The History of CATIA: Explained

CATIA is an acronym for computer-aided three-dimensional interactive application. It is a multi-platform software suite developed by the French company Dassault Systèmes. It is used for computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE), 3D modelling, and Product lifecycle management (PLM). CATIA Training Catia V5 Courses In Delhi will help you to start a career in the design engineering sector.

About CATIA

It is considered CAx-software and is sometimes referred to as a 3D Product Lifecycle Management software suite because it supports multiple stages of product development, including conceptualisation, design, engineering, and manufacturing. 

Like most competitors, it facilitates collaborative engineering via an integrated cloud service and has support for use across disciplines, such as surfacing and shape design, electrical, fluid, and electronic systems design, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering.

Frank Gehry used CATIA to design some of his signature curvy buildings, and his company Gehry Technologies was developing CATIA-based Digital Project software. The software has been combined with the company’s other software suite, 3D XML Player, to create Solidworks Composer Player.

History of CATIA

CATIA was developed in-house by French aircraft manufacturer Avions Marcel Dassault in 1977 to provide 3D surface modelling and NC functions for the CADAM software they were using to develop the Mirage fighter jet. CATI (conception assistée tridimensionnelle interactive) was renamed CATIA in 1981. 

Dassault created the subsidiary Dassault Systèmes to build and sell the software under the leadership of its first CEO, Francis Bernard. Dassault Systèmes signed a non-exclusive distribution agreement with IBM, which has sold CADAM for Lockheed since 1978. 

Version 1 was released as an add-on to CADAM in 1982. CATIA was widely adopted in the aviation and military industries during the 1980s, with users including Boeing and General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. Dassault Systèmes acquired CADAM from IBM in 1992, and CATIA CADAM was released the following year. 

During the 1990s, CATIA was ported from one to four Unix operating systems in 1996 and then completely rewritten for version 5 to support Windows NT in 1998. In the years before 2000, this incompatibility between versions led to $6.1 billion in additional production costs and delays for the Airbus A380. 

Various Versions of CATIA Tool

• CATIA V3

The Boeing Company selected CATIA V3 as its primary 3D CAD application. CATIA V3 was migrated from mainframe computers to UNIX later in 1988.

• CATIA V4

Dassault Systems published and developed CATIA V4 in 1993. V4 supports native formats such as IGES, STEP, STL, and DXF in addition to the 3D digital mock-up. Dassault Systems also designed the features that facilitate the conversion of CATIA V4 files to CATIA V5 for easy access.

• CATIA V5

CATIA V5 is the most popular and sought-after version of the software. CATIA V5 is a CAD application utilised for parametric and nonparametric modelling. CATIA V5 is a CAD application used for parametric and nonparametric modelling. V5 is capable of performing fundamental FEA analysis and fundamental machining.

• CATIA V6

CATIA V6 is a 3D collaborative solution that provides the most comprehensive CATIA 3D experience. It allows users to model and design complex products and define and execute the driving systems necessary to manage the product’s complexity and timely delivery. It facilitates Digital Prototyping, including Analysis and Simulation for design, for engineers.

Conclusion

With the 2014 launch of the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, CATIA became available as a cloud-based application. Check out these CATIA V5 Courses in Delhi to start your CATIA learning journey.