CAD data exchange

CAD data exchange is a method of drawing data exchange used to translate between different computer-aided design (CAD) authoring systems or between CAD and other downstream CAx systems.[1]: 157 

Many companies use different CAD systems and exchange CAD data file format with suppliers, customers, and subcontractors.[2] Such formats are often proprietary.[1]: 157  Transfer of data is necessary so that, for example, one organization can be developing a CAD model, while another performs analysis work on the same model; at the same time a third organization is responsible for manufacturing the product.[3]

Since the 1980s, a range of different CAD technologies have emerged. They differ in their application aims, user interfaces, performance levels, and in data structures and data file formats.[4] For interoperability purposes a requirement of accuracy in the data exchange process is of paramount importance and robust exchange mechanisms are needed.[3]

The exchange process targets primarily the geometric information of the CAD data but it can also target other aspects such as metadata,[1]: 153  knowledge, manufacturing information, tolerances and assembly structure.

There are three options available for CAD data exchange: direct model translation, neutral file exchange and third-party translators.[5]

  1. ^ a b c Schoonmaker, Stephen J. (2003). The CAD guidebook : a basic manual for understanding and improving computer-aided design. New York: Marcel Dekker. ISBN 0-8247-0871-7. OCLC 50868192.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Xu, X. (2009). Integrating advanced computer-aided design, manufacturing, and numerical control: Principles and implementations. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.
  4. ^ Schuster, R. (1986-01-01). "Progress in the Development of CAD/CAM Interfaces for Transfer of Product Definition Data". In Encarnação, Prof Dr-Ing José; Schuster, Dr-Ing Richard; Vöge, Dr-Ing Ernst (eds.). Product Data Interfaces in CAD/CAM Applications. Symbolic Computation. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. pp. 238–251. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-82426-5_21. ISBN 978-3-642-82428-9.
  5. ^ Chang, K.-H. (2014). Product design modeling using CAD/CAE. Kidlington, Oxford, UK: Academic Press.