Description
CAD Converter
Independent CAD data conversion for 24 major formats without the need of a CAD license. The speed, accuracy, and CAD data healing capabilities of 3D_Evolution guarantee VDA and SASIG certified model quality and take your MCAD interoperability to a new level.
Advanced CAD translations
3D_Evolution© performs fast and accurate CAD data conversion without the need of a CAD license and guarantees unrivalled model quality.
3D_Evolution has interfaces for all major CAD formats such as:
CATIA V5 and V6 • Creo • NX • SOLIDWORKS • INVENTOR
JT • STEP • 3D PDF • XT • ACIS • DWG • DGN
and many others (View PDF Datasheet).
Supporting all current mathematical descriptions, the 3D_Evolution geometry kernel performs an adaptive conversion, creating models, that the target system ‘understands’ perfectly, and also bridges tolerance differences between the CAD systems.
In addition, the optional Feature Based module translates fully workable models including history, features, and parameters.
3D_Evolution combines an easy-to-use graphical user interface with powerful scripting language for process integration and automation.
Our partnership with all major CAD vendors assures that the latest technology is always available within a short time.
PMI and Metadata
3D_Evolution enables the conversion of the entire semantic PMI, FTA, annotations, as well as metadata and attributes attached to a 3D model.
The data is retrieved from the native files and can also made available in a text file, independent of the 3D geometry.
Healing and CAD data repair tools
Modeling errors from the design process or imprecisions resulting from different system tolerances are no longer an obstacle for successful data conversion. The proven 3D_Evolution healing functions automatically resolve gaps, overlapping elements and twisted faces. The healing ensures closed solids and perfect data quality for a given tolerance that is controlled and logged at any stage of the process.
In interactive mode, filter functions indicate persistent modeling errors that can be resolved efficiently with the systems easy-to-use repair and clean-up functions.
JT Converter
Receive and send Daimler JT data with PLMXML and STEP AP242 Structure. Our JT Supplier Module guarantees an easy certification and data exchange process. 3D_Evolution is certified by Daimler and supports all JT Daimler criteria. Very large assemblies can be handled with an impressive performance and automatic healing assures optimal model quality.
JT Data Exchange
Getting certified by Daimler for JT data exchange is easy using 3D_Evolution©. The software is certified by Daimler for supplier data conversion and guarantees perfect JT interoperability with all current CAD systems.
• JT PLMXML conversion for all formats and very large data
• Reading and writing of JT files with XT B-REP
• Reading and writing of JT files with Level of Details (LOD)
• Healing technology
• Recognition of planes, cylinder, cones for NX direct modelling
• JT monolithic and external structure files
• Reading and writing of PLMXML structure files
• Reading and writing of STEP AP 242 structure files
• STEP AP 242 kinematics interoperability
• Reading and writing of semantic PMI
• Reading and writing of attributes
• Creation and check of moniker identifier for faces
• JT Checker to verify Daimler criteria
• GVP validation of JT files
Feature Based Conversion
Feature based enables CAD data conversion including the fully functional history and parametric model. Our unique technology is available for CATIA, NX, CREO, SolidWorks and Inventor and converts 100% workable CAD models.
Convert fully functional CAD models
3D_Evolution© Feature Based technology converts data without losing the intelligence of the CAD model. It supports major formats such as CATIA V5, NX, Creo, SOLIDWORKS and Inventor.
• Conversion of the feature history tree and parameters
• Parts and assemblies conversion
• Feature sketches with constraints and annotations
• Conversion of PMI and metadata
• Associative 2D drawing conversion
Native readers extract the entire history, features, and parameter information as well as the B-REP directly from the binary file, without access to a license or the API of the generating CAD system.
For a loss-free translation, 3D_Evolution also performs an adaptive optimization of the model’s history taking full account of the feature types and the data structure of the target CAD system.
The automatic remastering of the feature history and parameter values will be proceeded by 3D_Evolution Feature Based plug-ins in the related target CAD systems.
Reliable validation
To validate the conversion result, the shapes of the original model are compared with the converted models by means of the integrated Compare function. If a difference is detected, the log file lists the maximum deviation, and the software creates a lightweight visualization model in CT or 3D PDF format highlighting the variances.
Sketch constraints
After conversion with 3D_Evolution Feature Based, the sketches of features like extrusions, pads and lofts comprise the exact same constraints and annotations that have been created by the designer in the original CAD system. This makes it easy to follow up with the original design intent and preserve specific knowledge.
