Product Structure (CATIA Assembly)
The hierarchical tree of components, sub-assemblies, and instances in a CATIA assembly (.CATProduct).
Definition
A Product is a CATIA assembly container. It references CATParts and other CATProducts. Each reference is an instance with a position, an instance name, and possibly publications exposed to the assembly. Multi-instance support means one CATPart referenced multiple times in the Product.
Why it matters
Product structure determines BOM, assembly performance, and access control. A flat Product with 50k CATPart references is unmanageable; a deeply nested structure that matches the real manufacturing tree is.
Technical Deep Dive & Core Mechanics
From a geometric perspective, Product Structure (CATIA Assembly) represents a parametric boundary representation (B-Rep) mechanism within CATIA. The underlying geometric modeling kernel—whether Parasolid, ACIS, or a proprietary solver—maintains a strictly ordered history tree (Feature Manager). Each operation stores topological references (faces, edges, vertices) that are re-evaluated sequentially during model regeneration.
Cross-Discipline Collaboration & Handoff
In global multi-office projects, Product Structure (CATIA Assembly) is a high-frequency handoff node between diverse software packages. During cross-platform export (for example, exporting CATIA drawings to IFC for coordination in Navisworks or Solibri, or converting mechanical STEP files into BIM detail families):
Common pitfalls
- All parts at one level — performance and clarity suffer.
- Instances vs. references confused — editing an instance affects all instances of that CATPart.
- Mismatched display modes (visualization vs. design) — visual artefacts in large assemblies.
This concept is a core structural element of the CATIA drafting and engineering environment developed by Dassault Systèmes. Dassault Systèmes' high-end PLM-grade CAD — the production tool of aerospace, automotive, and class-A surface modelling.
Relevant CATIA FAQs
❓ What's the difference between CATIA and SOLIDWORKS, both Dassault products?
Different markets. SOLIDWORKS is mid-market mechanical CAD (industrial machinery, consumer products). CATIA is high-end (aerospace, automotive, very large assemblies, class-A surfacing). CATIA's learning curve, price, and capability are substantially higher.
❓ Is CATIA available for individual hobbyists?
No. CATIA is sold through VARs to enterprises and educational institutions. Hobbyists looking for similar capability use Rhino (surfacing), Plasticity (modern direct modelling), Onshape (cloud), or older perpetual versions of SOLIDWORKS via student licenses.
❓ What is the difference between V5 and V6?
V5 is the file-based desktop platform (still widely used). V6 was the predecessor to 3DEXPERIENCE — server-stored on ENOVIA V6. CATIA on 3DEXPERIENCE is the current 'V6'-equivalent track. Many organisations run both V5 and 3DX in parallel.
⚡ Concept Self-Test
🎓 Recommended Practice Lessons
Step-by-step practical exercises and certification-aligned paths chosen by our editors to master this concept:
CATIA Professional Design & Engineering Specialization
The Complete CATIA 2026 Masterclass: From Beginner to Pro
Dassault Systèmes CATIA Certified Professional Exam Study Guide & Mock Practice
🌳 Semantic Crossroads & Navigation Pathways
Trunk-Branch-Leaf ModelCore glossary, interactive graph, and domain-wide concept index.
Parent design environments and platforms implementing this method natively.