CATIA Interview Questions with Answers
CATIA (an acronym of computer-aided three-dimensional interactive application) is a multi-platform software suite for computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE), 3D modeling and Product lifecycle management (PLM), developed by the French company Dassault Systèmes.
CATIA Interview Questions with Answers
Infrastructure
1) Expand CATIAV5?
Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application.
2) What is the save extension of the sketcher file?
CATPart
3) Does CATIA V5 work on UNIX Platform?
Yes
4) Is it possible to increase the size of plane boundary representation & how?
Yes, go for Tools-Options- Infrastructure-Part structure-Display
5) Is It Possible to directly enter into the Sketcher Workbench?
No, it is not possible to enter into the sketcher workbench directly. We have to go for any workbench &form there we can enter the sketcher workbench..
6) Which is the tool used to exit from sketcher workbench to part design Workbench?
Exit Sketcher.
7) What is the use of construction elements?
Construction elements assist in sketching the required profile in sketcher.
8) What are the default units of LMT (Length, Mass and Time)
mm, Kg, Second.
9) What is SKETCH TOOLS in sketcher workbench & Explain the Importance of it?
SKETCH TOOLS in sketcher workbench are the commands, which are very useful in creating sketches. SKETCH TOOLS are namely geometric and dimensional constraints, construction elements/standard elements and Grid option. They play a very important role in sketching. Whenever we want to constrain a sketch we use these options and if we want to convert any element into a construction element once again these options come into picture.
10) Is it possible to hide the specification tree?
Yes, with the help of the F3 button, but the option in the Tools command must be checked to allow this.
11) What is the SHOW/HIDE option?
Show mode enables us to see all the components presently opened and in Hide mode we can hide the desired elements from the view for time being.
12) What is the use of Cut Part by Sketch Plane?
This task shows how to make some edges visible. In other words, we are going to simplify the sketch plane by hiding the portion of the material that is not needed for sketching.
13) How do you measure arc length?
We can measure arc length by using the MEASURE ITEM command. Sometimes we need to customize the option for arc length if it is not checked earlier using customization in the MEASURE ITEM command.
14) What is the meaning of true dimension?
True dimension is the dimension desired after the machining. In other words, this is the value that should be obtained after the machining.
15) What do you mean by ISO-Constraints?
If all of the degrees of freedom of geometry have been taken up by a consistent combination of dimensions & fixed geometry,. That geometry is said to be ISO-CONSTRAINED. Geometry that still has some degrees of freedom is said to be UNDER constrained.
16) Mention the color code of ISO-constrained, under, and over constrained elements?
The color code for these elements is Green, White and Magenta respectively.
17) What animated constraint command is used?
This task shows how a constrained sketched element reacts when we decide to vary one constraint.
18) How many dimensions are required to constrain the ellipse?
Three dimensions are required namely major axis, minor axis and the distance from the origin.
19) What are different conic sections?
Ellipse, Hyperbola and Parabola
20) What is RHO value for ellipse, Parabola and hyperbola?
Parabola has RHO values of 0.5, Ellipse has RHO value between 0 & 0.5 and Hyperbola has RHO value b/w 0.5 & 1.0.
21) What is NURBS?
NURBS are the type of curves
22) How many types of Coordinate systems are there?
Three namely Cartesian, Polar and Spherical coordinate systems.
23) What are project 3D silhouette edges?
Project 3D silhouette edges in sketcher will show how to create silhouette edges to be used as geometry or reference elements.
24) What is the use of sketch analysis?
To check whether the sketch is fully closed or not so that the sketch can be used or not so that the sketch can be used for further operations in part design.
25) Where do we use the axis?
Axis is used in creating shaft (revolved) features.
26) Can we redefine the sketches?
Yes.
27) Can the axis be converted into a line or vice versa?
We can convert lines into axes but axes cannot convert into lines.
28) How many axes can be created in a single sketch?
