All You Need to Know About CATIA for 3D Printing

Today, there are many different types of 3D modeling software for different types of users, from beginners to professionals, depending on their needs. CATIA (Computer-Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application) software is a complete multi-platform solution for computer-aided design, manufacturing, engineering, 3D printing and PLM (product lifecycle management). Marketed by manufacturer Dassault Systèmes, the software is ideal for design, manufacturing and analysis. Furthermore, like Solidworks, the program features powerful parametric modeling and photorealistic rendering tools. However, CATIA offers more advanced functionality for surfaces and modules for different industries.

CATIA was developed in the 1970s, initially for the in-house needs of Dassault Systèmes teams, notably for the development of the Mirage fighter aircraft. Conceived therefore for the aerospace sector, it is a complex and reliable tool for many industries. From its inception to the present, the Dassault Systèmes team has continued to innovate and improve the functionality of the software until it reached the most recent version of CATIA (V5-6R). Today, the applications for which the software is most widely used are: engineering and systems engineering, design and construction. This makes it an ideal tool for industries such as the aforementioned aerospace sector, as well as the transportation, naval, automotive, construction industries and, without a doubt, it is one of the most widely used CAD programs in additive manufacturing.

CATIA was initially used to design the Mirage fighter aircraft

The Features of CATIA

CATIA is capable of creating parametric and non-parametric 3D models. The program is compatible with Windows, Solaris, IRIX and HP-UX. CATIA is available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Russian. Like most design software that is compatible with 3D printing, t allows models to be exported in STL format so they can be sent to the 3D printer. If you have earlier versions of the program, Dassault Systèmes provides tools to convert the files to be compatible with the most recent versions. In addition, the software is available in two types depending on the functionalities required: CATIA V5-6R and CATIA 3DExperience.