
a degree in engineering is majorly preferred and sometimes good technical and
programming skills too are a requirement, which subsequently opens more career
options for the candidate apart from designing and disqualifies CATIA as a
dead-end-street career option. Above all, an exceptional command over CATIA can
make up an indispensable space for a candidate as a CAD designer, which generally
overlooks other academic or professional requirements in the quality and talent
oriented market.
CATIA professionals are in high demand. These professionals are referred
to as CAD designers. The other careers to choose from are CATIA Design
Engineering and CATIA NC Programming. Many students trained in CATIA are also doubling
up as part-time CATIA trainers. CAD Designing is the most common stream taken
up by professionals or designers. This stream is very promising in terms of
finance, and sometimes pursued as a freelance career option. The basic tasks
carried out by a professional CAD Designer are the:
·
Creation
of concepts/interpretation of others’ concepts and their conversion into 3D
models using CATIA.
·
Creation
of three dimensional assemblies, GD&T and interpretation of B.O.M.
information.
·
Creation
of layouts of reverse engineering of conceptual designs for manufacturing
process.
·
Cross
conversion of models from a different CAD format into CATIA and vice-versa.
·
Incorporation
of time saving techniques like specialized modules – piping/tubing, FTA, SMD.
·
Ability
to meet deadlines prioritizes tasks, manage time and maintain quality service.
With the right CATIA
training and the right attitude towards 3D designing, engineering
students can tap into the potential of the manufacturing industry. Because of
the diversity of specializations available in this field, students from any
background can utilize their domain knowledge to further their careers. It is
also imperative that students update their knowledge of the industry so they
can launch a successful career through CATIA.
