Modified on
11 Sep 2024 07:16 pm
Skill-Lync
Welcome back to the CATIA Design Series! In this session, we will walk through how to design a USB drive using key tools in the Part Design Workbench. This exercise is perfect for those looking to enhance their 3D modeling skills and get comfortable with commands like Pad, Pocket, and Chamfer.
If you have been following the previous blogs, feel free to use the shortcuts we created earlier to speed up your workflow.
Now, let’s dive into building this USB drive model, one step at a time.
Step 1: Creating the base block with pad command
Time to lay the groundwork!
Let’s create a solid block as the foundation for our USB drive using the Pad Command
Now, we’ll draw the base rectangle:
Set the Pad length to 6 mm and check the Mirrored Extent box to ensure that thickness is added equally on both sides of the rectangle. Click Preview to see the result, and then OK to complete the command.
Step 2: Adding a reference plane
Next, we’ll add a reference plane to build on top of our base.
Now you can see the reference plane hovering above the base in the graphics area.
Step 3: Drawing a new sketch and creating a thin pad
With the reference plane ready, let’s sketch on the pad and create a thin pad with precise dimensions.
Now, we’ll create a Thin Pad:
Interactive Tip: If you want to explore an alternative, use Ctrl + Z to undo the last step and try using the Offset Command to adjust the sketch before applying the Pad Command again.
Step 4: Creating grooves with pocket and mirror commands
Now we will add grooves on the top pad.
Exit the Sketcher and select the Pocket Command. Set the depth to 0.5mm, preview the pocket, and adjust the direction if necessary.
To mirror the pocket feature:
Step 5: Smoothing edges with chamfer command
With the grooves locked in, it’s all about finesse! Use the Chamfer Command to soften the edges and perfect your design.
Observe how the sharp corners are now flattened, making the model more realistic.
Step 6: Adding another pocket feature
Let’s add a pocket feature to the upper surface.
Quick Fix Tip: If you realize the pocket was created on the wrong face, you don’t need to delete it. Right-click on the relevant sketch in the Specification Tree, select Change Sketch Support, and update the reference to the correct face. The pocket will automatically move along with the sketch.
Step 7: Finalizing with a fillet and thin pad
For the last part of our design, we’ll apply an Edge Fillet and create a thin pad on the new pocket.
Wrapping up the design
Congratulations! You’ve successfully designed a USB drive in CATIA V5. We have covered essential features like Pad, Pocket, Mirror, Chamfer, and Fillet - each a critical part of any product design process.
Before you finish, don’t forget to save your work. You can also explore the Specification Tree to review how each feature and sketch is organized and make any final adjustments.
What's Next?
You have now mastered some of the most fundamental commands in Part Design.
For your next challenge, try applying these techniques to a more complex model or modify the dimensions and features of this USB design to make it your own.
This blog is part of our ongoing CATIA Design Series. If you missed the previous posts, check them out here.
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VishruthiGirish
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Skill-Lync
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