Only one axis can be created in a sketch, if more than one axis are drawn then only one of them, the latest one, will be an axis and others will be converted into reference elements.
29) How do we change, sketch’s reference plane?
Right click on the sketch whose reference plane is to be changed and select the change reference plane and then select a new reference.
30) What is the function of mirror command in a sketch?
Mirror command in sketch will create a copy of the sketch about a reference plane.
31) If I don’t want the relation b/w original and mirrored elements what should I do?
Explore and the relation b/w the original and mirror element doesn’t exist.
32) What is the use of isolates in a sketcher workbench?
Isolated is used when 3D geometry is projected onto a sketch in order to be modified and used as part of the sketch’s profile.
33) Can we select a non-planar surface as a sketch plane?
No, we cannot select a non-planar surface as a sketch.
34) What are the different options available in the quick trim command?
BREAK & RUBBER removes part of the element, which is clicked. BREAK & RUBBER out removes part of the element, which is not clicked. BREAK & KEEP keeps both parts of elements after breaking.
35) What do CATIA P1, CATIA P2 AND CATIA P3 mean?
P1, P2 and P3 will indicate the different types of platforms of CATIA. Higher the number of sophisticated software will be.
36) What is Kernel?
The kernel is the basic indispensable part of an operating system that allocates resources such as low-level hardware interfaces & security.
37) What is the kernel of CATIA?
CNEXT
38) Is it possible to directly enter the part design workbench, when we start the CATIA session, instead of the assembly design workbench?
No, we cannot enter directly into the part design.
39) What is the importance of sketch tools?
This toolbar only appears when you are in the sketcher workbench. The four tools found in this toolbar are toggle tools. When the tool is highlighted the tool is on. This particular toolbar changes depending on what other sketcher workbench tool is currently selected.
40) How many degrees of freedom are there for points, lines, circles & ellipses in 2 dimensions?
Degree of freedom for points & ellipses is 2. For circles it is 3 & for ellipses it is 5 in two dimensions.
41) What is the meaning of mean dimension?
Mean dimension is the dimension that should be the mean of all the dimensions, which are tolerance.
42) How many types of environment are available to start CATIA?
(1) From desktop (motif)
(2) From console (dterm)
43) What is HLR & NHR? What is their purpose?
HLR = hidden line removal
NHR= no hidden line removal
Their purpose is to visualize the solids in different modes.
Part Design
1) Expand CAD/CAM/CAE/PDM/VPM/CFD
Computer Aided (Design/Manufacturing/Engineering). Product Life cycle Management/ Product Data Management/ Virtual Product Module/ Virtual Product data management/ Computational Fluid Dynamics.
2) Is it Possible to create a pocket or groove as first features?
Yes, it is possible.(body concept)
3) How to give tolerance to a particular dimension?
First, give the dimension & using right click select ADD TOLERANCE from the contextual menu & specify the tolerance.
4) What is the use of creating datum?
Deactivates the link between parts.
5) Can you pad open & intersecting profiles?
Possible for open profile with thin pad option. Not possible with intersecting profiles.
6) Can I take a portion of the one sketch for creating the pad?
Yes, using the MULTIPAD option OR using simple PAD and in simple PAD select GOTO PROFILE option.
7) What is a DRAFTED FILLETED POCKET?
It performs drafting, pocket fileting simultaneously.
8) Can we use arcs as axes for creating shaft features?
No, we cannot use an arc as an axis for creating a shaft feature.
9) What kind of profile should be there for creating stiffeners?
We can use Wire frame geometry or sub elements of a sketch. Profile may be open or closed but condition is that closed profile’s extrusion must be normal to sketch.
10) Can we give two different angles for the same face of solid by using the draft option?
No, it is not possible to give 2 different angles for same face of solid by using draft option but it is possible if we use “ADVANCED DRAFT”
11) What is power copy?
Power copy is a set of features that are grouped under to use in different contexts having the capability to adapt changes when pasted.
12) What is user feature creation (UFC)?
