CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) is a powerful multidisciplinary CAD/CAM/CAE software suite developed by Dassault Systèmes. It is used extensively across industries such as aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, industrial machinery, and consumer goods for product design, engineering, and manufacturing.
CATIA stands out as a 3D Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution, offering integrated tools for conceptual design, engineering analysis, digital manufacturing, and collaboration—all in a single environment.
3D Modeling: Parametric and direct modeling of parts, surfaces, and assemblies
Advanced Surface Design: Class-A surfacing and freeform surface modeling for complex shapes (especially in automotive and aerospace industries)
Assembly Design: Support for complex, large-scale product structures with kinematics and clash detection
Mechanical Engineering: Tools for structural, thermal, and motion simulation (when combined with SIMULIA)
Drafting & Detailing: 2D drawing generation directly from 3D models
Digital Manufacturing (CAM): Integrated NC machining, tooling design, and simulation
Systems Engineering: Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) for embedded systems and product behavior
Collaborative Design: Real-time collaboration via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform