Time-Compression Technologies Magazine Archive 2002 (and backfills for previous years)
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Author Joanna Zawila
Source Time Compression Technologies. v6 n5 June, 2001, pp 36-7
Abstract Time-Compression Technologies' readers share their opinions on how one can solve the problem of CAD file translation, which is currently inhibiting rapid product development. David Graves, Mid-South Design and Consulting, Inc. (Brandon, MS). In my opinion, the days of IGES are over, especially when dealing with solid models. This file format leaves too much margin for error and too many problems trying to stitch the surfaces back into a solid. I have more success with STEP files. Ken Crow, The Society of Concurrent Engineering (Los Angeles, CA). There are several solutions, with the degree of compatibility and ease-of-use ranked in order of highest to lowest: 1. Use a common CAD system within the company and with suppliers. 2. Use CAD systems with a common kernel, e.g., ACIS, Parasolid, etc. 3. Use a commercially-available direct translator. 4. Use STEP. 5. Use IGES. Paul Finelt, Optimum Online. Most problems that I see today originate from a poor implementation of the pre-processor interface. Whe n users begin to understand what's going on at the pre-processor and post-processor ends, the user community will be able to make better decisions and use of the tools vendors have been able to provide. In most cases, this is not a task that they can afford or are inclined to accept as a challenge. In the end, there is quality software available that cleans up IGES data. Terry Wohlers, Wohlers Associates, Inc. (Fort Collins, CO). Currently, it is impossible to overcome the problem entirely, unless the sender and receiver are using identical CAD software products. Assuming that this is not the case, users can take steps to minimize file translation headaches. Peter Dicken, Delcam UK (Birmingham, UK). The role of the Internet in helping to overcome these problems consists of two aspects: (1) the availability of online translation software and (2), because communications over long distances are so much easier, any problems with the translation can be discussed and resolved more readily. Dan Malone, The most dif ficult and expensive CAD file translation problems are due to human error in the modeling - the modeling software leaving ambiguous geometry behind after the CAD operator has performed various operations. Ken Verspille, D.H. Brown and Associates (Port Chester, NY). Additional pain relief will be available soon with new product offerings from both Proficiency, Inc. and Translation Technologies, Inc., which will be providing data exchange tools that will set the industry on its head, breaking through the myth that parametric, feature-based solid models can never be exchanged. XX
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