Improved Associativity Support on Multi-CAD Data

This section describes how to import a layout file, as well as how to import files using the Exact Geometry mode. This section describes the concepts of improved associative support on Multi-CAD data in Batch mode, and discusses the conditions under which this associativity can be guaranteed.
Associativity applies to the document level, not to the geometry level. If you perform a Multi-CAD update, all applicative links will be broken.
 

How associative mode works
When launching the Conversion Batch on Multi-CAD data, Multi-CAD files are converted and stored but this information (source or origin of the part files) cannot be visible by the user and CGR files are not stocked into Cache Memory. Only the 3D view can be seen by the user.

By doing a batch conversion over a I-DEAS assembly, this assembly is transferred into a V5 format file: a CATProduct. All the Parts contained in this I-DEAS assembly are converted as a cgr or CATPart. During this transcription, we transfer all the assembly structure, geometrical information as well as original links.
After this conversion, the CATProduct reproduces the 3D View of the original assembly and also stores a link onto the original files. The last information will enable the Multi-CAD Update Batch to check if V5 data are up to date compared with their original data.
The following schema draws a parallel between the CAD System and CATIA V5. Step 3 corresponds to the modification or review of Imported CAD Data in CATIA V5.

From the Import of CAD data to the Synchronization of V5 Session:

Launching the Update Batch means using the associative mode; the Batch operates on V5 data in order to update their structure or geometry according to the changes made by the I-DEAS designer onto the original data.
On the one hand, if a I-DEAS part file has been modified, you can launch the update Batch on the CATProduct and the part file -not the whole assembly structure- is re-converted so that the V5 geometry of the I-DEAS part is always up to date. The part can be subsequently manipulated in V5.
On the other hand, if only the I-DEAS assembly structure has been modified, you can launch the Batch on the CATProduct and the assembly file -not the part file- is re-converted so that the V5 product structure is updated.
Here is a schema showing the conversion and update processes of an assembly structure when importing CAD data into CATIA V5.

Multi-CAD Conversion and Update Processes:

The associative mode is the default mode. But if you do not launch the Batch, you will use what was called the non-associative mode in the previous V5 versions.

Associative mode is useful when a user wants to maintain synchronization with structure and/or geometry changes. But if you prefer to keep your assembly as it was at the moment of the conversion, you do not need to launch the Batch. Therefore, in this case, you will not do any synchronization between V5 data and original I-DEAS data.
 

How to use the Update Batch for Multi-CAD Data
This task shows you how to convert I-DEAS assemblies into V5 CATProducts and how to keep associativity between the modified CAD data and the converted product files, in V5.

Note that CATIA.V5R8.B08 is an example, the set of characters will vary according to the level of CATIA installed.

  1. On Windows, in a Command Prompt window, you can launch the conversion Batch by entering the following command:
    "C:\<install_dir>\intel_a\code\bin\CATDMUUtility.exe" -env CATIA.V5R8.B08 -direnv "C:\Winnt\Profiles\All Users\Application Data\Dassault Systemes\CATEnv" -f E:\tmp\sw.sldasm  -product  E:\tmp\prod1.CATProduct
    For information, "-env..." is the default environment (CATIA V5R8 for instance) and "-direnv..." is the directory path containing this environment.
    Please note that this conversion will take into account the settings in Tools -> Options -> General -> Compatibility -> External Formats.

  2. In the original CAD system, modify a I-DEAS part contained in sw.sldasm.

  3. Launch the update Batch by entering the command:
    C:\<install_dir>\intel_a\code\bin\CATMCIReplace.exe" -env CATIA.V5R8.B08 -direnv "C:\Winnt\Profiles\All Users\Application Data\Dassault Systemes\CATEnv" -i E:\tmp\prod1.CATProduct  -update

If you open prod1.CATProduct interactively in CATIA V5, you will be able to see the geometry modification.
For more information about the launching of CATDMUUtility, please refer to Running CATDMUUitlity Batch Process, in DMU Navigator User Guide.