CAD with DesignCenter (formerly Siemens NX) and surface modeling, SOLIDWORKS, and CATIA with surface modeling

With DesignCenter (formerly Siemens NX) and CATIA V5, you’ll be able to use the most important 3D functions and techniques quickly and effectively to create complex drawings. You’ll also learn how to create 3D parametric parts and assemblies, as well as the corresponding drawings, using SOLIDWORKS, and gain an understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in your profession.

  • Certificates: Certificate in “CAD with DesignCenter (formerly Siemens NX) and Surface Modeling”
    Certificate "Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA)"
    Dassault Systèmes certificates "CATIA Part Design Associate" and "CATIA Assembly Design Associate"
  • Examination: Praxisbezogene Projektarbeiten mit Abschlusspräsentationen
    CATIA Part Design Associate und CATIA Assembly Design Associate
  • Teaching Times: Full-time
    Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. (in weeks with public holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m.)
  • Language of Instruction: German
  • Duration: 24 Weeks

CAD with DesignCenter (formerly Siemens NX) and surface modeling

Fundamentals (approx. 2 days)

General Basics

File Management, Preferences

User Interface

Coordinate Systems in DesignCenter


Model Creation (approx. 6 days)

Sketch creation and editing

Sketch management

Shape Elements: Extrude, Rotate, Sweep, Loft, Boolean Operations

Reference elements

Design changes to the model

AI-assisted selection of geometrically similar elements

Use of intelligent assistance functions during modeling

Topology optimization and generative approaches to part optimization

Introduction to Convergent Modeling


Generative AI in the Design Process (approx. 2 days)

Introduction to AI in the Context of CAD and Design

Potential Applications of Generative AI in the Design Process

Using AI to Assist with Error Messages and Troubleshooting


Design using Design Center (approx. 4 days)

Synchronous Design

Parameter-Driven Updates

Design Logic, Working with Expressions 

Sketch Geometry Using the Sketch Environment

Working with layers and layer categories

Creating Part Families/Variant Design

Reuse Library, Creating Your Own Library


Sheet metal design (approx. 1 day)

Modeling in the sheet metal and model environment


Assembly and Collaboration (approx. 5 days)

Creating Assemblies and Loading Options

Constraint Management

Master Model Concept

Positioning Components in the Assembly

Using the Assembly Navigator

Integrated collision checks and tolerance analyses; use of rules and inspection reports

Collaboration and Data Exchange in the Design Process


Drawing Creation (approx. 5 days)

Creating and editing drawing sheets

Part drawing

Assembly drawings

Creating and expanding symbol libraries

Model-Based Definition (MBD)

Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI)


Automation and API Integrations (approx. 2 days)

Creation and Use of Macros and Journals

Automation of inspection and modeling processes

Introduction to Automation with NX Open


Surface Modeling (approx. 3 days)

Reference Elements, Free-Form Curves, and Raster Images

Creating and editing surfaces

Transitions and free-form surfaces

Checking and Optimizing Surface Geometries

Application Example: Additive Manufacturing


Project work (approx. 10 days)

To consolidate the content learned

Presentation of the project results

SOLIDWORKS

Introduction to SOLIDWORKS (approx. 1 day)

User interface, system properties

FeatureManager and ConfigurationManager

Menu and toolbars, task pane


Artificial intelligence (AI) in the work process (approx. 1 day)

Presentation of specific AI technologies

AI in SOLIDWORKS: AI Assistant and automations

Prompt-to-automation


Creating solids (approx. 13 days)

Creating and editing sketches

Sketch-based features

Parametric dimensioning

Applied features

Advanced solid modeling

Creation methods

Creating patterns for reference geometry

Analyzing and editing the solid model

Design changes

Feature library

Multibody models

Configurations of parts

Creating document templates for parts


Assembly modeling (approx. 6 days)

Design methods (bottom up/top down)

Adding components

Overview of the assembly links

Assembly features

Structuring of assemblies

Analyzing and checking an assembly

Working with the toolbox

Top-down design

Assembly modeling and configuration

Pack and Go

Exploded view


Drawing creation (approx. 6 days)

Deriving 2D views from 3D models

Creating views, cross-sections, display styles

Creating dimensions, shape and position tolerances

Drawing derivations of assemblies

Creating and modifying parts lists

Exploded views

Creating document templates for drawing documents and sheet formats


Further topics (approx. 2 days)

Insight into sheet metal design

Insight into surface modeling


Automation and individualization (approx. 1 day)

Introduction to macro recordings (VBA)

SOLIDWORKS API options

Automation of typical workflows


Project work, certification preparation and certification: Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) (approx. 10 days)

CATIA and surfaces

Introduction to CATIA V5 (approx. 1 day)

