- Catia | Nip-activity

NIP-Activity operates headlessly. It bypasses the graphical user interface entirely. It reads a pre-defined instruction set (via a .CATNip file or CAA-based code) and executes the geometric operation using strictly defined parameters. It does not require CATIA to be visible on screen, nor does it require a mouse cursor.

Key Benefits of NIP-Activity:

Writing a macro for NIP-Activity requires a different mindset than writing one for interactive use. You cannot rely on user input, screen selections, or standard pop-up messages.

CATIA’s Knowledge Advisor module allows you to create parameters, rules, and checks. A NIP-Activity here can be a Knowledgeware Action that runs a series of geometric modifications without reopening dialogs. For example, you can create a rule that says: "If Thickness < 2mm, then Modify Pad.1." When triggered as a NIP-Activity, CATIA updates the geometry instantly in the background. NIP-Activity - Catia

By visualizing stress distribution during activity, engineers can remove material from low-stress areas (weight reduction) and reinforce high-stress zones, leading to more efficient, optimized designs.

Note: A full coding tutorial requires CAA licensing, but the logic flow is universal.

Objective: Automate the creation of a rectangular pad with fillets. NIP-Activity operates headlessly

The Manual Process (Interactive):

The NIP-Activity Script Logic (Pseudo-Code):

' NIP-Activity Example (Conceptual VBA for CATIA)
Sub NIP_RectangularPad()
    ' Set non-interactive mode
    CATIA.NonInteractive = True
' Access document
Dim partDoc As PartDocument
Set partDoc = CATIA.Documents.Add("Part")
Dim part1 As Part
Set part1 = partDoc.Part
' Create reference for XY Plane
Dim xyRef As Reference
Set xyRef = part1.OriginElements.PlaneXY
' Create Sketch
Dim sketch1 As Sketch
Set sketch1 = part1.Sketches.Add(xyRef)
' --- Non-Interactive Geometry Definition ---
' Define Rectangle points (No UI popups)
Dim factory2D As Factory2D
Set factory2D = sketch1.OpenEdition()
Dim rect As 2DShape
' Coordinates: (0,0), (100,0), (100,50), (0,50)
Set rect = factory2D.CreateClosedRectangle(0, 0, 100, 50)
factory2D.CloseEdition
' Update sketch
part1.UpdateObject (sketch1)
' --- Non-Interactive Pad ---
Dim pad1 As Pad
Set pad1 = part1.ShapeFactory.AddNewPadFromRef(sketch1, 20)
' --- Non-Interactive Fillet ---
' Collect edges automatically (Assume all vertical edges)
Dim edgesToFillet As Collection
' ... logic to find edges ...
Dim fillet1 As EdgeFillet
Set fillet1 = part1.ShapeFactory.AddNewEdgeFillet(pad1.Body)
Call fillet1.AddRadius(5, edgesToFillet)
' Final Update
part1.Update
partDoc.SaveAs "C:\Output\Part_NIP.CATPart"
' Re-enable interactive mode
CATIA.NonInteractive = False

End Sub

Catia is built as a modern web client (likely React/Next.js or Vue, given its SPA behavior), and its technical posture is defined by how aggressively it handles data.

Why would a design engineer or PLM manager invest time in NIP-Activity? Here are three compelling scenarios. Note: A full coding tutorial requires CAA licensing,

NIP-Activity refers to the set of simulation workflows used to analyze dynamic behaviors, kinematic motion, and non-linear physical responses in CATIA.

In essence, NIP-Activity transforms a "frozen" CAD model into a moving, functioning digital prototype.