Using CATIA and KWA to Streamline the Design Check ProcessGord Vander VlietEnterprise Tool & Die, LLC

Scope• The purpose of this presentation is to look at a few

challenges that were expending many hours in the design check process at our facility, and then examine some possible solutions.

• Keep in mind that the solutions shown here are not the only options for solving these challenges.

• It’s a good practice to be conscious of ways to eliminate repetitive processes in your system.

• We manufacture stamping dies for several different industries.

• Basically, every tool we build is custom. Therefore, we don’t utilize a large amount of pre-built templates for the individual stations required to produce the finished part.

• We do use a few standard subassemblies and predefined start blocks in all of our designs.

Enterprise Tool & Die Background

We will focus our attention on these individual details throughout this presentation.

Part Examples

Part Examples

Tooling Examples

Trusting the BOM• The ability to trust the output of your Bill of Materials is vital.• While this may seem simple at first, it was actually one of the

single most time consuming activities in our design check process.

• Using the measure tools within CATIA to check each and every component in a design was certainly inefficient, yet it was a requirement based on the construction of our predefined start blocks. Let’s take a look at two very different examples, and some of the pros and cons associated with them.

Simple Measure Example• Description Parameter is based on the X, Y, Z dimensions of the first pad in the PartBody.• Notice the difference between the actual measures and the Description Parameter.• This is not an accurate way to generate this information.

x y z x

z

y

Simple Measure Construction“Size_X” is tied directly to the “X”

dimension in the base sketch.

“Size_X_Ordered” is simply “Size_X” converted to a string.

In the Description Parameter, we assemble the X, Y and Z parameters. This is output to the BOM.

Auto Measure Example• Description Parameter is based on using the measure tools from within the formula editor.• With this method, we are able to apply an additional feature such as the ability to round numbers (note the “x”dimension).• This is a very accurate way to generate this information.

x y zx

z

y

Auto Measure ConstructionAdditional planes and parameters needed to be added to the model.• Planes were created in both positive and negative X, Y, and Z for measurement.• A length parameter was created to drive the value of the plane offsets.• Length parameters were also added to use the measure tools from within the formula editor.• Let’s take a closer look at these features and their creation.

Auto Measure Construction• The 6 measure planes are created by offsetting the XY, YZ, and ZX planes.• They need to be created in both positive and negative directions.• Plane offset values are set to equal the Measure_Plane_Offset parameter.

Auto Measure Construction

“+X” and “-X” are length parameters. We have used a measure formula to obtain a distance value between the planes of the same names, and the

PartBody. These formulas can be accessed through the Formula Editor as shown on the right.

“Size_X” is obtained by adding the difference between the two planes and the

“Measure_Plane_Offset” value.

Auto Measure Construction

“Size_X_Ordered” is a string parameter. Using the “ToString” formula, we can convert a length parameter to a string. In this case, we are also rounding to the nearest 1/8”. These formulas

can be accessed through the Formula Editor as shown to the right.

In the “Description” parameter, we assemble the X, Y and Z parameters. This

is output to the BOM.

Using the BOM as a Design Check Tool• In the first section of this presentation, we looked at

an example showing us how to be able to trust the stock sizes exported to the BOM. This gives us the confidence that we will never need to check stock sizes in our designs again.

• In this next example, we will look at how the BOM can be used as a tool to gather and display data. Easy access to this information allows us to reduce time spent checking items which can be automated.

Using the BOM as a Design Check Tool• Challenge 1

• During the manufacture of our components, we utilize a system tohold down our details to a quick change mounting plate for our CNC mills.

• 2 of these “CNC Locators” are required in each detail. • They must be in 1.000” increments to each other in both the X

and Y directions.• They must be independently adjustable to each other.• Because of our method of driving these locations, it is possible for

a designer to inadvertently place them in an incorrect location.

• Challenge 2• Some customers require all metric components, while others

want only english components in their tools.• All of our start blocks, and many of our purchased components,

have the ability to utilize either fastener type. • With that in mind, it is possible for a designer to have a mix of

these components in the final tool.• In the next few slides, we will look into how we have utilized

Parameters, Formulas, Knowledge Advisor, and the BOM to gather and check the information for these two challenges in onesimple operation.

Using the BOM as a Design Check Tool

CNC Locator ConstructionIn this example, the CNC Locators are linked to a design table. On the right is an image showing their construction. Note the design table parameter named Fastener_Type.

In this example, the locations are on the correct 1.000”increments. Notice the parameter “Locator_Span” has a value of “Correct”.

Testing the CNC Locator Span: Correct Value

In this example, the locations are NOT on the correct 1.000”increments. Notice the parameter “Locator_Span” has a value of “Incorrect”.

Testing the CNC Locator Span: Incorrect Value

This is really a very simple rule. In the next few slides we will examine what is going on behind the scenes here. We will take a look at the horizontal dimension as an example.

CNC Locator Rule

Formulas Behind the CNC Locator RuleThe “Real” type parameter, “Horiz_Locator_Span” is tied directly to the “Locator_Horizontal_Dimension” in the base sketch. We divide by 1 inch because that is

the increment we are testing for.

Here, we convert the Real value to an Integer value. This displays whole numbers only, dropping the value after the decimal.

In the “Remainder” parameter, we subtract the “Integer” value from the “Real” value. If

the remainder is not equal to zero, this makes the locator Span read “Incorrect”.

Assigning Product PropertiesTo output the values displayed in these parameters to the BOM, they will need to be associated with the Product properties of the CATPart

• Right click on the top level of the tree.• Select “Properties” from the resulting menu.• When the “Properties” box is displayed, choose the “Product”tab.• Click on the “Define other properties” button.

Assigning Product PropertiesHere we can add the properties we want to be displayed in the BOM. Notice the names of the properties which were created. Next, we will need to link them to the parameters.

Assigning Product Properties

To link the Product Properties:• Click the “Formula” icon (shown above). • Search for the properties to associate with the parameters. (Hint: They will be at or near the bottom of the list.• Click the “Add Formula” button (shown on right).

Assigning Product Properties

• In the tree, choose the parameter that you want to link to the Product Property.• Click the “OK” button.

Assigning Product PropertiesHere, we see the linked properties and parameters.

Exporting to the BOM• From the menu, select: ”Analyze”, and then, “Bill of Material”. • In the resulting box displayed, select the “Define Formats” button.

Formatting the BOM• Clear the Displayed Properties for the “Properties for the Bill of Material” area by moving all the listed properties to the Hidden properties area.• In the “Properties for the Recapitulation”area, move the properties you wish to display in the BOM to the Displayed properties area.• Select the “OK” button.

Formatting the BOM• This is how it will look when finished.

SummaryBy utilizing the following ideas, we were able to simplify our processes by automating or embedding tasks:

• Look for ways to eliminate repetitive processes• Use methods that are robust, yet simple• Dig deeper for alternative methodologies• Network with other users from within your given industry for additional solutions

Thank You!