If you want to learn product design and see your sketches transformed into computer-aided 3D interactive designs that you can share with others, you should consider studying CATIA. This software makes giving shape and depth to your designs simple so you can keep your clients happy.
Learn all about the software, including the differences between CAD, CAM, and CAE, in this article. You will discover the step-by-step process of how to learn this software and can explore our top picks for online CATIA courses so you can start learning to create 3D designs today.
What Is CATIA?
CATIA software is a suite used for computer-aided design and was created to help render manufacturing and engineering designs in 3D. It was invented to expedite the process of designing, analyzing, and managing new products.
This software is commonly used by industrial designers, system architects, creative designers, and mechanical engineers. It provides a 3D design framework that allows for product designs and modeling collaborations to be shared online.
CATIA falls into what is known as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software. PLM is a set of benchmarks used by industries to control revolutions in engineering and minimize manufacturing costs.
PLM acts as a springboard to inspire concepts, product outlines, and simulations, and to improve manufacturing and after-market knowledge found in different lifestyle stages of a product.
CATIA offers a multidisciplinary approach and a cross-discipline platform for development. It’s simplified user experience and workflow and quick design sharing make it easy to use. The software also has a super user-friendly interface compared to other 3D design programs on the market.
Furthermore, it allows users to model products based on real-life simulations. Moreover, it is perfect for designing electrical, electronic, and distributed systems.
Using CATIA Software
Let’s review the details of what this software is capable of and some of its possible applications so you can get a clearer idea of how to use it.
3D Atmosphere
Using 3D models to visualize a product is a valuable tool. If you were developing a car, for example, you would be able to virtually see the structure, design, and possible movements. The program also has a built-in shareable 3D environment that can be accessed by users worldwide to allow for design collaboration.
Design Elements
In the software, you can import 2D sketches into a 3D format, allowing for faster designs. It also has surface modeling capabilities and a generative shape design workbench that can be used to create intricate surface designs. These features make the software very popular in the automobile and aviation industries.
Multidisciplinary Uses
The multidisciplinary uses of this software are numerous. It can be used to create almost any electronic or mechanical product. Learning this software will be beneficial for anyone who wants to upgrade their concepts, designs, and development processes.
Market Advantages
Along with saving time and money, CATIA helps engineers adhere to the marketing rules for each product.
CATIA Terms Explained
As with many types of software, the different terms and language used in CATIA can make it a little confusing for beginners. Below, we will explain some of the terms to help you get a better understanding of how to develop products with this tool.
- CAD software. CAD stands for computer-aided design. Engineers use it to help create and modify the graphical representations of products.
- CAM software. Computer-Aided Manufacture is used more for manufacturers than for engineers. It helps improve the planning, management, and automation of manufacturing operations.
- CAE software. Computer-Aided Engineering is used to create simulations and to analyze product designs. This helps engineers design products in a way that will lead to better customer experiences and product performances.
- CATIA software. CATIA is a very valuable software because it incorporates CAD, CAE, and CAM so that you can work with all of these tools at once. The most popular version is CATIA V5, although CATIA V4 is still used in some industries.
Learning CATIA
Learning CATIA is easy thanks to the Internet. You can find plenty of tutorials, courses, and online resources to boost your 3D design skills and help your products stand out.
How Long Does It Take to Learn CATIA?
It can take anywhere from 40 to 60 hours to grasp the basics of CATIA software. It requires engineering and manufacturing knowledge but assuming you already have that, you should be able to learn the software in just a few days.
How to Learn CATIA: Step-by-Step
Here is a simple guide to help you get started learning about CATIA. Follow these steps to get on your way to becoming a pro with the software.
- CATIA fundamentals. Learn about creating solids and surfaces, how to use the Sketcher tool, and discover other bonus features.
- Electrical design training. Learn about electrical systems and components from CATIA’s Electrical Library, Electrical Wire Routing workbenches, and Electrical Harness Installation. You can even study for an online electrical engineering degree.
- Manufacturing training. Learn about the CPD workbench, how to generate manufacturing parts, and more using the CATIA composites design workbench.
- Other valuable training. You can also practice sheet metal design, administration, composer training, and lathe training.