Associative 2D drawings
Specifically for the migration from V5 to NX, it is also possible to convert a fully functional 2D drawing attached to the 3D data. The result is an associative drawing that is connected to the 3D model, so if the model is changed, the 2D drawing automatically changes too. The automatic creation of the 2D drawing will be done based the Feature Based model or optionally only on the B-REP which then skips the Feature Based conversion of the 3D.
Geometry Simplification
Share 3D models and still protect your intellectual property. Automatically created by the Simplifier, the resulting, exact bounding solid geometry saves your know-how and also represents a light-weight model for digital mock-up.
Envelope geometry at the push of a button
3D_Evolution Simplifier puts an end to time-consuming simplification of large and overly detailed CAD models. The tool guarantees automatic and unrivalled fast data reduction as well as ultimate protection of your know-how.
By removing the internal geometry, the Simplifier creates highly reduced 3D models in seconds, ensuring maximum processing speed in all CAD, Virtual Reality and DMU applications.
With 36 different interfaces such as CATIA, NX, CREO, SOLIDWORKS, INVENTOR, STEP JT, IFC, FBX, OBJ and many more, the Simplifier is ready to go in any environment.
Optimal models for Digital Mock-Up and Virtual Factory
Say goodbye to excessively detailed 3D models that slow down your workflows in digital factory planning, simulation and digital mock-up. Within seconds, the Simplifier deletes small parts, finds identical parts and creates reduced assemblies with significantly fewer elements – at the push of a button.
In addition, CAD like assembly structures of machines and plant layouts can be transformed into functional structures for simulation with just a few clicks. Use the intelligence of your CAD models for automation.
Clever selection functions for volume, PMI, attributes, names, layers or RGB colours allow automated workflows to be accelerated and flexibly designed.
Automatic selection
Save yourself endless clicks. The Shrinkwrap function automatically filters only those components that are visible from the outside. Interior bodies that are non-visible can be deleted within seconds. Conversely, with the balloon function, only the parts of an interior assembly that are visible from the inside can be filtered automatically. This is how professional data preparation works today.
Factory layouts in seconds
The Bounding Shape function automatically replaces the original, detailed parts with approximated substitute bodies, making 2D drawing derivations possible, even for extremely large factory layouts. For each component, the tool generates approximated substitute solids such as cuboids, cylinders, T-sections or polyhedrons. Due to the highly simplified geometry, you will never lose the overview, even for very large and complex factory layouts.
Mesh reduction for Realtime with VR Goggles
Using the mesh reduction function, triangulated models for VR applications and factory simulations are reduced by up to 98%.
The two-step simplification process for the generation of envelope geometry and subsequent polygon reduction enables fast image build-up and smooth handling of large factory layouts in virtual reality systems.
Perfect data quality
Good 3D data quality is vitally important for the entire workflow. With automatic repair functions and data reduction, you receive quality flawless solid models and simplified data that guarantees further processing of your 3D data without any problems.
The ultimate Know-How Protection
Simplifier technology deletes all internal details from CAD models, thus sensitive design data is ultimately protected and can never be recovered.
The Advanced Selection function allows you to exclude certain details and components from the simplification process. This means that after simplification, your data will only contain exactly those details that you really want to share.
Automated IT workflows
The Enterprise Datamanager web-browser interface and the directory scanner make the Simplifier technology available throughout your company in just a few minutes.
The 3D_Evolution scripting language enables individualized batch workflows and ensures flexible integration into your PLM environment.
FEM Tools
Bridging the gap between CAD and CAE. 3D_Evolution FEM Tools provides Defeaturing, Midsurfaces, and model Cleanup functions to optimize CAD models for CAE simulations.
Streamlining CAD to CAE
3D_Evolution FEM Tool is bridges the gap between CAD and CAE in every simulation environment with easy-to-use cleanup, midfaces and defeaturing functions.
Our smart technology helps engineers to quickly optimize CAD models for simulation. 3D_Evolution reads and writes many formats such as CATIA, NX, JT, STEP, Creo, SOLIDWORKS as well as STL and Nastran and many others without the need of a CAD system.
Model clean-up and defeaturing
Fast and automated defeaturing functions remove rounds, chamfers, holes, letters, and internal geometry within seconds. Robust direct modeling functions and an integrated CAD module allow the manipulation and generation of geometry without going back to a CAD system.
In addition, mature clean-up functions resolve quality problems such as gaps and overlapping elements on CAD models in a fast, easy-to-use, and highly automated way.
