FreeStyle Shaper & Optimizer & Profiler Preface What's New Getting Started Basic Tasks Advanced Tasks Workbench     Description Customizing Glossary Index   © Dassault Systèmes 1994-2000. All rights reserved. TOC file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugtoc.htm [9/28/2000 4:48:29 PM] Preface CATIA Version 5 FreeStyle Shaper is a powerful modeling tool used to dynamically design all types of surface elements, from the stylist's drawing to the final surface, ready for the manufacturing processes. Using this product you can generate free form 3D curves and surfaces from scratch, and dynamically deform and analyze all produced elements. Using the FreeStyle Optimizer you can create and modify curve and surface shapes based on other elements such as digitized data. Using FreeStyle Profiler, you can directly create complex surfaces based on profiles and sets of curves in one step, without having to deform them in a second step. The CATIA - FreeStyle Shaper, Optimizer & Profiler User's Guide has been designed as an aid to using the FreeStyle Shaper, FreeStyle Optimizer, and FreeStyle Profiler by themselves, but also in conjunction with other CATIA Version 5 workbenches. Using This Guide More Information Preface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugpr01.htm [9/28/2000 4:48:31 PM] Using This Guide This User's Guide is intended for the user who need to become quickly efficient with the CATIA Version 5 FreeStyle Shaper, FreeStyle Optimizer, and FreeStyle Profiler.  Before reading it, you should be familiar with the basic CATIA Version 5 concepts, such as the document windows, standard toolbars and menus. To make the most out of this book, we suggest that a beginning user reads the Getting Started chapter first of all and the Workbench Description to find his way around the FreeStyle Shaper workbench. User's familiar with the product should browse the Table of Contents rapidly, then move on directly to specific sections of interest to them: curve and surface creation, edition, and analysis. More advanced users, and those using the FreeStyle Optimizer will find an Advanced Tasks and Customizing chapters that should answer their needs. Using This Guide file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugpr02.htm [9/28/2000 4:48:33 PM] Where to Find More Information Prior to reading this book, we recommend that you read the CATIA Version 5 Infrastructure User's Guide that describes generic capabilities common to all CATIA Version 5 products. It also describes the general layout of CATIA V5, and interoperability between workbenches. Also read the CATIA V4 Integration User's Guide that presents interfaces with standard exchange formats and most of all with CATIA V4 data. See also the Conventions.   More Information file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugpr03.htm [9/28/2000 4:48:34 PM] Conventions Certain conventions are used in CATIA, ENOVIA & DELMIA documentation to help you recognize and understand important concepts and specifications. The following text conventions may be used:        The titles of CATIA documents appear in this manner throughout the text.        File -> New identifies the commands to be used. The use of the mouse differs according to the type of action you need to perform. Use this mouse button, whenever you read Select (menus, commands, geometry in graphics area, ...) Click (icons, dialog box buttons, tabs...) Double-click Shift-click Ctrl-click Check (check boxes) Drag Drag and drop (icons onto objects, objects onto objects) Drag Move Right-click (to select contextual menu) Graphic conventions are denoted as follows: indicates the estimated time to accomplish a task. indicates a target of a task. indicates the prerequisites. indicates the scenario of a task. indicates tips indicates a warning. Conventions file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/CATEnglish/commain.doc/src/conventions.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:48:36 PM] indicates information. indicates the end of a task. indicates functionalities that are new or enhanced with this Release. Enhancements can also be identified by a blue-colored background in the left-hand margin.   Conventions file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/CATEnglish/commain.doc/src/conventions.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:48:36 PM] What's New? This table identifies what new or improved capabilities have been documented in Version 5 Release 5 of the CATIA FreeStyle Shaper, CATIA FreeStyle Optimizer, and CATIA FreeStyle Profiler. Curve creation and modification: New: concatenating curves New: creating 3D associative curve Enhanced: editing curves using control points Enhanced: approximating procedural curves   Surface creation and modification: Enhanced: fill surface tolerances Enhanced: editing surfaces using control points Enhanced: approximating procedural surfaces Enhanced: matching surfaces   Analyzing Curves and Surfaces: Enhanced:  checking connections between elements Enhanced: performing a mapping analysis   Generic Tools: New: creating datums Enhanced: setting visualization options   Interoperability with the Wireframe Workbench: Enhanced: Creating lines (tangent to curve, and mirrored extent capability), planes, circles What's New? file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugwn.htm [9/28/2000 4:48:40 PM] Getting Started The following tutorial aims at giving you a feel of what you can do with CATIA - FreeStyle Shaper & Optimizer. It provides a step-by-step scenario showing you how to use key capabilities. The main tasks proposed in the chapter are: Starting the FreeStyle Workbench Creating a First Surface Editing the Surface Creating a Blend between two Surfaces Applying a Global Deformation All together, this scenario should take about 15 minutes to complete. The final surface element will look like this:   Getting Started file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs01.htm [9/28/2000 4:48:42 PM] Starting the FreeStyle Workbench The first task will show you how to enter the FreeStyle Shaper workbench. The only pre-requisites for this task is to have a current CATIA V5 session running. Choose FreeStyle from the Start -> Shape menu. The FreeStyle Shaper workbench is displayed and ready to use. 1. Starting the FreeStyle Workbench file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs02.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:52:54 PM] If you wish to use the whole screen space for the geometry, remove the specification tree clicking off the View -> Specifications Visible menu item.   Starting the FreeStyle Workbench file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs02.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:52:54 PM] Creating a First Surface The first task will show you how to:· Activate the 3D compass Create a single-patch planar surface. Select the Planar patch icon 1. The 3D compass is displayed in the document and looks like this: This 3D compass gives a reference plane (indicated by the green arrows) or a direction (indicated by the red arrow). This compass is usually displayed when creating or modifying an element. See Creating Planar Patches for further details on the 3D compass capabilities. Right-click in the document and choose the Edit Orders item from the contextual menu. 2. You can now define the degree of the mono-patch surface along U and V from the Orders dialog box. Click Close when finished defining these parameters. 3. Click anywhere in the workbench, and drag the mouse. 4. A surface outline appears as you drag the pointer, one of its corner located where you clicked in the document. Two values are displayed on the outline, indicating the length and width of the patch. Use the Ctrl-click capability if you want the middle of the patch to be centered on the axis origin, that is centered around the point you clicked.   When you have reached the adequate size, click again. 4. The corresponding surface has been created in a plane parallel to that defined by the 3D compass. Creating a First Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs03.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:53:04 PM]     Creating a First Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs03.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:53:04 PM] Editing the Surface This task will show you how to modify the surface you just created. Select the surface. 1. Click the Control Points icon 2. As soon as you clicked the icon, control points and mesh lines are displayed. They are used to manually pull on the surface so as to deform it. Deformation can also be done using the Tuner dialog box displayed using the Edit contextual command on control points or mesh lines. The Control Points dialog box is also displayed: Use it to define the type of operation to be performed on the control points. Support defines the type of translation to be applied· Law defines the type of deformation that is to be applied when several control points have been selected. Here, choose the Translation along local normals and Bell law options. Move the cursor onto one of the control points or mesh lines. Arrows automatically appear. They represent the directions in which you can perform a deformation. 3. Editing the Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs04.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:53:23 PM] Move onto the center mesh line and pull the bottom arrow down. 4. The selected control points are moved according to the translation type and law defined in the Control Points dialog box. Here, the surface is deformed along the line in a bell shape. Click the Translation in the plane and Stretch selected points options in the Control Points dialog box, click a control point, and pull outward on one of the displayed arrows. 5. The surface is dynamically modified By default all control points and mesh lines are selected. Click  a specific point to deform the surface at this point only, or select a set of points using the Ctrl-key or Shift- key while clicking (multi-selection capabilities). The same applies to mesh lines. Click OK in the Control Points dialog box to accept the modified shape of the surface. 6.   Editing the Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs04.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:53:23 PM] Creating a Blend between two Surfaces In this task you learn to blend two surfaces, that is create one surface connecting both initial surfaces, while specifying the continuity type. Click the 4 Points Patch icon  in the Surface Creation menu to create another surface. 1. Successively click the four corner points of the first surface. The second surface is created. 2. Select the new surface, right-click to display the contextual menu, and choose the Properties menu item to display the Properties dialog box. 3. Click the arrow in the Color chooser from the Fill area, and choose another color to better distinguish the newly created surface from the initial one. 4. Creating a Blend between two Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs05.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:53:26 PM] Click OK in this dialog box. The newly created surface is clearly identifiable. 5. Move to the compass. When the pointer changes to a cross, press and hold while dragging the compass onto the new surface. 6. Move the pointer over the horizontal axis till it becomes red, and glide the surface away from the first one. Repeat this operation with gliding the surface down along the vertical axis, then grab the compass center and bring the compass over the 3-axis system at the bottom right-corner of the document. The compass is set back to its default position. 7.   Click  the Freeform Blend Surface icon . The blend Options dialog box displays. 8. Select the edge of the initial surface closest to the second surface. The boundary is highlighted. 