Create hybrid features, intended to be stored in catalogs and can be instantiated later on.
13) What is the use of the option ‘Duplicate data in CATIA model’ in the design table?
Check this box when you intend to reuse your document on an opening system different from the one, which is used to create the design table.
14) Is it possible to add some more parameters to the pre-existing design table?
Yes, we can add parameters to the existing design table with the ASSOCIATE option.
15) What are the different options in PASTE SPECIAL?
As result:- In this option the copied feature has neither link nor the design specification of the original one.As result with link:- In this option the copied feature will be having link with the original one but not the design specification of the original one.
As specified in part document:- In this option, the copied feature will be having both the link and design specification of the original one.
16) Is it possible to create a negative body?
Yes, using INSERT menu & INSERT BODY option
17) What is the use of REMOVE LUMP?
Removing material that is not physically connected to anybody.
18) What is Reframe on & center graph?
REFRAME:- Zooms on particular objects selected CENTER GRAPH Bring the selected features to the center screen in the specification tree.
19) What is the use of ‘REORDER’?
The capability of REORDER command allows us to rectify design mistakes by reordering operation
20) What is the use of the PULLING DIRECTION IN Rib option?
It sweeps the profile with respect to a specified direction. To select this direction, select a plane or an edge.
21) How do I create a plane at angles to another plane?
Using the option Angle/normal to plane in the PLANE command.
22) What are the different types of coupling modes there are in loft?
Ratio, Verticles, Tangency discontinuity, curvature then tangency Discontinuity.
23) What is the significance of specified representation in PATTERN?
With this you can make any object invisible.
24) How can I place the instances on both sides of the original feature?
Using Row 1 & Row 2 options.
25) Is it possible to pattern the two or more features at a time?
Yes (by multi selecting the features & then selecting the pattern command)
26) What is the meaning of ‘explode’ in pattern?
Deactivating the link b/w patterns & makes them independent entities.
27) What are all the limitations of User Features Creations (UFC) as compared with the power copy?
1) In UFC datum’s cannot be used as inputs of the features.
2) Sub-elements cannot be used as inputs of the features Ex. The face of a pad cannot be used as input.
3) When creating a user feature, it is not possible to edit (add/remove) inputs once you leave the DEFINITION Dialog tab. Click the CANCEL button and create the new user feature creation.
28) What is ‘Keep angle’ in rib & slot?
‘Keep angle’ option in ribs & slots lets us keep angle value between the sketch plane used for the profile & the tangent of the center curve.
29) Which is the better option to split which a solid: – a) surface b) plane c) face?
Plane is the best option to split solid.
30) Is it possible to split using the SEW operation?
Yes.
31) What is a FUNCTIONAL SURFACE?
A FUNCTIONAL SURFACE is the element that defines the face on a solid.
32) What is IUA? What is its purpose?
IUA= Interactive User Application Its purpose is to customize the CATIA user command.
33) What is the use of the MERGE END option?
‘MERGE END’ option when checked, will limit the extrusion to the existing material.
34) What is the use of the LAW function?
The usage of law function involves the creation of geometry to control the existing material.
35) What are solid primitives?
Solid primitives are the ready-made features available in particular for use. One Just needed to enter the dimensions & can have solid ready made. Example: – cylinder, cone, sphere, etc…
36) What is the ‘Reference surface’ option in ribs & slots?
It sweeps the profile while keeping the angle value between the axis & the reference surfaces constant.
37) Example the significance of the options ‘from side’ & ‘ from top’ in creating stiffeners?
From side: – The extrusion is performed in the profile’s plane & the thickness is added normal to the plane.
From top: – The extrusion is performed normal to the profile’s plane & the thickness is added in the profile plane.
38) What is ‘KEEP SPECIFICATION’ in pattern?
By checking this option we can have instances same as that of the original & any change made in the original will be observed in the instances.
39) What is ‘Simplified representation’ in pattern?
By checking this we can make desired objects invisible just by clicking on them.