Removing tiny faces
The automatic metaface function merges tiny faces and the basis surfaces at the push of a button. The elimination of problematic minielements reduces the total number of faces by approximately 40-70%. For a maximal automation the process can be controlled by several parameters to limit the complexity of the resulting surfaces.
Click on the button to watch a video showing the defeaturing and metaface functions in action.
Midfaces fast and easy
This tool set creates midfaces from solid bodies. It automatically trims and connects resulting midfaces to achieve a sheet body. The fully or semi-automated process efficiently reduces the time and effort to create midface models.
The wall thickness of the original solid can be calculated, attached to the midface model and saved in the specific Nastran format.
Advanced Analysis
Advanced Analysis offers a wide range of easy to use and powerful 3D inspection computations such as comparision of geometry, PMI and assembly-structure, collision and clearance detection as well as Wall thickness, Draft and Undercut Analysis.
Model Comparison
The compare module indicates design changes between parts and large assemblies of all major CAD formats and assures data integrity is maintained during translations.
An exact mathematical calculation efficiently prevents expensive errors from unintentional edits and conversion errors and avoids time-consuming manual inspection of CAD models. The tool compares:
• Parts and assemblies i.e., B-REP and tessellated models
• Assembly structure for new, missing and moved parts
• PMI dimensional, tolerance and annotation information
• Features, parameters and model history
More key features:
• Batch processing and interactive use
• Clipping and measuring functions
• Multi-view port to display both revisions of the models
• Filter function for changed parts and areas by value
• Detailed log files
In addition, a 3D PDF model including the color scale and mark-up information can be saved and then opened with a standard Acrobat Reader. Click on the picture left to open example (Acrobat required). The software is also certified for Long-Term Data Archival and Retrieval (LOTAR) in the aerospace industry.
Collision Detection
Collision detection enables a high-performance and collaborative digital mock-up environment and can be used for assemblies of all major CAD formats such as JT, CATIA, NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, PLMXML and many others. For DMU reviews, on very large amounts of data, multiprocessor computing guarantees short calculation times as well as powerful visualization and DMU navigation.
Intelligent technology for the neighborhood search and calculation of new revisions reduce the time for calculation efficiently. To customize the process and reporting, the scripting language of the software offers high flexibility and numerous possibilities.
To facilitate and speed up the collaboration in the DMU team, the web interface with an integrated viewer can be used to launch calculations, investigate the data and to create accurate documentation.
Through an integrated SQL database, the collision calculation process and review can be integrated easily with other DMU and PLM products.
Minimum distances
The Backlash Checker indicates the distance between parts of an assembly and also between different subassemblies that fall below a minimum distance value.
To examine the design of a 3D model this tool also indicates an internal backlash that could lead manufacturing problems.
Wall thickness check
The automatic indication of wall thickness on 3D CAD models accelerates the design review process and also makes it more reliable. This tool provides ray and rolling ball calculation as well as dynamic graphical output that indicates wall thicknesses below a defined value by means of a color scale. In addition, areas with large thickness differences can also be indicated.
A transparent display, dynamic filters, section cut and measuring functions are making it easy to investigate the results of the calculation.
A 3D PDF model including the color scale and mark-up information can be saved and then opened by anyone using a standard Acrobat Reader.
Drafts and Undercuts
The draft analysis checks the correct application of a certain draft value to the faces of the part. Mold designers can easily verify draft angles and also examine angle changes inside a face. Additionally, designers can locate parting lines and identify injection and ejection surfaces.
The undercut tool indicates isolated areas in a model that could not be ejected from a mold. These areas require then a slider (side core). Relevant areas are marked by color scale.
Moreover, the draft and undercut analysis can be saved in a 3D PDF model including the color scale and mark-up information created in 3D_Evolution.
Quality Checker
3D_Evolution is the first combined validation, conversion and healing tool that is certified by VDA and SASIG. CAD data can be checked regarding B-REP quality, tesselation and e.g., JT specific criteria. The LOTAR GVP checker has been designed in collaboration with Airbus to validate STEP data for long-term data archiving.
VDA and SASIG quality check
The certified 3D_Evolution© Quality Checker verifies all 3D geometries independent of the CAD format. It is the only conversion tool that is certified in accordance with SASIG/PDQ and VDA 4955/2 specifications.
Failures on faces, surfaces, curves, and topology are accurately displayed on the model. The listing of error types in the checker’s tree structure allows for systematic selection of the geometries and error clearings. 3D_Evolution also has specific automatic healing and interactive clean-up functions for VDA-check-related errors, such as twisted faces, mini-faces and many others.