9. Select the edge of the second surface closest to the initial surface. 10. A blend surface is automatically computed. Click OK in the Blend Options dialog box to validate the blend surface. 11.   Creating a Blend between two Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs05.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:53:26 PM] Applying a Global Deformation This command is only available when using FreeStyle Optimizer Now that both surfaces are linked, you want to modify all three surfaces according to a modification pattern you define in space, keeping all defined curvature continuities. Press and hold the Ctrl-key, then successively select all three surfaces. 1. Click the Global Deformation icon . 2. The 3D compass is displayed along with the Global Deformation dialog box into which you can specify deformation options: using an intermediate patch or an axis use. In this case, use the default option: Intermediate surface use. Click Run in the Global Deformation dialog box to accept the deformation parameter definition. The Control Points dialog box displays. 3. A patch with control points and mesh lines is displayed. It represents the planar patch, defined in the plane indicated by the compass, equivalent to the same bounding box as the selected surfaces. Use the control points and the mesh lines of the planar patch to deform it. The space transformation is defined between the initial patch and the deformed patch. 4. All surfaces are automatically and dynamically deformed according to this intermediate patch deformation.   Applying a Global Deformation file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs06.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:53:28 PM] Do not change the options and click OK in the dialog box. 5. The final deformed surface looks like this.     Applying a Global Deformation file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssuggs06.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:53:28 PM] Basic Tasks Opening a New CATPart Document Importing and Exporting Files Creating and Managing Curves Creating and Managing Surfaces Analyzing Curves and Surfaces Generic Tools Basic Tasks file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0000.htm [9/28/2000 4:53:33 PM] Opening a New CATPart Document This task shows how to open a new CATPart document and activate the FreeStyle Shaper workbench. Select the File -> New commands (or click the New icon). 1. The New dialog box is displayed, allowing you to choose the type of the document you need. Select Part in the List of Types field and click OK. 2. Choose Shape -> FreeStyle from the Start menu. 3. The FreeStyle Shaper workbench is loaded and a CATPart document is opened. Opening a New CATPart Document file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0100.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:55:28 PM] The FreeStyle Shaper workbench document is made of: the specification tree and the geometry area in the main window specific toolbars (geometry creation and modification toolbars, analysis toolbar) a number of contextual commands available in the specification tree and in the geometry. Remember that these commands can also be accessed from the menu bar. The specification tree is a unique specification-driven and generative tool, which captures and reuses process specifications, ultimately accelerating the design process. It lets you concentrate the design effort on establishing the proper design specifications, while leaving it to the system to compute or update the resulting geometry when required. This specification tree can be customized using the Tools --> Options menu item, Tree tab. If you wish to use the whole screen space for the geometry, remove the specification tree clicking off the View -> Specifications menu item. You could also directly choose FreeStyle from the Start menu. It would automatically open a new CATPart document.   Opening a New CATPart Document file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0100.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:55:28 PM] Importing and Exporting Files CATIA Version 5 includes unique two-way interoperability with CATIA Version 4 data, thus allowing CATIA Version 5 to benefit from the breadth of the CATIA Solutions Version 4 portfolio. CATIA Version 5 data can be loaded and processed in a CATIA Version 4 session. Similarly, CATIA Version 4 data can be read in a CATIA Version 5 session and converted to a CATIA Version 5 format for further edition. Refer to the CATIA V4 Integration User's Guide for further details on how CATIA Version 4 and Version 5 interoperate. 3D data exchange and more specifically surfaces exchange between CATIA Version 5 and other CAD systems can be done through Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) format. These exchanges are documented in the CATIA.Infrastructure User's Guide (Importing and Exporting Files), as they are not specific to the FreeStyle Shaper workbench, but rather to the .CATPart document type. Therefore, refer to this chapter for a description of the specific surface elements that can be imported from or exported to the IGES Standard.   Importing and Exporting Files file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0200.htm [9/28/2000 4:55:31 PM] Creating and Managing Curves This chapter deals with curve creation and management using the FreeStyle Shaper workbench. Create Free Form Curves on Plane: define the creation plane using the 3D compass, set the curve creation mode (passing through specific points, specifying the curve degree and smoothing the curve through points, or defining the curve control points), and click in space to indicate the curve definition points. Create Free Form Curves on Surfaces: select a surface, specify the curve creation mode (interpolation or smoothing in relation to the selected points), click definition points on the surface, double-click to end the curve.  Create Free Form Curves in Space: specify the curve creation mode (interpolation or smoothing in relation to the selected points), click points on existing geometric elements Create associative 3D curves: specify the curve creation mode (passing through specific points, specifying the curve degree and smoothing the curve through points, or defining the curve control points), and click in space to indicate the curve definition points. Projecting Curves: select a curve, the surface on which it is to be projected and specify projection parameters  Creating Blend Curves: select two curves, activate their options display and use the contextual menu on the displayed text to modify the continuities and tension, manipulate the control points to define the blending point. Editing Curves Using Control Points: select a curve, set the deformation options, pull on the control points in specific directions Smoothing Curves: select a curve or points on a curve, set the smoothing weight and click Run. Matching Curves: select two curves, activate their options display and use the contextual menu on the displayed text to modify the continuities and tension, manipulate the control points to define the matching point. Extending Curves: select a curve, specify the extension mode, and enter the extension value. Creating a Symmetric Curve: select a curve and a symmetry plane. Trimming Curves: select a curve, or point on a curve, and specify the breaking options Approximating/Segmenting Procedural Curves: select a curve, specify the approximation tolerance, and resulting curve maximum orders and/or segments. Concatenating curves: select a multi-cell curve and set the tolerance value Creating and Managing Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0300.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:55:33 PM] Fragmenting Curves: break a multi-arc curve into several mono-arc curves   Creating and Managing Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0300.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:55:33 PM] Creating Free Form Curves on Plane   This task explains how to create curves on a virtual plane. Open a new .CATPart document by choosing Shape -> FreeStyle from the Start menu. Click the Curve on Plane icon   1. Use the 3D compass to define the plane in which the curve is to be created, or select one of the document pre-defined planes.  2. Right-click the 3D compass to display more orientation options (see Creating Planar Patches). Define the curve creation mode using the Planar Curve dialog box: the curve can be created by interpolation or smoothing. 3. If you choose to use the Through Points mode, the resulting curve is a multi-arc curve passing through each selected point. If you choose the Near Points mode, the resulting curve is a single-arc, with a set degree and smoothed through the selected points. If you choose the Control Points mode, the points you click are the control points of the resulting curve, as if you were using the editing capabilities (see Editing Curves Using Control Points). If you click the closure icon, you can create a closed curve. The curve properties will be updated as you create the curve. Curves on Plane file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0301.htm (1 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:55:35 PM] You can choose one of the three display options: Click the Porcupine Analysis icon if you want to display a porcupine analysis Click the Hides or shows grid icon to display or hide the planar grid Click the third icon to display the distance between points and curve (only in Near Points mode) Click anywhere in the document to define the first end point of the curve. You can click in space or on existing geometry. 4. A dot is displayed where you clicked and a rubberband bounding box appears when you move the pointer. Click as many times as needed to create points through which the curve must pass. 5. The curve and its bounding box are previewed as you move the pointer around. Double-click, or click OK in the dialog box,  to create the end point of the curve. The curve has been created in the plane you previously defined, and can now be used for other purposes, such as performing operations on curves, analysis purposes, extruding surfaces, and so forth. 6. Curves on Plane file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0301.htm (2 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:55:35 PM] When using the Control Points creation option, you can create a mono-arc curve up to six points, then if there are more than six points, the system automatically generates a multi-arc curve. As soon as you click the first point, the plane can no longer be modified. You can create curves symmetrically in relation to a specific angle from the creation plane: Once the first two points are created, click the Mirror Symmetry  icon from the Planar Curve dialog box. An axis is displayed lying on the creation plane and passing through the first point.The displayed value is the angle value in relation to this plane. . Right-click the angle value to edit it via the Angle Tuner dialog box and press Enter. You could also directly modify the angle and the axis origin using the manipulators. b. Move the pointer where you wish to click the next point. The symmetric curve is previewed. c. Proceed as for a regular curve.   d. Curves on Plane file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0301.htm (3 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:55:35 PM]   Curves on Plane file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0301.htm (4 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:55:35 PM] Creating Free Form Curves on Surfaces This task explains how to create trimming curves on a surface. Two types of curves are available for creation:  freeform curves passing through all points you click, or  isoparametric curves. These curves must lie on the surface, but do not need to divide it. Open any document containing a surface from the samples directory, or the CurveOnSurface1.CATPart document. Click the Curve on Surface icon . 1. Select the surface on which the curve is to be created. 2. The Options dialog box is displayed letting you choose between the curve creation mode: by interpolation or smoothing. If you choose to use the Through Points mode, the resulting curve is a multi-arc parametric curve passing through each selected point. If you choose the Control Points mode, the points you click are the control points of the resulting parametric curve, as if you were using the editing capabilities (see Editing Curves Using Control Points). This is the default value. If you choose the Near Points mode, the resulting curve is a single-arc parametric curve, with a set degree and smoothed through the selected points. Creating Curves on Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0302.htm (1 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:55:38 PM] Choose a creation type and mode and click anywhere on the selected surface.  In the illustration,  the Autodetection mode (F12) is active to Closest border, therefore clicking anywhere on the surface lets us define a point on its edge. 3. A dot is displayed identifying the starting point location on the surface. Click as many locations as you wish the curve to go through. 4. Dots are displayed where you clicked, and the curve is previewed as you move the pointer around.   You can modify the shape of the curve at any time while it is being created, by moving the pointer above any of the creation points and  pulling on the manipulators up to the surface edges (manipulators option in the Curve dialog box). Double-click to create the end point of the curve the surface, or click OK. The curve end point can be anywhere on a surface or on an edge. 5. The curve has been created on the selected surface, following its shape. The surface can now be used for other purposes, such as trimming the surface, for example. Creating Curves on Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0302.htm (2 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:55:38 PM] Click the Break icon and select an area delimited by the curve to trim the initial surface (see Redefining Surface Limits). 6. Any surface can be used, whether planar or previously deformed. Check the Order option from the dialog box to display the curve order that you can edit at any time by right-clicking the order value located at the curve starting point, and choosing a new value. If you choose the Control Points option, the number of points within the surface (excepting those points on the edges) is based on the order number. If you have a order number set to 5, only three points can be clicked within the surface. Check the Number of points option to display the points where you click To create a tangent curve: Use the With control points option and click the first two points on the surface edge (parametric line). . Continue creating the curve as usual b. if you wish to make it tangent on both sides of the surface, proceed by clicking two points on the other edge c. finish as usual, by clicking the last point on the surface edge. d. Creating Curves on Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0302.htm (3 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:55:38 PM] This is especially useful when breaking a surface. The surface edge presents a tangency continuity. You can create only one curve at a time on the surface, however, once you have trimmed the surface and removed a section of the surface, you can create another curve on the same surface. The remaining section is considered as a new element. Use the Manipulators (arrows) to modify the curve as it is created. To fine-tune the manipulators, right-click and choose Attenuate. The attenuation lets you define the ratio between the mouse displacement and the actual displacement of the manipulator. This attenuation factor is saved in the CATIA settings. The resulting surface will always lie on the surface, even if you modify it using the control points capability after creation time. To facilitate the edge detection, for example, use the remote autodetection capability. To do this simply click the Autodetection icon , press F12, or use the Insert -> Autodetection menu item, and define the options in the Autodetection dialog box. For further information, refer to Autodetection.   Creating Curves on Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0302.htm (4 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:55:38 PM] Creating Free Form Curves in Space This task explains how to create curves in space. These are defined by specific points lying on pre-existing geometric elements. Open the CurveInSpace1.CATPart document. Click the Curve in Space icon . The Curve on Geometry dialog box is displayed. 1. Choose the type of curve creation: 2. If you choose to use the Through Points mode, the resulting curve is a multi-arc curve passing through each selected point. If you choose the Near Points mode, the resulting curve is a single-arc, with a set degree and smoothed through the selected points. This mode enables you to define the tangency at extremities for planar curves. If you choose the Control Points mode, the points you click are the control points of the resulting curve, as if you were using the editing capabilities (see Editing Curves Using Control Points). If you click the Closure icon, you can create a closed curve. You can choose one of the three display options: Click the Porcupine Analysis icon if you want to display a porcupine analysis Click the Hides or shows grid icon to display or hide the planar grid Click the third icon to display the distance between points and curve (only in Near Points mode) Move the pointer close to the geometry on which you want the first point of the curve to lie and click. 3. Curves in Space file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0303.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:55:41 PM] Click as many locations as you wish the curve to go through. 4. Dots and manipulators are displayed on the geometry allowing you to modify the location of the starting point for the curve. Moreover, the curve is previewed as you move the pointer around. Click OK to create the end point of the curve. 5. The curve has been created passing through key points on existing geometric elements. When using the Control Points creation option, you can create a mono-arc curve up to six points, then if there are more than six points, the system automatically generates a multi-arc curve. You cannot create closed curves.   Curves in Space file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0303.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:55:41 PM] Creating Associative Curves This task explains how to create a 3D curve that is associative meaning you can add or delete points (whether control points or passing points) both at creation time or when editing. These curves can be created in space or lie on a geometrical element, or both. When the curve lie on a geometrical element and the later is modified, the curve is updated automatically, provided you choose the Automatic update option in Tools -> Options -> Shape -> General tab. Open a  new .CATPart document. Click the 3D Curve icon . The 3D curve creation dialog box is displayed. 1. Choose the curve creation type. 2. Through points: the resulting curve is a multi-arc curve passing through each selected point. Control points: the points you click are the control points of the resulting curve Associative Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0317.htm (1 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:55:49 PM] Near points: the resulting curve is a single-arc, with a set degree and smoothed through the selected points. Right-click an existing point and choose the Set as Arc Limit menu item to start/stop an arc limit on this point. The curve will pass through this point. Move the pointer over a point. 3. A manipulator is displayed allowing you to modify point location as you create the curve. By default, this manipulator is on the last created point. Click the Insert a point icon within the dialog box. The curve freezes. 4. Click the segment, between two existing points where you wish to add a new point and click the point location. 5. Once the point has been created, you are back to the edition capabilities on the curve. Click the Remove a point icon within the dialog box, and select one of the existing points. The curve is recomputed immediately without the selected point. 6. Associative Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0317.htm (2 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:55:49 PM] Click the Free or constrain a point icon within the dialog box, then select the point. 7. If the point was lying on a geometrical element, it is freed from its constraint onto this element, and can be moved to any new location in space. If the point is a point in space (free), move the pointer close to the geometrical element to which it should be linked. You can then move the pointer over a geometric element and: move the point to the indicated point by clicking press and hold the Control  key (Ctrl) to project this point onto this element according to the shortest distance from the point initial location. Click OK to create the curve. 8. You cannot add a point past the end points. To do this, you need to add a point before the end point then move the new point where the end point lies, then move the end point to a new location. Use the F5 key to move the manipulators into a different plane of the compass. See Managing the Compass. Only  The creation plane for each free point is defined according to the compass orientation on the previous point. Therefore you can change creation planes within the same curve, by setting a new compass orientation several points. Check the Disable geometry detection button, when you need to create a point close to a geometric element yet without constraining it onto the existing geometry.   Associative Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0317.htm (3 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:55:49 PM] Projecting Curves This task explains how to project curves on surfaces. Open the ProjectCurve1.CATPart document. Select a curve. 1. Click the Project Curve icon . The Projection dialog box is displayed. 2. Select the surface or set of surface on which the curve should be projected. 3. Choose the options from the Projection dialog box: 4. Direction: to set the type of projection, either normal to the surface or according to the 3D compass. Tolerance: to set the tolerance of the resulting curve on the surface, in relation to the exact projection curve. Mode: to decide whether you keep or replace the initial element, and whether the resulting curve is limited onto the surface. If the curve is projected according to the compass current orientation (Projection mode set to Compass), the result would be: Projecting Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0304.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:55:51 PM] However, if the curve is projected according to the normal to the surface (Projection mode set to Normal), the result would be: Click OK in the Projection dialog box to create the projected curves. As we chose the projection according to the compass orientation, two curves are created on the surface, and show up in the specification tree as two different elements. 5. When you project a curve on two surfaces, there may be no tangency continuity.   Projecting Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0304.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:55:51 PM] Editing Curves Using Control Points This task explains how to modify a curve using its control points. Open the EditControlPoints1.CATPart document. Select the curve you wish to edit. 1. Click the Control Points icon . 