Surface Design
1. What is the thickness of surfaces?
Infinitely less
2. What is hybrid modeling?
Mixture of solid & surface modeling.
3. Is it possible to set the default color for the surface?
Yes, we can set default colors for surfaces.
4. What is the use of the ‘Federation’ option in joining?
The purpose of federation is to regroup several elements making up a joined surface or curve. This is especially useful when modifying linked geometry to avoid re-specifying all the input elements.
5. What is the default value for distance objectives in join command?
0.001mm.
6. How does the nearest in project command affect?
It will show it’s significance when there are more than one profile in a single sketch if we want to projects all of them on a surface then we have to uncheck it, otherwise the only profile, which is nearer to the surface, will get projected & others will not
7. Is it possible to perform a shell operation on a sphere?
Yes, we can shell a sphere. For this, we need to just select the SHELL command & give wall thickness. If we select the sphere as an object to be shelled then it will show some error & we cannot shell it.
8. What is the healing of geometry?
This task shows how to heal surfaces, that is how to fill any (slight) gap that may be appealing b/w 2 surfaces.
9. What are distance objectives (in healing)?
It is the maximum gap allowed b/w 2 healed elements.
10. What are ‘Freeze elements’ in healing?
If this option is checked, the healing operation will not affect the selected elements under ‘freeze elements’.
11. What is the smoothing of curves?
This task shows how to smooth a curve, i.e., fill the gaps & smooth the tangency & curvature discontinuities, in order to generate better quality geometry when using this curve to create other elements, such as swept surfaces etc.
12. What is ‘Maximum deviation’ in the smoothing curves command?
Maximum deviation (may be in distance or angles) is the allowed deviation between the initial curve and smoothed curve.
13. What is ‘topology simplification’ in the smoothing curves command?
If this option is checked then it automatically deletes the vertices, thus reducing its numbers of segments.
14. List the different commands available to create surfaces?
Extrusion, revolve, sweep, fill & multi-section.
15. What is the ‘simplify result’ in join?
Checking this button allows the system to automatically reduce the number of elements (faces or edges) in the resulting join whenever possible.
16. What is ‘Ignore erroneous elements’ in join?
Checking this button lets the system to ignore the surface & edges that otherwise would not allow the join to be created.
17. What do G0 & G1 propagate in join?
G0 propagate: – The tolerance corresponds to the merging distance value.
G1 propagate: – The tolerance value corresponds to the angular threshold value.
18. What is the file save extension of surface?
The CATPart is the file save extension of a surface.
Assembly Design
1) What is PLM?
Product Life Cycle Management: Product Life Cycle Management is the succession of strategies used by management as a product goes through its lifecycle.
2) What is the difference between Product & Component?
Product is a collection of components. Whereas a component is a collection of features.
3) What is visualization mode?
In this mode, only partial data is loaded to the memory of the hard disk. The data will be in the sellated form; we cannot give constraints to the components in this mode.
4) What is the safe extension of the assembly file?
.CATProduct
5) What is design mode?
In this mode the data is fully loaded to the memory & we can work on the components. The components in visualization mode can be brought into design mode by just double clicking on the components but vice versa is not possible by just double clicking.
6) When we use propagate directory?
In save management, when we want to save the component files in the same file in which product is saved then we use PROPAGATE DIRECTORY. Then automatically the entire child files will be propagated to that particular directory.
7) What is a scene? Where do we use it? Give any one example?
Scenes enable capturing & restoring the state of components in an assembly in a saved viewpoint.
8) How many degrees of freedom will be there for any component in an assembly?
Six degrees of freedom will be there for any constrained component in an assembly.
9) In an assembly how do I measure the degree of freedom of a component?
Activate the component & then go for ANALYZE Degrees of freedom.
10) What is the use of stop manipulation on a clash command?
It will stop the movement of components when clashed, in compass assisted movement.
11) What is the function of ‘overload properties’ in a contextual menu?
