CAD Translation
At Interactive Cad Solutions, we have an in depth knowledge of CAD data exchange and specialize in translating both native and neutral CAD file formats. We can translate and transfer a wide range of CAD data files such as Pro/ENGINEER, Unigraphics and Mechanical Desktop into IGES, STEP, DXF, VRML, Parasolid or STL. With our state of the art technology and many years of experience, we are able to offer a at, low cost file translation service. In addition, we are creating an information resource to provide the CAD user with the knowledge and data exchange techniques for a wide range of CAD file formats.
Conversion of legacy 2D drawings or PDF can be converted with Scan2CAD. This technology allows us to change a raster image into a vector format, which can be exported as a dxf.
Often the difficulty is a poorly defined CAD model with gaps or badly defined entities. Today most 3D CAD models are produced with some sort of solids modeling system. For example the looser system might assume that edges on opposite sides of a narrow face intersect; this error will produce a structural defect in the receiving system.
Surface modelers sometimes have problems translating into solids modelers. Small gaps that are of little importance in a surface-based system can create problems for the receiving solids modeling system. Some software and translators have a “healing” function that will adjust the surface trimming so that the gaps are eliminated or — if that is not possible — create a fill-in surface.
In the old days one used IGES, which had its problems. Drafting was frequently a problem but surface data generally worked quite well — though not always trimmed surfaces. STEP is a relatively new engineering information standard designed to translate a complete set of engineering information for various applications from one CAD database to another. STEP is not restricted to drafting and to surface and solids data but can also store other engineering information such as materials, analysis data, bills of materials, and CNC tool paths.
Key Benefits
Apart from the standard interface formats there are a few proprietary formats that have become to all intents and purposes standards, for example DXF, Parasolid and ACIS.
STEP seems to be the only standard translator that supports solids, important when you want to modify a solids model that are not yet supported.
Translated model are imported as a single solid lump and not as a set of features that can be altered.
Capabilities:
Conversion of legacy 2D drawings or PDF can be converted with Scan2CAD. This technology allows us to change a raster image into a vector format, which can be exported as a dxf.
Often the difficulty is a poorly defined CAD model with gaps or badly defined entities. Today most 3D CAD models are produced with some sort of solids modeling system. For example the looser system might assume that edges on opposite sides of a narrow face intersect; this error will produce a structural defect in the receiving system.
Surface modelers sometimes have problems translating into solids modelers. Small gaps that are of little importance in a surface-based system can create problems for the receiving solids modeling system. Some software and translators have a “healing” function that will adjust the surface trimming so that the gaps are eliminated or — if that is not possible — create a fill-in surface.
In the old days one used IGES, which had its problems. Drafting was frequently a problem but surface data generally worked quite well — though not always trimmed surfaces. STEP is a relatively new engineering information standard designed to translate a complete set of engineering information for various applications from one CAD database to another. STEP is not restricted to drafting and to surface and solids data but can also store other engineering information such as materials, analysis data, bills of materials, and CNC tool paths.
Key Benefits
Apart from the standard interface formats there are a few proprietary formats that have become to all intents and purposes standards, for example DXF, Parasolid and ACIS.
STEP seems to be the only standard translator that supports solids, important when you want to modify a solids model that are not yet supported.
Translated model are imported as a single solid lump and not as a set of features that can be altered.
Capabilities:
- Pro/ENGINEER
- Unigraphics
- Mechanical Desktop
- ACIS (SAT)
- IGES
- STEP
- DXF
- VRML
- Parasolid
- STL
- Point Cloud
- Raster Image to Vector