2. Control points and lines are displayed, along with the 3D compass and the curve degree. If you select a curve that has been created outside the FreeStyle workbench, and the curve is not a NUPBS curve (Non-Uniform Polynomial  B-Spline), the Converter Wizard will be automatically displayed when the curve cannot be exactly converted. This allows you to control the conversion tolerance.  However, when a curve can be exactly converted, such as a spline, or line for example, the Converter Wizard is not displayed, the conversion is done automatically and a message is issued. In this case, the Exact text is displayed on the element for information. By default all control points and mesh lines are selected. Click a specific point to deform the surface at this point only, or select a set of points using the Ctrl-key or Shift-key while clicking (multi-selection capabilities). The same applies to mesh lines. Move the pointer over a point or a line. 3. Arrows are displayed according to the Support and Law options active in the Control Points dialog box. Editing Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0305.htm (1 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:55:53 PM] Support defines the type of translation to be applied Law defines the type of deformation that is to be applied when several control points have been selected. Pull on the arrow matching the direction in which you want to deform the curve. 4. Activate the Remote control from the Control Points dialog box. Automatically, the control point closest to the pointer is selected and the direction in which you can pull as well. If the pointer is at the same distance from two control points, the Remote control option highlights the mesh lines between points. 5. Editing Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0305.htm (2 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:55:53 PM] Click  More... in the Control Points dialog box, and activate the Numbers option. 6. The value is displayed on the curve. Use the contextual menu to choose the order number for the curve. 7. Move the pointer to a control point,  right-click to display the contextual menu and choose the Edit item. The Tuner dialog box is displayed, letting you key in the exact position of the control point in space. 8. Use the Step field to decide by how much the Position values should be increased/decreased when using the spinners. Click OK in the Control Points dialog box to validate the modifications. 9. Editing Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0305.htm (3 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:55:53 PM] Use the Control Points dialog box to modify the curve according to certain predefined laws. Further modification options are available from the More... button of the Control Points dialog box: Freezing of the selected points (no other can be selected) and of the Support option Display of the order number and continuity type directly on the curve for edition using the contextual menu Dynamic display of the initial curve and of the delta as you pull on the control points. Use the Remote Control capability when geometry is very small or difficult to select due to the presence of other elements preventing you from accessing the desired control point. Use the Manipulators (arrows) to modify the curve as it is created. To fine-tune the manipulators, right-click and choose Attenuate. The attenuation lets you define the ratio between the mouse displacement and the actual displacement of the manipulator. This attenuation factor is saved in the CATIA settings. To snap a point onto external geometry, either a surface corner, a pad vertex,  or a curve end-point, choose the Snap on Geometry option Select the control point(s) or mesh lines to be moved Right-click the manipulator, and choose the Snap on Geometry option Click and drag the control point over the point used as a reference for the snapping Release the mouse button. The control point snaps onto the projection of the reference point according to the support. Using  the Ctrl key you can snap onto the exact point. To perform a quick analysis of the mesh line inflection, choose the Inflections checkbox. You cannot move unselected points unless no point is selected. The Projection, Smooth, Symmetry, and Remote Control capabilities are only available with the FreeStyle Optimizer product.   Editing Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0305.htm (4 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:55:53 PM] Creating Blend Curves This task explains how to create blend curves. Blending means that a connecting curve will be created between two selected curves, taking certain continuity, position and tension constraints into account. Open the BlendCurve1.CATPart document. Select two curves. 1. Click the Blend Curve icon . 2. Select the second curve, in case you have not previously selected it. 3. The blend curve is automatically previewed. By default it connects the curves at their end points closest to the selected points.   Blend Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0306.htm (1 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:55:56 PM] Define the display of blending parameters in the Blend Options dialog box. By default the continuities and contact points are displayed and  two texts indicating which continuity type is taken into account are present on the curves. The default continuity type is C2 (curvature continuous blend). 4. Move the pointer over the texts on end points, and right-click to display the contextual menu allowing you to modify the connection point. 5. You can do the same on the other end point. To modify the position of a blend curve end-point, move the pointer close to this point. 6. Provided the Contact Points option is active, manipulators are displayed, letting you interactively define a new position, either by clicking or clicking and dragging. Activate the Tension option and modify the tension by sliding the displayed value along the green segment. 7. This segment represents the direction and limits of the blend curve tangent at its end points. Blend Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0306.htm (2 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:55:56 PM] You can also edit the value, or invert the tension direction, using the contextual menu on the value. 8. Blend Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0306.htm (3 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:55:56 PM] Select the Split Curves option. This option lets you split the curve at the contact points between the initial curves and the blend curve. This later allows the use of the Break capability on the curve to remove one side of initial curve. The split will be effective only when the last step has been performed. 9. Once you are satisfied with the new curve, click OK in the Blend Options dialog box. The blend curve is computed . 10. Click the Break icon and select the section of the curve to be removed. It is deleted. 11. The curve resulting from the blend remains selected by default. If you wish to perform analyses, make sure you select the other curves using the Ctrl-key. Some curves cannot be split, even though the Split Curves option is checked, if you select the edge of a surface, the end-points or a curve, or an already split curve. Blend Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0306.htm (4 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:55:56 PM] Matching Curves This task explains how to match curves. Open the MatchCurve1.CATPart document. Select the curve you wish to match to another curve. 1. Click the Match Curve icon . 2. Select the second curve to be matched. 3. The first curve is automatically modified so as to be connected to the second curve while taking the continuity type into account. From the Match Options dialog box choose the options you wish to visualize on the geometry: the continuities, the tension and the contact points at each end-point. 4. Once these options are displayed, they can be interactively modified. Activate the Continuities option to display the continuity boxes. 5. Right-click these boxes to choose from the point, tangency or curvature continuity type to be taken into account. 6. Matching Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0307.htm (1 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:55:59 PM] Activate the Tension option to display the tension manipulator, and modify the tension by sliding the displayed value along the green segment. 7. This segment represents the direction and limits of the match curve tangent at its end-points. Activate the Contact Point option to display the point manipulators and to move the points along the curve, thus interactively redefining the connection location. 8. Activate the Quick Analysis option to check the quality of the connection between the match curve and the target curve. 9. Depending on the type of continuity connection, three values can be displayed: the distance (mm): the maximum distance between the two curves . the  angle (degrees) between the tangents to the curves b. the curvature (%): that is the ratio between both element curvatures c. These values are dynamically updated as you modify the contact point position, the continuities or the tension values. Matching Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0307.htm (2 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:55:59 PM] Check the Split Curve option. This option lets you split the curve at the contact point between both curves. This later allows the use of the Break capability on the curve to remove one side of matched curve. The split will be effective only when the last step has been performed. 10. Click OK to created the matched curve as it is previewed. 11. Click the Break icon and select the section of the curve to be removed. It is deleted. 12. The curve resulting from the match remains selected by default. If you wish to perform analyses, make sure you select the other curve using the Control key. Some curves cannot be split, even though the Split Curve option is checked, if you select the edge of a surface, the end-points or a curve, or an already split curve.   Matching Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0307.htm (3 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:55:59 PM] Extending Curves This task explains how to modify a curve by extension, that is by modification of its length. It can be a positive or negative extension meaning that you can actually lengthen or shorten the curve. Open the Extend1.CATPart document. Select the curve to be extended. It will be extended on the end-point side closest to the selection point. 1. Click the Extend icon . 2. The Extension dialog box is displayed, in which you can choose the type of extension to be applied: Tangential or Parametric. Click the Tangential option: The curve is extrapolated taking into account the  keyed in length (expressed in model units). Here we keyed in 100. If you key in a negative value, the resulting curve is created in the other direction. 3. Extending Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0308.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:07 PM] Click the Parametric option: The curve is extended in relation to the keyed in percentage. When the value is positive, the  last segment (defined by the arc limits) is made longer. In the example, the last segment is lengthened by 100% (maximum extension percentage). 4. However if the keyed in value is negative, the curve is shortened. In the example, the curve is shortened by 50% (the maximum shortening percentage is -95%). Click OK to create the extended curve. 5.   In Tangential and Parametric mode, you can also use the manipulators to interactively modify the value. In Parametric mode, you can choose to keep the initial curve, or not (Keep option). The curvilinear length of the extension is displayed.   