The problem: CAD system interoperability

CAD system interoperability is a well-known problem, so it’s clear to most engineering staff that when converting data from one format to another there could be unexpected changes. Not only this, when a model goes through different designers and workshops, it’s all too easy to incompletely document changes due to distractions, breaks in workflow, or simply because some changes happen without the user noticing them.

Visual comparison is a very long-winded and tedious procedure. Mass properties comparison is insufficient in itself as a tool to highlight all differences. While it can tell that models are different, it will not indicate where the differences lie. And, there may be models that are actually different, but give a ‘false positive’ result in a mass properties comparison because all the data results are the same.

The solution: Comparing models with the new Validation Tool

Kubotek, using its latest “Face Logic” and “Pure geometry” technologies, has created a program that allows the user to compare two models and generate detailed, multiple reports of the differences. The user can define the level of detail of the comparison, acceptable tolerance levels, and bases of comparison and then easily and quickly run the procedure. The user can compare on the basis of geometry, topology, entity and other information. Once the comparison is finished, the user may generate a report that has an encrypted signature in order to use it as a validation certificate. Different visual tools allow the user to see and document the mathematical differences of the models being compared. The process is very quick, taking from a few seconds to a few minutes depending on model complexity, while giving very precise results.

The benefit: Security and quality control

“The 3D model comparison is a problem every CAD user is now having.” – said Mr. Luca Cariglia, CEO of Kubotek Europe, “Companies often receive updated files from their customers with just a few notes about the changes, but sometimes there are more changes than the documentation indicates. Even inside the same company there may be the need to verify changes of different revisions of a model or assembly. If a company needs to pass a neutral file format to a supplier, they may also wish to verify that the neutral format data they are sending matches the original CAD file. Thus, the Validation Tool could easily become part of a quality control process to certify different revisions or data translations or to test their own or customers’ translator technology.”

Kubotek Validation Tool comes as a standalone product, or the functions can be added to Kubotek’s KEYCREATOR and REALyze products. The range of native and neutral file formats these products can read is broad, covering all general customer requests. Kubotek is continuously developing the interoperability capabilities of its software products, increasing the quality and the number of import and export translators available.