Translating CAD Data
Posted on fredag, mars 13, 2009 @ kl. 13.31 by bobjr
Checking your translators
Translating CAD Data
Since not all customers , vendors, or CAM/ROBOT programs necessarily use the same file formats, it is important to be able to transfer part information in a neutral format without any significant degeneration of the data base. Some suggestions that may help this process are:
- Upgrade your translator to the latest version but be prepared to use the version level of the receiver/sender to minimize incompatibility of versions.
- Purchase a translator from a reputable company. All translators are not the same in terms of performance. When possible try it out first.
- Use caution with DXF converters. Remember, the format was originally designed for 2D translations only. Some 3D features are still not handled well.
- IGES translators vary widely in terms of entity types handled. Make sure your translator and the sender/receiver's recognize the same entities. If they do not, obviously one of you will need to adjust entities used.
- PDES/STEP has matured enough in its development that it is a reliable base translator for most all applications. A long term data sharing strategy should be developed to accommodate this important standard.
We get a lot of 3D files from our customers in our line of work (orthopedic implants), from Unigraphics, Pro/E and Solidworks. I specify Parasolid and STEP files for transfer, and they both work very reliably. KC also loads SLDPRT and SLDASM files cleanly. I avoid IGES (I-guess??) whenever possible, and keep an eye out for "surprises" if I get a DXF to work from. I appreciate the fact that I can 'fudge' these incoming models with KC's solids edtiting tools.
Posted on 11 Mars 2009 12:40 by Don Cramer