ENOVIA Story
Chapter 2
ENOVIA Seamlessly Integrates with Powerful 3D CAD Software
ENOVIA can integrate with powerful 3D CAD software including CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA, and SOLIDWORKS, connecting you with their individual design workflows.
Choose from the 3D CAD software options below to discover what awaits in the next step of your ENOVIA journey:
- CATIA V5 Workflow: Part Creation
- 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA Workflow: Part Creation
- SOLIDWORKS Workflow: Part Creation
Watch the videos and read on to discover how ENOVIA unlocks new design and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) capabilities for 3D CAD software.
CATIA V5 Workflow
Let’s walk you through a standard part modelling workflow to show how connecting CATIA V5 with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can enhance collaboration between CAD authoring tools and additional business functionalities.
CATIA V5 can be launched either through a desktop shortcut or from your web browser, which opens the native, desktop installation of the CATIA software.
The 3DEXPERIENCE tab within CATIA V5 provides direct access to platform tools, allowing you to initiate new designs and start integrating your work with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s PLM capabilities.
Achieve Standard Consistency with CATIA V5
CATIA environments and preferences can also be controlled via the granular permissions provided by ENOVIA, enabling you to lock down company standards and shared files to streamline the design process.
We are designing a sheet metal part, and CATIA V5’s dedicated workbench equips us with the tools we need to create our bracket.
Dimensions are captured in 2D, and depth is added via extrusion. Corners can be rounded to remove sharp edges, and the unfold tool allows for validation once the design is complete. Once finalized, the model can be exported to DXF format for manufacturing.
Enrich Designs with Metadata and Controlled Revision Management
As you work, CATIA V5 allows you to enrich parts by assigning metadata to them through ‘attributes’. These attributes can be searched within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, making it easy to locate parts when you need them.
You also have the option to add it to a project bookmark for easy access or to create a new revision branch to manage changes. Lifecycle commands can be accessed directly within CATIA V5 or through the web platform, enabling you to track your design’s progress and initiate the approval process.
For example, when working on the bracket, you can lock the file via the 3DEXPERIENCE toolbar, signalling that you are the owner and actively working on the design. This functionality helps keep team members informed and ensures that the right person is always in charge of the design updates.
Platform-Wide Benefits
Once the bracket is uploaded to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the model becomes part of a broader ecosystem.
You can now take advantage of additional tools such as markup and measure, issue and change management, and project and task management. These tools provide deeper collaboration and tracking capabilities, ultimately streamlining the entire product development process.
3DEXPERIENCE CATIA Workflow
SOLIDWORKS Workflow
Connecting SOLIDWORKS to the 3D Experience Platform
The 3D Experience platform seamlessly connects with various CAD authoring tools, including SOLIDWORKS. Engineers can access it directly via the web interface or log in from within SOLIDWORKS itself, ensuring a streamlined workflow.
Initiating Part Creation
Upon launching SOLIDWORKS, users can create new parts while ensuring conformity across the design team by accessing company-specific templates. This step promotes standardization and maintains consistency in designs.
Developing the 3D Model
Model creation follows a structured process:
- Begin with 2D sketches to define geometry.
- Utilize workflow-specific commands to transition sketches into full 3D models.
- Create reference sketches and geometry to capture design intent accurately.
Generating Accompanying 2D Drawings
Once a 3D model is completed, engineers can generate detailed full-dimension 2D drawings to accompany the design. Additional steps include:
- Creating flat patterns and bend tables for fabrication.
- Ensuring all necessary manufacturing details are captured in technical drawings.
Securely Uploading and Managing Files
Both 3D CAD models and 2D drawings can be securely uploaded to the 3D Experience platform. Key benefits include:
- Seamless collaboration with colleagues and cross-functional teams.
- Bookmarking files for easy retrieval while working on multiple projects.
- File locking mechanisms to ensure single ownership during editing.
Managing Design Lifecycle and Metadata
Within the 3D Experience platform, engineers can:
- Control lifecycle maturity by progressing components through the design process.
- Edit and view metadata directly within SOLIDWORKS.
- Utilize advanced search filters to locate files efficiently.
Leveraging Revision Management
By working in a revision-managed environment, users can:
- Lock files to a single user for controlled modifications.
- Operate under change actions to maintain design integrity.
- Push files through the lifecycle stages as the design evolves.
Your ENOVIA Story Continues…
Integrating SOLIDWORKS with the 3D Experience platform provides engineers with an optimized workflow for part creation, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and robust lifecycle management. To see these steps in action, we recommend watching the video for a detailed walkthrough.
Click to discover the next chapter of your ENOVIA story!