Extending Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0308.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:07 PM] Creating a Symmetric Curve This task explains how to create a symmetric curve with respect to a symmetry plane. The initial curve can be replaced or duplicated. Open the Analysis1.CATPart document. This task can be performed with any existing curve. Select the curve to be duplicated symmetrically: 1. Click the Mirror Symmetry icon . 2. Press and hold the Ctrl-key and select the symmetry plane either in the geometry or in the specification tree. It can be a predefined plane, or the plane passing through the point indicating the pointer location, and the 3D compass current plane. 3. As soon as the plane is selected, a curve symmetric to the initial curve has been created. If you do not press and hold the Ctrl key, the curve is not duplicated but replaced. Other elements can be symmetrically duplicated or replaced: surface (see Creating a Symmetric Surface ) but also elements created using the Part Design workbench, such as points, lines, planes, or even cloud of points and so forth. Symmetric Curve file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0310.htm [9/28/2000 4:56:08 PM] Smoothing Curves This command is only available with the FreeStyle Optimizer This task explains how to smooth curves. Open the SmoothCurve1.CATPart document. Select the curve to be smoothed. 1. Click the Control Points icon . 2. Control points are displayed on the curve, and the Control Points dialog box appears. Define the smooth weight using the slider, and click Smooth. 3. The curve is smoothed according to the value. Click again to repeat the smoothing operation. 4. Once you are satisfied with the smoothed curve obtained, click OK in the Control Points dialog box. 5. Smoothing Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0311.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:10 PM] You do not need to select the whole curve. You can locally smooth the curve. Simply use the multi-selection capabilities: Press and hold down the Shift-key and click on a first point. Still maintaining the Shift-key down, click another point of the curve. All points selected between the two selected points are selected as well, and the curve is smoothed in this area only. Click a first point, press and hold down the Ctrl-key, then move on to the other points to be selected. Only the explicitly selected points are highlighted, and smoothing is performed on these points only.   Smoothing Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0311.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:10 PM] Trimming Curves This task explains how to trim curves if the Split curve option has been activated when creating blend or match curves (see Creating Blend Curves and Matching Curves). Open the TrimCurve1.CATPart document. Click the Break icon . 1. Select the curve you wish to trim. 2. The Break Options dialog box is displayed allowing you to choose the breaking mode:  Relimit: the curve limits are redefined, yet  its control points are not modified. Exact: the curve limits are exactly redefined. Click OK in the Break Options dialog box. 3. The curve is trimmed at the splitting point. Control points display in Relimit mode: Control points display in Exact mode: Trimming Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0312.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:11 PM] If you select the curve at the splitting point, two curves are created. If you select one of the curve segments, this segment is deleted.   Trimming Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0312.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:11 PM] Concatenating Curves This task explains how to concatenate a 3D multi-cell FreeStyle curve or separate contiguous 3D curves into a mono-cell curve. The resulting curve is a curvature continuous curve (C2). Open the Concatenate1.CATPart document. This document contains a two Join-type elements, and a set of connex curves, each identified by different colors. Click the Concatenate icon . The Concatenate dialog box is displayed. 1. Set the tolerance value. It defines the tolerance for the maximum deviation allowed between the selected elements and the generated curve. 2.   Select the curves you wish to concatenate and click Apply. 3. Here we selected Join.2 from the specification tree, and set the tolerance value to 1.6. A single curve is previewed, with its segment limits, provided the tolerance is compatible. If not, no concatenated curve is previewed, and the OK button is grayed. Click More... in the dialog box and check the Information and Control Points options. The corresponding information is displayed on the resulting curve, that is: 4. N: number of control points o: the curve order s: the number of segments in the curve In case you did not check the Information button, the maximum deviation is also indicated in the dialog box. Concatenating Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0316.htm (1 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:13 PM] Click OK in the Concatenate dialog box. A curve is created, the result of the concatenation of the elements making up the initial Join. 5. Check the Keep button to retain the initial curve(s) while creating the concatenated one. If no resulting curve is displayed once you have clicked Apply, increase the tolerance value. Multi-selection is available using the Control Key, i.e. you can select several Join elements for example, and each one will generate a concatenated curve. (Join.1 in green is still visible behind Curve.19, but you can notice the deviation due to the discontinuity of the initial element.)   Similarly, you can select several contiguous curves using the Control key, or a trap, to generate a single curve.  If the selected curves are not connex (if there is a gap between two curves), the Apply button is grayed, and you cannot create the concatenated curve. Set of independent connex curves Resulting concatenated curve If the selected elements present a curvature discontinuity (as illustrated below), you will need to increase the tolerance value accordingly. In this case too, the maximum deviation will increase considerably. Concatenating Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0316.htm (2 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:13 PM] Initial element presenting a discontinuity Deviation onto a discontinuous element Use the Converter Wizard prior to selecting non NUPBS curves for concatenation.   Concatenating Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0316.htm (3 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:13 PM] Fragmenting Curves In this task you will learn how to fragment multi-arc bodies into mono-arc bodies. Open the FragmentCurve1.CATPart document. Select the curve. 1. Click the Fragmentation  icon  in the Shape Modification toolbar. 2. The selected curve is previewed with separators indicating the limits of each arc, thus allowing the pre-visualization of the resulting curves. The Exact Break dialog box is displayed. The Type frame does not apply for curves. Select the Keep original checkbox if you want to keep the initial curve when fragmenting the body. 3. Click OK. 4. The curve is fragmented in as many curves as there were arcs in the initial curve. This means that  independent curves are created. In the example, we assigned a different color to each of the resulting mono-arc curves. Fragmenting Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0315.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:15 PM] Multi-selection is available. This function enables you to fragment surfaces as well, see Fragmenting Surfaces.   Fragmenting Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0315.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:15 PM] Approximating\Segmenting Procedural Curves In this task you will learn how to convert any curve, created using other products but FreeStyle, into a NUPBS (Non Uniform Polynomial B-Spline) curves, and to modify the number of arcs (segments) onto any curve, including these created using FreeStyle products. This approximation is automatically performed when you try to edit a curve using control points. In this case: when an exact conversion can be performed, it is done automatically, and the Converter Wizard is not displayed. This is the often the case with splines and lines. when the exact conversion cannot be performed, as for ellipses, hyperbolas, parabolas, and so forth, the converter Wizard is displayed allowing you to define the approximation tolerance. Open the Approximate1.CATPart document. Select the curve to be approximated. 1. Click the Segmentation icon  . 2. The Converter Wizard dialog box is displayed allowing you to define the approximation according to a tolerance. You need to set the values for the different options: Tolerance: that is the deviation tolerance from the initial curve.  On the geometry, a red text is displayed if the tolerance is not respected, that changes to green when the new element is within the specified tolerance. Order: that is the maximum allowed order along the U direction. This value ranges from 2 to 11 included in U, when the segmentation options are grayed. Otherwise, it ranges from 4 to 11 included. Segmentation:  that is the maximum allowed segments along the U direction. If Single is checked, a mono-segment curve  is created. Approximating Procedural Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0314.htm (1 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:17 PM] When one of these options is inactive, the system automatically optimizes this option's  parameters to comply with the other options' values Furthermore, three buttons offer other capabilities: 3D conversion: to convert a curve on surface into a 3D curve. 1. 2D conversion: to retain the 2D of a curve on surface 2. Keep: to create a new curve while keeping  the initial curve. 3. Depending on the type of the initial element, a text is displayed indicating what approximation needs to be performed:  CV: the initial curve is not a NUPBS and needs to be approximated using the Converter Wizard parameters EXACT: the initial curve can be converted in exact mode (no parameter needs to be set) Seg: the initial curve already is a NUPBS Click More... to display more options: 3. Check the Information option to display further information on the element: Max: the maximum deviation in relation to the initial element N: number of control points o: the curve order s: the number of segments in the curve Check the Control Points option to display the curve's control points. Check the Auto Apply button to dynamically update the resulting curve.    Furthermore, the maximum deviation, minimum and maximum radius values are displayed in the Converter Wizard for information Click OK. The curve modification is taken into account. 4. Approximating Procedural Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0314.htm (2 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:17 PM] Multi-selection of curves is available.  You can mix the approximation of curves and surfaces. The Priority check button indicates which of the Orders or Segmentation parameter is taking precedence over the other one.    Use the Exact conversion mode (no parameter needs to be set) on a NUPBS element to display the number of control points, curve order, and number of segments in the curve. Note that in this case, the initial element is duplicated.   