CATIA V5 Part Design Overview for Mechanical Modeling


CATIA V5 Part Design is a core workbench used to create precise, feature-based solid models for mechanical components. It follows a history-based design approach, where features are built sequentially in a specification tree. This allows associative updates across sketches, pads, pockets, and dress-up features, ensuring that any design modification automatically updates dependent geometry. Such parametric control makes CATIA Part Design highly effective for mechanical components used in geotechnical, structural, and industrial workflows, especially in training environments like Pigso Learning.


Part Design also integrates seamlessly with assemblies and downstream PLM systems, preparing models for validation, manufacturing, and ENOVIA V5 VPM data management. This makes it a foundational skill covered in every professional CATIA design course.


Core Toolbars in CATIA V5 Part Design


The Sketch-Based Features toolbar forms the foundation of solid modeling. Tools such as Pad, Pocket, Shaft, and Groove allow users to create and remove material using sketches. These features are essential for building primary shapes like plates, brackets, and shafts.


The Dress-Up Features toolbar includes Fillet, Chamfer, Draft, and Shell, which refine geometry by adding edge blends, wall thickness, and draft angles—critical for manufacturability.


Transformation features such as mirror, Pattern, and Scaling support symmetry and repetition, improving modelling efficiency and consistency.


For advanced modeling, Boolean Operations such as Assemble, Add, and Remove enable multi-body design, commonly used in complex mechanical parts.


Key Workflow Steps


A typical workflow begins by entering the Sketcher on a selected plane and creating geometry with proper constraints and dimensions (for example, a 50 × 30 mm rectangle). After exiting the sketch, a Pad feature is applied by defining limits and extrusion depth. Holes or cutouts are created using Pocket, often set to Up to Last for through-cuts. Dress-up features like Fillet (3 mm radius) and Draft (2°) are then applied to improve strength and manufacturability. Renaming features in the tree (such as Base_Pad) improves model clarity and supports parametric updates.


Best Practices and Training Path

Best practices include using positioned sketches for accurate feature placement and avoiding over-constraining sketches during early design stages. For certification-focused learning, students practice creating bosses, ribs, and stiffeners to prepare models for assembly and PLM integration.


Pigso Learning offers structured CATIA V5 training, including CATIA V5 training online, designed for beginners and working professionals. These programs form part of a complete CATIA software course, covering advanced topics, CATIA customization training, and pathways toward CATIA certification course online. Learners can also progress to CATIA V6 training through a guided CATIA training program, earning a CATIA course with certificate that supports industry-ready skills.


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