CATIA work areas, operation and user interface

Basic functions, preferences, units, templates


AI and automation in CATIA (approx. 1 day)

Presentation of specific AI technologies

AI in the design and automation of the design process


Creating solids (approx. 13 days)

Creating and editing sketches

Components based on sketches

Advanced solid modeling

Methods of creation

Preparation and transformation components

Creating wireframe geometries

Components based on surfaces

Analyzing and editing the solid model

Rearranging and repairing models

Parameterization and reuse

Creation of standard parts and catalogs

Creating and using PowerCopys

Creating document templates for parts


Assembly Modeling (approx. 5 days)

Design Methods (Bottom-Up/Top-Down)

Positioning and Manipulation of Components

Assembly constraints and degrees of freedom

Standard Parts, Catalog Elements

Structuring of assemblies

Subassemblies and assembly management

Analysis Methods

Scene Generation

Generative Structural Analysis (GSA/GPS/GAS)


Drawing creation (approx. 5 days)

Sheets, templates and format management

Derivation of 2D views from 3D models

Creating views and sections

View preparation

Exploded views

Formatting and inserting parts lists

Dimensions, fits, surface textures and reference elements

Drawing frames and title blocks


Further topics (approx. 2 days)

Insight into sheet metal construction


Excursus: CATIA surface modeling - wire geometry/wireframe (approx. 1 day)

Point types, lines, axes, polylines, planes, projected offset curves

Special curves: spline, helix/spiral, guide curve, isoparametric curves


Excursus: CATIA surface modeling - surface generation (approx. 1 day)

Profile surfaces: extrude - rotate

Surfaces of boundary curves: filling/transition surfaces, distance and loft surfaces


Excursus: CATIA surface modeling - geometry processing (approx. 1 day)

Connecting/repairing, trimming/separating


Project work, certification preparation and CATIA certifications: Part Design Associate & Assembly Design Associate (approx. 10 days)

Partial examinations: CATIA Part Design Associate and CATIA Assembly Design Associate



Changes are possible, the course content is updated regularly.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to efficiently and precisely create complex 3D designs using Design Center. You will have a solid understanding of parametric and synchronous modeling, assembly development, technical drawing creation, and surface modeling for free-form geometries. In addition, you’ll learn about modern features for AI-powered support, automation, and verification of design processes. Knowledge of Convergent Modeling, Model-Based Definition, and Product Manufacturing Information will round out your skill set.

After the course, you will also be able to use the versatile CAD application SOLIDWORKS at a professional level and have practical and comprehensive knowledge. You will model parametric 3D individual parts and assemblies, create standard-compliant drawings and use AI-supported assist functions to increase productivity.

You will also be able to create complex 3D designs efficiently and accurately using CATIA V5 and apply your advanced surface modeling skills.

The course is aimed at people with a degree in engineering and experience in the field of design, product designers, technicians, technical draughtsmen from the fields of mechanical or electrical engineering and specialists from other sectors with relevant professional experience.

Today, CAD specialists have interesting career opportunities in almost all sectors - from dentistry and plant engineering to aerospace.

Didactic concept

Your lecturers are highly qualified both professionally and didactically and will teach you from the first to the last day (no self-study system).

You will learn in effective small groups. The courses usually consist of 6 to 25 participants. The general lessons are supplemented by numerous practical exercises in all course modules. The practice phase is an important part of the course, as it is during this time that you process what you have just learned and gain confidence and routine in its application. The final section of the course involves a project, a case study or a final exam.

 

Virtual classroom alfaview®

Lessons take place using modern alfaview® video technology - either from the comfort of your own home or at our premises at Bildungszentrum. The entire course can see each other face-to-face via alfaview®, communicate with each other in lip-sync voice quality and work on joint projects. Of course, you can also see and talk to your connected trainers live at any time and you will be taught by your lecturers in real time for the entire duration of the course. The lessons are not e-learning, but real live face-to-face lessons via video technology.

 

The courses at alfatraining are funded by Agentur für Arbeit and are certified in accordance with the AZAV approval regulation. When submitting a Bildungsgutscheinor Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, the entire course costs are usually covered by your funding body.
Funding is also possible via Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF), Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) or regional funding programs. As a regular soldier, you have the option of attending further training courses via Berufsförderungsdienst (BFD). Companies can also have their employees qualified via funding from Agentur für Arbeit (Qualifizierungschancengesetz).

We will gladly advise you free of charge.

0800 3456-500 Mon. - Fri. from 8 am to 5 pm
free of charge from all German networks.

Contact

We will gladly advise you free of charge. 0800 3456-500 Mon. - Fri. from 8 am to 5 pm free of charge from all German networks.