Approximating Procedural Curves file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0314.htm (3 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:17 PM] Creating and Managing Surfaces This chapter deals with surface creation and management using the FreeStyle Shaper workbench. Creating Planar Patches: use the compass to define the creation plane, click two points. Creating a Surface from Three Points: click two points, drag the pointer and click a third point Creating a Surface from Four Points: click at least three points on existing geometry and a fourth point. Creating a Surface on an Existing Surface: select a surface, click a point, drag the pointer over the surface and click another point still on the surface.  Editing Surfaces Using Control Points: select a surface, set the deformation options, pull on the control points and mesh lines in specific directions. Manipulating Surfaces: select a surface, drag and drop the compass onto it, move the surface along the compass axes Rotating a Surface: select a surface, drag and drop the compass onto it, select, hold and glide on one of the compass' arc of circle Creating a Symmetric Surface: select a surface and a symmetry plane. Creating Blend Surfaces: click an edge on two surfaces, set the display options allowing the modifications of continuities and tensions, manipulate the coupling points defining the blend. Creating Styling Fillets: select two surfaces at an angle, and enter a radius value. Matching Surfaces: select a surface edge and a boundary on another surface, specify the matching parameters using manipulators on coupling and control points, and the contextual menu to set continuities and tensions.  Multi-Side Matching: successively select a surface edge and its target curve on another surface, specify the matching parameters, and use the contextual menu to set continuities or surface order. Filling in Between Surfaces: select contiguous surface boundaries forming a closed contour, or close it by clicking OK. Offsetting Surfaces: select a surface, specify the offset type (simple or variable), the offset value and constraints to be taken into account when offsetting (deviation tolerance, maximum orders, etc.). Smoothing Surfaces: select a surface, set the smoothing weight and click Run Creating and Managing Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0400.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:21 PM] Extending a Surface: select a surface boundary, specify the extension type and value. Extruding a Surface: select a curve, set the extrusion direction and value. Editing a Surface Boundary: select a surface boundary and edit it using its control points. Redefining Surface Limits: click the icon and select the part of the surface to be removed. Restoring a Surface: select the surface to be restored and click the icon. Approximating/Segmenting Procedural Surfaces: select a surface, specify the approximation tolerance, and the resulting surface maximum orders and/or segments Disassembling Surfaces: select a multi-cells surface edge and click the icon. Fragmenting Surfaces: select a surface and specify the breaking options.   Creating and Managing Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0400.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:21 PM] Creating Planar Patches This task explains how to create planar patches, that is planar surfaces. Open a new .CATPart document. Click the Planar Patch icon . 1. The 3D compass is displayed in the document and looks like this: The solid planes of the 3D compass indicate in what plane any action is to be performed. By default the creation plane is the XY plane. However, you can right-click the compass to display other options: Make XZ the Privileged Plane: elements are created in the XZ plane . Make YZ the Privileged Plane: elements are created in the YZ plane b. Make Privileged Plane Most Visible: the plane in which elements are created is the plane seen most. c. Keep the default working mode. Planar Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0401.htm (1 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:23 PM] Click anywhere in the window. 2. An outline appears and evolves as you move the pointer in the main window. Two values are displayed indicating the length and width of the patch. If you call the function when a plane is selected, the surface is created in the selected plane otherwise it is created as described in the following cases. If the 3D compass is in the model, the surface is created in the plane defined by the base. If the 3D compass is in the upper-right corner of the screen, the surface is created in the plane parallel to the compass base and passing through: the origin of the model if the first point selected is in space the first point selected on geometry Right-click and choose Edit dimensions. 3. If you do not explicitly enter the dimensions of the surface, simply click again when you have reached the adequate size. The planar patch is created.   Once the first point is defined, right-click anywhere to edit the surface degree (in U and V) just like you did to edit the dimensions. Using the Ctrl-key, the planar patch is centered around the point corresponding to the initial click, otherwise, by default, this point corresponds to one corner or the patch. Planar Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0401.htm (2 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:23 PM] Creating a Surface from Three Points This task explains how to create surfaces by clicking three points in pre-existing geometry or space. Open the Patch3Points1.CATPart document. Click the 3-Point Patch icon  in the Surface Creation toolbar. 1. Successively click two points in space, or on already existing geometry. A line is displayed between these two points. It is one side of the rectangular patch, and a text indicates the exact length of the segment. 2. Drag the pointer. A planar patch is pre-visualized: the first two points making up one of its sides, the second length of this same patch being given by the distance between the first line and the normal projection from the pointer location onto the privileged plane (indicated by the compass) containing the first point. 3. You can also right-click to display the Edit Dimensions dialog box  that allows you to define exactly the second length of the patch. Click a third point to create the planar patch. 4. Right-click to edit the surface orders (U and V) at any time during the creation. Use the Ctrl-key to create a patch symmetrically on each side of the segment defined by the first two points. 3-Point Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0402.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:26 PM]   3-Point Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0402.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:26 PM] Creating a Surface from Four Points This task explains how to create surfaces by clicking four points in pre-existing geometry and space. Open the FourPointsPatch1.CATPart document. Click the 4-Point Patch icon  in the Surface Creation toolbar. 1. Click one of the curves. 2. You can click anywhere on any curve, at the intersection of curves, or on any other element. Successively click two other points on the pre-existing geometry. An outline is previewed, representing the surface as it is defined. 3. Click anywhere in the document to create the last point used in the surface definition. If you click in space, the patch is a planar patch that belongs to the plane defined by the first three points. If you click the fourth point on existing geometry, the resulting surface will not necessarily be planar. 4. 4-Point Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0403.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:33 PM] Once all four points have been clicked, the corresponding surface is automatically created. 5.   4-Point Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0403.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:33 PM] Creating a Surface on an Existing Surface This task explains how to create a surface on an existing surface. The newly created surface will lie on the initial one. Open the SurfOnSurf1.CATPart document. Select an existing surface. 1. Click the Geometry Extraction icon . 2. Click on the surface, where you would like a corner of the new surface to be located. If you press the Ctrl-key while clicking, the surface is created symmetrically in relation to the initial surface center. 3. Drag to generate a rubberband matching the new surface. 4. Click once you are satisfied with the new surface as visualized. 5. A surface is created lying exactly on the initial surface: 6. Surface on Existing Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0404.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:35 PM] As opposed to the creation of planar patches, you cannot define the surface orders (U and V) prior to or while creating the surface. The resulting surface orders are identical to those of the initial surface. However, these values can later be edited (see Editing  Surfaces Using Control Points). These surfaces, as any other surfaces, can be edited using the control points. If you move the pointer to the edge of the initial surface, the new one will automatically snap on the initial boundary. Similarly, you can create curves on an already existing curve. Using the Ctrl-key will then create a curve symmetrically in relation to the initial curve center. See Creating Curves on Surfaces to find how to use the remote auto detection capability.   Surface on Existing Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0404.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:35 PM] Editing Surfaces Using Control Points This task explains how to modify a surface using control points and mesh lines. Open the EditControlPoints1.CATPart document. Select the surface. 1. Click the Control Points icon . The 3D.compass is displayed showing the privileged plane in which you are working when you are manipulating the surface. 2. If you select a surface that has been created outside the FreeStyle workbench, and the surface is not based on a NUPBS  (Non-Uniform Polynomial  B-Spline), the Converter Wizard will be automatically displayed when the surface cannot be exactly converted. This allows you to control the conversion tolerance.  However, when a surface can be exactly converted, the Converter Wizard is not displayed, the conversion is done automatically and an information message is issued. As soon as you clicked the icon, control points and mesh lines are displayed. They are used to manually pull on the surface so as to deform it. Deformation can also be done using the Tuner dialog box displayed using the contextual commands on control points or mesh lines. Editing Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0405.htm (1 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:56:37 PM] The Control Points dialog box is displayed: Use it to define the type of operation to be performed on the control points. Support defines the type of translation to be applied Law defines the type of deformation that is to be applied when several control points have been selected. Here, choose the Translation along the normal to the surface and Bell law options. Move the pointer onto one of the control points or mesh lines. Manipulators automatically appear. They represent the directions in which you can perform a deformation. 3. Pull on the arrow matching the direction in which you want to deform the surface. 4. The surface follows the shape indicated by the mesh line or control point. You can activate other support and law options and continue deforming the surface. By default all control points and mesh lines are selected. Click a specific point to deform the surface at this point only, or select a set of points using the Ctrl-key or Shift-key while clicking (multi-selection capabilities). The same applies to mesh lines. Editing Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0405.htm (2 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:56:37 PM] Click More... in the Control Points dialog box. Further modification options are available: 5. Freezing of directions or of the selected points (no other can be selected) Display of the order number and continuity type directly on the surface for edition using the contextual menu Dynamic display of the initial surface and of the delta as you pull on the control points Smoothing (refer to Smoothing Surfaces). Click OK in the Control Points dialog box to validate the modifications. The surface is modified. 