Depending upon the application and/ or customer requirements, testing profiles containing the relevant testing criteria can be saved. The result conforms with SASIG/PDQ and VDA 4955/2 specifications and can be saved in an HTML format. Similar to all other modules, the quality checker can be applied for individual parts or assemblies and runs also in batch mode.
LOTAR GVP validation
This tool has been developed in close collaboration with the aerospace industry to validate CAD data for Long-Term Archival and Retrieval (LOTAR).
Based on the Geometric Validation Properties (GVP) values written in the STEP AP 242 files by the CAD system generating the 3D models the data will be read and checked by the independent 3D_Evolution kernel validating these values. Property values that differ from the calculated ones in a given tolerance will be indicated. Examples for these GVP are:
• Geometric, e.g., volume, surface, centroid, and COPS
• Assembly, e.g., number of children and solid centroids
• PMI, e.g., polyline curve length comparison
• Tessellation, e.g., centroid and surface area
• Composites, e.g., number of sequences and cut pieces
In addition, a log file, meeting all LOTAR requirements will be created. As with all check functions this process can also be performed in batch mode.
JT data check
The JT format offers many different possibilities to describe structure and geometry as well as tessellated information. To check if a JT file created by an application is meets specific standards, the JT checker is an easy solution. At the push of a button the tool checks all relevant criteria defined by a free definable user profile such as:
• Geometry existence of XT or NURBS B-REP
• Criteria for LOD
• PLMXML assembly path
• Attributes like units, metadata, and monikers
After a check of the moniker identifier, it is also possible to automatically correct the monikers of a given model. User-defined profiles make it easy to verify if data is approved, e.g., for a JT data exchange with Daimler. In addition, a check based on Geometric Validation Properties, e.g., for STEP AP 242, is also available for the JT format.
Feature and link check
To investigate the model quality of formats such as CATIA V5, NX, SOLIDWORKS and Creo, this tool provides functions to check minimal and maximal values for feature parameters or link consistencies, e.g., if links between a 3D model and the drawing are functional. Additionally, the assembly structure can be checked if there are broken links to non-existing models.
Enterprise Data Manager
With multicore and cluster computation, EDM enables superfast conversion for large amounts of data and through a flexible JAVA script process automation. With the integrated viewer and SQL database, EDM can be connected to any PDM system as an extension or used as a standalone system to enable a webservice for CAD data translation and more.
Enterprise Data Manager
The web interface enables extended global user access and worldwide use of 3D_Evolution©, introducing revolutionary distributed conversion technology for high-speed conversions of extensive data.
Enterprise Batch Manager allows all users in a company network to access the 3D_Evolution batch mode.Just a standard Windows, Linux or Unix Web browser is needed to log in and define conversion tasks then managed by the central conversion server.
To accelerate the conversion, multiple network computers or a multiprocessor machine can be used. Since no idle time occurs between jobs, maximum performance coupled with optimal use of resources is guaranteed. Using this technology combined with the conversion engine’s performance, huge migrations can be performed in no time.
Enterprise Batch Manager is designed as an open process connector; thus customer requirements and specific functionalities can be easily added in order to automate any manual workflow for a truly integrated process.
DMU Inspector
The DMU inspector finds collisions, checks clearances and compares even very large data extremely quickly. The clear graphic representation with pictures and integrated “drag-and-drop” viewing are now making DMU Analysis an easy task. Multicore and cluster computation enables a super-fast and scalable process.
DMU – Collision Detection for assemblies
The tool enables a very fast display of large amounts of data, simple operation and a clear presentation of the analysis results. Collisions between components or subassemblies are displayed in a web browser list and details of the collision can be viewed in the 3D viewer. Clever filter and project management functions support successful cross-team collaboration.
Quality assurance is essential at every stage of product development. Therefore, collision tests of 3D models in the digital mock-up (DMU) process are an important method. In the virtual development phase of complex products such as vehicles, aircrafts or trains, the analysis modules are increasingly used in so-called design review meetings.
Using Collision Detection, unwanted penetrations between product parts or subassemblies in the model can be identified. The clever technology uses the voxel representation for a neighborhood search, looking for potential collision partners. This provides an accurate representation of the collision area and accelerates the entire process.
Collisions between models and/or subassemblies are listed with filenames and pictures. Simply ‘drag-and-drop’ the models into the integrated 3D viewer and all collisions can be viewed and rated.
The DMU Manager has its own scripting language, and can be controlled by command calls and therefore easily connected to the PLM system.