How do I Create a "Equal Width" Constraint with CATIA
Good Day,
I would like to know if it is possible to create an "Equal Width" constraint in CATIA Products and Assemblies. In Solid Works, it is called a Width Mate.
Attachments:
Capture 1: How can I constraint the top plate in the middle of the bottom plate without using an "Offset Constraint"?
Capture 2: How can I constraint the red piece in the middle of the grey piece without using an offset constraint?
I do not want to use an offset constraint. If I want to change the tolerance between the two components, an offset constraint won't update automatically.
Thank you in advance.
Accepted answer
While there is no "equal" constraint, there are solutions to this.
Make assembly constraints on abstract entities (points, lines, planes) instead of faces and edges. Preferably by first publishing each refference from each part.
to center the hinge, you may want to publish a center plane and the hinge axis for both parts.
To center the plate, publish an axis, or even better an axis system in the center of the plate in both parts.
The publishing part is optional but recommended. You can always create a plane in a part and just make it coincide to another plane of the other part. - The trick is the plane definition is stable and does not depend on features of the part. While a surface of a part is heavily dependent with the geometry and feature tree. Problem is that parts are made to be modified and optimized.. so as soon as that tree changes, the assembly constraints go wild. To prevent this is making constraints on abstract references (pints, planes, lines, axis sytems, gsd wireframe, etc) and with publishing you can easily see what you need if you rename accordingly.
1 Other answer
In general, constrains on CATIA don't automatically update you need to press this button (Image-1).
For image 1 and 2 you really need to use offset constrains. I hope you feel difficulties in using offset constrains. Let me clear you.
* Select offset constrain from constrain tool bar
* Select two faces and enter a value, with a arrow mark you can flip the offset.
*When you feel to update the value of offset change it and click update button (Image-1)
*Suppose when you feel manual update doesn't suits you then go to settings >> Assembly Design >> General >> Automatic (Image 2)
Still if you have any doubt make sure you clear it now.