6. Click any specific point, or mesh line to deform the surface at this element only. By default, selected points are displayed in red, and are green when deselected. Remote control capability: activate the remote icon to be able to automatically detect the control point closest to the pointer. In this case, any other contextual menu is no longer available. Editing Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0405.htm (3 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:56:37 PM] Project: (available only with the Translation in the plane or Translation along a direction options). Use this capability to project selected points according to the local 3D compass Bring the 3D compass onto the surface 1. Choose the Translation in the plane or Translation along a direction option 2. Select a mesh line or a subset or control points (you can also select all points but in this case the whole surface is projected according to the compass) 3. Click Project. 4. Use the Manipulators (arrows) to modify the surface. To fine-tune the manipulators, right-click and choose Attenuate. The attenuation lets you define the ratio between the mouse displacement and the actual displacement of the manipulator. This attenuation factor is saved in the CATIA settings. To snap a point onto external geometry, either a surface corner, a pad vertex,  or a curve end-point, choose the Snap on Geometry option Select the control point(s) or mesh lines to be moved Right-click the manipulator, and choose the Snap on Geometry option Click and drag the control point over the point used as a reference for the snapping Release the mouse button. The control point snaps onto the projection of the reference point according to the support. Using  the Ctrl-key you can snap onto the exact point. To perform a quick analysis of the mesh line inflection, choose the Inflections checkbox. You can not move unselected points unless no point is selected. The Projection, Smooth, Symmetry, and Remote Control capabilities are only available with the FreeStyle Optimizer product.   Editing Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0405.htm (4 of 4) [9/28/2000 4:56:37 PM] Editing a Surface Boundary This task explains how to modify a surface boundary as created in Creating Free Form Curves on Surfaces using its control points. Open the CurveOnSurface2.CATPart document. Select the surface boundary you wish to edit. 1. Click the Control Points icon . 2. Control points and lines are displayed along that boundary. By default all control points are selected. Click a specific point to deform the boundary at this point only, or select a set of points using the Ctrl-key or Shift-key while clicking (multi-selection capabilities). Modify the boundary pulling on its control points or the mesh line. 3. Click OK in the Control Points dialog box. 4. The boundary is modified. Only the boundary and its control points are modified. Any other boundary of the surface is not affected by these modifications.   Editing a Surface Boundary file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugat0101.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:39 PM] Manipulating Surfaces This task explains how to move and translate surfaces independently from any other element in the document. Open the Manipulate1.CATPart document. Click the Select icon and select the surface you wish to move. 1. Point to the compass manipulation handle (the red square located on the privileged plane at the base of the compass). The cursor shape changes to a cross. 2. Drag and drop the compass over the surface you wish to move about. The compass now is displayed in green. 3. Make sure you choose to display the bounding box using the Display manipulation bounding box option from the Tools -> Options -> General -> Display dialog box, Navigation tab to display the whole bounding box as shown below, not just the compass over the geometry. Move the pointer over any bounding box boundary, and drag the surface where you wish to move it. 4. Pull along a horizontal axis to slide the surface to the right or to the left. 5. Manipulating Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0406.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:42 PM] Pull along a vertical axis to move the surface up or down. 6. The displacement distance is displayed as you move the surface around.   Release the mouse-key. 7. The surface has moved to a new location. For further details and general manipulation tasks refer to the CATIA-Infrastructure User's Guide: Manipulating Viewpoints Using the Mouse and Compass and Manipulating Objects Using the Mouse and Compass   Manipulating Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0406.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:42 PM] Rotating a Surface This task explains how to rotate surfaces independently from any other element in the document. Open the Manipulate1.CATPart document. Select the surface you wish to move. 1. Point to the compass manipulation handle (the red square located on the privileged plane at the base of the compass). The cursor shape changes to a cross. 2. Drag and drop the compass over the surface you wish to rotate. The compass now is displayed in green. 3. If you checked the option Display manipulation bounding box in the Navigation tab via the Tools -> Options -> General -> Display menu item, a box will appear around the selected surface. Move the pointer over the arc of circle on the compass indicating the direction in   which you want to rotate the surface. The arc of circle is highlighted. 4. Drag in the desired direction. The surface rotates within the plane indicated by the selected arc of circle. 5. Release the mouse-key. The surface is set to the new direction. 6. Rotating Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0407.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:50 PM] The surface has rotated around an axis. However, this has not changed anything to any other element present in the document. Multi-selection, whether using a trap or the Ctrl-click, is available to rotate a set of elements.   Rotating Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0407.htm (2 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:50 PM] Creating a Symmetric Surface This task explains how to create a symmetric surface with respect to a symmetry plane. The initial surface can be replaced or duplicated. Open the Analysis1.CATPart document from the. The task can be performed with any of the existing surfaces. Select the surface to be duplicated symmetrically. 1. Click the Mirror Symmetry icon . 2. Press and hold the Ctrl-key and select the symmetry plane either in the geometry or in the specification tree. It can be a predefined plane, or the plane passing through the point indicating the pointer location, and the 3D compass current plane. 3. As soon as the plane is selected, a surface symmetric to the initial surface has been created. If you do not press and hold the Ctrl-key, the surface is not duplicated but replaced. A set of elements can be symmetrically duplicated just as well.   Symmetric Surface file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0408.htm (1 of 2) [9/28/2000 4:56:51 PM] Creating Blend Surfaces This task explains how to create a blend surface between two pre-existing surfaces. Open the BlendSurface1.CATPart document. Click the Blend Surface icon . 1. Move the pointer over one of the surfaces and click one of its edges. 2. Click the edge of the second surface. 3. The blend surface is previewed, and the Blend Options dialog box is displayed. Define the blending parameters to be visualized on the geometry: 4. Blend Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0409.htm (1 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:53 PM] Continuity Connection: displays the continuity type identifier (Point, Cross Tangent, Proportional Tangent, or Curvature) Information: displays the type of blend surface, along with the number of patches used to create the surface. Coupling Points: displays coupling points and arrows allowing you to interactively move these points along the blend surface limit curves Tangency Tension: displays tangent modification manipulators Curvature Tension: displays curvature modification manipulators Check the Coupling points option. 5. The points are highlighted on the selected surface, and arrows are displayed when you move the pointer over these points. Click one of the point and drag along one of the arrows. 6. The blend surface is automatically relimited. This can be done on both surfaces. Check the Continuity Connection in the dialog box. 7. Right-click the continuity type identifier and choose another continuity type. 8. Here is what you get if you choose a point type continuity: Blend Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0409.htm (2 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:53 PM] Similarly, you can check the Tangency or Curvature Tension. Whichever you choose,  simply drag the green triangle along the tension line to modify its value, or right-click the value to display the contextual menu allowing you to edit it via a dialog box or to invert these tensions. Click OK in the Blend Options dialog box to create the blend surface. It remains selected, thus allowing to immediately analyze its connection to the other surfaces, for example. 9. Three modes are available to create blend surfaces: Analytic: when the selected surface edges are isoparametric curves, the blend surface is computed in exact mode, based on the selected surfaces' control points. Moreover, the blend surface presents a  point, tangency and curvature continuity with the initial surfaces. . Approximated: regardless of the type of the selected surface edges, the blend surface is created according to an approximation between the initial surfaces. b. Auto: the system optimizes the computation mode, trying first to create the blend surface in Analytic mode, then, if not possible, in Approximated mode. c. The Project end points option allows linear projection of the smaller edge, if selected first, onto the smaller surface as shown to the left. To the right is the resulting blend without the Project end points option.   Blend Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0409.htm (3 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:56:53 PM] Creating Styling Fillets on Surfaces This task explains how to create a fillet between two sets of surfaces. Open the Fillet1.CATPart document. Click the Styling Fillet icon . 1. The Fillet Options dialog box is displayed. Select a first surface or a set of surfaces. An arrow appears indicating the normal to the surface in which direction  the fillet surface is to be created. Click this arrow to invert its direction. The display of this normal is set by default in the Fillet Options dialog box. 2. Select a second surface, or set of surfaces, and key in the styling fillet radius. Here we increased the radius value to 30. 3. By default, the normals are displayed (green arrows).  Click an arrow to invert it. Surfaces are automatically dispatched in set 1 or set 2. If they present an angle greater than 10%, the surfaces cannot belong to the same set. Styling Fillets file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0410.htm (1 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:57:00 PM] Click Apply in the Fillet Options  dialog box. The fillet surface is pre-visualized. 4.   