How do you compare two parts in CATIA?

Comparing two parts in CATIA V5 allows users to identify differences between design iterations or versions. This is particularly useful for validating design changes, reviewing modifications, and ensuring consistency across product development stages. To compare two parts in CATIA V5, follow these steps:

1. Open the DMU space analysis workbench
   • Navigate to start > digital mockup > DMU space analysis.
2. Load the parts for comparison
   • Add the old and new versions of the part into a single assembly.
3. Use the compare products tool
   • Click the compare products icon in the toolbar.
   • In the dialog box, select the old version as Product 1 and the new version as Product 2.
4. Choose a comparison method
   • Visual comparison highlights differences directly on-screen using color codes:
     • Yellow: Common material.
     • Red: Added material.
     • Green: Removed material.
   • Geometric comparison performs a detailed calculation to compare geometry and allows saving results as a 3D map file.
5. Adjust accuracy settings
   • Modify accuracy under tools > options > general > display > performances tab, if needed.
6. Preview and analyze results
   • Click preview to view differences and analyze modifications.

CATIA V5 supports comparing multiple parts using batch methods or additional tools like 3DXML files. However, for detailed comparisons, it is recommended to focus on two parts at a time for clarity and precision. By leveraging the DMU space analysis workbench and its compare products tool, you can efficiently identify and document design changes in CATIA V5.