The Best CATIA Courses
Here are the top CATIA training courses available online that will teach you all aspects of CATIA, including manufacturing, surfacing, and engineering. By taking these courses, you will learn how to use the software to create impressive designs.
Best Online CATIA Courses
Below are some paid online courses that will help you learn more about professional training and beginner classes on the most recent versions of CATIA.
Dassault Systems
3DExperience platform for Surface Designers
- Where: Online
- Time: 7 to 12 hours
- Price: Varies
Dassault Systems is a great institution for learning about computer-aided 3D interactive applications. It offers hundreds of courses on CATIA topics. The ones listed above are popular among mechanical and surface designers.
LinkedIn Learning
- Where: Online
- Time: 2 to 4 hours
- Price: First month free
These LinkedIn courses are great for beginners. In them, students will learn about creating sketch curves, CATIA v5 UI, geometry, and CAD tools.
SkillShare
- V5 Class 1: Introduction and Wireframe
- Where: Online
- Time: Unknown
- Price: Free 7-day trial
In this course, you will learn how to use CATIA V5 from a CATIA engineer, including how to draw with curves.
Udemy
- CATIA v5 Super Course
- Complete V5 Express Training
- Automotive product design using CATIA V5
- V5 with DMU Kinematic Analysis of Mechanism with Clash
- Where: Online
- Time: 5 to 12 hours
- Price: Between $13.31 and $18.64 each
In these Udemy courses, students will learn everything from beginner to advanced techniques in CATIA. Participants can go from novice to expert by taking the express training course and can also get certified for their skills.
Best Free Online CATIA Courses
Browse the free online training options below to upgrade your CATIA skills. These are a good option if you want to test whether you are interested in CATIA before paying for a class.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
TutorialsPoint
- Catia V5 Comprehensive Training
- Where: Online
- Time: 18 lectures (20 to 30 minutes each)
- Price: Free
This is an excellent beginners’ course. In it, you will learn the basics of CATIA for free. With 18 video lectures, students can work at their own pace and learn all about solid modeling, part design, surface modeling, wireframe design, assembly design, and sheet metal modeling.
Khan Academy
College Computer Science Principles
- Where: Online
- Time: Varies
- Price: Free
Khan Academy is perfect for those with zero programming knowledge. These free classes and tutorials will take you through the basics of programming and computer science. It also covers foundational elements that will help you become an expert in CATIA.
Best CATIA Books
Here are some great beginner textbooks to help further your understanding of CATIA. These will guide you through the basics and get you drawing with CATIA in no time. Try reading some of these to supplement your course studies. You might even pick up some design techniques that weren’t covered in the course.
CATIA V5-6R2019 for Designers, 17th Edition, Sham Tickoo
This book provides a comprehensive explanation of the tools used in workbenches in V5-6R2019. After reading this book, you should be able to create, draft, and assemble models. The part chapter on DMU Kinematics will help you improve in editing, simulating, and analyzing mechanisms.
Introduction to CATIA V5 Release 19, Kirstie Plantenburg
This book teaches how to use CATIA workbenches such as Sketcher, Part Design, Assembly Design, Drafting, Wireframe, and Surface Design. In it, you will find summary descriptions of all the workbenches, toolbars, and commands. This book is an excellent introduction to all of the concepts and functions within CATIA.
CATIA V5-6R2015 Basics: Sketcher Workbench, Part Modeling, Assembly Design, Drafting, Sheet Metal Design, and Surface Design,
In this text, you will discover the CATIA V5 user interface, modeling techniques, and essential tools. It will teach you how to create drawings, parts, assemblies, sheet metal parts, and other complex shapes. This textbook gives brief explanations, followed by step-by-step procedures and quizzes at the end of each chapter.
Should You Study CATIA?
If you want to create detailed presentations of your ideas, save time, and cut out development errors, then learning CATIA is the way to go. Learning this multiplatform, shareable system will help you excel at manufacturing design.
If you’re still looking for more details on the best online mechanical engineering degrees or how to learn coding or other areas related to CATIA, head over to our blog to keep exploring.
We hope this guide has helped you find a CATIA course to get started making impressive 3D designs.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