It gives us the option not to copy a particular component into the drafting from assembly by just selecting it (the particular component) using the contextual menu with ‘ overload properties’.
12) What is the DESK command?
This command shows us how to view the relationship between different documents & to obtain information about their properties. (Uncheck tools>options
WHITE-loaded.
BLACK-not loaded in the current session. RED-not been found.
13) Different types of CACHE?
LOCAL CACHE: – A read or write directory located locally on your machine & used to store CGR files. The first time a component is inserted it is tessellated. This means that the corresponding CGR file is computed & saved in the local cache as well as displayed in the document window. The next time this component is required, the CGR file which already exists (& not the original document) is automatically loaded from the local CACHE. The user is normally responsible for the local cache.
RELEASED CACHE: – A read only cache that can be located anywhere on your network, several directories can be defined for RELEASED CACHE. If a CGR file cannot be found in the local CACHE, the software browses the released cache directories in their listed order to see if the CGR file is located in any of them. If the CGR file is still not found, the component is tessellated & the resulting CGR file is saved in the local CACHE. The site ‘administrator’ is normally responsible for the released CACHE. The default maximum CACHE size is 500MB. When the maximum size is exceeded, the automatic deletion of CGR files (on first in/first out basis) is triggered.
14) About EDIT –LINKS?
This task shows how to display the document links. Only direct links i.e.,
External documents directly pointed to by the active document can be displayed using the EDIT-LINKS command. This inactive document must be activated before displaying their links. Note that you can also use an element from the graph to display its links.
15) What is a CSG tree?
CSG = Constructive Solid Geometry it is equivalent to specification tree in CATIA V5.
16) What does CGR stand for?
CGR = Catia Graphic Representation.
Administration
1) How do I come to know about the release of CATIA V5?
Go to HELP About CATIAV5.
2) What is the significance of CAT settings?
CAT settings play a very significant role. These are responsible for all the defaults. One can have settings according to their requirements in organization.
3) What is the purpose of IUA?
IUA= Interactive User Application, used to customize the CATIA user command.
4) What does the CSG tree explain?
The CSG tree will explain the steps performed while doing a particular design; it is similar to the specification tree in CATIA V5.
5) What is MULTI MODEL LINKS (MML)?
The Multi Model Links are functional in automatic updating of the changes made onto the part body. This can be achieved.
Differences Between
1) Difference between new file and new from file?
If you save an existing file in another directory without changing the file name, you will only be able to open one of these files at any given time. If one of them is already open you will not be able to open the others. This is because both files have the same UUID.
To avoid this happening each file must have its own UUID. This can be done by means of the File New from.
To create a new document whose basic Characteristics are the same as an existing document? To do this close document you want to copy if not already closed & select file… New from… After selecting the existing document from which you want to create a new one & Click open. An exact copy of the existing document is displayed with a default name. The only difference between this document and already existing one is that the new document is new UUID by File— new from.
2) Difference between geometrical & dimensional constraints?
Geometric constraint is a relationship that forces a limitation between one or more Geometric elements. Dimensional constraint is a constraint, whose value determines the geometric object measurement.
3) Difference between stacked dimension & chained dimension mode while using auto Constraint option?
In stacked dimensions all the dimensions will be measured with respect to the reference. In a chained dimension the dimensions will be measured one with respect to another.
4) What is the difference between symmetry command and mirror command?
In Symmetry command, the original sketch is deleted and the new one is created
About the reference plane but with the help of mirror command we can retain both the new one and the original sketch about the reference plane.
5) Difference between trim and quick trim?
In the trim option, we can extend a line along with trimming of other unwanted elements, in quick trim we can only trim a line or curve and we cannot extend or shorten it.
6) Difference between axis and construction elements?
Axis is visible in part design mode and can be selected but construction elements are invisible in part design mode and are not selectable.
7) What is the difference between spine and spline?
SPINE: – creates a curve passing through a point on a plane normal to one or more other planes.
