Automatic Unit Conversion
Mike de Souza, Technical Specialist, Advanced Enterprise Solutions, Process Development Group (PDG)

CATIA V5 automatically will convert any unit of measure to the default model units, making it easy for a user to key in parameter values without the use of a calculator. For example, if the default model unit of measure is inches, and a user keys in the value "10mm," the result of .394 inches will be calculated automatically, with rounding dependent upon user-defined default tolerances (Tools, Options, General, Parameters, Units, Decimal Places for Read/Write Numbers). Conversely, if the default model unit of measure is millimeters, and a user keys in the value "10in," the result that CATIA v5 automatically will calculate is 254mm, again with rounding dependent upon user-defined default tolerances.

Where Is the Hidden Object?
Farhan Atiq, Technical Specialist, Advanced Enterprise Solutions, Process Development Group (PDG)

How can you quickly tell if a CATIA V5 object is in hidden mode (No Show mode) in a model or assembly? Every V5 object, whether visible or hidden, has an associated icon and description in the V5 part editor tree. If an object is hidden, its icon appears "grayed out" in the tree. Right clicking on the object name or its icon in the part editor tree and selecting "Hide/Show," toggles the object in or out of "Hide" mode.

V5 Migration Tips
Patricia L. Stanton, Advanced Enterprise Solutions

Move to highest level available in V4 (420Refresh 1 minimum)
If using V5 on NT, avoid the nine problem characters in file names: < > * : " ? / \ |
Change the mouse behavior to middle. This setting is found under the Tools pulldown: Tools + Management + Setting Up
Recommend to internalize the PRJ file on models when moving to V5 (otherwise, use the http server to carry the PRJ info)
Recompile user defined fonts with 418 or higher
Be aware that 422 uses new Boolean algorithms
Move to the new Text and Dimensions
Avoid Transparent views
Move to the new AUXVIEW2 views
Migrate NC to MFGPROG before going to V5 NC
Move Surfaces to No-Show, Faces in Show.
Make sure your Surfaces are of sufficient quality to produce Skins.
Use Smart Solids.
Update Solids and use CATCLEAN, file.
Avoid or suppress Sets
Avoid or suppress Pick/No Pick
And the last biggie: Use mono-detail parts modeling

Ask the Experts for Help

MSC Software (MSC) is proud to sponsor a hands-on forum at COE 2001 Spring in Anaheim, CA. This unique set-up gives you the opportunity to ask questions and receive first-hand assistance in working with CATIA V4 and V5. The CATIA "How Do I?" forum will be located in the lobby right outside of the COE TechniFair. Stop by and see what all the excitement is about. We are looking forward to meeting you!