Click  the More... button to display more fillet options. Before creating the fillet, you can display a number of options on the fillet surface: Continuity connection: once displayed, right-click the text to choose another continuity type (point, tangent, proportional and curvature). Normals: displays the normals onto the support surfaces. Information: displays the type of created surface (basic or advanced) and the number of patches composing it. Click OK to create the fillet between the initial surfaces. 5. Styling Fillets file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0410.htm (2 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:57:00 PM] You can modify the continuities between surfaces by activating the Continuity connection option from the dialog box and right-clicking the displayed text. Four continuity types are available: point tangency proportional curvature You cannot create a fillet on a surface which limits have been modified using the break capability, except if you chose the exact option when breaking the surface.   Styling Fillets file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0410.htm (3 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:57:00 PM] Matching Surfaces In this task you will learn how to match two surfaces, or a surface to a curve, that is extend one surface to come up to the other element, specifying the continuity between the two elements. Some options are only available in FreeStyle Optimizer. Open the MatchSurface1.CATPart document. Click the Match Surface icon . 1. Select the edge of the surface to be matched. 2. The boundary is highlighted. A constraint box is displayed on the other boundary, indicating the type of constraint to be kept when matching the surface. This constraint can be modified using the contextual menu. Move the pointer onto the second surface. 3. Possible boundaries for the match are highlighted as you move the pointer along. Click the surface when the adequate boundary is highlighted. 4. The match is automatically applied. The first surface is recomputed so as to be connected to the second surface. Matching Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0411.htm (1 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:57:03 PM] Define the elements that should be visualized on the surface for modification purposes, using the Match Options dialog box. 5. Information on the match surface is displayed in the Match Options dialog box: Match type, either Auto, Analytic or Approximated (mathematical algorithm used as match type) Number of patches making up the surface Order displays the order of the surface to be matched Check the Coupling points option. 6. Manipulators are displayed on the connection, allowing you to interactively define the match limits by simply sliding them along the target curve. You can edit the coupling points by right-clicking to display the contextual menu and choosing the Edit item. You can also use the Snap on Geometry option. Matching Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0411.htm (2 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:57:03 PM] Check the Continuity connection option and right-click onto the identifier to edit the continuity constraint on the boundary of the match surface on the target element, using the contextual menu. 7. Available continuity types are: point, tangent and curvature. In the example, we impose a tangency constraint on the target surface. We keep a point continuity on the initial surface. Check the Global tension and local tangents option. 8. Global tension: you can now edit the global tension value by sliding the value along the green segment representing the direction and limits of the match surface tangent at its middle-points. . Local tangents: the manipulators enable you to manage local tangents using an angle and a tension. Some particular values are then available for an angle and a tension by displaying a contextual menu. b. Right-click the tension value to enter a new value within the 0 to 1 range, using the Tension Tuner dialog box. Right-click the local tangents to choose from: a specific value you key in (User) the first surface tangent (Initial) the target element tangent (Target) Check the Quick connect checker and degrees option: depending on the type of continuity connection, three values can be displayed: 9. the distance (mm): the maximum distance between the two elements . the  angle (degrees) between the tangents to the surfaces b. the curvature (%): that is the ratio c. Matching Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0411.htm (3 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:57:03 PM] between both surface curvatures Check the Control Points option to display the control points and mesh lines on the surface, allowing you to dynamically modify them. Click Run to recompute the match surface. 10. See Editing Surfaces Using Control Points to find more about available options. When checked, the Diffusion option, propagates evenly any modification performed using the control points. Click OK in the Match Options dialog box. 11. The Project end points option allows linear projection of the smaller edge, if selected first, onto the smaller surface as shown to the left. To the right is the resulting match without the Project end points option:   The Project boundary option allows to directly project the first selected boundary onto the second surface, by selection of the surface only. (You do not need to select a boundary on the target surface.) Matching Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0411.htm (4 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:57:03 PM] Options available only with  FreeStyle Optimizer: Move on Main axis Global tension and local tangent Quick connect checker and orders Control Points   Matching Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0411.htm (5 of 5) [9/28/2000 4:57:03 PM] Multi-Side Matching In this task you will learn how to match a mono-cell non relimited surface to at least two, and at most four,  other surfaces. The source surface's edges will be deformed to match the target curves on surfaces, taking continuities into account. Some options are only available in FreeStyle Optimizer. Open the MatchSurface2.CATPart document. Click the Multi-Side Match Surface icon . 1. The Multi-side Match dialog box is displayed. Set the deformation options: 2. Diffuse deformation:  if checked, the deformation is spread over the whole matched surface, not only to a limited number of control points. Optimize continuities: if checked, the deformation is done optimizing the user-defined continuities rather than according to the control points and mesh lines. Select the first edge of the surface to be matched. It is automatically detected as you move the pointer then highlighted once selected. 3. Multi-Side Matching file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0424.htm (1 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:57:08 PM] Select the target curve for the first selected edge. An arrow is displayed indicating which source edge is to be matched to which target curve. 4. Note that in case an incorrect edge is detected, a contextual message helps you select the adequate target curve. Check the Display options from the Multi-side Match dialog box, to visualize texts on the geometry. Then right-click the texts to modify the continuity type (point, tangency, curvature) or to increase/decrease the edge order. 5. Continue selecting pairs of source and target curves to be matched, as needed. 6. Click Apply to visualize the matched surface. 7. If you already selected four source edges and four curves, the match is automatically computed. Click OK to create the multi-side match surface. 8. All source edges must belong to the same surface. Only a complete surface, i.e. that has not been previously relimited, can be matched. Target curves necessary are surface boundaries or isoparametric curves, therefore laying on a surface. They cannot be curves created in space. The match takes into account continuities and order, but also existing geometric configurations. For example, in the example below, the two target surface overlap. In this case, the system automatically relimits the matched surface where the target surfaces overlap: Multi-Side Matching file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0424.htm (2 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:57:08 PM] A surface can also be matched onto a relimited surface:   Multi-Side Matching file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0424.htm (3 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:57:08 PM] Filling in Between Surfaces In this task you will learn how to fill the space between three surfaces. You can fill the space between three or more elements (up to nine). The elements can be either curves or any surface type element. These elements must be contiguous in only one point. Open the Fill1.CATPart document.   Click the Fill icon . 1. The Fill  Options dialog box is displayed allowing you to visualize the continuities where fill surfaces are connected to the initial surfaces, and center point, provided there is more than one fill surface generated. Select the boundary of the first surface. 2. Select the boundary of an adjacent surface. 3. Select the boundary of all other surfaces, still going from one surface to its direct neighbor. 4. Once you have selected the last boundary contiguous to the first selected surface, the filling surfaces are created. If you checked the Continuities and Center Point options in the Fill Options dialog box, the corresponding information is displayed on the surfaces: Right-click the displayed text to edit the continuities.  You can choose from Point or Tangent continuity, depending on the geometry configuration. Tangent continuity is available only when filling a closed contour. 5. Use the manipulators at the center point to deform the generated surfaces. The deformation depends on the chosen icon: Normal to the Surface Direction, or according to the Compass Direction. 6. While deforming, set continuities are retained. Click OK to create the filling surfaces. 7. Fill Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0412.htm (1 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:57:11 PM] Use the graphic properties to modify the colors of the filling surfaces to better identify them. To this end, select each surface either in the geometry or in the specification tree, and call the Properties dialog box; Graphic tab, and modify the Fill color. You can fill the space between different types of elements. For example, select a curve, two surfaces supporting a blend surface and the blend itself. In this case, the intersections between the selected edges on the surfaces and the blend limits are automatically detected, and the filling surface created accordingly. Similarly, you can fill three or more open-sided contours when composed of surface boundaries only. A temporary blend curve is created to close the contour when you click Apply, allowing the system to compute the filling surfaces. You can also fill the space between two intersecting curves, or surfaces, forming an open angle. To do this, simply select these curves or surface boundaries, then click Apply in the Fill Option dialog box. The system automatically creates temporary curves matching the selected ones to close a contour before filling it. Make sure you select contiguous surface boundaries, especially when filling the space between more than three surfaces. Do not select boundaries randomly. If four edges have been selected, a mono-patch surface is created. However, if three, five or more edges (up to nine) have been selected, as many surfaces are created as selected edges. The center point is not displayed if only one filling surface is created or when four filling surfaces are generated. Fill Surfaces file:///E|/WWW/FmoCXR5/FssEnglish/fssug.doc/src/fssugbt0412.htm (2 of 3) [9/28/2000 4:57:11 PM]