SPLINE: – Creates A Curve passing through several points having tangential curvature continuity.
8) What is the difference between ISOLATE SEPARATE?
ISOLATE: deletes logical link between the elements
SEPARATE: separate lines, curves & faces from their links with others.
Elements: EX:- A curve is considered as separate when it is linked to only one surface.
9) What is the difference between PARAMETRIC SOLIDS & NON-PARAMETRIC SOLIDS?
PARAMETRIC SOLID:-Relational model is parametric i.e. One to one relation if any change in dimension that may reflect on other dimensions.
NON-PARAMETRIC SOLIDS:- developing a solid by using surface ,face, solid primitive etc, there is no one to one relation.
10) Difference b/w PAD & MULTIPAD?
A pad is used for single profile & multipad is used for multi profile sketch.
11) What is the difference b/w creating a design table from current parameters &from pre pre-existing file?
1) Create design table from current parameter values: – check this option when you want to create a design table from a subset of the document parameters you just have to select among all the document parameter values.
2) Create a design table from pre pre-existing file: – check this option when you want to create a design table from the values of an external file.
12) Difference b/w PASTE & PASTE SPECIAL?
PASTE: – option in contextual menu enables us to simply copy and paste one location to another. But
PASTE SPECIAL: – option let the original one and us to maintain link b/w pasted feature. Any changes made to the original features, will be seen in the copied if we want & we have liberty to delink the original & copied feature.
13) How do you differentiate positive and negative bodies?
A positive body is the one which when assembled with another body it gets added and negative body is the one which when ASSEMBLED with a positive body wile get subtracted & it will get added if BOOLEAN OPERATION, ADD is used instead of ASSEMBLE
14) What is the difference b/w assemble & add /remove?
In ASSEMBLE the nature of the bodies to be assembled are taken into account. It means, if a negative body is assembled with a positive body it gets subtracted. But if we use add command for the same to bodies then they will get added irrespective of their nature
(+ Ve or –ve) nature REMOVE COMMAND is same as that of the ADD & thus it will not respect the nature of the bodies.
15) What is the difference b/w affinity & scaling?
SCALING: – resizing the body to the scale that you specify, in all the directions equally. AFFINITY: – resizing the body the scale which you specify, in a particular directions only, specified by you.
16) What is the difference b/w join & heal?
Using join command we can join the surfaces & using the heal command we can fill the small gap b/w the surfaces.
17) What is the difference b/w save, save as, save all &save management?
Save: – using this option we save all the currently opened / modified files by old name.
Save as: – using this option using this option which is currently opened/ modified by a different name other than the earlier one.
Save all: – using this option we can save all the files, even though which are not opened.
Save management: – the flexibility of the option ‘save management’ lies in the saving of all files under different names & in different directories simultaneously.
18) What is the difference b/w coincidence & contact constraint?
Coincide type constraints are used to align elements, depending upon selected elements you may obtain CONCENTRICITY, COAXIALITY or COPLANARITY…to create coincidence constraint b/w a the whole system must have the same direction & same orientation in product.
Contact type constraint can be created b/w two planes, faces (directed planes)
The common area b/w two planar faces can be plane (plane contact), a line (line contact) or a point (point contact) …
19) What is the difference b/w parametric non-parametric modeling?
1) Relational model is parametric i.e., one to one relation. If any change in dimension that may reflect on the other dimensions.
2) Developing a solid by using surfaces, face & solid primitives etc. there is no one to one relation is called non parametric modeling.
20) What is the difference b/w part, component & product?
PART: – within the assembly workbench, it is either a part of the part design workbench, or; 3D entity whose geometry is contained in a model.
COMPONENT: – A reverence integrated in an assembly. A component possesses characteristics related to how it is integrated in an assembly. (EX: – its relative location in an assembly).
PRODUCT: – a 3D entity which contains several components.
21) What is the difference b/w POWER COPY & UFC?
Parameters can be edited in power copy, which is not possible in UFC.
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