17 July, 2000
CADfix goes native for CATIA files
FEGS has launched a new module for CADfix, the leading CAD data interoperability tool, which introduces native support for CATIA files. The ability to accept CATIA models directly will prove a godsend for contractors who until now have had no option but to invent in full CATIA licences if they want to offer CAD-based services to major industrial OEMs. And CADfix's proven automatic and interactive geometry manipulation tools mean that now anyone can confidently accept CATIA models and process the data according to the requirements of the target application.
The CATIA import module for CADfix includes support for CATIA version 4 files, and covers a comprehensive range of geometrical and topological model entities.
"As it stands, CADfix offers a comprehensive and indispensable tool for rapid processing of CAD formats such as IGES, STEP, Parasolid and ACIS, which, despite being recognised standards, rarely read smoothly into 3D applications," explains Andy Chinn, Applications Manager at FEGS. "To this, we have added the ability to process a significant proportion of CAD files directly as native imports. The widespread use of the software means that a reliable CATIA import tool is very much in demand for CADfix."
Support for native CAD imports to CADfix removes many of the current data exchange problems that stem from the inconsistent translation, interpretation and implementation of neutral formats and files across different CAD systems.
FEGS is confident that in the vast majority of cases CATIA files will be processed seamlessly by CADfix's automatic geometry translation tools. Unlike other CATIA import utilities, however, CADfix offers its users something to fall back on in those few cases where automatic translation fails: a powerful repertoire of automatic and interactive tools which provide a logical path for the diagnosis and repair of topological errors and inconsistencies.
CATIA dominates the high-end CAD market, especially in the automotive and aerospace environment, and suppliers to major OEMs are regularly asked to accept data from their customers in native format. The supplier often has no option but invest in the native CAD system of the customer, which can prove costly if they have multiple customers using different systems. Unfortunately, until now, the alternative has been to risk losing the work altogether.
"Toolmakers, FEA consultants and model shops are just three examples of the kind of suppliers who could really benefit from a direct link to CATIA files," says Chinn. "Often, such contractors can ill afford a full CATIA licence, and have to make do with inadequate translation tools that can mean days of data rework before they can begin processing the models. With CATIA-enabled CADfix these suppliers can eliminate this wasted effort and concentrate on the work they're supposed to be doing."
Note to editors:
FEGS Limited was founded in 1978 by Dr Geoff Butlin and is an established name in pre- and post-processing for finite element analysis. CADfix is the fruit of FEGS's ongoing R&D in data exchange over the past 18 years. FEGS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ohio-based International TechneGroup Incorporated (ITI).
ITI is the world's leading supplier of product data interoperability solutions, providing CAD/CAM/CAE and product data management (PDM) users and vendors with proven product data interoperability solutions. Headquartered in Milford, Ohio, ITI has representation throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
For further information, please contact:
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Ben Bush/Nick Lerner
The CroCodile Public Relations. Tel: 020 7749 4400 Fax: 020 7739 4042 |
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John Meaney
TranscenData Europe Limited. Tel: 01223 237 111 Fax: 01223 234 192 |
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